I have just returned from camping in Wales in my Outwell nevada 6 MP.
It was fairly windy but not overly so, but for the second time the tent did not fair very well(the first time was Storm Hannah) and four of the poly carb rods snapped leaving the tent nearly collapsed.
I am very disappointed as this tent is not cheap and others in the field were not damaged.
Can anyone recommend a family tent not too expensive which can stand up to the wind?
what protection did you give your tent? did you move your car to take the brunt of the wind? pitch it near a hedge? double guy it? keep checking the guys? these things matter a lot in the survival of a tent in rough windy conditions
I bought my first one after my Khyam Freelander was damaged during Storm/Hurricane Katia in 2011.
I slept in the car with the dog as it was really windy and he could not sleep. Good job too, as the next morning we found the tent collapsed on one side, despite having extra storm guys fitted.
I tried to prop it back up to continue with the trip by adding more guys to it, for one of the sleeves that was holding the pole in place to break.
So I packed up with went home, and the tent went into the bin while I was at the site.
Dutch canvas pyramid tents have good reviews as storm resistant, as long as one is mindful to pitch the sloping end towards the wind.
The ones I had had a zipped in or sawn in groundsheet, and it was less draughty and quieter in the wind too.
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
Thanks for the replys.
I am aware of pitching in the right direction and the value of secure guy lines. On this occasion the wind whipped up in the late evening and the prospect of emptying it out and trying to re pitch in the dark was not favourable. Plus the wind seemed to be blowing in every direction. I think that this particular tent the Nevada acts a bit like a wind sock and is very drafty.
It’s a shame that folk ask for recommendations for a tent that will stand up to the likes of storm Hannah, then always seem to add “not too expensive”.
No tent is perfect, of course, But generally speaking, I’m a great believer in the old adage “You get what you pay for”.
Depending on how much room you want in this family tent, you could get a new Karsten pod, with a 5year warranty and claims to withstand force 12 (73 mph from memory? Can’t be bothered to check, as I’m on mobile).
It is inflatable, so no poles to break/snap. The craftsmanship is second to none. As is the customer service. The design has seen little change since the early 80’s, for reasons that should not need explaining.
It’s nigh on impossible to find online evidence of damage/failures, let alone tales of woe, or desires to return them for a refund, due to faults etc.
The problem with all that, is that many folk consider them “Too expensive”.
A karsten is my dream tent. I have a savings fund specifically for one! Our Outwells are reaching the end of their lives, they stood storm Francis (though it was scary at times seeing the air beams bend) but they're old and a bit leaky now. I'd love a solid pyramid tent but I also lust after a bell tent or a nice touareg. I'd like to try a canvas tent rather than polyester, I'm sick of the flapping noise in the wind.
Steel poles in Dutch canvas pyramids vs. fibreglass poles in poly/nylon tents, no prize in guessing which ones are stronger and better at coping with strong winds.
There is a thread recently about the manufacturer of air tents posting a video on how to fix/address the issue with twisting tube.
I just knew it would be Vango without even clicking the link, as there had been a number of reports of quality issues relating to their air tents on this board alone.
I seldom read about Dutch pyramids collapsing in the wind due to build quality related issues. Same applies to Karstens.
And yes, I am a firm believer that quality comes at a price, and that applies to tents too!
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
Have you looked at the Berghaus Air 4? I saw one of these in real life recently and I was very impressed. Berghaus are also known for sometimes giving a substantial warranty with their products too.
Whoops, I’m a bit late to this one, but you should be able to pick up a good second hand Bear Lake 6 for about £300. Pack size is big, like all solid poly cotton tents, so you’ll need room in your car.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: tents for windy weather.
via mobile 16/9/2020 at 5:48pm
