Ok, now this is the one which I have settled on this evening! (I'm sure it'll change by tomorrow!)
Couple of questions to you clever people:
1. I am thinking of replacing our Outwell Norfolk Lake with this-as that is impossible to pitch on my own. Do we think that 1 person could pitch this on their own-pitching not lugging the canvas about. (And yes I know they are very different tents-in my defence I do have a bell tent).
2. How do we think it would hold up in serious wind? In the Norfy's defence it is amazing in wind.
All replies greatly received.
Or should I go for a Hypercamp pyramid tent???
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I have one of these and think its an excellent tent. Mine stood up to some serious weather last year and shrugged it off without breaking a sweat, or leaking for that matter. Properly pitched its solid as a rock.
In terms of pitching on your own, 99% of the job can be done by one person. The only part of the process where I've found the need for an extra pair of hands is the final lift of the ridge poles.
My technique is to lay the groundsheet then peg out the fly, with the a-frames and main poles laid out underneath. Then, I go inside the tent and assemble each pole. I've found that I can't do this on my own and need someone to hold one pole, whilst I raise the other. Without the other person it's very difficult to keep the frame upright as your raising it to full height.
This part of the pitch really does take less than a minute and there may well be a better way to do it - and if there is, I'd love to know about it!
Thanks for your reply Barney-DH has upset the apple cart as he doesn't like the way the doors do up-wants a zip. That means looking at the Emperor tent from bell tent uk.
Tough call I think, you're right about the space, I think the Emporer wins on that front. Canvas and Cast used to win on quality (heavier canvas and stronger poles) but with them just having sold up, it's hard to know whether those standards will continue.
Whichever way you go, you're going to end up with a great tent, so that'll be a win win I reckon.
All the best, Barney.
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My final concern that has popped up is the lack of windows compared to our Outwell Norfolk Lake. I think the usable space Emperor v NL) is the same-infact the foot print is almost identical and the Emperor or LBT win on pitching time compared to the hour it takes to put the NL up-when all the pegs are eventually in! I guess it's just a very different style of tent & I have always been happy with my 4m bell-perhaps I won't even notice!
As regard canvas weight, the Emperor comes in at 50kg in total, my NL at a massive 69kg in total-have you any idea what your LBT is with poles & goundsheet included?
Quote: Originally posted by Barney75 on 25/7/2013
Tough call I think, you're right about the space, I think the Emporer wins on that front. Canvas and Cast used to win on quality (heavier canvas and stronger poles) but with them just having sold up, it's hard to know whether those standards will continue.
Whichever way you go, you're going to end up with a great tent, so that'll be a win win I reckon.
All the best, Barney.
Yes, but Canvas and Cast were just importing from china, as are most bell tent suppliers. That's not to say that they are great quality, I think they are, but I would always go with BCT (British made) if you can afford it.
I guess Cast lost the marketing war with the likes of Soulpad/Karma/Boutique Camping. Who have they sold out too?
I've used a fantastic Belgian company called Canvas Camp who sell a higher spec Emperor (320gsm) it's called the Sibley twin ultimate. I've had fantastic service and the tent (and on a seperate order accessories) arrived in two days.
I love my Emperor and prefer the fact that the whole of the back wall is useable space. The Emperor can be put up by one person in 20 mins ( is easier with two tho).
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Thanks Jayner. I've taken a look and like the idea of the slightly heavier cotton. How good is it in the wind? Are the poles good quality?
Having spent a wet weekend in our 4m (2 adults, 2 children & 2 dogs!) I know we need to go for this! And the thought of re-pitching our Norfolk Lake to dry out-don't go there! Canvas Camp may have won!
It survived 70mph last year on the IOW, very noisy, no sleep but the tent was fantastic. The poles are great but if you prefer wooden then you can swap them out, I've done that with the Bell Pole but not bothered with the Emperor.
I love the tent, it's so versatile for us (have a 15 year gap between my sons). We have two inners and will be using both for the first time this summer.
Quote: Originally posted by jayner on 26/7/2013
I've used a fantastic Belgian company called Canvas Camp who sell a higher spec Emperor (320gsm) it's called the Sibley twin ultimate. I've had fantastic service and the tent (and on a seperate order accessories) arrived in two days.
I love my Emperor and prefer the fact that the whole of the back wall is useable space. The Emperor can be put up by one person in 20 mins ( is easier with two tho).
Just to let you know Jayner, that we received our new tent in 2 days from Canvas Camp & it is now pitched in our back garden. Thanks for your help, as I would agree-it is better quality, certainly than our 4m bell. I think the quality of our bell is OK but this is superior & with it being so much bigger I feel that's important, so thanks again.
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Topic: canvas and cast little big top
