They're useful if you're cooking outside the tent on open flames, or if you hate people. Ours gets much more use on the beach than it does on site.
Has anyone ever used one to protect their tent from high winds? I don't think our standard Outwell polycotton jobbie would fare very well unless double guyed, double poled and artfully arranged at an angle to the wind. Even then, it probably would be less robust than the tent itself, and if it failed it would hurl a load of flappy fabric and broken poles in my direction.
Quote: Originally posted by Frey on 26/7/2017
My plan is to buy some of the cheaper ones first and see how well I get on. I'd like to thank everyone for the advice they've provided. Superb!
Well, just bear in mind that if you buy the noisy ones that rustle in the wind your neighbours might be less happy about it than you are
Quote: Originally posted by TimCESmith on 26/7/2017
Has anyone ever used one to protect their tent from high winds? I don't think our standard Outwell polycotton jobbie would fare very well unless double guyed, double poled and artfully arranged at an angle to the wind. Even then, it probably would be less robust than the tent itself, and if it failed it would hurl a load of flappy fabric and broken poles in my direction.
Re my batch of 4 pics on the previous page...
The first pic shows us using it as a boundary. A garden fence, if you will. It was our very first camp, and I soon learned this approach was not for us.
The second and third set-ups are both using the windbreak as direct wind protection for the cooker.
The final one, whilst offering a more distant shelter for the cooker, was primarily set in that position to protect us, as we were in a group, and sitting outside was the most practical, despite it being a nippy October weekend.
For direct protection for the tent itself, I'd be inclined to agree with you, and not trust it to do the job, despite it's name.
Much better to use a large MPV... and a loan of the site's own Landrover does no harm, either!
I'm hoping to visit Bryher campsite on Scilly next year with a weird lightweight tent I bought by accident a few years ago (Trimm Arizona - 6' tall with 11mm fibreglass poles) because of the luggage restrictions on the boat.
Having experienced proper wind at Grange Farm (IoW) last year, the expectation of a genuine Atlantic hoolie at Bryher makes me think about using a windbreak as, er, a windbreak, plus guying internally to the lantern hanging point, Vango TBS stylee (anyone tried that? The Arizona has no groundsheet so it'd be easy). Any other ideas?
Just to be clear Tim, it's the MPV that belongs to me.
Due to the excessive winds, we arrived to find another tenting couple sat waiting for a lull, with their gear out of the car but still on the ground. We also sat in the car for a few hours. Eventually we went for it, and they opted to wrap up and leave. The most difficult set-up we've had to date, but we got there in the end!
I don't think the wardens expected us to stay, but once it was obvious we were, without hint nor request, they very kindly brought the Land Rover around for extra protection for us. A very nice gesture, I thought!
Good luck on Scilly. Could be the sort of challenge I'd be tempted to take up.
The windbreak should do more good than harm... once it's up and guyed well. I'd imagine that will be the hard part!
Not sure I'd be tempted to guy down the tent from a hanging point though. Might not last long, and could rip a seam?
Not familiar with the tent though, so just a very informal observation.
We've just had a bad experience with a Vango windbreak so I'd be careful if considering paying £65 for one. They look nice but in reality the poles are not fit to be used in strong winds. Came back from a day out to find the windbreak on the ground and three poles had snapped. They were pegged out with two guy ropes on each pole. Fortunately the material didn't rip and the poles are replaceable. The forecasted wind speed was about 20 miles an hour but I suppose the gusts could have been stronger. As they're advertised as windbreaks and not fashion accessories I'm a bit disappointed.
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: So many windbreaks- what`s the difference
