Hello. to the dutch tent owners, particularly Karsten. For a UK climate do you think they will be too dark. I had almost settled on buying a second hand Karsten tent (I can't affort a new one!) - I am thinking of a 3.5 m one. However I am wondering obout the lack of windows. Does this make the tents very dark. I assume in a sunnier country this is for shade- so will the tents 'work' in this country. Or does the light still come though the canvas to a certain extent.
Look forward to hearing from any experiences.
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Hi Oscker.
All tents with or without windows allow enough light in daylight as not to need additional artificial lighting.
Every window added to a tent is a week point in the tent.
Windows is a reasonably new idea that as come in ,within the past twenty years, and is more British and French, than the other European countries.,the Dutch defiantly spend more time outside their tents than we do, well Most of us,
No unless you want to sit in your tent and strain your eyes trying to see through the creased up window material, Their is no need for windows in a tent, But they can look pretty with their curtains up.
And the slightly darker environment in cotton tents without windows will stop the bright light at dawn, that can wakes people up, I have heard said.
So in my opinion if you like the look of windows for normal family camping in the UK and Europe in the warmer months then windows are fine. But should you decide to do all season camping you may want the security of a tent without windows
Regards
Rex
------------- "Be the person your dog thinks you are" (BM)
Karsten tents of that size have one window standard - in the side. Or rather it is a flap with mosquito mesh that one can open. The sides of that mesh-window are velcro. As an accesory one can get a plastic window with velcro sides to stick on it (I have one) and than leave the flap open.
It is possible to have a second window made, but I find that superfluous.
The light inside also depends on the colour of the tent. The yellowish ones are bright inside. The burgundy one (like mine) is much darker. I chose that on purpose at the time as darker inside is more comfortable in the early morning when camping in middle or southern France in sunny circumstances.
I had an extra window fitted when I ordered my Karsten light green 350, we do use it to air the tent but not for extra light, it's not strictly necessary, especially as the ventilation system is superbly efficient.
Has the tent you are thinking of getting got an awning or at least the zip for an awning (they can't be retro fitted, same with the sleeping extensions)?
We make great use of our tunnel awning which we also had windows fitted to. Didn't bother with the foil/plastic covers for the windows, just the standard mesh with a canvas flap. You can see through the mesh easier than the plastic especially if its wet, mesh doesn't steam up either. It is also possible to pin the window flap open so that it stops most rain ingress through the window mesh while still allowing you to see out so, like Alan says, you feel more cheerful. Especially in the rain.
Good luck
Paul
------------- just love the freedom under canvas
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Yes the one I have identified (second hand) has all the awnings. However it hasn't got the zip for the sleeping extensions. Paul, this is a big ask, so say no, do you take your tent camping in the winter - could I come and see it. The shop in Norfolk has just sold its demo one, and I ideally would like to see one in the canvas, before I trek over to Holland.
Hi Oscker, I've had a good look at a Karsten, it had the look and feel of something designed by NASA for a manned Mars landing. If you don't get the chance to see one "in the canvas", don't let it put you off getting one if you think they are the right tent for you, and anyway I think you have to spend at least a few days living in a new tent before you realise you have made the right decision no matter how many hours you've spent looking at it. If you prefer dome tents over other designs then the Karsten is probably the best you can get. Have you seen something on Marktplaats ?
Hi Oscker, We last went camping in October and probably won't get away again until Easter 2008.
I bought my Karsten without seeing one because the weekend we were due to drive up to Norfolk to see them our car died. And, if we had left it any longer we would have missed the camping season so we took a chance.
We will probably never get round to getting a sleeping extension, the boys are growing up and want their own tents rather than share with us. However, the 350 is huge inside and its all usable space with standing room almost to the walls.
As for awnings, the Karsten call the newer type a Comfort Awning which seem quite an improvement over the older style. We also got the awning extension and Front Wall (door) the following year (we couldn't afford it all in one go).
I'd also recommend getting a tarp to put under the tent, it saves a load of time cleaning the underside to the groundsheet when you pack up. Found a 3.5m by 3.5m from UKtarps, think the postage was more than the tarp. Oh, and pump that sucks. LOL
I have got some free time between xmas and the new year so could show you the tent then.
The one I have identified is from Karsten themselves - 3.5M but a second hand one (2004), it is cream with the additional 3 awnings. It also has a window in the main tent door which is also good. I have had some correspondence with them, after I had emailed them about suitable tents - but my ideal would be to see one before I commit (I have a long track record of buying things off the internet and being not quite what I had imagined!). From all I have researched they are a lovely tent though. And I very much like the idea you could put one up without help.
I don't want to put you to any trouble but if you would be willing to show me your tent - then basically I could decide (as I said the shop in Norfolk doesn't have a display one currently, just sold) - then I would be most grateful. Where abouts in the country are you?
My skills at translating the web sites are now getting much better I know the dutch for window!
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Topic: Dutch tents - Karsten
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