One man tent - Mil-Tec Recon

[claverhouse]

My current tent is a 2-3 man, excellent stormproof and roomy but too big and heavy for one person to lug about. As a second and hopefully cheaper choice, I was considering buying a Dutch Army hooped goretex bivi but like all bivi bags, even with a hoop, it's a little too much like sleeping in a fabric coffin. Before all you hammock evangelists chip in, the places I will be going on my own don't have trees , either being higher up or out in the Hebrides. Came across this
http://epicmilitaria.com/product.php/1631/one-man-olive-green-recon-tent

which is also sold in woodland and flecktarn camo and am tempted but wondered if anyone has any first hand knowledge of them. I'd prefer it to pitch flysheet first but for the price it looks decent.

[Silverback]

heavy for what it is, and pricey too I think. I have a Argos Pro action which cost 14.99 and came with alu poles and pegs which are good quality and it pitches fly first.

Dont take my word for it tho review here

http://www.truewayssurvival.com/forums/showthread.php?8495-Cheap-and-super-one-man-tent

[Peaks]

Seen these? Bit more expensive, but lots of other benefits, including weight.

http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/product578.asp?PageID=1

[claverhouse]

Thanks for the replies. Argos don't stock the ProAction 1 any more and what I am after is basically something larger than a bivi but with low profile and footprint, which won't get used that often so does'nt cost an awful lot. I had looked at the Snugpak Stratosphere and similar but they don't appear to be long enough for the 6'5'' of me.

[Dan XF]

When I used to work for Cotswold back in the 90's we used to sell loads of Vau De Hogan tents. They were roomy for one, big enough for 2 and pitched with the fly and inner attached together. The ends of the poles locked in place and the whole lot hung from the poles. 2 of us could start with one in its sack and pitch it without guy lines in 55 seconds. In a down pour that's a real life saver. You should try getting one on that auction website. I still have mine and have lent it out to friends who need a good tent for up in the mountains.

[Thumbcrusher]

This is pretty good for the price! Maybe a bit more than you want to spend though.

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/north-ridge-col-tent-p188783

I had a look at it yesterday and it is almost like a small baker tent when the side is opened up..

[claverhouse]

This is pretty good for the price! Maybe a bit more than you want to spend though.

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/north-ridge-col-tent-p188783

I had a look at it yesterday and it is almost like a small baker tent when the side is opened up..

Now that does look interesting. Thanks!

[cuppa joe]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gelert-Apex-2-Person-Tent-Brand-New-Never-been-used-anger-/170828838833?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_HikingCamping_Ten ts_JN&hash=item27c63137b1 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bivi-Tent-2-people-/160787124677?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_HikingCamping_Ten ts_JN&hash=item256fa8d1c5 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Zephyros-1-Tent-/160784646362?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_HikingCamping_Ten ts_JN&hash=item256f8300da http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gelert-Solo-Backpacking-Tent-Green-2011-/230773582462?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_HikingCamping_Ten ts_JN&hash=item35bb2d6a7e
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/COLEMAN-COBRA-2-TENT-/360446394145?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_HikingCamping_Ten ts_JN&hash=item53ec477f21
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Snugpak-Ionosphere-1-Man-Tent-Bivvie-/320875974241?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_HikingCamping_Ten ts_JN&hash=item4ab5b2ce61

[Peaks]

How about one of these?

http://www.silvermans.co.uk/ProductDetails/tabid/89/Department/Outdoor/Category/TENTS/Description/HIGHLANDER+JURA+TENT/ItemId/3582/CurrentPage/0/Default.aspx

Lots of tent reviews here :
http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/

Can personally recommend the Gelert Solo - it is a bit low, but better than an hooped bivi, good in bad weather, good reviews and with a very small tarp, can be very versatile. Might be a bit short if a you are a tall person?

HTH

[presterjohn]

My current tent is a 2-3 man, excellent stormproof and roomy but too big and heavy for one person to lug about. As a second and hopefully cheaper choice, I was considering buying a Dutch Army hooped goretex bivi but like all bivi bags, even with a hoop, it's a little too much like sleeping in a fabric coffin. Before all you hammock evangelists chip in, the places I will be going on my own don't have trees , either being higher up or out in the Hebrides. Came across this
http://epicmilitaria.com/product.php/1631/one-man-olive-green-recon-tent

which is also sold in woodland and flecktarn camo and am tempted but wondered if anyone has any first hand knowledge of them. I'd prefer it to pitch flysheet first but for the price it looks decent.

Lidl are doing some very light and pretty nifty tents for around £15.00 at the moment. I bought one last year. It has not got further than a trial in the garden but in the three days it was up it let no water in. It had hardly any weight to it and packed really small to. The only draw back that I can see is that it is single skin so you need to leave the front open a bit to stop condensation issues.

[Thumbcrusher]

I'd steer clear of the highlander Jura to be honest. I've got one and it's pants frankly. You certainly can't get two adults in as the ad says, well not unless you're on very friendly terms with each other:rolleye:

It's now a play tent for the nippa!

[Kernowek Scouser]

If you are after a cheap, but reliable one man tent, you can't go wrong with the Gelert Solo

43744375
http://www.worldofcamping.co.uk/gelert_solo_1_man_tent_2012_model__104549

It is light (ish) easy to pitch and put away and well suited to the hiking backpacker. I took mine to the RV and had no complaints.

It is small though, I'm 5'8" and a bit and I just fit in with a bit of space to spare beyond my head and feet.

If you are taller, or a shortie like me but want more room, there is also a 'two' man version, the Mongoose

43764377
http://www.campoholics.co.uk/backpacking_tents/mongoose-2-person-tent.php

It is almost twice as heavy, but you get a lot more space and a door flap on either side of the tent. You would not get two adults in one, unless they were very close friends, but you and your kit would fit in no problems.

I have had a go of one of these, they are good tents and a lot less claustrophobic than the solo, but the extra weight does make itself felt after a day on your back.

[AL...]

The Gelert solo is the one Im lookin at and what Ive read about it it seems just the job


Cheers
AL

[GwersyllaCnau]

That tent is heavy for what it is, the Gelert Solo looks good but I've recently been looking at the Karrimor X lite 1. Pitches fly 1st weighs 1950g and only £45 in field and trek. I've not got any 1st hand experience of it though.

43784379

http://www.fieldandtrek.com/karrimor-x-lite-1-tent-783203

I still love my Vango Tornado 200 even for solo backpacking. Plenty of room and an almost cavernous porch.Yes it's bloody heavy at 3.3kg but even with that in it my solo pack only weighs 11kg which I find easily manageable as I'm used to carrying my son's kit too and together that comes to 19kg.

[Kernowek Scouser]

I have no experience of that Karrimor tent either, but taken at face value it does looks a bit tasty. It has almost as much room as the Mongoose, double the hydrostatic head and about a kilo lighter.

So I did a little internet investigation and found this discussion/review thread:

http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/karrimor-x-lite-tent.83960/

And, the only person with actual experience of the tent on the thread, was not a happy bunny.

Shame.

Caveat Emptor.

[GwersyllaCnau]

I have no experience of that Karrimor tent either, but taken at face value it does looks a bit tasty. It has almost as much room as the Mongoose, double the hydrostatic head and about a kilo lighter.

So I did a little internet investigation and found this discussion/review thread:

http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/karrimor-x-lite-tent.83960/

And, the only person with actual experience of the tent on the thread, was not a happy bunny.

Shame.

Caveat Emptor.

Thanks for that. I hadn't found any reviews yet.

this is the post from the 'not happy bunny'

Zigzag,
I registered just to reply to your post as my experience with the Karrimore X lite was so bad.
I did my JOGLE in May/June having bought one of these and in fairness the price was good, they go up well and are roomy.
Day two saw me in Fort Augustus and the heavens opened in a proper Scottish down pour, I woke up to find the rain just streaming into the tent, so bad I had to put my cycling jacket over my sleeping bag. I was doubly cheesed off as it was new and I had also waterproofed it again??
The £60 was a false economy as I had to go into a hotel the next night to dry everything off and I bought a Northface Tadpole 23 for the rest of the trip.
So my tip would be get the best tent you can afford even if that means Ebay as £60 could get you something nice.
Karrimor tents are a joke when it comes to rain.

To be fair I have a pair of Karrimor KSB's which I bought in 1994 and apart from having to glue the sole which had started coming off about 6 months ago they still look relatively new and are used as a summer boot which is what they were marketed as. And I have a pair of Karrimor Glencoe boots which I bought about 18 months ago and I love them.

[cuppa joe]

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/tents/p/Coleman-Bedrock-2/1008 i used to have one ...great tent ,not the lightest at 2.5 kgs but door and porche at each side .

[Kernowek Scouser]

Not exactly a glowing review is it? In a subsequent post the fella says he was so hacked off he just threw the tent in the bin, rather than try to get his money back.

I'm thinking dud, which is a shame.

[Kernowek Scouser]

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/tents/p/Coleman-Bedrock-2/1008 i used to have one ...great tent ,not the lightest at 2.5 kgs but door and porche at each side . Did yours ever sag on to your feet while you were sleeping?

Mine did :mad2:

[cuppa joe]

no it was fine but im shorter than you at 5 ft 6" .....i really like the look of the solo and have been thinking about getting one....

[Martin]

I think that, as far as tents go, what you decide to buy should very much depend on what you want to use the tent for. If it's the odd night out, not too far from the car or even in the back garden then I can't see any problem with spending in the region of £50 or less and getting something that is fairly heavy (2Kg or over) and fairly waterproof. On the other hand, if you want something that will be lightweight (under 1.5kg), three - four season and will last you for years then you really have to spend serious money or you will probably regret it down the line.

The Hillegberg Akto, is considered to be one of the best one man tents out there and is absolutely bomb proof. It's very expensive but is a lifetime's investment and over the years would be a good investment in my opinion.

I was lucky enough to get a Terra Nova Laser a couple of years ago when they were for sale on the Sports Direct website and, although it's not got the reputation of the Hilleberg, it is lighter (just about 1.1kg) and a very well designed tent which has withstood some pretty stormy nights on Dartmoor. It packs down small, pitches inner and outer at the same time and slots into the side of my rucksack.

Ultimately, I guess this is about value for money but I'd be suspicious about a tent that offers to do everything a specialist mountain tent can do but for a fraction of the price. Corners must have been cut somewhere and not just on the profit margin.

Martin

[Kernowek Scouser]

Out of curiosity Martin, what rucksack are you slotting your Laser into?

While some of these 'What Tent?' threads can get a bit polarised, between proponents of expensive versus economy tents, and side tracked when the Tarpologists and swingers chip in; ultimately, I have to agree. If you are planning on enjoying frequent adventures in the wild outdoors, then if you have the money, you should look at investing in a quality tent, as the investment will pay off in the long run.

I love my Solo, it has served me well in my hiking/backpacking adventures. It is as weather proof as the Banshee 200 that preceded it (although the specs suggest it shouldn't be) and it has proven to be more weather proof than the Coleman Bedrock that preceded the Banshee. It isn't Über Lightweight by any means, but at around the 1.5 kg mark, it is far from being classed a heavyweight tent either. It is designed to be pitched inner first, which can be a pain in the rain, but with a little ingenuity and practice, you part pitch the outer, then the inner underneath it and its claustrophobic dimensions give it a minimal wind profile. The flip side of these dimensions, and the only negative for me, is there is very little else you can do in this tent, other than sleep.

For any one looking to walk, camp and kip who is backpacking/bushcrafting on a budget, I would (and often do) recommend this little tent.

But having said that, my adventures thus far have mainly consisted of enjoying the journey whilst hiking between campsites or sneaking off into sheltered local woodland. I have not, yet, pitched the Solo fully exposed to the elements on wet and windy moorland and while my past experiences with it would suggest I could probably get away with dry night, I believe if I camped in such conditions on a regular basis, the low hydrostatic head and minimal tech would soon make themselves apparent.

So, like Martin says, key factors to consider before buying any tent are: the expected frequency of use, in what environment(s) and mode of carriage.

If like I have in the past, you intend to hike with tent in you pack and just camp in reasonably sheltered locations, then the cheap as chips Solo is definitely worth consideration. But if you are intending to regularly camp in exposed locations, prone to heavy weather, then investing in a more expensive, technical tent would be the sensible and long term value for money way forward.

There are probably people who would shout 'Nonsense!' at all of the above and advise you, you need nothing more than an army surplus poncho, some cordage and a big dollop of testicular fortitude, to happily endure a thunderstorm on Dartmoor, but as I am not such a hardy soul, I'm happy to vote TENT :D

[Martin]

Out of curiosity Martin, what rucksack are you slotting your Laser into?......

I use an Osprey Exos58, which is also a pretty lightweight rucksack. On a par with the GoLight Jam, although mine has a top pocket.

If you try to pack much over 12kg including food and water it's getting to the limit of where you want to be for comfort. It's a very comfortable pack with less than 10kg in it which, if you are prepared to forego some creature comforts, is possible for a night out or two if you don't take any wet food.

(Sits here, waiting to be shot down by the guys who can go for a week on 5kg of kit and carry in in their pockets in a Tesco bag ;))

Martin

[comanighttrain]

I use an Osprey Exos58, which is also a pretty lightweight rucksack. On a par with the GoLight Jam, although mine has a top pocket.

If you try to pack much over 12kg including food and water it's getting to the limit of where you want to be for comfort. It's a very comfortable pack with less than 10kg in it which, if you are prepared to forego some creature comforts, is possible for a night out or two if you don't take any wet food.

(Sits here, waiting to be shot down by the guys who can go for a week on 5kg of kit and carry in in their pockets in a Tesco bag ;))

Martin

Creature comforts oft count for nothing when the soles of your feet are screaming at you

[Martin]

Creature comforts oft count for nothing when the soles of your feet are screaming at you

That's why I never go anywhere without my Babyliss Foot Spa. ;) Worth its weight in gold.

Martin

[comanighttrain]

haha, its easy to carry...in your caravan.

[Martin]

haha, its easy to carry...in your caravan.

I'll have you know, I don't have a caravan any more. I had to sell it to afford my bleedin' tent. ;)

Martin

[Kernowek Scouser]

Well at least you still have the foot spa and can avoid bleeding feet :D

That Osprey is a very tasty looking pack T^

[Martin]

Well at least you still have the foot spa and can avoid bleeding feet :D

That Osprey is a very tasty looking pack T^

As we drift massively off topic, I must profess to being a huge fan of Osprey packs. I'm 99% certain that my next pack will be another Osprey.

Martin

[comanighttrain]

As we drift massively off topic, I must profess to being a huge fan of Osprey packs. I'm 99% certain that my next pack will be another Osprey.

Martin

get back on topic guys,

but me too. Looking to lighten from a 2kg pack to a 1kg pack

[Kernowek Scouser]

On the subject of foot spas, after a day's hiking, when back at camp, has anyone else used a collapsible bowl to soak your feet in, or that just me being a bit of an :off-topic: tart?

[jus_young]

As we drift massively off topic, I must profess to being a huge fan of Osprey packs. I'm 99% certain that my next pack will be another Osprey.

Martin

:off-topic: I have the Osprey Exos 46 and I love the thing. Deffinately a good choice.

Back on the tents, I do like the Banshee 200 and its a damned good sturdy tent but limited on the space so I would choose something like the mini peak II if I was still a ground dweller, may even be tempted for the odd occassion that I need to bed down on the floor.

[kev fitzpatrick]

Just found this thread after buying a Mil Tec one man tent. I got it via Amazon just last week. I,ve not been out yet but we are planning a weekender back end of Feb so will take it out with me then and post a review. First impression is its heavier and larger than i expected weighing in at just over 2 1/2 kilos but will fit inside my rucksack easy enough. I set it up in the garage and took about10 mins to do so and probably get faster as i get used to it. I'm six foot and found it quite spacious for me and a bit of kit but not the rucksack. It looks well made and I'm looking forward to trying it out. As i say ill let you know how i get on with a few pics too.
ATB

Kev

[KarlUpNorth]

I picked up a Gelert Solo for £25 of Amazon over Xmas, not had a chance to use it yet, as the weather has been seriously gash, but have the first week of April booked off work, so am hoping for a few days of reasonable weather to get out in.

[kev fitzpatrick]

Let me know how you get on with it. I did consider the Gelert as most reviews are good and its great on price for the amount of times i will probably use it. The main put off was the reviews over the size both length and height. I did want a low profile but the Gelert seemed just a little too low for my needs and the length probably would have been an issue.

We are hoping for a break in the weather too so hope you get out too.

Kev

[scoots66]

All,

I've got a gelert solo and I love it - cracking piece of kit, I am however only 5'5 - anyone over this size will struggle, not for sleeping space but for storage. Trust me though, up in 5 minutes, (inner first which can have some disadvantages) and then in... from experience, take an extendable bivi pole with you, (or a stick), to make a porch and buy a RIGHT HANDED sleeping bag... if your zip is on the left you have to negotiate in to the tent and then into the bag, with the zip on the right you can do both together. Can't recommend this tent highly enough.

[jacko1066]

Iv got a tiger paw tent sitting in my garage doing nothing.

Gets great reviews, only used it once then discorvered the hammock.

Weighs around 1.5 kg and gas loads or room inside

Looking for £35

Cheers
Steve

[Bob W]

:off-topic: I have the Osprey Exos 46 and I love the thing. Deffinately a good choice.

Back on the tents, I do like the Banshee 200 and its a damned good sturdy tent but limited on the space so I would choose something like the mini peak II if I was still a ground dweller, may even be tempted for the odd occassion that I need to bed down on the floor.

I've got the banshee 200 and was disappointed (selfishly I suppose) to see that not long after I purchased mine, they improved it by having the inner permanently hung in the outer so it could be erected in the rain without the inner getting wet. It looks like the frame/poles are external to the whole set up now, making a great tent even better. I recommended this tent before the improvements, I highly recommend it now!!

[kev fitzpatrick]

Just a quick post to say I'm off out at the end of this month for a two nighter and will be taking my Mil tec for its first run out. I'll let you know how i get on.

Kev

[happybonzo]

posted in error

[saxonaxe]

Just a quick post to say I'm off out at the end of this month for a two nighter and will be taking my Mil tec for its first run out. I'll let you know how i get on.

Kev

I've been using my Mil-Tec Recon for some time now and I've found that for the purpose to which I put it, it's perfect.
I wouldn't carry it on a long trek where it's weight would mean I might have to sacrifice rations etc: but on the overnight or two night walks on the High Downs, weight is not crucial. Just looked in the Journal and so far I've only spent 13 nights in it, but so far so good
As it was yet another fine warm day today I took the opportunity to give it a Fabsil spray, not that it needed it as I've found it to be totally waterproof in quite wet/windy conditions. It's just that like others I've had care of kit battered into me..:D :D so the occasional waterproof treatment gets carried out. Rigged it up in the boatyard where it could dry in the sun.

http://i.imgur.com/wo6AWDtl.jpg
Rear view

http://i.imgur.com/rsyeZWxl.jpg
Front view..open

http://i.imgur.com/45sO8ykl.jpg
Inner..without flysheet. Those big mesh panels seem to prevent any condensation problems and I've used the tent in February in frosty conditions.

I'm 5' 10" regular build, and find it easily big enough. I stow my day-pack in it's waterproof cover under the ' Porch' by the opening..
I admit to an attitude to kit that says..If it works for me, it's good kit and price or brand name means nothing. For it's role.. I'm happy with the Mil-Tec..:D

http://i.imgur.com/CvMrQtrl.jpg

[Ehecatl]

Nice. Can it be used with just the outer?

M@

[saxonaxe]

Nice. Can it be used with just the outer?

M@

Good question..:) It's not designed to be adaptable as you'll notice the two main support 'poles' run through tunnels on the inner and fit into eyelets at ground level which keeps them arched under tension. So you would need to..

A) Secure the two poles in the cross configuration and either poke them into the ground or fit a little eyelet or tab that you could stick a peg through.

B) Where the poles cross you could just lash them together. The pole that goes over the main two is held by attachments fitted to the inner, so you would have to secure the cross pole to the other two, otherwise it would just fall over, then you could throw the outer fly over the frame of poles.

C) Basically you would need to find a way to hold the poles in a framework to support the outer, because the frame as it is depends on the inner tent to support and hold it in position.
Probably cheaper to buy a Flectarn Tarp and some fibreglass poles and make your own single skin rig. :D

[Ehecatl]

Thanks. I wondered (form the photos) if that was the case. An "outer only" rig would be great for the summer and also less weight. If I'm really honest with myself, we have more than enough tents already though. :camping:

Cheers,

M@