Choosing a tent for touring with my Brompton

[jimlondon]

I wish to do my first solo cycle camping tour soon - 3 or 4 nights in the UK - and I'm interested in getting some tent advice. I have a Brompton folding bike and I'll be carrying a front-mounted touring bag and bike mounted rucksack to hold my gear a bit like this: http://pathlesspedaled.com/2011/07/video-backpacks-on-bromptons/.

My criteria:
a) The tent should ideally have enough room to store the folded bike, pannier and rucksack as well as my 6'2" carcass - I'm terrified at the thought of having to leave the bike outside the tent whilst I sleep!
b) Lightweight as possible, without comprising (c)
c) Something reliable that will last - I'm willing to pay more for something that fits the bill and lasts

I like the look of the Hilleberg Akto - without seeing one in the flesh though I'm not sure if there will be enough storage space in porch area. On the other hand, the Hilleberg Nallo 2 GT has the space but at 2.7kg I feel like this might be a bit extravagant.

Any advice appreciated - thanks!

[MLJ]

I use a Nallo 2 with my Brompton. At about 2.2 kg it is no problem. I used to have the Akto and the Brompton will fit under the fly. The advantage of the smaller tent is that it is half the size when packed. It weighed in at about 1.8 kg, so there is not as much difference between the two as you might expect. Instead of a backpack, I use an Ortleib drybag with shoulder straps. This rolls up when not in use. The 59 l size is best as the smaller one is too narrow. Happy camping!

[foxyrider]

Sorry, i can't stop laughing!

[BeeKeeper]

The ill-disposed will steal anything and putting the bike in the tent will not prevent a silent attack with scissors, especially in stormy weather when everything is flapping about, but I can see the advantage of at least hiding it from temptation.

I have a Nallo 2 GT and it is heavy but the extra space in the porch is a god-send in wet weather. Remember, the quoted weights for tents are all very optimistic - when you roll them up wet from dew in the morning they all weigh a lot more.

[foxyrider]

plus they rarely include the pegs!

[jimlondon]

Ok many thanks for the advice there. I'll be popping to see some of these tents later on today but my thoughts are that if the Brompton fits in the Akto porch, then the cheaper, smaller, lighter Akto is the way to go. Also will be taking a look at the Ortlieb as oppose to a regular backpack - much cheaper and as you say that will save on space on the nights. Cheers!

[mercurykev]

I've got an Akto and a Terra Nova Laser Competiation 1 and I think that if you're wanting to go down the one person tent route then the Laser comp would be better suited to your needs. It is lighter by half a kilo, it packs smaller and there is more usable space in the porch due to the shape of the fly and inner. It has the added bonus of being a bit cheaper too.

[nmnm]

If it were me, I'd probably go for the TN laser (1 or 2 person version) but I'd look also at the terra nova Solar comp 2. I'm thinking it's a wee bit bigger and with more vertical sides. It's 240g heavier than the Laser comp (1170g vs 930g, Terra Nova figures). They're both super light tents.

With a 2 person tent you can get the bromp into the tent proper (bring a bin liner). If you prefer to leave it in the vestibule but are nervy, you might rig up a basic alarm with a bit of fishing line, an ebay panic/purse alarm and a tent peg.

[willem jongman]

A lock will deter more than a tent. Just imagine how awkward a Brommie inside will be. For tents, The new Hilleberg Anjan 2 deserves a place on your shortlist. But remember, life expectancy and weight do not easily go together. For the most robust Hilleberg, get the Nammtj 2.
Willem

[andrew_s]

I've got an Akto and a Terra Nova Laser Competiation 1 ... there is more usable space in the porch due to the shape of the fly and inner.

Are you sure?
The spec sheets show 50cm between inner and pole for the Comp 1 and 75cm for the Akto, which agrees with my impressions from an Akto and a pre 1/2 split Laser Comp.

FWIW, I reckon I'd get a brommie and panniers into the non-access half of the porch area in my Akto. It doesn't matter much if something soft like a pannier pushes the fly material out a bit.
This will obviously depend on how big the panniers and backpack are.

The Solar Comp has a fairly small porch. I would be surprised if a Brommie and panniers would fit at all, let alone allow you to get in and out of the tent past them.
(note the restricted height of most of the porch floor area).

[nmnm]

One thing to watch out for with the bike and the lightweight tent, is that oil can eat through these fabrics like moths in wool. Keep any oily bits covered or well clear of the flysheet!

[mercurykev]

I've got an Akto and a Terra Nova Laser Competiation 1 ... there is more usable space in the porch due to the shape of the fly and inner.

Are you sure?
The spec sheets show 50cm between inner and pole for the Comp 1 and 75cm for the Akto, which agrees with my impressions from an Akto and a pre 1/2 split Laser Comp.
.

The issue isn't the raw distance in the porch from the midpoint of the inner and the pole - it's the usable space once you have a bike in the porch. The Akto has a relatively steep angle from pole to the back of the tent meaning that the bike needs to be near to the inner which results in wasted space. The shape of the inner also effects this. I just pitched both tents and put a Brompton in to see what it looked like:

Akto:


Laser Comp 1:


You'll see there isn't a huge amount in it but because the bike in the Laser is pushed back a bit you'd be able to more easily make a brew in the tent

[jimlondon]

Thanks everyone for all the helpful replies, especially mercurykev for the invaluable pics!

Whilst my heart was set on the Akto (and I still like the sturdy look and am impressed by all the positive feedback), I've plumped for a Laser Comp 1 instead - because it too has its fans, it will certainly do the job and it's currently so much cheaper.

Right, onto the sleeping system.. cooking system.. packing list.. I have to admit I'm rather enjoying the planning

[willem jongman]

Great. Thermarest Neoair Allseason mattress and a PHD Minimus 300 or so as a sleeping bag would be my expensive recommendations. Exped Synmat Basic mattress and Alpkit or Cumulus bag if budget is more constrained.
Willem

[simonineaston]

Right, onto the sleeping system.. cooking system.. packing list.. I have to admit I'm rather enjoying the planning

Oh yes - that's always the best bit of all my trips!!