Given all the discussions, excitement around upcoming trip to Applecross in May (Beinn Bhann?) reminded me that my old tent (2 "person" Coleman) has seen better days and needs to retired.
I am therefore looking for some advice on replacement 2 "person" tent that is light, rugged and can withstand our somewhat inclement conditions. I have been looking at a replacement Coleman tunnel tent Phad x2 or Vango Banshee 2013 and similar ones around 3kilos and 4000/5000mb water resistance. There seems to be a big jump from this type of choices to the v expensive continental manufacturers like Hilleberg.
Any advice or personal referral from members woud be v valued.
Colin
I have a vango banshee and it is a great wee tent. 2 people at a pinch but very quick to put up when the weather is bad.
Billy
I have the banshee and dont get on with it. Been used a few times but in perfect nick can do you a deal if you like :D
If I were you I'd consider the Vango tempest. I have one of these as well and its much roomier with only a small weight gain over the banshee. The banshee doesnt have enough room for me and my kit (comfortably) and doesnt have a porch as such just a wee space that'll fit your boots or other small items. The tempest has a decent sized porch which you can cook in at a pinch.
There was a decent topic on this at the beginning of last season Barfly started it I think?
George has the Banshee 200 and loves it :) He is 6'2" and says he has loads of room.
(http://www.ftscotland.co.uk/gallery/catching-not-fishing-2012/day-4-008.jpg)
There are a few lightweight tents here at a decent price.
http://www.cheaptents.com/acatalog/ultralight-tents.html (http://www.cheaptents.com/acatalog/ultralight-tents.html)
I have a Terra Nova Laser - 1 man - weights under 1kg, takes a bit of practice to erect. Not cheap at over £300 though but ultra light. Paul (Bibio1) had a cheaper Terra Nova that looked about the same but was not as light. Might be a good choice
I also have an old Vango 2 man that sleeps 3 easily that I use for out of car camping. Bleedin luxury. No point in using a cramped tent when there is no carrying to do
The Terra Nova Laser 1 man tent is down to just over £200 on Amazon now.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Terra-Nova-43LCG-Laser-Competition/dp/B001E6HRJQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1357849950&sr=1-2 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Terra-Nova-43LCG-Laser-Competition/dp/B001E6HRJQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1357849950&sr=1-2)
On the positive side, it is wonderfully light and fits into a side pocket on my rucksack, quick to put up and was quite happy in F5-6 winds when I was out in it last year.
Downside is that I can't see it lasting anything like Element's Vaude or survive 80mph winds. The lightweight fabrics must be more susceptible to damage. I slide my foam mat underneath the groundsheet to give it some protection from the ground and hopefully increase its lifespan.
I'm only 5' 8" so there was plenty of room for me and just enough in the small porch for rucksack, boots and stuff.
It's big enough for me and the dug, but she's a border collie, not a great Dane. :lol: I too put the foam mat under the groundsheet. Got that tip from Fishtales. :8)
Thanks all.