• re: tarps. Tommy, as stated l think they're too much of a compromise for UK climate. If l was somewhere less rainy/windy l would likely be more inclined to a tarp. you really need to keep an eye on the weather and ground water! our climate is just too irrational. thats not to say folk don't prefer em, l've seen them on OMMs, 3peak challenges but it looked grim. comfort isn't about HTFU. after a days exertions l want to get out of bad weather, be able to sit up, stretch, change out of wet clothing, sort out rucksack/panniers, write, map read, cook, sleep well, cuddle your partner, do bike maintenance if the weather is atrocious and you cant be arsed going anyway, whatever.

    tarping grew out of the USA weight-weenie crowd but tents have come a long way, matching the weights of tarping but with all the benefits of tents
    when you add up the weight of tarp, bivi, poles, net, guylines+stakes, thicker mats/warmer sleeping bag, extra clothing, its close if not heavier than a sub-1kg tent, eg, laser comp or contrail.

    re: gelert.
    wild camping and cycle touring is something l do a fair bit of so like gear that suits my needs, terrain, durable and light, etc. My experience with this tent stems from a mates's exp and horror stories on the trail. as with anything, manufacturers specs can be misleading but l doubt their hydrostatic head, seam and stitching claims, fabric durability, etc, match the similar claims of a higher quality manufacturer. the poles are sh*te, poor design, the usable dimensions are cramped, exacerbated by the fly taper, no headroom, the acute angle of the fly makes the porch space next to useless, poor ventilation, bad condensation. if it worked for steff, then all power to him/her. granted my tent cost 10x but l would say its infinitely better - even the original vango you fancied is a massive change from this! like l said, pop into an outdoor shop and compare it to a midrange tent like a mountain hardware or vaude and feel the difference.

    IMHO, it would be a serious mistake to use this tent touring, eg. scotland or above tree line, ok for nice summer days by the lake like the one pictured in the above posted review.

    ives, from your update, campsites are generally found on lower ground and sheltered so the gelert might suit you fine. however, l would still get the vango!

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