Advice needed, affordable 3 season tent

[Rob62]

Hi, I’m new here so hello to everyone.

I’m looking for some advice and I’m hoping theirs someone out there with some advice?

I’m currently homeless and I need to purchase a tent, preferably 3 season but ( there’s always a “but” ? ) my budget is quite limited so I’m happy to go down the secondhand route? Anyway as I said 3 season with a vestibule or room to store a 22 litre sac, obviously waterproof and as I’ll be traveling north something sturdy? Weight wise I’m flexible to a limit , I’m 63 and although fit I’d like to keep the weight as low as is possible?

And that’s it, any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Regards
Rob

 

[C_Claycomb]

Hello Rob,
I haven’t used many tents (mostly camped in hammocks) so might not have much advice but it strikes me that a little more info might help with advice from other people.

Regarding second hand, do you have somewhere that things can be mailed for you? For instance, if something suitable was seen on eBay.

What sort of ground would you want to pitch on? If on grass or soil pegs will hold and lighter tents that rely on peg points for tension and structure would work. If there is a need to be able to set up on hard surfaces, a completely free standing pole structure would work better. Many tents rely on a peg out point to create the vestibule space.

How tall are you? If you are a broad 6’3” there might be some tents (thinking light single person models) that would be too cramped.

Budget wise, “limited” can mean different things to different people. Can you suggest a target, can be lower than you can actually stretch to, but would be helpful. If you are really hoping for sub £30, it’s better that folk know rather than throw in advice for £60 options.

Hopefully some folks will chime in!

All the best

Chris

 

[Rob62]

Hello Rob,
I haven’t used many tents (mostly camped in hammocks) so might not have much advice but it strikes me that a little more info might help with advice from other people.

Regarding second hand, do you have somewhere that things can be mailed for you? For instance, if something suitable was seen on eBay.

What sort of ground would you want to pitch on? If on grass or soil pegs will hold and lighter tents that rely on peg points for tension and structure would work. If there is a need to be able to set up on hard surfaces, a completely free standing pole structure would work better. Many tents rely on a peg out point to create the vestibule space.

How tall are you? If you are a broad 6’3” there might be some tents (thinking light single person models) that would be too cramped.

Budget wise, “limited” can mean different things to different people. Can you suggest a target, can be lower than you can actually stretch to, but would be helpful. If you are really hoping for sub £30, it’s better that folk know rather than throw in advice for £60 options.

Hopefully some folks will chime in!

All the best

Chris

Hi Chris
Thank you for your message, you make several valid points that I hadn’t considered? My apologies.

My budget is £100 which I know isn’t going to get me much but it’s the most I can budget for.
I’ll be living in the tent 24/7 (predominantly on grass) so the bigger the better within reason, I’m very mindful of the weight so nothing above 5kg ?

As I mentioned in my earlier post second hand wouldn’t be a problem.

Regards
Rob

 

[Toddy]

In our climate whatever you buy, if you're using it so much, budget in for an under groundsheet to protect the tent's own one......and maybe a good spray on waterproofer too.

Not easy living in a tent 24/7.
Very best of luck with it.

M

 

[Rob62]

Thanks for the advice, I’ve had a quick look and their quite inexpensive

 

[Chris]

Hi Rob. In terms of seasons and durability and such, if it’s OK to ask are you foreseeing being homeless for a long stint or is there a known timeframe you’re looking at?

 

[HillBill]

Hi Rob.

Welcome to the forum.

I've got a Vango Chinook 200 (unused, so essentially new.) that i'll let you have for £100. 3.7kg, vestibule at either end... Geodesic design.

This thing.

Vango Chinook 200 Reviewed

Vango's new Chinook is a bit of a mixed bag. Solid and stable in the wind and having the distinct advantage of twin entry doors but at a cost both in terms of weight and money. Ideal for site based camping where space is more important than weight. Real World Test The Chinook is a new addition t...

myoutdoors.co.uk

Let me know if of interest.

Take care out there mate.

 

[Van-Wild]

Hi Rob, have a look for a secondhand MSR Elixr2. I have owned for years, and its solid. Brand new youre looking at circa £250, but you may be able to pick one up on the usual websites.

 

[Dan00001]

Robens Arch 2 would be an excellent option. Can be bought for £91.95 (with coupon) new on eBay with free postage.

ROBENS ARCH 2 TENT CAMPING 2 PERSON LIGHTWEIGHT HIKING BACKPACK FESTIVAL | eBay UK

Ideally suited to hikers and cyclists looking for a compact and lightweight 2 man adventure tent. Robens Arch 2 Tent. Robens Arch Technical Specification The Isle of Wight, Isle of Man, Channel Islands and Northern Ireland.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[TeeDee]

@Rob62
Has any of this helped??

If it has can you give me an indication of what you may be considering going for?
I'd like to kick in some money if its acceptable to yourself.
Its bothering me you are stretching a budget and I'd like to contribute.

 

[TeeDee]

@Rob62

I've used the following to get me out of a pickle before - temp digs in exchange for some labour. Normally its a caravan , or a " lodge " ( Spelled - S-H-E-D ) with basic amenities in.

Mostly tilted to the younger set but I would try my hand and contact people in your area and just reach out.

HelpX

volunteer work in exchange for free accommodation and food on farms, backpacker hostels, lodges, horse stables and even sailing boats

www.helpx.net

HTH

 

[HillBill]

@Rob62

I've used the following to get me out of a pickle before - temp digs in exchange for some labour. Normally its a caravan , or a " lodge " ( Spelled - S-H-E-D ) with basic amenities in.

Mostly tilted to the younger set but I would try my hand and contact people in your area and just reach out.

HelpX

volunteer work in exchange for free accommodation and food on farms, backpacker hostels, lodges, horse stables and even sailing boats

www.helpx.net

HTH

Basically how i ended up in the Legion. Homeless, decided to go picking fruits, harvesting crops and have a wander around France... Couple of weeks in... cheap wine... rash decisions... No regrets, now... Back then... well, it hurt a bit.