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Which is the 'fastest' tent?
Hey out there!
I recently came back from a one-year rtw trip. I'm feeling like hitting the road again in a year or two, and I've got lots of Ideas for improving my travel gear. I used to live in a Salewa Greenland III tent (http://www.schnueriger.net/modules/C.../zeltklein.jpg) which I was quite happy with, regarding the quality and the enormous size. But it always takes about 15 to 20 minutes to break down the whole tent. As I want to sleep more in the tent next time, I don't want to spend a lot of time with building it up and dismantle it. It shouldn't be a one-man tent where you don't have any space, but it doesn't have to be too big. One thing that I think is necessary is an inner and outer part. I saw some people with a tent from Vaude which had a system where the inner and outer part was always together, so that you just had to slide-in the tent-poles. This looked very interesting to me, but I don't remember the name of that specific tent. What do you use and are you completely happy with it? How long does it take for you to build it up and how long to take it down? Gracias, merci, danke, spasiba and thanks. Marco http://www.schnueriger.net |
Try a Khyam One Touch tent. Inner & outer are connected & erected as one in a few minutes. They come in a variety of shapes & sizes. The onner & outer can be separated easily for cleaning etc. The poles are also permanently connected & sprung loaded.
Choose one with a front & rear entrance, this allows a breeze to blow through the tent. They pack down pretty well once you've done it a couple of times. |
I knew that system before, but in my opinion these khyam tents have too many movable parts which will break after intensive use...
Any other suggestions? Marco |
Northface Tadpole 23. Expensive, but...
in non-windy conditions doesn't require pegs, just put some gear in to weight it down. pitched inner only, or with the outer layer, takes a few minutes (less than 5). Easy to pick up when erected and move it around, great when you've pitched it on rocks by mistake. not big enough for two really, but great for one and bike gear. glow in the dark zippers are very useful too. it's very small and light too. |
Hi Marco,
you probably saw the Vaude Mark II or Mark III ? I bought the Mark III, which, although a little heavier, has the advantage of an easier access ("Querlieger" - I hope, someone will be able to translate this http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/wink.gif ). Regards Lars |
how about one of these?
THIS URL IS NO LONGER VALID but it was the quechuo 2-second tent described later in this thread. its not suitable for bikes really, it folds up into a disc a metre across, and its not light. ive used it on the bike for a weeks camping and you look like an AWACS plane! its not a bad tent as tents go but the pop-up bit is outweighed by its awkward shape. also in strong winds it gets blown flat because the pole design isnt very stiff. it would make a good tent for summer camping with the kids(and the car) but not for any sort of travelling. [This message has been edited by DAVSATO (edited 02 December 2005).] |
What about a Hilleberg Akto? Very light, four season, seperate inner & outer linked for quick pitching. Swedish made, rather expensive, very high quality.
Check it out: http://www.hilleberg.com Good luck, James |
try this one;
http://www.nativeartandwildlife.home...om/lavvu12.jpg just one pole en 5 pins. You can even make an (open) fire in it (fire-resistant) or store your bike in it. pakkage; 18 x 70 cm http://www.wolfcamper.nl/ A more expensive one can be found here; http://www.moskoselkatan.se/default.asp?goto=http://www.moskoselkatan.se/ standard.asp?TextNummer=2075 http://www.moskoselkatan.se/bilder/1a01408-35.jpg [This message has been edited by Freek (edited 07 May 2005).] |
See the Tent page in the Trip Planning / Equipment Section of the site (NOT the HUBB) for more ideas on "Choosing a tent".
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This is pretty unique:
http://www.hennessyhammock.com/ It's a tent/hammock idea. I wouldn't have one but if you're looking for speed, this could be it. |
Personally, i like my Bibler. Four poles from the inside, single layer of breathable waterproof fabric. Comes up and down real fast and gets you out of the storm before your set up http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif
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Re Hennessy hammock - what are you going to do in the desert with no trees in sight?
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Like Dougie B I've used a North Face Tadpole 23 round North Africa and South America:
Lightweight But well made and durable 5-7 minutes to put up and take down Spacious for 1 person, with reasonable head room that I can sit up in (and I'm 6ft 3 - not sure what that is in cm!) Easily movable when erected Can use without fly if necessary Recommended |
Wow, lots of people that are happy with their tents. Makes choosing not easier though... :-)
That Tadpole 23 looks quite interesting, but that's somehow the same system like I had as I understand it. If it's raining, you have to put a second tent over it? The Vaude tent I saw might be the Mark II, but I'm not sure if that one I saw had also a pole on the top... I have to find a shop which lets me build up and take down the tents! Thanks for your Input! Marco Schnüriger http://www.schnueriger.net |
I got a "footprint" for my tent (the factory made ground cover), and it has grommets to receive the pole ends. The tent poles do not slide into the tent, the attach with clip/hook things. As a result, I can pitch the rain-fly before I pitch the tent. I can pitch the fly by itself if I don't need to worry about bugs. If it is already raining, I can pitch the tent while sitting under the erected rain cover, just like the internal pole tents.
The internal pole tent can be simpler if you are buying a whole new tent, but buying a footprint for the tent I already had only cost $30. Matthew |
Sierra Designs makes a good selection of very durable lightweight well designed tents. I have the Comet which sleeps 3 comfortably and sets up in minutes. Its 3 aluminum poles, that attach to the tent fly with a rain fly that stretches over the outside. This tent is a little big for motorcycle use in my opinion, but they have several others that would work well. I also have been looking at the Northface Tadpole 23 mentioned by someone else. There is an Eastern Mountain Sports single person tent with carbon fiber poles that is very light which might be good as well....I have to see the inside first though. Vaude makes good stuff and they have some cool unique designs.
Seth S |
quechua 2 seconds (one of decathlon brands)
i just saw the ad on tv : you throw it in the air and it opens alone !!! 50 euros http://www.quechua.com/ |
The Quechua 2 Second tent looks pretty good. Minimal hassle, a good size and some well engineered design. The only thing I am not sure of is the weight. This tent is 3,4kgs.
How much weight should I be looking at allowing for camping gear, considering I have to pack it in my pannier with the rest of my life! *Checked out this tent this weekend and it's no good. It may be fast, but packed up it's massive!... and frisbee shaped (with a diameter of just under a meter http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/frown.gif very disappointing, unless you have a trailer! The Vaude Ultralight could be a much more preferrable option - and 50 pound cheaper at Blacks (in the UK) than at other camping stores! [This message has been edited by Shells (edited 26 May 2005).] [This message has been edited by Shells (edited 29 May 2005).] |
Hey Marco,
Just give it up and buy a Bibler Ahwahnee. One wall, 3 poles, 4 stakes. Designed in America. OK it's pricey but you Swiss have the cash. Mine went perfect all thru Patagonia after we parted company at El Chaten. The Euro makes it a bargain. Cough up the cash. Bro Bill. |
I used to have a tent like the "Quechua 2 Second tent"
Fast to put up, fast to take down, but it leaked and when the sun heated it up, it collapsed. (to much tension in the spring/pole) I did not like it and changed it for a dome. I guess things that are to good to be true, are to good to be true. I like the dome-tent,s that have the outer tent attached (with velcro) to the inner tent. This set,s up in a few minute,s (less then 5) and when you take down the tent in the rain, the inner tent does not get as wet. But it is important that you can seperate them. Nice when it,s really hot. (put up only the inner tent. Maarten ------------------ - www.maartensworld.com - |
i won the contest "fastest tent", i guess :-)
but i don t recommend it ! just answered for fun, just after seeing an ad on tv :-) like maarten, i think it s very heavy, so so quality, so so shape etc ... |
I too use the Bibler Ahwahnee, it is very easy to setup and since it is single wall, no rain fly needed.
It breathes very well for a single wall, mine is a single door but they have since come out with a 2 door version. Very expensive but as Bill mentioned worth the price. |
Hi all.
Have a look at this site www.outdoorsmagic.com It has reviews of kit that people have sent in,and links to most equiptment suppliers. ------------------ Just going for a short ride on my bike.... |
I am no good with tents so decided the first one I bought should be easy & simple to put up, light and huslefree.
I got a black diamond "firstflight" single wall, water repellent (not bad in the rain during the HU meet in uk), breathable, two poles, weights 3.4 lbs packs very small. its ridiculously easy to put up even at 11.00 at night after a long ride, i would recomended it. (not sure about the colour - yellow - should attract the local insect population but you can definitely find it in the night even after a few drinks) |
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Maybe this ? http://hikinghq.net/images/MVC-002F.JPG |
i have to say that hennessy hammocks are fantastic and i am using one in europe at the moment and yes you dont need trees ,that takes away the comfort factor back to mere tent status ,but you can sleep so comfortably for a full eight hours and wake very refreshed unlike in a tent ,i even stayed laying in mine for two whole days in norway while it pissed down rain in and was cosy as ,but i recommend getting the hex fly as you can fit all your gear under and out of the rain and it will go over your bike as well
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I can highly recommend the VAUDE Mark II. I've had the long version (usefull if you are over 6')for some years now and can only say:
Bomb proof, cleverly engineered, put-up/take-down in about 3 min - each! Loads of room, 2 porches, and the poles are on the outside, just hook them in! Use from 2 to 12 pegs - depending on weather. Best tent I ever had - and there have been a few. Groundsheet/footprint is a good idea with any modern tent with lightweight floor. Protects from nasty sticks and stones that make the floor leak. (Mark II floor is thin but superbly waterproof. I had to put it up in a bog once and no problems!) Draw back? Not excatly cheap! [This message has been edited by Atwoke (edited 03 November 2005).] |
Haven't tried one but just found out about tents from Nemo.
http://www.nemoequipment.com/products_tents.asp The Hypno looks like it would be good for moto camping. Light and supposedly easy to set up and take down. Pricey, but so are lots of the better ones. http://www.nemoequipment.com/products_tents_hypno.asp http://www.nemoequipment.com/p_photos/hypno_1.jpg |
I've used a Hellsport Borgefjell for 13 years now. think it's great small super light super fast tent.
only dissadvantage is that it's not free standing, that's why I'm considering a tapdole, and if room permits, a tarp to provide some outside shelter/compensate for the lack of a vestibule. |
I have the Tadpole 23. I like having the option of using just the tent (when no threat of rain, but for keeping bugs out) or just the rain fly (when rain may be a factor but a complete enclosure is not necessary or wanted). The Tadpole also packs smaller than most. Be sure to get something that has pole clips rather than sleeves for quick setup/takedown.
Mike |
I use the Coleman Cobra II.
Its a good shape, goes up in about 8-10 mins, has a seperate outer and iner, but, when i went backpacking up the lakes for a week i got sick of seperating them all the time so just left them as one unit. Pull them out of its wrapper, lay it on the ground, insert two poles and its up. The rest of the time is taken up by puttin in the 12 or so pegs, but unless its windy you wont need them. In fact in the New forest on my first night i found i had left my pegs at home so used sharpened sticks. They worked a treat. It sleeps 2 fairly comfortably, but with just 1 there is loads of room, enough to get my 80 litre backpack in with me. Its high enough to sit up in comfrtably and has pockets and stuff inside. I dont work for Coleman honestly but would recommend this tent all day long. Quite innexpensive too, only £50 delivered on ebay. Weighs in at 2.7kg if i remember rightly, but light enough to carry on my back for over a week. |
I bought a Euraka Zeus. It leaked the first time it rained and then 10 months later one of the poles snapped. I emailed and asked if I had a lemon or if all their tents where built that bad and they said to call.
I disappeared off the earth for a while and haven't called. Mostly I never think about it until it's after business hours. --Dave ------------------ Random attempts have been made at RTW on a '65 Ducati 250cc |
Hi madmarco
There's no getting away from Khyam tents - try the Eiger model. The moving parts are minimal - one knuckle joint on each pole. That's nothing. Your bike has scores of moving parts hasn't it? |
Has anybody had any experience with the Vaude Taurus Ultralight tent?
I've narrowed my choice down to the Vaude or the North Face Tadpole 23. They seem to be a similar price... Any suggestions welcome! I have a friend visiting the US, so if I decide quickly, I can get her to pick up the tent/sleeping bag/thermorest all at the same time! Cheers, Charles |
Try an MSR Hubba Hubba, 2.1kg easy and quick to put up and loads of room for 1 or a great 2 person tent with plenty of room in vestibules.
Cheers Grif |
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http://www.gear-zone.co.uk/eshop/Tents---Vaude.html Sleeps two if trekking, but just one if biking. It's very compact, lightweight, easy to erect. Only disadvantage is the relatively low height of entrance (90cm?) and the general difficulty in getting in/out of bike gear if it's wet outside. Tim [This message has been edited by Zmeagol (edited 08 March 2006).] |
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I had the Vaude Hogan which is the same design http://www.gear-zone.co.uk/eshop/Tents---Vaude.html Sleeps two if trekking, but just one if biking. It's very compact, lightweight, easy to erect. Only disadvantage is the relatively low height of entrance (90cm?) and the general difficulty in getting in/out of bike gear if it's wet outside. Tim [This message has been edited by Zmeagol (edited 08 March 2006).]</font><HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Put your stuff in a binbag and put it outside.. |
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/st...roductId=12223
This tent isn't light, but is very convenient. And it actually takes about 2 min to set. |
+1 on the hennesey hammock
A couple of other options are the bibler megamid http://www.bdel.com/gear/megamid.php or beta mid http://www.bdel.com/gear/betamid.php They also make a lighterweight version of these for a higher cost. |
I can also vouch for the North Face Tadpole - is quick to put up and down. Like mmwenzler says, it acts like a mozzie dome without the flysheet on. Downside is that it's not a warm tent in cold climates . . .
Cheers, Andrew |
Well,
I've got the tapdole now, and I thin it takes at least twice the time to set up as my hellsport. But then I saw the current prices of the Hellsport, which is on its turn twice the price of the tapdole. doesn't really matter I think. ;-) |
www.kyham.co.uk
Take a look at the Eiger, packs down to 750 x 19mm and is quick to set up, and roomy They don't only trade in UK. |
Marco Khyam meets all your criteria. Had a khyam highlander for over ten years with no problems [it's really faded but still doesn't leak], Now have the Khyam QE Micropac, 60 seconds to erect and 60 seconds to take down, it also fits in one of my panniers !!. The only down side is they are heavy 4.9kg, but why compromise on something you might be living in for a year in all temperature ranges.
P.S. I could have ALL my camp packed in less than ten minutes. P.P.S. I also threw the poles and cut the sides off never used them so made it a little bit lighter. P.P.P.S. Do you want my old one to road test ? you pay the postage, I'll post ? |
A mate has just ordered one from here
http://www.caravans-camping.co.uk/70...?p=7&cat=14582 I will let you know what happens. |
Is there anybody with a spare new VAUDE Hogan Ultralight?
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Nemo tents
I have used a Nemo Hypno EX airbeam-supported tent for the last six months, and love it. I'm 6'4", so I either sleep diagonally or stake the middle of one door out to create clearance. That's as close to a negative thing as I can say about it. I bought an Ahwahnee after coveting one for decades, spotted the Nemo a week later and ordered it, and have never used the Ahwahnee.
The Hypno EX is 84" x 53" x 36" tall, weighs 4lbs 2oz and stuffs to roughly the size of a volley ball with compression (8" x 9" per company lit). A hand pump comes with it, and a foot pump is available. Either way, you can have it inflated in a minute or so. To break camp, deflate in 5 seconds or so, stuff, and you're done. Fastest tent I ever had, and without poles to contend with, also the smallest bundle for that size tent. It is single walled, waterproof and breathable, and had no condensation inside on a rainy night at the HU meeting in North Carolina last weekend. You can vent low and high, crawl out through the bottom of the door without unzipping the upper zipper (if you're athletic?), and spend as long as you want extolling its virtues to interested parties. In fact, another rider bought mine last weekend (I had a new one plus a Morpho AR--the next size up--waiting for me at home. Gadgets will be the death of me!). The Hypno EX is not in the 2007 line-up (they say they intend to lengthen it for 2008, as requested), but would be worth looking for (discount camping gear companies, ebay, etc.). I haven't tried my new Morpho, yet, but expect equal results except that it won't pack quite as small (it's 112" x 64" x 42" tall. For comparison, the Ahwahnee is 90" x 53" x 45" tall and weighs 6lbs 11oz packed vs 5lbs 11oz for the Morpho.). |
The Khyam range is excellent for tents which erect in under a minute. Great in lashing wind and rain!
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Ive had my Khyam for 15 years no parts have brocken used it in Oz / US & Europe got a few rips now which are patched with gaffer tape so have just brought a new one . Hope this one lasts as well.
Kev |
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A New Question For This Thread?? - Tents to accomodate bunks...
Hiya
I've read the whole of this thread with great interest but it's not answered my initial questions I had.... My better half wants to travel with some kind of camp bed on her bike... don't ask why I've been trying to convince her otherwise.... So this would put her 8 inches of the ground.... but still about the same size as her thermarest..... I really like the Vaude Mark II having used them before and I can't take my ever trusty Terra-Nova Trisar as it won't fit in... She wants a tent with an END ROOM - for storing bike gear in... and big enough to get the camp bed in.... oh and me.... any suggestions... Tony. PS: She'd love to stand up in it too... if that's not too much to ask... |
Tony,
Such tents exist of course but you need a trailer to carry them; lots of families will be camping right now, all over Europe at least, in such contraptions complete with the kitchen sink! :rolleyes2: Good luck in your quest for the perfect tent. Naturally, they are not fast to put up, nor to take down, especially in high winds. |
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if you want a little bigger there is also the tadpole 33 (new model 34? i think).. for "3 people".. exactly the same but bigger floor/footprint |
Camp Beds
Hiya
Thanks for the advice - I've been working on trying to convince my better half that camp beds are not a good idea - not just for cold patches i.e. back - but also because they take up SO MUCH SPACE when trying to take them on a bike... I would prefer to take our 2 therma-rests and a good tent - then get a good night in a bed every few days when stopping in a B&B or a hostel on-route.... I'm looking for a tent that has 2 entrances, 2 porches with enough room to put 2 sets of biking gear and 2 set of panniers... I really like the look of the Vaude MARK II but it's porches aren't big enough..I really like the look of the Wild Country Monsoon.. has anyone had any dealings with this tent??? Terra Nova _ Tents, Sleeping Bags, Camping Accessories Can anyone suggest similarly alternatives? Many thanks, Tony. |
the hilleberg range of tents are worth looking at- as good as the top terra nova quasars- but pricey. Most are made for hikers/climbers were weight is an issue- a cheaper and consequently heavier tent is probally a better deal for your bike. (Also less chance of it been stolen and the inevitable greasy hands wonn't be a big deal)
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Khyam Sherpa 2
I've been using the Khyam Sherpa 2 both when travelling solo and with my partner and her bike.
Pros: It's roomy, both inside the sleeping area and in the vestibule. The vestibule easilly accomodated paniers and bike gear of two people with two bikes. The sleeping area accommodates two people and all their 'precious' stuff easily. Handled heavy rain (every day for 3 weeks!) and high winds. Cons: It's not quick to put up. When I stay put for a few days at a time I don't mind this but when your riding every day you want something real quick to pitch and pack. Like a lot of tents the slope at the feet end is a bit extreme...it's easy for your feet to push the inner and outer together and then your sleeping bag gets wet. I'm 180cm / 6' so this is only an issue for taller people. |
extra info
Have a look at Gelert.co.uk range of tents or Vango- good value and solid- a tunnel tent with a apex is probally your best configuration for space access and reasonable weight/pack size. prehaps what your better half really just wants is a sense of security and comfort. Try one of the above with a really thick air mattress or a thermarest and eva pad underneath to convince her a camp bed is needed. a set that couples together is probally the best combination of sharing warmth/comfort and packability. (ww.rayjardine.com has some excellent ideas on sleeping arrangements with his wife) A slightly heavier option is a dome with a large vestibule-pretty generic and can vary in quality as mostly used for car camping
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Airzone tents, no poles, just air.....
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