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I am planning a long weekend backpacking in the Lake District in June this year and have been doing a bit of research into tents.  This is the first time I will have done such a thing since my Outward Bound days at school.  The tent I have seen and am closest to buying is the Coleman Raid Shelter, mainly due to the weight of it......only 980g.  As you can see it is more than twice as light as all of the 'lightweight' tents unless you start looking at the pro equipment.  My problem is that I do not know of anybody that owns one or has even seen one expect for me.  Can anybody shed any light on the issue for me.  Is it any good ? ?? ?? ??

Also.  What sort of weight is acceptable to be carrying.  Our weekend does not take in any serious climbing, only three fells of approx 1000ft all weekend, it's more of a test run for future breaks.

Any advice that can be passed on will be gratefully received.

Thanks

Stu

I have seen one, they had one up last year, at the World of Camping shop near Farnham - looked very snug; not sure where the rucksack would fit?

They use the phrase "ideal for trekkers going on a summer raid" - so i don't think this is going to be designed for full on storms or exposure.

If you are camping overnight somewhere sheltered it would work.

Are you using walking poles? if so, you could also consider something like the Kyham Pocket tents, which may give you a bit more weather resistance and space, without the weight issues. Again, personally, I would favour to use these in a sheltered location.

http://www.khyam.co.uk/product_tent.asp?category=Khyam&type=Backpacking/Cycling

If you are going to camping in an exposed situation I would favour a light weight expidition tent with a frame.

I believe the Raid is a single skin tent, hence the low weight, but you will almost certainly have a problem with condensation dripping off the inside of the roof if you use a single skin tent in cold weather - so very damp sleeping bag when you wake up in the morning

I would say that 2-3kg is still light enough for backpacking, so I would advise that you look for a tent with a fly sheet and separate sleeping compartment - you may still get a bit of condensation, but nowhere near as much. It should be a bit warmer too  

Note. If you want a single skin tent, then you can get samll specialist light-weight Gortex breathable tents, but these are in the £300+ price range.

ref: http://www.outdoorgb.com/c/expedition_dome_tents/