View Full Version : It's down to these two tents...which one?
HockeyGirl
04-16-2011, 13:51
After much more searching, I've found my two finalists.
They are:
Vaude Hogan Ultralight XP
http://www.vaude.com/epages/Vaude-de.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/Vaude/Products/10767/SubProducts/107674000
and
Vaude Taurus Ultralight
http://www.vaude.com/epages/Vaude-de.sf/secTmrH03E5aWI/?ObjectPath=/Shops/Vaude/Products/15741/SubProducts/157414000
I've managed to have a go at putting up the Taurus and sitting in it. Feels nice, generally good space in width (would be nice if the roof was a little higher for more of the tent, but think it's enough just for sitting up to change etc) but I am a little worried at the weight - tips in at 3.9lbs.
Is that generally too heavy to carry for 1 person? Round about usual? Can someone help me out?
I can't go for the Taurus Ultralight XP because for some unknown reason they decided to change the poles setup to an outside non sleeve. Having tried those on another tent they were a pain in the butt to clip.
The Hogan I haven't managed to find in a shop to test, but is lighter (3.5lbs) and seems to be slightly more headroom over the centre of the tent (from what I can tell on youtube!) - major downside is it's inner first!
So the question here is, how easy is it to set up a tent in the rain inner first? Anyone doing this on a regular basis? Is it worth putting up with the set up for lower weight?
Any advice on these two or maybe if anyone has used them?
Are they both too heavy to carry?! (obviously not at the same time! :D)
THANK YOU!!!!! :)
Chubbs4U
04-16-2011, 14:01
Oh the responses you will get will be all over the place. Heres some basic questions. How many people? 3 season or 4 season? Single or double layer? Is price an issue? Is weight an issue? Where will you be using it? I can go on.
The point is everyone is different. I would suggest searching the forums cause there is a ton of these including my own. I can tell you I just bought a Rainbow for 1 person. If you need a 2 person tent the Lunar Duo I hear is a mansion. If you give more info people here will help. Also recently read on here that Nemo was reading the website here and commented on someones post. Thats pretty cool that they are searching forums like that.
Toolshed
04-16-2011, 15:27
HG,
At those prices, you should wait to get your shelter when you get here. Research online and then spend an extra day at REI or a local outfitter (google to see if they carry your desired selection), or go through one of the specialized companies that sell tarptents (shires, 6moonD....) and have them deliver it to someone you trust here (or shipped right to you).
You can get more for less buying in the states-
380Euros on Vaude is crazy money = $550US.
Use the exchange rate in your favor - you can do much better with a MSR Hubba at 3Lb for $250 (or less). or go for broke and get an MSR carbon reflex 2 at 3Lbs.
but seriously, do yourself a favor and look at REI.com, Campmor.com and Henry Shires Tarptent.
A Henry Shires tarptent is better in almost every way. For less money you could even get his 4-season Scarp 2 with the optional crossing poles and both the mesh and solid inner tents. The Scarp 2 with all options is the same price or less (£300), is bigger in every dimension, lighter and can be used all year in any type of weather.
HockeyGirl
04-17-2011, 03:42
I have 2 tarptents which I've decided against based on interior size and severe condensation.
I've decided I want a proper tent (fly and inner) AND I want some space. Due to how limited we are in terms of trying and buying over in the UK, these are what I've found that seem to fit the bill, and at least 1 I have actually managed to see/touch in real life!
I would LOVE something lighter, but I am definitely set on a 1 1/2 or 2 man tent for space. It's just me.
Chubbs4U
04-17-2011, 03:52
How about these, trying to save you weight and money...
http://www.golite.com/tents/3-4-season-tents/eden
http://www.kelty.com/p-497-salida-2.aspx?icid=hp-APR11-Kelty-Salida2
http://www.rei.com/search?cat=4500001_Tents+and+Shelters&page_size=109&jxSleeping+capacity=2&hist=cat%2C4500001_Tents+and+Shelters%3ATents+and+ Shelters^jxSleeping+capacity%2C2
...many of these tents are cheaper and lighter. Also a bunch of great, cheap websites that have sales on tents all the time. If you need any websites just post and Im sure a ton of people will help. Im sure, if you look, you can find something you like that is a lot cheaper and lighter. Good luck.
I have 2 tarptents which I've decided against based on interior size and severe condensation.
I've decided I want a proper tent (fly and inner) AND I want some space. Due to how limited we are in terms of trying and buying over in the UK, these are what I've found that seem to fit the bill, and at least 1 I have actually managed to see/touch in real life!
I would LOVE something lighter, but I am definitely set on a 1 1/2 or 2 man tent for space. It's just me.
But did you compare against the Scarp 2? Actually, you didn't need to compare them because I did it for you. As I said, it is bigger in every dimension, which of course means it provides more space than the Vaude tents. The Scarp 2 is a proper tent with a separate inner tent and fly. I can't speak as to condensation, but the larger interior space would make that less of an issue if all else is equal. Condensation might be an issue with either tent, but neither of the Vaude tents have vents besides the door. Since all three tents breathe around the edges of the fly and the doors, the Scarp 2 should again win, except with a huge margin due to the larger size plus dual doors that allow flow-through ventilation.
Of course you would want to use the mesh inner tent instead of the solid inner tent, although you can still buy both plus the optional crossing poles for the same price or less than the Vaude tents. It does weigh less, which again, meets your requirement. Now you may not be able to touch it before you buy it, but you can certainly buy it because Henry Shires does ship to the UK.
Really, the only valid holdback that you have is that you can't try it before you buy it. On paper, the Scarp 2 absolutely spanks the Vaude tents in every way. Bigger in every way, same price or less, lighter, more flexibility, more breathable....this should be an easy decision.
randyg45
04-17-2011, 10:51
Have you looked at Bear Paw tents?http://www.bearpawwd.com/tents_tarps/pyraTent.html
The Pyra with 2-person insert weighs 2.5 pounds, has lots of room, and I think would save some money. Outer first. Cuben avalable.
If you use trekking poles you might enjoy looking at Lightheart Gear: http://www.lightheartgear.com/LightHeart_Gear/Duo.html
Big tent for two pounds.... and if money is no object you can check out the cuben versions here, too...
The Vaudes just weight too much for me.