Do I buy a Tarp?

[Ian Porter]

I'd like to get myself a bit bigger tent but don't really have the cash at the moment so I'm thinking of getting a tarp to give me more shelter.

I've got a Vango Spectre 200 and have seen they do an Adventure Tarp but I'm not convinced it's the best thing to go for.

so any advice is most welcome or do I just save and buy a bigger tent?????

Ian

p.s. forgot to mention that my camping gear is carried by my trust but rusty motorbike so nothing too big

[Boris]

Tarps will give you a lot of space for little money but there are a couple of caveats.

The space is really little more than outdoor space that is reasonably dry so anything stored in there is still liable to get wet or blow away. Worse still it's open to prying eyes and liable to walk so you have to keep moving it in and out of the tent.

They also generally are awkward to pitch on your own and have little strutural rigitity on their own so tend to suffer in the wind unless you use good ground anchors.

In saying that they pack up well (if a little on the long side) and are dead handy for cooking in. But my advice is if you can stretch to it go for a bigger tent. There are some really good 4-5 man tents out there and some are often discounted at places like GoOutdoors down to the circa £50 level.

There are also lightweight tipis available for little money that may well fit your needs.

Have a look at Amazon Sale... huge tent for little money and bike friendly.

and

I need to stand up.

For other ideas.

[tankosl]

Hi,

As Boris said, it all depends what sort of space your looking for.....

I like the idea of a tarp as well, but think it's really only to help with shelter when cooking, and to stop the worst of the elements going inside the tent when your going in or out!!!

If that's what your after, then go for it!!!

[Ian Porter]

thanks guys,

I think a bit bigger tent is what I need really.

was looking at a Khyam Biker or Vango Omega 350 but they seem too big at 4m+ length.

no idea where to go now......

[Boris]

thanks guys,

I think a bit bigger tent is what I need really.

was looking at a Khyam Biker or Vango Omega 350 but they seem too big at 4m+ length.

no idea where to go now......

Keep looking. I wouldn't be to worried about the length of the tent even the bigger ones you could carry on a bike will fit on pitches easily. For me packed size is much more important especially if you want the put the tent in a pannier as opposed to strapping it across the seat.

For me a 3 man test with a decent sized porch fits the bill when I'm on my own on the bike. The Coleman Phad X3 Backpacking Tent I have fits in a standard honda / givi pannier

[Ian Porter]

cheers Boris

I've just been looking at the Phad X3 actually.

seems to tick most of the boxes

[tankosl]

I'm sure I spotted the Phad x3 at Go outdoors......

Have a look and see if it's in the sale...........

[Ian Porter]

I'm sure I spotted the Phad x3 at Go outdoors......

Have a look and see if it's in the sale...........

unfortunately it's still £144 and I've seen them elsewhere for £120 inc. delivery

apparently Go-Outdoors had them at £80 a while back

[Jenna]

phad x3 was due to be discontinued at the end of last season, if you want one it will have to be old stock ( its why prices for whats left have gone up not down!)

[Ian Porter]

theres people advertising 2010 models due in next month.