Does anyone have any experience of a bell tent without a central pole? There are some 3m bell tents that have a metal frame instead, making it possible to use a double mattress, but I have been advised that this is not as stable in strong wind as a central pole. I am downsizing to a 3m and am more concerned about robustness. Would be grateful for any comments on this.
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
Thanks Sarah. Having just survived a very stormy night in my 4m bell tent I was impressed by it's performance, though it has a wide wooden centre pole which may make a difference.
Soulpad have told me they are not planning on making a framed 3m bell tent and when I asked why said it was less likely to stand up to storms because the stability of a bell tent relies on the tension created by the centre pole.
I still have not quite made up my mind, but will probably go for a traditional design.
Ive got one of those too. The other thing I've noticed with a bell tent in the wind is that the tent sides billow in and out quite a bit regardless of how tightly it is guyed out. The Eldorado is more work to pitch but should perform much better in the wind.
I have the Soulpad ultralite 3m with centre pole. I use a FB page for bell tent owners and people on there advised that whilst the tripod frame gives more space it is very heavy and a pain to put up. I was shown pics of a standard double SIM mattress fitting to one side of the centre pole of a 3m, and that convinced me.
I have been delighted with the tent. It is spacious for my solo camping, and also works for two on short breaks, with less kit.
The Soulpad ultralite 3m is the one I am thinking of going for as I will mostly use it on my own. I will check the FB page too. Thanks for that
Elisabeth
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
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: bell tents without centre pole
The other thing I've noticed with a bell tent in the wind is that the tent sides billow in and out quite a bit regardless of how tightly it is guyed out. The Eldorado is more work to pitch but should perform much better in the wind.
