Need tent advice

[the gecko]

Hi guys, Im looking for a tent, and Im concerned that the Oztrail ones at bcf might be cheap asian rubbish. We are looking at the $300 model with 2 rooms. Its for 2 adults, no kids. Her main requirement is breeze, shes astmatic, so humidity bothers her. She likes a back door she can open. My main issue is with rain. I assume I'll need a fly, and I want to know that if I lean against the wall at night, rain wont leech into my sleeping bag. We will only use it for 2-3 day stays, and do that twice a year. I havent done camping since boy scouts, but weve found a camp site with a pond full of barra, grunter, bass and toga. Can someone recommend the brands that I should look for in the $3-400 range? Andrew

[griz066]

Look Here;)

http://www.leisuregear.com.au/category_CAMPING%20TENTS.php?scat=57

[Dory4.1]

Hi,

I know this doesn't answer your question directly, but have you considered second hand? I bought our tent used, and paid about 30% of the equivalent new price, hardly used as well, in addition, the seller gave me a demo on how to put it up (try getting that from BCF) and threw in some addition camping gear as he had upgraded to a caravan... bargain.

Hope you find a quality tent.

Rgs
Michael

[Reel Nauti]

I have a BCF 2 room tent which has full 'over the top' fly included. Cost me less than $250 3 years ago. We use it a couple of times a year, and sometimes for 3 weeks. It's endured heavy coastal rain for days on end, and not a drop in the tent. Has 2 full end openings, a side opening, fully screened, full floor, and windows. Bloody excellent!

Cheers

Dave

[goat boy]

It will have a thin fly with it. They're not a bad tent and will last a long time if treated and looked after well. Get a good tarp to throw over the top (silver one), this will help peace of mind for the rain and reflect the heat in warmer weather. Don't have to worry about the condensation effect either. I had a large dome Oztrail for years that I only recently got rid of to downsize. Never had a problem with it once. I got a smaller Oztrail cabin style tent which seems like will last just as long. Shop around if you can, unless it's on special BCF probably aren't the cheapest on it by a longshot

[chisel]

Pretty much every tent will have some condensation, depending on weather. It's never a good idea to touch the inside of a tent in the night/morning.

I would've thought you could do better than $300 if you are just after a cheapish dome. Most will be made in China I suspect, regardless of brand.
I've been impressed with Coleman tents over the years so you might consider them.

This would be a good place for researching prices and options http://downundercamping.com.au/

[snatch]

We have an Oztrail nylon tent and it has been excellent. It was around the $300.00 mark. It has stood up to trpoical rain near Bellenden kerr (the wettest part of Australia).

[BaitThrower]

We have an Oztrail Sportiva and have used it about 4 times so far on our Sept camping holidays. Last two years it has seen a fair bit of rain. It has a full fly that came with it, and we use a good silver tarp underneath the tent, but not on top. It hasn't leaked yet and we are quite happy with it. Has held up to some strong winds too without any problem. I do use larger pins for the base than the ones supplied though (they do seem a bit small).

[Blackened]

G'day

I too have an oztrail, bought it from downunder camping in capalaba. I realize you're up in harvey bay... but look else where than bcf.

It's the chalet 6 model, and first time up, had no issues for 4 days in 20-30kts of s/e staying at donnybrook (no trees to break the wind in our position) And also another 4 days in the cold on top of mt. panorama during the race.

It's well featured with generous room inside. Highly recommend it

Dave

[datamile]

and then you end up buying a $100 tarp, $200 worth of poles etc, to keep the sun and rain off.

Lucky for me I've got UK tent so its designed for the rain and wind, and is the only bright yellow tent on the campsite.

[snasman]

Gecko My oztrail 6+2 is near 6 years old now and im still using it ,its been to Cooloola beach more times than I can remember and Landcruiser park quite a few as well,I clean it out in the back yard with a damp cloth every time I come back and most times throw a tarp over it when camping ,Im real happy with mine. Shop around a bit or wait for a special its amazing how much can be knocked off a tent at these times.

[madman1]

I have the 3 room + sunroom Oztrail and cant be happier. Just throw a tarp over the top and you will be fine.


More to the point....... Where is this camping ground?????

Good luck wioth the decision.

Definitely go second hand. Save heaps of $$$$ for near new.