I wasn't really after a debate, the original post was just a genuine question, not a survey to see who could and couldn't afford anything
I can't really see a problem with second hand 'cast offs' either - obviously I have no pride, as I bought 2 used bell tents and the cabanon.
Camping is a hobby I love - I don't long for anything materialistic for the house, or designer clothes/jewellery/shoes whatever for myself. I went from a pretty crap paid job to a better one, so if I want a piece of canvas instead of a pair of Jimmy Choo's and a pot of expensive face cream, then I'll buy it.
Another point in favour of the canvas is they hold their value well, I've never lost money on any of them
I have no idea why I am justifying myself, as I am sure when you were younger you had interests you happily spent out on, you had a much better paid career than I have.
For someone who admittedly doesn't even like camping much, you spend a lot of time on a camping forum arguing about it!
Yay VAL .and to get back to the subject I like both canvas and poly tents but I would say they serve different types of camping . Long term ! More than a couple of nights. Canvas . Short term touring etc poly just because of drying and weight .
Quote: Originally posted by valbarley on 20/2/2012
In response to Bob....
I wasn't really after a debate, the original post was just a genuine question, not a survey to see who could and couldn't afford anything
I can't really see a problem with second hand 'cast offs' either - obviously I have no pride, as I bought 2 used bell tents and the cabanon.
Camping is a hobby I love - I don't long for anything materialistic for the house, or designer clothes/jewellery/shoes whatever for myself. I went from a pretty crap paid job to a better one, so if I want a piece of canvas instead of a pair of Jimmy Choo's and a pot of expensive face cream, then I'll buy it.
Another point in favour of the canvas is they hold their value well, I've never lost money on any of them
I have no idea why I am justifying myself, as I am sure when you were younger you had interests you happily spent out on, you had a much better paid career than I have.
For someone who admittedly doesn't even like camping much, you spend a lot of time on a camping forum arguing about it!
I don't know why you are justifying yourself either. It gets annoying doesn't it when things you say are picked on and you have to end up justifying it or end up in an argument.
However, if you open a thread entitled 'converting to canvas or poly' as if it is a forgone conclusion that canvas or poly is somehow a better option and then ask for opinions, you are likely to get them.
I welcome opinions that was the whole point - the title would have been 'Canvas is much better than Poly' otherwise
I didn't expect people to be told they had no pride for buying secondhand tents as they were too poor, that the ones they did have stunk, or that they were staying in primitive retro throw backs
Quote: Originally posted by valbarley on 20/2/2012
When was it ever a foregone conclusion?
I welcome opinions that was the whole point - the title would have been 'Canvas is much better than Poly' otherwise
I didn't expect people to be told they had no pride for buying secondhand tents as they were too poor, that the ones they did have stunk, or that they were staying in primitive retro throw backs
Do you think perhaps you are taking this a little too personally, Val. I don't believe I told you personally anything of the sort. I offered my opinions as requested. Calm down dear...it's only an internet forum.
Way back in 2000, me and new OH took up camping with a Coleman Bi-space poly type tent which managed to stand up to a force whatever gale in northern France, but it wasn't fun or pretty - mainly me wailing cos I thought I'd be blown off the cliff! Then we got a tin tent, then another tin tent, then we sold that cos we weren't using it regularly and then two years ago, while looking for a windbreak for the garden I saw some tents, did some searching and fell in love with a canvas bell tent. Now I'm older, not as agile, luxury camping does it for me. I personally prefer canvas, it's quieter in wind and our choice suits us perfectly. However, if someone wants to sell me a Touareg second hand, I'll have another, canvas tent. Horses for courses, I'd rather have one of what I really want than many of those that 'would do'. It's for fun, rest and relaxation and we all do that in different ways for different reasons. Poly is light, dries quick and is easy to pack. I find canvas quieter, warmer/cooler and also heavier, hard to dry but I'm happy with those drawbacks. Enjoy camping
Quote: Originally posted by valbarley on 20/2/2012
When was it ever a foregone conclusion?
I welcome opinions that was the whole point - the title would have been 'Canvas is much better than Poly' otherwise
I didn't expect people to be told they had no pride for buying secondhand tents as they were too poor, that the ones they did have stunk, or that they were staying in primitive retro throw backs
Do you think perhaps you are taking this a little too personally, Val. I don't believe I told you personally anything of the sort. I offered my opinions as requested. Calm down dear...it's only an internet forum.
I'm thicker skinned than that Bob, just don't like rudeness
OK hows about a new thread entitled ' reasons to pick on Bob61'
I'll start it off with because he doesn't like canvas tents, or if I read and unserstood one of the posts on this thread correctly, camping either
Has any one noticed how many replies threads started by Val get?
I think it's great it's turned into a warm discussion, after all, there's not much else going on at the moment. I will just add that my next trip, WILL be in a nylon tent, because it is the correct tent for the job.
I'm going out now, and will look forward to what else has been posted by the time I get back
------------- Canvas tent, paraffin light, petrol stove. Heaven
I'd rather be kayaking.
Spent up, not pent up, just had my new tent up.
Getting slightly back on track, I started out with an Outwell Idaho XL which at the time cost around £700. condensation was a nightmare,very cold and difficult to heat as all the vents had to be open to reduce the condensation.
We then bought a Hypercamp canvas tent which had the same floor space as the Outwell, cost £500. no condensation problems, easier to pitch and also easier to heat if the weather is cold.
Have since bought a second hand Cabanon Aruba, again canvas cost £130 and also a little Esvo canvas tent cost £300 for short breaks.
Having tried both Polyester and Canvas i am definitely a canvas convert. some of the prices for new larger sized Polyester tents is another reason i will be staying with Canvas.
I only managed to buy my second hand bell tent at the end of the season so not had much use but absolutely love it. I have since bought a second hand Taurag which hasn't been pitched yet, 6 wks to go!!! I'm not a complete convert tho as I totally love my base seconds set up. Have a 4.2, BS4, BS and a BS full. The versatility for our family of 5 with this set up is great, light and simple (don't use them all at once!!). Also have a steel poled Vango Artemis which I think will be our festie tent now we have the bell. So yes loving my canvas but not always the best for all my situations and I'm still in love with Quechua!!!
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Converting to canvas or poly? (
Topic Closed)
