Touring Tents

Submitted: Thursday, Jan 13, 2005 at 21:27

Nod

Well I read a lot about peoples opinions on touring tents and I'm convinced they way to go is "Good Quality" ie the more expensive , either Southern Cross or Freedom so what I would like to know is objectively are there any significant differnces between the two brands of tents that make one better than the other?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Nod
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AnswerID: 92878   Submitted: Thursday, Jan 13, 2005 at 21:36

Leroy replied:

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the better quality touring tents. I personally have a freedom and have been very happy with it. When i bought mine there really wasnt too many options. Sand fly proof screens were std. But now I see you can get clear plastic on the windows and i think they have an extra window now. I'd just compare the features and make a decision that suits you.

Leroy

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AnswerID: 92890   Submitted: Thursday, Jan 13, 2005 at 23:00

Member - 'Lucy' replied:

Hey Nod

Have you checked out the 'Howling Moon' range from OPEN SKY
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FollowupID: 352129   Submitted: Friday, Jan 14, 2005 at 22:14

Nod posted:

HAd a look at the Web site and they look impressive, however a roof top is not waht I'm after at the moment. I need\want something that is both quick and easy to put up but also suitable to be used for several nights as a base camp and the occasional weekend away.
Thanks for the idea thou.
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AnswerID: 92891   Submitted: Thursday, Jan 13, 2005 at 23:04

Mike-TS replied:

I've got a 3m x 3m cheaper model - Kenlow. It's brilliant - cost me $200 in Quokka. My mate has an even cheaper one with the extension out the back and it's great as well.

I've looked at the tents you mention and both are good. I like the Freedom one but there's nothing in it.

There's also a touring tent with the bigger roof supports (2m x 2m) - can't remember the name. I might consider that one next time.

I must admit that the touring tents are good if you are moving about a lot.

I wouldn't sweat it - buy whatever and it'll do.

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AnswerID: 92893   Submitted: Thursday, Jan 13, 2005 at 23:07

derraux replied:

Nod
Ill give you some facts on freedom, they are using australian made bradmill canvas in there tourer range of tents and wax converters in there camper range of tent's they use steel d rings in all peg loops big one's in corner and two peices of webbing in the corner loops this spreads the load better they use ykk zips all over there tents, the bottom seam is inverted and bound, the steel frame is an australian made frame and the spiggotts and joints are welded the centre pole is springloaded allows movement of tents in extreme conditions also make's for eas of putting up, the screen as said before is sandflyproof and is a good fibreglass screen hope this helps
Derek
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FollowupID: 351869   Submitted: Friday, Jan 14, 2005 at 00:15

Crackles posted:

Had one of the first family tourers that took me 15 hard years to wear out which I recently replaced with a second Freedom, a Northern Tourer.
Two years on & 3 of the D rings have pulled out, 1 of the YKK zips is stuffed & the welded spigot just fell out of the centre pole. Just don't make them like the good old days.
IMHO the Southern Cross tent is tougher but I don't like their use of valcro to seal the door.
Cheers Craig............
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FollowupID: 352131   Submitted: Friday, Jan 14, 2005 at 22:25

Nod posted:

Thanks Craig, this is valuable info. I have a 15 year old Freedom cabin tent that has done lots of work and still in good condition for its age however its a bugger to put up hence the need to replace it. The quality of the old tent is great given its age its in good nik. Its interesting you haven't had the same experience with the newer one. And I agree velcro sucks on tents, the old one has extension walls that velcro on... a zip would be much better.
Cheers and thanks for the info.
Nod
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FollowupID: 352137   Submitted: Friday, Jan 14, 2005 at 23:46

BigPop posted:

Regarding velcro - I can't understand why people get so upset with it. I agree it can be a pain on doors instead of zips but otherwise it can be as good and as strong as zippers and holds on really well.

I've heard people say "but you can just pull it open and get in" well you can do the same with zips - and after all tents aren't the securest place on earth are they.

Just my $0.02c worth

BigPop
(I never get lost because everyone tells me where to go )
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AnswerID: 93139   Submitted: Friday, Jan 14, 2005 at 21:41

80scruiser replied:

Hi Nod
Have you checked the COI range.
I have recently purchased a 3m x 3m and am very happy with it.
All the quality of the others for less dollars.
Just completed Vic high country in wet weather and not a drop inside.
Mine cost $640.00 from go camping in Melbourne.
They were great.
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FollowupID: 352130   Submitted: Friday, Jan 14, 2005 at 22:18

Nod posted:

I have assumed that these being significantly cheaper would not be as good quality, you get what you pay for mentality. However having looked at the COI tent I must admit it appears to be of reasonable quality. Has anyone got some real negative opinions of these? Are the more expensive ones a waste of money?
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FollowupID: 352214   Submitted: Saturday, Jan 15, 2005 at 12:39

80scruiser posted:

The only thing I noticed is the COI has a D door which tends to hang when open which could put stress on the upper section where as the Southern Cross that did the trip with us had a U type door. We also had a Freedom extended with us. I liked them all. The other thing is the awning could be connected a little higher or shorter awning poles as it is angled up at the poles which causes the water to run back and pool towards the door. No water got inside but I liked the idea of having an awning. It was great when it was raining as you could unzip the main door and not worry about water getting in.
The ropes that hold the awning poles up a crap but a couple of good long Ocky Straps do wonders.
I have solved the awning height problem by going to Boots and purchasing some adjustable height poles, which we carry with us anyway and if it rains just adjust the awning down so the water runs off.
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FollowupID: 352314   Submitted: Sunday, Jan 16, 2005 at 00:36

rb30s posted:

PrimusCoi now have an option of "D" doors or "U" doors. The "U" (Hurricane model) has an optional zipp on awning at extra cost. Check out
http://www.primuscoi.com.au/default.htm
well worth a look!!

Adrian
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AnswerID: 93154   Submitted: Friday, Jan 14, 2005 at 23:12

Member - Tim replied:

Hi Nod,

We have the southern cross 10 x 10 and used it on a trip to the cape and a few other times since. It is very solid and we have been very happy with it. I don't really have any idea what the others are like as I have not used them but we liked the way the floor on the southern cross came partly up the sides and they also seem to be well made around the top seams. The canvas is definitely solid as well and the windows in some models can be purchased with the screens right down to the floor which improves the ventilation when you need it. This last was good on nights up on the cape when there were four of us sleeping in it.

Hope that's at least a little useful :).

Tim.

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AnswerID: 94190   Submitted: Friday, Jan 21, 2005 at 00:23

Skinnydog replied:

G day Nod, we have recently purchased a 30 second Oz Tent -RV4. Easy to put up & pack down ie good for o/nighters,excellent quality & plenty room for two of us. Optional walls were good investment too. Check em out, the wife loves it. Skinnydog
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