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Topic: Tent for wild camping in Scotland

Josephinium

19/5/2010 at 9:51pm
Location: Bedfordshire
Outfit: SoulPad 5m Bell Tent

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Hiya!

We are thinking of doing some wild camping in Scotland in July. We are currently researching tents, does anyone have any views on the Vango Alpha 300 tent?

Would this be suitable (its 3.7kgs between two of us), or should I look at a more expensive, higher spec tent?

leebarker1

19/5/2010 at 10:28pm
Location: Bristol
Outfit: Bear Lake 4 Quasar SpacePacker+ Akto

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Terra Nova Quasar

BTW Im not on commission

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Zorro01

20/5/2010 at 8:11am
Location: Weegieland Scotland
Outfit: SunValley 8

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Hi

I think that it depends on what and where you mean by wild camping.

If you plan to camp on an exposed hillside, in the middle of nowhere, I'm not sure that a Vango Alpha would be my choice.

On the other hand, if you're planning to camp in a sheltered but remote place, and which is car accessible, why not just use one of your existing tents ?

If you really mean "really wild", then I think that I would be looking at something a bit more fit for purpose, with metal, rather than plastic, sticks to keep it up.

Have a look at Vango's alloy pole range for some pointers. Most of these look OK for not-too-extreme camping, but you will pay more than the £40 or £50 that an Alpha would cost.

Z

LesD

20/5/2010 at 2:51pm
Location: Stourbridge
Outfit: Tent: Outwell Nevada MP

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Just make sure the tent has a good "no seeum" midge net.

roulston

21/5/2010 at 10:33am
Location: Ireland
Outfit: Relay conversion

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The Sigma tent that you have it allot stronger than the Alpha tent,because the poles are on the outside so it would better for windy conditions. But if to heavy and you are not going to Wild then the Alpha wood do!

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Happy Camping
Andrew.

Francais

22/5/2010 at 6:56pm
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Hilleberg Nallo2 GT, loads of room for two, with very large porch to match, which is great for storing all your gear, which in my case includes two touring bikes!, all up weight of around 2.5Kg, have a look in my gallery to see mine pitched. not the cheapest but good stuff never is, although I picked mine up new from Field & Trek for £350 c/w FootPrint although that was 5 years ago.

baggett

23/5/2010 at 9:40pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: None Entered

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vango spirit 200+, got mine for about £190, weights 2.7kg has a massive porch and decent sleeping area and very strong design.

girlwomble

24/5/2010 at 2:17pm
Location: Glasgow
Outfit: sometimes a tent. So

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I'd try for something at least a kg lighter, preferably half the weight if you are backpacking. All depends on your budget I guess but get the best tent you can afford as the weather can turn quickly in Scottish hills and they're not a place to be stuck, tentless in a storm if you can help it.

VangoMan02

28/5/2010 at 10:31pm
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If budget is a bit tight take a look at the Free ads in your local newspapers including the ones they pop through the door for free.

I managed to get a Robert Saunders 2 man,hardly used for £30 and a Lichfield Viper 2 man for £28 in mint condition for my son ,they are not the latest models but are both nearly new and many years left in them.

I cannot remember the weight but I am nearly 60 and still get the odd weekend away wild camping and carry the Robert Saunders and all my gear for a couple of days.

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Bernie47

28/5/2010 at 10:48pm
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Quote: Originally posted by LesD on 20/5/2010
Just make sure the tent has a good "no seeum" midge net.

Never mind the midges, just make sure that it is haggis proof.

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Bernie

happybonzo

29/5/2010 at 6:34am
Location: Ndidis Kraal
Outfit: Laika Ecovip 100 & Quasar

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Quasar - used them in all conditions. Trouble is, they're not that affordable

mojo19

09/6/2010 at 6:50pm
Location: Northumberland
Outfit: Yukon River 6

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Hi,

bought a Gelert Beyond Meteor 3 earlier this year with the intention of wild camping. Used it a couple of times and so far no probs. Tent is really only suitable for 2 people but has a good spec and is keenly priced at £80 - £100

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