Large Vestibule on a budget?

[Robatman]

Hi all,
I'm looking to start up walking with my 6yo son and need to get something bigger than my current gear. Primary requisite is a big vestibule at least 1.5m- something we can sit in/play cards or cook in to get out of the weather if its bad. I will be looking to use it in the NSW snowies as well sooner or later- so needs to have full inner with no mesh, or double doors ie mesh with full door as well. Weight not so critical as will use my pulk to pull in snow but would like it less than 3.5kg if poss.

Currently looking at the Vango Spirit+ 300, as the Nammatj 3 GT is out of budget. Looking to spend up to $400.
https://www.vango.co.uk/trekking/spirit-300+.html
http://www.hilleberg.com/home/products/nammatj/nammatj3gt.php

Any comments, other ideas or experiences out there?
Thanks
Robert

[Maelgwn]

Why dont you sit in the tent if the weather is bad?

Space to cook is very important tho.

A lot of tents let you clip the inner in after pitching the tent, or unclip part of the inner to get more 'vestibule' space. I think a macpac nautilus would be up to your intended use, however you will think it is too small when your son grows a bit more!

[quicky]

You could also look at the Exped range ...more spefically Venus or Orion models.
Great single pitch tents (with inner already clipped)
pole sleeves (making it easier to pitch and stronger)
you can unclip part of the inner after pitching if you wish for more vestibule space
double doors...with one being deliberately sized so that two people can sit side by side and cook in the vestibule.

...plus they look good. They're a little more than $400 though. Highly recommended.
http://www.exped.com/exped/web/exped_homepage_int.nsf

I'll add some pics when I get home from work.

[Robatman]

Why dont you sit in the tent if the weather is bad?

Thats what I normally (and frequently!) do at the snow but i can be still and read for more than 10 minutes at a time! Thought at least an "outdoor" area gives us another place where there is more visual stimulation than a tent wall. Currently use an old but awesome Sierra Designs Superflash so 2 inside would get a little claustrophobic. Thinking of getting the 3 man (spirit+) for maore space inside as well. Aslo provides a break from the ever present wind without stripping down.


Will check the Exped's out- had a quick look at the link and of those like the size/shape of the Andomeda- thanks

[PiniPowPow]

I’m currently on a similar mission, looking for a 2/3 person tent with large vestibule for snow camping and mountain biking. I like being able to dig out a living area and kitchen in the snow. Would love the Nallo 3GT or Exped Andromeda but as we just bought a house trying to curb my gear habit at the moment. Some I have come up with;

Marmot Widi - Looks pretty good and similar design to Hilleberg although a fair bit heavier. On sale at the moment http://www.moontrail.com/marmot-widi-3p.php

Vango Equinox - I’ve got another Vango and they are very good for the price http://www.jackson-sports.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=7757

Fjallraven Abisko - This looks pretty good and have found it on sale, god knows how to get it to oz though http://www.fjallraven.com/outdoor-equip ... htweight-3

And then there is the super cheap and nasty…

http://store.karrimor.com/karrimor-x-li ... 012-783066

[Moondog55]

I thought you got one of those big tipis from Rays Outdoors?? Did you miss out?

[Robatman]

I thought you got one of those big tipis from Rays Outdoors?? Did you miss out?

yeah ummed and ahhed too long- and in the end decided not to- was a little too big but if i had a 'quiver' of tents it would definately be in there!
Have you had a chance to use yours or is it just for snow based trips?

I'm now just thinking of going traditional with an extended vestibule- see above.

robert

[Moondog55]

I haven't quite paid off the layby yet
I'll be cutting the floor out of at least one of them and only using it in winter I am still thinking about what modifications I will need to make apart from loops for the detachable skirts

[ryantmalone]

I currently use a North Face Tadpole 23, and was on the fence between that and a Big Fat Frog.

http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/big-fat-frog-24-bx.html



I dont know if you can get this from Australia, but using a re-shipper, you could get this very cheap from the US. If its anything up to the quality of the Tadpole 23, it would be great too.

Only problem is that the inner is mesh, however, I have had no condensation issues with the Tadpole 23 at all. Its a fine tent, and with the added vestibule room on the Big Fat Frog, it would be great.

[Robatman]

Thanks ryantmalone,
looks good but for snow use need no mesh- i took my minimalistic (ie mesh inner) One Planet gunyah for a quick overnighter to snowies in may last year and got a little snow and wind and was freezing!

Does anyone have an opinion on whether the lower spec Vango with the shape i am looking for would be ok for snow use? I'm not good at translating specifications into reality.
Vango Omega- http://www.vango.co.uk/trekking/omega-250.html
VS
Vango Spirit+ http://www.vango.co.uk/trekking/spirit-200+.html

$380 vs $270.

any oyher ideas?

thanks

[ryantmalone]

Thanks ryantmalone,
looks good but for snow use need no mesh- i took my minimalistic (ie mesh inner) One Planet gunyah for a quick overnighter to snowies in may last year and got a little snow and wind and was freezing!

Ah.. makes perfect sense.

[PiniPowPow]

I think the Omega would be ok. I have the even worse spec'ed Beta which i normally use for car camping. A mate and i lugged it out to Mt Twynam last season to take advantage of the extra living space. It survived the most horrible storm I have experienced camping in the mountains, 80k winds and about a 20cm of snow.





full story if your really keen

[Picaro]

If space on a budget, with 4 season rating is the main criteria, how about the Vango halo 300. Its a dome so your peak height increases to 120cm, and its roomy. Open both inner doors and close one or both outer doors, and you create a good sized area.
Another thing that can enhance any of these Vango hoop frames is their adventure Tarp http://amberjack.com.au/shade-shelter/33-vango-adventure-tarp.html
which can further increase undercover area.
And it should all fit your budget.

[Robatman]

I think the Omega would be ok. I have the even worse spec'ed Beta which i normally use for car camping. A mate and i lugged it out to Mt Twynam last season to take advantage of the extra living space. It survived the most horrible storm I have experienced camping in the mountains, 80k winds and about a 20cm of snow.


full story if your really keen

Thanks pini, if I go with the Omega might have some spare $ to upgrade some of his gear.

[Moondog55]

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Ultracamp-Sh ... 5d3347c7ce

A similar tent is made by Luxe and I thing BPL still have one in stock at around $400-

[Franco]

Moondog
"Festival" is a code word in the UK market for "disposable" or at least a hint that it is not meant to be an "hill walking" item..
The Luxe Megahorn on the other hand has been used in pretty harsh winter environment .

[Moondog55]

I actually inferred that from the price.
The Luxe Megahorn should be more than adequate
Only 1 more layby payment and I can start playing with the big ones

Found a U-Tube video of the Luxe Megahorn

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-rIltYJqlg