lets talk tents...

[MontyVeda]

if Topeak have any sense... that's the only Bikamper that was ever made

 

[P.H]

Any tips for setting up an inner first pitch tent in the rain? Apart from do it fast.

Yes, don't worry about it. My experience is it's not the problem it's sometimes flagged as being. In six years of having a inner first tent, it's got seriously wet inside twice and on both occasions I bought more wet through the door with me than came through the roof when pitching. All other things being equal, I'd prefer an outer first tent, except they never are and the advantages of an inner first design outweigh the disadvantages for me.

 

[Profpointy]

And whar are the advantages of inner-first? I can't think of any -having previously had an otherwise ok wild country of that design. I'm sold on the all-goes-up together stylee, eg the hillebergs, or indeed my more modestly priced predecessor to my old wild country

 

[andrew_s]

Inner first generally gives a taughter and less saggy inner, giving a bit of extra space.
Also the tension on the inner braces the outer to some extent, so the basic tent is a bit more stable. On the other hand, guys don't connect to the pole structure as well, and give less extra strength. Swings and roundabouts.

Me,I go for all in one. It's much easier with no assistant. Throwing the outer over the inner on a windy day is an exercise in frustration.

 

[P.H]

And whar are the advantages of inner-first? I can't think of any -having previously had an otherwise ok wild country of that design. I'm sold on the all-goes-up together stylee, eg the hillebergs, or indeed my more modestly priced predecessor to my old wild country

What andrew-s says, that extra stability also tends to make them quieter in a breeze, though this can vary between makes and how well they are put up. I tend to be an early riser, often up and away at first light, before any condensation from the night has had a chance to evaporate. My experience with pitch together tents was that the inner would get wet when packed from the condensation on the fly, so I'd have a damp inner far more often than I do with a tent designed to separate. Other advantages;
Likely to have steeper sides and a shallower roof, giving more usable headspace.
More likely to be free standing, so moving it about is easier.
More likely to have the door/s across the long length rather than the end, something I really like.
Crossed poles should give a better snow loading, not that I camp in the snow if I can help it.

I could just as easily list the advantages of a tunnel tent, not least the unbeatable space for weight. The choice is more than the pitching method.

 

[P.H]

I
Throwing the outer over the inner on a windy day is an exercise in frustration.

It is funny to watch people doing this, I've never found it necessary. I pack it into a stuff sack from one end to the other and unpack it over the tent after attaching one end, there's no throwing involved and the fly rarely touches the ground.

 

[bikepacker]

I think the subject should have been titled: "lets talk talk talk tents..." Go along to a meet like the Backpackers AGM and there you will hear dozens of lightweight campers extolling the virtues of the tent they use.

Personally I like tunnel tents but that is my choice for a cycle touring tent not taking weight into consideration is the Hilleberg Nammatj 2GT. Plenty of space goes up in one, including the footprint if you have one, but is heavy compared to other tents. I also use for lighter weight touring a TN Solar Competition 2, I use the 2 person because of my size and I like the extra width. This is an inner first pitch and takes a few seconds longer to erect, but as PH said, it is no real problem to pitch.

My wife for her solo or backpacking trips uses a TN Laser 1. This is a lovely lightweight tent that pitches in one and has side entrance. I used it once and didn't get on with it as I could not slide into my sleeping bag so easily, but it has it's merits.

Earlier this year I tried out a Golite Hex with Oooworks nest. This combination is loved by some but I could not get on with it primarily again because of getting into and out of my sleeping bag.

So I suppose the conclusion of this should be; you pays your money and takes you choice. Only experience will determine whether or not your choice was the right one.

 

[Misusawa]

We just cycle about with a bog standard cheap 2 person tent that came from tesco. Its cheap and cheerful, can be thrown up in five minutes upon arrival at the camping spot (it did take us nearly double that to set it up in a thunderstorm mind) and taken down and packed away fast too.
Me and the BF have been cycling and camping a few times in northumberland and we hoiked a tent, camping gear and an assortment of crap round the C2C with us as well.

 

[jay clock]

After a fair bit of research I have ordered a Wild Country Zephyros 2 lite at about 1.4g. Gets excellent reviews. Will update once I have it and can use it in Brittany
Jay