OK those Zephyros tents are indeed solo tents, even if the Zephyros 2 claims otherwise. For two people, get a three person tent. You may want to look at the larger Wildcountry models for 2013, even though they will exceed your budget.
As for CO, Roger Caffin has tested a large number of stoves for Backpacking Light, and the test results were quite disconcerting. Some models produced hardly any, but others, including some popular ultralight msr and primus models, produced easily lethal quantities (some hundred times more than the best models, from what I remember). I think MSR withdrew one particular model as a result. Sorry, my Backpacking LIght substcription has lapsed, and I don't quite remember the details.
Willem
Tent for touring.
Re: Tent for touring.
I always do my first brew of the day in my sleeping bag with the side entrance of my Avior open. I grab my stove etc through the interconnecting door by my head. Then I position my stove outside the tent by the side door so there is no danger or risk of CO poisoning. In a tunnel tent you can't do that which is why they are all inferior to the Avior. I started with an X2 and since the much roomier X3 is only 1/2 kilo heavier I upgraded to that. It's roomy for two, and absolute luxury for one. Plenty of space with a detatchable groundsheet that's easy to detatch and clean in the front end storage area which can contain your panniers and all your gear. As you mainly enter and leave via the side you don't have to crawl across your gear. It's a brilliant design. All backpacking tents should be designed like this.
Al
Al
Reuse, recycle, to save the planet.... Auctions, Dump, Charity Shops, Facebook Marketplace, Ebay, Boots. Old House, and a Banger ..... And cycle as often as you can...... Every little helps!
Re: Tent for touring.
To return to the original post, I bought one of these about ten years ago (my girlfriend didn't want to share the weight of the larger and better Vango we had used previously). We rode from Le-Havre to Narbonne and the tent was definitely too small for two - we aren't especially committed campers and if there is a convenient B&B or budget hotel we'll use that.
I don't cook or make a brew - I usually just get going and stop at the nearest available coffee stop.
I used it about 4 years ago solo touring in the Alps and it was fine for one - taking everything else into consideration saving a kilo wasn't going to make much difference.
I don't cook or make a brew - I usually just get going and stop at the nearest available coffee stop.
I used it about 4 years ago solo touring in the Alps and it was fine for one - taking everything else into consideration saving a kilo wasn't going to make much difference.
Re: Tent for touring.
Probably anethema to the majority but I always allow 8/9kg for a tent as I can't be sitting in a tiny space for the sake of a few kilos. Then if the weather is crap or stay a few extra days anywhere it is comfortable to sit and laze in or cook etc. I don't normally use a trailer either but have just bought one so god knows what I'll think of taking next.
Re: Tent for touring.
My husband & I bought a Vango Spirit 300+ last summer for a two week tour (Dordogne in France) and liked it very much. Nice big porch for all the panniers etc and plenty of room in tent for 2. I carried the pegs & poles whilst he carried the tent itself. Hopefully touring again with same tent this summer. More than the £100, but think with tents, you get what you pay for.
Re: Tent for touring.
Grizzley wrote:Probably anethema to the majority but I always allow 8/9kg for a tent as I can't be sitting in a tiny space for the sake of a few kilos. Then if the weather is crap or stay a few extra days anywhere it is comfortable to sit and laze in or cook etc. I don't normally use a trailer either but have just bought one so god knows what I'll think of taking next.
For considerably less weight than that you can get a tent with standing room and sleeping space for at least 4 people though!
I like a bit of space as well, but find that a 3 Kg tent (if it's the right 3 Kg tent) has plenty. And that's for two of us.
Pete.
Often seen riding a bike around Dundee...
Re: Tent for touring.
At 64 yrs old ex mountain climber and current sea kayaker I have been talked into doing some cycle touring so getting a lighter tent is a priority for me just now. My group of three usually use our own tents but since we have decided to take a trailer for many tours we have just purchased a vango Omega 600xl, weighs in at 8.8kilo and will sleep three easily, store the bikes overnight and gives loads of living room should the weather be bad. Last outing to a wee bothy we towed 15 kilow of coal and 18 cans of guinness for an overnight so 8.8 kilo should be no problem. Worth looking at for those who don't mind a bit of weight nor sharing.
Gerry
Gerry