Tents

**Ranga** · 17th March 2013, 09:30 PM

Thinking about a new tent. This maybe a long post, so hopefully it doesn't put anyone to sleep!

Disclaimer: IMHO the only use for a tent is sleeping or modest types to get dressed in. We have a tarp, which IMHO are very under-rated. I've been tempted to believe a decent tarp or 2 is all a serious camper needs... When I travel on my own I travel lightly. I was using a swag, but will definitely be going to a hammock (see my other thread about that). Swags IMHO are very over-rated.

Anyway, on with the saga.

My original Oztent RV5 was great, a bit low in height, ventilation could have been better, but a good tent. Very quick to setup/packup. Unfortunately it wouldn't fit in the canopy, and the putting it on the roof was too high/insecure.

I replaced it with a Jet Tent F30 Product Display. IMHO, a better option all round than the Oztent - bigger footprint, higher roof, better ventilation, comes with a fly as standard, and most importantly, fits in canopy (shorter length when packed). Almost as quick as the Oztent too, BTW.

All was good until the weld-seam started to peel away. Returned it to the supplier, and was quite happy to hear Oztent (who make both the RV series and the Jet Tent) had replaced it with a new one. Quite happy given mine was ~20 months old! Oztent are renowned for excellent after-sales support.

Now, one thing that bothers me with all these style of touring tents are the proprietary components in the structure. Should they fail, what's the chances of getting them fixed, and what will the price be?

Another issue is the size and weight when packed up. The F30 weighs 27kg, and is 1.5m [L] x 0.3m [d ] x 0.3m [h] when packed up. I've become a bit of a space/weight miser lately, and am always keen to keep both of these to a minimum.

Finally, is the the cost. As great as the Oztent range is, they're bloody expensive. I'm not saying they aren't worth it, just that they're a lot of money to buy.

So, I'm again looking for alternative options. Those who know me well enough, will be probably shaking they're head by now thinking "that Ranga's never bloody satisfied!". I'm on a constant search for improvement...

I've considered a roof top tent, but with 2 kids under 6, they might be a bit of a PITA. They also add weight up high and create extra drag/fuel consumption. Again, not cheap, and the only model I think would fit us all in would be the biggest Hannibal, and at 95kg and more than $2k, not an option. It would also mean either packing up or removing the canopy (it lifts off with worm-driven legs) every time you want to head off somewhere. You're also restricted to parking where the vehicle is - not really a problem, unless you can't get the vehicle close to where you want to sleep I 'spose.

Another option might be the old tried and tested pyramid style tents Ultimate Tents - Southern Cross Canvas Products with the single pole in the middle (or variations). I've seriously thought about these for simplicity, but have heard from some that the pole can be a PITA, rain with wind means having the windows closed, and they're still fairly heavy, and the good quality jobs are also expensive.

Pop-up tents are the new thing on the block Pop Up Tents - Malamoo & OZtrail - Tentworld. Now, I have a similar concept shower tent, and I swear the first time I tried to pack it up included lots of frustration, swearing, and threats to "leave the bloody thing here". SWMBO comes along and packs it up in about 90 seconds... I've now got the hang of it until next time. Again, I refer to the fact we have 2 young kids, so this would mean 2 separate tents, of which 1 adult would probably need to be in either for at least a few years. I suspect the quality or design of these tents would mean "leaving the bloody things behind" and/or not lasting that long due to quality of materials.

There's also the cabin tents. My Father-in-law has one that must be 30 years old, weighs a tonne and takes eons to set up and pack up. Just not an option.

Finally, I've been looking at the now classic style dome tents. I've overlooked these for a few years, as they started to get very convoluted, and the materials are pretty inferior compared the the very durable (except weld seams, it seems) Oztent rip-stop canvas. If I could find a simple dome tent that needs only 2 poles (I might consider one with 3) that looks like it will stand the test of time, I reckon I might be swayed. If I could find a model like this Roman Frontier Dome Tent - 4 Person - BCF that I could trust to withstand the same battering as an Oztent, I reckon I'd probably buy one. Unfortunately, most dome tents seem to lack hard-wearing materials.

Again, those who know me won't be surprised if after going round and round in circles, I take my newly replaced Jet Tent out of the box and continue using it, all the while wondering if the grass is really greener!

So, anyone want to contribute or castigate?

**weeds** · 18th March 2013, 07:03 AM

Originally Posted by Ranga

My original Oztent RV5 was great, a bit low in height, ventilation could have been better, but a good tent. Very quick to setup/packup. Unfortunately it wouldn't fit in the canopy, and the putting it on the roof was too high/insecure.

Another option might be the old tried and tested pyramid style tents Ultimate Tents - Southern Cross Canvas Products with the single pole in the middle (or variations). I've seriously thought about these for simplicity, but have heard from some that the pole can be a PITA, rain with wind means having the windows closed, and they're still fairly heavy, and the good quality jobs are also expensive.

So, anyone want to contribute or castigate?

i must get myself inside an RV5, your comment about height is a little worrying as i'm a tad taller than you....raggedy ann and i are considering buying one

i have been using a touring style tent for years.......well its the kids tent now....i agree these type of tents great for sleeping in and using them as a change room and yes you generally have t close them up when it is raining.

if we can take the camper trailer than thats what we take, if we cannot take the camper and its just ragedy ann and i its the swag......considering an RV? when touring without the camper trailer

**incisor** · 18th March 2013, 07:32 AM

coleman instant up 6 man is our travelling tent these days

great ventilation and has internal window flaps.

height sucks a bit but i am a short arse so isnt a worry..

we got ours on special at outback adventures for $240 for the full fly version

they do an 4 and 8 man as well but the 6 suited us best.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uW0XaG7YbWY"]coleman instant up 6man tent first impressions - YouTube[/ame]

**Yorkie** · 18th March 2013, 09:52 AM

we have one of these when not using the camper and will be using it for a simpson trip in june.

OZtrail Tourer 9 Plus Tent - Kelly's Camping And Outdoors

i can set it up by myself, we also have the side pole kit so can do away with the centre pole if needed. would recommend to anyone and fairly tough construction.

**austastar** · 18th March 2013, 09:59 AM

Hi Ranga,
It's been a while since we camped with small kids, but our best move was to get the kids their own tent as soon as we could.
We had a 12x12 Auto tent (took ages to pitch) and the kids had a KMart style hike tent and a tarp as a fly.
12x12 was used as main living/cooking/eating and our sleeping area, kids were only supposed to sleep in theirs at night, but spent hours reading etc in their own tents.
(Bliss)

I guess the other advantage of this set up is that if one kid was other wise occupied at a friend's or school weekend, that tent either went with the kid or was left at home.

Now of course they just rock up with their own family and occasionally feed us.

cheers

**Avion8** · 18th March 2013, 10:34 AM

I find the RV5 works well with the OzPod, as it has a roller on the back & just slides in/out. OK on a medium SUV but a problem on the defender as it's too high without a step ladder! So now that I do most of my camping out of the Series 1's I have decided on a Malamoo. A couple of practices on the lawn & it does pop up in 3 secs, & went away in less than 3 minutes - the second time, I'm sure with practice that this will be improved upon.

As most of our trips are 10 days or so & packing up every morning I'm hoping that this is the way to go. Plus it only weighs 3kgs!

**DieselDan** · 18th March 2013, 01:29 PM

Hi Ranga,

I'm with you on the weight issue, I try and use lightweight stuff where I can as I hate lugging around unnecessary stuff!
I'm another recent convert to the pop-up, 3 second tents. I've used/still use lots of Vango camping gear, so I went with one of their Dart 2 skin tents to use when I'm out 4wding. Much easier and lighter than a swag!

These tents are similar to the Jet tent and the Coleman that Inc has:

Black Wolf Turbo LITE FS 240 5 person Touring Tent

Companion Exo Lite 250- Swift pitch tent - Kelly's Camping And Outdoors

I've always found Vango stuff to be pretty decent quality and reasonably priced so if you're thinking of dome style tents, there's this:

Vango Odyssey 400 4 Person Adventure Family Tunnel Tent

(...I have no affiliation with Vango, just quite like their stuff!)

Cheers,

Dan

**gromit** · 18th March 2013, 01:55 PM

I've used a Southern Cross with the single pole for about 10 years.
A side pole kit is available, I got one when I purchased the tent at a show but have never used it. From memory they also supply transparent covers for the windows as an option.
You really need an awning (or you could sew a zip to a cheap tarp). This allows you to get in & out without getting too wet inside and gives you somewhere to store wet gear. Also provides extra shade.

Expensive (mine is a 10' x 10' and cost about $1K).
Heavy, even more so when wet.
Need to dry it thoroughly after getting it wet.
But look after it and it will last.

Colin

**DiscoWeb** · 18th March 2013, 02:46 PM

Ranga,

sounds like you have plenty of option and numerous suggestions.

I use, and love the Oztent RV2, sleeps me and the two kids (13 & 10) easily.

When my wife comes along I throw in a 3 man tunnel tent (backpacking weight) for the kids to sleep in and set it up close as it is simply for sleeping in.

The Oz tent has the additional floor and one side wall so becomes a bit of base ten for getting changed etc a

Kids like the independence but also reassurance of being a few feet away.

Lifting the Oztent onto the roof of the D3 is not too much of a problem and from a weight point of view I am happy to carry it as it is not that heavy really.

I like the idea of the pop up tents but like being able to stand up to get changed and move around so the low roofed pop up are not high on my list.

Good luck with your deliberations.

George

**Ranga** · 18th March 2013, 03:38 PM

Originally Posted by weeds

if we can take the camper trailer than thats what we take, if we cannot take the camper and its just ragedy ann and i its the swag......considering an RV? when touring without the camper trailer

Would you really need an RV for just the both of you? It's annoying how all RV models are 200cm long when packed up. I still prefer the Jet Tent over the Oztent, but for 2 people the RV might be better. Horses for courses...

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