I don't know what tent to get now?!

We had a Turbo Lite and didn't have a good run with it, as described here. The heavier duty canvas ones should be better as Waz described.
Dion

We had a friend try the Primus but not a good one - could have been a bad batch as Mark is happy with his. For what it's worth we have a video review of the Primus here.
Cheers
Dion

We have the Primus Extended Tourer centre pole canvas tent and are very happy with it. It also comes with a side poles kit which is marginally more fiddly to put up but gives a good clear area inside. The extended model allows you to put a full queen size 50mm self inflating mattress behind the centre pole which allows you to use the area in front of the pole for getting changed and gear without having to stand on the bed. Great roomy tent for two people.

Quick and easy to put up. Just a few drips here and there in heavy rain but not enough to worry about. Just about impervious to moderate winds. Hardly moves if pegged and tensioned properly.

$449 from memory.

It replaced a six person Dome and I would never have a dome again unless space/weight was an absolute consideration.

Muddy

I recently purchased a Primus Extended Explorer. Like the review below I found the stitching to be a little ordinary all though not to the extent shown on youtube I'm glad to say. I bought it because it was the only cheaper canvas tent that has the centre pole poke through the roof like the Freedom tents do and used a PVC floor rather then a PE floor. In terms of design it is really quite good. In terms of workmanship it is average. I put it up to season it and got quite a bit of water in it, I will be giving it another go in the rain to season it after which I'll be getting the candle wax onto the seams. They have a bit of sewing in the PVC floor (freedom have no sowing on the floor) but I just got some stormsure (www.stormsure.com) and did the seams with that inside and out. That should take care of the floor hopefully.

The centre pole that pokes through the roof has a little cap to stop rain getting in the eyelet, I'm also going to put some rubber on the top of the pole for the eyelet to seal on. The reason I like the pole poking through the top is, it is good for attaching a tarp to. The awning that comes with it is fine for the weekend camp but for anything longer then a weekend I would probably put up the tarp, especially if it was wet.

I've seen the Freedom and my brother has a Southern Cross. If I could afford it I would get a Freedom tent (or southern cross) without question, but at a quarter of the price I couldn't go past the Primus. I'm confident that I will have a water proof tent and if not, being Primus I'm confident the backup will be there (As the youtube bellow indicates).

Mark, perhaps it was just a bad batch as it seems there is a bit of support for the Primus. Their design is excellent.

We got our Southern Cross for $1300 including the large awning and side pole kit (ebay). Retail is $2450 - which I would find hard justifying even though we do camp a lot.

Great story with the open tents - lesson learned :) We've done the same but not that bad.

Cheers
Dion

Yep, same, never had a problem with domes.

Prefer them to the other types for speed and ease of erection.

Having said that, hot in summer, cold in winter and can flap around a bit in a strong wind. Handled heavy showers ok but havent been out in torrential rain yet.

OzTrail Sea Breeze 4......$129 at BFC. Two seasons old and good as the day we bought it.


Cheers.......Lionel.

PS: from the moment we find a decent possie and stop the car, Paula can have the tent up and furnished, campfire started, snags in the pan, table and chairs set in 12 minutes flat. Just in time for my second beer....lol.