Oztent alternatives....

[Rumcajs]

I'm after quick no hassle tent like the Oztent but I dislike the folded/packed size of it 2m WTF! I had a look at Jettent alternative and while the size is bearable what I dislike is the exposed frame.

My concern is during thunderstorms having exposed metal pipes would/could act as a conduit for the thunderbolts. This what I heard other day on radio and it now makes me think too much about it.

Anyone knows/has/used alternatives to this two brands the emphasis is on quick assembly with minimal fuss.?

Cheers

[admin]

If lightning is going to strike, a layer of canvas ain't going to help you. Your under no more or less risk.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

[BigGQWesty]

^^ spot on. The carbon fibre rods in the dome tents would attract it just as much.. It's more your surroundings..

But as above, unless your in a finite tent.. ... …

Ate you looking for a single pole in centre? The inlaws have a good one. Packs into 70x70cm and is 2.2x2.2m set up.

I'll find out the brand

Sent from a device which doesn't always agree with my thumbs...

[P4trol]

bearable what I dislike is the exposed frame.

My concern is during thunderstorms having exposed metal pipes would/could act as a conduit for the thunderbolts. This what I heard other day on radio and it now makes me think too much about it.

I would like to question your thinking.

Lightning jumps quite a distance to get to the ground. The voltage is quite high to overcome the air gap, which is an insulator.

What is the thickest material ever used in a tent, and theoretically speaking, how many volts will this be good to insulate you from?

You would be better off using some practical methods of avoiding lightning. ie don't camp right on the top of hills or higher than your surrounds.

Carry a portable lightning rod stake for camp?

BTW I like the look of the jet tent, and will be buying that when rich enough. I have heard it packs smaller than the oztent.

Tipsy-tap

[Rumcajs]

Cheers for the reply, as I mentioned earlier I heard about this on the radio so was just looking for opinion on that one, otherwise I wouln't have ever thought about lightning strikes and tents in one sentence.

I personally don't like the look of Jet-tent it is only the folded/packed size of it which makes me think about it. Thats why I'm looking for alternatives to Oztent with the look and action of it but more compact when folded.

Cheers

Edit: Well after some further research it looks like there isn't realy any alternative to OZtent forthwhile to bother with, damn. The word of mouth is that Jet tent has quality issues, other alternatives aren't what I'm looking for (center poles, extra flyover) so where to now?

Likely contenders:

OZtent - ticks all the boxes but size when folded

Austent - cheaper/crappier copy of OZtent still bulky when folded

Jet tent - expensive, questionable quality, exposed frame

Black Wolf Turbo - expensive, same as Jet tent but with extra flyover

Oztrail Blitz - same category as above two

Coleman Instant Up - cheaper, not canvas, same construction as above three.

I really like OZtent system but hate its bulk when folded and I'm not the only one with that criticism.

Edited September 15, 2012 by Rumcajs

[Scottm79]

I intend to buy a jet tent in the future. What are the issues you refer to with quality?

I had a good look at them at the 4x4 show and they look well made. I too like the size when packed up.

Sent from my iPhone using the hunt and peck method of typing!

[heyhey]

I too had a bit of a dilema when buying a tent, Oztent pretty much requires a roofrack, but the Jet, Turbo, etc seem pretty rikety and I'm not sure they would stand up to the wind that has wreaked my last dozen dome tents. The Oztent has been awesome, but the length is a real pain in the arse!

[Oldmate]

I used to have a blackwolf, and it was great. And stood up to winds no drama at all. It was a turbo 300 plus

[heyhey]

Should'a got the Turbo

Edited September 16, 2012 by heyhey

[Rumcajs]

I intend to buy a jet tent in the future. What are the issues you refer to with quality?

I had a good look at them at the 4x4 show and they look well made. I too like the size when packed up.

Sent from my iPhone using the hunt and peck method of typing!

"......failing in the joins and as such leaking water, zips buggering up ......."

got it from shhhh ---> http://www.pradopoin...o-Oz-Tent/page3 post #28

Cheers

[Fathom]

This is what i use for quick trips etc.

It has had a hard life, been everywhere and survived so far.

One of the best things is, I normally put mine up, make a coffee and have time to relax while I watch mates put up their uber fast quick set up tents..

Also fits easily into the back of the truck.. I think it packs smaller than most touring tents.

I dont use the centre pole option, but rather the side poles. Slows the set up down a bit, but more convenient in regard to internal space. Also, the poles seem strong and sturdy.

I was against these tents for years.. now when this one dies.. unless something wizz bang comes out... I will just get another one.

NB.. If the tent manafacturer sees this post... I am happy to take commission on any and all sales originating from this reccommendation...

[P4trol]

Just bought a jet tent. I'm impressed. More words of meaningful description to follow. Ps keep a watch on ebay for a cheaper jet tent price.

[P4trol]

So a few experiences with the jet tent: still working on my packing up techniques. It came packed so small in the bag when new. Will take practice. It's the fitting it into the bag that takes time. You can set it up with one person. Six pegs for the floor (I have the f25x, anything with the 'x' has an annex sort of thing) and fold out the frame. The pole for the annex slides through the easiest I have seen for a tent. It is the fly that takes a bit more work. Still not sure what to do with the flap at the front. Used the poles and guys to make a shelter one night. The wind blew it down, then it started flapping around. Tucked it away, but then the rain ran down and a stream (and the rain) ran down the door across the zip. This resulted in several large bodies of water inside. Then explaining to the kids they didn't have an accident. The rest of the tent kept the water out well, and dried quickly. I'm a fan.

[BigGQWesty]

Maybe get some zips installed down either side of the front flap. So you can fix it down during the night. Kallen Westbrook Owner of Westy's Accessories

[P4trol]

Still haven't found out why they are originally there. I'm loathe to modify the tent. Rear quarter chop or scratchy trees no worries... But not the tent!

[Rumcajs]

Still haven't found out why they are originally there. I'm loathe to modify the tent. Rear quarter chop or scratchy trees no worries... But not the tent!

LOL, I'm watching your experiences with the tent with interest. Nothing like field experience eh. Keep us posted.

Cheers

[P4trol]

Quick update: With a bit of practice I am able to fit it all back in the original bag. So proud of myself! I can put down a few hints it if people would like. Have a few tiny holes due to stuff rubbing through (were placed on top of bag). I have found it works best for me if I set up the fly and windows when I get there. Being in the NT means windows are always rolled up unless it is raining. The windows have three positions: rolled down, rolled up, and a gusset so they can be open, but no rain can get in. In the third position, the windows are held out from the tent by guy ropes. Install these with the pegs, even if you then leave the pegs in the ground and roll them up. Heaps quicker when it buckets down. Still haven't worked out the front flap. It comes with two poles. I just rig it so most of the water runs down away from the tent. The insides have six mesh pockets to store keys etc off the floor. Pretty handy, and found a torch left in there from just before Christmas!

[P4trol]

Bit of an update:

This month it has been erected and put away nearly 30 times.

Some small rub holes have appeared, and sealed with silicon. One zipper at the entrance is on the brink of being useless. The bag is falling apart.

The upside is that the kids are nearly able to set up/pack it up. I will be able to fix the holes and possibly the zip. The bag... I need to find out whether they sell new ones, or I need a canvas replica.

[Rumcajs]

For the amount of cash being asked for one of these tents, having these "small" issues is actually disappointing. Not worth imho no matter how many times it is unpacked.

Thanks for the update, it looks like my thoughts on not paying this ridiculous amounts for something which seems suss have been validated.

I'm better off buying cheap arse Chinese replica of these and not worry about wear and tear just simply replacing as needed.

Thanks again.

Cheers

[P4trol]

Perhaps. I would prefer one of these to a 'cheap chinese' one. Incidentally the tag says "made in china"

Please understand mine is thrown into the back of the box trailer with everything else, and driven down dirt roads. This may account for the wear. I'll put up some pics when I'm cleaning it.

The only way I justified buying a new one second hand, was that it was the equivalent of three nights motel accommodation for the same trip.

[Rumcajs]

Well, after procrastinating for sometime I have bit the bullet and bought Oztent RV4, may my valet soul rest in piece!

Cheers

[P4trol]

That's a fair lead time! Last Friday I had my jet tent zip (flyscreen zip) replaced. The bloke couldn't match the original size 6, and so I had him put a size 10 zip in. Cost me $150.

So the tent had perhaps 45 unpack and pack up events, probably more. It started to fail on the month long Cape trip last year. The kids would probably be the main cause of zip failure. By the end of the trip they were putting the tent up and down unassisted. I would just fit the bag and lift it into the trailer. (eldest is 9).

[07_GU_Ute]

Perhaps an alternative could be a roof top tent, I have one of the Gordi gear gear ones best thing I ever brought, may be worth a look www.gordigear.com/

 

Just a thought

[PaulCA]

Anybody else with thoughts on the jet tent?  The problems you describe sound atrocious for a tent of this price from this manufacturer.  I've never heard people have issues like this with the Oztent.  In going smaller and lighter weight it seems quality was cut.  

 

I want an Oztent RV5, but the only issue for me is that you have to go outside to roll up and close the back window.  Picky, maybe, but not at 3am when the wind and rain show up unexpectedly.  

[admin]

3 hours ago, PaulCA said:

Anybody else with thoughts on the jet tent?  The problems you describe sound atrocious for a tent of this price from this manufacturer.  I've never heard people have issues like this with the Oztent.  In going smaller and lighter weight it seems quality was cut.  

 

I want an Oztent RV5, but the only issue for me is that you have to go outside to roll up and close the back window.  Picky, maybe, but not at 3am when the wind and rain show up unexpectedly.  

I have an RV5 - The back window I wouldn't roll up - I unroll it and peg it out - you get both airflow and privacy this way.