Hello all,
I am currently planning a trip to new zealand where i intend to cycle tour around both islands taking all my gear with my on my bike.
I'm looking for advice on a suitable
1.lightweight 2 man tent around £50-60 that packs small.
2. a 2-3 season sleeping bag around £50 that also packs small
3. a sleeping mat that will provide good insultaion and comfort around £??
Any advice would be appreciated
Cheers
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 check out the podcast that Bob did interviewing a couple that cycled toured round Europe http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/page71.aspyou want "Extreme lightweight cycle touring?" and "They're back! The lightweight cyclists have returned!" At £50 you are going to be looking at a synthetic sleeping bag. Even Alpkit don't go that low in price. Sleeping mat I like the therm-a-rest ones.
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 Sleeping mat - Thermarest Prolite 4 - comes in long and short versions. If you intend to camp wild these are very comfortable being 3.8cm thick. I've pitched on some right lumpy sites and always manged to get comfortable. Saves the hassle of moving the tent if you discover a hole or lump after pitching (which you do most of the time).
Foam roll mats are the most reliable because there's no chance of a puncture but have little comfort particularly if you're a bit lean like a lot of active people.
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 Of course, if you spend less on the sleeping mat and go for say, some breed of Alpkit Airic, you can probably stretch a little more on the sleeping bag and get something a bit lighter and smaller. I've never used a Thermarest 'in the field' but I can vouch for the Airic family, and they're a lot cheaper
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 I have to say that I'm a firm advocate of foam mats. They are pretty indestructable and can just be put on the ground, they do not absorb water, they are very light and can be made even lighter if you cut a full length one say down to a 3 quater length and if you are really hot on getting the weight down you could even shape it to your body! It is true that they are not quite as warm or as comfy as a thermarest but they have plenty of other advantages over the thermarest and when you compare prices - to my mind anyway I would go for a roll mat anyday
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What about one of those funky "balloon beds" that mountain marathoners use? Ultra lightweight, and you just need plenty of spare balloons for it. Plus, if you come across any children's parties in the outback you will be able to make some animals to entertain them.
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 Hi Martin, maybe you should look at this company considering that you are going all the way to the other side of the world, makes sense to buy what you need over there rather than taking it with you. They are In line with vango's prices but the tents are a little better quality. The strength of the GB-£ v's the NZ-$ will ensure that you get real VFM Just a thought but it were me I'd buy my tent and sleeping bag off them and If you know me and tents...well lets not say anymore eh!! :0) Drew
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 Hmmm, I tend to partly agree with the above. Why pay the cost of transporting it down under when there are plenty of good brands available here.
Macpac
Fairydown (closing down so there are some good specials available)
Kathmandu (cheap when they have specials)
Mountain designs
etc etc.
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I had a look at one of those baloon beds, they looked quite fun but I didn't like the idea of carrying (and buying) lots of spare baloons, they claim to be very comfy although I've never used one.
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I've got a balloon bed, fine for MMs but wouldn't really want to sleep on it for a prolonged length of time. They are very comfy, but they aren't full length and it seems such a waste popping 7 balloons each night!
I love my thermarest for longer camping trips but it's a full length non-lightweight one! I've got a cheap synthetic coleman sleeping bag which packs down failry well and it pretty light. Was about £40 - £50 if I remember rightly about 3 years ago?
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Don't pop them then. Just leave a trail of unlikely looking dogs and giraffes across the landscape.
No, on second thoughts that would be littering wouldn't it? Better, tie them to your rucksack for a truly head turning effect on the Aonach Eagach.
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I imagine balloon beds can really irritate your campsite neighbours on those early start days too =)
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 Sleeping bag has to be the Highlander Down Tec range or the gelert xtreme lite range (look for 05 down tec range its lighter and down too)
Sleeping mat Alip kit wee aric.
Jamet Dolomite 4000 Mountain Tent from the out door mega store looks good 2 man alloy poles 2.4kg loads of romm small pack size £60 bargin i say
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You don't have to pop them loudly (though that's probably more fun!). I bite them near the top and the air just gradually hisses out, that might disturb the neighbours as well mind...
It is quite amusing on an MM to see folks who've made hats / dogs, giraffes out of their balloon beds. Some talented folk out there.
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sorry some links
http://www.yourblueworld.co.uk/store/product_info.php?products_id=943
http://www.nativetrekker.co.uk/store/index.php?cPath=98&osCsid=8f08e6176a1b9a26843cd9a5a26d72fe
(down tec sac)
http://www.outdoormegastore.co.uk/acatalog/Outdoor_Megastore_Single_Hoop_Tents_147.html
(tent)
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 For the mat id go for an alpkit one, i have a slim airic and think its fantastic,
tent wise if you dont want to get your bike inside it, the vango tempest 200 would probably be fine.
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