I am new to camping and have so far only tried 'rent-a-tent' so have never actually pitched. I would love to buy my own tent as renting options are somewhat limited. However, I am a solo camper (under 70kg) but would like a tent with a bit of living space, ie a tunnel type. I have been researching 4 man tents and really like the look of the Outwell Trout Lake 4. Having experienced the dampness of synthetic tents I feel the extra expense for a poly cotton would be worth the investment but appreciate that there is a weight trade-off. My problem is I need a tent I can pitch alone (just in case there is a shortage of gallant helpers around).
So... can any of you help suggest a tent that is easy for a solo gal to pitch, will keep dry on the inside (ie no damp bed!) and with enough living space for a little kitchen and a couple of chairs.
I'm not looking for cheap and cheerful, camping is becoming my escape route from a hectic life therefore comfort and convenience are right up there on my list of priorities!
Many thanks, all suggestions welcome (as long as it's not 'buy a caravan!)
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I think you should wait until next year and take a look at the new Outwell Poly Cotton inflatable tents, there is one a bit like the trout lake. Ok its not cheap but you will pitch it easily where as any poly cotton with a frame you will find hard other than say a tipi style. Now I know there are a lot of fans of tipi tents but I for one just find the shape to price to usable space not for me.
I have seen the Vango AirBeam inflatable but was initially put off spending so much on what is a relatively new concept. The fact that Outwell are bringing out a similar version, and in poly cotton too, give me greater confidence. I appreciate the quality and speed of your good advice. Many thanks.
Hi, I've only been camping for a year - 4 trips down. I'm a single girl and I have to say the Outwell Carolina S is near perfect. It's easy and quick to pitch, plenty of room and has stood up to some shocking weather ever so well.
The only downside and I think this of most Outwell's that I have seen is that there isn't really a porch so when it rains and you open the door water can come in - also I think it may be discontinued, but I think you can still get hold of them.
------------- JnyT
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Many thanks JnyT, it's good to know there are other independent gals out there. I'm afraid you may be right about the Carolina having been discontinued but if nothing else it will give me a suitable tent to use as a comparison. Shame cos it looks lovely. Thanks for taking the trouble to reply, much appreciated.
Hi. I have the Trout Lake and it's great but it isn't the smallest tent when packed and it takes a fair while to pitch alone that said its worth it because it's such a lovely tent (my fav tent)
If i was you I'd wait until next season as Gary says above and see how the Outwell and Vango inflatable tents compare
I camp on my own occasionally and love my Outwell Arizona L. It is just three poles to slide in. I then prop the centre up over a chair to get the centre 'dome' shape going and then it is up in just a few minutes. The benefit of the dome over the tunnel is that it self supports before you've put any pegs in, so you can reposition easily until you're happy with it before pegging anything down. There is plenty of standing height in both porch and sleeping area - and the large 'doorway' between the two areas means that there is a lovely feeling of open space inside. Nice picture window at the front too.
I would like to find some sort of canopy to cover which ever doorway I decide to use, as the ony gripe Ihave is that you have to be careful when unzipping the door in wet weather as the dome shape does allow water to drip in. Not a huge problem though.
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I am 5'2, 47, female, and can pitch a Hypercamp Escala 4 on my own.
It is just right for me and the dog, as I can put the removable front wall on the middle pole, and use the front section of the tent as an integral porch/canopy where I can cook and relax while sheltered from the elements.
The inner tent is sufficiently big for my camp bed and a large Breezy Bunk for the dog.
I can fit another person in the inner tent if I use the SIM without the camp bed.
The only issues I have with the tent is its packed volume which is considerably bigger than my previous 3-berth poly tent, and the need to dry the main canvas after a trip to prevent mould growth.
However, I am very pleased with it and is the only tent I use. Highly recommended.
DK
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I recently was looking for the same, I have a few 1-2 man backpacking/mountain tents and a large 8 berth but wanted something I could stand up in and cook if raining, (with the door open) and able to use occasionally on my own.
I got some good ideas from folks on here and couldn't justify spending a fortune on "another" tent and thought about buying second hand..
I looked at the Vango Icarus 300 and 400. Tigris 400 and a few Outwells and others.
I ended up buying a new Vango Aura 300, bedroom will take a Intex Queen double airbed and good sized porch for furniture, chairs etc.
It has a full sewn in groundsheet and its a semi geodesic design with full standing height.I can erect it myself ,it now takes me about 20 mins.
It is now discontinued but still available.
I bought mine for £112 online about 4-5 weeks ago and love it.
My wife and I took our youngest grandaughter on her first camping trip using this tent for a weekend and I can't fault it, it will be sheer luxury for one..
------------- It is a wise man who has something to say.
It is a fool who has to say something.
I looked at the Vango Aura myself when I thought my old tent had died (it lives on with a bit of tlc!).
A mate of mine bought the Aura and I thought it was very impressive and certainly one I would seriously consider as a solo camper. It is reasonably priced, neat, tidy and sturdy and easy for a small solo camper to pitch.
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hi SPeace, i have just bought the trout lake myself to camp on my own with. it can be put up by just 1 person, the technique just needs to be adapted slightly.
have a watch of this video of the bear lake ( like a big trout lake really! ) being pitched solo -
the bear lake is quite a bit bigger than the trout lake ( iv got the bear lake too for longer camps!
watching this substitute the trout lake and its quite possible and easy to put up the trout lake single handed.
im not sure about a blow up tent, what happens if the tube ruptures as it ages like old bicycle tyres do! and are the tubes as rigid as the metal poles of the lake series tents? theres something nice and comforting about the strong metal poles in windy conditions esp when camping alone like i do - i feel safe and secure which is important to me, i can sleep soundly knowing it would be a terffic wind force needed to blow the tent down.
Thanks to everyone who took the trouble to reply. I have taken the plunge and ordered a Trout Lake 4. It was always my first choice and prices are quite keen at the moment. Having watched a few videos demonstrating how to solo pitch a tunnel tent I am fairly confident that with a little practice in the garden (and a complete disregard of the Outwell instructions) I shall be able to pitch on my own.
Sorry Gary and Mick, I appreciated your suggestion but some pretty poor reviews put me off the inflatables!
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Topic: Newbie solo camper tent with living space
