What tent would you recommend for high altitude and strong winds?

Question

What 2 man tent that's not too heavy would you recommend for camping at high altitude e.g. 1000 to 4000 feet and also for camping in strong highland winds all year round?

I have read conflicting reports about what type of tent design is best e.g. tunnel, semi geodesic and fully geodesic. I am looking for something that can survive the elements though and also has protection to prevent midges and other bugs etc from getting inside. I have seen tents with mosquito nets but I believe these are no good for stopping midges getting through.

If you can offer any advice I'd appreciate it as well as any links to the types and brands of tent and price range I'd be looking at.

Answer 1

if you've a tiso store near you ask them for advice or any quality camping shop



don't go on a saturday though they are just full of p/t staff go mid week and get one of the knowledgeable full timers

Answer 2

Look at The North Face's two-man 'Tadpole' tent, check out the design. It's a really good tent, only weighs about 2kg, is strong and great in the wind.

The design shape of it is popular, other brands make similar ones, such as Marmot. It's like £150. It's very easy to put up.



The pop-up tents that the other person recommends are a bit of a hassle, and you can Not use them if you're backpacking, as the way it stores is as a giant circle - not great for carrying. They're also designed for family campers and festival-goers, not mountaineers, whereas the tadpole design is a definite mountain tent.



All tents are mosquito and midge proof I reckon, as you're pretty much sealed in a pretty tight mesh. Just don't leave the door open..

Answer 3

Any geodesic dome tent would do. Try Terra Nova or Wild Country. They have aircraft alluminium poles and are very stable in high winds. They are expensive but you get what you pay for. The mozi nets in these tents will stop the midgies but you will need good repellent and you can het hats/caps with a good mesh. Even with repellent they will get up your nose, in your mouth&ears and will bite you round your eyes.

I have a quasar and a trisar and have used them in all weathers including heavy snow and strong katabatic winds and have never had a problem with them. No midgies in the snow though.

Answer 4

Forget worrying about the tent, it is the pegs you have to concentrate on and extra lines. Oh and take "Jungle formula" with you!

Take titanium V shape tent pegs, that are super strong, but ultra light.

I personally like to use the instant tent, as by the time you have faffed around with some huge fancy thing the rain is in it and your cold and hungry and worse thing, covered in midge bites. Instant tent, strong pegs, good clothes, tell folk your journey plan, call in regularly, have something bright that will reflect if you get stuck somewhere. If it is anywhere in Scotland, nothing stops the ruddy midges and they gang up on you, big time! I had to be medically treated for the amount of bites at Loch Lochy!!! Bar stewards that they are!!! My instant tent was the viking 4 man, trying to find a picture of it on line and will keep you posted, if I do.

Oh and paint on some more waterproofing, well before you use it, especially the seams.

Here's a good quick and may I say cheap tent!

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/0182973/Trail/searchtext%3ETENT.htm

Take it in turns to be the one who get in as the other one puts the pegs in the ground. The weight of the person will keep it on the ground as you try to push all the extra pegs in.

Answer 5

Don't know much about tents but I can say if there are going to be strong winds look for something that is not too tall. Get one that is close to the ground.



What the other person said about the pegs is also something to think about.

Answer 6

http://fwd.five.tv/gadgets/lifestyle/travel/quasar-terra-nova