Basecamp tent

[Stuntman]

I am looking to replace a mishmass of a range of tents (any tent collectors out there - I have a fairy down attack - made in NZ - in very good/excellent condition) with a single tent more suited for basecamping - most of my camping these days is out of the kayak (or car) and where I can I usually hammock it. But a hammock doesn't always work and I am looking for something I can hole up in for a few days if the weather turns nasty. Weight in this case secondary, the smaller it packs up the better, the tent needs to be able to handle some wind, be suitable for setting up on a beach, ideally have a nice big vestibule, and whilst I can make one, a footprint that covers the vestibule to minimise condensation would be nice. I also like the idea of an integrated pitch.

I am 5'11" and sleep on a thick mat (exped down or synmat 9 typically)

Really only needs to house me, but have room for game of cards, or a tipple or two with friends.

So far I have looked at

Macpac Citadel - available locally - on special currently (and have a gift voucher from my 40ith burning a hole in my pocket)
Exped Orion - like the self supporting vestibules
Exped Andromedia - huge
Hillberg Nallo2 GT and Nammatj 2 GT - $$

Canvassing opinions on the above and alternatives.

cheers, Shawn

[Moondog55]

Eureka outfitter 6
I haven't seen one in Australia for a while but great tent.
http://store.eurekatent.com/timberline-sq-outfitter-6

OZ-tent
http://au.oztent.com/

[Stuntman]

Thanks for the feedback Moondog, still got to get it packed into the kayak though!

We have a blackwolf turbo for family car camping - no need for something like an oz-tent. And not sure I want a 19kg missile strapped on the deck in a surf landing!

Outfitter 6 looks like a potential - bit heavy, packs up a bit big (but would fit in one of the hatches) - but wow - huge. I'll be keeping this in mind for some activities later in the year. Thanks for the link

Anyway went for an exped orion - on special at campsaver with footprint included and free-shipping - terracotta but meh'.

[Stew63]

Shaun,
How about a HelSport Stortinden 2 or is that too small or extreme for your needs?
It's classed as a Lightweight Extreme Tent at only 2.9kgs.

For a larger 3 man Extreme tent a HelSport Svarlbard3 at 4kgs including a large storage vestibule?
Unfortunately HelSport, the direct scandinavian competition to Hillenberg cost $$

Stuntman, HelSport have some less extreme tents that might suit your needs (and budjet) better.

Stew

[Moondog55]

If you remember the old Melbourne stores, Bushgear used to have these for hire "Once upon a time" as well as selling them.

We had 3 kids and we seriously looked at one, splitting the load between 2 worked out to much each but I was thinking Canadian canoe not kayak.
I have seen pictures of these on US and Canadian forums with stove jacks fitted and wood stoves used for heating.
7.5 kilos isn't all that much weight to sleep 6 people tho.
I would be buying and using the vestibule as well, the extra storage area if large for the weight.