2 really cheap tents

[KieranBroadfield]

Hi Guys

on my first ever Dartmoor hike, with Martin, Adam & Jack (metalmug),

I used a cheap Tesco Tent, which a mate of mine picked up for 5 quid!

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It was real good, because it fitted inside my rucksack easily & is real light.. Obviously it wouldn't be much cop in a good bit of rain, but fortunately, we didn't have any and it was perfect for the job,

About a year later, three of us decided to go on a camp in a woodland near my old house, only to realise, we didn't have that tent anymore (mum chucked it in the bin, how dare she!) so.. We went in to Argos, and found a similar three man tent, cost us a slightly more expensive 20 quid, which we split between the three of us

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Surprisingly, this tent handled real well, in some pretty bad rain showers, with four of us sleeping in it, along with a load of kit.

I will admit, that however, the tent wasn't the most comfy with four of us, and in the future, I will use it as a two man tent more often.

But, for 20 quid, it did handle real well, with the small porch being ideal for kit, and the basic design allowing even the most simple people to ERECT it in minutes, I really would recommend it to anyone..

I know there will be people reading, thinking "WHAT THE HELL!? YOU FOOL" - when they own there £900 fancy 1 man sleeping arrangment,

but I was wondering if anyone else had similar really cheap tents, that worked real well? - I do have more expensive tents which will handle all weathers, but these are brilliant for the calmer months when you don't want to carry much weight.

[midas]

Yes Ive got a couple of cheap tents!my most popular one is a Hi Gear "Pop up"very light n useful for setting up on the banks of a Clache/Burn,were a flat space is at a premium,when prospecting in scotland.(only problem it collects lots of condensation.)Should have been £25,but got in sale£15.Got another slightley larger 2 skin.Hi Gear ion2.£25 reduced from £30.Have Bought for this years trips,a FORCE 8 Bivvie,erects in 20 seconds.Heavy but roomy.(Got a JEEP)as a base camp.Have had it up,but not used it yet..n in the loft from years a go,a gynormous andre Gemmie,Frame tent,2bedrooms,kitchen n dinning room.needs a trailer to transport.lol.

[Chubbs]

I have a couple of the 1980's 2 man Litchfield Combat Ridge tents as a backup. Spent many a night in them as a kid and you do see them come up on Ebay every now and then.

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Great little tent and doesn't weigh a lot.

[Midge_Fodder]

Last cheap tent I bought fell apart after two trips. Don't get me wrong it wasn't a bad tent just I was too tall for it, It only cost £5 but my feet burst the inside part during the night. Safe to say I have a canvas tent for winter use and it's big enough, and an extra long hammock for the rest of the year.

[KieranBroadfield]

I've never used a canvas tent....
Hrmm....
What they like?

[Midge_Fodder]

Well they are a far better material, only downside is the weight. What you get is durability, able to heat them with a stove and I'd say they are easier to set up

[KieranBroadfield]

ah, sounds like a good winter tent for the snowy areas then?

What are they like when being set up for larger lengths of time? 3 weeks?

[Midge_Fodder]

Yes they work for snow well, but are nice all year round. Funny you should ask but I have stayed in mine for a month. It wasn't too bad actually.

[rik_uk3]

Well they are a far better material, only downside is the weight. What you get is durability, able to heat them with a stove and I'd say they are easier to set up

You can heat any tent with a stove. Vango still make the classic Force Ten, great tent in three sizes.

These had a good write up on another forum
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Merdina-Conqest-Vango-2-Man-Tradition-Cotton-Framed-Tents-Used-Ground-Sheet-Pole-/230955907897?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_HikingCamping_Ten ts_JN&var=&hash=item35c60b7b39

[Midge_Fodder]

Aye the modern nylon numbers I'd be hesitant heating with a stove. It just makes me nervous.

[rik_uk3]

Aye the modern nylon numbers I'd be hesitant heating with a stove. It just makes me nervous.

High altitude climbers, troops, Arctic/Antarctic expeditions, me and thousands of other campers heat nylon tents so just use common sense and don't worry.

[tent peg]

Gelert solo tents are the exception, but my experience of cheap tents is they are heavy and prone to damage, take longer to set up and pack down. In extreme situations, snow, wind, rain and camping in isolated areas, I personally wouldn't risk it. Id rather have a b&q tarp and bivvy than trust cheap tent.

A good quality tent will last you years and in the long run save you money.

[rik_uk3]

Gelert solo tents are the exception, but my experience of cheap tents is they are heavy and prone to damage, take longer to set up and pack down. In extreme situations, snow, wind, rain and camping in isolated areas, I personally wouldn't risk it. Id rather have a b&q tarp and bivvy than trust cheap tent.

A good quality tent will last you years and in the long run save you money.

Depending on where, when and how often you use it. A tarp shelter won't compete with a tent in terms of shelter from the elements unless you rig it as a ...tent.

[Midge_Fodder]

Removed by the Moderating Team due to previous post having been quoted. Sorry for any inconvenience Midge_Fodder as your comment was valid.

[tent peg]

Depending on where, when and how often you use it. A tarp shelter won't compete with a tent in terms of shelter from the elements unless you rig it as a ...tent.

Which you can do easily, making it much better than Tesco tent. Especially in survival/Bushcraft situations. To suggest otherwise is IMO risking others health and safety.

[rik_uk3]

You can rig a tarp as a tent, but the tent has zips, groundsheet etc, a better shield from the elements really, just my view. I did the tarp route when I was a 'survivalist' over thirty years ago but tents lured me back.

[tent peg]

You can rig a tarp as a tent, but the tent has zips, groundsheet etc, a better shield from the elements really, just my view. I did the tarp route when I was a 'survivalist' over thirty years ago but tents lured me back.

I agree, a tent is often the best way, but not a Tesco special :confused: more often than not they don't even make it through music festivals...

[rik_uk3]

They are fine in the shelter of woodland but I'd not use one on open hills thats for sure. I put a Tesco two or three man dome up in the Garden for my grandchildren to use as a 'den'. I'm not camping much these days, more family glamping :( I really should 'cut the cord' and sell on the 'better' tents I've got...just can't bring myself to do it...yet. I will do it, I did it with my stove collection but its hard to part with some things even if they don't get used...cue violin music.