Im on the lookout for a solo lightweight tent, and whilst my online research has narrowed it down to a few, i'd like to see some of them before I buy! My main worry is I'm 6"2 and just wondered how big some of them are when actually up?

Si i'm looking for local shops that might stock Mountain Equipment, Vango and Terra Nova tents. I live in Eastbourne, Sussex. The only place I can think of is F+T in Brighton. Any ideas?

You could try HIke Lite who are web based but are in Worthing. They stock ME, Big Agnes, Lightwave and Vaude.

Peglers in Arundel.

Hike lite seem the most helpful on the south coast.
Peglars have been reducing the amount of tents they hold lately, 'they take up to much space' was the comment I got. Also, they have just closed one of their shops so are trying to cram everything into less space.

Cheers guys for those suggestions, I'll give them a call. Looks like a trip along the A27 for me! It just seems a little silly buying a tent online when i havent seen it.

I suppose phoning the actual companies and seeing where the local stockists are, then phoning the stores to see if they have them out.

I would expect any decent shop to let you put up a tent before buying it - and I think you should, so you can see how easily it goes up, how much headroom you have, whether you can get in and out easily when its raining without wetting everything inside etc etc

Good luck, Judy

Ah! so there are some other OMer's down here... I dont think they put up tents in F&T in Brighton any more, never seems enough space!

Had the same problem......... I'm in East Sussex too, and wanted a two man lightweight-ish (sub 3 Kilo) tent with twin doors and porches....... spent ages surfing the net for news and reviews, narrowed it down to a shortlist but was unable to see any in the flesh....... based on friends recommendations I made my choice as the warmer weather was approaching and I was keen to get equiped. Setteled on a Marmot Twilight 2P and have not been disappointed . Good features and well made......will have to see how it really peforms in Scotland in May

Snow and Rock have opened a shop in Brighton too. I haven't been down there for a while (I'm in Horsham) but I have a feeling it's fairly small. You could always brave a trip "up North" to the big smoke.

Most of the stuff in snow and rock is pretty much snow and rock, with some fasion! unless theres a hidden bit with the kit in it!

Wine Wizard was right, F+T don't display tents. However they were helpful in their reccommendation of the TN Laser Comp, and showed me the pack so i have an idea of pack size and weight. A shop called Open Spaces stock Terra Nova but weren't open sunday. Millets in Worthing are having a tent show in June, maybe they'll have Terra Nova tents? Ill phone them, as well as Peglers and Hike Lite. Cheers all. Glad to see we have some OMer's down here :)

How could I have forgotten Open Spaces? they sponsor our climbing club!

I can remember being in Peglers when a customer was shown how a Vaude Hogan went up right there in the shop but I take the point that they might not have the particular tent in stock for you to view.

Craig, have you ever heard of the Solestar by Exped?

I can get my hands on the last few, and they are suitable for anyone up to 6'6". Lots of space, reasonably light and a nice price 'john' ;-)

I sold one recently to a customer who was well over 6'2" and he is more than chuffed. If it is of interest give me a call and I'll see if we can help.

The Solestar used to have a mesh inner and could be fitted with an enormous tarp that that fitted onto the front pole, it would cover 4 or 5 sleepers with ease.

Found a link for you (sorry but you will have to c&p)

http://www.moontrail.com/tents/exped_solestar.html

ps: I'm in the southeast as well.