 I'm looking at getting a large (about 12 person) bothy bag for taking a large group out. I guess I might look at something like 2 8 man bothies too. Really I would like advice from people on any specific models to look at or avoid. So far, I've looked at Outdoor Designs 8-12 man Classic or Standard (why two models?), Terra Nova 12 man, Vango 12 man, Life Systems 8-12 man and the JDS 8-10 man. Also, how many to they really seat? For example, the quotes footprint of the JDS 8-10 man is smaller than the Terra Nova 8 man, in fact it's dimensions are more of a 6 man one. I can get the Outdoor Design Classic models really cheap, but is this just buying old, heavy technology? Or a more bullet proof material?
|
 |
 I'd add Integral designs to your list... great kit: Contact them about sizing options as they'd almost certainly do you a special order if necessary. John
|
|
|
|
|
 I have TN BB2 and the ski club has BB4: I can confirm that those are right for the stated number, and you'd have trouble getting more in, so at least at the smaller end TN are giving sensible sizes (not too big and not too small). Several smaller ones are more flexible: a 4 man is okay for 2, but a 12 for 2 would be a pain to carry for the person who has to carry it and a bit of a farce to deploy and keep out of your faces, I would imagine. Whether subdividing is a good idea will depend on what you have in mind: if it's just sheltered breaks then there may not be much reason not to split into smaller groups, but if you want to be able to talk to everyone and take group feedback in a howling gail with added rain then bigger is probably better. Pete.
|
|
|
|
|
Trevor, I've not tried the Saunders ones, but they look expensive especially as they are only about par for weight. Maybe they have some useful extra feature (though it's hard to imagine what that might be on a bothy bag)?
|
|
 I thought much the same  once I saw the price of them too! What is it finished in, gold leaf or something?
|
|
The Rolls Royce of such shelters are supposed to be the ones with the two metal hoops at the sides I think. That is the green group shelter deluxe one by Outdoor Designs.
|
| Edited: 15/05/08 08:15 |
 I use the 8 man outdoor designs - its OK - it isnt something you use all day every day.
|
|
Trevor, I think you're referring to the Outdoor Designs Delux model. I have one of these, but it is only a two man jobbie (and really great solo on a wintery lunch stop in the Cairngorms I can tell you!). I never bothered with the poles as a bothy doesn't really need them. Mine is a kind of dirty greeny yellowy brown cross between army green and army dessie colours. Looks awful and doesn't show up much either (not sure where it stands on the whole "my tent is green" sort of thread). Looks like the college have their own, so I will not need to buy any for my trip now. Still, it's good infomation as I'm sure I'll need to buy some at some point (I keep meaning to get a 4 man for family trips, especially as my boys are getting older, so we can venture further from "civilisation").
|
|
 Hi Paul. I just carry a bivvy-bag if i'm on my own, but i bought a Terra Nova Supalite 4 for when my son and daughter come with me. Pricey, but the lightest i could find and as it spends all day in the sack, important to me. Tight for 4 adults and sacks. What can you say about a bothy bag? Blocks the wind.
|
|
