Cycling UK Forum

I'm planning some fixed base touring for next year, UK, 4-5 nights per trip, train or coach there and back, day rides to make some progress with the BCQ challenge, or just to explore some areas I've only passed through. I'll probably use my Airnimal folder with trailer, but won't be doing huge loaded mileage. That's the scenario, now the question!
Although I like my lightweight tent, I think for these trips I'd like a bit more space - A porch big enough for the trailer and maybe a chair, more height, not necessarily full standing though better than kneeling. Two season use, max two people more often just me, budget end, weight not the priority but not excessive either (Under 10kg?)
I'm not in a hurry, though this seems to be a good time of year for bargains, any recommendations appreciated, thanks.

Not really appropriate given your circs. but I have enjoyed my own base camp tent, purchased a few years ago (but not used enough...) which is a Nordisk Asgard. It runs at 15kg - the pegs in their bag alone weigh more than my choice of light-weight tent!
However as base camp tents go, it's been a huge success
https://nordisk.co.uk/asgard-71-m/natural/p/229/1874

simonineaston wrote: ↑10 Oct 2022, 2:53pm Not really appropriate given your circs.

That looks wonderful, now have tent envy, but you're right it doesn't meet my requirements.
Called into GO Outdoors this afternoon, nothing of interest, there seems to be a gap between small lightweight and much larger family tents, at least in the range they had in stock.

Friends use a Helsport Lavvu (another pyramid tent) for this kind of thing, various options for inner tents, groundsheets etc. and rather lighter than a cotton one! You can even get a titanium wood burning stove for them!

"Thanks" to Brexit it's hard to import directly now, but I think https://www.tamarackoutdoors.co.uk/ do Helsport stuff in the UK.

Pete.

there seems to be a gap between small lightweight and much larger family tents

I agree. I struggled for years with this one - I tried a Eurohike Teepee for a while - it was more-or-less a lightweight version of the Asgard - single skin, single pole, well under your 10kg target! but for one reason and another I didn't quite get on with it. However, it may suit you. It's available from Millets on offer at the mo'
https://www.millets.co.uk/15986992/euro ... t-15986992

I'm in a similar boat to you, but for motorcycle touring, however looking on that Nordisk website the Thrymheim 3 PU looks like it would tick a lot of boxes for either, albeit at over £500.
https://nordisk.co.uk/thrymheim-3-pu/pi ... /1023/4751

NickWi wrote: ↑10 Oct 2022, 7:22pm I'm in a similar boat to you, but for motorcycle touring, however looking on that Nordisk website the Thrymheim 3 PU looks like it would tick a lot of boxes for either, albeit at over £500.
https://nordisk.co.uk/thrymheim-3-pu/pi ... /1023/4751

That's one ugly tent
You could forgive the shape if it wasn't for the colour.
Despite that, or maybe because of it, I am tempted. It has a lot of features, room and headspace plus it seems a lot of tent for the weight, I'd be happy with that much space for 7kg. I'm wondering if there's a catch, other than the look! Does look as aerodynamic as a box, might see if I can find any reviews. Seems to be discounted to £380 in a couple of places, assuming there's only one version, I was thinking more in the £200 - 250 range, but it isn't outrageous.
Shortlisted.

pjclinch wrote: ↑10 Oct 2022, 7:14pm Friends use a Helsport Lavvu (another pyramid tent) for this kind of thing, various options for inner tents, groundsheets etc. and rather lighter than a cotton one! You can even get a titanium wood burning stove for them!
Pete.

simonineaston wrote: ↑10 Oct 2022, 7:18pm I struggled for years with this one - I tried a Eurohike Teepee for a while - it was more-or-less a lightweight version of the Asgard - single skin, single pole, well under your 10kg target! but for one reason and another I didn't quite get on with it.

Thanks both.
I have had a single pole teepee, some time ago, I think it was a Golite? Bought secondhand, tried it a couple of times, was a bit underwhelmed, a friend offered me what I'd paid and I took it. I might not have given it a fair trial, but it certainly didn't grab me. I think I can do better with this one.

I have a Vango Beta 550XL alloy tent that I use for camping with the car. It is just under 10 kg, has masses of space so would be good for sitting out wet days, you could probably park a bike and trailer inside it and at 2 m tall there is plenty of headroom inside. It has not been tested in severe weather yet. It cost about £180. I cannot compare it with any other tent since all my other tents are/were smaller.

Coleman makes a variety of family tents that may fit your needs. Thye have a vast range of features and prices
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Coleman-Coastl ... 48031&th=1

Maybe one of these would be suitable:

https://www.alpinetrek.co.uk/vaude-chap ... -man-tent/

https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15989931/v ... t-15989931

I haven't tried either of them.

I've been looking for a reasonably lightweight but roomy tent for car camping, one that could also be carried by two people sharing the weight on bicycles. The now discontinued Robens Lakeshore fitted the bill perfectly and I regret not buying one new when I had the opportunity. The Vango Galaxy 300 is a similar concept but gets mixed reviews. As NickWi suggests, you might also try looking at tents designed for touring motorcyclists, some of which have porches large enough to contain a motorcycle.

I can vouch for the Vango omega 350 4.7kg roughly and alloy poles. It's a 3 man tent but I like the space it gives me solo -- it's half bedroom half porch and well tested in rough wet weather especially high winds that saw a number of other tents wrecked in June 22.
I think the new ones are all rip stop nylon ( don't quote me on that ) anyway I can tell you it's good quality.

I bought a pole replace kit and cut the sections to length which I carry in the tent bag just in case but over the 4 years I've never had to use it.

Echo the comments above about tunnel tents with porches, such as https://www.vango.co.uk/gb/camping-equi ... a-250.html or the Coleman above.

I get on fine in these with a low fishing chair, such as https://johnsonrosstackle.co.uk/solar-b ... r-low.html

Another vote for the Vango Omega 350. I use it car camping for 2 and found it sturdy and very spacious. It would be palatial for one!