which next to review?

[littlebiglane]

Why ? A lot of folk probably want one, like me, but want to see a review to justify the cash.

I want one, polycotton, for a firebox or stove and all weather camping/canoe tripping.

Nick

Its a fair comment.

There are two sides to this really. It is without doubt a fine piece of equipment. Its not perfect but it is well-made, with good materials and thought has gone into some of the 'bells and whistles' - for instance I like being able to adjust the top-vent/cowl from the inside without putting my boots/waterproof etc on and traipsing outside each time in the 'orrible weather.

Now...the thing about the price. Personally I think that maybe Tentipi has had it good for too long. There are now others in the market and may also offer a similar product but for a more competitive price. Maybe they have to work harder in justifying their premuim pricing. So...is it worth the money? Hmmmmm. Not easy to answer. I tend to buy and pay for quality nowadays as I have wasted so much money in the past on second-rate goods and bargain prices that have worn out / broken in no time at all.

I justified it as a longer term investment and over the years of (hopefully) excellent service the painful initial cost will be dulled and spread over the many, many years I have enjoyed it. There is no doubt though that family camping (which is what I tend to use it for in the main ) has never been so fun. It also cost less than an average family holiday for two weeks in the sun seems to cost nowadays...but at least at the end of my holiday I have a tent to keep

 

[Scots_Charles_River]

So what about the actual tipi ? Maybe compared to others ? Is there enough users on the forum to a product comparison ?

Nick

 

[littlebiglane]

So what about the actual tipi ? Maybe compared to others ? Is there enough users on the forum to a product comparison ?

Nick

That's a good idea. Not without its limitations. But a good idea nonetheless.

 

[godfather]

Would love to see a Tentipi Varrie 9 CP review.

 

[littlebiglane]

Would love to see a Tentipi Varrie 9 CP review.

Okay. I can give a review...but I gotta confess that I have not used it yet for anything bushcrafty. I use it as a family camping thing. So its decked out with rugs, cushions, candles..the whole nine yards....so whilst I can give you pictures of it, a commentary on its physical characteristics and quality, some idea of its usability and feedback as to its failings...it will be in the context of this usage I am afraid. You'll have to ask someone else who as taken it to the tundra and back......

LBL

 

[godfather]

littlebiglane,

I would love to see some pictures of it kitted out for family camping as that is what I would use it for.

 

[littlebiglane]

littlebiglane,

I would love to see some pictures of it kitted out for family camping as that is what I would use it for.

Okay - piccies without any comment. Just for you

A 360 degree look around the tent then a look upwards.

 

[godfather]

Thanks for posting the photos looks cavernous in there am jealous. Is that a double mattress?

 

[littlebiglane]

Thanks for posting the photos looks cavernous in there am jealous. Is that a double mattress?

It is indeed a double mattress - outwell deluxe version

LBL

 

[godfather]

littlebiglane,

It have arrived and I am sooo chuffed.

How do you heat yours in winter?

 

[littlebiglane]

littlebiglane,

It have arrived and I am sooo chuffed.

How do you heat yours in winter?

Wow!

Which one did you get?

I have a HeatPal but will not give you enough BTU output for winter. I would probably recommend one of the enclosed wood burners and not the fireboxes (although I do have one of those and think they are a waste of money. You'll have to ask for recommends on the site though for the best/value wood burner.

LBL

 

[godfather]

Got myself a varrie 9cp.

Have decided to get a woodburner (helsport) and when I recover from christmas I will get a floor or make one out of some tarp material. Do you have a floor?

 

[littlebiglane]

Got myself a varrie 9cp.

Have decided to get a woodburner (helsport) and when I recover from christmas I will get a floor or make one out of some tarp material. Do you have a floor?

I do have a floor. To be honest - I would experiment with getting a cheap garden tarp (in green ) from somwhere like B&Q and cut it to shape (and pop some eyelets in it so you can paracord it to the grommets on the side walls of the tent). If this does not work (or you are feeling flush!) then get a floor - they really do make the whole thing more habitable and are robust and are of high quality. I cover mine (as you have seen) in lots of surplus wool rugs. There is a knack to fitting the floor though as you can use the eyelets half-way along the skirt of each wall (at its base) to draw a string through - you can pull this tight and tie it off in front of the door when the floor is fitted as it then drawers the skirt underneath the floor and keeps it there to make it more weather tight (however doing this will direct very strong wind under the floor (force 6+) hence the additional benefit of having rugs on the floor as this stops the floor from raising).

Can I ask what rings you have on the tensioners on the outside corners of the varrie - as you may recall I had some issue with them failing in mine in high winds this summer? http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=33078

 

[godfather]

Sorry I have taken so long to reply.

I have simple metal rings that you pull over the tent peg.

 

[Squidders]

For heating I use a coleman black cat... it doesn't make the tipi baking hot but it makes it pleasant, is silent, clean and runs all night.

I have used it in my old vagge 7 and in a friends varrie 9 and it worked nicely for both of them.