Tents

[rayvanna]

So Matt and I are thinking seriously about buying a new tent for events. We want to go for a cotton one and Matt's only stipulation seems to be that he wants to be able to stand up in it. It's started me thinking about one or two things and then by asking people and reading about bits and pieces I've started thinking about other things

Comments

[meus_profiteor]

I'd say unattached for the groundsheet. Yes it's a little bit more hassle putting up, but the benefits of being able to care for the tent better far, far out-weigh the inconvenience.

Of the styles you've linked to there I'd have to say the Yellowstone one looks the best, purely because it's square. It gives you more useable room inside and allows you to keep stuff better organised since you have corners to stick things in. I notice however that it's also the most expensive.

[rayvanna]

Think we're definitely going to go with an unattached groundsheet. It just seems to make the tent that much more versitile overall.
The idea of a square tent did intrigue me then I talked to johnciall and realised how much more difficult it would be to put up on my own due to the fact that it needs more poles and that you would need to get the sides that bit straighter. I'm leaning back towards belltents now. You know the whole not rocking the boat thing.

[meus_profiteor]

Well that Yellowstone tent just looks to me like a square bell-tent. If it was my money that's what I'd be very tempted to get.

As for a groundsheet, last gathering I didn't even bother with using mine. I just put my bell up over the bare grass. It was quite nice having the grass under your bare feet first thing in the morning. Mind you, I only did that because the grass was dry to start with.

[jakeriddoch]

I'd recommend using the groundsheet for at least part of the tent - damp tends to creep up overnight and I always find the bottom of the groundsheet is damp, as is anything I leave on the grass.

[anonymous]

I like the look of the yellowstone and you'll probably never have to worry about putting it up alone. There's always someone willing to help.

[rayvanna]

Thank you anonymous person. :)

[minion_for_hire]

Zippers survive pretty well unless you take the piss with them. I have a 15 year old bell tent with intact zippers.