I'm looking at getting a new tent, and for the first time I'm considering a tunnel tent. I've only used domes before (bar those ridge tents in guides!) and I was wondering about how the two types compare.
How do the tunnels stand up to the wind for example?
Any pros/cons I should consider before I make a decision?
There have been many threads concerning tunnel tents. Use the search button above and look for 'tunnel tents', 'Sunncamp vario', 'Gelert Vario', 'lokon vario' or such like and you'll find plenty of information and guidance.
If you have any further questions then fire away and we'll help you all we can.
Ihave just spent a couple of nights with my Brother,wife and 6yr old neice in a gelert lokon vario 5 tunnel tent, abit tight for three adults and one child but liked the tent so much when i was dragged to the gelert factory shop I got a crackin deal on 2005 version for myself and the o/h, but it is still large enough for us to be joined from time 2 time by a couple of friends.
Tunnel tents tend to have better all-over head room, offer a better space-to-weight ratio and are more simple to put up. They are more reliant on being properly guyed out for max stability, but other than that they are great! We have been vary happy with our Vango Quest tunnel tent, which replaced a Sunncamp Tourist + dome tent.
I have the Khyam Yale and have just spent a very windy weekend in it with no problems at all. As long as you pitch lenghways into the wind they are fine. The Deltas probably helped as well. A tunnel tent is also simple and quick to erect and gives you uniform headroom all over. Ours also has the benefit of a SIG.
you've put my mind at rest about the stability in the wind, that's the only thing I can think of that I won't be able to figure out by looking at one pitched in a shop. Unless anyone has any other pearls of wisdom to share? No one willing to stick up for the domes?
I have a dome & a tunnel, I prefer the tunnel (Vango Gamma) for ease of pitching during weekend breaks in summer. When we need more room &/or are camping for longer periods &/or earlier or later in the year, I prefer our dome (Wynnster Anglesey) as it is very roomy & comfy with the SIG and dual skinned throughout the living area & bedrooms (also a bit warmer). The Gamma is easier & quicker to pitch than the Anglesey but the Anglesey isn't too difficult, it just takes longer but is worth it for longer stays. It depends what you will be using it for - I have 3 tents & take the one most suitable for the trip!
Well, there's 6 of us, me and OH, 2 kids (5&7) and my parents. We tend to go for a weeks camping together each year, and then I try to fit in a few shorter camps sometimes just me and kids sometimes my mum too if I can. So it'll get a variety of use.
I'm looking to replace our Gelert Satelite 6 that I bought second hand a few years ago now, because it's seen better days, and I'd definitely like something which doesn't leak as much! (Even after re-proofing!) Especially considering what the weather is like currently! Admittedly, we're not camping until the end of July and everything could change by then, but I'm not holding my breath!
It would be nice if I could put the tent up myself, for the times when I go off by myself with the kids - I managed to break a couple of poles trying to put the satelite 6 up by myself!
Quote: Originally posted by Gilyan on 30/5/2006
Well, there's 6 of us, me and OH, 2 kids (5&7) and my parents. We tend to go for a weeks camping together each year, and then I try to fit in a few shorter camps sometimes just me and kids sometimes my mum too if I can. So it'll get a variety of use.
I'm looking to replace our Gelert Satelite 6 that I bought second hand a few years ago now, because it's seen better days, and I'd definitely like something which doesn't leak as much! (Even after re-proofing!) Especially considering what the weather is like currently! Admittedly, we're not camping until the end of July and everything could change by then, but I'm not holding my breath!
It would be nice if I could put the tent up myself, for the times when I go off by myself with the kids - I managed to break a couple of poles trying to put the satelite 6 up by myself!
Sorry for rambling...
Nicola
I can put our 6 berth Vango Quest up all on me tod - a tunnel shape means you put all the poles in, then fix each one into its arch shape, then lift them one at a time so no pole is taking too much strain at any one time, unlike that tricky bit with a dome where you need to lift it to fix the pole feet in and the pole you lift has th efull weith of most of the canvas and the other pole to drag on it.
I can do it fine (and I am a girlie with a bad back and limited common sense!!) so I am sure you would be fine with a family sized tunnel. On windy days it just means you need a handy child to sit on one end at times!
Hehehe, Handy children I have a-plenty! 3 if you include the OH Only problem with the 2 little ones is they're not good at sitting still for very long! But then, judging from what I've read about the time it takes to get one up, they shouldn't have to sit still for too long anyhow.
I'm going tent hunting this weekend, so maybe after I've actually been IN a few I'll stop swinging between wanting this one, that one, or the other one...
Will do. At least I managed to 'persuade' the OH that we need to look at new tents... lol not that I had to twist his arm much! I'm looking forward to tent hunting almost as much as the camping itself!
we used to have the vango gamma, and t b h, the best tent we've had, perfect for just a few days. it also stood up the really bad winds (from inside and out!!!) i'm going to buy an other when we have the spare cash.
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Topic: Tunnel vs Dome
Only problem with the 2 little ones is they're not good at sitting still for very long! But then, judging from what I've read about the time it takes to get one up, they shouldn't have to sit still for too long anyhow.
) i'm going to buy an other when we have the spare cash.
