Tent for bike trips
 

would somthing like this be good for 2 people? I know that weight isnt as important on motorbike trips.

http://www.tents-direct.co.uk/show_t...productid=1087

I need somthing for the AR and possibly trips to Europe over the summer and dont want to spend too much, but dont want to buy some crap that wont hold up if the wind blows or if it rains.

thanks

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

I have never had a problem with a Vango tent lasting the distance - so I always go for them.

You dont say how many people you need to fit - but you can get Vango tents as cheap as the one you liinked to.

2 Man - Small and light (when packed) - the one I would choose.

http://www.outdoormegastore.co.uk/ac...ight_Tent.html

2 Man - Smallish and light-ish -cheap

http://www.outdoormegastore.co.uk/ac...Dome_Tent.html

3 Man - Bigger and heavier when packed

http://www.outdoormegastore.co.uk/ac...Dome_Tent.html

Do a seach on here on tents - I have posted tons on this subject..... :)

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

cheers :)

and sorry I should know to use the search :)

it would be for 2 people. Ive been looking and the 2 man tents look cramped, is that the case for theones youve linked? would a 3 man be better for a weeks camping with 2 people and bike gear?

cheers

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

Black tents ain't bad too (I think, infact I may have just bought it from blacks lol - definitely isn't a vango though) Cost me a round £50 5 years ago, still good.

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

I just noticed the fact you DID say 2 people.......

You could do 2 people in a 2 man tent, but would be a little less cosy in a 3 man - also slightly better if you end up getting rained on.

Both the domes I linked to have reasonably sized porches for wet kit.

The big question is whether an extra 2ft width in the tent is worth spending £10 on - if you are not that worried about size and weight when packed I would say it is...

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

Yes. I would even edge on the side of a large 3 man, or even a small 4 man if you're both going to have bike kit.

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

I bought a 2 man tent from Lidl for 9.99 and still have it 2 years on, having travelled round Europe and plenty of festivals. its not great but it weighs f' all and I don't care if someone trashes it.

EDIT - Oh, but with 2 people definatly go for a 3 man at least, a 2 man will be very very cramped with gear.

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

cheers guys.

so, is the larger tent you linked, weighing 3.6kg heavy? I know how much it is, but in terms of getting it on a bike comfortably. also, where would you put it on a bike? 60cm is probably too big to fit in paniers?

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

Bungee strap it you won't notice. There's a pic of YC's bike equipt for travelling somewhere, will put it in perspective.

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

Tents/camp beds/folding chairs etc. usually go best horizontally across the back of the bike. Ideally over the top of the panniers. With a pillion, this usually isn't possible. In terms of fitting it in panniers etc, don't forget you can pack the different parts of the tent seperately. You may find you just need to have the poles over the top of the panniers (in which case they may well fit behind a pillion, between them and the grab rail). Another possible place for poles is inside the "hole" of the rolled up tube a carry mat makes. The rest: pegs, inner, groundsheet(s) and flysheet should all fit in panniers, no trouble. Depends how well you know your pillion, but consider a double sleeping bag to save a bit more space. ;)

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

thanks for the tips ceri :)

the pillion is the mrs so it should be ok with a double sleeping bag :)

the larger tent looks good and cheep at £40, anyone else know of other makes around the same price for the size?

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

You wont find a better make at any price (in my opinion).

I have also used that site a few times.

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

Definitely with SK on the vango front, we have a Vango Omega 250 and it's just what we needed. Nice sized sleeping area for the two of us and a huge porch for storing gear. Packs up on the bike well enough, we've used it a few times :-)

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

With Mrs yes, with others;

:shock:
:puker:
:pukel:
:-k
[-(

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

Or get each of you one of these

http://www.snugpak.com/photos/travel...red_normal.gif

Packs down to 14cmx12cm, weighs 0.7kg, good for temps above 7degs, ok down to 2degs.

I also have one of those :)

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

We have two cheap sleeping bags which zip together to make a double sleeping bag, does the trick!

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

Another one here for Vango, thinking about getting the Banshee 200 for myself.

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

Get a renntec rack and strap the tent / sleeping bags on that behind pillion.

I got a 2 man tent for £10 from Millets on a buy two get one half price day. Seems fine, light as hell, easy to put up and packs quite small. Think they did a 3 man version for a bit more money.

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

I still own a Vango Force 10 bought for rallying over 20years ago. Unfortunately it is the old heavy cotton type, but was well made and dead esy to put up. Usuful in the dark! It's still got loads of life left in it too, as it was made that well. Original designed as the tent they used at Everest base camp.

So Vango gets the :thumbsup:

Tents are one of those thing that do get better the more you spend generally.

Although I did see one on sale in Argos for £30 that looked ok. Plus another at Tesco for £20. Depends on how long you expect it to last & how much you're going to use it.

I bought cheap and cheerful tents for summer rallies, but the Vango was made for all year round use.

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

I remember those days :smt022

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

that is a very full looking bike!! :)

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

Nope quite normal for camping two up. Most of it is female extras required for camping trips.

Shoes, make up, sink, bath , etc;)

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

Oi, I'll have you know I pack just as much as 'im on camping trips, his stuuff weighs more cos he usually takes a few tools anyway :smt033

Handles like a dream that bike when kitted up :lol:

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

I find the bike handles better 2 up anyway, well, it feels alot more planted. I need to get that GSXR1000 shock on it soon.

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

Like a superdream more like!

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

Buy one that fits in your ruck-sac.
If it's too big... buy a bigger bag! :p

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

Tents are easy to pack on bike, buy one big enough to be comfortable with kit + you inside.

Vango we have is nice because the porch is same size as inside part with good groundsheet, so lots of dry room for kit.

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

I'm glad you read through my sarcasm :-P

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

those tools are essential as any man will tell you :-P

Can you fix a puncture with hair straightners :bom:

I'd better go now :smt003

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

You'd actually carry a tent on your back for a long journey? Madness...

And maviczap, FYI I straighten my hair once in a blue moon, it's usually a nice unkempt mop, or at least turns into one when I'm on the bike anyway :D

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

Well 'I' wouldn't... but we're going down to Glastonbury on the motorbike, and the other half thought it'd be a good idea to get a bag big enough to fit our tent in, so we've got one!

Will find out how practical it is using it at the end of the month :p lol

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

Another +1 for the Vango tents - just replaced my Alpha 200 (I broke a pole) with an Alpha 300 so I had extra room for kit. The 300 survived the last week in Denmark with me, although I didn't have room on the triumph I borrowed for all my kit (stupid thing doesn't have many bungee points).

As a guideline, 60cm is roughly the same width as an unexpanded set of panniers.

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

Ah just like my eldest daughters hair, looking like she'd just walked through a hedge backwards :p

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

+1 for vango and I would deffo recommend getting a 3 man tent minimum for 2 people. Otherwise it is way too cramped when you have sleeping bags, bike kit and when you're trying to change your clothes. If its raining then ugh, even worse because there isnt really anywhere to put wet clothes/boots etc.

Deffo go for the bigger one and bungee strap it on. Or..get a topbox :cool:

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

I cant have my hair out/loose when im on the back of the bike. I HAVE to plait it otherwise it gets terribly tangled up and is a nightmare to brush out (not to mention painful). Most ladies I see just leave their hair to blow in the wind

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

+1. With a double bag do not get a fancy 4 seasons one or your missus will be waking you up to complain about you sweating on her. ;)

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

Well I think ours are just one season lol, I tend to rely on YC for heat, he's like a portable radiator :D

Ours is a 2-man but because it has a separate porch bit with a groundsheet which is just as big as the sleeping area, we have plenty of room for kit.

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

Bought this at the weekend:

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/hi-gear-...m_campaign=mwc

recon its big enough for 2 and a puppy? Oh and the bike ;)....
Tent including a garage anyone?

Re: Tent for bike trips
 

Just bought two of these for going to the farmyard with my dad.

http://www.lichfield-outdoor.co.uk/products/tentsinfo.aspx?productid=253&modelid=160

Went for the 3 man as it was cheaper than the two lol...glad i did when i see it set up as it probs just perfect for one and all the gear.

Plus for the sake of 0.8kg and 40mm packed size difference its worth it. Just hope it does the job...seems good for the money.