Polish army tent - Lavvu on a budget ?

[rik_uk3]

I'm considering a stove as I camp in Sweden and Norway a couple of times a year, and fancy being able to extend my "season". A small tent would need a very small stove, and I am prepared to accept it migh not work out in the end.

When you say stove, do you mean a wood burner?

As a younger person my only 'cold weather' camping was North Wales in winter, and it never crossed our (hillwalkers/climbers) minds to heat a tent. Sure, we would use a Primus stove in the tent to cook food, candles were often the light source, so there would be some background short lived heat, but we relied on our sleeping bags and perhaps clothing to keep us warm. The same applies to high altitude climbers and Antarctic teams today, no real dedicated heaters just good kit, some heat from a non wood burning stove while you cook and eat and then get snug for the night.

Tent heating certainly in the UK is a luxury and one I have now embraced but please be so careful using wood burning stoves (any stoves for that matter) in a tiny tent like these Polish jobs, I'm not having a downer on them, not stirring the pot, but I really am worried about some poor bugger getting a nasty burn.

For what they cost I'll get one myself, but to be honest I'm a bit of a tent *****

 

[DavidJT]

Thanks for the advice Richard, your concerns are very valid ones. I've done quote a lot of winter camping over the years in the UK, and as you say always managed without heating the tent. Now I'm a little older though (mid 40's), I find camp comfort more of an important issue. Wouldn't want anyone to put themselves in danger though.

 

[FerlasDave]

Ive recently finished making a stove for my argos tipi. I used an old ammo box and it works really well. carbon monoxide shouldnt build up too much anyway especially in my tipi as it has vents on the sides and roof. if you make sure theres a way of getting fresh air in then you will have no problems and it really wont effect the temperature as a small stove will heat up one of those tents nicely not forgetting its a great way to cook.

 

[DavidJT]

Ive recently finished making a stove for my argos tipi. I used an old ammo box and it works really well. carbon monoxide shouldnt build up too much anyway especially in my tipi as it has vents on the sides and roof. if you make sure theres a way of getting fresh air in then you will have no problems and it really wont effect the temperature as a small stove will heat up one of those tents nicely not forgetting its a great way to cook.

But I would be very cautious in a synthetic tent, fire risk is of course much greater.
Have you thought about about a battery operated Carbon Monoxide alarm?

 

[FerlasDave]

But I would be very cautious in a synthetic tent, fire risk is of course much greater.
Have you thought about about a battery operated Carbon Monoxide alarm?

No, Ive no worries with it at all. I dont burn on it during the night I just let it warm up the tipi before I go to sleep and let the embers die down. The door is never properly closed anyway as I alwayso have it open a little.

 

[Spikey DaPikey]

I’ll probably go to Poland in few weeks time. I can buy few of these and bring them over if anyone is interested. It would be cheaper than what you pay for it here.

OK, i'm interested, just dont tell my Womble OK ?

 

[hiho]

me too ..

 

[rik_uk3]

But I would be very cautious in a synthetic tent, fire risk is of course much greater.
Have you thought about about a battery operated Carbon Monoxide alarm?

Why much greater?

 

[deenewcastle]

At Davey569 (sounds like a military tag that ) -

How have you found the Argos Tipi? I bought one as I couldn't afford the really nice one I wanted, and ended up with two of them I don't yet know whether or not to try them out as they are, or do some sort of conversion Am thinking of either adding a skirt to make a Bell Tent, or to take out a bit off each side to give steeper sides? Have you used yours much?

 

[FerlasDave]

At Davey569 (sounds like a military tag that ) -

How have you found the Argos Tipi? I bought one as I couldn't afford the really nice one I wanted, and ended up with two of them I don't yet know whether or not to try them out as they are, or do some sort of conversion Am thinking of either adding a skirt to make a Bell Tent, or to take out a bit off each side to give steeper sides? Have you used yours much?

I have had no problems with mine what so ever. Alot of people have been complaining about them leaking but the only thing i can find this to be is condensation running down the tent and collecting on the seams. This is a single layer tent though and condensation it to be expected.

What I have done which allows the water to evaporate easier is to cut out the netting in the top of the tipi underneath the hood. Not only does this help with condensation its where the flue comes out for the stove

So for me the argos tipi is great. I reccomend you try it first and give it a spray with the hose to see if it does leak, and if it does its no big deal just get some wash in tent proofing and some seam sealant. If you feel like modding it in anyway go for it! Its your kit to do with it what you like. Its all personal preference.

Hope this helps!

 

[deenewcastle]

Thanks for that Davey I haven't been out in mine yet, but had read loads of negative reviews after it had been received. My first one had a few lines missing, and when I complained to the seller, they sent a new one to make up the defects, which is how I ended up with two. I had thought about making a lightweight 'hanging' inner to resolve the condensation problems, but am really interested in your use of a stove in situ :Wow: What do you use?

 

[FerlasDave]

What do you use?

Homemade out of an old ammo box. Im setting it up later as I want to practise cooking Ill get some decent (well half decent) pics of it and post them up as a thread.

 

[Rumcajs]

Spikey, sure no problem.
I will keep you posted.

 

[widu13]

I’ll probably go to Poland in few weeks time. I can buy few of these and bring them over if anyone is interested. It would be cheaper than what you pay for it here.

I'd like one too if I may and you are able. Thanks.

 

[hiho]

I’ll probably go to Poland in few weeks time. I can buy few of these and bring them over if anyone is interested. It would be cheaper than what you pay for it here.

me too ..

 

[Rumcajs]

All folks that are interested in buying PM me so I know how many I have to buy.
As I'm limited on luggage I can carry with me, it would be on first come first served basis.
They come in black or green, and 3 different sizes depending on height of the soldier.
S1 – 160-170cm
S2 – 170-180cm
S3 – 180-190cm
I guess, the bigger the better, but can’t promise what sizes would be available.

 

[glyn77]

Another one bites the dust, mines on its way from ebayland.
The wife already thinks I'm crazy

 

[dp0001]

Probably a long shot but since they're turning up in Germany, anyone know if they're selling cheap in Berlin anywhere as I'll be there next week? TA

 

[squantrill]

You only need to order one - it comes packaged with both halves and two sets of poles and pegs, all you need to make the tent with.

Bugger that means I just bought two!! grrr

 

[glyn77]

I don't think you'll have any trouble selling it on.