Re: tent advice
 

We have a Vaude Hogan. Not that much room for gear, the Hogan XT would be better for getting your gear in, but did manage to sleep 2 adults and a 3 year old in it last weekend. :)

Depends on how much you want to spend though really -

Well worth a trip to a camping shop that have them on display, such as gooutdoors. Generally find Blacks and Millets overpriced. Probably a good idea to pick your tent then buy online.

Design, comfort and suitability a paramount over pitch time (i.e. 3 second pop up tents), and most small tents are very quick to put up anyway. If you're going 'cheap' at least make sure you get one that's double skinned.

Re: tent advice
 

Nope. Did 3000 miles with that tent, pillion and luggage on the back no problemo. Just boshed 2 sleeping bags, groundsheet and tent in a waterproof ortileb bag and put it on the rack. I didn't even need to expand the pannier bags to their full capacity.

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...g?t=1275137316

Re: tent advice
 

G2D, My post was more for YC. I was tempted to ask for a pic of it all packed up. Didn't, but glad you posted anyway. All of that gear on the ground looked scarey, but packed up looks pretty good for two people. You're obviously wearing a fair portion of it.

Re: tent advice
 

I think my 2 man tent is called a Gelert. weather check thingy. Cost £17 new. Go Outdoors do one similar by Hi gear for £14. Used mine in summer and cold wet spring and it held up fine. Packs down small and has enough space for all your gear when up. Cheap and cheerful!!
www.autoplusuk.com

Re: tent advice
 

Mmm I find that with increasing age, achiness of back and improving bank balance, the first choice is travelodge.co.uk

Re: tent advice
 

I have the Vango Gamma 250 which I've had a few years and it really is good.

Re: tent advice
 

Tunnel tents are good. I have a £40 one from Millets, and it was very good on a good tour of Scotland last year. It is narrow, which is a plus on the bike, but also the lower roof keeps you a bit warmer. I have a 2-man, which is good for the bike, as my gear can go inside with me rather than in the porch, but if it is going to be properly cold, don't have any bigger a tent than is vital to sleep in. Your body is the only heater! Get a good sleep-mat (maybe a self-inflating one, they are lush) and sleeping bag. Whisky is also good for camping!

Re: tent advice
 

I think that might be same tent just with door at front rather than sides

Re: tent advice
 

I think you're right, going by pictures of them. I have one side door and a front door as well, as opposed to your two side doors. Good tent that's seen action all over Europe with me.

Re: tent advice
 

Whatever tent anyone buys, try to get one with a porch area as they are dead useful for stashing your luggage and for brewing up in when it's wet outside. Another plus point is the inside of the tent doesn't get wet if it's raining heavily outside and you're climbing in, you can take off muddy shoes or boots in the porch and leave them outside but under cover too. Vango's are particularly good in this respect