Polish army tent - Lavvu on a budget ?

[bailout]

These look interesting but fortunately I don't need one at the moment so am not tempted to spend money

I did buy one of the Argos 2-man tipis last year as a cheap way of trying a tipi style. I liked it but did find it a bit small. Lots of space in terms of area but the sloping walls meant that head and foot were close to touching the tent. The argos tipi had an extra bit of material round the bottom that was like a snow skirt. By putting a tin can under the pole and allowing the skirt to extend the walls I was able to pitch it about 4 inches higher. This made a big difference to the internal space and meant I wasn't in danger of touching the sides when sleeping.

I notice that people on this thread have said that the polich tent is a bit small. A simple mod would be to sew and strip of material round the bottom edge and use a longer pole and turn it into a mini bell tent. Also going back to the argos tipi, it has guys coming of the seams a couple of foot up. Pegging these out not just backs it stronger and reduces wind flap but again by pulling out the wall a bit increases internal space.

Looking at the photos of the polish tents it looks like with a couple of simple mods they could be improved and turned into a nice base tent.

 

[Rumcajs]

To all guys who asked me to buy Polish army tents, I just ordered them today. As requested they are large size in dark green. I have manage to get them with 3 section centre pole which are slightly shorter than 2 sections one and believe would be easier to pack.
I’ll be back in London on 30th. Can start sending them away very same day as long as I have all addresses.

 

[Hangman]

I've found something similar - German issue two halves that clip together: http://www.essexsurplus.com/campingtents.htm Flecktarn Bivi tent.

 

[widu13]

After missing each other at Xmas time for payment and delivery details, and then some messing about on behalf of Royal Mail, the tent was delivered today (a sunday) after I had a whinge up at them.

It's brill. I did the usual thing and put it up first the obvious way (which is wrong) with the pocket buttons on the inside (Doh!) My halves are dated 1976 and 1984, one with the stock label still attached. It has the 3 section poles which do the job nicely but a walking pole does too.

It's now weathering in the garden and will be weatherproofed in a few days time. Just posting really to say a big thanks to Jambowl :You_Rock_

 

[Spikey DaPikey]

Thanks to Jambowl as well :You_Rock_

Used mine this weekend gone, and it was just right for me and my kit ! Damn its dark inside LOL ! Great for sleeping in the day

Mine has the three section poles as well, and does pack nice and small. Its also a warm tent with a candle lantern.

I also thought of getting some extra fabric and making a mini bell tent, but as i'm a lazy bugger, it'll most likely never happen

Cheers

 

[widu13]

Hey Spike, that's a top idea. I'll never get to do that but the idea's a good one.

 

[Spikey DaPikey]

Cheers . . .

 

[Native Nathan]

If there is any more on the go, I'm interested.....

Or Jambowl if someone fails to claim there's let me know and ill have it

 

[widu13]

Just watersealed mine. As per everything in the 80s quality went downhill! The 70s side I had a job to do it as the waterseal just beaded off without some vigorous scrubbing but on the 80s side in went straight in!

Seems the former Eastern Bloc had quality control problems in the 80s as well!

 

[glyn77]

aah, I was just about to ask about waterproofing before i dropped the cash on nikwax (or whatever).

What waterproofing agents, and how much of them, did you chaps use?

Cheers,
Glyn.

 

[DavidJT]

Asked this before I think, but what are you all using for ground sheets? A made to measure bit of rubberised canvas would be nice or?...

 

[Mesquite]

Asked this before I think, but what are you all using for ground sheets? A made to measure bit of rubberised canvas would be nice or?...

I used an IPK sheet.

 

[Spikey DaPikey]

I used the sheet from an IPK, but i may use the tub floor from an old dome tent i have knocking about...

 

[DavidJT]

I used an IPK sheet.

Don't have one, but may be should get one. How does the size work out?

 

[Mesquite]

Don't have one, but may be should get one. How does the size work out?

It's narrower than the footprint of the lavvu but a lot longer so you can cut it to fit the whole base or just cover where you sleep

 

[TeeDee]

Has anyone yet ( I really need to get one.. ) extended the dimensions of this Tent by purchasing an extra one and extending the 'skirt' (?!) of the tent? So that would increase the foot print size inside?

Just wondering if anyone has done that yet?

 

[widu13]

I used the OLD Thompsons waterseal (new one is no good for canvas) and have used 2 litres giving it a VERY good couple of coats.

 

[glyn77]

Cheers widu13,

I might have trouble getting hold of the old thomsons though

 

[DavidJT]

Has anyone yet ( I really need to get one.. ) extended the dimensions of this Tent by purchasing an extra one and extending the 'skirt' (?!) of the tent? So that would increase the foot print size inside?

Just wondering if anyone has done that yet?

I'm not sure the geometry of that would work out i.e you would need extra height as well as extra girth.

 

[TeeDee]

I'm not sure the geometry of that would work out i.e you would need extra height as well as extra girth.

Yes , you would , but as it only a pole ( as far as i'm aware ) or a tripod , it shouldn't make a difference should it? If you extend a cone shape , the angle remain the same while the base size increases?

So longer, poles or tripod = Bigger tent.

Or am i missing something?