Millets and
Blacks do a super range of good value tents
As an example pockets,
This small two person tent (the one on the far right 
), is for the latest version
£79.99 and that It also includes a sleeping bag, self inflating mat and rucksack for carrying. It packs easily into a rucksack and is very quick and easy to pitch (inner tent first). It has a polyester flysheet with taped seams and a breathable polyester inner tent that is vented to reduce condensation. The groundsheet is waterproof and the fibreglass poles are colour coded. There is a small porch for gear storage and internal storage.
This is a good set up even for one; as a tip something I have learned is that two sleeping bags can be a good idea, as they are lightweight and you can use one inside the other to regulate temperature, many popular tours such Channel to the Med' ride towards a warmer climate so at the start you simply use both bags and unzip one to regulate temp' etc. A hat for night time use is also a good idea, as is a
Travel Eye Mask, they not only keep the early morning light from waking you but keep your face warm during the night.
Most people naturally use the temperature rating on the bag as a guide, it is worth noting that many campsites are near rivers and the night time temperature can fall much lower than many expect, nothing worse than being cold and getting a terrible nights sleep as a result, this has to be the most common complaint at breakfast amongst my holiday companions, closely followed by "how hilly is it today". If a compact size in your case is important I have the following, it has been used in
torrential rain and never let me down. It is small enough to be carried
like this, note the panniers on the rear are infact fronts, the tent is that compact.
One of the areas they keep costs down is the poles, they are fibre glass as apposed to alloy so not either as strong or durable, plus I assume they are not exactly made by master craftsmen based in Knights Bridge! like many I thought buy cheap and cheerful to see if I like cycle-touring-camping, then if I do upgrade and invest in a better one later.
After each two week tour I simply stick the tent in the washing machine (I use just water on the outer so as not to reduce the water repellent properties, on the inner I do use a solution designed for delicates/silk...only because I have some though, I confess I have no secret data as to why) and out it comes almost as good as new, I have had to replace the odd pole but that is normally down to me breaking one when being clumsy, as the poles do eventually get brittle and shatter/spilt although they can be repaired with electrical tape if the split is small (the fibre glass shards get everywhere otherwise, especially in you
) plus new poles are easily available. When this one gives up I will buy another
Paul_Smith
www.bikeplus.co.uk
although personally on a tour like that you should be able to carry enough in two water bottles to last long enough between refreshment stops
)
" 
; now where shall I go today..... 
.
