Well, to answer your questions:
The triangular flap at the top means you can leave the zips partially open at the top and the triangular flap will provide cover to stop rain coming in - a bit of a ventilation option. Each side has its own zip that meet and end at the top - you cannot zip all the way round.
The higher front means it is a bit easier to crawl into without getting your back wet, in the rain. I also have a Terra Nova Laser Comp and my back always gets wet trying to crawl in and out of it in the rain.
I think the zip on the right hand side is a bit easier because of the shape of the door to the inner tent.
Against
1. The tent slopes quite a lot so you can only sit up straight at the front. This affects which way you sleep in the tent, so you are a bit more limited as your head has to be at the front really. Also the back of the tent becomes a bit of a hard to get to section - rarely visited !
2. As mentioned the floor is very thin and so cannot really be pitched onto wet ground as it is.
3. Inner tent door has only the option of small section of mesh, and not a full inner door of mesh option like some tents.
For
1. Good price.
2. Feels very robust and sturdy, confidence inspiring.
3. Easy to pitch - outer first, or inner and outer together, free standing.
4. Good ventilation
5. Appears to be well made.
It is nearly there, but not quite. The floor being thin and the inability to sit up straight at either end of the tent were the deal breakers - live and learn. Now to see if the Hilleberg Nammjt is any better !
Search found 397 matches
- 18 Apr 2013, 7:56pm
- Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
- Topic: winter camping on tour
- Replies: 62
- Views: 9101
- 14 Apr 2013, 4:05pm
- Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
- Topic: winter camping on tour
- Replies: 62
- Views: 9101
Re: winter camping on tour
Barrenfluffit wrote:
Curiously the Vango Mirage seems to be similar but with the major problems addressed. Its also cheaper. No direct experience yet
I used one of these last year for a couple of trips away in the summer. Ventilation was OK, and freestanding. Also you can just tip it up and wipe any condensation out before packing it up. All went well.
The real problem only only became apparent this Easter. I turned up at a site in the sleet and pitched the thing on wet ground. The pitching was easy, got the thing together OK - but the groundsheet is wafer thin, like ordinary material, only a different colour.
It had little water resistance. Everything had to be put on top of plastic bags to keep stuff dry. So if they sell a footprint for it I would get one, as it will let you down if you pitch it on already wet ground. (That is why I am on the Forum looking at tents again ).
My Vango Mirage 200 - looks good though- just the groundsheet lets it down.
17.04.13
Edit: Ordered a Hilleberg Nammatj 2 to replace this tent (comes with a free footprint). No more tent buying now for a few years !
- 3 Mar 2013, 7:58pm
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Show your touring bikes !!!!
- Replies: 180
- Views: 43704
Re: Show your touring bikes !!!!
Koga Miyata World Traveller - the climb out of Trieste
- 15 Feb 2013, 10:35pm
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Amsterdam to Paris - advice please
- Replies: 10
- Views: 2747
Re: Amsterdam to Paris - advice please
I have done this, but the other way round, actually started in St Malo. Cycled through Paris from Versailles, followed the river and exited at the Bois de Vincennes.
Then from Paris - Chalons en Champagne - Charleville Mezieres - followed the River Meuse round to Dinant - Namur - Liege - Maastrict - Eindhoven - Breda - Utrecht - Amsterdam.
You will probably find that you can cover ground in Holland very quickly. Maastrict was beautiful, but a bit of a bottleneck. Liege, some hills and dual carriageways ! The Meuse from Namur to Charleville Mezieres area was superb.
The long road from Charleville Mezieres to Chalons en Champagne is not as flat as it looks on the map ! not hilly, just rolling up and down but open, and the wind direction can either make or break your day !
I stayed on campsites, rode my Dutch Koga Miyata World Traveller bike, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Have a great trip.
Then from Paris - Chalons en Champagne - Charleville Mezieres - followed the River Meuse round to Dinant - Namur - Liege - Maastrict - Eindhoven - Breda - Utrecht - Amsterdam.
You will probably find that you can cover ground in Holland very quickly. Maastrict was beautiful, but a bit of a bottleneck. Liege, some hills and dual carriageways ! The Meuse from Namur to Charleville Mezieres area was superb.
The long road from Charleville Mezieres to Chalons en Champagne is not as flat as it looks on the map ! not hilly, just rolling up and down but open, and the wind direction can either make or break your day !
I stayed on campsites, rode my Dutch Koga Miyata World Traveller bike, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Have a great trip.
- 1 Feb 2013, 7:29pm
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Need a St Malo (ish) hotel...
- Replies: 5
- Views: 696
Re: Need a St Malo (ish) hotel...
Hotel de L'Europe in St Malo, between the train station and the walled city. Cheap and nothing remarkable but according my log the room smelled of cheap air freshener, and had to pay EUR 5 to garage the bike.
This might be one that you may not want to stay at.
If you are feeling flush then there is the Hotel Balmoral. A new modern hotel (Best Western), underground car park. Built on the site of the old train station. I use this one out of season on my motorbike, when campsites are closed. Tops.
Anyway, some help I hope. Good luck.
Edit:
By the way, in case you do not already know, the Tour de France is going through St Malo this year - I believe on 09 July 2013. So I expect hotels will be booked up around then.
This might be one that you may not want to stay at.
If you are feeling flush then there is the Hotel Balmoral. A new modern hotel (Best Western), underground car park. Built on the site of the old train station. I use this one out of season on my motorbike, when campsites are closed. Tops.
Anyway, some help I hope. Good luck.
Edit:
By the way, in case you do not already know, the Tour de France is going through St Malo this year - I believe on 09 July 2013. So I expect hotels will be booked up around then.
- 9 Jan 2013, 8:03pm
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Camping , Brittany in March
- Replies: 9
- Views: 793
Re: Camping , Brittany in March
I have stayed at a municipal campsite near there, in PAIMPONT, in early April. They maybe open in March, not sure. But it is on your route and it was open in April 'cause I stayed there myself at that time (€5 per night bike and tent)
Rode from there to St Malo in a day (65.03 miles in 5 hrs according to log )
Good luck.
Rode from there to St Malo in a day (65.03 miles in 5 hrs according to log )
Good luck.
- 19 Dec 2012, 10:22pm
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: What changed while I was away..
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1172
Re: What changed while I was away..
Coming back from a trip away can sometimes give a false impression of reality. As the returning adventurer you return with, a bit, the sense that you are the one who has been "Doing Something" and those you return to have done nothing. They have stayed behind and nothing has changed.
What I found I had missed was all the subtle small changes. People moved way, got other jobs or partners, moved in different circles. And a collection of small events and things that happened between friends, that you were not there to share. Your home town does not stop while you are away "doing your trip" but carries on without you. Still, it is always nice to come home.
What I found I had missed was all the subtle small changes. People moved way, got other jobs or partners, moved in different circles. And a collection of small events and things that happened between friends, that you were not there to share. Your home town does not stop while you are away "doing your trip" but carries on without you. Still, it is always nice to come home.
- 2 Dec 2012, 6:30pm
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: accommodation in france
- Replies: 17
- Views: 2449
Re: accommodation in france
I have found cheap hotels in the small towns, but even so they are still around €18-25 at the cheapest. The only real way to keep the costs right down is to camp. In my humble opinion (IMHO) Camping is actually preferable - it is a bit more sociable - you can cook for yourself - wash your clothes - keep an eye on the bike - not get bedbugs or fleas - and the best bit of all is you get to sleep in a tent
Honestly, maybe give camping a try ?
Bon route
Honestly, maybe give camping a try ?
Bon route
- 21 Oct 2012, 8:44am
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Scotland Winter Bike Ride
- Replies: 35
- Views: 8679
Re: Scotland Winter Bike Ride
Not sure about Scotland but there is a good weather forecast (up to ten days) found here:
http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/Laggan+UKXX6613:1:UK
Maybe have a few possibles lined up and keep an eye on the forecast, and decide as you get closer to the time. Would be interested to know what sleeping bag you have chosen for this.
http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/Laggan+UKXX6613:1:UK
Maybe have a few possibles lined up and keep an eye on the forecast, and decide as you get closer to the time. Would be interested to know what sleeping bag you have chosen for this.
- 20 Oct 2012, 1:10pm
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Touring in Croatia
- Replies: 8
- Views: 4777
Re: Touring in Croatia
I cycled this coast road in August/September 2011 and just had a quick read of the log of the trip.
I have recorded the stretch of coast from RIJEKA down to STARIGRAD as being the quietest and desolate stretch of the coast, with the stretch from KARLOBAG being particularly quiet, even took double water rations as there is nothing much along that particular stretch. The traffic was not a problem, although quite a few Swiss/German and Italian vehicles traveling that section of the route. No hassle though, all reasonably behaved ! lots of Motorcycles as it must be one of the classic bits of coast road in Europe.
The stretch from ZADAR to SPLIT must be one of the flattest sections of the whole coast road, according to the log I managed it in one day (longest day of the trip at 104 miles)
This is an example of the north coast
My Hotel in Karlobag
Plenty of good food
This is on the River NERETVA. They have a big party here once a year here and it could possibly be in May but not sure (GPS N 43 02.984, E 017 28.576 decimal minutes)
Anyway I hope that gives an idea of the area, bearing in mind this was high summer. Even so the traffic was not really an issue, but the hills and heat were. There were plenty of hotels, restaurants, some campsites so no trouble really. Good luck.
I have recorded the stretch of coast from RIJEKA down to STARIGRAD as being the quietest and desolate stretch of the coast, with the stretch from KARLOBAG being particularly quiet, even took double water rations as there is nothing much along that particular stretch. The traffic was not a problem, although quite a few Swiss/German and Italian vehicles traveling that section of the route. No hassle though, all reasonably behaved ! lots of Motorcycles as it must be one of the classic bits of coast road in Europe.
The stretch from ZADAR to SPLIT must be one of the flattest sections of the whole coast road, according to the log I managed it in one day (longest day of the trip at 104 miles)
This is an example of the north coast
My Hotel in Karlobag
Plenty of good food
This is on the River NERETVA. They have a big party here once a year here and it could possibly be in May but not sure (GPS N 43 02.984, E 017 28.576 decimal minutes)
Anyway I hope that gives an idea of the area, bearing in mind this was high summer. Even so the traffic was not really an issue, but the hills and heat were. There were plenty of hotels, restaurants, some campsites so no trouble really. Good luck.
- 9 Oct 2012, 11:51pm
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Touring Negev Israel
- Replies: 5
- Views: 9674
Re: Touring Negev Israel
I have done this in late summer 2010, and I could see the damage done by flood water, in some parts, although it was baking hot when I was there.
The tour was from Ben Gurion, to Asqelon, then a campsite near Ha Basor. Then the back road through the tank testing ground, very interested to see a Mirkva in real life, then on to Mitzpe and then Eilat.
Then Eilat, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea, Jarusalem, Tel Aviv.
The best part of the trip for me was the first bit and as far as Eilat. Some fantastic desert scenery and easy to cycle really. Arriving at Mitzpe and looking out over the crater was something special.
The ride from Eilat to Ein Gedi was not so interesting and had to take a taxi up the hill to Jerusalem as the road was narrow, busy, and very very hot (also running out of time) The ride round Jerusalem and on to Tel Aviv into the sun set was another highlight of the trip.
I often found Acacia trees and stoped to have a little drink of Nestea, in the shade
This is on the road between Eilat and Ein Gedi
Overlooking the Jordan Valley, with Jordan in the distance and Eilat off to the right of the picture.
Anyway I hope you enjoy your trip, good luck.
The tour was from Ben Gurion, to Asqelon, then a campsite near Ha Basor. Then the back road through the tank testing ground, very interested to see a Mirkva in real life, then on to Mitzpe and then Eilat.
Then Eilat, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea, Jarusalem, Tel Aviv.
The best part of the trip for me was the first bit and as far as Eilat. Some fantastic desert scenery and easy to cycle really. Arriving at Mitzpe and looking out over the crater was something special.
The ride from Eilat to Ein Gedi was not so interesting and had to take a taxi up the hill to Jerusalem as the road was narrow, busy, and very very hot (also running out of time) The ride round Jerusalem and on to Tel Aviv into the sun set was another highlight of the trip.
I often found Acacia trees and stoped to have a little drink of Nestea, in the shade
This is on the road between Eilat and Ein Gedi
Overlooking the Jordan Valley, with Jordan in the distance and Eilat off to the right of the picture.
Anyway I hope you enjoy your trip, good luck.
- 30 Aug 2012, 7:24pm
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: Jabs - inoculations.....
- Replies: 5
- Views: 6653
Re: Jabs - inoculations.....
Heck - that is some bite ! it looks more like you have been bitten by a shark than a dog !
I hope you are getting better and able to cycle again. Really that is a big deal !
Good luck.
I hope you are getting better and able to cycle again. Really that is a big deal !
Good luck.
- 7 Jul 2012, 2:27pm
- Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
- Topic: Possibly stupid question on breaking a chain
- Replies: 11
- Views: 950
Re: Possibly stupid question on breaking a chain
By the way, in some situations it is better not to push the pin out completely as it will be impossible (in my experience !) to put back in.
Have fun
Have fun
- 5 Jun 2012, 7:37am
- Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
- Topic: Camping in Switzerland
- Replies: 2
- Views: 647
Re: Camping in Switzerland
I passed some of that way last summer, in August. Joined the route at Schaffhausen
The first campsite was at a little place called WAGENHAUSEN next to the river Rhein. It was the first bit of socializing with other cycle tourers, as the small campsite had a patch for cycle campers, and a common room where everyone could go when it rained (which it did !)
GPS: N 47 39.774 E 8 50.564 (degrees decimal minutes)
The other site I stopped at was near ALTENRHEIN right on the cycle route 2, the Rhein Route. So more cycle campers and bigger site with more facilities. Again it rained heavily so my memories of it are of taking shelter in the camp cafe, eating pastries and waiting a couple of days for the rain to stop !
GPS: N 47 29.442 E 9 33.931
That was in August 2011, and there had been unusually heavy rain and thunder storms, but when it cleared it was a gorgeous place to cycle.
I am sure you will love it.
The first campsite was at a little place called WAGENHAUSEN next to the river Rhein. It was the first bit of socializing with other cycle tourers, as the small campsite had a patch for cycle campers, and a common room where everyone could go when it rained (which it did !)
GPS: N 47 39.774 E 8 50.564 (degrees decimal minutes)
The other site I stopped at was near ALTENRHEIN right on the cycle route 2, the Rhein Route. So more cycle campers and bigger site with more facilities. Again it rained heavily so my memories of it are of taking shelter in the camp cafe, eating pastries and waiting a couple of days for the rain to stop !
GPS: N 47 29.442 E 9 33.931
That was in August 2011, and there had been unusually heavy rain and thunder storms, but when it cleared it was a gorgeous place to cycle.
I am sure you will love it.
- 30 May 2012, 8:41am
- Forum: Touring & Expedition
- Topic: how did you get into touring?
- Replies: 27
- Views: 11121
Re: how did you get into touring?
Riding a motorcycle at a speed dangerous to the public - license suspended for one year. That was in 2008. Had planed to do a tour on my motorcycle. I had booked the time off work and so decided to do a tour on a bicycle instead. That was the Spain in August tour ! I should have been doing it on a Yammy XT !
Since then carried on cycle touring, and kept a Yamaha maxi scooter for transport only. Returning from the last trip down to Athens I bought myself a new motorcycle again so will be back touring on a motorcycle for a while.
It took me about 3 years to get over it really, and wasn't really sure weather to post it here, but it is the truth.
Since then carried on cycle touring, and kept a Yamaha maxi scooter for transport only. Returning from the last trip down to Athens I bought myself a new motorcycle again so will be back touring on a motorcycle for a while.
It took me about 3 years to get over it really, and wasn't really sure weather to post it here, but it is the truth.