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.

Originally Posted by MattCollins

Weight not an issue? The number of bikes that I see in these parts two up, loaded with everything and dragging the rear with topped forks makes me shudder. BMW riders are the worst but it is not an exclusive club. It is easy to get caught up in the 'it's only a little bit more' mentality especially when riding with a pillion to become an unwitting member of that club.

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.

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.

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

[Messie]

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

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

vango omega 250.

Light, easy to pitch, sturdy in wind, very good and waterproof, big porch for gear with groundsheet.

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

Originally Posted by embee

Last year I got myself a new tent, replacing a dome type with a tunnel type. Definitely go for a tunnel type preferably with a vestibule extension for the gear, so much more practical than the dome versions for biking use.

I nearly went for the Vango Nitro 200+ but then got a brilliant deal on a Hilleberg (oooh, quality, but at a price!).

There's even a website just for folks searching for tents, Findmeatent

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!

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by Lozzo

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

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

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

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

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.

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