Tents Which Fit in Panniers
 

I'm looking for something with a packed size (length) not exceeding 30cm or thereabouts, so it'll fit in my small throwovers. Any recommendations?

Thanks in advance.

Fitting the tent isn't a problem, but a tent with poles that short is pretty rare.

What some people have done is get a piece of black plastic plumbing pipe of appropriate size and length for the poles only, and attach it securely to the bike somewhere, with a sealed end and a cap.

If you find a good tent with short poles, let us know!

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Grant Johnson

Share the Dream!
at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

[This message has been edited by Grant Johnson (edited 14 October 2001).]

Great idea that tube for the tent-poles. I will do when I am going to Marokko next May.
The rest of the tent: just stuff it in a stuffback, isn't a problem to get it in the panniers. Use the stuffback to protect the tent.

The Saunders Jetpacker - www.robertsaunders.co.uk - has a pole length of 37 cm. It's a very small tent and I reckon would fit diagonally even in small throwovers. It's not easy to pitch, but the quality - and price - are very high. Mine is 5 years old and wearing well.

The poles on my Coleman tent were about 10cm too long to fit in my throwover pannier. I got round this by ordering a couple of replacement sections then trimming a carefully calculated length off each existing and new section so that the total length of each pole is correct. I don't have to worry about losing the poles when I'm riding but I do feel the need to check the throwovers are still there - especially after riding over rough ground.

http://www.outdoormegastore.co.uk/ac..._Range_59.html

This is where I got my tent which fits nicely in my tail pack along with my sleeping bag. When I was looking for a short packed tent, this is what I came up with. I went for the BMX3.

HTH

I have a Eureka Solitaire tent - the tent poles (folded) are just over 12 inches - the smallest I've seen.

Hope this helps,
Cookie

Check out the Eureka Mountain Pass 1XT - 3'x8' floor plan, big vestibules, fits in a 5.5" x 12" package.

Grant had mentioned the use of 'plastic plumbing pipe' for storing tent poles. I have used PVC material for many things over the years such as storage for tools, fishing gear and even misc. documents.It is dirt cheap and comes in various dismeters. One end cap can be glued on and the other attached with a couple of screws. There is also the idea of using 'clean outs' for the ends (or one end) as they have a threaded connection but they are a little bulkyer (is that a word?).
Right now I have a piece of this across the rear of the bike under the trunk that carries and protects a single mantle propane lantern and two propane cylinders.
Black is a little hard to find but the common white material can be painted flat black with decent results. Decals are also a good 'cover up'.
claude .

The black plastic pipe (abs) is not as brittle as the pvc. It also is not effected by uv rays like pvc (makes it MORE brittle).
The abs is commonly availlable here in the states at plumbing supply stores and Home Depot. It also uses a different glue. Both are used interchangably for plumbing where exposure to sunlight is not a problem.

Check out www.helsport.com. The stetind tent has a pole length of 32cms. I had a helsport tent a few years ago and it was excellent. The catalogue has contact emails for UK and France. When I finally get round to going RTW, they will be the first tents that I look at.

I started to write a few words on tents, then realised that I might just as well do a new page on it. I didn't feel like working hard anyway - browsing for sexy new tents is more fun!

So here's some thoughts and pics and tips:

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tri...ment/tents.php

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Grant Johnson

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com