Hi All, just starting after 25 years away from the trekking scene (due to Army and kids!!). I have most kit sorted just down to a tent and boots. Awaiting a pair of Meindl Borneo MFS to trial at Ellis Brigham. Have wide-ish feet so think leather will be the best. HAve tried a pair of Salomon Quest, ok but not perfect, so took them back. Tent. Thinking about a Mountain Hardwear Sprite 1 with footprint. I'm 6ft 3in and tend to lie straightish. Cant find a shop near by with one in stock to set up. Even if big enough though, is it a good solo tent? Cooking/kit storage etc. What are people's favourite shops/website for good deals? Thanks Trevor
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 Hi Trevor Keep an eye on Baragain alerts thread. Basically, what it says on the tin, fellow OM'ers post up links to discounted items they come accross while searching for gear on the web. Sports Direct have some amazing bargains if you keep checking their site, but they are often in limited sizes, with dubious stock levels and don't expect any sort of advice. My favorite shop is The Outdoorshop, simply because they are local to me, offer sound advice and their prices are always pretty good. I've seen the Sprite 1 in there. Bob C is an OMer and he and his wife run www.backpackinglight.co.uk. They are well known on here for excellent customer service and for actually using the products they sell. What part of the country are you from, I'm sure there will be others who can recommend places nearby. 
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Rocky, cheers for the advice above. I'll search out the thread above. I live in Manchester, so i have a good selection of shops like snow and rock, cotswold, ellis brigham etc to fall back on. Did you pay the sprite one any attention? If so what are your thoughts please? Regards
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 Trevor, I don't know the Sprite but looking at what I can see online I would say... price seems good for this size and weight of tent from a reputable brand... looks spacious too. but.. 1) being a US design, the flysheet doesn't come down close enough to the ground for my liking (blown rain in the UK isn't what US designers are thinking about). 2) being a US design, the inner is all mesh which can be chilly and makes problem 1) more important. 3) the hydrostatic head on the flysheet is 1500mm which is fairly poor compared to what other brands (Terra Nova, Hilleberg, Lightwave, Helsport, Vaude, Macpac... ) use. Most mountain tents sold in the UK start at 3000mm HH. I'm not sure this is crucial but given 1) and 2) I'd not want to have water coming through the flysheet as well! Please don't think I'm trying to put you off; the Lightwave t0 ultra (which is a comparable tent in space and weight) costs more than double and you'll only notice the difference in foul/cold weather. I just want to point out the reasons I'd use to justify looking at something else.
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Not sure about teh tent...but the Meindl's are awesome. Best boots i've ever owned (and i've had a fair few..)
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Oh yes... I've a pair of Meindl Island Pro with are similar in many regards to the Borneo; Meindl do make excellent boots if they suit your feet!
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Gents, cheers for the feedback about boots, iv only read one bad report about the boots and to be honest i dismissed that one. John, thanks for the extra info about tent. I had noticed the hydrostatic head but was trying to find out what the relates too in rain terms? I.E. raining, p*ssing down or absolutely lashing??? I have read a lot about the mesh and i am willing to risk. Like you say the price is the major thing. Dont want to spend much more until i get back into it. Plus when my kids are older they will be coming too........................even if they dont want to!! What about the Wild Country SoloLite!!
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Hi folks, Anyone have any interested in purchasing either a Crux X2 Storm or a Lightwave T0 Trek, bought are 4 season tents. I bought the Crux about 20 months ago and its as new and only pitched to check all was OK. The Lightwave is 10th months old and is as new also and has been used for 5 nights on Uk campsites and is in perfect condition. Drop me a PM if you woudl like miore detasils or m ake an offer. Thanks, Stephen
Trevor how about Stephens Lightwave? a very good tent 2nd hand maybe better than a cheapish tent new
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Good point, Mick, Trevor, if you want to up your value for money then Stephen M is selling an excellent lightwave tent. I can personally vouch for lw service - even if you hadn't bought the tent from a shop I reckon they could help you with spares & repairs if necessary. I own a t2 with both standard and xt flysheets and have been very happy with it. On the HH test, I'm fairly sure that poor design will leave you damp in your tent faster than the difference in materials between 1500mm HH and 3000mm HH. That is to say a well designed tent using 1500mm HH is likely to be a better experience than a poorly designed one using 3000mm HH. Still... all things being equal the 3000mm is likely to last longer and remain weathertight in worse weather. John
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Cheers, i have sent a PM.
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Trevor I've got a Lightwave and can't fault it.
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Cheers, still awaiting a reply. John, thanks. i know what you mean about quality over materials. Ellis B has just rang re: Meindl boots, they have arrived! Will await stephens reply before deciding on the tent. Cant see me going to the highlands in winter but want a tent to put up with british weather.
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Boots too small!! Size 12's required!! Whilst there though they had a sprite 1 already erected, too small. Head and feet touch, unless i sleep U shaped! Tried TNF Tadpole 23 for £180, I can sleep diagonal or a Marmot Limelight 2P for £150, gearloft and footprint included!! I can sleep in that one normal, easily fit two people in. I can also sit up without touching the inner. Mmmmm tough choice now?? Any bad stories about the Marmot? Less mesh too.
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