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Community => Muppets Threads! (And Anything Else) => Topic started by: RST Scout on February 14, 2017, 05:36:39 pm

Title: And yet more tents
Post by: RST Scout on February 14, 2017, 05:36:39 pm
 I've just unpacked my old tent to see if it can be reused. All the poles are fine and the fly is good. The only problem is that the waterproof tape sealing the seams is perished. Can it be resealed? Can't send it back to the maker because its an old Phoenix Phreeranger and Phoenix don't exist any more. I have seen a company online that makes new flysheets for the tent but there's nothing wrong with the fly other than the above. Also, the cost is so high I might as well buy a new tent. However, this tent is quite roomy and only weighs 1.75Kg. Very few (2 man) tents are this light these days.
Any ideas?

Janet
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: Danneaux on February 14, 2017, 05:49:36 pm
Quote
The only problem is that the waterproof tape sealing the seams is perished. Can it be resealed?
Yes! Surely!

McNett Seam-Grip is one option, but there are others. It is best to do the seam sealing oudoors, as the fumes are toxic. A good result can be had after just an hour or two of work.

Before going to the trouble, be sure to check for a musty smell and if the urethane coating on the floor and inside of the fly are sticky...those are signs of mldew and breakdown, so a manual seam-sealing may not be worth the effort. If your tent passes those tests, then it is well worth the time to seal it up again and the results are almost always good. I usually do the inside and outside to be certain of waterproofness.

True story:
Before my first long tour out-of-state in my early Uni years, I helped my friend seal the seams on his single-wall tent (no fly). We finished the lower section, leaving only the ridge unsealed when he lost interest and took the tent home "to do later". One night on-tour during a torrential thunderstorm, we discovered he had forgotten and we ended up testing the efficacy of our sealing when the bottom of the tent accumulated 5cm of rain water in a matter of minutes as the rain leaked in the top and was caught by the "bathtub" floor. I had to open the zippered door and pinch-lift the floor to drain the water...a largely pointless exercise because the rain just kept coming.

It was a long night made worse by the camp ranger driving through the area at 04:00 bellowing evacuation orders through a megaphone as Mt. St. Helens erupted. Exhausted by that time, I turned over and went back to sleep in my soggy sleeping bag. We were on an island during a holiday with severely limited ferry schedules. Nobody was going anywhere for most of that day. We ended up chartering a small aircraft that had its own share of problems, making for an eventful tour.

All the best,

Dan.
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: rualexander on February 14, 2017, 05:52:52 pm
Scottish Mountain Gear charge Ģ4 per metre to re-tape seams.
Give them a call to see what they say, https://www.scottishmountaingear.com/repair-service/tent-repairs
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: bobs on February 14, 2017, 06:51:30 pm
I've used them for something else and can  recommend them.

Bob
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: RST Scout on February 14, 2017, 11:26:59 pm
Quote
The only problem is that the waterproof tape sealing the seams is perished. Can it be resealed?
Yes! Surely!

Before going to the trouble, be sure to check for a musty smell and if the urethane coating on the floor and inside of the fly are sticky...those are signs of mldew and breakdown, so a manual seam-sealing may not be worth the effort. If your tent passes those tests, then it is well worth the time to seal it up again and the results are almost always good. I usually do the inside and outside to be certain of waterproofness.

All the best,

Dan.

Funny you should say that about a smell. It does smell 'orrible but I can't see any sign of mildew. Usually its like a white powder isn't it? Not sure about tackiness. I'll check further.

Janet
PS you do have 'exciting' tours, don't you ;D

Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: RST Scout on February 14, 2017, 11:28:29 pm
Also thanks, Rual and Bob.
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: John Saxby on February 15, 2017, 12:33:36 am
Janet, when I bought my new Tarptent a couple of summers ago, I had to seal the seams. (The maker advises customers about this wee chore.)

The sealant recommended by Tarptent is: clear silicone sealer, thinned 2 parts mineral spirits to 1 part silicone, mixed in a tuna tin (or similar), applied with a soft sponge brush.

This was no hassle on my tent: (i) pitch the tent; then (ii) apply the sealant, seal both the inside & outside of each seam, as Dan said, and (iii) let dry thoroughly.  Because my tent was new, I also put a couple of swathes of sealant on the inside floor of the tent, to reduce the tendency of mattress and/or sleeping bag to slide around.

Cheers, John
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: DAntrim on February 15, 2017, 06:55:03 pm
If it is only the inner which has gone, have you thought to just replace it instead of the whole tent ?

Carlos
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: RST Scout on February 17, 2017, 03:06:32 pm
Its not the inner that's gone, Carlos, it's the fly/outer. I think I'll try reproofing. If it doesn't work I'll just have to get a new one.

Janet
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: leftpoole on February 18, 2017, 10:55:54 am
I've just unpacked my old tent to see if it can be reused. All the poles are fine and the fly is good. The only problem is that the waterproof tape sealing the seams is perished. Can it be resealed? Can't send it back to the maker because its an old Phoenix Phreeranger and Phoenix don't exist any more. I have seen a company online that makes new flysheets for the tent but there's nothing wrong with the fly other than the above. Also, the cost is so high I might as well buy a new tent. However, this tent is quite roomy and only weighs 1.75Kg. Very few (2 man) tents are this light these days.
Any ideas?

Janet

Hello 'Classic tent' owner!
I use a Force Ten Nitro Lite which weighs 1.3 kg and is a two person tent. Large porch too.
http://www.pbase.com/leftpoole/nitrolite200
Regards,
John
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: RST Scout on February 18, 2017, 03:55:16 pm
Yes I've looked at those new ForceTen tents and I want one......................but the price! Guess I really need to save up :(
I've got a very old Force Ten tent hanging up in the garage. Bright orange, all cotton, weighs a ton 8) Definitely NOT one for the bike ;)

Janet
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: jags on February 18, 2017, 06:54:29 pm
Mad money .
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: bikerta on February 18, 2017, 08:51:01 pm
I have the Vango Spirit 200 which is the same as the nitro lite but made from heavier materials. Mine weighs around 2.1kg so significantly heavier. Would really like one of the nitro lites though as I have been very impressed with the vango spirit, but would like something  a little lighter without having to go to a 1 man tent.   
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: jags on February 18, 2017, 09:02:26 pm
And a hell of a lot more money.mind u janet 2kg aint bad I would settle for that.must check that tent out.I dont trust the.naturehike I bought but saying that I won't know until I try it out ;).
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: leftpoole on February 20, 2017, 10:02:16 am
I cannot help but smile at some comments regarding price of decent tents.
Cyclists spend thousands on bike related frames/parts/wheels but sniff at a low hundreds price for a proper tent. Pay out and enjoy camping, enjoy lighter weight.
Maybe I will bring up the price of a decent down filled sleeping bag or Thermarest sleep mat next? Oh and the variety of expensive stoves................
John
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: bobs on February 20, 2017, 02:29:07 pm
I have to agree good quality  camping  equipment is money well spent.
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: jags on February 20, 2017, 03:55:37 pm
But u can buy quality at a lot less than those rip off prices.if u have the money to spend theres plenty of manufacturers that will lighten your pocket no problem.
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: Danneaux on February 20, 2017, 04:04:24 pm
Quote
I have to agree good quality  camping  equipment is money well spent.
Agreed here as well.

In 1979, I spent the outrageous sum of USD$150 for my top quality Gore-Tex bivy tent. Adjusted for inflation, $150 then would be USD$501.73 now.

The tent lasted a full 30 years and gave great service throughout.

Best,

Dan.
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: bobs on February 20, 2017, 04:33:52 pm
Anto, I agree with you. It's a balance of good quality  and cost. Your Hilleberg Anto,  how much did it cost new and how much did you get when you  sold it. The average price for a second one in good condition is Ģ300.

Bob
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: Neil Jones on February 20, 2017, 05:03:51 pm
I thought it was called Hilleberg 'Akto' not 'Anto'  :).

Have to say I love my 'Akto', you generally get what you pay for in life and desirable makes will always fetch good secondhand prices.

Neil
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: bobs on February 20, 2017, 05:07:19 pm
No it's a unique Irish version :)
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: jags on February 20, 2017, 05:22:28 pm
Bob theres nothing wrong with the akto but it's not worth the price tag that for certain and i dont care if it last for 100 years ,if u look after your gear it will out last the owner.
in the camping world it's a bit of a status owning a hilleberg snobbery at its best. ;)
when i sold my sherps 1500euro all my camping gear was part of the deal everything went so i now built up another camping set up  im going to be using a cheap tent if it breaks i'll buy another Chinese take away  ;D ;D

akto oh i mean anto.
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: bobs on February 20, 2017, 05:42:20 pm
That could be your  new nickname Akto Anto  ;)
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: jags on February 20, 2017, 06:33:17 pm
That would be cat baloue bob ;D ;D
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: Pavel on February 23, 2017, 01:36:18 am
Bob theres nothing wrong with the akto but it's not worth the price tag that for certain and i dont care if it last for 100 years ,if u look after your gear it will out last the owner.
in the camping world it's a bit of a status owning a hilleberg snobbery at its best. ;)
when i sold my sherps 1500euro all my camping gear was part of the deal everything went so i now built up another camping set up  im going to be using a cheap tent if it breaks i'll buy another Chinese take away  ;D ;D

akto oh i mean anto.

If the Hillebergs are not "not worth it" to someone, then buying a Thorn must be a crime of insanity, by the same logic.  But on both counts I disagree, of course. The bike and the Tent both are the first two things that make the trip a pleasure or an awful experience.  I'll spend the money on those two things for sure, as well as a good sleeping bag. I want to enjoy my hard fought for relaxation time - not maximize my misery and chance of failure. Riding a Thorn and making do with a cheap tent is like buying a Ferrari and then putting $45 dollar no-name Walmart tires on it. So close, yet so far.  It's a lot like buying a made in china, discount parachute.

come to think ... my rear wheel alone costs more than about three Hilleberg tents. And at the same time I can buy what looks like a great bicycle at the local Walmart for under 150 bucks. I must be a nut to have bought a Thorn. :D

No, I don't mind a fair price for top of the line shelter, especially when it can make or break a trip. On the other hand - don't get me started on the high prices of Beer; another make it or break it necessity! :D
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: Neil Jones on February 23, 2017, 11:08:11 am
Pavel, I totally agree with you on all counts including beer prices.

I bought my Akto about 10 years ago for Ģ320, I've probably spent about 100 nights in it which works out at Ģ3.20 per night. I expect it to last another 20 years with good care. I know friends who have bought cheap tents and been so frustrated with them that it's ruined their camping trip and they bin the tent and get another cheap one only to do the same again. Also Hilleberg's after sales service is second to none.

Regards,
Neil

Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: John Saxby on February 23, 2017, 12:27:40 pm
Tents discussion, eh?

It's funny stuff: there are so many bits of folk wisdom echoing about the atmosphere.  The most pointed one, it seems to me, is "Buy quality, or repent at leisure."  (What "quality" is, can be debated, for sure. Rubbish -- that seems readily evident, esp after a cold/wet/windy night in an inadequate tent.)  It's not always the case, however, that "You get what you pay for."  There are a few too many examples around of expensive mistakes, products with prices & reputations which exceed their performance.

I follow the "tents" discussions on crazyguy, as well as on some hiking forums, and it seems that a pretty good rough-and-ready guide has emerged:  "Cheap, light, durable: choose any two." 
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: Javier on February 24, 2017, 10:48:31 am
Tabby Cat,

1. I would suggest you test the tent under rain or a sprinkler. Some tents are not sealed and perform flawless under rain (thought they are expensive tents).

2. If the seams leak, remove the tape and seal them yourself very cheaply. You can do this using a mixture of silicone and solvent thinner (1:1 weight ratio) and a brush, it sticks to any nylon or silinylon fabric, including your hands, gloves, parts of the tent that you do not want to seal, anything you touch...

3. Once it is dry covered the seams with talcum powder, so it will be less sticky and shiny, after some use will be ok.

Happy mess

Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: RST Scout on February 24, 2017, 11:46:19 pm
Thanks. I'll give it a go - I rather like this tent and I can't find another similar.

Janet
PS. I've just found a tiny wee hole that I sealed with a plaster (bandaid)  :o ::)  ::)  Must have happened years ago but still working.
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: jags on February 25, 2017, 12:03:42 am
only joking lads if i had the dosh (i Dont ) i'd buy in a heartbeat hilleberg nallo gt2 super tent.jury still out tho on that rohloff  ;D


anto.
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: Javier on February 25, 2017, 10:04:23 am
In defense of Hilleberg tents:
I bought my first Akto 21 years ago and used it hundreds of times, I always looked after it properly, it never let me down in a variety of environments and very tough weather conditions, a superb tent. I sold it when it was 17 years old and I still got Ģ120. Then I bought another tent, you can guess which one, another Akto, this time second hand in mint condition, which it might last for another 17 years. I have three Hilleberg tents (Akto,  Nammatj 3GT, Nallo 2), by far the Akto is the one I use most, as I travel on my own most of the times.
A friend of mine uses cheap tents and they perform ok, but in 8 years he has gone through 3 tents, but he does not look after them, so for him a cheap tent might be the right way to go. Nowadays cheap tents are good enough for light/medium camping, are light and the fabrics and materials are pretty good, but if you are going to face serious conditions a good tent is worth the money. They are expensive, true, but top quality fabrics are expensive anyway. I tried to make my own tent but by the time you buy the materials it is not worth the effort and the quality of the final product.


 
   
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: John Saxby on February 25, 2017, 10:10:20 am
Quote
if you are face serious conditions a good tent is worth the money.

Yep, and more than that: inadequate gear in serious conditions can be not just uncomfortable, but downright dangerous.  It's not just a matter of "repent at leisure", it's the ultimate false economy.
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: Javier on February 25, 2017, 05:18:10 pm
The only problem I find with the modern outdoor gear (tents, sleeping bags, some jackets) is that they are not cinder proof. This is OK for >95% of users but for serious bushcraft this is an issue, as dealing with fire and staying in its proximity it is a most to keep you warm and well fed in winter conditions. I would not like to pitch my tent close to the fire (as you can see in many silly advertisements of gear and tents) or being by the fire wrapped in a modern sleeping bag. Sure you can get "cinder proof" gear but at a price, extra volume and weight. Anyway, not a big issue to me, as nowadays making fire is prohibited in most places, a hazard for flora and fauna, and I like to keep a low profile when camping, there is no a better thing to advertise your presence than making fire... (so if it is not a big issue to me then why I said "it is a problem of the modern outdoor gear"?!  :) ... just a thought
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: Bill C on February 25, 2017, 05:50:15 pm
Golite Hex/Shangri la for me not perfect but very versatile
can't buy them new anymore but you can get pretty highly spoken of copies at backpackinglight uk and not that expensive
i can get my bike in mine at night and still have room for a single inner, i sleep MUCH better knowing where my bike is  ;D
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: mickeg on February 26, 2017, 12:01:03 am
Agree with the recommendation for Seam Grip for seam sealing.  I had some tape fall off some goretex rain pants a year or two ago, I did not bother with trying to keep the tape.  Instead I just put on a good coat of seam grip.

I have found that Seam Grip, if stored in a glass jar with tight fitting lid in the freezer will last a lot longer after the tube has been opened.  I usually only got a few months of lifespan out of tube once opened.  But the freezer method seems to make it last a lot longer.

I just finished a trip with my new Big Agnes tent.  Worked great.  Got it on clearance for less than half of new retail price.
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: Pavel on April 08, 2017, 03:21:47 am
John Saxby ... which Tarptent do you have? I've got the Cloudburst 3 and love everything about it, especially the setup, except for the silver color and how sticky the material is when you push the poles through.  The silver glows in moonlight, not a good thing when stealth camping - I'd quickly buy a second one if they made it in dark green.  Meanwhile. I dream of several hillebergs'.  I'd spring for one finally, if it were not for the fact that I've found sleep nirvana in the form of my "simply light" hammock. At this point I carry both the Cloudburst and the Hammock. The tent is for when there may not be any trees, and the Hammock for when I want to sleep like a baby. :)
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: John Saxby on April 17, 2017, 08:46:35 pm
Thanks, Pavel.  Sorry to be a bit slow in answering -- I missed your Apr 8 post 'cos I was recovering from a long and tiring flight from Down Unda.

My Tarptent is a one-person Moment DW [ https://www.tarptent.com/momentdw.html (https://www.tarptent.com/momentdw.html) ]

For its size/weight/packed volume, it's the best tent I've owned, and the price is reasonable. The ventilation is very good -- two large sealable vents at each end of the tent, two small ditto in the fly near the hoop. and two vestibules, with covers that can be partly or completely open.

In its "standard" format, it's not free-standing. I purchased the extra nose-to-tail alu crossing pole, which converts the tent to free-standing. On my trip in the western mountains last summer, I found this very useful, since many of my campsites were hardpacked earth and/or gravel.

The tent is a grey-green colour -- OK for stealth camping, I should think.

Hope that's helpful, Pavel.  (I seem to recall a comment from a reader in another thread that they wanted a fully free-standing tent -- was it you, perhaps?)

Cheers,  John

Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: Bizarro on April 18, 2017, 08:01:08 pm
Just order a new tent two days ago.

I only camp on summer and my longest tours last 6/7 nights so almost any tent will do the work.

I had some requirements for the new tent, it had do be self standing, i need to be able to sit on the inside, light and a two person tent.

Bought a Naturhike tent. I found some good reviews on Youtube about this brand and according to the description it looks a good option. Letīs see how it works.

(http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/7skAAOSw7aBVJzk-/s-l300.jpg)

A couple of days ago, i found a thing called Improved bednet system  8)
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: Danneaux on April 18, 2017, 08:54:16 pm
Quote
A couple of days ago, i found a thing called Improved bednet system
This one?
https://www.amazon.com/Catoma-Adventure-Shelters-Improved-BedNet/dp/B0081CA7QG

Best,

Dan.
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: Bizarro on April 18, 2017, 09:20:39 pm
Quote
A couple of days ago, i found a thing called Improved bednet system
This one?
https://www.amazon.com/Catoma-Adventure-Shelters-Improved-BedNet/dp/B0081CA7QG

Best,

Dan.

Yes, itīs a bit bulky but itīs a self standing tent and is ready in seconds.

There is a fly as an option, but then it starts to be really bulky

 
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: RST Scout on April 21, 2017, 12:07:21 am
I've recently seen a new version of the MSR HubbaHubba - the Hubba Tour 2 specially for bike touring.  What do you think of it?



Janet
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: jags on April 21, 2017, 09:50:58 am
guy i know has the hubba hubba  used it on his tour across the usa , he reckoned it was a very good tent  its expensive though not much different than the new one  i reckon.
the tarp tent scarp 2 looks a great tent but sure you never know a good one until you try it first hand.i made that blunder with the akto :'( :'(

anto
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: StuntPilot on April 21, 2017, 09:58:40 am
Janet - I have the Hubba Hubba NX and used it on the last 3 month tour. I think it is one of the best single person touring tent (The Mutha Hubba 3 person tent would be ideal for a couple).

The Hubba Hubba tents appealed as it can be set up free standing without pegs which was one of my requirements. For example it can be set up on a floor of a room as a mosquito net when required, or on hard ground. The Hubba Tour 2 can also be used inner only.

On the this last tour I also took the Gear Shed and only used it about ten out of sixty or so nights. The Gear Shed is great while waiting out a spell of bad weather. More spacious and homely!

The Hubba Tour 2 appears to be a exactly like the Hubba Hubba with the Gear Shed always attached. For this reason I would stick to the Hubba Hubba and Gear Shed combination for more flexibility.

MSR are based in Seattle Washington which seems to be quite a wet climate so may be better suited if you were always touring in cooler or wetter conditions.
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: Bizarro on April 21, 2017, 10:15:34 am
I've recently seen a new version of the MSR HubbaHubba - the Hubba Tour 2 specially for bike touring.  What do you think of it?

Janet

It's quite nice, because you have a garage for the bicycle and it looks quite roomy. The fact that the inner tent and the rain fly are built together it's a plus for me.

On the other hand it's heavy (2.7 kG) and with a large footprint, so depending where you are camping it can be a problem.

I prefer to carry a small tarp with me to cover the bicycle if needed.
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: StuntPilot on April 21, 2017, 10:37:18 am
Agreed Bizarro, its a nice looking tent. I also carry a Bike Parka bike cover and never put the bike into the vestibule/gear shed.

The Hubba Hubba NX I have is 1.72kg and the latest version is 1.54kg. The Gear Shed weighs 0.822kg.

Some other useful specs ...

Hubba Tour 2 is 2.97 (tent floor area) + 2.32 sq m (vestibule)
Hubba Hubba NX is 2.70 sq m (tent floor area) + 1.62 (vestibule)
Gear Shed is 2.5 sq m (floor and vestibule). Of course you loose one of the tent vestibule areas with the gear shed attached (0.81 sq m)
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: John Saxby on April 21, 2017, 01:58:21 pm
I've had one of the older Hubba Hubba's for about 8 years now. It's been a good tent for 2 for its size & weight, and was a good price.

Condensation is the biggest problem I've had with it. The fly wasn't vented--later models have vents in the fly--and although all tents I've used are subject to condensation, the Hubba Hubba was worse than most. My Tarptent DW Moment, for example, has much better ventilation betw the fly & the inner.

I'm also with Bizarro on using a separate tarp as an exterior shelter. My Raven makes an excellent prop for the tarp.
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: RST Scout on April 21, 2017, 10:19:02 pm
I've liked the look of the Hubba Hubba since I saw one at my local Cotswold Outdoors. The new one goes up fly first but the original goes up inner first, doesn't it? Not so good if its chucking it down.

Janet
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: Pavel on April 21, 2017, 11:59:54 pm
the Hubba Hubba is a decent tent. Sort of like owning a Surly Long Haul Trucker.
The hilleberg tents ... sort of like owning a Thorn.  ;)

They say, "life is short". Live it comfortably and safely - with the very best, I suggest. Why is my financial advisor (the wife) laughing at me like that, as I write that, I wonder?
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: John Saxby on April 22, 2017, 05:18:37 pm
Quote
The new one goes up fly first but the original goes up inner first, doesn't it? Not so good if its chucking it down.

That's one of the problems with my earlier-generation Hubba Hubba, Janet, and MSR did well to fix that. (Hilleberg and Tarptent products, and maybe others too, let you pitch the tent in the rain with less chance of the inner getting soaked.)

OTOH, I've never had that problem with my Hubba Hubba.  Main reason is that I live in a place where I rarely if ever have had to pitch my tent in the wet, whether hiking, canoeing, or cycling.  (Our rains tend to be concentrated in early spring and the autumn, and softie that I am, I avoid cold wet weather.) The couple of times I've pitched camp when it has been raining, I've rigged the tarp first, pitched the tent inner under that, then the fly; and then readjusted the tarp to give me a dry cooking/unpacking/relaxing spot.
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: RST Scout on April 23, 2017, 06:53:26 pm
Quote
The new one goes up fly first but the original goes up inner first, doesn't it? Not so good if its chucking it down.

That's one of the problems with my earlier-generation Hubba Hubba, Janet, and MSR did well to fix that. (Hilleberg and Tarptent products, and maybe others too, let you pitch the tent in the rain with less chance of the inner getting soaked.)

OTOH, I've never had that problem with my Hubba Hubba.  Main reason is that I live in a place where I rarely if ever have had to pitch my tent in the wet, whether hiking, canoeing, or cycling.  (Our rains tend to be concentrated in early spring and the autumn, and softie that I am, I avoid cold wet weather.) The couple of times I've pitched camp when it has been raining, I've rigged the tarp first, pitched the tent inner under that, then the fly; and then readjusted the tarp to give me a dry cooking/unpacking/relaxing spot.


I don't blame you giving cold wet weather a miss but if you live (and/or holiday) in these isles you have to expect it.  ;) :(
The more I see the tent, the more I like it. One thing that really confuses me though is that I can't find it on MSR's web site (or is it just me?) altho Cotswold Outdoors is selling it.


Janet
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: John Saxby on April 23, 2017, 11:54:17 pm
Thanks, Janet.  Here you go:  https://www.msrgear.com/ (https://www.msrgear.com/)

Lotsa good gear there. In past years, I was a walking/paddling advert for MSR--stoves, tents, mattresses. Some of their stuff, I've owned for 35 years--still have a stove and a couple of Therma-rests from the early 1980s, and occasionally use them.

Quote
if you live (and/or holiday) in these isles you have to expect it.

So true... Reckon I'll aim for May, next time I come cycling in the Old Country  :-)
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: leftpoole on April 24, 2017, 09:55:45 am



I don't blame you giving cold wet weather a miss but if you live (and/or holiday) in these isles you have to expect it.  ;) :(
The more I see the tent, the more I like it. One thing that really confuses me though is that I can't find it on MSR's web site (or is it just me?) altho Cotswold Outdoors is selling it.


Janet
[/quote]

Cotswold and Snow and Rock (same people) do stock certain things which the manufacturers sell nowhere else. At present a TerraHogan Vaude tent for example is on sale for Ģ230 supposedly reduced from Ģ290 but only available in Cotswold.
Maybe it had the tent you were looking for, on the same type of deal?
John
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: StuntPilot on April 25, 2017, 09:58:19 am
The Terra Hogan Vaude looks a good tent and at a good price.

Another reason I recommend the Hubba Hubba NX was the fact that it has two doors. I have found this feature invaluable on tour.
Several times in windy and/or wet overnight camps the direction of the weather can change, especially during a thunder storm. This allows you to open the best side of the tent for improved weather protection.

Yes, the downside of the Hubba Hubba NX is that the inner goes up first (unlike the Tour 2) though it is just possible to put the outer up first then the inner with a bit of fiddling around. Never tried it though. A small micro-towel is useful if the tent has to be put up in the rain. Also useful for coffee spills (already tested!).

Whichever tent you end up with Janet I would get the matching footprint to go under the ground sheet. Relatively expensive though or you can make your own.
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: Matt2matt2002 on April 25, 2017, 04:01:53 pm
I'd second a ground sheet for the tent.
I cut one from thick plastic.
If your tent has a porch cut that section to be included in the rectangle.
Mark the corners one side so you can lay it the same way up every time.

Am i the only one who thinks this thread is intense?
😉
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: martinf on April 25, 2017, 06:02:31 pm
I no longer have the opportunity to do much camping, but use thin closed-cell EVA foam sheet as footprints for my tents (3mm Karrimat from the early 1980's). This was available in a large enough width to cut a single piece to go under the tent, which could be folded and then rolled to make a fairly bulky but very light package for transport across the rack over my rear panniers. Very resistant to tears or punctures, and added some useful thermal insulation for winter camping.

When I was younger, I didn't bother with any other "mattress", later on I added a normal-thickness foam sleeping pad (yellow Karrimat).

Thin closed-cell EVA foam sheet seems difficult to source nowadays.
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: John Saxby on April 25, 2017, 07:01:55 pm
Quote
Am i the only one who thinks this thread is intense?

Ummm, how to say this?--I thought it, Matt, but (just barely) held myself back from saying it...

D'you think they've got us pegged?
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: jags on April 25, 2017, 07:31:51 pm
I have decided to take my better mountain hardware on this tour of ireland im doing in may.I have the tent in a much smaller drybag so pavks much smaller.my niece will make me anew bag for the poles which are quiet heavy but quality.ill put them under the top tube.should work fine I reckon.

I tried the set up today except for the barbag man its very light up front.but hopefully with the poles under the toptube and barbag loaded up the bike will feel more balanced..

Yeah the naturehike tent is a good tent but warmer dryer weather best. Suited im t hinking.

Anto.
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: Bizarro on April 25, 2017, 11:09:28 pm
.. and what is your preference.. side doors vs doors on top/feet?

I always use the top doors and never tried a tent with side doors.
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: jags on April 25, 2017, 11:48:57 pm
Side door for me.
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: David Simpson on April 26, 2017, 01:01:20 am
I prefer side doors.

If the door is at one end, then you need to decide whether to put your feet or your head at the door. I like my head at the door, so I can peek out. But if my head is at the door, then whenever I am entering or exiting the tent, I am crawling over the head of the bed.

With a side door, it is easier to sit up and "pivot" out on your rear.

I haven't tried a tent with doors at each end (top and bottom).

- DaveS
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: Danneaux on April 26, 2017, 01:29:33 am
Side door for me, too.

For more than 30 years, I used a Gore-Tex bivy-tent with an end entry. It was 24in/61cm tall in front, 19in/48cm in the middle, and ended in a sock.

With such a low entry, the only way in and out was by rowing on my elbows and heels...notsofun when it was raining and muddy. I addressed that problem in part by making the footprint extra long and rolling it up by the door so I could at least avoid the mud. Still got wet. However, I usually only use a tent for sleeping, spending the rest of my time outside or riding. This one went up in one piece and kept me dry once inside and withstood as much as 4in of unexpected snow one night and wind gusts up to 7-mph/113kmh. Despite its shortcomings -- which I knew when I bought it -- it was a terrific tent for me.

The newer tent is better in some ways.

I can actually sit upright at the hips in my newer 1-man tent. I can change clothes easily inside. The full-length side entry on my current tent is a dream for me. However, it is on the left and many of my older sleeping bags have a zipper on the right and now the tent door is on the left, so when I use those together, I squash the fill out of the bags when entering and exiting. All is well with the left-zip bags. They'll probably go the other way soon. The zipper pulls on all my recent jackets and full-zip jerseys purchased in the last 4 years have changed sides as well.

Side-entry is my favorite feature on the newer tent and one I would really hate to give up.

Best,

Dan.
Title: Re: And yet more tents
Post by: John Saxby on April 26, 2017, 05:38:35 pm
Side entry for me, too.  My Tarptent DW Moment has two side doors and two vestibules, and plenty of headroom -- lots of space for me & my gear.