Hi
We've just returned from a tour of Scotland, when a lot of the stops during the journeys were 'one night stands' - arrive at site late afternoon, set-up camp, eat, sleep, breakfast, and de-camp. Our Frinton 4 Classic is a bit hefty for this job, and the Equinox 350, although a sturdy tent, fails in a couple of areas. The ideal tent would be:
1. Quick erect/take down
2. Adequate space for 2 people, so probably a 3/4 man tent
3. SIG
4. Able to stand up in at least part of the tent
5. Space for a table and 2 chairs for basic cooking/eating
6. Pref polycotton
7. Reasonably robust in poor weather
We have an estate car, so weight and pack size are not an issue.
Do any of you tentaholics have any suggestions ?
Thanks.
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
They ain't cheap, but the Cabanon Guadeloupe is brilliant. Really simple to put up/take down, really nice cotton canvas fly sheet, thick sturdy sig and solid as a rock in any conditions.
By far the best tent I've owned, which is quite a lot !!!
They are worth the outlay and if looked after, will last 30 years.
Haha, think I know where you are going with this one. A few years ago we were in the same boat as you. We had a big tent (Outwell Wolf Lake 5) which we loved but was just too big and bulky for us, especially for weekend stays. We wanted a easy to put up tent that was comfortable, sturdy and cotton/polycotton. We bought an Outwell Missouri River 3 which was polycotton but sent that back because it leaked and the sloping front door meant the groundsheet got soaked every time we opened it. We then tried a small vango polyester tent, but didn't like being cooked alive when the sun came up or the noisy flysheet. We kept looking at the Cabanon right from the start but never went for it due to it not having a separate bedroom pod. Eventually we thought we would give it a go and as soon as we stood in it we knew that this was the tent we should have bought in the first place. It is just perfect. There is a divider curtain that separates the living area from the bedroom area and it makes the tent much more flexible. You can open the curtain, put the bed on its side and literally get around 8 chairs inside if you are camping with friends/family. We often did this and we are now glad that it doesn't have a pod, don't let it put you off. We close the curtain and you can get two chairs and a table in the front and its so cozy on a night. We are now even talking of selling our trailer tent because this is the only tent we need. The two of us can erect it less than 15 minutes, and its easy to do solo as well. There is also a smaller version called the Noumea but maybe a bit small.
I know they are expensive, but it will last you a lifetime and it would take some really serious weather to damage it. Read the reviews, they say it all really.
If your budget wont stretch, many on here recommend these. Not seen one myself but value for money wise, they look fantastic and pretty much the same as the Guadeloupe.................
One of the advantages of having a separate inner tent, is that we try to keep at least the flyscreen part zipped up all the time, to prevent midges etc getting in to the sleeping area. Does the lack of an inner cause any problems like this ?
Incidentally, one of the reasons we're moving away from the Equinox is that it doesn't have a SIG, and we were awakened one night whilst in Scotland by a hedgehog inside the vestibule area, pattering across the groundsheet. Rather scared the OH !
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
Yes the curtain divider zips all the way down to the floor and keeps midges from getting into the rear of the tent. Though they could come into the front and get in when you open the curtain. This could happen with a pod I suppose. As regards the sig, the one on the Guadeloupe is a much thicker than normal groundsheet. If you have ever seen the groundsheets in the Outwell 'Lake' range of tents such as Bear Lake, Wolf Lake etc, the Guadeloupe is a similar material, if not the same.
It would definitely keep the hedgehogs out!!! Yikes!
Does the Eldorado have a SIG/ZIG ? The supplier's site doesn't make it clear - just mentions a "suitable groundsheet". Sensible price, though. Apparently, they used to offer the Rosas, which did have a SIS/ZIG, but that doesn't seem to be available now.
The Soulpad looks good, and not a bad price. I'm a little worried at the available space, especially as the stuff that goes inside it is generally rectangular (table, chairs, mattresses etc) and the floor space is circular, so you have wasted space.
I have been trying to work that out myself by looking at photos on the review section. It's difficult to tell wether it's a sig or not. You could try contacting Obelink? You are right though, they are a good price, I've been tempted myself once or twice, but then have a word with myself because I DON'T NEED ONE!!!
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
Obelink's reply ref the groundsheet:
" The groudsheet of the Eldorado pyramid is a loose groudsheet but you can use Velcro to put together. "
I think that might be fun !
Both the Wid Country and Soulpad look ideal . It depends if you want super modern or classic . Any canvas tent can be incrediblie heavy when wet and not so pleasant putting up wet . For pure touring I'd go for the Wild Country .
Light quick and simple to pitch. Quick to dry and very wind stable .
Thanks for all the responses. The Etisian 4 seems to fit most of the requirements, and close to budget, but I've been looking at some reviews and they say it's not so good in strong winds. Does anybody have any personal experiences ? It may just be one that hadn't been tied down very well.
The Etisan is never going to be as strong as something like the citadel but it is marketed as a 3 season tent so provide you peg it down effectively it should be ok.
Cotsworld are doing their tent shows at the moment so you might be able to find one up somewhere.
Although I can't offer any experience of the Etisan, I have had/still have a number of wild country tents and have found them to be top quality.
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: One Night Stands
