Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Camping Equipment and all Clothing
Camping Equipment and all Clothing Tents, sleeping bags, stoves etc. Riding clothing, boots, helmets, what to wear when not riding, etc.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia




Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 5 Sep 2006
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Bug proof, rain proof small 1 man tent - Recommends ??

As said above really. Iv trawled the Hub but not found anything specific.

I'm looking for a hardy, alu poles , lightweight and small 1-2 man tent which is totally bug/mosquito proof and can withstand a good downpour.

Recommendations appreciated.

Ted
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 5 Sep 2006
MikeS's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
Northface Tadpole 23

Its a two man tent but is fine for one. Very light, fits in my panniers (Jesse) too so is very small and is also semi-geodesic (?). I think that means it will stay upright in strong winds or something. It can also be pitched without the flysheet. You can pick up secondhand ones on ebay quite easily.

The footprint/ground sheet thing doesn't extend out into the front canopy though, but in my experience that just gets sticky when you spill southern comfort on it.

Easy to put up too (if you ignore my piss-poor attempt last weekend in wales, but nobody saw that I hope)
__________________
Mike


www.singapore-scotland.blogspot.com
www.argentina-alaska.blogspot.com
My little Vid: India/Pakistan

BMW R1150GS
Suzuki DR650 SE: Ride it like ya stole it. Oh, somebody just did...
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 5 Sep 2006
Matt Cartney's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
Thumbs up Wild Country Ilanos

Hi Ted,
I've had a Wild Country Ilanos for a few years now and it's great. A 'snug' two man it's really light by virtue of it's lack of frills. However, it's got everything you need at a good price. It's a basic dome tent, with alloy poles, well made by a reputable company and costs about £100.
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com

http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/

*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 5 Sep 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Lincolnshire UK
Posts: 49
Hi

I have used a Vaude Hogan tent for the past five years, they pitch in no time due to the external pole arrangement (which also looks cool!) they are double skinned affairs and are a good three / four season tent. I use a bit of tarpaulin underneath as the groundsheet is a little flimsy, it has never let me down. New they are about 190 pounds. If you pack poles separate you can get the pack size down a bit as well. It is a large one man tent however so if you intend to share you better be good friends!! – Cheers - Greg
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 6 Sep 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Pennsylvania,USA
Posts: 107
A few tents to consider

I presently have The North Face Canyonlands. It has now been replaced with the Particle 13. The Canyonlands is a one person tent, weighs about 4 pounds, packs to about 18"x6". It can be used without the rain fly in warm weather as the tent body is full mesh, with a bathtub style floor. It uses a single aluminium pole. I have used it in all four seasons. In winter I use just use the ground cloth and the rain fly, when the weather is not to bitter and when I don't want to carry the weight of my mountaineering tent.

Another good tent is the MSR Hubba also a one person tent. MSR also has the Hubba Hubba, a two man tent. Sierra Designs has a few lightweight one and two person tents.

I also advise that you get a bottle of seam sealant and hit all the seams on the floor as well as the rain fly. They do come sealed from the factory but, a little more will assure a leak free tent. Some websites for good prices on good gear are below. They need to be checked often as the gear goes pretty quick.

www.sierratradingpost.com
www.mgear.com
www.killerdeals.com
www.backcountrygear.com
www.campmor.com

Last edited by ct_miller13; 7 Sep 2006 at 19:08.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 7 Sep 2006
slim161's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Homeless - USA
Posts: 64
The best tent for motorcycle travel or any extreme expeditioning hands down
The Bibler I-Tent
I used this tent through North America, Europe, and Africa.
Single wall gortex and aluminum poles means light and compact.
It is a bit pricey but worth every penny.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 7 Sep 2006
DaveSmith's Avatar
Slacker supreme
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Sacramento, California
Posts: 410
I just did a check on Bibler because I'm having crappy luck with my Eureka Zeus that leaked the first time it rained. And a pole cracked. I don't know if I got a lemon or if Eureka tents come out subpar.

So what I read about Bibler is their customer service is lacking. Have you had any problems with it? A lot of sites that came up with google are the same exact text with different site names & URLs. That always makes me suspicious but maybe Bibler makes good stuff.

Even though it's just a tent for me, I want 2 person so I can put my gear inside and have a little room.
__________________
Not Ted Simon since 1970!
http://nokilli.com/rtw
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 7 Sep 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Pennsylvania,USA
Posts: 107
Black Diamond Equipment

The above company manufactures and distributes Bibler tents. They produce rock and ice climbing gear, telemark skis and boots and accessories.

www.blackdiamondequipment.com
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 5 Oct 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: salisbury
Posts: 10
I had a colman "2 man" tent that I got for a trip around europe with my girlfriend. It was a good job I was sharing with her and not with one of my mates! Very light and genrally not too bad. Got it on offer for £100.
It wasn't what I wanted, but it was last minute and all i could afford.
I was really after one of the Big Agnes range of tents. On paper they look excellent.
Has not wishing to hijak the thread, but has anyone had any experience with these tents?
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 5 Oct 2006
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 762
used a tadpole 23 without the outer or with. it was really good, and pitched peg-less. just enough room for me and my lid, jacket, boots and a rucksack.

but 'totally bug-proof' probably means that you'd never unzip the door? you can actually see the midges up here queuing up at the zipper, just waiting for you to open the tent up so they can all pile in for a party... I found the mozzies in w africa much slower, maybe they're not used to tents, so didn't have a problem with them getting in.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 7 Oct 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Santa Clara, CA, USA
Posts: 25
Post

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave_Smith
I just did a check on Bibler because I'm having crappy luck with my Eureka Zeus that leaked the first time it rained. And a pole cracked. I don't know if I got a lemon or if Eureka tents come out subpar.
Just for a FYI on anybody else looking at the Eureka Zeus: The Zeus comes with its seams unsealed, and with a bottle of seam sealer. You must seal the seams with the provided seam sealer prior to first use or it *will* leak.

My Zeus is now 3 years old and it is still water tight and the poles are intact, despite the fact that it has spent significant amount of time in my paniers. However, for humid climes it probably isn't the right tent -- it does condense on the inside if the temperature outside goes below the dew point. The new Zeus has two doors and two vestibules rather than one door and vestibule like mine, and thus basically is a 1 1/2 wall tent (the side walls being double wall with fly, the end walls being single wall) and thus should fare slightly better there.

Eureka tents aren't the best quality, but they suffice to keep the rain and bugs off, appear durable enough, and the price is right. I really cannot complain, especially for 1/3rd the price of the Bibler iTent or similar. But then, I'm one of those cheap KLR owners so take that as you may .

_E
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 7 Oct 2006
Redboots's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: On the border - NE FR
Posts: 865
Quote:
Originally Posted by tedmagnum
I'm looking for a hardy, alu poles , lightweight and small 1-2 man tent which is totally bug/mosquito proof and can withstand a good downpour.
Try Tarp Tents. If I had not just bought a VauDe, I would have gone for one of these.

http://www.tarptent.com/about.html

John
__________________
Nostradamus Ate My Hamster
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 14 Oct 2006
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Idaho, USA
Posts: 212
For my rtw trip last year I took a Eureka Backcountry 1 (a three season free standing dome design) and it served me well. Compact packed size was very important for my purposes and this tent is about as compact as they come, even with the rain fly. It was also rainproof (although I was never in a torrential downpour), well ventilated, and kept the bugs out well. It's very easily and quickly setup. It is quite small - some extra space beyond a sleeping bag but not a lot.

As already stated, Eureka tents don't don't have the reputation for being as high in quality as some, but this one was certainly adequate - no tears, no broken poles, etc. For barely over 100 USD, you can buy three or four of these for the price of some brands. I thought it was a bargain.

Mike
Idaho
www.rtwrider.net
__________________
Mike

Last edited by liketoride2; 18 Oct 2006 at 03:50.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 16 Oct 2006
Caminando's Avatar
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DogZone Country
Posts: 1,218
Smile Cheap and cheerful

[QUOTE=denis brown]Hi Ted

I suggest you dont spend much money and just pick up a cheapie tent at Millets as youre in the UK. Ive found they do the job well.

Or the Khyam range (the Eiger one is good) for fast erect tents. These also do the job for about £75. I find these so quick and easy to use, especially if the rain is hammering down.

These tents are designed for temperate climate such as Western Europe - if you're going to hot country then look for something which allows you maximum ventilation.

Don't overspend on a mountain tent ,for example - you'll be paying for qualities you dont need........................Dave Smiths point is good - get one with a bit of room....
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 19 Jan 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Tomahawk,Wisconsin
Posts: 223
Check out the Bibler Ahwanhee.

http://www.bdel.com/gear/ahwahnee.php

It is a mistake to put the Bibler tents in the same class as other tents because they are better in every way you can imagine. The Todd Tex fabric is unique, And it is tough.
These tents really are waterproof and breathable. Warm when closed , cool and well vented when open.
Wind is not a problem.

Black Diamond is employee owned and service is good. Warranty is strict, be prepared. Keep you zippers clean and lubed or it will cost you.

At the price, I plan to be buried in mine.
Bill
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Africa, All or Multiple City Thread RalEva Sleep and Eat, North Africa 3 17 Jan 2008 10:14
New tent from MSR Ekke Camping Equipment and all Clothing 3 22 Mar 2006 21:47

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 10:04.