Walking Forum
Main Boards => Gear => Topic started by: brendan on 13:08:35, 27/02/20
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Hi,
I'm about to embark at the perfect act of 69 on some wild camping, but I live on a basic pension and am looking for a good four season (I'm very optimistic!) tent. I'm looking at the Vango Banshee Pro Max (I'm over 6'1") for £109 at Amazon. Has anyone any advice about this? Any alternatives in that price range?
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This might be worth taking a gamble and making a cheeky offer to try and save a bit of cash? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vango-Banshee-Pro-200-Max-2-Person-Tent-Green/124098086775 (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vango-Banshee-Pro-200-Max-2-Person-Tent-Green/124098086775)
If it doesn't work out or it's not what you expected you can just sell it on.
A four season tent is one which can stand up to gale force winds and is capable of taking/supporting a snow load on top. At best the Banshee is a 3 season tent.
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Many thanks - may well consider an offer - considering new with warranty is only £55 more if no more bids - postage is around £7. Question still is - how good is it? There's new terra nova sololite for £175 also on ebay. I know the sololite is discontinued (as is the Banshee) but I have heard good things about it. I'm prepared to get a good, light 4 season tent if it's excellently reviewed, good for wild camping and not really expensive. Big decision really but I take your point re selling it on.
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Have a look at the Naturehike online page perhaps? If you end up not being interested in their brand its a pretty good site for deciding the type of tent you might or might not consider when you do decide to buy one.
I have a Zepyros 1 for sale but I don't think this is a 4 season tent, rock solid through.
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Might want to take a look at https://www.millets.co.uk/tents-camping/tents/2-person-tents/ (https://www.millets.co.uk/tents-camping/tents/2-person-tents/)
Some excellent value to be had there. Obviously if you want 'true 4 season' you'll have to pay for it - on your knees..
The Grampian 2 looks good value if you want to bimble off to Scotland and car camp in the middle of the glens somewhere where you don't have much walking with it to do, likewise the Scafell 200 might offer some snow/wind shedding at a fairly competitive weight considering the space.
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I have wild camped in a Vango Banshee 200 that costed £89 at the time. It's a good tent (3 season). Of course a polyester tent like that is a bit heavier than expensive silnylon tents, but it is just as functional. I've camped in pretty rough weather with that tent and it performed very well. So no need to shell out lots of money if you don't mind carrying a few hundred grams extra weight.
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Got all my info on wild camping from the facebook site...wild camping Uk. Highly recommend. (68 year old starter). Good luck. Hope it goes well for you.
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I'm still sorely tempted by a Nordisk Svalbard. I was going to go for the more expensive SI (silicone) version, but the PU version is cheaper and certainly looks as if it would stand some tough weather. Think that I am going to make do with my cheapo tunnel tent this summer, and wait until next autumn, though.
https://nordisk.co.uk/svalbard-1-pu/dusty-green/p/82/700
Still talking £160-170 though.
EDIT - found the PU for £144 - https://www.uttings.co.uk/p131346-nordisk-svalbard-1-pu-tent-dusty-green-122026/#.Xli-OW52tXI
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I'm still sorely tempted by a Nordisk Svalbard. I was going to go for the more expensive SI (silicone) version, but the PU version is cheaper and certainly looks as if it would stand some tough weather. Think that I am going to make do with my cheapo tunnel tent this summer, and wait until next autumn, though.
https://nordisk.co.uk/svalbard-1-pu/dusty-green/p/82/700 (https://nordisk.co.uk/svalbard-1-pu/dusty-green/p/82/700)
Still talking £160-170 though.
EDIT - found the PU for £144 - https://www.uttings.co.uk/p131346-nordisk-svalbard-1-pu-tent-dusty-green-122026/#.Xli-OW52tXI (https://www.uttings.co.uk/p131346-nordisk-svalbard-1-pu-tent-dusty-green-122026/#.Xli-OW52tXI)
Funny you mention that, I saw a good deal on it and -almost- bought it on Wednesday. Then realised I already have too many tents anyway and only get to use one at a time.
It's graded for high wind and almost perfect for UK conditions by the looks of it, although I'd buy the Sil version 100% due to resale and lack of absorbing water issues on longer trips. Still think they could have made it with a solid inner, having a highly wind proof tent means little if it just cuts all the warmth away from the person in the mesh inner. But perhaps this is a particularly UK problem.
Certainly isn't a four season tent but for the weight seems competitive.
At the moment tent-wise I'm deciding when it's time to bite the bullet and buy a Hilleberg Unna once I sell my dome tent, since I like the way you're more present in the outdoors, solid inner allows four season use, however losing a vestibule seems a deal breaker for UK conditions.
Would love to see a sil version of a similar tent to the Svalbard except with a solid inner and perhaps a tiny bit more vestibule space
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many thanks for all advice - I'm now leaning towards the Svalbard 1 PU - however would like to know more about the advantages besides weight of the SI version. I'm attracted to the Svalbard because it seems (a) quick to put up and (b) robust enough if these pesky gales keep coming. Re mesh inner - is this just the door part?
I looked up the Hilleberg Unna - had to lie down for a while after seeing the price!
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Sorry, Ricardh1905 forgot thank you for sourcing the Svalbard so cheaply! Could well be the deal breaker!
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many thanks for all advice - I'm now leaning towards the Svalbard 1 PU - however would like to know more about the advantages besides weight of the SI version. I'm attracted to the Svalbard because it seems (a) quick to put up and (b) robust enough if these pesky gales keep coming. Re mesh inner - is this just the door part?
I looked up the Hilleberg Unna - had to lie down for a while after seeing the price!
In general - PU tents are cheaper to produce than Sil because you're bonding a waterproof layer to the fabric, which is easy and cheap to do in bulk. However Sil tents last longer and it would likely see you 10 years with little to no degradation. In contrast, PU tents get a bit of a 'funk' if stored with a bit of moisture and I'd tend to move a tent on every few years before I have to deal with it becoming worthless or failing totally. Sil also reinforces the tear strength of the fabric which makes it better handle the wind. Biggest killer of tents is always UV though, so don't leave it out on a sunny day!
Essentially dual-sil (manually applied on each side of the fabric) is the ideal for a tent used in wet and windy conditions and what you'd look to find in quality tents, and if you're buying a decent brand (which Nordisk is) then I'd spring the extra 30-40 quid and get the Svalbard Sil for 3.5 season conditions in the UK.
As to the mesh question, you're right, ideally it'd be a solid fabric inner with a mesh door but appears the fabric is mostly mesh - they probably went this way due to how low the flysheet drops to the ground with the intent of reducing condensation, but be aware if you're out in a gale this may want testing and you may find yourself wanting something like a SOL Bivvy to put your sleeping bag in (as it'll cut the heat loss to the environment).
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Just seen that Uttings are selling the Terra Nova Laswer Copetition 1 tent for a large discount - any one has any experience of these and how they compare to the Svalbard 1 SI?
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Hi Brendan
Wild walking has some excellent reviews in his Blog that should be of some use to you.
I was lucky enough to purchased one of new 2019 model Lightwave S10 Sigma single-wall 1 person, 4 season tents a few weeks ago. I was planning to review it during my Scottish National Trail and Skye Trail walks in April and May. But I've had so much interest in it that I've done an initial review of the tent. I'll be wild camping in it, nearly every night for 2 months. Links to the review and walk are here:
https://wildwalkinguk.com/2020/02/08/lightwave-s10-sigma-tent-review-new-2019-model/ (https://wildwalkinguk.com/2020/02/08/lightwave-s10-sigma-tent-review-new-2019-model/)
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Many thanks watershed, I'll check it out.
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Still think they could have made it with a solid inner, having a highly wind proof tent means little if it just cuts all the warmth away from the person in the mesh inner. But perhaps this is a particularly UK problem.
As far as I am aware, the inner is mostly 'solid'. The door is two layer - a solid door and a mesh door, the ultimate in versatility, and well worth the marginal weight increase in my opinion. EDIT - the Nordisk video confirms that the inner is mostly solid.
I would certainly trust the Svalbard in all but the most extreme winter conditions (conditions in which I wouldn't be camping anyway). I may well go for the SI version come autumn.
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As far as I am aware, the inner is mostly 'solid'. The door is two layer - a solid door and a mesh door, the ultimate in versatility, and well worth the marginal weight increase in my opinion. EDIT - the Nordisk video confirms that the inner is mostly solid.
I would certainly trust the Svalbard in all but the most extreme winter conditions (conditions in which I wouldn't be camping anyway). I may well go for the SI version come autumn.
It's mostly solid?
Very versatile indeed.
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It's mostly solid?
Very versatile indeed.
I was referring to the double layer door. As I have three tents with a similar double layer mesh/solid door, I can confirm that this arrangement IS very versatile.
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I was referring to the double layer door. As I have three tents with a similar double layer mesh/solid door, I can confirm that this arrangement IS very versatile.
Yeah I was thinking that when I replied, perhaps should have explained more clearly. I was thinking that it seems they rigged it like an Enan to 'vent through' without the foot zip - whilst keeping a robust inner to allow you to expand what season you want to go out in. For UK use it's very competitive certainly.
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As I said, I'm sorely tempted. :)
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Decided to buy one myself, order just gone through, you tempted me too much Richard! Solid inner made the difference!
Seems Nordisk are advertising tear strength of 15.1kg for their 40D flysheet fabric, which is sil/sil (both sides) and comparable to Kerlon (Hilleberg's fabric) in that respect (also 40D triple applied sil/sil)
Kerlon 1800 is used in Black label mountaineering tents and has a TS of 18kg, Kerlon 1200 is used in Red label tents and has a TS of 12kg which would put the 'storm worthiness' somewhere between the two. It also uses 9mm alu poles, like the Hille Red range.
So essentially it's a mountaineering class tent with a convertible solid inner which probably doesn't handle snow especially well, for a quarter of the price of a Hilleberg Soulo. Most cheap and cheerful summer tents have 2-4kg TS, for comparison.
Considering the cheapest Black label Hille is about £1100 it's certainly worth a punt. I'll probably pick up a selection of pegs to match the season to go with it depending what arrives. Expecting the weak points to likely be the groundsheet (might want to bring a small tyvek sheet to protect it, even polycro is better than nothing).
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I will be most interested to hear how you get on with it. Where did you buy from, by the way?
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Wiggle, with a £10 discount for being a 'new customer' which put it at £189 delivered.
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Couldn't resist it either - bought it for £189 from Wiggle - bargain!
So, thanks you all - got there at last!
Brendan
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For anybody else considering buying entering voucher code NEWUS at checkout gets you £15.04 discount off taking the price down to £183.96 with free delivery.
https://www.wiggle.co.uk/nordisk-svalbard-1-si-tent/ (https://www.wiggle.co.uk/nordisk-svalbard-1-si-tent/)
Every little helps!!! ;D ;D ;D
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Thanks, forgot - I had spotted the SI on wiggle for 199, but was unaware of the £10 new customer discount. :)
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I own a Zepyros One and a Marmot Pulsar One and the experience of the two has shaped my thinking into what I personally want from a tent. My Marmot floor area is 90cm at the head end, a bit less at the other end and I can sit upright in it and am able to move back and forth about 12" without touching the tent material. On a couple of occasions, when its been raining hard outside I have been able to dress and pack all of my gear into my rucksack whilst staying inside the tent. I can also when it's raining, erect the outer tent and then in the dry fit my inner tent. A bit of a wiggle I must admit but a very useful feature on such days.
Both of my tents are side-entry setups which I like, the Zepyros tent for me is better in the colder months but the downside is I then have to live in a smaller area. The only thing I dislike about my Marmot is the colour, bright orange, they offered no other.
I haven't found a tent yet which I think is better than my Marmot but I live in hope. Naturehike offers a 'copy' and they are cheap as well but I just can't make up my mind if I want to go via those companies products? It's not a decision I have to make urgently as I'm going through an 'I like bivi camping' at the moment.
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My Svalbard 1 arrived today - very pleased with it. A little confused though by the approx. 6" long aluminium tube which appears to have no function - it is not mentioned in the set up process - elucidation please!
Also in the setup booklet it says " optimize weight by leaving pegs, inner cabin etc at home if not needed on trip? whats the inner cabin? If it's the inner tent how does the flysheet stand up. Excuse me if it's blindingly obvious to the initiated.
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My Svalbard 1 arrived today - very pleased with it. A little confused though by the approx. 6" long aluminium tube which appears to have no function - it is not mentioned in the set up process - elucidation please!
Also in the setup booklet it says " optimize weight by leaving pegs, inner cabin etc at home if not needed on trip? whats the inner cabin? If it's the inner tent how does the flysheet stand up. Excuse me if it's blindingly obvious to the initiated.
Have you tried YouTube? e.g. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BjSWDQOob8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BjSWDQOob8)
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A little confused though by the approx. 6" long aluminium tube which appears to have no function - it is not mentioned in the set up process - elucidation please!
It may be a pole sleeve for a temporary repair of a broken pole? :-\
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Also in the setup booklet it says " optimize weight by leaving pegs, inner cabin etc at home if not needed on trip? whats the inner cabin? If it's the inner tent how does the flysheet stand up.
I think it is the inner that can be pitched alone not the outer.
See the info on the ultralightoutdoorgear website below
https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/equipment-c3/tents-shelters-c25/one-person-tents-c74/svalbard-1-si-tent-p3840
Some tents can be pitched outer only like our MSR tents if you use the footprint. I'm not sure if the Svalbard has this option. We can also pitch our MSR tents inner only but we never have, at least not for long; in this country rain is nearly always on the cards ;)
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I'm not sure about Svalbard, I was reading about it last night and the suggestion was that if you are a taller person the angle of tent inner would easily touch your head when you are lying down? I prefer the MSR shape and design, similar to my Marmot where the designers have tried to keep almost straight walls and maximum height space all along the length of the tent lying down space.
I now have a footprint for my Marmot but originally I used a couple of pre-measured strings with small loops at each end to fit the end of the poles which then kept my tent sprung loaded and upright when I needed to fit the outer tent first (in rain) and then fit the inner afterward. This facility also allows me if I want to, (I don't!) to use my tent just like a sleeping/day area and not have to bother with taking the inner tent with me. I might have done this if I could have purchased an outer tent made of waterproof and thinner material at the same time but unfortunately, it doesn't exist.
Upon reflection, I wasted my money with the footprint, its thin material so I still take another groundsheet with me because I just don't have the confidence in it. It never has but I've always thought that if it's placed on the ground as my one and only groundsheet it could easily tear or puncture. My other reason, of course, is that I also like the area between the outer and inner tent to be covered by a ground sheet and the foot print does not do this at all.
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I can recommend this:
https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/equipment-c3/tents-shelters-c25/tarps-c43/gatewood-cape-tarp-shelter-p9838
I used it on Offa's Dyke last year, just half the weight of my tent (Terra Nova Laser). Mind you, it did not stop the snow blowing in near Oswestry Racecourse. It has bags of space.
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Hi I enquired from Wiggle and they didn't know what the short pole was for - very strange.
As I can't test out the length at the moment (live in a town, no garden) I'm 6' 1" - should I have any problem with this tent? It just seems pretty short.
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I am 6' and it is fine unless you intend to host a party. I can get all my kit in there and me and room to spare. The only downside is remembering not to roll off your karrimat when asleep.
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Hi I enquired from Wiggle and they didn't know what the short pole was for - very strange.
I wouldn't expect Wiggle to. Email or phone the manufacturer - [email protected] 01524 548040
https://nordisk.co.uk/contact/contact-info (https://nordisk.co.uk/contact/contact-info)
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The pole is a very light carbon fibre affair. I think I read you can use a tracking pole, but I have not tried.
It folds in three. The Cape rolls up into its own bag and is the size of about three clenched fists.
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A little confused though by the approx. 6" long aluminium tube which appears to have no function - it is not mentioned in the set up process - elucidation please!
Is it the one shown top right here? https://nordisk.co.uk/svalbard-1-si-spare-poles/na/p/467/1788
(https://nordisk.co.uk/svalbard-1-si-spare-poles/na/p/467/1788)
If so I'm pretty sure April is correct and it's a temporary bracing tube/sleeve designed to fit over the outside of the other main poles across any breakage and be taped into place. It's purely for emergency use should you manage to snap one of the main poles whilst out in the great outdoors and could potentially stop your trip being ruined or cut short. Obviously if you ever did manage to snap a pole it should be replaced at the earliest opportunity.
EDIT This link confirms that I'm correct https://www.reddit.com/r/CampingandHiking/comments/2zpf3b/just_bought_a_new_tent_nordisk_svalbard_1_si_it/ (https://www.reddit.com/r/CampingandHiking/comments/2zpf3b/just_bought_a_new_tent_nordisk_svalbard_1_si_it/)
(https://nordisk.co.uk/media/4454/svalbard-1-si-sparepole-set-107102-nordisk-aluminium.jpg?mode=pad&width=800&height=400&bgcolor=ffffff&rnd=132241210720000000)
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I think this is it:
https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/equipment-c3/accessories-c10/tent-pegs-poles-c11/45-tent-pole-p4184
I can check to be certain if you like
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Hi I enquired from Wiggle and they didn't know what the short pole was for - very strange.
As I can't test out the length at the moment (live in a town, no garden) I'm 6' 1" - should I have any problem with this tent? It just seems pretty short.
As others have suggested, it is almost certainly an emergency tent pole repair sleeve.
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I bought a set of these a couple of years ago (a £2 offer accepted) which I think are the same as the one being discussed.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4pcs-aluminum-alloy-tent-pole-repair-tube-single-rod-mending-pipe-accessories-S/174210377714?
(https://i.postimg.cc/K3FR7DMH/pole-repair.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/K3FR7DMH)
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I would be most interested to hear how you get on with the Svalbard in bad weather.
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I would be most interested to hear how you get on with the Svalbard in bad weather.
The wind test video they did may give you some idea although it's difficult to tell which end of the tent is actually facing into the wind. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nPrvXpDSsg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nPrvXpDSsg)
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The wind test video they did may give you some idea although it's difficult to tell which end of the tent is actually facing into the wind. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nPrvXpDSsg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nPrvXpDSsg)
That was porch into wind. Side on might be more interesting.
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That was porch into wind. Side on might be more interesting.
A tent like that is usually pitched tail end to the wind, so I'm really not sure what they hoped to prove in the video.
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A tent like that is usually pitched tail end to the wind, so I'm really not sure what they hoped to prove in the video.
And they aren't usually screwed/nailed down either!
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The wind test video they did may give you some idea although it's difficult to tell which end of the tent is actually facing into the wind. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nPrvXpDSsg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nPrvXpDSsg)
Yes, seen it. But who would pitch a tent with the porch facing into the wind?
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Yes, seen it. But who would pitch a tent with the porch facing into the wind?
It must be a Scandinavian thing or they are totally clueless and don't know what they're doing. This is the sort of thing which can happen when you let the marketing department (who have probably never used a tent) loose on a project.
In the real world nobody would pitch that tent with the porch facing into the wind and that's exactly why I didn't quite believe what I thought I was seeing when I watched it.
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In the real world nobody would pitch that tent with the porch facing into the wind
An ex-Royal Marine friend hiking in Iceland found that pitching door into the wind kept the inner and outers better separated - just the opposite of Terra Nova's recommendation! :-\
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Don't fancy a face full of Icelandic sleet when I open the zip in the morning though....
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Don't fancy a face full of Icelandic sleet when I open the zip in the morning though....
Solution: Back out of the tent. O0
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I'll figure it out when I sling it up. I was meant to be using it on an outdoors course the week after next but it's likely that may end up cancelled. >:(
I must admit looking at it that pitching it '[censored] first' does sound like a mistake but the way it is guyed makes me think it could be pitched either way.
Maybe it's a 'feature' to wake you up properly when you open the door and end up absolutely tipped on. If it was made by SportsDirect they'd charge you extra for that.
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Don't fancy a face full of Icelandic sleet when I open the zip in the morning though....
Camped on Dartmoor when I was a teenager, woke up feeling quite cosy, but perplexed by the silence.
Unzipped tent, found a wall of snow.
If a tent is pitched the wrong way, and it still survives, is that a good thing?
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If a tent is pitched the wrong way, and it still survives, is that a good thing?
Yes of course - as long as it survives if pitched the correct way too!
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Camped on Dartmoor when I was a teenager, woke up feeling quite cosy, but perplexed by the silence.
Unzipped tent, found a wall of snow.
Done similar in East Anglia as a yoof. I have also pulled all the pegs out have tent stay where it was - frozen solid.
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Done similar in East Anglia as a yoof. I have also pulled all the pegs out have tent stay where it was - frozen solid.
Had a frozen tent last trip.
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Terra Nova/Wild Country have bought out a new version of the Helm 1 - the 'compact', which can be pitched all in one, an attractive feature. A little cheaper than the Nordisk Svalbard SI - the best I have seen is about £160.
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Hi,
Went for the Svalbard just before lockdown - nowhere to pitch it! No garden! All very frustrating! Anyway thanks for the thoughts - see you on the trail!
Brendan
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How frustrating!
I have a small lawn with a flat area just big enough to take a small tent, and have enjoyed 5 'wild' camps during lockdown.
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I have also found this rather tempting tent by Tatonka. Rather like the Svalbard, but all in one pitching and lighter - but significantly more expensive at a tad over £300.
https://www.tatonka.com/en/product/kyrkja/
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Richard, I am awash with envy! Can't wait to be out there in the natural isolations again! In the meantime, stay safe and enjoy the wilds of your back yard!
Brendan
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I'm still of the opinion that for a budget tent Naturehike appears to offer the best deals. Their styles of tent seems to cover all model types, if nothing else its a good starting point to look for a cheap(ish) tent.
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I'm still of the opinion that for a budget tent Naturehike appears to offer the best deals. Their styles of tent seems to cover all model types, if nothing else its a good starting point to look for a cheap(ish) tent.
Good for 3 season use I suspect, gwm, as are many other Chinese copies, but far too draughty and too much of an unknown quantity for winter wild camping on the fells, in my opinion.
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I know you are right, my inner of my tent is mesh. For my part I would only seriously consider two of their tents, just no keemn on the bright colours myself.