French F1 Commando Tent (canvas) preview

[nobby8126]

Just picked up this tent from military mart for £22 and thought I'd give it a whirl whilst taking the boys out.
Really impressed at what you get for the money, quality is good and there is acres of room (up against a lavvu). No issues with condensation and ended up with my wife and I and our youngest in it for the night. Vid is a bit of fun as I was trying to keep the kids entertained at the same time.

 

[mousey]

only slightly disappointed you didn't go in for a commando roll after hurdling over the tent. Nice looking tent.

 

[nobby8126]

only slightly disappointed you didn't go in for a commando roll after hurdling over the tent. Nice looking tent.

I did off camera but it wasn't deliberate

 

[Tony]

Good review

 

[Laurence Milton]

Also review of the cotton version here on another thread and on UKcampsite.

 

[Laurence Milton]

I have read several reviews of these tents, and having one, am amazed that people get more than one adult in them! Where does any kit go?
Much as I like and use mine, like the lavvu, it is strictly a solo tent in my book

 

[Keith_Beef]

I have read several reviews of these tents, and having one, am amazed that people get more than one adult in them! Where does any kit go?
Much as I like and use mine, like the lavvu, it is strictly a solo tent in my book

It looks like there's a tarp in line with the tent, so I suppose that's where anything that needs sheltering from an overnight shower would go.

 

[crosslandkelly]

Great review. Good idea to use the tarp to make an admin area, keeps the tent uncluttered.

 

[FensoKeliv]

How did it hold up in the rain la?

 

[Laurence Milton]

How did it hold up in the rain la?

Perfectly...……...as far as my polycotton/no tarp one is concerned...…...

 

[n0mad]

Good review.

 

[Laurence Milton]

Just stood up to about 10% annual rainfall in a matter of hrs..... tough liitle tent. Performed well above it's pay grade. Dry within, despite exposed zips. Slept well.
(polycotton F1)

 

[Kav]

I’ve owned a canvas F1 for twenty plus seasons. They were an early release and then rarity until the
Plastic versions currently sold. Canvas is still a rare bird in the US.
It went on a ‘Winter Camping Course’ hosted by the ghost of the once mighty Sierra Club. It was the last big snowfall before our California drought kicked in.
I dug a trench , laid two pine branches as snow anchors ( Uh, is that legal?) while these REI types were struggling with new gear from the suggested gear list. They put the gay pride parade to shame and
My ‘ Jack London ‘ reenactment gear was subject Ed to insult or infatuation. Nightfall and I was curled up in my down bag. Again, l
Was admonished that down gets wet by a guy in designer bluejeans.
Snow and wind started hitting us about midnight.
I heard three tents collapse ( improper assembly, placement and staking.)
Next day I had five offers to buy it.
The olive drab IS DARK and you can easily oversleep. There’s a reason creme colored wall tents are popular. An extended stay in these can induce cabin fever and mild depression!
The juncture of the zippers is the Achilles heal in insect country. Even the new plastic with full netting have this flaw. A kit of cloth, soaked in a mild repellent stuffed at the intersection solves that issue.