Tent advice

[MsPacman]

Obviously Glasto 15 will be sunny all the way but if I were to buy a tent for other camping trips that had 1500 hydrostatic head is that rubbish? What's the minimum I should be looking for? Thanks

[Crazyfool01]

I believe 2000 is the minimum that is recommended for the sunny dry festival in June

[Curlygirl]

I think it's rubbish. My tent is 3000HH and survived the electrical storm last year, that is the minimum I would go for. Been in 2000HH tents which leaked on their first use. Pray to the weather gods and you may get away with it. Good luck.

[Mr Splodge]

Get the best you can afford.

It will last you many festivals and camping trips.

[A Guy Called Matt]

These are superb - and a bargain

http://www.outdoorclearance.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=675_190_31_250&products_id=157014

Edited February 26, 2015 by mattyc1965

[MsPacman]

Thanks guys!

[Mr Splodge]

These are superb - and a bargain

http://www.outdoorclearance.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=675_190_31_250&products_id=157014

That's the one I brought, came the next day as well.

Forgot to say free delivery as well

[Slugworth]

As it's going to be a scorcher...

[Bisque]

Just buy a nice tent that will last, & then take it home.

[Rose-Colored Boy]

As it's going to be a scorcher...

If it was a choice of one or the other I'd rather have my head exposed to the elements than leave the milk out in the blazing sun, ew.

[The Placid Casual]

Just buy a nice tent that will last, & then take it home.

When I saw that you'd posted, I seriously thought this thread had already turned into another tent w*nking discussion

[marcwilson87]

You know what I found useful this year? My tent has a huge porch area I stood in and showered myself.

It certainly beat the comedown.

[TheParkAfterDark]

Get a blue one so it stands out from all the rest in a crowded field...

In all seriousness go with the advice above and get the best you can afford. Millets and GoOutdoors own brand stuff is very decent and relatively inexpensive.

[Calvin Klein]

I've used this one for 2013 and 2014 (much rain, electrical storm/hail). 1500 hydrostatic head according to the website.
Had absolutely no problems with it.

[TheParkAfterDark]

Anything over 1500 is more than likely to be fine.

The key thing when setting up the tent is that the (usually 4) corners are all pegged in "stretched" as far from each other as possible. This helps keeps everything taut and keeps the outer tent off the inner.

If your tent is set up slightly twisted or bent then the outer is far more likely to touch the inner and if it's wet that's a big problem no matter what the hydrostatic head is. And no amount of guy ropes stretched halfway across the site is going to help you...

[incident]

Anything over 1500 is more than likely to be fine.

The key thing when setting up the tent is that the (usually 4) corners are all pegged in "stretched" as far from each other as possible. This helps keeps everything taut and keeps the outer tent off the inner.

If your tent is set up slightly twisted or bent then the outer is far more likely to touch the inner and if it's wet that's a big problem no matter what the hydrostatic head is. And no amount of guy ropes stretched halfway across the site is going to help you...

This is all correct.

People who start banging on about HH are usually missing the point - it's a factor, but it's far less important than the design, the build quality, and how well the thing is pitched.

Given the choice, I'd take a well built well designed 1,500 HH tent over a no name overcomplicated 3,000 HH model every time.

[Bisque]

When I saw that you'd posted, I seriously thought this thread had already turned into another tent w*nking discussion

Never w*nked, always laid.

So far.

I really want a Eurohike Avon. Lovely tents. Free hugs at mine this year.

[hurdy]

As it's going to be a scorcher...

Overkill...

[found home in 2009]

This is all correct.

People who start banging on about HH are usually missing the point - it's a factor, but it's far less important than the design, the build quality, and how well the thing is pitched.

Given the choice, I'd take a well built well designed 1,500 HH tent over a no name overcomplicated 3,000 HH model every time.

What would you say are the good names to go for? I've normally managed to borrow a tent from someone but think this year I'm going to have to invest in my own.

[incident]

There's no universal answer to that question, depends on budget, and again I'd suggest looking at the the design and build quality of the individual models. Don't assume that Brand X will always be great. I was being a bit flippant with regard to no-name kit, there's a lot of landfill bound stuff out there that sells for 25 quid at tesco or the motorway services, but once in a while you do see something worthwhile.

In terms of actual brands, this isn't anywhere near comprehensive, just the ones I've got personal experience of - in order from cheapest to most expensive I'd have no issues buying again from Eurohike (Millets/Blacks/Ultimate Outdoors own brand), Quechua (Decathlon own brand), or Vango. Others will have equally valid suggestions, there's plenty of decent options out there.

Personally I'd say that if you're looking for a tent it's best to keep an eye on the camping essentials thread, there's some great deals in there - most probably aren't available anymore but as the festival gets closer plenty more will be posted.

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

I'm just wondering if you coat a 1500 HH tent with breathable silicone wall sealant (much cheaper than Niwax) would it bring the HH of the tent up to and beyond that of a 3000 HH tent. If it's breathable and deflects water it's got to be the same, or similar, stuff hasn't it?

[Spindles]

Eurohike Avon is a great little tent, had one a few years but it got trashed at reading last year

[jamesrfisher]

Blacks are good, had a very nice one lasted us over 5 years doing 2 festivals a year, never leaked. Still going strong

Last year bought a larger tent from Outwell as we now have a baby to take with us. Very good. Can look expensive but there are bargains around.

[sloseph]

does anyone have any experience with Quechua tents? i've got my eye on a couple that look pretty decent but as a general rule my festival tent game is pretty week and i always end up with some sort of mishap so i can't help but doubt my judgement

[The Placid Casual]

You should get one of those nice white and gold tents