Anyone have one of these cheap tents?

[albion]

Not sure which one is it but last I knew there was two versions.
One a massive round disc and one a smaller large disc.

The smaller one could maybe attach to a side pannier frame.

 

[Gravity Aided]

That's fine and dandy but it's a single skin tent and will suffer from condensation problems. I have yet to read a positive review about it. I have only ever seen one 'in the wild' and I was not particularly impressed with the lack of room.

And the fact that it takes a bike wheel to set it up, so then your bike is not available for getting around on. My Wenzel, I think, is bigger, but stuffs down into the same size sack. But the design is interesting, and I think if you made one based on a trailer frame, it could prove useful. I agree with you, Vernon, in its' current configuration, the Topeak seems about as useful as teats on a boar. But I think it represents an interesting turn on the design like the OP's tent.

 

[vernon]

And the fact that it takes a bike wheel to set it up, so then your bike is not available for getting around on. My Wenzel, I think, is bigger, but stuffs down into the same size sack. But the design is interesting, and I think if you made one based on a trailer frame, it could prove useful. I agree with you, Vernon, in its' current configuration, the Topeak seems about as useful as teats on a boar. But I think it represents an interesting turn on the design like the OP's tent.

It's been around for seven years or so and has yet to make an impact on the cycle camping scene

 

[tadpole]

Bivi bag and tarp is the route I'd take. light and compact summer bivi's are cheap as chips and with no tent poles to worry about.

 

[BigonaBianchi]

quecha ultralite t2 available at decathlon....

 

[Gravity Aided]

It's been around for seven years or so and has yet to make an impact on the cycle camping scene

Seriously doubt it will, unless bicycle camping becomes more..stationary

 

[TheDoctor]

If you want a cheap tent, then I'd get down to Tesco for one of these.
I actually bought it as a plaything for small children, but I've slept in it a few times since. Single skin, so it's only for summer use, but at £8 it's perfectly OK. Weighs about a kilo IIRC.

 

[Gravity Aided]

^ Not so bad, at a kilo. I was wondering, as they go through all the other specifications and do not mention weight.^

 

[TheDoctor]

I'll check the weight and post later. On a train ATM.
OK, it is indeed a kilo. It was a tadge tricky balancing it on the kitchen scales...

 

[Gravity Aided]

That's about what the Wenzel Starlite is, 3.4 pounds. I like the Starlite, but if that's a 2 person tent, you'd better be on really good terms with the other person.

 

[TheDoctor]

The Tesco tent is certainly somewhat snug. Fine for one, but a bit tight for two, I'd have thought.

 

[Gravity Aided]

I sometimes think the people who determine tent sizes are thinking of hobbits when determining capacities.

 

[steveindenmark]

Jim, I have read this guys article before and I totally agree you CAN skimp on all the above things. But anyone can rough it, that is simple. My point is that if you want to have a good nights sleep and wake up well rested, warm and dry, then it is best not to skimp.

A good night sleep on bubble wrap....? What do you think?

Steve

 

[Gravity Aided]

Snap, Crackle,Pop!

 

[bigjim]

Back from France last night. I used the Minilite tent as an emergency item. I also used the bubblewrap as a mat. The tent did its job fine. It did suffer from condensation. Not dripping, but the inside was covered with a fine wet film which copped you as you left or entered but you could wipe this with a sponge.The grass was quite long on site and the morning dew was heavy.
I did sleep well though.
I could feel the hard ground but it did not affect my sleep and had no back pain etc. I was cold in the night [sleeping bag too light, had to get up and put my fleece on] so September may not be the best time of year for it. I'd definately take it again as a backup to B&B but if touring heavier and comitted to camping I'd probably take my 2kg Northface.
Used the unpopped bubblewrap to protect the bike on flight back.