Rally Tents

[lb99]

I am in the market for a new rally tent

what do you guys use?, needs to pack up compact,fit 2 people and panniers, and be tough.


I think the ability to have a door open in the rain is a must

[BMWST?]

I am in the market for a new rally tent

what do you guys use?, needs to pack up compact,fit 2 people and panniers, and be tough.


I think the ability to have a door open in the rain is a must
i think you need a "3 man" tent minimum,unless you want to leave half you r gear outside

[Oakie]

i think you need a "3 man" tent minimum,unless you want to leave half you r gear outside
Agreed. Halve the number of people the manfacturer suggest can sleep in it and you'll have a reasonable size tent. Eg, Mrs Oakie and I have a '4 man' tent for back yard sleeping. Gives the two of us just enough room to sleep comfortably and hold some gear in. (For actual camping we use a 6 man tent).

[FJRider]

... I think the ability to have a door open in the rain is a must

Good luck with that ... :sunny:

But a 4 person dome tent with a fly should suit you ... but is weight/size/cost an issue .. ???

What have you used in the past .. ???

[russd7]

have drooled over these a bit, not interested in putting bike in but plenty room and not to bad as far as weight goes either, just a shame they so pricey

https://redverz.com/

[lb99]

Good luck with that ... :sunny:

But a 4 person dome tent with a fly should suit you ... but is weight/size/cost an issue .. ???

What have you used in the past .. ???

I currently have a great outdoors Calgary dome tent, I think its a three man, big enough for a double air bed and some gear( if you are so inclined), ad the fly extends out creating a vestibule, for storage and stuff.
I've had it for at least 20 years, I can't remember the cost but it was pretty much a weeks pay, cause I got very hungry until payday.
it is an excellent tent, but is starting to suffer from age, the nylon is getting thin and easy to tear, as well as the floor which is starting to weep a bit, it has taken a mean hammering from the weather over the years, but I am struggling to find an equivalent replacement.
I don't trust the quality of the local big box offerings, if I am going to spend a decent amount, I want a good tent.
I hate a wet bed

[lb99]

have drooled over these a bit, not interested in putting bike in but plenty room and not to bad as far as weight goes either, just a shame they so pricey

https://redverz.com/

Is a bit big though, don't you think?

Low profile is best in shit weather, my bike is waterproof so it can stay outside as a windbreak

[granstar]

have drooled over these a bit, not interested in putting bike in but plenty room and not to bad as far as weight goes either, just a shame they so pricey

https://redverz.com/

Probably worth it if you do a lot of camping, head height like that is priceless when you are half hungover and trying to put your leathers on (even us short arses).
Bike in vestibule would be a PIA, the extra on the other side big enough for the beer fridge :drinkup: bargain. Know a mate heading to US next year may be able to send us a bundle of em?

[FJRider]

... I hate a wet bed

Me too ...

https://www.outdooraction.co.nz/products/kiwi-camping-kea-5e-recreational-dome-tent?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=googlepla&variant=35546076547&gclid=CjwKCAiAhMLSBRBJEiwAlFrsTo8DYY42kg7IDpE19uk8 WIDgiTMMeIHoejI9oI_RvOqaFdKWR9M-RRoCRtAQAvD_BwE

[babysteps]

One of these bad boys will do you :-)

Clicky (https://www.rei.com/product/779039/the-north-face-big-fat-frog-24-tent)

Enough room inside for two and plenty of storage for bike gear and panniers

https://www.rei.com/media/e8fddf11-4f20-41f3-a341-3ad81e63b730?size=1020x510

[Swoop]

Top Tip: Large "music festival" events are a great source of bargains!

Seriously. If there has been a gig in your neck of the woods, the organisers are overloaded with tents that have been abandoned.

[lb99]

One of these bad boys will do you :-)

Clicky (https://www.rei.com/product/779039/the-north-face-big-fat-frog-24-tent)

Enough room inside for two and plenty of storage for bike gear and panniers

https://www.rei.com/media/e8fddf11-4f20-41f3-a341-3ad81e63b730?size=1020x510

thats the schiz

no longer available but.....

[neels]

I bought one of these recently to replace our old tent which had reached it's use by date, seems to do the job ok for 2 people and gear.

https://www.completeoutdoors.co.nz/kiwi-camping-kea-3-recreational-dome-tent-322

[babysteps]

thats the schiz

no longer available but.....

You can buy mine for $2000 :laugh:

[spanner spinner]

I am in the market for a new rally tent

what do you guys use?, needs to pack up compact,fit 2 people and panniers, and be tough.


I think the ability to have a door open in the rain is a must

one of these https://www.kathmandu.co.nz/camp-and-hike/tents-and-shelters/hiking-tents/quest-tent.html enough space to park the bike out front if needed.

[babysteps]

Try this bad boy on for size (https://www.rei.com/product/110207/big-agnes-copper-hotel-hv-ul-2-tent)

[Akzle]

Agreed. Halve the number of people the manfacturer suggest can sleep in it and you'll have a reasonable size tent. Eg, Mrs Oakie and I have a '4 man' tent for back yard sleeping. Gives the two of us just enough room to sleep comfortably and hold some gear in. (For actual camping we use a 6 man tent).

go for a run, tubbies.











...but on a similar note (i think it was hunting and fishing)'s latest catalogue has "cosy" and "comfy (or similar, it's too early for this shit) ratings on their tents ie "5 man cosy, 3 man comfy"

[F5 Dave]

I got a canvas maker (local repair and supply place do everything from truck sides down) to make me a undersheet but it's shaped to the inside of the tent and bathshaped with velcro to hold the sides up. Thus the water lever would need to be 2" deep to let you get wet. Folds up pretty good.

[R650R]

Top Tip: Large "music festival" events are a great source of bargains!

Seriously. If there has been a gig in your neck of the woods, the organisers are overloaded with methlab tents that have been abandoned.

As a bonus you'll get some love from the drug dog at the airport on your next RTW/OE lol

[MarkH]

https://redverz.com/

I have a Redverz Expedition 2, a really fantastic tent!



needs to pack up compact


Yeah, it does fail on that one though. It packs big and it is quite heavy too. The size & weight never bothered the ST1300 but if space is at a premium (like when riding 2 up) there is no way I could recommend it.

For having a door open in the rain (handy in summer if it is warm & wet) then you would want a tent with a vestibule because you would hardly want rain to soak your sleeping bag!

I never use my Redverz anymore, I've switched to using a hammock which I find more comfortable. I guess I should put it up for sale, perfect for those that don't mind a tent that packs pretty darned big.

[russd7]

I never use my Redverz anymore, I've switched to using a hammock which I find more comfortable. I guess I should put it up for sale, perfect for those that don't mind a tent that packs pretty darned big.

50 bucks an a bag o chips, but only if it in brand new condition of course

[granstar]

Try this bad boy on for size (https://www.rei.com/product/110207/big-agnes-copper-hotel-hv-ul-2-tent)

Something more Kiwi friendly https://www.completeoutdoors.co.nz/kiwi-camping-weka-2-adventure-tent-329

[T.W.R]

I bought one of these recently to replace our old tent which had reached it's use by date, seems to do the job ok for 2 people and gear.

https://www.completeoutdoors.co.nz/kiwi-camping-kea-3-recreational-dome-tent-322

I've got the older generation Alpha3 and it survived 15yrs of rallies and other recreational trips and the 3 man quote is optimistic at best, maybe packing in like sardines out of necessity but 2 is livable and when solo & being over 6ft lying corner to corner allows to be able to stretch out completely. Packs up reasonably small but is quick to assemble. Only the vestibule pole let go a few years back but was repaired within minutes.
A decent mattress, sleeping bag, & pillow are more import IMO

[IkieBikie]

Agreed. Halve the number of people the manfacturer suggest can sleep in it and you'll have a reasonable size tent.

Don't you mean double?

[Honest Andy]

I'm reading this thread with interest...
My current rally tent is the cheap 2man from Kathmandu. It's cheap, light, easy to pitch and strike, and is a good size for me and my gear. But next time I'll get fussy and look for:
-more distance between tent and fly for better weather resistance in wind or on uneven ground when you can't pitch it perfectly square
-room outside big enough to store wet jacket and trousers, not just boots
-and a door flap that can be opened without fucken water running into tent straight off the fly! How the hell that got past the design stage... :scratch:

Might have a closer look at the kiwi weka 2/3

Interested to see what you come up with

[R650R]

I was interested in the mototent thingy that's all over fb for ages, kinda attractive security wise to park your bike inside awning... but then I saw the weight... its 5kg at least from memory....

Got this from T7 last year, only used it once on far nth trip but its good and light. https://www.torpedo7.co.nz/products/T7ATBN8M2/title/torpedo7-mamaku-2-person-adventure-tent

Rallywise good idea is to shack up with a crew and share a larger tent/support vehicle, everyone does it these days, no shame lol.....

[MarkH]

but then I saw the weight... its 5kg at least from memory....

I think the Redverz is more like 7kg and bulky with it. The bag is huge and you have to roll the tent tightly to get it to fit in there.

Before I went to hammocks I did really like using the Redverz though, so nice to be able to stand up inside that tent while the rain was pouring down outside. I never bothered parking the bike in the tent though, much better to have the area as a kitchen/dining room/lounge. I really like the 4 doors (5 doors if you count the internal one between the bedroom and the rest of the tent) because it makes the tent so much more comfortable in summer when you can open it up and get a breeze through.

I took the Redverz to the Roast Duck Rally and it sure surprised a couple of people when it went from a bunch of material on the ground to an erect tent, it really is quick and easy to get up, almost like it was given some Viagra half an hour earlier! The bedroom is clipped inside the tent, put 2 stakes at one end, pull the tent from the other end and put 2 stakes in - viola, upright tent with a bedroom that is ready to drop your gear in. If it is windy you then want to fairly quickly go around putting more stakes in, when it is calm you can take your time after the initial four pegs are in place.

I did try out my Redverz tent with a hammock stand inside it after unclipping the bedroom (made it a large floorless area big enough for the hammock stand to be set up inside), it worked pretty well. But then I got a good tarp which packs down to nearly nothing and that saves a huge amount of space compared to the Redverz.

For anyone OK with the weight and bulk of this tent I can't recommend it highly enough. For anyone not OK with that kind of weight and bulk, I'd suggest forgetting about going with a tent tall enough to stand up in and just get a decent tent - but get one with a vestibule and definitely get 2 doors! I have a couple of cheap tents (the small one cost $60 on a half price special at Rebel Sports) which only have one door, they suck so bad in summer! When it is hot you want to be able to set up the tent in line with the wind and open both doors to let the breeze flow right through the tent. This year's Burt Munro Rally is in February - without airflow, the tents will be unusable through the daytime.

[MarkH]

50 bucks an a bag o chips, but only if it in brand new condition of course

I might get it out and set it up this weekend, take a bunch of photos and then pack it up (making sure that everything is there and in good order). Then I'll probably create a Tard Me listing, but I wouldn't even consider selling it if I can only get a hundred bucks or any such lowball amount, way too nice a tent to let it go crazy cheap.

Currently, I'm considering what I can sell so I can get enough money together to buy a Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin DCT version. I'll be looking at selling both the ST1300 (already have it listed on TM) and once ready to buy a new bike I'll look to selling or trading in the DR650. I have another tent that I want to sell, but it is just a basic 4-man tent with only one door and a tiny vestibule that isn't really enough for any purpose. I might consider selling that one for 50 bucks and a bag o' chips, depending on the flavour of the chips.

[F5 Dave]

Mate you will love the Africa.

I've never ridden anything like it but I have ridden an ST13 and pulled over to check if the tyres were flat. An HQ Kingswood must be lighter.

[russd7]

I might get it out and set it up this weekend, take a bunch of photos and then pack it up (making sure that everything is there and in good order). Then I'll probably create a Tard Me listing, but I wouldn't even consider selling it if I can only get a hundred bucks or any such lowball amount, way too nice a tent to let it go crazy cheap.

Currently, I'm considering what I can sell so I can get enough money together to buy a Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin DCT version. I'll be looking at selling both the ST1300 (already have it listed on TM) and once ready to buy a new bike I'll look to selling or trading in the DR650. I have another tent that I want to sell, but it is just a basic 4-man tent with only one door and a tiny vestibule that isn't really enough for any purpose. I might consider selling that one for 50 bucks and a bag o' chips, depending on the flavour of the chips.

awwww c mon, would make it a big bag o chips and none o them cheap supermaket brand ones either, woulda splashed out on bluebird. :lol:

let us know when ya list it an ill have a look :2thumbsup

[F5 Dave]

Heartland chips or nothing doing mate.
Canterbury has to be good for something and this is it.

[russd7]

Heartland chips or nothing doing mate.
Canterbury has to be good for something and this is it.

that and makikihi fries, good ole south canty spuds.

[granstar]

[QUOTE=MarkH;1131080414]I might get it out and set it up this weekend, take a bunch of photos and then pack it up (making sure that everything is there and in good order). Then I'll probably create a Tard Me listing, but I wouldn't even consider selling it if I can only get a hundred bucks or any such lowball amount, way too nice a tent to let it go crazy cheap.

QUOTE]

Place a few bonus pies with the listing, it will get snapped up :msn-wink:

[F5 Dave]

that and makikihi fries, good ole south canty spuds.
Well I had to Google that but yes they look nice. Mmm 10mm skin on.

Still good fries are only a decent potato fairly fresh, sliced either thin round, Or as classic wedge, or as chunks. 4min in microwave, cool a little. Place in a bag and douse with some rice oil or other decent and sprinkle on seasoning. Shake bag. Morrocan master or Braap, etc. On a tray with some baking paper. Get it right and its better than anything you can buy.

Then splash out on a little end eye fillet, gentle marinade an BBQ over pumice (collects fat and smokes). Sheesh mate, you'll need some nice beer, perhaps Panhead, or Behemoth `Murica. And maybe a nice Sav chaser.

You can live nice for less than a meal out. Don't forget the Aoli.

Sorry what were we talking about?

[russd7]

Well I had to Google that but yes they look nice. Mmm 10mm skin on.

Still good fries are only a decent potato fairly fresh, sliced either thin round, Or as classic wedge, or as chunks. 4min in microwave, cool a little. Place in a bag and douse with some rice oil or other decent and sprinkle on seasoning. Shake bag. Morrocan master or Braap, etc. On a tray with some baking paper. Get it right and its better than anything you can buy.

Then splash out on a little end eye fillet, gentle marinade an BBQ over pumice (collects fat and smokes). Sheesh mate, you'll need some nice beer, perhaps Panhead, or Behemoth `Murica. And maybe a nice Sav chaser.

You can live nice for less than a meal out. Don't forget the Aoli.

Sorry what were we talking about?
tis ok, we still drink lion red down ere too, mind you that may be a hang over from me naki days. gonna be a hot one tomorro

[F5 Dave]

For I'm hungry rereading that. Wonder what's for breakfast?

[MarkH]

Mate you will love the Africa.

I've never ridden anything like it but I have ridden an ST13 and pulled over to check if the tyres were flat. An HQ Kingswood must be lighter.

With the tyres at 40PSI, they should feel fine! Once an ST1300 is moving over 20kph most of the weight disappears, the bike never feels heavy to me while moving. Despite the weight, it can accelerate very well and moves along just great.

The only thing I don't like is that I get nervous as fuck on dirt or gravel. For a bike to tour NZ on I want an adventure tourer so I'm not so restricted on where I go. I'm going down to the Burt Munro and I'll have a week to travel the SI on the way down, planning on going through the Molesworth station and then Rainbow road, won't be taking the ST1300 for this trip. I know it is possible to ride the big bike on gravel but the DR650 is so much happier on loose surfaces so unless I plan to shove a lump of coal up my arse to make a diamond I prefer not to use the ST1300 on gravel.

I have racks on my DR650 so I can put some stuff in the saddlebags and strap my huge 120L bag to the large rear rack. I've got a new hammock stand that will easily pack onto the bike so I can use my hammock anywhere that a tent would work. I can also use the hammock it a few places that you wouldn't try setting up a tent. I've got a new Silpoly tarp with doors to give me all the weatherproof shelter I need over my hammock.

My plan is to get an Africa Twin with hard cases (panniers & top box) and also strap my large bag over the back seat. It will be great for touring and camping around NZ. My main use for the ST1300 was running up lots of kms on the road, mainly on my 350km per week commuting. But now I'm commuting by car (warmer & drier) which is much cheaper because it's a Nissan Leaf. Now I'm just wanting to own one motorcycle (two is too expensive on rego), I enjoy moto-camping and there is still plenty of this country left to see.

[granstar]

For I'm hungry rereading that. Wonder what's for breakfast?

Lion Red ................

[F5 Dave]

Bleeugh!
Just thinking about getting the BBQ ready starter some Toulouse sausages then experimental fish parcels with some potato sliced thin, chilli sauce and maybe thin slice of chorizo to keep it interesting, but maybe do that outside the parcel. Never sure with fish, I'm a bit scared of it but usually turns out fine.
Then I have some Dirty Boots Garage Project to try as a cooking beer (for lubricating the chef you see).

[MarkH]

I got out my Redverz Expedition II tent and set it up to make sure that everything was there (it was) and it reminded me of what a great tent it it.
After laying out the tent and sliding in the 3 poles I created a video showing how quickly the pile of nylon turns into a tent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77_ZY8NWIa8&feature=youtu.be Total time from laid on the ground with poles in place to erect tent that you could shelter in was actually less than a minute and only needed 4 stakes.

Had I not switched to using a hammock I would definitely use my Redverz tent. Sure, it does pack pretty big and isn't light - I checked the weight and it is 6.1kg. But it is just so very nice to be able to actually stand up in the tent even if you are 6ft tall. I have used this tent in quite strong wind, properly staked down it doesn't seem to have a problem despite being a very tall tent. You can put a lot of stakes in (8 guy ropes plus about 14 stakes around the bottom of the tent) and you can even buy longer stakes if you really need it to hold up to strong winds.

The bedroom has plenty of options for doors open or closed or mesh only closed for airflow without bugs. The tent is self has 4 doors so you can get as much wind through as needed in summer. I've cooked and eaten inside the tent, even in the rain you can just open up the door opposite where the wind is coming from - you have a choice of 3 doors if you ignore the side the bedroom is on.

The design of this tent allows you to put it up in the rain without getting the bedroom area wet. You basically put up the entire tent in one go rather than the inner tent followed by the rain fly like on my cheaper tents.

Anyone not riding 2-up that can strap a large bag to their back seat should consider a tent like this IMO.

[granstar]

Something more Kiwi friendly https://www.completeoutdoors.co.nz/kiwi-camping-weka-2-adventure-tent-329


O.K so my finger slipped on the mouse, er, so arriving on my doorstep today was one of these very tents. Set up on the blistering lawn in a few easy moments its a cool wee thing, mostly inside. For a 2 man they are pushing it, let me explain. I'm 5'foot ziltch so with a single airbed inside against the wall there is like half a metre to the door and a wee amount at the end which would be enough room for helmet, and riding gear. If it were two person my option is one of opposite sex and she goes on top.
Sitting on the air bed there is plenty head room to swing a cat, actually had to try this as my curious little grey fuzzy thing wanted to check inside out... er inside of it out as well and she thinks it is purrfect.
It packs up small, the alloy poles are short and fit in the base/fly bag so will be great to pack on the bike.
If you are 5'6 or less and want a good single person tent at a good price, locally made with a guarantee (that does not cover very much at all) and is not orange, pink, grey or brown, this be one to consider. :beer: