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Topic: Kitchen & Shade for Bell Tents

keai7

04/6/2015 at 2:06pm
Location: Zurich
Outfit: One and only 5m Bell

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I've been looking at various tarps for the Bell Tent (interested in 5 meter). The main reason is for shelter from rain /sun without being confined to the tent and to set up a kitchen.

I have looked at these 3 with interest: Bell Tent's Malu awning, Karma Canvas Awning, Coleman Event Shelter

I reckon it is more sensible to pitch the tarp right in front of the tent so that you can be sheltered if it rains when trying to access the kitchen. My questions:

- The BT Malu and Karma Canvas Awning look great in front of the tent but with all the guys and poles all over the place, do you really get much usable space (especially to set up a kitchen)? Also, do you really get much shelter from these awnings (is it me or does the coverage look kind of small)?

- Coleman Event Shelter looks awesome but I suppose it will look quite weird if pitched right at the entrance of the canvas tent (spoils the rustic look)? If you pitch it away from the tent, than we have the problem of shelter if it rains. Anyone used a CES for their bell tent? If yes, which size would you recommend for a 5 meter tent? And were you charged extra for extra footprint at the camp site?

Thanks in advance all you gurus.

Kevie192

04/6/2015 at 2:29pm
Location: Norwich Norfolk
Outfit: Retro 70s Canvas Frame Tent

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This is a major gap in the market right now and one which could make someone a mint if they exploited.

I ended up buying a Kampa Utility Tent to go alongside the bell tent but it ruined the rustic look :(

Christina-o

04/6/2015 at 3:44pm
Location: London
Outfit: Vango Da Vinci 500

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I use a Quechua tarp from decathlon and I know what you mean about the guy ropes. I think if you buy one in the style of the first 2 then you need to have a practice and use trial and error really. We use our tarp for cooking under and wouldn't be without it now that we've figured out the best way to set it up to create maximum space and shelter.

Tynxuk

04/6/2015 at 6:46pm
Location: Sunny Suffolk (West)
Outfit: inflatable dome Palamos6 frame tent

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We use a traditional styled drive away awning as a kitchen diner along side our bell tent and it doesn't look too out of place.

4m bell tent with our old drive away awning:

Our new (to us) second hand Cabanon drive away awning:

There are mixed site charges, some charge more for a utility tent or gazebo (we've had one specify there should be 6m between them) and some are a fixed pitch fee regardless of contents.

Our main reason for using a drive away awning rather than tarp is it truly is weather proof, we tried eating under the canopy in front of our pyramid tent during bad summer weather and the rain comes in sideways (not to mention it needs taking down if it gets too windy).

Trekkin Tekkie

04/6/2015 at 7:08pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: None Entered

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-just to flag up - the standard Coleman Event Shelter is only designed to handle "light rain"; in a typical British week away, you'll be wet. There is a Deluxe version which is heavier duty. Ditto the price.

I don't have one (for that reason). Maybe someone who does can say more?

TT

geoffprinter

04/6/2015 at 7:22pm
Location: Kent
Outfit: 5m Bell Tent & Olpro Pop Tent.

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If you have a look on page 19 of this thread it will show our latest set up, which we are trying out now. Only time will tell if it works but at the moment I am more than happy. And have a look at the other 18 pages, theres some great advice. link

foggers

05/6/2015 at 12:14am
Location: Sheffield
Outfit: Cabanon Guadeloupe Zephyros3

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My usual set up includes a very lightweight tarp, and three poles. The central pole was a fab find in an old style hardware shop in Cornwall on holiday some years ago; it is telescopic so I use it to creat a high central ridge, so that rain runs off. There is a wee pic in my profile here

With a tarp, various poles, guys and ground anchors, I can build a front porch shelter in various shapes to suit different tents. I have not got a pic, but by fastening one edge almost at ground level with Clingons, and using poles, I can build a kind of lean- to shape, with the vertical wall against the wind and creating an area to set up an outdoor kitchen. This works well when I am using my Vango Omega 350 for solo getaways.

keai7

05/6/2015 at 9:33am
Location: Zurich
Outfit: One and only 5m Bell

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Thanks all for sharing your set ups. Give me food for thought.

Quote: Originally posted by geoffprinter on 04/6/2015
If you have a look on page 19 of this thread it will show our latest set up, which we are trying out now. Only time will tell if it works but at the moment I am more than happy. And have a look at the other 18 pages, theres some great advice. link

What a charming set up and I adore those windows at the door!!

I think I would have like to lift one side of the tarp off the ground to provide more headroom. Can you tell me where I can order the german tarp and poles? Do you think the tarp and poles you have can stand against strong wind especially in the set up I mention? Also must the pole be right in the middle of the tarp or is that flexible?

Trekkin Tekkie Sounds pretty hardy to me: http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/tents/p/2/Coleman-Event-Shelter/786

steel

05/6/2015 at 10:45am
Location: North London
Outfit: Berghaus Air 4 8 Roben Green Cone

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I have 2 Decathlon tarps and a Coleman Event Shelter (12 x 12). The Coleman provides a lot more protection with the sides fitted.
If I had to choose between the two as a kitchen I would definitely choose the Coleman, having said that it's much more expensive and takes up a lot more space in the car.

This Coleman Shelter looks quite interesting, anyone on here got one?

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all the gear and no idea

Chattysquirrel

06/12/2015 at 3:00pm
Location: Taiwan
Outfit: Soulpad 5000-ease

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We used a Coleman Event 14 for a while with our 5M Souldpad. It went well previously with our Coleman Fremont 8, but not the Bell tent. Ended up getting a Nordisk Kari tarp. . It's 5mx4m. Works fantastically together.

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Chatty squirrel

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