First post here so let me say hello first so 'Hello'
OK I am looking to go camping over Xmas with my girlfriend and we decided to buy a bigger tent as all of our others are small 2 ~ 3 men size and I dont fancy scrabbling around on the floor trying to cook etc...
The type of thing we are looking for would have enough space for a sleeping area, a kitchen area and then a sitting area with a table etc.. I would like something that I can stand up in and live in if it is constantly raining. Also we need space for the xmas tree :-)
I am looking at either a used Ridgi-Pod Excelsior or a new XXL Excelsior with the annex and was wondering what you guys thought on either of these as they end up about the same cost. I am looking to take the tent for a couple of weeks down to the Ardeche in the Summer and would need it to sleep 2 couples so this is also a consideration.
Do you think the Khyam products are worth the premium or are they slightly overated, the reason I ask is that a couple of my other tents have loads of poles to thread through the flysheet and this can be a real pain so the Khyam system seems to overcome this nicely. The Kyham product also seems to be very good quality compared to some of the other brands I have seen
Thanks in advance
Simon
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First of all, welcome to the U.K.C.S. website. As you'll find out, it can be a mine of information for beginners & experienced campers alike...
As you'll notice from my 'profile' I use a 'Khyam XL Classic' occasionally with the 'Classic Annexe'. I've used Khyam tents for the past five years (I had the larger 'XXL' before) and I can't fault them. The materials and workmanship are very good and they last (the original 'XXL' I bought five years ago, was passed on to friends and is still going strong and in A1 condition). Both the 'XL' & 'XXL' along with the other 'Ridgidomes', are very stable in all weather conditions, mine have stood up to driving rain in 45 m.p.h. winds, while in Norfolk...
I can understand your frustration with threading fibreglass poles and "buggering about" with the dreaded 'ring & pins'... This isn't a problem you'll get with the 'Ridgidomes' as the main poles (aero quality aluminium) are already folded in place and just need opening out. The tent can be pitched in about 45-50 minutes singlehanded, with ease (others will tell you quicker, but I don't rush it)... The 'annexe' is a brilliant addition to the 'Ridgidome' range and is also very easy to pitch onto the main tent and gives you a huge 9 sq. metres of extra space, when you need it... All in all, I can't recommend the 'Ridgidome' tents highly enough. I certainly think they're worth the extra cost...
I've never used a 'Ridgi-pod' so can't really comment much about them, though I have seen them 'on site' and they certainly look the part... Anyway, I hope you find a tent that suits you and you all have a brilliant holiday in France, next year... Andy...
I agree Khyam's are excellent and simple to erect. We've had an L for years. (quite a rarity) However, you may want to consider something with a sewn in groundsheet if you're camping in winter.
Bob
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If the budget runs to a Khyam id go for that everytime...
Not sure about a sig in the winter I am looking at the cleaning up at the end of the trip rather than the keeping warm whilst there...
i use my SIG tent for summer...
Quote: Originally posted by daisybev on 12/12/2006
If the budget runs to a Khyam id go for that everytime...
Not sure about a sig in the winter I am looking at the cleaning up at the end of the trip rather than the keeping warm whilst there... i use my SIG tent for summer...
You could put a cheap, lightweight tarp (B&Q) down first, to keep the sig clean. I too would go for a SIG for camping out of season.
My experience of Khyam hasn't been as good as others on this site; we purchased a new Ridgipod (dodgy poles), a classic XXL - old favourite - (hole in flysheet upon receipt), XXL Excelsior (hole in flysheet upon receipt) and XXL Classic (snag / fault in flysheet, evident prior to pitching). Couldn't believe our bad luck and especially as they were all purchased from different retailers. Suggest that you buy locally and check it over before parting with your cash!
Here's a suggestion; Blacks are having another 25% sale today (13th December) so the polycotton Outwell Bear Lake is available at £450 with free carriage. Now, I know that Outwell have had some major problems this year, but the Lakes range seems to be fairly fault-free (if you check the recent threads on good Outwell / bad Outwell).
This tent has a zip-in SIG which is removable (and so best of both worlds) and the construction should be good in all weathers (polycotton flysheet, hence quality without the need to pitch to dry and lightweight alloy frame). It also comes with a (removable) canopy. Click here for spec.
Good luck, whatever you decide.
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Quote: Originally posted by cecilthecat on 12/12/2006
OK I am looking to go camping over Xmas with my girlfriend and we decided to buy a bigger tent as all of our others are small 2 ~ 3 men size and I dont fancy scrabbling around on the floor trying to cook etc...
The type of thing we are looking for would have enough space for a sleeping area, a kitchen area and then a sitting area with a table etc.. I would like something that I can stand up in and live in if it is constantly raining. Also we need space for the xmas tree :-) (snip)
Given the heat advantages and your need to cook inside, I would strongly consider a canvas/cotton tent, rather than a nylon one, like the Kyhams (regardless of their pitching qualities).
As already said, a SIG would have a big advantage in cutting out cold wet draughts and hence be also high on your selection criteria.
Unfortunately a lot of canvas tents, especially the frame based ones, do not have SIGs!. However, there are some canvas options, with SIGs - those that come to mind are:
The Cabanon Bora Bora does have a SIG and two seporated bedrooms, so you might want to look at that.
And as already proposed, the Outwell Lake models (Norfolk, Bear) would also fit the bill, however, I am not sure what they are like to cook inside (others will be better positoned to comment).
------------- Big Bunny
Robens Valley Lodge & Cabanon Pyramide 6 "... kids you distract the bear, while I run to the car...."
Sorry, but I've got to disagree that a S.I.G. is a necessity in winter... If you peg the draught/mud flaps inside (like you should) and lay a good fitting groundsheet over them (and peg it properly), then it will be as warm and draught free as any tent with a S.I.G... When I was a bit younger (and keener!) I often camped in winter, without a S.I.G. and was always snug as the proverbial bug...
I would however agree that if you're going 'winter camping' often, a cotton canvas tent would be a better buy (they're cooler in summer too). And if you can get a really good one (Relum or Cabanon) though expensive, it will a much better buy in the long term...
I'd recommend a canvas frame tent too. The poles are joined in sections by springs, so they're easy to erect. You won't have a condensation problem if you use a heater during the winter (unlike with synthetic tents). Frame tents are also much cooler & more comfortable in very hot weather. Safer to cook inside a frame tent too.
The only downside with a frame tent is the amount of space it takes up in the car, but for the comfort factor it's well worth it.
This Andorra would be great for you and your o/h and its only £100. And I think you should be able to buy an additional zip on bedroom for it for when you have company, but you'd need to check that. MT
------------- Tackling life the Western District way
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Well the deal has been done on a new Kyham Ultimate Classic, which I got for a very good price. I'm all set for Saturday to go camping till Boxing day, planning on trying to cook a turkey in a box oven which should be good fun. Needless to say we do have a backup option if this does not work :-)
One item I do need and am struggling to find is a Trivet or Grill for the fire, I am looking for something that is approx 18 inches sq that can take my pans etc..., does anybody have anything that they can recommend ?
...I'm sure you'll have some brilliant times in your new tent, you certainly made a good choice!... Enjoy your Christmas 'under canvas', I hope the weather stays fair (if a little bit nippy!) for you...
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Topic: Recommend me a tent
