Buying a 15-Year-Old Ultralight Tent for £35 on eBay

[@GaryB_OutandAbout]

Had a fair amount of tents of varying quality over the years. Two standout stories, both camping with the missus. First was in a small dome tent, well past its life expectancy. It rained very early morning. I felt the first drip, and just pulled the sleeping bag over my face. The second, third, fourth drips all ignored. I just waited for the inevitable. Quietened my breathing, tensed my body, and then it happened. She went off like a firework! 🤣 like the end of the world. Second time, using a different tent but still budget. We were using it at a kart circuit, pitched on gravel/rough ground. Tail end of a hurricane had hit the UK. The inner floor/tub was submerged in water 😂 No tent can survive immersion I’m sure, it was coming in at corner seams. Bags of clothes soaked. It was then she decided we were getting a caravan 🙄😁 Cheers, Gary B

[@rhiannonstudios]

Those old Coleman’s were premium quality tents, I’ve had a couple of the Epsilon 2’s which proved to be tough, lightweight and had a really compact pack size which was ideal for stowing on a motorcycle, I also have a Phad X2, which I still use to this day, again compact pack size, nice and light, a large storage area to front and I also love the fact I can pitch it and then pick it up and walk around with it to get ideal positioning on the ground. What put me off the Rigel back in the day was the single skin.

[@HardyBunster]

The taped seams can be ironed back down. If done at the right temperature they can be done better than they were when new because when produced like most tents it’s taped seams were not ironed down properly in order to speed up production. You need to know what you are doing though as not to damage the materials. I have a 25 year old Vango that I did and it’s still going strong. 👍

[@pops6638]

Paul, I think you should give it a proper field test ie spend a night in it.

[@Musclehustlerz]

😅😅

[@RichardEnglander]

I have, it is very tight, you have to sort of roll to get in, and then any rain in the air lands on your face

[@lincolndave1966able]

I have a New Zealand made macpac microlight tent, and they stopped manufacturing them there in 2003. It is still going strong to this day, and in my opinion still up there with one of the best 1 man 4 season tents for our UK climate. Back then they didn't make footprints for their tents as their tent floors were so bomber!

[@JimPrice-e6j]

It nice to see a tent reviewed that I’ve actually used! Mine doesn’t have the star-gazer-mode. I always saw it as a Big Bivvy, rather than a tent. I never used it outside of summer, or anywhere too exposed. It’s always crapin the wind, and bounces around too much. But the waterproofing was spot-on and I loved the fact that it rolls into its own bag. Those pegs got ditched on day one for longer ones - as much use as a chocolate teapot 😮

[@Yer_Da_]

I like the colour! It blends in better than most of the garish ones I see people using - reds, yellows, blues etc

[@darenfox4882]

Love the retro tent that's all you need classic tents could be a thing of the future

[@Mat-eq8mk]

I used to have one of these. I never had a problem with leaks, but it floods if you try to get in while it's raining. Condensation is also a problem. Overall though, I loved it. As small and light as a bivy, but feels like a tent and has space for your kit.

[@stevebennett6727]

I still have my Robert Saunders Backpacker S and it’s over 45years old. The rubbers have perished but the nylon is still good. Was one of the lightest if not the lightest tents in the day. Will have to try it out again soon 👌🏽🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@DrZeppo]

@stevebennett6727 I've still got my Saunders Backpacker 2 from about 42 years ago & apart from some perished rubber loops that look ready to go (and I intend to replace) it's in great nick & I plan to use it again. It's been a superb tent & never leaked. Love it 👍

[@martincaveney7601]

I too have a Rob Saunders Backpacker S, bought it from a friend when I was 16, 44 years ago, brilliant lightweight tent, I have had to make minor repairs and yes the original rubbers have nearly all gone but easy to replace. I’ve been toying with the idea of using trekking poles instead of the supplied front poles in an attempt to “modernise” it.

[@alangauld6079]

I have the budget version - the Fellpine - and I still use it. I've seam-sealed the seams and reproofed the outer with Fabsil and replaced the neoprene loops with paracord. It weighs 4lbs but would be lighter still with a nylon inner rather than cotton! I also got a set of A-poles (from an old Vango Force Ten cut down to fit) for the front which improves wind resistance and ease of access but adds half a pound of weight. I bought it in 1978 for £30 - about £250 today? However, I bought a Durston this year so I don't expect the Fellpine to see much use going forward.

[@cragratoutdoors]

I bought one of these long before I was YouTubing! I’ve camped on Aonoch Mor and some other munros in 3 season conditions and it was actually ok! It cost me 60£ new. I might have to dig it out! 👍🏻

[@michaeltaylor3379]

Did Pennine Way in 2008 using this tent. Cost £100 from Decathlon. At the time it was great size and weight wise. Did the job camped 9 out of 13 nights. Held up well.

[@leonardmcdermott7703]

Not all old tents Paul are past their sell by date. My 1990's Vango hurricane alpha is still as good as new, water proof top and bottom and still turns heads. I feel yours would make an ideal summer bivi, Sandy would love it. Maybe that's an idea, 'pass the tent', review then send it onto the next u-tuber. Either way well done and keep up the good content.

[@ktswandering]

Camping gear has come a long way! Would have been an enviable bit of kit in its day. Having said that, the old canvas A frames from WW2 are presumably still around and probably not leaking! 😂

[@ApexCypher_]

I went on eBay and there were 257 tents for sale, all listed by Paul Messner. I think he was having a sort out 🤣

[@that_which_is_not]

I have it! 😅 Me and the wife camped in it together in the devils punchbowl in Surrey at the start of our camping journey a very long time ago. There was a mixture of respect and confusion from fellow campers when we crawled in together, to go to bed haha

[@TGRacing]

I've got one and I wanted a second for a duo bike camping trip. They only come up rarely. My 'friends' used to call it The Coffin. I love the design but single skin can get a bit damp inside.

[@RichardEnglander]

I'm sure that one is for sale if you ask

[@deandee8082]

with those coffin style tents pitch the small end directly into the wind, big difference ..

[@mechellemulligan]

I got a coleman quartz 2 in a charity shop, new for £20 in April or May. Turned out to be brand new! Used it every weekend since in some hellish weather and love it. I recently just took the plunge and got myself a 2nd hand lanshan 1 on ebay after a very close bidding war. Only had it out once, so going to take it out again next weekend to get the hang of it. Have you thought of doing up that wee tent? Seamseal, a coat of fabsil all over, inlusing underneath, better pegs, repair and reinforce the torn guy out point? Then do a before and fter video? I love a project tent if not 😁⛺️

[@BrokenBackMountains]

I've a Coleman Cobra 2 that is about 10 years old and sent a cobra 3 to my daughter to use in Canada that is 7 years old. They are both great tents and competition to the Banshee. My Cobra 2 was really stable in storms. Coleman poles and their pin pegs are good and their repair kits are decent with pole splints. Decent gear but not lightweight but good value We also had a coleman Caucasus 3 which was a palace and survived being hit by a flying gazebo on a campsite. Gave that to a friend. They also had a load of shite as well such as that one you have and the bedrock which had a weird end.

[@frankexchangeofviews]

Hah, I've actually still got one of these I bought in 2009. Never use it these days but there are still some things I really like about it. I do still use the pegs for things like groundsheets or my Trangia stove.

[@1954shadow]

You know, there is a thing on YT in the car world, buying a clunker automobile. The theme is, “will it run?” You sir, are ahead of the curve here in the camping world, this could be, “will it still work?” Lol! Or, do a retro themed camp with gear and clothing like was used in the early 1900’s.

[@ROBOLOGY.wildcamping]

Great idea 👏

[@dwaynestewart6095]

just because it's new doesn't make it better. my strongest tent is an 18 year old US ARMY LITEFIGHTER 1 and I love it. Dwayne

[@1954shadow]

@@dwaynestewart6095 One for the list, sir!

[@analogkid6579]

What about "Campers in Tents getting Filtered Water"

[@Nell-Hamilton]

That tent looks dire for the mountains but spot on as a double bivvy for a couple camping in the woods with a big tarp over

[@petemillis4666]

I'm heading to Northumberland tomorrow for a few days with my Coleman Avior X2. Heavier, but so quick and easy to put up.

[@ComandanteCheRaoul]

I’ve been using this very same tent for many years. Including in Mongolia. People often refer to this kind of minimalist tents as coffin tents.

[@andyamos8594]

I got out my 1988 Saunders Spacepacker this summer. Still looks and performs great!!! Actually I upgraded the poles to shorter aluminium from the 50cm glass fiber. You would think tents would build and improve on history?

[@twiglet2214]

I think Paul should do a video about how to stop/prevent the top biscuit in an opened packet from going soggy - the amount of biscuits i've wasted over the years is phenonemal - Rich Tea are a moisture magnet closely followed by HobNobs and Plain or Chocolate Digestive.Perhaps he could research/develop a biscuit moisture detector ? Or perhaps suggest biscuits that are less prone to moisture absorption maybe ? So many questions,so few answers. KZbin stove and tent expert/entrepeneur Sir Paul Messner creates ingenious opened biscuit packet soggyness eliminator and takes the biscuit - i can see the headlines now !

[@chrishomer]

Now we’re talking. I sack off digestives and rich tea for camping trips. Far too delicate. Jamie dodgers are ok if you don’t get them too wet. Hob nobs are great. But the crumbs get in your bag. Malted milk, soggy mess. Custard creams, not so sure about their water resistance. Ginger nuts are tough, but Bourbons could well be the answer here. Definitely a Messner video here…

[@twiglet2214]

@@chrishomer I'm glad someone is taking this seriously,thanks for your valuable insights.Since posting my comment i've been working round the clock ( even though our clock is square ) on a solution and had a eureka moment whilst at the bingo last evening and had to rush home in the middle of a game to prototype my idea.Some of the cleverer amongst us,yourself included,would understand the desiccation process and if the biscuit world embraces new technology i think a silica gel filled fabric faux biscuit at the top of the packet would do the trick ! I've considered health and safety and quote " Silica gel is usually considered non-toxic. Accidentally swallowing a silica gel packet should not result in symptoms unless the person chokes on it ! " For those not understanding the desiccation process - many of us are too busy buying stove or tents - here's a run down on it.Desiccation is the state of extreme dryness, or the process of extreme drying. A desiccant is a hygroscopic substance that induces or sustains such a state in its local vicinity in a moderately sealed container. The word desiccation comes from Latin de- 'thoroughly' and siccare 'to dry'. Voila ! Happy biscuits. PS the Latin for biscuit is buccellatum in case you were wondering ?

[@scottplumer3668]

I have a Coleman Sundome tent for car camping. My mom got it for me in about 1995 or so. I retired it last year because the fabric had gotten stretched out from decades of use, but it was a great tent. It makes me sad that their backpacking tent isn't so good.

[@donnadudding1813]

Good for Summer though ☀️😎⛺️

[@ifell3]

I remember looking at this tent, I'm certain I brought the Duolite instead which I've still got. Outer pitch first, ideal! I had it up the other month and it's only the inner tent elastic that's gone.

[@garymartin557]

Ha haha, 15 years old. I still have a North face west wind from the 1990s, still going strong.

[@inregionecaecorum]

Had something similar, the Coleman Kraz X1 which was two layer.

[@conch1313]

Jack wolfskin pocket hotel bought in 1996 still good and regular d of e trips! Seams re sealed splash of waterproof no drama

[@and3583]

I've just got an old Wild Country Zephyr (not Zephyros) tent off ebay. No idea how old it is but it's still pretty good. Doesn't let rain in and the fabrics are thick and strong. Bathtub has gone a bit sticky but I reckon it's a bargain, though of course old tents are always a gamble.

[@LeeChallice-c8e]

Found the Coleman arivis 2 for a quid charity shop banging little tent been in alot of poor weather still holds now

[@chrishamilton2527]

I’ve still got my 1981 Phazor dome tent - & it’s still good.

[@wardyosh]

Same my phazor dome is a family heirloom, my inlaws bought it to go backpacking around the world with in the 1980's, they passed it on to us about 10 years ago and we use it to this day, its the true GOAT

[@kconcours13]

We had a couple of those in our Boy Scout troop

[@simonward4520]

Great feature attaching the bag to tents, let's face it we have all stuffed it into a pocket then can't find it when it comes to packing away!

[@philsmith2444]

I used to find killer deals on pro tools (Snap-on, Mac, etc) back before eBay became just another brick & mortar storefront, back when you’d wake up at 0145 to wait for an auction to end and enter your bid with 17 seconds left so nobody had time to outbid you. My best eBay outdoors gear find has to be a Feathered Friends -10F Eider sleeping bag, with an extra 6oz of down to bring it somewhere in the -30F to -40F range according to FF. It’s from around the year 2000 and looks like brand new, like whoever owned it took care of it as though their life may depend on it. It’s huge, 13” or so of loft, water-repellent Pertex shell, I used it one night at about -15F/-27C and was just about uncomfortably warm in it with just a merino baselayer and socks. That one set me back $450, the current model starts at $1000 and has 900+FP as opposed to 800 so it’s not a direct comparison but close enough for me. I’ll be using it more this winter, we have plenty of nights that get that cold here.

[@juliemarriott7395]

Lime green coffin comes to mind 🤣 Sorry Paul.......

[@VaushTheEquestrian]

It makes sense. The instructions he read made it sound like it's themed more for emergencies and thus you'd want someone to notice it

[@nickfellows8202]

Do this with an old Lichfield combat 1 ridge tent or classic force 10 tent. Or a second hand hiking tent from each decade!

[@richardsracingmad]

I have a Vango Cyclone 200+ geodesic, big porch, not super ultralight, but great a a bike tent. Very good in a storm.

[@Ballbagsaggins]

I managed to get my 2 main tents that I use now on ebay. One is a Forclaz MT900 that I picked up for £100 (rrp about £200) and my Lanshan 2 4 season (not pro) for about £150. Bothe were like new and the Lanshan still had tags on. 🙂 Mainly good experiences for me but you do have to be careful.🙂

[@wayout6092]

I got a wee gear top 'Blazer' that's pretty much that tent with a fly.

[@smittylite02]

I still have my Peak1 Cobra from 1997. 👍

[@Northeast-SouthwestOutdoors]

Haha we just found the double skin version in scout hut!! Bit o re proofing and she's a go-er tbh, cheap and cheerful for a leaders tent👌

[@kennethvalerio1294]

I wouldn’t mind that tent

[@philsmith2444]

I might have just gotten my new best eBay deal, a VG Lightwave g20 mountaineering tent. I can’t wait for it to show up late this week or early next week!

[@Lumsden-g7o]

I was just thinling those things wereva bit expensive back in the day ! Mike.

[@cyrilhaessig27]

Sierra Designs High Side comes to mind

[@Sgaphotographic]

I have a gelert mongoose 2 that i got 38 ish yrs ago that's likeable similar size tho full mesh inner and have never used it, i got a mountain equipment backcountry 2 in 2011 (£110) shortly after it was discontinued which is a superb tent and still water tight, it's my best tent, i recently got a Coleman cobra 3 for it's room, it's a rather good tent and more so for £70 brand new, i got a vango apex 2 for a more light weight, small pack size wild camping tent

[@Dutcharmytent]

Hi Paul, can you re cover your old videos with a voice over. I think with your newly acquired knowledge you could make so many new and humerous observations. This video gave me the idea.

[@trooperwolfie]

You can re apply the seam tape Paul, i use an iron and grease proof paper, ive got a video on my channel on how to do it 👍🏻

[@graymichael09]

For 35 quid can't go wrong

[@philware1546]

You can! 🤣

[@Ben-X2]

Interesting. I was looking at something similar to this from Coleman a few years ago (no idea how many). I feel that if you are willing to accept that it's a glorified bivy tent then it'd be OK if it wasn't for that star light cover which looks like it'd just let it water. Maybe you could sew down that star light cover and then seam seal the failing taped seams and add some guy lines.

[@christophercude5954]

Maybe for the summer ☀️ not in the UK, though 🤔

[@ericstoever9577]

“Coleman” That pretty much sums it up.

[@robmontier3770]

Why's that?

[@morganwazere]

I have that exact same tent it's awful my sleeping bag was soaking after it rained all night in January, at 6ft 2 my head and feet were touching the tent. I gave up at 5am having had little to no sleep lol

[@1954shadow]

Do a retro themed camp with gear and clothing like was used in the early 1900’s.

[@Theorangeman.]

I still wear my 30 year old berghaus, just because its old dont mean it dont work

[@letmeoffthisplanet6208]

Older gear was always the best.

[@MishMash22]

That’s what’s the wife said last night 😳

[@MishMash22]

@@letmeoffthisplanet6208as the actress said to the bishop!

[@stevebates7434]

I've got the Coleman avior X1 old school coffin tent. Awful to sleep in. I must dig it out and do a review😂

[@toritori4430]

I almost bought one of these for.lightweight camps , After reading lots of reviews I decided not to bother . Is biggest issue was condensation afaik I actually got and still have and use a pro action Sydney it cost £20 compared to the Coleman and it's still going strong stick a tarp over it for winter ( Yes I use it in winter ) I nickname it the coffin It has mesh door and main door side opening Ridge style around kilo in weight , I've re proofed lt loads of times never had it leak and it was voted worst tent for hiking somewhere and the Coleman one of the better ones .

[@Walkingmansam]

Weirdly enough brought a £75 Coleman cobra 2 from eBay,was assured it had been looked after and packed away dry...sadly not though was stuck with a mouldy inner and a £5 refund,managed to find a brand new inner for an extra £20 and turned out to be one of the best tents I had

[@ncurtis1970]

I have a cobra 2, love it to bits and i got it from amazon for £49.99 brand new, great little tent. The low roof is great for stealth but no great for doing things inside.

[@Walkingmansam]

@@ncurtis1970 I think for the price Coleman is decent quality,do miss the cobra but selling it ment I could move on to better trips

[@ncurtis1970]

@@Walkingmansam Ive only used it in the colder months, I much prefer a tarp but for what it is the Cobra does a great job, Suprised there isnt many vidoes on YT of it.

[@Walkingmansam]

@@ncurtis1970 I've only seen a few I think it's overlooked by the banshee which is a shame really

[@BrokenBackMountains]

@@Walkingmansam It gives the Banshee a run for its money. The Cobra is rock solid.

[@INSOLESandLACES]

15 years, all three of my tents are much older 😂.

[@Ballbagsaggins]

Yeah, I have a 20 year old Karrimor Beta that I love but the Windows went on it a couple of years ago. Gutted as everything else about it is still brilliant. ...except maybe the weight.😉

[@mrlupus]

I would love to see some of your community donate some older tents for u to review. Sadly, I generally upgrade after about 10 years or when I see a better model of my faves 😄

[@kennethvalerio1294]

Thank you for your reviews very helpful.

[@shawnr6117]

Not a bad design for the weight and price although it definitely has room for improvement.

[@adventures_of_a_dale]

It’s a giant Ridgeraider.

[@mrwes100]

Definitely a Lemon.

[@JackKlumpass]

That’s a bit like my old MSR Zoid, I got back in 2002

[@Airlessmean]

if anything it looks like thats where OEX Phoxx 1/2 got its shape etc as ilooks the inner part ha! wait till you see what i got for £100 haha i was shocked! looked on FB market place for a 4 season tent came across a terra nova Quasar! from 2008 for £100 snapped it up but dubious of it got it all set up the fly sheet is weaathered i struggle with the fly going on easy its hard as ouit! but when up iuts like a tank and wont budge on closeer inspection there was a slight rip in the fly on the door ( no biggy) taped now, the tape seams inside are falling off :( but i have used the nokwax solarproofing and water repellent stuff so hopefully winter it will get some use!

[@neilharding6092]

Nice 🙂, Vintage Gear - whole new channel maybe Paul??

[@paulblubaugh589]

there is a joke here in the US about Coleman products. "Almost works, lasts forever!"

[@andrewgreen7996]

Iv got a north face solo 12 but it's better quality and it's single skin tent it's more like a posh bivi but it does the job ! Nothing wrong with second hand gear not every body can afford a hilleberg tent !!!!

[@wpherigo1]

Some tents Tents older than 20 years can end up with a gummy film all over the surface. Be careful!

[@andrewwalpole7401]

Hay Paul what pegs do you use to keep your tent doors tied up if only part open ?

[@KuntryRD]

I am surprised that it has aluminum poles. Most cheap tents don't.

[@bcamping1]

I was thinking the same. Otherwise this tent is fairweather sweatbox.

[@ROBOLOGY.wildcamping]

Ahhh I see you found a tent on eBay with a sunroof , that’s cheating tho mate 😉😂 Great idea tho … wonder if it’s possible to find propa vintage tents on there n test them out ? Or even put together a full vintage kit ,frame backpack, roll mat ,billy cans the lot 🤑 Did you ever have a force ten propa canvas one ? My dad had one and loved it

[@bradleypatching9905]

Yo Paul what jacket are you wearing in this video?

[@carolineoates5964]

That's nothing. We own a 2 person tent from 1980. Thick integral groundsheet and heavy cotton inner. Outer is a different material to nowadays but man made fibre. It's brown and orange. Used twice so like new.😊

[@mrkgrav]

I'd call that a great sized hooped bivvy, you need to take it out for a night!

[@wandering_not_lost]

£35? You were robbed! It'd be ok as a play tent for the kids but I wouldn't want to spend a wet/windy night in it. Nice video, thanks.

[@RichardEnglander]

How much do you think he made from the video?

[@wandering_not_lost]

@@RichardEnglander a fair point!

[@AltairNoken]

Taking of tents not being stealthy the newer line seems to be all bright colours (I,e bright red or bright green) not sure why they thought any one would want a red tent for stealthy camping 😂

[@davehumpleby3440]

You bought a lemon there. And I'm not referring to the colour.

[@MrNotanybody]

Seen a woman get flooded in her Coleman Cobra tent

[@woodchip2782]

The big X at the head end means that it was designed by Elon!😄

[@dsmith9572]

Ultralight, from Coleman? Hahahahaha Replace the aluminum poles with PEX tubing. You got your moneys worth!

[@waynewanderer]

there`s no reason it wouldn`t be stable in windy conditions , the same basic priciple as a banshee and they`re rock solid , just needs a bit of doctoring

[@RonaldSanderson-p7l]

Ripped off for 35 quid. Never would have bought that. But this helps your channel.

[@samhill3496]

15 years, not that long ago. A 59 dollar tent, say it cost 89 dollars now, how good would it be? It would be a new cheap tent.

[@SimonDickinson-nq2uk]

That’s not a tent, it’s a lightweight coffin!

[@sheer64]

Looks like you saved money on your funeral

[@colinstubbs8734]

Better than a bivvy bag, just saying 😂😂😂

[@awatt]

Anyone remember a single skin tent called an "Ultimate U2"?

[@BrokenBackMountains]

Could be Ultimate equipment, the same people that made the peapod and the phazer dome. They made a U1b and a U7.

[@awatt]

@BrokenBackMountains That's the ones. I still use the two man Pindipacker tent made by them.

[@awatt]

@@BrokenBackMountains U8/2 was the tent I was thinking of

[@BrokenBackMountains]

@@awatt Ultimate equipment. That takes me back a bit 😂

[@redhound4889]

@@awatt U8/2 Bivouac; retail price new £35.15p. 1.3kg.

[@deandee8082]

15 yr old COLEMAN, they had pretty much the same they have today 15 year ago, more money then but pretty much the same, composite, all that . . whats changed are the toss up tents, the loop tents . . when you have metal rods you're in the 70's bruh . . 60's?

[@stevewebb2102]

Looks like a knock off OEX Phoxx 2

[@joshuacarr9738]

Hi

[@feel.the.need.]

I'm now questioning why i spent £300 on a tent, with a Little bit of love, i reckon this could have a new life for less than £100. Don't laugh.....

[@jimtolan7967]

average or moderate lol😂😂😂

[@andreasweber7828]

I have a fetish. I buy fancy but broken gear dirty cheap and try to fix it up. Got a Tarptent DR LI for 90€ the other day