Tents - a simple guide

This is a really short really simple guide to buying a tent - taking you through the basic designs, Dome, Gedesic, and Tunnel we explore what to look out for and what the main differences between the budget ranges and the more expensive options on the market.

Special thanks to P&J camping in St Albans and Traveldri-Plus - well worth a google :-)

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• tents
• khyam
• exped
• review
• tent
• buying
• expedition

[dynaco]

Hey great reviews thanks.

FYI Coolabah is pronounced Cool-a-bar (a sort of eucalyptus tree), it's a loan-word from one of the indigenous Australian dialects.

I actually couldn't find an Aussie tent I liked so bought a British one instead (a Vango), really good.

[matthewcashmore]

@dynaco thanks for the pronunciation.... learned that when I went to Oz - unfortunately after I did the video! Vango have a great range of tents, I use their 300Sq sleeping bag and find the quality top notch.

[agun17]

I am thinking about buying a coolabah and making a porch out of a tarp that will attack to the back of the swag so I can access the gear from the shooter's entrance.

My main problem is weight as I am considering this for a backpacking trip. I am wondering how much that mattress weighs because 9.12 kg is rather far on the heavy side.

[matthewcashmore]

@agun17 I think it's a bit too bulky for backpacking - even with the matress taken out and replaced with an exped it's still just too big to be of use. Having said that there are a load of swag style tents out there made from more modern materials that are perfect for one person backpacking... I'll pull some together and do an update to this video at some point.

Thanks for the comment.

Matthew

[laughinggravy]

I shudder at the thought of living night after night in one of those tiny tents. I used my 2 man Khyam at the Dragon Rally last weekend and barely had enough room for me and my gear, let alone enough room to dress etc.

I wish I'd taken the bigger one with the porch! A bigger pack size is a small price to pay for a bit of practicality and comfort!

[matthewcashmore]

Good point there... I must admit after a few nights in the tent you either just get used to it and get your kit into a organised small way (sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't!) or you end up going to a hotel every now and again to sort everything out!

A porch is a must though, a space to put your gear and keep the main sleeping area clear is vital.

[MrRisingVenom]

Awesome video =) really useful!

[goatyboy2007]

Brilliant! thanks Matthew.. this really helped me decide on the best tent for me! ... its a Dome for me! all the way! XD

[goatyboy2007]

Brilliant! thanks Matthew.. this really helped me decide on the best tent for me! ... its a Dome for me! all the way! XD

[droptheleash0]

Good video, I learnt a few things from this !

[cosha13]

Aussie Shop :D