choosing a touring tent

The SC would be the pick , but $$$$

Freedom Tents are another very good touring tent , about $1000.

The COI Tents are very good , and very good value.

Haven't used Oztrail , sorry.

bbchris
have southern cross 10X10 and fantastic - couple of mates have got oztrail 9plus and quality is very good for price. if didnt have my southern cross then would go oztrail.
definitley get the side pole kit that means u can take out the centre pole.
website advertising here think is less than 300
try www.outbackstuff.com.au

cheers fozzy

Do a search in the archives mate - Oztrail has been discussed in depth a couple of times ;-)

Look no further than the best on the market.

In 10-15yrs time, as people do with them now, you will sell it for more than you paid for it - as long as you look after it.

We have a Freetime Country Tourer 11'6 x 8'6 which is as close to the Southern Cross Tent without being the real thing and it cost us $350, and have no complaints

Thanks for the info. Do you think its necessary to have the zip on ouside so you can attach an awning as COI Lightning doesn't have that facility. We are probably not going to be staying in it more than overnight

Have used a C.O.I.Tornado canvass tent for many years --a great tent and very well made.If you can get a genuine C.o.i. Lightening tent for $600 you are doing very well but I think the Tornado would be big enough for your needs.

I used to use a small 3 man el cheapo tent because I travel solo a lot. Then I got stuck in Weipa for a week. Now I have a BIG tent , even for overnight. I can just put it on the ground with something over me if necessary, or set up a bit more luxuary with an air bed and enough room to throw stuff anywhere. I have to admit that personally I am more comfortable in a larger tent (and the socks aren't under my nose :))

I have a COI 3m x 3m. Great tent. Cost around 600 bucks from go camping in Vic.
Rained in the high country over christmas for a couple of days and not a drop inside. Excellent value for money.

HI
Can't see why you would go past Tanimi tourers seconds from CHina, there are a few reference to them in the forum and I think they are even for sale in the trader. Heaps of room, easy to get up and as water proof as you can make em.
Regards Warndu

bbchris
The cheaper Oztrail tent would be fine. However you could also buy a cheaper synthetic dome tent.

Many people camp all around Australia with cheaper and smaller lightweight nylon tents. All you need is something with a floor that you can stand up in to dress. An awning at front helps comfort in rain.

Think about how much use you will give it, packing size and weight (travelling) and where it will be stored on return. Nylon domes are light, pack small, are easy to erect and are much less sensitive to moisture in storage.

There are very good quality tents that could last many years but you really have to be into frequent camping AND you are prepared to take very good care of them.

Why put a lot of money into expensive canvas for one or two trips??
EV700