It's refreshing to watch a tent review by someone who's actually used the tent for a reasonable period 😀 I've got the older non-compact version and agree that the design of the doors isn't the best. Not a show stopper for me though. I bought mine after watching some videos of Dean Read using one successfully up on Kinder Scout in some quite rough conditions. I though that if it's up to those conditions it will definitely be OK for the lowland camping that I, as an elderly cycle tourist, tend to do. For me the pluses of out + inner pitch, generous porch size and an inner which feels just big enough outweigh the niggles. Great review 👍
Thank you. It’s very robust and I’ve got no doubt about its capabilities in the rough stuff. I’ve had it up to about 20mph and it doesn’t budge. Hopefully I’ll give it a real test this winter! 🥶🥶
I am 6'4" and the cloth coffin as my other half calls it is very snug, but I have used it in torrential rain and driving wind and slept through with no problems. I have the fitted ground sheet which does help make it feel more practical. It's not my first choice if I'm car camping but if I'm having to carry it on my back all day ill take it every time.
i had the older version which I bought in circa 2011 for £80 in Cotswold outdoors and I used it in all kinds of weather it handled colder weather more than hot as it can be a bit of a hot box and it isnt exactly spacious but nonetheless it never let me down in over ten years and hundreds of trips in minusdegree winters, swealtering summers and horrific 60mph+ rain storms....it flapped around but never failed me. its only this last year it started to wet out and the elestics are fraying that made me retire it but its still used as a kids camp in the garden in summer. Oh and as for the door hold back, just roll the door back on itself then clip the toggle in, just make sure to roll it the right way. ;)
brilliant helpful review. Thank you for your time. I notice that the vendors site now quotes this tent as being in v3 (2024) .. my questions, (anyone?): have they fixed any of Darren's negatives. I wear specs and always pop my specs into a side pocket so that I don't roll on them in the night ... as D says, it's so simple to add as long as users don't load it down with heavies that make the tub leak (common sense needed). I've read other reviews saying that they can't get the ridge tight .. Darren has solved this one - bravo!!!!!
Hi pal. nice vid i have both tents .The zephros on your recomendation.Happy with them.Currently like the robens starlight 2 for the deep winter weather.cheers.
I have had this for a couple years, only slept about a dozen nights in it though. I like it, fairly light and easy to put up, not much room but enough to fit in comfortably.
Good video, lad! I've looked at all sorts of tents, and I still keep thinking my OEX Phoxx 2 V2 can't be beaten! Price, functionality, quality and ease of pitching. The only negative is the weight, as a bikepacker 2.1kg is a little on the heavy side, but given the extra space I gain compared to my Phoxx , it's worth it! The Terra Nova is a good weight, but not without issues I'd struggle with when out for a week! I like this tent you're reviewing, but some of those issues you've shown would bug me, especially given it's price, more thought needed! ✌️
Glad it was helpful! Personally I would go for the helm just for the extra room. But that means extra weight so it depends what you’re planning on using it for 👍🏻
Good review mate ive picked the zephyros compact 1 v3 came with free Footprint, thought be ideal for summer missions. A use a helm compact 2 for everything else. 👍
That’s going to be my next purchase. It looks like it ticks all of my boxes for overnight trips. Will still use the Zephyros for multi days as it’s a bit lighter but the helm seems the more comfortable for a night on the hills. Thanks for watching and commenting 👌🏻
Hi mate, I’ve tied a spare bit of guy rope with a little toggle to the back of my tent then used this to tie the door back. This also creates I channel for water to run down instead of dripping into the vestibule area. I also bought an XL dry bag to put my backpack into once I’ve emptied it then peg that to the ground behind my tent. This give me loads more room in the vestibule 👍🏼
Great review. Thank you. I got this tent in New Zealand and only used it three times so far but I like it. Same as you said, door could be improved, plus an inner pocket would be nice but otherwise a great little tent. I haven’t used it in a lot of wind yet. How do you recommend pitching it in the wind. With the wind hitting one end or the backside, opposite the door side? And if it has rained, do you then take the inner down first and put it in a separate dry bag?
Thanks. I prefer wind hitting the back as it keeps the area around the door nice and calm but I’m not sure how that would stand up in really strong winds. I’d say the end would probably be the strongest part to face into really big wind. Hopefully I’ll get to test that theory soon. I always take it down as one but make sure I air it out as soon as I get home. If it was a multi day trip I would definitely spilt the inner and outer and put them in separate dry bags
Thank you. I’ve looked into footprints but the main benefits of them seem to be help with condensation & protecting your inner ground sheet. Neither of which I have any issues with. I always check the ground before pitching and clear it of anything that might damage the tub, and I’ve never had any issues with condensation so it’s not worth it for me. It’s horses for courses though, some people swear by them 🤷🏼♂️. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻
This was a good review, cheers. This is the tent i think i'll go for. Seems good value for money. About the ventilation, do you find the tent is ok for very hot summer nights?
Thanks for watching. Oddly enough I’ve never had a night in it in the hotter months. I would say its probably going to get pretty warm as the inner is solid but as long as u lift the outer fly at either end then u should get even more airflow
@@holmesaway fair enough. Having used a heavy duty fishing bivvy at download fest this year (which was like an oven) i reckon i could live with the zephyros with the ventilation. Thanks again, will check out some more of your channel 👍
I had the compact 2 it stood up to all weather the floor space was brilliant the height wasn't good it was always a struggle getting dressed.the door as changed as well it was d shape and tucked into a little pocket the outer door was always a pain I ended up using a clothes peg.but my main thing was I could never get it taught the pressure on the end poles was so much and then it still wouldn't get it right then when it's wet it sags like they all do so you'd have to re tension it again but it did me well as I say it never failed and I used it in all seasons.
Hi! Was this tent tested by You in windy conditions? The consctruction looks flimsy and there is a lot of slack in outer shell. Does it flatter a lot? Thanks for the review.
Had it up to about 25mph and it doesn’t budge so I’d be confident it’ll take a decent wind. Have seen videos of people using it up 50mph and it was fine
The door has two Velcro pieces attached to the bottom,attach those together first then put the toggle over towards the inner as you have shown,it should be a bit better,and out of the way more, may not be the best but try it see how it goes,all the best fella.
Hi have this same tent and always struggled getting it tensioned to avoid it flapping. Sounds daft put could you show us how to move the knot I’m not good at tying really and would be a great help
If you undo the knot but not all the way you can feed the rest of the rope through to move the knot up or down the guy. Takes some fiddling to get the positioning right but it’s worth it to not have your tent flapping! 😂 Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻
Sorry, I thought I’d replied and forgot to press send 😂 numpty! I’m just waiting for rain to die off over my end then I’m gunna get it up tomorrow and have a crack at sorting it out. Thanks for the advice mate
I have the same tent, purchased it earlier this year. Not sure I’m happy with it. Regretting selling my Lanshan 2. However, I will persevere with it and see how it fairs. I agree with the points you raised, I wish Wild Country would listen, as I believe this is the latest model. The height isn’t great either.
Used this tent but it's sent back for repair just now as one of the inner tent end clips hanging by a thread after only about 6 uses. Find the ends with the red pole difficult to peg out at the same angle as their instructions , which say to peg out the 2 ends first after you put the pole in. They have the red pole at an angle away from the tent. Will look at what you did with the end loop when my tent is returned. 5:49
@@holmesaway Got mine back now , tried it by pegging out the 4 corners first as you did , and works out better than Terra Nova instructions to peg the 2 ends out first. The knot on end cord was ok for me.👍 The door is a pain , stuck a plastic clothes bag in the bag now for it.
@@jdunn101ify nice to hear you found everything ok with it now. found it way better to get the ends right after the corners were in. Glad the video helped . Thanks for the reply 👍🏻
I have the 2 had it few years used it in some really bad weather do like the tent a lot just use peg for the door and put extra peg out points on each panel 👍
I have a zephyros 2 got it on sale at millets also with a discount and then used a further 15% online code lol the lady in the shop was like dude… got the tent for just over £90… it’s a smasher of a shelter! It has its flaws but the pros well out weight the cons… I’ve use it loads since 2018 and now my nipper uses it when we go Dartmoor “apparently I snore”
@@holmesaway yeah keep an eye on millets online store they have loads of sale items! I know Cotswolds do price match too and go out doors does price match and then give another 10% on top of that… there’s plenty of bargains out there bro 8)
The floor door is a deal breaker, had they even used the same material as the ground sheet and just continue it up the door flap a little, so when its wound up only the darker waterproof material is visible, one bad camp and its scruffy
I haven’t seen a bobcat in action but it’s door definitely gives a bigger access point. I’d still choose this though as it’s lighter, slightly bigger inside as is tapers behind you, and I’d be more confident with the Zephyros design in the wind. But if OEX sent me a bobcat to try I wouldn’t say no! 😂
@@holmesaway The bobcat is ok in wind. The Bobcat I has porch with cords, I tied a needle nose peg, and one on back string. so you put one pole in, stand it up. and peg out 3 at back and 2 3 at front, if its windy, you can put a peg preferably big plastic ones, at side where poles are, and it would probably be ok in very strong wind. But you sort of right. The bobcat can be put down in small places as half of it is storage anyway, and i put it in places where you just had enough room to lie down. if you cut floor out of porch area it probably gets towards 1.8kg, and with lighter pegs its maybe less. the bobcat has more headroom, hard to say.
It's refreshing to watch a tent review by someone who's actually used the tent for a reasonable period 😀 I've got the older non-compact version and agree that the design of the doors isn't the best. Not a show stopper for me though. I bought mine after watching some videos of Dean Read using one successfully up on Kinder Scout in some quite rough conditions. I though that if it's up to those conditions it will definitely be OK for the lowland camping that I, as an elderly cycle tourist, tend to do. For me the pluses of out + inner pitch, generous porch size and an inner which feels just big enough outweigh the niggles. Great review 👍
Thank you. It’s very robust and I’ve got no doubt about its capabilities in the rough stuff. I’ve had it up to about 20mph and it doesn’t budge. Hopefully I’ll give it a real test this winter! 🥶🥶
Thank you, I've been searching for the true inside length of this tent for so long - you're the first to mention it.
I am 6'4" and the cloth coffin as my other half calls it is very snug, but I have used it in torrential rain and driving wind and slept through with no problems. I have the fitted ground sheet which does help make it feel more practical. It's not my first choice if I'm car camping but if I'm having to carry it on my back all day ill take it every time.
i had the older version which I bought in circa 2011 for £80 in Cotswold outdoors and I used it in all kinds of weather it handled colder weather more than hot as it can be a bit of a hot box and it isnt exactly spacious but nonetheless it never let me down in over ten years and hundreds of trips in minusdegree winters, swealtering summers and horrific 60mph+ rain storms....it flapped around but never failed me.
its only this last year it started to wet out and the elestics are fraying that made me retire it but its still used as a kids camp in the garden in summer.
Oh and as for the door hold back, just roll the door back on itself then clip the toggle in, just make sure to roll it the right way. ;)
brilliant helpful review. Thank you for your time. I notice that the vendors site now quotes this tent as being in v3 (2024) .. my questions, (anyone?):
have they fixed any of Darren's negatives. I wear specs and always pop my specs into a side pocket so that I don't roll on them in the night ... as D says, it's so simple to add as long as users don't load it down with heavies that make the tub leak (common sense needed).
I've read other reviews saying that they can't get the ridge tight .. Darren has solved this one - bravo!!!!!
Great review. Too low to the ground for me, I like to be able to sit up. That door looks like it needs a few clothes pegs to sort it properly. ATB
Hi pal. nice vid i have both tents .The zephros on your recomendation.Happy with them.Currently like the robens starlight 2 for the deep winter weather.cheers.
Couldn't agree more about needing a tent that pitches outer first in the UK! Great review, cheers
It’s a no brainer for me! Thank for watching 👍🏻
I have had this for a couple years, only slept about a dozen nights in it though. I like it, fairly light and easy to put up, not much room but enough to fit in comfortably.
Good video, lad!
I've looked at all sorts of tents, and I still keep thinking my OEX Phoxx 2 V2 can't be beaten! Price, functionality, quality and ease of pitching. The only negative is the weight, as a bikepacker 2.1kg is a little on the heavy side, but given the extra space I gain compared to my Phoxx , it's worth it!
The Terra Nova is a good weight, but not without issues I'd struggle with when out for a week!
I like this tent you're reviewing, but some of those issues you've shown would bug me, especially given it's price, more thought needed! ✌️
Really useful review. I'm thinking about getting one of these or the Helm Compact 1. This has definitely give me some food for thought! Thanks!!!!
Glad it was helpful! Personally I would go for the helm just for the extra room. But that means extra weight so it depends what you’re planning on using it for 👍🏻
Good review mate ive picked the zephyros compact 1 v3 came with free Footprint, thought be ideal for summer missions. A use a helm compact 2 for everything else. 👍
I went for the Helm compact 1 for all the reasons you said and I’m very happy camper with it
That’s going to be my next purchase. It looks like it ticks all of my boxes for overnight trips. Will still use the Zephyros for multi days as it’s a bit lighter but the helm seems the more comfortable for a night on the hills. Thanks for watching and commenting 👌🏻
Hi mate, I’ve tied a spare bit of guy rope with a little toggle to the back of my tent then used this to tie the door back. This also creates I channel for water to run down instead of dripping into the vestibule area. I also bought an XL dry bag to put my backpack into once I’ve emptied it then peg that to the ground behind my tent. This give me loads more room in the vestibule 👍🏼
Good tip! Thanks for watching 👍🏻
I've just bought a C2 of ebay for £120 with footprint. Going wild camping in Arran, let's hope it stands up to the weather.
to get it taught. Cut/Untie the guy lines at each end so they are at the top of the red poles only (not the base of the red poles).
Great review. Thank you. I got this tent in New Zealand and only used it three times so far but I like it. Same as you said, door could be improved, plus an inner pocket would be nice but otherwise a great little tent. I haven’t used it in a lot of wind yet. How do you recommend pitching it in the wind. With the wind hitting one end or the backside, opposite the door side? And if it has rained, do you then take the inner down first and put it in a separate dry bag?
Thanks. I prefer wind hitting the back as it keeps the area around the door nice and calm but I’m not sure how that would stand up in really strong winds. I’d say the end would probably be the strongest part to face into really big wind. Hopefully I’ll get to test that theory soon. I always take it down as one but make sure I air it out as soon as I get home. If it was a multi day trip I would definitely spilt the inner and outer and put them in separate dry bags
I really enjoyed your review :). Would you consider buying a footprint?
Thank you. I’ve looked into footprints but the main benefits of them seem to be help with condensation & protecting your inner ground sheet. Neither of which I have any issues with. I always check the ground before pitching and clear it of anything that might damage the tub, and I’ve never had any issues with condensation so it’s not worth it for me. It’s horses for courses though, some people swear by them 🤷🏼♂️. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻
This was a good review, cheers. This is the tent i think i'll go for. Seems good value for money. About the ventilation, do you find the tent is ok for very hot summer nights?
Thanks for watching. Oddly enough I’ve never had a night in it in the hotter months. I would say its probably going to get pretty warm as the inner is solid but as long as u lift the outer fly at either end then u should get even more airflow
@@holmesaway fair enough. Having used a heavy duty fishing bivvy at download fest this year (which was like an oven) i reckon i could live with the zephyros with the ventilation. Thanks again, will check out some more of your channel 👍
@jamesmartin7258 thanks mate. Much appreciated. Hope you enjoy the tent, glad you found the video useful 👍🏻
For the money these are great tents and so easy to put up. Wild country tents are excellent for their price point! Simon
I had the compact 2 it stood up to all weather the floor space was brilliant the height wasn't good it was always a struggle getting dressed.the door as changed as well it was d shape and tucked into a little pocket the outer door was always a pain I ended up using a clothes peg.but my main thing was I could never get it taught the pressure on the end poles was so much and then it still wouldn't get it right then when it's wet it sags like they all do so you'd have to re tension it again but it did me well as I say it never failed and I used it in all seasons.
Hi! Was this tent tested by You in windy conditions? The consctruction looks flimsy and there is a lot of slack in outer shell. Does it flatter a lot? Thanks for the review.
Had it up to about 25mph and it doesn’t budge so I’d be confident it’ll take a decent wind. Have seen videos of people using it up 50mph and it was fine
Good comprehensive review, thanks.
Glad it was helpful! 👍🏻
The door has two Velcro pieces attached to the bottom,attach those together first then put the toggle over towards the inner as you have shown,it should be a bit better,and out of the way more, may not be the best but try it see how it goes,all the best fella.
Hi have this same tent and always struggled getting it tensioned to avoid it flapping. Sounds daft put could you show us how to move the knot I’m not good at tying really and would be a great help
If you undo the knot but not all the way you can feed the rest of the rope through to move the knot up or down the guy. Takes some fiddling to get the positioning right but it’s worth it to not have your tent flapping! 😂 Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻
Sorry, I thought I’d replied and forgot to press send 😂 numpty! I’m just waiting for rain to die off over my end then I’m gunna get it up tomorrow and have a crack at sorting it out. Thanks for the advice mate
😂 no worries. Let me know how you get off 👍🏻
I have the same tent, purchased it earlier this year. Not sure I’m happy with it. Regretting selling my Lanshan 2. However, I will persevere with it and see how it fairs.
I agree with the points you raised, I wish Wild Country would listen, as I believe this is the latest model. The height isn’t great either.
If anyone from Wild Country is watching I’m open to a consultancy position 😂
I love this tent great price great colours great weight great shape
Used this tent but it's sent back for repair just now as one of the inner tent end clips hanging by a thread after only about 6 uses.
Find the ends with the red pole difficult to peg out at the same angle as their instructions , which say to peg out the 2 ends first after you put the pole in. They have the red pole at an angle away from the tent.
Will look at what you did with the end loop when my tent is returned. 5:49
Thanks for watching. Let me know how you find it 👍🏻
@@holmesaway Got mine back now , tried it by pegging out the 4 corners first as you did , and works out better than Terra Nova instructions to peg the 2 ends out first.
The knot on end cord was ok for me.👍
The door is a pain , stuck a plastic clothes bag in the bag now for it.
@@jdunn101ify nice to hear you found everything ok with it now. found it way better to get the ends right after the corners were in. Glad the video helped . Thanks for the reply 👍🏻
@@holmesawayI've now tied an extra guy line to the hoop at the bottom of the door so I can hook that over any of the end pegs to hold the door open
Great idea! 💡💡💡I might try that myself! 👍🏻
I have the 2 had it few years used it in some really bad weather do like the tent a lot just use peg for the door and put extra peg out points on each panel 👍
How does this tent compare to the Vango F10 Helium ul1?
I don’t have any experience of the vango sorry. The helium is too far out of my price range 😂
I have a zephyros 2 got it on sale at millets also with a discount and then used a further 15% online code lol the lady in the shop was like dude… got the tent for just over £90… it’s a smasher of a shelter! It has its flaws but the pros well out weight the cons… I’ve use it loads since 2018 and now my nipper uses it when we go Dartmoor “apparently I snore”
That’s a bargain fair play. Next time you see a deal like that let me know! I’m thinking the helm 1 or 2 is next on the wish list ⛺️
@@holmesaway yeah keep an eye on millets online store they have loads of sale items! I know Cotswolds do price match too and go out doors does price match and then give another 10% on top of that… there’s plenty of bargains out there bro 8)
Have 2 person tent for 2 years It’s really good done few mods on mine
What mods have you done, pal?
Great content brother! 👏👏👏
Thanks for your insight
Excellent review.
Thank you
I just bought this tent and I'm really angry to you. But thanks for the video.
The floor door is a deal breaker, had they even used the same material as the ground sheet and just continue it up the door flap a little, so when its wound up only the darker waterproof material is visible, one bad camp and its scruffy
I wouldn't say it's deal breaker, but definitely a niggle that could have been designed better
I think from your review it would not be as decent as OEX Bobcat, in terms of doors and set up time.
I haven’t seen a bobcat in action but it’s door definitely gives a bigger access point. I’d still choose this though as it’s lighter, slightly bigger inside as is tapers behind you, and I’d be more confident with the Zephyros design in the wind. But if OEX sent me a bobcat to try I wouldn’t say no! 😂
@@holmesaway The bobcat is ok in wind. The Bobcat I has porch with cords, I tied a needle nose peg, and one on back string. so you put one pole in, stand it up. and peg out 3 at back and 2 3 at front, if its windy, you can put a peg preferably big plastic ones, at side where poles are, and it would probably be ok in very strong wind. But you sort of right. The bobcat can be put down in small places as half of it is storage anyway, and i put it in places where you just had enough room to lie down. if you cut floor out of porch area it probably gets towards 1.8kg, and with lighter pegs its maybe less. the bobcat has more headroom, hard to say.
✨🏕️✨ 👶👏
Great review mate just purchased this tent looking forward to getting out
Hope you enjoy it! Thanks for watching 👌🏻