I am having some difficulty in deciding which one to go for. What I need is a tent for long weekend use on my own primarily but with my partner occasionally. Could anyone with either of these tents please give me some guidance???
Many thanks.
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Hi! Last year I was looking for a tent primarily for long weekends for myself and the dog. I wanted the easiest to put up on my own that had standing height in the living area. And yes, it was the Kyam Freelander and Tourer 200 that I ended up looking at.
I chose the Freelander because it is the quicker and easier of the two to put up and weighs a lot less (10kilos as opposed to the 16Kilos of the Tourer 200). And its a lot cheaper! I have been really pleased with the tent and found it very comfortable. Plenty of room in the living part for table, chair, kitchen stuff, dog bed etc.
If I was looking for a tent for longer stays eg a fortnight, I might choose a Tourer as it is that bit bigger but for short trips I would rather opt for the convenience of the Freelander than the extra bulk and faff of the Tourer.
On the other hand, there is another poster on here who has a Tourer 200 for herself so she may give you a different point of view! MT
------------- Tackling life the Western District way
I am having some difficulty in deciding which one to go for. What I need is a tent for long weekend use on my own primarily but with my partner occasionally. Could anyone with either of these tents please give me some guidance???
M.T. Is perhaps referring to me. I just returned from a couple of nights in my Tourer 200. I had just the same dilemna as you, trying to decide between that and the Freelander. The Tourer won because of the draught excluder around the bottom to keep the chilly breeze at bay. I also have a McKinley, I wouldn't say that the Tourer is any more difficult to erect than the McKinley. The only difference being that if I had to pack up wet, I would have difficulty drying off the Tourer as we don't have a garden. If the weather looks a bit dodgy then I take the McKinley.
People on sites are always amazed at how quickly the Tourer goes up, very often the neighbours see a woman alone with what looks like a large tent, so they hover to see if I need help. I am impressed by how kind most people are.
There was a Freelander nearby this time and I took the opportunity to speak to the owners, it looks a great tent and went up and down so easily. I think I made the right decision though, as they had a Khyam screen house for cooking and eating in.
My Tourer cost £189 from Camperlands in Manchester, free postage. I don't know the cost of the Freelander.
All I can say is, you will be pleased with whatever you choose!
Carole
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Hi Carole, I know how pleased you are with your Tourer, and I wasn't trying to say that it was difficult to put up - just that the Freelander is easier and quicker as it is a lot lighter, there's less fabric to be manhandling and fewer poles. MT
------------- Tackling life the Western District way
That's OK M.T. I know what you mean about less material and there are the two porch poles on the Tourer. Easy but extra time.
My big problem is still the pegging out, I have a duypentrens contracture on my right hand which gets painful, but I find holding the mallet more loosely and having a good wrist action makes it much better. I went for the Tourer because of the draught excluder, but don't bother pegging it down. Just a couple here and there!!
I am going to see if the McKinley will take my camp bed (for height). Good thing I returned yesterday with a nice dry tent, today it is pouring down here in Dorset.
Like I said before,whichever 3540 chooses will be a good one!! Carole
Thank you all for your comments they have been most helpful. I have taken the plunge and ordered a Freelander from Camperlands who I must say were very helpful and a pleasure to deal with. It was ordered yesterday and delivered this morning so I can't complain about service like that.
I will be using the khyam primarily for steam rallies when I go away with my engine. My first one is coming up the weekend after next. I am sure I wont be dissapointed - I will come back and let you know how I have got on.
Thanks once again!
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