Had one of these and the fabric parts are really good. The pegs are steel and weigh about the same as the whole of the tent but the poles are utter rubbish. The big pole split after about 5 uses and the little one bust after 14 or so nights. The big pole is a standard size an can be replaced with a standard aluminium section but the little one is 6.9mm. A thick pole doesn't bend around the very narrow radius. Its very hard to find a replacement 6.9 mm pole in fibreglass or aluminium.
|
 |
You can often get the old Vango TBS Micro 100 on Ebay for around between £40-£50 quid (that's about what I paid for mine). I prefer it to the Pro-Action Tiger Paws (which I also have) for a couple of reason (it pitches outer first or all in one and the TBS makes it a better option in bad weather). The Tiger Paws is considerably bigger inside though, despite being about the same weight. I've not had a Fossa but I do have a Gelert Solo which is a ok little tent - very cheap, very light (mine is about 1.4kg packed) and quite weather resistant (mine has been used in 40mph winds on an exposed hilltop). The biggest problem with the Solo is the fibreglass poles as they're no-where near as robust as aluminium ones. Mine started splitting after only about 3 outings although it's still useable after the application of duct tape - I wouldn't want to rely on it now though so it's pretty much been retired.
|
|
I bought a cheap Gelert 2 man tent about 2-3 years ago, used it once then gave it away. The midges had came out so we decided to go in and close the midge door. Fat lot of good that done, the mesh was so large the midges just flew right through it and we had to bury ourselves in our sleeping bags all night. I wouldnt touch Gelert again!
|
|
 That sounds really misurable dhmck.
|
|
 My Gelert Solo arrived today curtousy of Wildday. I've just whacked it up in the garden alongside my Tiger Paws and wow is it smaller?! I wish I'd read this thread 'bout Gelert cheap tents before hand. It is far neater than the TP but now I'm concerned over the size of the midge mesh and how long the poles will last. Well I guess you get what you pay for, after all it's a cheap tent made in China rather than a good quality expensive tent made in England......ahem
|
|
While think of it, Patrick where did you find replacement aluminium poles? Do they like sell 'em in Millets or Oswald Baileys and stuff?
|
|
My Gelert Solo arrived today curtousy of Wildday. I've just whacked it up in the garden alongside my Tiger Paws and wow is it smaller?! You could probably pitch the Solo inside the Tiger Paws! I wish I'd read this thread 'bout Gelert cheap tents before hand. It is far neater than the TP but now I'm concerned over the size of the midge mesh and how long the poles will last. I've had no problem with midges in my solo (although I camp high anyway so it's not usually a factor) but the poles are rubbish. It might be an idea to apply some duct tape to re-inforce them as that could stop them splitting (or at least stop it going too far).
|
|
I bought a gelert Fossa one man tent for my cycling trips, So far it has proved itself.. Camping on mountain sides/next to rivers etc. I have own and used this quite a lot over the past 3 years without any problems. However My friends also have these and the poles have split, not the best quality.. but mine seem all ok.. Only thing I found is that cos I am over 6ft it can be a little bit uncomfortable as I only just fitted inside. But it has been ok.. It has suffered the very wet weather we have had recently with no Leaks and has been exposed to high winds in the mountains of Snowdonia.. No problem.. just ensure you peg the dammed thing down properley.
|
|
I have use a gelert Fossa in snowdonia and around the peak district, hiking and scrambling, been out half a dozen times with it and Ive got no complaints so far. Also.. mine is green which is nice and discreet when wild camping. Perhaps my only critisicism would be that its not a very fast tent to rig or to strike, but the price more than compensates for that. I give it the thumbs up, Im happy with it and I intend to use it till the poles break.. ( ..as apparently they are inclined to do).
|
|
Argos have got the Tigerpaws back in http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3400779/Trail/searchtext%3ETENT.htm at £49.99 which is bit on the expensive side when compared to the £25 they used to sell them at. I was lucky and spotted that an Amazon seller had them at £12.99 last summer  . I've stuck a short review on the Scottish Hills website. The flysheet on mine is going to get punted in to the local tent repair guy to have a couple of extra pegging points added to stop rain blowing in under it at the front. I looked at some of the Coleman tents a year or so ago and rejected all of them as the flysheet didn't get nearly close enough to the ground for my likin.
|
|
 I'd rate a Jack Wolfskin Gossamer, a friend got his new for 64 quid, and its really reliable from what Ive heard, its stood up alongside my Macpac Minaret.
Go to Ableside or Betsy if you wanna have a look around though.
|
|
Yes the poles are sh*te. Mine broke on second night. Didn't find Gelert very helpful in replaceing them - they said they didn't have any spares. Any advice as to where to get replacements? Karlos
|
|
 Did you try getting help with this problem from the actual store where you bought the tent from at all yet Karl?  If you only bought it 'that' recently then it should still be covered by your basic consumer statutory rights you know.
|
| Edited: 10/06/08 19:28 |
I borrowed a gossamer from my local store for a trip to Scotland during all that nice weather up there when down south got drenched (spring bank). A gentle breeze picked up and the fly rattled a lot to my mind. Certainly more than I remember my old JW Pocket Hotel. Also, if you sleep in it you can't store anything in it. No room except for you. No sitting up, no propping yourself up to read and I couldn't even lift my knee up and out of the sleeping bag without sticking it up above the drape of the outer fly. ALthough you can roll back from the foot and head end to the larger hoop pole in good weather. Allows a midge free, starlight canopied sleep. Good tent though, seems likely to survive well in storms. My JW Pocket Hotel was only a 3 season but copes with v. strong winds and even snow. so it would be a 3/4 season. Look at vango banshees, can sometimes pick up for less than £50 from retailers. Not solo but cheap and fairly lightish in a sort of around 2kg way.
|
|
The Coleman Rigel here at £60 is incredibly light Has anyone tried it? ----------- http://www.camperlands.co.uk/store/erol.html The Rigel X2 offers the ultimate in lightweight backpacking, weighing just 980g.
It features a double layer ventilation for improved performance.
It is simple to erect and to pack away, thanks to an integrated pocket in the groundsheet.
Features: - 3000mm ripstop SPU polyester – Double waterproofed ripstop outer material
- ZipperCuff design – Zip cover to stop water seeping through zips
- Welded corners and floors – Vulnerable seams are welded to ensure no water can enter the tent
- Air-Hercules poles – Scandium Aluminium blend for ultra-lightweight
- 2 hoop design – Simple and lightweight
- PU coated nylon groundsheet – 5000mm waterproof groundsheet
Specification: - Type of tent: 2 hoop Bivi
- Performance rating: 3 Season
- Capacity: 1 to 2
- Pitching way: As One
- Total weight: 0.98Kg
- Pack size: 53cm x 20cm x 5cm
- Overall pitched size: (L) 230cm (W) 140cm (H) 68cm
- Flysheet colour:
- Flysheet material: PU Ripstop Polyester
- Waterproofing: 3000mm
- Groundsheet: PU Nylon
- Poles: Air-Hercules
|
|
