Khyam
I have had a Khyam Highlander since 1994 (paid 120 quid) and whilst it is pretty dry it does not stand up to high winds. I don't know if that is the same for their other tents.
I am aware that a lot of folks are scared off, worried that the pole catches might break. Mine have never let me down. It is obviously very easy to put up quick and can be moved around when opened to find a better spot.
On the downside they are a bit heavy and a bit big when packed. Ventilation is OK for hot weather.
Vaude
I have had a Vaude Monolith since 1999 (paid 220 quid) - bloody good tent, loads of room in the front and yes I have cooked in it lots of times. Good tent for two and lots of room if it rains. The tent holds up well to extreme weather and is a far better build quality than the Khyam. The alloy poles are simple to fit but the tent is a bit fiddly to put up on your own. The tent weighs less than the Khyam. Good ventilation for hot weather. Is not free standing.
MSR
I have just bought an MSR Hubba Hubba, (paid $230US - bloody bargain as I see that in the UK they are 250- 300 quid). Superb build quality, great use of space and can be put up without the fly for superb ventilation during the day when hot. Easy build up and can be used free standing. Top quality materials and looks to be very weather proof.
Thermorests
Anyone any advice on new thermarests?? My thermorest is from about 1990 and is pretty thin. I see that they now make much thicker ones, but how small do they pack and it the extra thickness very noticeable?
I gave up using my thermosrest in preference for a simple airbed with a little 12volt blower, very lightweight.
Trangia
I have used these for over 20 years now (I was first introduced to them in the service). My current one I have had for about 15 years and it must get used 50 times a year - simple, reliable, small, light neat! I know you can boil water more quickly with propane but the Trangia is just such a neat package.
I have had a Khyam Highlander since 1994 (paid 120 quid) and whilst it is pretty dry it does not stand up to high winds. I don't know if that is the same for their other tents.
I am aware that a lot of folks are scared off, worried that the pole catches might break. Mine have never let me down. It is obviously very easy to put up quick and can be moved around when opened to find a better spot.
On the downside they are a bit heavy and a bit big when packed. Ventilation is OK for hot weather.
Vaude
I have had a Vaude Monolith since 1999 (paid 220 quid) - bloody good tent, loads of room in the front and yes I have cooked in it lots of times. Good tent for two and lots of room if it rains. The tent holds up well to extreme weather and is a far better build quality than the Khyam. The alloy poles are simple to fit but the tent is a bit fiddly to put up on your own. The tent weighs less than the Khyam. Good ventilation for hot weather. Is not free standing.
MSR
I have just bought an MSR Hubba Hubba, (paid $230US - bloody bargain as I see that in the UK they are 250- 300 quid). Superb build quality, great use of space and can be put up without the fly for superb ventilation during the day when hot. Easy build up and can be used free standing. Top quality materials and looks to be very weather proof.
Thermorests
Anyone any advice on new thermarests?? My thermorest is from about 1990 and is pretty thin. I see that they now make much thicker ones, but how small do they pack and it the extra thickness very noticeable?
I gave up using my thermosrest in preference for a simple airbed with a little 12volt blower, very lightweight.
Trangia
I have used these for over 20 years now (I was first introduced to them in the service). My current one I have had for about 15 years and it must get used 50 times a year - simple, reliable, small, light neat! I know you can boil water more quickly with propane but the Trangia is just such a neat package.
