Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Camping Equipment and all Clothing
Camping Equipment and all Clothing Tents, sleeping bags, stoves etc. Riding clothing, boots, helmets, what to wear when not riding, etc.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia




Like Tree9Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 24 Dec 2011
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: On the Road
Posts: 235
Quote:
Originally Posted by geordie_e View Post
I have tried and tested various tents over the years...

The winnner is the Vango halo 3

3 ali poles all the same length.. vestibules at both ends, free standing (almost you have to pull the vestibules out).
pitch with inner or if taking down in rain, climb inside and detach the inner keeping it dry.

great pack size

worth a look

Cheers
Geordie aka Will
Thanks for those comments Will and Harty. The Vango Halo is on my list of tents to look at.
Merry Christmas,
Geoff
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 24 Dec 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Germany (near Hamburg)
Posts: 67
I like the Vango Force 10 tents and when I was looking for something strong, but still lightish in weight, I was recommended to look at the Vango Nitro+ tent. It has a spacious porch area for wet biker gear and also more tie down points for use in rough weather. The super light Heliums, etc. lack these tie additional tie downs.

The Vango tents I think are only 210cm internal length so (being tall) I went with something a bit longer inside. Also, being in Germany, it was difficult to see the tent in the flesh so to speak.

I still have a Vango Force 10 MkIV (cotton) and that has been out in some dreadful Scottish stormy weather, but never had a problem with it. I was even able to get replacement springs for the pole sections recently, even though the tent must be 30 years old or so. Makes a change being able to get spares for such an old bit of kit.

Grey Beard
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 24 Dec 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
The force ten is a legendary tent - famous in the UK for being used as a punishment for the bad kids on school trips - you can carry the tent!

They are also pretty much fireproof, as has been demonstrated at least once with an exploding MSR.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 25 Dec 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Germany (near Hamburg)
Posts: 67
Quote:
Originally Posted by henryuk View Post
The force ten is a legendary tent - famous in the UK for being used as a punishment for the bad kids on school trips - you can carry the tent!

They are also pretty much fireproof, as has been demonstrated at least once with an exploding MSR.
Your right about the weight, but I have carried it with climbing gear to some climbs in Arran on the slabs (Glen Rosa?). But it's a great tent, solid ground sheet and no condensation problems. Mine is even heavier as it has a snow valence fitted.

I did see one MkIV have a broken ridge pole one fierce night wild camping night in Glen Etive in Scotland. My tent was right next to it, but I had storm guys on it, so it survived the night. Not sure I slept so much, as kept expecting the tent to take off!!

Grey Beard
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 25 Dec 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grey Beard View Post
Your right about the weight, but I have carried it with climbing gear to some climbs in Arran on the slabs (Glen Rosa?). But it's a great tent, solid ground sheet and no condensation problems. Mine is even heavier as it has a snow valence fitted.

I did see one MkIV have a broken ridge pole one fierce night wild camping night in Glen Etive in Scotland. My tent was right next to it, but I had storm guys on it, so it survived the night. Not sure I slept so much, as kept expecting the tent to take off!!

Grey Beard
Jeez, carrying a rack two ropes and a Quasar up to Cloggy (Snowdon) nearly wiped me out - you must be built like a brick sh*thouse!
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 26 Dec 2011
Selous's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: England
Posts: 437
Quote:
Originally Posted by kentfallen View Post
Brother Man of Kent, Personally I'd have a good look at VANGO tents in the UK. I have used a variety of these tents over many years and they appear to be great value for money. With the money you have available it will be perfectly possible to get a 3 man tent which will be large enough to camp in relative comfort. Forget the lightweight versions and go for something capable of withstanding adverse wind/weather. You will appreciate the extra room in a 3 man tent compared to a 2 man one.
I have the Vango Omega 350 (3 man Tent), I went for the 3 man as I will be having a pillion with me & I got the 2011 version as the inner ground sheet has a inner skirt raised up so water don't get in, 2010 don't have the raised skirt,
It has ally poles & the wait is 5.5kg the Vango Bravo is very similar but has fiberglass poles. I like the idea the tend has its own stuff sack, & a inner sleeping area, 2 doors, I was surprised at the amount of tent pegs I got 30 and not your flimsy things these are good quality pegs, the omega & bravo both also have a tension band system so if in very bad weather or windy can tighten these for extra strength.

I know quite a few people have used this tent even the D of E recommend this tent, I think looking at the wait over space (irrespective of the 250, 2 man or 350 you would be pleasantly surprised on the amount of internal space!
I have 2 standard Givi Panniers & a Otleib roll bag, all of that went into the
porch / cooking ,(wet weather), area & me and my pillion still had room to sit about with out going into the sleeping area.

I suggest you seriously go have a look at this model.

FYI I decided 1 day when I had only got the tend 2 days prior to put it up but as it was raining i decided i would put it up in the living room, all I can say was WOW I was supprised how big it is & how small it went down too.

When I got mine I got it from a firm called outback trading (a really good fast service, & a good price, i asked how he could do it so cheap as they are a small independent)

Outback Trading -
__________________
We are the Pilgrims, Master, we shall go Always a little further: it may be beyond that last blue mountain barred with snow, Across that angry or that glimmering sea.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 26 Dec 2011
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: On the Road
Posts: 235
Quote:
Originally Posted by Selous View Post
I have the Vango Omega 350 (3 man Tent), I went for the 3 man as I will be having a pillion with me & I got the 2011 version as the inner ground sheet has a inner skirt raised up so water don't get in, 2010 don't have the raised skirt,
It has ally poles & the wait is 5.5kg the Vango Bravo is very similar but has fiberglass poles. I like the idea the tend has its own stuff sack, & a inner sleeping area, 2 doors, I was surprised at the amount of tent pegs I got 30 and not your flimsy things these are good quality pegs, the omega & bravo both also have a tension band system so if in very bad weather or windy can tighten these for extra strength.

I know quite a few people have used this tent even the D of E recommend this tent, I think looking at the wait over space (irrespective of the 250, 2 man or 350 you would be pleasantly surprised on the amount of internal space!
I have 2 standard Givi Panniers & a Otleib roll bag, all of that went into the
porch / cooking ,(wet weather), area & me and my pillion still had room to sit about with out going into the sleeping area.

I suggest you seriously go have a look at this model.

FYI I decided 1 day when I had only got the tend 2 days prior to put it up but as it was raining i decided i would put it up in the living room, all I can say was WOW I was supprised how big it is & how small it went down too.

When I got mine I got it from a firm called outback trading (a really good fast service, & a good price, i asked how he could do it so cheap as they are a small independent)

Outback Trading -
Thanks for all that info Selous. I'll definitely check it out.

Geoff
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 16 Feb 2012
mattcbf600's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: London, England
Posts: 706
I've just heard that Les will be at The Ace on Sunday for the Overland and Adventure day with a range of Exped Tents including an Auriga if you want to see them in the flesh.

If you've got questions on tents Les is the man to speak to.

m
__________________
------------------
http://thelondonbiker.com/blog

Watch some of my camp cooking videos

AIM: mattcashmore
SKYPE: matthewcashmore
MSN: matthew@matthewcashmore.com
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 16 Feb 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Ridge poleless

Quote:
Originally Posted by Grey Beard View Post
Your right about the weight, but I have carried it with climbing gear to some climbs in Arran on the slabs (Glen Rosa?). But it's a great tent, solid ground sheet and no condensation problems. Mine is even heavier as it has a snow valence fitted.

I did see one MkIV have a broken ridge pole one fierce night wild camping night in Glen Etive in Scotland. My tent was right next to it, but I had storm guys on it, so it survived the night. Not sure I slept so much, as kept expecting the tent to take off!!

Grey Beard
The best tent, ever, was the Black's Good Companion which didn't break ridge poles because it has none

Good Companion Standard Tent Reviews and Details 1

Hard to find nowadays I expect.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 16 Feb 2012
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: On the Road
Posts: 235
Quote:
Originally Posted by mattcbf600 View Post
I've just heard that Les will be at The Ace on Sunday for the Overland and Adventure day with a range of Exped Tents including an Auriga if you want to see them in the flesh.

If you've got questions on tents Les is the man to speak to.

m
Thanks Matt. I'm going there and I spoke to Les at Excel to confirm he'd be bringing some tents. I'll look out for you.
Geoff
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 17 Feb 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,102
Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout View Post
The best tent, ever, was the Black's Good Companion which didn't break ridge poles because it has none

Good Companion Standard Tent Reviews and Details 1

Hard to find nowadays I expect.

Good Companions, Wow, that takes me back a bit! Actually so does the talk about Vango Force Tens as I still use my Mk 4 regularly. I bought mine in the mid 70's and I know of two older ones that are still in regular use, one of which, a Mk 5 bought in 1970, is the oldest one Vango are aware of.

Yes they're heavy (slightly less if you have the nylon flysheet) and no, I wouldn't like to go backpacking with it but for bike use they're fine. Quite a few other tents have gone through my hands in the meantime but the Force 10 just keeps on going. Def gets my vote for the best tent ever.
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 17 Feb 2012
mattcbf600's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: London, England
Posts: 706
Quote:
Originally Posted by kentbiker View Post
Thanks Matt. I'm going there and I spoke to Les at Excel to confirm he'd be bringing some tents. I'll look out for you.
Geoff
See you there :-)

m
__________________
------------------
http://thelondonbiker.com/blog

Watch some of my camp cooking videos

AIM: mattcashmore
SKYPE: matthewcashmore
MSN: matthew@matthewcashmore.com
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 29 Feb 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Denmark - Copenhagen
Posts: 305
Hilleberg tents are very good.

I dont think you can buy a really good 4 season tent for only 200-300 quid.

I own a Hilleberg Kaitum 3 and that is a very good 2 person tent. Folds small, light weight, very spacy inside, can be pitched extremely fast by only one person.
__________________
Peter Kongsbak
South East Asia, USA, Central and South America and Scandinavia.
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 1 Mar 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: London UK
Posts: 30
Redverz

I just bought a Redverz Exhibition 11 tent, haven't had a chance to put it up yet..
3 season, you can stand up in it and most importantly you can park your bike in it! And it only ways about 6kg's, you can fit a double mattress in there and its a fairly small pack size, all for about £350.
Check out www.redverz.co.uk
Looks perfect to me!
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 1 Mar 2012
mattcbf600's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: London, England
Posts: 706
Quote:
Originally Posted by benmac View Post
I just bought a Redverz Exhibition 11 tent, haven't had a chance to put it up yet..
3 season, you can stand up in it and most importantly you can park your bike in it! And it only ways about 6kg's, you can fit a double mattress in there and its a fairly small pack size, all for about £350.
Check out www.redverz.co.uk
Looks perfect to me!
Hope you went for the green one! That yellow job will attract the midges and mosquitos like no-ones business!

I can attest to the room it has



Stace and I did a little 'testing' last year at the Adventure Travel Film Festival.
__________________
------------------
http://thelondonbiker.com/blog

Watch some of my camp cooking videos

AIM: mattcashmore
SKYPE: matthewcashmore
MSN: matthew@matthewcashmore.com
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Hilleberg Staika €800 tent that leaks!! Brian and Tanja Camping Equipment and all Clothing 25 9 Apr 2014 20:18
RTW on 100cc underbones - Underboning the World Underboning Ride Tales 300 4 Jan 2013 08:24
Nemo OBI tent holodragon Equipment Reviews 2 11 May 2012 02:36
Fantastic new tent design hits the market - actually very impressed mattcbf600 Camping Equipment and all Clothing 8 4 May 2012 15:26
Bivi or Tent or Both for RTW? snoopy Camping Equipment and all Clothing 21 26 Jan 2012 00:32

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 05:53.