have just bought a gossamer and plan to use it on the west highland way at the end of april, havent used a one manner before so if I survive the 95 miles I will let you know how it goes, first impresions are ok, only weighs around 1.6kg, is very easy and quick to put up if its chucking it down, main thing is, will it keep me dry? watch this space!
I have one of this little tents and i cant fault it for the price, good quality finish and even a little repair kit. I use mine for short cycling trips, about six years, so its light wieght and size are ideal, remember its only meant to be a light bivvy so theres not much room to put any thing but your self, take some bin liners to keep your things dry, expect some condensation inside so use a water resist sleeping bag. I was disapointed when getting it from the loft last year to find something had eaten a neat little hole right through it, bag and all, but its still good with repairs
Here's what someone on another site had to say about JW bivvy stuff, hopefully not the one you are considering:
"For sale priceless Jack Wolfskin light weight bivvy only used 3 times, clean, as new (no scorpions), fantastic condition, cost me £50, has been to India and Bahrain - but you can have it for the special price of just £80 (no tax, no import duty).
Most suited to those who are into sub-aqua sports or can hold breath until the sun comes up, you might need an aqualung to ensure you dont drown in it whilst sleeping (in dry weather). "
Is it really easy to put up? Because somehow it just won't fit together when I try... so I don't know if it just isn' easy to put together, or if it's me that's just idiot to it, or if there is something wrong with my tent... : ?
I'll find out how this tent behaves this weekend in Scotland. My local camping shop has lent a new one to me free of charge while a new tent gets checked out by the manufacturer. It's 200g heavier than my new tent, but is twin skinned.
Still, at least it is long enough.
Length of lightweight tents is a big bugbear of mine. If I moan about it enough on forums I hope some tent manufacturer will start making longer ones. Big con that lightweight headlines made by making it unusable in the length.
Hi , i have just come back from a weeks camping in the Cairngorms,Braemar, Camped on Ben Macdui in the worst conditions, howling wind, and rain like it was from a shower left on, the Gossamer proved itself worthy.
Stopped at coorour Bothy for 2 nites only to find the place full, so camped outside, again in pouring rain, nice and dry inside the Bivvy, and when it wasnt raining the midges came out in force, but also the mesh inner did its job 100%, a little tip, get Listerine mouthwash from your local chemist, put it into a spray bottle, and spray around the entrance to the bivvy, dont know how it does it, but the little so an so's stayed away from me all the time i was cooking.
Weight and price are great, would defo reccomend this to anyone who is looking to keep the weight down on those long hikes around the mountains, where a tent is not required.
