Decent tent for weekend imaging trips

[Irish stargazer]

I am looking for a decent tent for the occasional weekend trip (3-4 times a year). I don't want to spend more than about $300 and only need space for two people plus some gear. Space is a bit tight in the car with all the imaging gear so it shouldnt take up too much luggage space.
I was looking at the Coleman instant 4 tent. Looks about the right size and simple to set up and put down. Does anyone use one of these. Are they any good in Winter?

http://www.bcf.com.au/online-store/products/Coleman-Instant-Up-Touring-Tent-4-Person.aspx?pid=291385#Cross

[AstralTraveller]

John,

Coleman make IMHO about medium quality products and this looks to be about that. Neither disaster nor top notch. For instance the fabric is rated to 2000mm (150 denier) but Palin and Kathmandu use 3000mm fabric (190 denier). So, you will be nice and dry unless it rains :lol:. No, just kidding, the fabric will probably be OK in all but the worst conditions but in that case you probably wouldn't leave home to go imaging. [I have been in my Kathmandu 3-person dome with it bucketing down and never had a drop inside. It's also handled 1cm diameter hail and gale force winds.]

One thing I'd look at carefully is the zippers. These are commonly the weak point and large zippers may not be cost-effective to replace. Then look at the seams, which should have two rows of close-spaced stitching, and the peg loops, whose design may vary but should inspire confidence.

Design-wise I have no personal experience with integrated frames but have heard that they can be like wrestling an octopus when packing up. I believe that also take up more space when packed, which makes intuitive sense. I am wary of any design with internal poles as the pole rubbing against the fabric can help water get through the fabric, at least that was the case with crumby nylons tents I used years ago. Perhaps newer fabrics don't do this but I'd need to be convinced. Of course setting up in 30 seconds is bull. I count two external poles, three guy ropes, each with peg, and 6 pegs for the tent body. Think 10-15 minutes, which is reasonable anyway. I can erect my little dome in 5-10 minutes. Lastly, whatever tent you get, get a cheap tarp to go under the floor to protect the floor and increase it's waterproofing and lifetime.

[TrevorW]

Good site for camping gear is WildEarth, online store

[Irish stargazer]

Thanks Guys
I picked up the Coleman Instant 4 this afternoon. For 3-4 trips a year it doesn't need to be top notch. Waterhead should be fine. As you say if it is likely to bucket rain I will most likely stay at home. Need to replace the pegs with decent ones though-the ones supplied you get at KMart- a pack of 10 for $3. Hope to try it at Bretti this year. Wiruna is a bit cold now but might chance it

[AstralTraveller]

Hope you enjoy it. How about a report after you have had it for a while? I'm always interested in the pros and cons of camping gear.

[GrahamL]

I think you will be happy with any tourer tent , that ultra fast set up and pack down is really something you can't underestimate , though the flyed domes are pretty water tight

we have an old red desert poly canvas tourer which has stood up well over the years, the best addition you can add to this imo is a well made tarp and poles to support it , at least double the floor of the tent or more , and everything you take and want to leave outside is dry no matter how much it isn't going to rain.

other usefull stuff

.reclining camping chairs(you can so doze in one ):thumbsup:
.10cm self inflating air beds (puntures don't kill a good nights sleep)
.80 amp marine battery pack and a couple of small 12 v fluro double tubes , read in the tent or outdoors , and power other stuff.

good luck

[AstralTraveller]

These days the lights will be LEDs. Very bright and very low draw.

[doppler]

I took a swag tent to tennant creek for the recent annular eclipse. What a great invention a tent with a built in matress and comfortable.. better than a blow up matress. The nights were 22 deg and no dew so we just used it as a swag but it was wide enough to sleep 2. I will be keeping it handy for overnight stargazing nights.
Rick

[rogerg]

I enjoy our 3 person Coleman. Does the job quite well. Nice little varandah's to put the boots on, reasonable construction it seems. Use it a few times each year. I think you'll enjoy the Coleman. :thumbsup:

Back when we used to hike overnight I would have been spending much more $$$$ on a completely different product :)

[AstralTraveller]

I love my swag but SWMBO is not keen on one so it gets limited use. I've had it next to the scope once and just slid in at the end of he night. I also used it on he eclipse trip last year. On hot nights it can be used as just a full-length mozzie net, it can be closed up completely and is then very warm and for in between the top canvas can be rigged like a lean-to. It can handle a bit of overnight rain OK but of course you wouldn't want to be getting in or out in the rain.



Yep, good quality and lite is $$$. Less is more.

[Irish stargazer]

Picked up one of these gas heaters today. I dont know why I didnt get one earlier. Perfect for keeping warm on a long night of observing/ imaging.

http://www.kellyscamping.com.au/p/1113400/companion-portable-butane-heater-.html

[rogerg]

Neat.

Just don't put it inside the tent :)

[Irish stargazer]

Outdoor heaters only !! Great for keeping the hands warm and the wife happy when it starts to get below 5C