desert camping

[Sam Rutherford]

We took Khyam tents for 7 months London-Sydney, I have then used the same tents many times all over the world (with clients, who can be pretty brutal with equipment).

They're good and strong, just relatively heavy. I would recommend them to anyone vehicle based.

I actually don't use a tent in the desert, horses for courses.

I often use a tarp elsewhere though, instead of a tent. Lighter etc., but you need to have a little experience if you want to stay dry/sleep well etc.!

Sam.

[Runner]

The ex-army poncho thing is an excellent idea - esp as they fold away to nothing!

Bedouin windbreaks make a real difference to the comfort of a camp... though they are heavy, clunky things with big wood poles and thick canvas. Some folk weld loops to their 4x4s to slot the poles in (LRs and TLCs with steps on the back are perfect for these)

There's always roof tents too

[tony johnston]

S.ix years ago I followed Tom Shepperds advise and bought a canvas dome tent from Christys Soth Africa for vehicle based recreational use(up to 2 wks in ME deserts and coasts).I lived in the Middle East and the tent was
used almost weekly for all that time.Cannot recommend it highly enough.Pluses;space/light/cool for shade and rest in the day/warm at night/no noise/quick n easy to erect/very durable..Downs;weight only.Only suitable for vehicle based trips.Those of you who run groups should check them out,good daytime bases.

[coolkarim]

any more contributions on the desert camping topic?

lets keep it alive and healthy...!

[Andrew Baker]

Where can you buy a Christy tent from? I've tried searching the web but to no avail....

Thanks,

Andrew.

[tony johnston]

Andy,

www.cristy.co.za.
They will quote CIF.Ensure they excluse SA VAT.
Good Luck.

[Dennis Lamminga]

Link should be:
http://www.cristys.co.za/

[Runner]

Originally posted by coolkarim:


advantages
light, no poles, can be used as a waterproof coat. quick and easy to setup

disadvantages
when it rains the roof fills with water
you are still in the 'open', and wake up covered in dew/condensation
as a waterprrof it falls to peices riding at speed
need minimum 2 bikes!

To stop rain building up when sleeping under it, either put a stick underneath or something to create a peak in the middle, or attach a bungee to the loop of webbing in the middle (where the hood is) and use that to pull the centre upwards (tie to part of bike)

As regards two bikes, Ive slept under a poncho in Europe and attached one side to my bike and the other side Ive pegged down with tentpegs - 45' lean-to.

They arent really designed to be flat-topped shelters..... (or waterproofs for motorbikes)

[rbuha]

In the desert I use a very cheap (US$ 15) Dome tent with the plastic poles. It is very comfortable as it protects me from all creepy crawlers as well as the early morning mist that can wet you all over. I do not use the pegs, but to support the tent from wind I use plastic bags filled with sand and place them on the four corners inside the tent. No wind can remove the tent.

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http://buhaisi.webhop.net

[ImogenW]

Amazingly, this thread has now been going on so long that since posting the original message, I've bought a tent and completed the trip for which it was intended! Thanks to the person who recommended a Khyam: I bought a cheap second hand one (£70) on ebay and it was brilliant. It was so cold that not having a tent at all wasn't an option, so i was very pleased i got one. Being able to put it up so fast and on my own when it was really cold in the evenings was a bonus, and ditto taking it down the next morning. The only problem I found is that sand tended to get into the joints making them very stiff - and it also needs pegs to be at its best, which is an issue in sand. But for the pleasure of looking smug while everyone else wrestles with poles, it can't be beaten.