tent for touring

kmobrown

Okay have owned my touring bike for a bout a year now and done some very nice trips but always stayed in accomodation or gone with friends who have all the equipment. Am now looking to buy a tent fro use with cycle touring (in Scotland) and was wondering if anybody could give me any advice about either specific tents to consider or what features I should be looking for. What do people think of single skin tents?

coolworx

Okay have owned my touring bike for a bout a year now and done some very nice trips but always stayed in accomodation or gone with friends who have all the equipment. Am now looking to buy a tent fro use with cycle touring (in Scotland) and was wondering if anybody could give me any advice about either specific tents to consider or what features I should be looking for. What do people think of single skin tents?

I think the main issue with a tent for touring is the same issue you'd have seeking a backpacking tent -- WEIGHT.

I've toured with Inyo Solo (http://www.coleman.com/coleman/colemancom/detail.asp?product_id=9810-805&categoryid=11070) and it's pretty light (less then 4 lbs), but I've been thinking of making the move to a siltarp (http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=4332897&parent_category_rn=40003488), and maybe some skeeter netting. That will save about 2 lbs, give me more room under canopy, and also make the nights more "natural" and less like I'm in a cocoon.

daveornee

Okay have owned my touring bike for a bout a year now and done some very nice trips but always stayed in accomodation or gone with friends who have all the equipment. Am now looking to buy a tent fro use with cycle touring (in Scotland) and was wondering if anybody could give me any advice about either specific tents to consider or what features I should be looking for. What do people think of single skin tents?
We have a single skin tent and use it when we know the nights are going to be raining. However, it is not a versatile tent. I think a 3 season tent with footprint + Rain-Fly is a much nore versatile choice. I would go for something taller and a little larger than you think you might ever need. I would also go for something that feels secure in windy wet weather. You will likely want to test it on many shorter weekend rides.
First, just with a weekends' worth of stuff and then try it a few times with full loads. Refine you methods of packing and what you are sure you need and what you may not need. It helps to have practice in familiar places.

EmmCeeBee

Check this previous thread for some good recommendations (including mine :) ) : http://www.cyclingforums.com/t172396-.html

-- Mark

nasz

Personally I'd go for a Wechsel Outpost - roomy and light!

I liked it so much I got one! ;-)

gregw

Eureka makes a very economical one person tent, not free standing but very light and compact, I think it is about $90 in Campmor. Even lighter and free standing is the Gig Agnes SL, but almost double the cost. The best bargain is the Eureka.