Thread: Tents

Originally Posted by Avion8

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!

An Ozpod would be an option if they still made them, but not for the >$300 they want for them!

I've very seriously considered a couple of pop-up tents!

Originally Posted by Ranga

I have seen them, but the poles look... flimsy? The bottom is also no where near the strength of the Oztents. I reckon my kids would destroy one of them! I'm stil concerned about complicated structures for tents.

every where i looked they seemed to get good feedback with or without kids

and at their current $240 pricing i was more than happy to pay a 1/3rd the price of the oztent

I have a Black Wolf Turbo 300.

It's a great tent. Takes longer than an oztent to put up and down but can be done by one person. Easier to put up with two, pack up can be done by one.

It's heavy (though the Turbo light would be, umm, lighter) and takes up a bit of space. Quality is very good though.

You're welcome to borrow it for a test drive if you want.

Originally Posted by incisor

and at their current $240 pricing i was more than happy to pay a 1/3rd the price of the oztent

and the rest!

At this stage it's probably down to a good quality dome tent like this Wanaka Camping Tent from Macpac | Macpac, or a couple of pop-up tents.

Originally Posted by Ranga

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?

On ebay search for "oztent parts". From $5 to $15 each part

Originally Posted by Ranga

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.

Any good tent is going to weigh a bit.

Originally Posted by Ranga

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.

Cheapest tent is the one you buy once.

Tents are all about compromise, you won't find a perfect tent. They will be too heavy, too big, too slow, no awning, leaks etc etc.

Originally Posted by Ranga

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...

You should design one and make a fortune!

Originally Posted by inside

On ebay search for "oztent parts". From $5 to $15 each part

Can't see any Jet Tent parts on there, nor do I think they'd be an easy fix. A bit more complicated than an RV.

Originally Posted by inside

Any good tent is going to weigh a bit.

Maybe, but weight is only one of my issues.

Originally Posted by inside

Cheapest tent is the one you buy once.

Cost isn't my driving factor here. I'd gladly pay the right price for quality, as I did with my RV5 and Jet Tent. Both products are great, but I'm looking for other alternatives that suit my needs better. BTW, paying ~$1500 for Jet Tent (which are made by Oztent), didn't stop me having to return it under warranty. Price isn't always and indicator of quality.

Originally Posted by inside

Tents are all about compromise, you won't find a perfect tent. They will be too heavy, too big, too slow, no awning, leaks etc etc.

Perhaps. I think you misunderstand what I'm after. I don't want perfection, just something that's smaller and lighter than a Jet Tent, with less peculiar components.

Originally Posted by inside

You should design one and make a fortune!

Not until I'm convinced that a solution (or compromise) for my needs doesn't already exist. Hence my request for alternate suggestions, of which some have tried to provide.

Hi, I have had an Oz Tent for over 15 years and it still gets used, for my kids I bought a 3 second tent after a mate told me the army is using them and a few other stories (all good). Before I bought it I got the salesman to demo the fold up being a bit gun shy. I use it by choice now as there are no poles to put together etc. It has survived some serious rain and wind without a leak and the bag has the fold up instructions sewn into it. I have never had to try more than twice to fold it up. For the money I think they are exellent value. The only two issues I can see is that you can't stand up in it and It folds up as a large flat circle that would be difficult to pack on your backpack if hiking. Other than that a great tent at a great price. Also if you register with BCF and watch the item they will send you an email when on special. They have them on regulary and nock $50 dollars of them making them even better value at around $80 bucks for the 2 man. cheers Rob

Originally Posted by Ranga

Perhaps. I think you misunderstand what I'm after. I don't want perfection, just something that's smaller and lighter than a Jet Tent, with less peculiar components.

I don't think it exists. I think it's just a matter of physics, there is no simple, large, all weather proof tent that is light weight and packs small. You have the centre pole canvas touring tents, the Oztent or the Black Wolf tents and really all these are the better tents to buy if you camp a lot. They all have compromises but are all very good in certain areas as well. If you want simple with no peculiar parts the canvas touring tent is the go, but it has no awning.