 If I want a quality tent, I realise I'm looking at paying at least £250.00, but that ain't gonna be happening for me, not unless I get lucky on a scratchcard/lottery. Bearing this in mind, please, can someone with a good knowledge of tent spec take a look at these tents and tell me if I'd be wasting my money? I'm not asking anyone to do my homework for me, just for someone who's been at this game a while to give them a quick once-over and offer their opinion. I'm looking to wild camp in the lakes as soon as possible, so the tent I buy is going to have to be capable of withstanding the worst that a British winter can give. I'd like to camp in the low to moderately high hills, so strong winds will be an issue. I'll be camping alone and carrying a fairly heavty rucksack. Thanks in advance for any help/advice. Coleman Avior Aztec Rapido
|
 |
 You would be better off with something like this. If you have a look around you will find some real decent tents at good prices 
|
|
 Whatever you do don't ask for any advice on what Colour tent 
|
|
 coleman Avior is a decent tent Billy you could always join the windy meet in the lakes in mid feb!!!!
|
|
A point to take into account is that the Aztec Rapido just a single skin - no inner tent which may give you some condensation problems.
|
|
Thanks everyone. Smeg, the Vango you've linked to is very nice - the only all-black tent I've ever seen (and a very nice colour it is, Hamish. I would imagine virtually invisible in the dead of night) - and it's in my price range. Dave, thanks for the comments on the Coleman - it is currently winning me over because of the extra space - being a 2-man. Hamish, thanks for the advice Re the Aztec. These are the kind of pointers I need. I'm slowly getting myself kitted out and will soon be the finest example of an 'all the gear, no idea'. Took a trip to Winfields today. Spent within my budget (just) - could have easily spent 10 times as much, had funds permitted.
|
|
 Im also throwing in a vote against the Aztec due to it only being single skin. I'd say it'd probably be ok in dry weather (if you chose to only camp on weekends with the best weather forecasts). Id imagine it'd get quite damp in wet weather, and lets be honest- that's what we usually get!
I've had a long relationship with Vango tents and I do like them for the price. I find you get good value for money, can't say I've any experience with the model Smeg suggested, and do bear in mind that its a bit heavier than the Coleman tent, but I prefer Vango as a reliable brand, personally.
|
|
 this this is a great tent for the price.i have used it in high winds in the lakes and it was great.
|
|
 Ill put another vote in for the Tempest, Ray mentions.
|
|
 Cotswold have some North Face Mountain Marathons half price at £80: http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/forum/forummessages/mps/dt/4/UTN/20607/V/1/SP/
|
|
 I would go for the spirit 100, it would probably be a toss up between that and a North Face particle 13 if I did not have my hilleberg Akto. I have looked at it in a showroom pitched and it looks great and at that price you are getting quality at a budget price. North Face tents are very good as well but their flysheets are not so waterproof if memory serves 1500HH against 3000HH for the vango. Single skin tents are great when weight is your main concirn but you may have to leave the doors & vents open to controll condensation... They are fine in summer in this country where this is not a problem. They also work better with forced ventilation via wind. I always tried to pitch my single skin tent where there was a bit of a breeze. Also bear in mind some single skin tents have no porch to allow sheltered cooking - very important in the winter.
|
|
 Another vote for the Tempest 200 ...beat me too it Ray .. or have a look on Fleabay for some bargains,or i could sell you the tempest 200 for half that price .. DIDDY
|
|
 Another vote for the Tempest, although I have the 150 rather than the 200. I went for the Tempest rather than the Spirit because it had a little more head room and being 6'4" that was quite important to me. Whatever you do make sure you have a tent with a porch because, as Hayden mentioned, you don't want to have to cook outside and its also no fun rolling over in the night into dirty , muddy boots, clothes etc.
|
|
Thanks again for all the additional replies. Plenty for me to go at here.
|
|
 Just thought I'd chuck This into the mix And it's the right colour too !!!!!!!!!!
|
|
Thanks, Cruxster, but outside my price range. And the right colour, you say? For what, attracting as much attention as possible? 
|
|
Billy don't worry about attracting attention.............mine are much much brighter infact it's been said that i was seen at 2700ft ASL in the lakes by a bunch of OM'ers on a mini meet in the south downs  get ya shades boys/gals be a brightsider!!!!
|
|
 Hi Billy If you want to get a Vango Spirit 100 TBS, I have one for sale. It's been used only 3 times and is as new. I'm having to sell it as advancing years mean that it is not as easy to get in and out of, being a tunnel tent. Other than that, it is great. Solid as a rock, less than 2kg, TBS tensioning system for additional stability if required. An ultralightweight footprint is also included - yours for £50.00 if you're interested. BTW it's the right colour - green.
|
| Edited: 20/01/08 23:37 |
 Billy, sorry to interupt your other thread here, but just wanted to let you know that I have now posted that Ray Mears info you wanted onto your Axe thread, ok!
|
| Edited: 20/01/08 23:40 |
Thanks, Trevor. I'll take a look now. Jake, thank you for your very genourous offer, but I am now fixed up with a Vango tempest.
|
|
