British Army Arctic Tent

Bad_alibi

Hi just wondering what people's opinions are on this 4 man British army Arctic tent.

http://www.keepshooting.com/british-army-arctic-4-man-tent.html

I can get a similar one in good condition from a friend of a friend. He's had it for a few years. Would only be used a couple of times a year to bring the young lad camping and maybe herself if she ever got adventurous.

syklops

Bad_alibi wrote: »

Hi just wondering what people's opinions are on this 4 man British army Arctic tent.

http://www.keepshooting.com/british-army-arctic-4-man-tent.html

I can get a similar one in good condition from a friend of a friend. He's had it for a few years. Would only be used a couple of times a year to bring the young lad camping and maybe herself if she ever got adventurous.

If it was me, I'd get it. How much does your friend want for it? If its only going to be used a couple of times a year, then I wouldnt pay too much for it. You can get basic 4 man tent in Littlewoods for about 90 quid.

I would have concerns that the Arctic insulation would be too warm for Ireland though.

Bad_alibi

Hadn't considered the insulation aspect. It would only be getting used in the summer months.
I might try get a loan of it and test it out on these warmer nights.

Tabnabs

Worth reading this short thread on this tent, it's (poorly) built for a very different environment.

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=135935&highlight=arctic

my3cents

So interesting comments here http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=135935 .

Edit> So thats two of us that can use google and I'm the slower at it

my3cents

Bad_alibi wrote: »

Hadn't considered the insulation aspect. It would only be getting used in the summer months.
I might try get a loan of it and test it out on these warmer nights.

LOL what insulation? Its a tent. If its too hot then don't seal it up so much and open up the door. Consider it more draft proof when sealed up than insulated.

Bad_alibi

Not been waterproof might be a problem alright.

my3cents

Bad_alibi wrote: »

Not been waterproof might be a problem alright.

The waterproofing is more and age and use thing. I don't know how well these are coated in the first place but with use the coatings wear off the nylon. The only way to know is to put it up and leave it out in the rain. Many people not used to tents will swear that condensation is actually rain coming through the tent walls.

There can be an issue with this type of design (not unique to this tent) that the seams on the flysheet roof (particularly around the hoop attachements) many need reproofing as they can allow water through.

If its cheap enough then I'd go for it.

Regarding insulation I picked up a tent made for the Australian market last year and its bloody cold. The inner is like mosquito netting and the outer doesn't come down to the ground so its drafty when windy. Even if you don't need it all the time I'd always go for a tent you can seal up.

Edit> If you are taking this tent in a car then it may be a useful starter but you can carry a heavier tent in a car and if you are backpacking it then it might be a bit heavy although not heavy for the space you get.

Bad_alibi

Without starting another thread came across this before and wondered what it'd be like for solo camping. Anyone use similar.

I've used a British basha with a bivi bag before camping.


http://s.aliexpress.com/nqYnURZJ

Tabnabs

I'd steer clear of Chinese imports, the quality is unknown and it'll take three months to arrive on the slow boat from China...

With sterling so low against the Euro it's a good time to buy from a well known and quality source like http://www.ddhammocks.com

Bad_alibi

Tabnabs wrote: »

I'd steer clear of Chinese imports, the quality is unknown and it'll take three months to arrive on the slow boat from China...

With sterling so low against the Euro it's a good time to buy from a well known and quality source like http://www.ddhammocks.com

After seen that on Ali, I then came across the DD Hanmocks.

What are they like to sleep in, have you tried them.

FrostyJack

I second the notion to steer clear. DD all the way. They are tried and tested with numerous reviews on line. I prefer a bivi to hammock but that is a person preference. The hammocks are plenty comfortable. I think there are different models with varied prices but I think in terms of quality they can't be faulted.

tphase

Hammocks are nice, I have one myself (Hennessy Expedition Asym) but you won't get the young lad or herself in there with you . In addition, it sort of limits where you can go camping - you need trees or supports at the right sort of spacing to be able to rig it up.

You suggest you'll only be camping a few times a year however you might catch the bug and do it a bit more often so maybe it's worth looking for a reasonable 2nd hand tent eg in the past couple of weeks I think I saw a Vango Equinox 250 on Donedeal for E50 - that's a good price for a decent tent, assuming it's not damaged or leaking badly.

Personally I'd skip that arctic tent even if I got it for nothing (OK at that price I might consider it but only as a semi-permanent installation for the kids). At nearly 10kg, it's *way* too heavy for my liking and if the reviews are to be believed, it's not too waterproof either...