I bought a Vango Tempest 200, for the same reason - bicycle touring - not actually been out on the bike with it as yet though, too many things keep cropping up and delaying my trip! But it does seem the ideal tent for me, and not too expensive either.
------------- Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional
I am Into Cycling touring and camping . The Tent I bought Is V.G.
A Vango Alpha 250 two man tent . Lots of room . Good size tent .
Spec Is L 275 x W 170 x H 115. (3000hh) . packed 57 x 15 x 15 Cm . Weight 3.3Kg . Will stand upto all sorts of weather .
Which I have since found to be to heavy . But If you want comfort after a long cycle this Is Ideal . You might find the height a tad to low .
BUT the Ultra tents around 1 Kg. which are extremly light and small packed . Are Only for One man . And you can just sit up In them . Mainly for sleeping In .
Most are around 85 /95 /100 Cm. In height . So you have to compromise . If your not bothered about the weight The Vango range such as the Sigma have more room and height . Around 4Kg . . Most cyclist I have found go minimalistic . Dont Forget all the weight of your front and rear panniers . Most recommend less than 15 Kg total weight and below this .
I am tempted to tell you what small coffinlike tents are called in German: "Dackel-Garage" - which means dachshund-garage!
I have given up finding a lightweight tent with a proper height, so I think I will design and sew my own lightweight nylon pyramid tent - when I've collected enouygh courage...
------------- Proud owner of a 1987 Sprite Alpine 370 EK, a cheap popup tent and a beloved retro Trio frame tent from the early seventies, called Giraffen.
My first cycle camping tent was a Terra Nova LaserLite, great little tent, but I did not like the idea of my bike being on view to all and sundry whilst I was asleep.
So five years back I bought a Hilleberg Nallo2 GT, oh what a difference, huge sleeping area, and have stored two touring bikes in the porch, and still loads of space to spare for kit, OK it weighs 2.5kg, but for the size of the tent, that is quite amazing, along with small pack size, folk have often commented, when they see such a small bundle emerging from one of my panniers, and minutes later, I am sitting in a canvas version of the Trafford centre lol!.
Sports Direct have the Vango Tempest 300 on for £94.95 atm. 3.5 kg . I looked at it when I was buying a tent for my son's DofE last week. I eventually settled for the Tempest 200, at 2.8 kg as weight was the vital issue given he was backpacking but I was really impressed by the size of the Tempest 300 for the weight.
There's lots of reviews in the Tent Review section, for all sorts of tents.
There's a company called oookworks that make alternative inners for these shelters: http://oookworks.com/
You may be interested to read Tracksterman's blog as he uses his bike to access the remotest parts of the Scottish Highlands and offers product reviews on all sorts of equipment as he goes, including his Golite Shangri-la 3.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Ultra light tent - advice please
Hello apds120.
