Wild Camping Tent

WannaGetFit

So, I am looking for a 2 man tent that will do in the Irish weather all year round, not necessarily snow/ice, not planning on going if there's snow. But needs to hold up in wind and rain. No leaks, no collapsing etc.

I am not sure what weight tent is too much to hike with. Considering 2 to 3 nights at most wild camping.
Looking online I am guessing 4lbs or less is ok. Needs to be light enough for one person to carry, and pack size small enough to fit in 65L pack.

I've looked at loads of tents online and they all sound great at first but then I read the reviews and there's always an issue, like leaks, condensation, etc.

The ones I like are too heavy or too expensive or possibly overkill (would do in snow/ice/everest etc)

Has anyone used any of these.....I realise they are not under 4 lbs but I do like them. There are sooo many, too many to mention.
fjallraven abisko lite 2 or 1
fjallraven abisko shape 2
rejka antao light xl 2
MSR Elixir 2
MSR Hubba tour 2
ANY MSR tent

Would love to hear of other tents others use backpacking in Ireland that don't leak, not too heavy etc etc.

Thanks a lot

flos1964

Have you considered the crua tents? ...certainly claim to handle any weather conditions...maybe heavier than you want but look the part...i would be interested to hear what you think of them ...

WannaGetFit

flos1964 wrote: »

Have you considered the crua tents? ...certainly claim to handle any weather conditions...maybe heavier than you want but look the part...i would be interested to hear what you think of them ...

I did look at them. Look good alright but was thinking weight is a bit much.

tphase

Nordisk make some very light tents. I've a Telemark 2, ~1kg without the groundsheet. Single pole design so not a huge amount of room, but that's the trade-off you make to reduce weight
If you shop around, you can find them discounted occasionally. I got mine from outdoorfair.de, but also check sites like bike24.com or asadventure.com
Also take a look at Helsport (friend of mine has one which he's very happy with).

https://nordisk.eu
https://www.helsport.no/produkter/telt?___store=english

I don't like American tents generally as they tend to have too much mesh and I find them cold for our climate.
Don't forget to buy a groundsheet to fit your tent....

WannaGetFit

tphase wrote: »

Nordisk make some very light tents. I've a Telemark 2, ~1kg without the groundsheet. Single pole design so not a huge amount of room, but that's the trade-off you make to reduce weight
If you shop around, you can find them discounted occasionally. I got mine from outdoorfair.de, but also check sites like bike24.com or asadventure.com
Also take a look at Helsport (friend of mine has one which he's very happy with).

https://nordisk.eu
https://www.helsport.no/produkter/telt?___store=english

I don't like American tents generally as they tend to have too much mesh and I find them cold for our climate.
Don't forget to buy a groundsheet to fit your tent....

Thanks. They are interesting options.
Do you have the LW Telemark or ULW? Have you had it out it a good bit of wind and rain? Any leaks?
Do you know which Helsport your friend has?

tphase

WannaGetFit wrote: »

Thanks. They are interesting options.
Do you have the LW Telemark or ULW? Have you had it out it a good bit of wind and rain? Any leaks?
Do you know which Helsport your friend has?

LW Telemark. The ULW version was too rich for my blood


Had it in Scotland in June. Fuc&ing horrendous weather.
Held up to the wind OK, minor issue with condensation which was my own fault (fabric stretches sags a bit when wet as all tents do. Normally you just retension the guys but I was too lazy and the outer made contact with the inner)
no leaks - that's a fairly basic requirement



Mates' Helsport is a Ringstind 2, similar sort of design to the Telemark but a little heavier

WannaGetFit

tphase wrote: »

LW Telemark. The ULW version was too rich for my blood


Had it in Scotland in June. Fuc&ing horrendous weather.
Held up to the wind OK, minor issue with condensation which was my own fault (fabric stretches sags a bit when wet as all tents do. Normally you just retension the guys but I was too lazy and the outer made contact with the inner)
no leaks - that's a fairly basic requirement



Mates' Helsport is a Ringstind 2, similar sort of design to the Telemark but a little heavier

Ye, no leaks is a basic requirement. However, reading reviews it seems manufacturers change how the tents are made every few years and sometimes make them worse, have seen reviews saying a 2016 tent was brilliant with no leaks but 2018 was changed and now leaks etc etc.

Thanks for the info, much appreciated

BarryD2

Most half decent tents won't leak as such, at least not when newish and well kept. As mentioned above, water can get in when the wind beats against one side and pushes the outer flysheet against the inner or against you or belongings if no inner. So as long as you keep the outer properly pegged out, with guy ropes if required, then should be fine. The fabric will loosen when wet so you often need to readjust the pegs in wet weather. But then be careful if the wind / sun dries out everything very quickly as the fabric will shrink back and can over tighten.

Used Vango tents for backpacking, mountain camping in Ireland and were fine. But no idea what current models are like.

tphase

WannaGetFit wrote: »

Ye, no leaks is a basic requirement. However, reading reviews it seems manufacturers change how the tents are made every few years and sometimes make them worse, have seen reviews saying a 2016 tent was brilliant with no leaks but 2018 was changed and now leaks etc etc.

some manufacturers no longer seam seal their tents, you get a tube of Aquaseal with your new tent and instructions on how to seal it yourself

BarryD2 wrote:

As mentioned above, water can get in when the wind beats against one side and pushes the outer flysheet against the inner or against you or belongings if no inner.

That's condensation, not water leaking in

BarryD2 wrote:

Used Vango tents for backpacking, mountain camping in Ireland and were fine. But no idea what current models are like.

My first tent was a Vango Micro 100, got it in 2000. Still usable though maybe not completely waterproof and the outer would likely disintegrate under any great pressure. Good little tent, well designed and stood up to some serious weather in its' time. There was one that looked like new on sale on Adverts for €60 not too long ago - I'd have been tempted if I hadn't already got my Telemark

WannaGetFit

Vangos seem a bit heavy for hiking, no?

tphase

WannaGetFit wrote: »

Vangos seem a bit heavy for hiking, no?

how heavy is too heavy? Vango have a few tents around 2kg or less - if that's too much, maybe you need this

500g but a little too tight space-wise for my liking....

Planet X

Have two backpacking tents, a Hilleberg Unna @ 2.2kg and a Vaude Hogan UL @ 1.8kg.
Both, I'd consider lightweight.....modern rucksacks balance out loads very nicely. Lifting a packed rucksack off the ground feels heavy but when it's on your back......nothing really if balanced.

The Vaude above seems smaller of the two and the Hilleberg is a nice interior size, really like it. Built well.

WannaGetFit

tphase wrote: »

how heavy is too heavy? Vango have a few tents around 2kg or less - if that's too much, maybe you need this

500g but a little too tight space-wise for my liking....

I am looking for a 2 man. 1.5Kg preferably.
I don't see any Vangos at 2Kgs or less. Must be looking on the wrong Vango site??

BarryD2

DP

BarryD2

WannaGetFit wrote: »

I am looking for a 2 man. 1.5Kg preferably.
I don't see any Vangos at 2Kgs or less. Must be looking on the wrong Vango site??

There is a relationship between durability and weight. For good reason. So to some extent your requirements are a bit at odds with each other, particularly at the mid range end perhaps??

If you wanna go really light, then maybe a tarpaulin or fancy bivvy bag

WannaGetFit

Planet X wrote: »

Have two backpacking tents, a Hilleberg Unna @ 2.2kg and a Vaude Hogan UL @ 1.8kg.
Both, I'd consider lightweight.....modern rucksacks balance out loads very nicely. Lifting a packed rucksack off the ground feels heavy but when it's on your back......nothing really if balanced.

The Vaude above seems smaller of the two and the Hilleberg is a nice interior size, really like it. Built well.

Thanks. Food for thought.

I can't help leaning towards a tunnel type with big vestible.

WannaGetFit

BarryD2 wrote: »

There is a relationship between durability and weight. For good reason. So to some extent your requirements are a bit at odds with each other, particularly at the mid range end perhaps??

If you wanna go really light, then maybe a tarpaulin or fancy bivvy bag

You are right. I have spent weeks trawling through websites looking for the perfect 2 man tunnel, light weight, big vestible, good durabable tent.
Hard to find

BarryD2

WannaGetFit wrote: »

You are right. I have spent weeks trawling through websites looking for the perfect 2 man tunnel, light weight, big vestible, good durabable tent.
Hard to find

Let us know what you settle on.

Planet X

BarryD2 wrote: »

There is a relationship between durability and weight. For good reason. So to some extent your requirements are a bit at odds with each other, particularly at the mid range end perhaps??

If you wanna go really light, then maybe a tarpaulin or fancy bivvy bag

Agreed.
Don't go too light or in certain weather conditions the tent will get damaged.
Hilltop camping is a tricky gig re: wind etc.

WannaGetFit

I went with Nordisk Oppland 2 LW

https://nordisk.co.uk/oppland-2-lw/forest-green/p/560

I didn't pay the price on the website though. Searched and searched and found it a couple hundred less.

I like the vestible size.

1.7KG. Not the lightest, not the heaviest.

Got the footprint also.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

WannaGetFit

WannaGetFit wrote: »

I went with Nordisk Oppland 2 LW

https://nordisk.co.uk/oppland-2-lw/forest-green/p/560

I didn't pay the price on the website though. Searched and searched and found it a couple hundred less.

I like the vestible size.

1.7KG. Not the lightest, not the heaviest.

Got the footprint also.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Wow, I have just realised the overall length of the fly. 430cm!! Huge!!
Makes camping in woods more difficult. Oh well :eek:

Planet X

Wow again, looks huge for that weight. Happy camping.

Tried camping in the woods.......extremely difficult in pine forests in Wicklow, but there are areas where I've fitted in.

tphase

WannaGetFit wrote: »

I went with Nordisk Oppland 2 LW

https://nordisk.co.uk/oppland-2-lw/forest-green/p/560

I didn't pay the price on the website though. Searched and searched and found it a couple hundred less.

I like the vestible size.

1.7KG. Not the lightest, not the heaviest.

Got the footprint also.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

That's a nice roomy tent. I have the ultra-heavy version - twice the weight of yours but it's only for car camping. Got it for under €200

WannaGetFit

tphase wrote: »

That's a nice roomy tent. I have the ultra-heavy version - twice the weight of yours but it's only for car camping. Got it for under €200

When I started looking first I thought 200 was expensive but as time went on it seemed like a bargain ðŸ‘

WannaGetFit

So I got the https://nordisk.co.uk/oppland-2-lw/forest-green/p/560 today.

Have to admit it does seem a bit flimsy.
1/2 hour to pitch first time.
13 minutes to take down and pack.
22 minutes to pitch second time including footprint.

Vestible is HUGE. A person could definitely sleep there.
With wind the fly brushes up against inner.
Is this normal in tents?
Maybe I just don't have it pitched perfect?

tphase

WannaGetFit wrote: »

So I got the https://nordisk.co.uk/oppland-2-lw/forest-green/p/560 today.

Have to admit it does seem a bit flimsy.
1/2 hour to pitch first time.
13 minutes to take down and pack.
22 minutes to pitch second time including footprint.

Vestible is HUGE. A person could definitely sleep there.
With wind the fly brushes up against inner.
Is this normal in tents?
Maybe I just don't have it pitched perfect?

With practice, pitching time will come down

If you keep the inner connected so it goes up as one, that speeds things up a bit.


Ideally you'd pitch end-on to the wind to minimise the risk of the fly brushing against the inner. If it does, you need to re-tension your guys. I don't think you can completely eliminate it happening but with practice, you can minimise it

Forty Seven

I have the msr elixir 3. We bought it for 2 of us plus 2 60l packs. It's too big really but a cracking tent and can be bought cheap on eBay. Light, strong and easy to put up. It's been all over Scotland wild camping in all weather's. Highly recommended by me.

iwillhtfu

Out of curiosity OP did you want a 2 man tent for 2 people or for the extra space. I have the MSR elixir 2 which I'm considering selling to replace with an elixir 1 specifically for the reason mentioned above, It can be hard to get a large foot print shoe horned into a forest floor and the MSR elixir 2 has a very generous vestibule. I have recently gone down the hammock/tarp route and whilst it is good I do like the space a tent offer when the weather turns for the worse.

I also picked up a wild country by terra nova for short trips and trying to keep weight down. I have to say it's a great little tent but obviously not as much room as the dome style tents. Money no object I'd be going for the hilleberg planet x linked to but they're mental money altogether but in saying that I must have 6 or 7 tents I've swapped out or upgraded and probably should've got the hilleberg from the outset.

WannaGetFit

Forty Seven wrote: »

I have the msr elixir 3. We bought it for 2 of us plus 2 60l packs. It's too big really but a cracking tent and can be bought cheap on eBay. Light, strong and easy to put up. It's been all over Scotland wild camping in all weather's. Highly recommended by me.

I love how it goes up so quick. The pole structure looks great.
I thought the vestible looked a bit small on the 2 man but could be wrong.
I am glad to hear it manages in all weathers as I did see a few reviews saying it leaked since MSR seal the seams differently now.
What year is it?

WannaGetFit

iwillhtfu wrote: »

Out of curiosity OP did you want a 2 man tent for 2 people or for the extra space. I have the MSR elixir 2 which I'm considering selling to replace with an elixir 1 specifically for the reason mentioned above, It can be hard to get a large foot print shoe horned into a forest floor and the MSR elixir 2 has a very generous vestibule. I have recently gone down the hammock/tarp route and whilst it is good I do like the space a tent offer when the weather turns for the worse.

I also picked up a wild country by terra nova for short trips and trying to keep weight down. I have to say it's a great little tent but obviously not as much room as the dome style tents. Money no object I'd be going for the hilleberg planet x linked to but they're mental money altogether but in saying that I must have 6 or 7 tents I've swapped out or upgraded and probably should've got the hilleberg from the outset.

I was looking for extra space. Hate not having enough
I like the MSRs except I honestly thought the vestible was small, and I thought the fly doesn't come down to the ground enough for me.
I do like the free standing feature though.
I do wish the tunnel tent I bought was free standing but can't have everything unfortunately

Forty Seven

WannaGetFit wrote: »

Forty Seven wrote: »

I have the msr elixir 3. We bought it for 2 of us plus 2 60l packs. It's too big really but a cracking tent and can be bought cheap on eBay. Light, strong and easy to put up. It's been all over Scotland wild camping in all weather's. Highly recommended by me.

I love how it goes up so quick. The pole structure looks great.
I thought the vestible looked a bit small on the 2 man but could be wrong.
I am glad to hear it manages in all weathers as I did see a few reviews saying it leaked since MSR seal the seams differently now.
What year is it?

Not sure of exact year but we have had it 18 months or so. We bought it new from eBay but they may have had it in stock for a while. We went camping in the Ochills here in Scotland, camped in the dark on a wet, windy night. Woke up in an absolute downpour and realised we were camped in a wind tunnel. There were turbines at each end of the Glen. Stayed 3 days as the weather just got worse. It threw everything at that tent and it didn't miss a beat. Not a drop inside and the outer was touching the inner all the time as the prevailing wind was strong.

We got the tent after our old outwell got absolutely destroyed in an unexpected storm on neist point on the isle of Skye. I believe this tent would have withstood it. The seams look strong. I was concerned about the high gap on the fly but it has not been an issue. We got the 3 man as we carry big packs on multiday walks and we thought the vestibules were small and we planned to bring them in but they take our big packs no issue with room to get by. It's worked out well as we have a baby due next month so we will have room for her next season. We are out in it most weekends early spring to late autumn. Can't fault it.

BigGeorge

Sorry to resus this thread but just reading through the thread, some great advice. This initial list is great - are there anymore updated suggested tents in the 2 person ( 1 + gear really) , 2kg roughly, with vestibule space?

Tabnabs

Don't know if they can be bought here in Ireland, but a lot of noise online about the Phoxx 2 Tent from OEX. A budget backpacking tent.
https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15980946/oex-phoxx-2-tent-15980946

iwillhtfu

BigGeorge wrote: »

Sorry to resus this thread but just reading through the thread, some great advice. This initial list is great - are there anymore updated suggested tents in the 2 person ( 1 + gear really) , 2kg roughly, with vestibule space?

What's your budget?

BigGeorge

probably €300,

The MSR elixir 2 is less than that but quite heavy, the Hubba Hubba 2 is a bunch more money. Was looking at the nature hike cloud up2 / Mongar 20D on amazon / aliexpress but was concerned about longevity - even though its half the price so might be worth the chance

iwillhtfu

BigGeorge wrote: »

probably €300,

The MSR elixir 2 is less than that but quite heavy, the Hubba Hubba 2 is a bunch more money. Was looking at the nature hike cloud up2 / Mongar 20D on amazon / aliexpress but was concerned about longevity - even though its half the price so might be worth the chance

The elixir2 is around 2.4kg, I have one and it's a good tent, pretty large foot print if you're in a tight area. The cloud up 2 gets good reviews but you'll be waiting for it coming from China.

If you're looking for longevity it's hard to look passed some of the more premium brand MSR/Hilleberg in the long run you'll probably wish you'd forked out.

BigGeorge

Great advice - you are right about longevity, will have another look around

dubh laoch

iwillhtfu wrote: »

The elixir2 is around 2.4kg, I have one and it's a good tent, pretty large foot print if you're in a tight area. The cloud up 2 gets good reviews but you'll be waiting for it coming from China.

If you're looking for longevity it's hard to look passed some of the more premium brand MSR/Hilleberg in the long run you'll probably wish you'd forked out.

As a beginner, is it worth forking out €300 for a tent or is there a cheaper alternative available?


Thanks,


Dubh

iwillhtfu

dubh laoch wrote: »

As a beginner, is it worth forking out €300 for a tent or is there a cheaper alternative available?


Thanks,


Dubh

Plenty of cheap tents about vango banshee is highly regarded. https://thescoutshop.ie/product/banshee-pro-200-tent

A few factors will dictate your choice, weight,1/2 man etc Usually the cheaper you go the heavier it will get unless you go super cheap and buy a pop up tent which would not be wise.

The cloud up tent is a good compromise in all areas and not mad money. I'm not a fan of the shark fin design as I can't see it doing well in high wind but worth a punt. for €75

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000232879071.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.636c6ec5BJyuZx&algo_pvid=fab85d70-9ba9-4ce7-a842-94885ad26bde&algo_expid=fab85d70-9ba9-4ce7-a842-94885ad26bde-1&btsid=0b0a01f816163387026628562e9054&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_

BigGeorge

I ended up getting an MDr hubba hubba NX from Bike24 in Germany for €366, which is a lot cheaper than anywhere in ireland / UK and was able to confirm with MSR that it was the latest model. About €50 more than the elixir 2 and does not come with a ground sheet though

dubh laoch

iwillhtfu wrote: »

Plenty of cheap tents about vango banshee is highly regarded. https://thescoutshop.ie/product/banshee-pro-200-tent

A few factors will dictate your choice, weight,1/2 man etc Usually the cheaper you go the heavier it will get unless you go super cheap and buy a pop up tent which would not be wise.

The cloud up tent is a good compromise in all areas and not mad money. I'm not a fan of the shark fin design as I can't see it doing well in high wind but worth a punt. for €75

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000232879071.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.636c6ec5BJyuZx&algo_pvid=fab85d70-9ba9-4ce7-a842-94885ad26bde&algo_expid=fab85d70-9ba9-4ce7-a842-94885ad26bde-1&btsid=0b0a01f816163387026628562e9054&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_

Thanks a million for your recommendations. I am going to order the Cloud Up 2 as a starter and see how I fare. Thanks again.

Apoapsis Rex

dubh laoch wrote: »

Thanks a million for your recommendations. I am going to order the Cloud Up 2 as a starter and see how I fare. Thanks again.

I have the Vango banshee. Its a great tent but a but too low. Its great if you are sitting most of the night by a campfire and then only get in trnt for sleep but if I was stuck in a rain day it would be a bit too cramped. The cloud up looks better, more head room.

El Vino

Not sure if Alpkit still deliver to Ireland post brexit but I have their 1 man, the Soloist. Seems well made and good value.
https://alpkit.com/collections/camping-shelter

ThreeGreens

I have the cloud up 2 tent. Though I have the original model, not the current one. The white and red one (slightly lighter than the orange or green ones).

The current one pole splits into two at the back, while the original has just one centre pole.
The advantage of the new one is that it's free standing but it's slightly heaver.

Anyway I think it's a brilliant tent. I go camping maybe 4 times per year, and have head it for about 4 years. It's still in perfect condition.

Never got wet in it. I did initially worry about it's ability to stand up to the wind. But I had it one night on a very windy Omey island and it managed no problem at all.

Never had any issue with condensation. 50% of the inside wall is a net/mesh, so it's well aired, but that can make it a bit chilly at times.

If it got damaged tomorrow, I'd have no hesitation in replacing it with another Cloud UP 2 tent.

For me, it's the perfect comprise between durability, weight and cost. I don't think it's the most durable tent out there. But with taking just a little care, mine is still in perfect condition.

As with any 2 man it's really 1 person + bag or two people very tight with no bags. The vestibule is quite small.

As it's over €22, you might get hit for VAT on it. I didn't but mine came in via Northern Ireland Parcel Motel (they would deliver to the UK at the time but not ROI!).

I was going to say "For the cost, you can't go wrong" but really there is no need for the "For the cost" qualification! You really can't go wrong

Ubbquittious

There isn't much of a wildcamping scene in UK, apparently illegal. A lad in a camping shop over there told me one time the big sellers are the 6 man tents and ones with inflatable beams. People pack them into the back of their XC90 and drive outside of London and stay in a paid camp site

As a result everything on the vango site we'd consider as a normal tent is in the "adventure tent" and "technical tent" section

The Continental Op

Ubbquittious wrote: »

There isn't much of a wildcamping scene in UK, apparently illegal. A lad in a camping shop over there told me one time the big sellers are the 6 man tents and ones with inflatable beams. People pack them into the back of their XC90 and drive outside of London and stay in a paid camp site

As a result everything on the vango site we'd consider as a normal tent is in the "adventure tent" and "technical tent" section

Hmmmm apparently they don't have one hundred and forty thousand miles public rights of way on footpaths and bridleways either

Planet X

Wild camping over in UK is huge I'd have thought.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/wildcampinguk/

This is a great and informative page with great gear reviews from time to time.
Stunning photography which is really inspiring.

iwillhtfu

Planet X wrote: »

Wild camping over in UK is huge I'd have thought.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/wildcampinguk/

This is a great and informative page with great gear reviews from time to time.
Stunning photography which is really inspiring.

It is but due to a number of inconsiderate gob****es they're now clamping down on it and large estates have wardens patrolling at night.

figleaf25

Field & Stream makes good, well made two-person tents.

Are you looking for something ultralight? Something comfortable? Do you experience extreme weather conditions where you are considering hiking? 

I would try cheking out field & stream tent reviews to find some decent deals on two person tents.