Best Tent & Camping Gear for Biking?

**David.Hicks** · 17 Mar 08, 01:26 PM

I'm considering getting a tent and some camping gear for some biking/camping this summer.

Small size, light weight, ease of erection (oooeeeer!) and disassembly are obvious priorities. Summer use only.

Have yet to decide whether to go 1-man or 2-man.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

**Balmy** · 17 Mar 08, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David.Hicks

Have yet to decide whether to go 1-man or 2-man.

**David.Hicks** · 17 Mar 08, 01:38 PM

... depends on ease of erection

**Kenoir** · 17 Mar 08, 02:01 PM

Hi David,

I've got a terra nova (part of wildcountry I think). It's a 1 man tent. I used to use it for mountain marathons (in my slimmer days) and it's the smallest thing I could find.
The modern equivalent is here;

Terra Nova Equipment - Sololite

Paul

**1_POB** · 17 Mar 08, 02:03 PM

David,
I'm off touring for a week on Thursday and I've got one of these strapped to the back of the VFR:

Coleman Avior X1

(They also do a x2 model, if you are into that sort of thing). The x1 tent easily fits in my small Kreiga rucksack and weighs very little.

If you are doing this in summer only you can get away with a pretty tiny sleeping back, just go into a local camping store like Blacks or Millets and ask for a "two season" bag which should be comfortable down to about +2 degrees. You should be able to get a bag that packs down very small. Then all you need is your toothbrush and a few tins of Fosters and you are away.

Ta,

Ed

**biscuitandpotato** · 17 Mar 08, 02:40 PM

I got Vango Banshee, the poles collapse down really short, is great as a 1 man, once leathers, boots, luggage etc. are in it there aint much room for anyone else although you can get a fair bit in the porches. Got this and that too.

**Brian** · 17 Mar 08, 03:45 PM

Me and the missus are thinking of doing somnething like this in the summertime getting on the bikes and heading west, But will be looking for a campsite or should i say campsites with a pub on or nearby that does food sod carrying all that clutter on tha back of me bike

**triumph5ta** · 17 Mar 08, 04:40 PM

Are you travelling solo? Small backpacking tents often say "2 man" but this will not leave any room inside for any gear if two of you kip in it. I am assuming its just you.
I would suggest:
2 man tent, you will probably have to spend £80 to £100 upwards for something small and light. You will have room for you to sleep and to put your kit, helmet etc.
Sleeping bag, I have a Blacks Quantum 300 £65. Real down feathers. Packs up small.
"Thermarest" sleeping mat which packs up small and needs just a few huffs of breath to inflate. £60 ish
The cheap foam mats are OK but bulky.

I know you dont want to carry loads of gear but a tiny gas stove such as the MSR pocket rocket £30 and something to boil water in means you can have an early morning/late night cuppa by your tent. Army surplus mess tins do the job. Coleman stoves are brilliant and you just siphon a bit of petrol out of the bike to run them but they are bigger and heavier but last a lifetime.

Generally with camping gear you get what you pay for. Good lightweight stuff is not cheap but does last. Millets gear will do but tends to be bulky, heavy and falls apart.

Camping is great cos it gives us the excuse to go to a shop and buy COOL STUFF!

Adam.

**David.Hicks** · 17 Mar 08, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by biscuitandpotato

I got Vango Banshee, the poles collapse down really short, is great as a 1 man, once leathers, boots, luggage etc. are in it there aint much room for anyone else although you can get a fair bit in the porches. Got this and that too.

Thanks. Vango Banshee looks great value @ £60 - spacious for one and just about big enough for two at a push I would guess (with helmets, leathers etc.).

**biscuitandpotato** · 17 Mar 08, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David.Hicks

Thanks. Vango Banshee looks great value @ £60 - spacious for one and just about big enough for two at a push I would guess (with helmets, leathers etc.).

I think youd need to be good friends

**David.Hicks** · 17 Mar 08, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by biscuitandpotato

I think youd need to be good friends

but if you weren't ... I'm sure you would be by the next morning

**biscuitandpotato** · 17 Mar 08, 05:24 PM

the Gooutdoors outlet near me (CCC nr Wakefield) have them all setup in side so you can gauge the size better.

**sadbiker** · 17 Mar 08, 05:52 PM

I'd recommend the therorests as well. had mine since about 93. You need a matt underneath, cause it aint no fun if the ground underneath is cold. It will get to you believe me. Get a decent 3 season sleeping bag as well, its worth spending that bit more for quality kit as its lasts.

Is Taunton Liesure still around. They used to be up from V&J's in Taunton, I bought my sleeping bags there again in the early 90's and still using them.

Be interested in a good lightweight tent for 2 persons as mine has mold now.

**David.Hicks** · 17 Mar 08, 05:57 PM

Yes Taunton Leisure are still there.

**Lucazade 749s** · 17 Mar 08, 06:31 PM

I vote for this type of gear for one.
http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/Product_Type/Tents/Bivi__Bothy_Bags/Jupiter-52J-R.html?view=description

It comes in RED

or green

Look at specification it ways 840g and packs to 40x11cm. Oh yes as far as I could understand it is kind of sleeping bag/tent thing. I had one of those in Poland for mountain trips and bicycle trips.
By the look of it and description it is the same thing. You will need something to isolate you from the ground but that was already mentioned by

Quote:

Originally Posted by triumph5ta

"Thermarest" sleeping mat which packs up small and needs just a few huffs of breath to inflate. £60 ish

Quote:

Originally Posted by triumph5ta

Also I would get some small cooking equipment. Considering that tent mentioned is 840g you could pack up with in 2kg with one small cook and army cups which pack 3in1. You will have petrol ….