Is this 1000 year old tent design still the best for family camping?

[@bycamirose]

I appreciate how fast this guy talks. Normally I watch videos on 1.5x but I was able to garner so much information due to his succinct, straightforward approach. Quality content.

[@tarrahkillin2264]

Regarding drying, you can get rain covers for bell tents too 😊

[@Ziggy_Jones]

I used to go camping a lot as a kid, and in recent years I've been really fascinated by the idea of yurts, this seems like a pretty interesting bridge between the two. I'll definitely look more into these, thanks Ben.

[@edpikestone6800]

I have bought my family a Tentipi Safir 7 which is a great set up and we even went for the wood burner (GStove with flue water boiler) for the inside. This is amazing for late autumn, winter and early spring camping, but you need to be very careful with young children as the flue will get red hot when in use. I have thought out an additional flue shroud at stove level to mitigate this risk, but so far we just do not use it when we are camping with the kids. It looks like you have a little more space with your bell tent, but the pros and cons are the same as the Tentipi. Enjoy your camping.

[@TJ_into_the_wild]

We have one of these and found that a 3x3m tarp along with a pair of 6ft poles are great additions to construct an awning for cooking and sittiing under outside. Great video, Ben! Many thanks 😊

[@catecullen2521]

We do the same, we use Delta pegs, they don't move at all.

[@Outaboutuk]

Great to see an end user review of these bell tents! There's some really great feedback here!

[@samuelwaller4924]

I was curious why i was recommended this, then i realized "oh it's the keyboard guy" lol Camping is totally my thing as well though, great video

[@BenVallack]

Heh! In the algorithm we trust!

[@samuelwaller4924]

@@BenVallack I really love your content, I'm only sad i didn't find you sooner, and thank you for all the effort you put into your videos!

[@BenVallack]

@@samuelwaller4924 great to hear thanks!

[@OurNewLand]

Thanks for the great info! This was so helpful. We just received 2 6-meter tents (one for my family, one for my brother's), and we haven't put them up yet. We plan on putting them up once summer begins to wane, and then leave them up through spring. Such a beautiful spot for the tent!

[@sndrb1336]

That is one gorgeous yard.

[@BenVallack]

My parents' house - it's been their project for the last 10 years - lots of hard work and really starting to look amazing now!

[@GreenlifeFin]

Yes, I also really admired it, just amazing!

[@AdamPflug]

Very interesting. I personally have always used REI tents and haven't ever experienced any of the downsides you mentioned around breathability (they're mostly mesh except the rainfly). Watching your video though I can't help wondering if a tremendous amount of what tent makes sense for you comes down to your region. I look at this and feel like I'd really miss being able to have your tent mostly open but still be protected from mosquitos and the like. I also suspect the weather makes a big difference as in my area (Pacific Northwest) we worry more about how cold it gets at night than heat during the day and are very worried about driven rain or ground water. We're also surrounded by national & state forests where you can camp for free (which usually requires a couple minute hike even you're car camping) and could make the weight an issue, but also because of all the trees large open sites might be pretty hard to find - I wonder if bell tents are less practical in the smaller diameters than would be useful out here. They'd be much better for dedicated campgrounds but prices have skyrocketed for spots there recently - currently $44+ a night in peak season :( All that said, content like this is why I love you channel (which I found after getting a moonlander). Keep it up!

[@harrymills2770]

I'm also in the Pacific Northwest, and I agree. Maybe 1 in 1000 wilderness/national forest/BLM campsites would have the room to put one of these up. You need a big, unobstructed, flat piece of ground, and there ain't a lot of that. However, the bell tent (poncho!) works very well, almost anywhere, for a small, 1-man setup. The fact that it only needs one pole means you can improvise that part when you get to camp, and all you need is your tent (which may double as a poncho (See "Lavvu tent/poncho"), a couple tools, camp string, and stakes (or make stakes in camp). This design frees you from dragging poles with you everywhere. But I don't think nomadic people are much into a lot of string and hammering of stakes. Nomadic people of today in their more or less natural state make the equivalent of a tipi, with poles leaning in towards the center of a circle, then covered with hides or fabric. But those tribes have horses, or in the case of reindeer wranglers up north, reindeer, to haul all their stuff. "Reindeer sleigh" isn't just about Santa Claus. I think the shape of the bell tent is good for wind resistance. Even with the bottom flaps open, it would do a good job keeping people dry in summer rain, and it wouldn't cook you when the sun came out. One thing I learned from tarp camping is how nice it is to be out of the weather and still have 360-degree views. Whatever the weather, 360-degree views add a lot to the enjoyment. I think I'm going to go with EZ-up shelters for my base camps. I think they're more versatile and weather resistant. You can get a decent one for pretty cheap, or you can spend extra for more heavy-duty models, features and custom side walls. With the EZ-Up, like with tarp camping, you can lower the height of the canopy, which helps in high winds, which most KZbinr campers never seem to ever encounter. 4 anchor points you can weigh down with rocks. Still best to stake them out, to take stress off the frame in high winds, but it's still only 4 corners to stake down, versus a dozen or more points where you need to get the angle and tension pretty much perfect. I can see myself with a bunch of sags and crookedness in my bell tent setup, where I'm likely to be camping. One of the reasons I like Swedwoods is his methods and setups work in all weathers. If you can do it in a howling blizzard, you can do it anywhere. Very peaceful, natural sounds. Restful watching.

[@catecullen2521]

Delta pegs are amazing, they don't move and a frontier stove will mean camping all year round.

[@1theRamm]

superb the masses will convert we are those who have seen ....before they can...had my 5mbell for 2years fanny fantastic ....enjoy all xxx ram cheerz

[@davidlindig]

I love my bell tent and we have the same size. Looks can be deceiving. So much standing room inside than what it looks from outside. I’ve had so many compliments on our bell tent. Enjoyed watching your video. Cheers.

[@aliceperkins6278]

What size do you have?

[@davidlindig]

@@aliceperkins6278 16ft or 5m (depending where your from :))

[@aliceperkins6278]

I’m in the United States.

[@borg386]

Hello from Florida USA 🇺🇸 How do you deal with mold? I'm really reluctant to dive into this type of tent because of that issue. Thanks!

[@davidlindig]

@@borg386 hello from Louisiana. Rule #1, keep the tent stored at home inside (climate control). You will need to make sure your tent is dried before rolling it up. I refuse to pitch this tent in extreme humidity. I’m sure it would be okay if I did. There are mold resistant chemical products out there that you can apply. My daughter and I took our tent to the Rockies where it is much dryer. What a coincidence, I am planning a trip to Ft. Pickens for fall when the temperatures will drop.

[@Nettietwixt]

I used to have a canvas bell tent and they're great but so hard to dry in a British climate. I lost mine to mould which created loads of little holes. I'd only get one again if I had a huge space to dry it out.

[@BenVallack]

Yeah def need to be stored bone dry. The biggest issue for sure.

[@borg386]

My biggest concern too here in Florida USA, because very moist, especially in the summer.

[@richardcampbell4506]

Two things. 1. If you want to see an optimised bell tent have a look at the Star Bell Tent by Boutique Camping. We’ve had it for 5 years now and the extra awning over the entrance is a brilliant adaptation of the bell tent design. 2) because of the height and space Bell tents are colder to sleep in than tents with dedicated bed rooms. You can add those bedrooms to the tent but the height still makes them colder at night. All that aside we still live our bell tent and wouldn’t use anything else… except when hiking 👍

[@borg386]

Hello from Florida USA 🇺🇸 How to break down and store if it happens to rain on the tent? Thanks!

[@Gimm2006]

I put a synthetic tent away wet once and while it was definitely lighter than wet canvas, when I came back to it a few weeks later, it reeked of mold/mildew. Of course, I did live in a high humidity area and when I washed it with laundry soap in a plastic tub, the smell went away immediately. I appreciate all your insight and experience. thank you for sharing

[@davidlawlor4317]

Its around 1200 to get a setup with all bells and whistles. Tent, bunting lights, stove, bunk beds doubke air bed, table, picnic blankets etc... thats decent and its a fabulous setup that will be used at least 10 times a year and isnt limited to summer only

[@BenVallack]

yeah they're definitely a good value setup!

[@shanepitzer4126]

Excellent review, very informational and candid. Thanks for sharing!

[@Solo50plus]

Thanks for sharing. This was really useful, great info 👍🏽

[@enricotrevisan]

Great video! If I have little space around is it possible to plant the pegs very close to the tent? thanks!

[@BenVallack]

Yeah I’ve managed to get them pretty close but it is better with them a bit further out for sure.

[@tg__]

Lol the 5th video sponsored by pcb way in a row they have been on alot of channels recently also I think you should do a video on all of your keyboard stuff so we can see all upgrades and things you have tried

[@BenVallack]

Yep loads of keyboard stuff on the horizon!!

[@tg__]

@@BenVallack cant wait

[@mitchellm873]

Really good video mate… thanks!

[@tanyason1138]

Thank you so much for sharing. I have wondered if you can share with me the where you bought the rug for yours? I would be interested in possibly purchasing one for mine. I also noted that you have the cover over yours it seems there and I’ve been wondering what type of cover to get for the bell tent design such that the air vents at the top of the peak wouldn’t be an affected? The only thing I can think of is getting a shelter logic cattle cover and affix them to the top of EMT cattle corral gates. They actually sell a kit for the shelter logic shelter that you can affix to whatever whether you have gates or not and they have the flaps so basically all three sides would have the opportunity to be sheltered as well but can be easily removed off the gates.

[@BenVallack]

www.paullsmatting.co.uk/ not sure what you mean by cover?

[@barbietripping]

I think drilling pegs would be a mistake. It would be easy to loosen the ground too much and make the peg less useful

[@sherrywaters1536]

Listening to you definitely makes me want one

[@waynemartin4445]

Can you link where you got the floor matt

[@andrewheaton3755]

Hi Ben, great video. Was just wondering what size that tent is and how the ground sheet is attached to the tent?

[@BenVallack]

Thanks - 5m - it zips to the sides of the tent all around a 3 or 4 inches above ground level.

[@phyxismonoxium9030]

The endless number of ropes to be set. But the round shape makes it not very space efficient as sleeping stuff is normally not round but square. So you end-up with a lot of unusable space which also means a square tent can be smaller in size and have same possibilities.

[@BenVallack]

Yeah the usable space issue is significant for sure.

[@kjd2869]

Great summary. We are considering getting a bell tent to replace our ageing caravan and because we have purchased and EV. Given you have a Tesla it would be interesting to hear how to integrate the car electrics in to your camping experience. Our EV (a Kia) has a vehicle to load feature that we could potentially use when camping but there doesn't seem to be much info out there (outside the USA) about this currently (pun intended!)

[@BenVallack]

If you’ve got the vehicle to load socket I think you could just run an extension cable off it straight into the tent, neat!

[@kjd2869]

@@BenVallack Yes - but it's finding products and uses. There are fridges and induction hobs etc but its a relatively new growing niche area with exciting possibilities that closes the gap between conventional caravan / campervan and 'glamping' tents even further. There is potential for example to more closely integrate the vehicle to the tent and have a heated / AC sleeping environment but little out there presently beyond Americans on extended road trips. I find this combining of neolithic tent tech with modern portable electronics fascinating!

[@commuterbranchline8132]

I too have a Tesla Model Y and am thinking this set up would be good for me towed with a small lockable camping trailer. I have 4 children and the all want to bring their bicycles with them when we go away. Tesla will eventually write the software for VTG, until they do I’m going to investigate the Ecoflow range of products. Great video, I’m off to look at bell tents! Lol

[@FREEDUMB4ALL]

Thanks for the video! I just bought a 16ft kingcamp bell tent an I was feeling a little apprehensive about my purchase. This put my mind at ease! They sound amazing and I can't wait for mine to arrive! Thanks again. ❤

[@BenVallack]

They're the best ground-camping tents for sure. I'm currently exploring roof tents which is a very different approach for a different kind of camping! kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXSnhKqkr92qf80

[@benromanos.2931]

Kingcamp is really good, I want the khan palace

[@mediacaolegal7586]

I absolutely LOVE your shoes. Where can I find them, please? (also love the tent and tips, thanks)

[@BenVallack]

They are vivobarefoot but it doesn’t look like they have them at the moment!

[@ourfamilylight]

Nice video, thanks! I want to know were you got the circle rug!

[@BenVallack]

www.paullsmatting.co.uk/contact/

[@w.j.k-y9u]

@@BenVallack I ordered this floor mat and it is so incredibly scratchy that you might as well not use it. I regret buying the coir circle rug from Pauls matting...

[@BenVallack]

@@w.j.k-y9u yeah they are super scratchy! Not for lying on directly.

[@rosalindsmith1293]

Hi, thank you for this, I really like your style and format, good work! What size bell tent do you use here, how much was it? Thank you.

[@BenVallack]

Thanks! 5m bell tent - £240 from ex rental place (but see my recommendation about buying new in the vid). They’re around 500-600 new.

[@ringhome9553]

Thanks for the info! We have 5 kids, between 10 and 3. From your own experience of a 5m, would you think the 6m be enough space for 7 mattresses?

[@Paleoaleo]

Great video! I’m hoping you can tell me the Name of the manufacturer of this bell tent

[@BenVallack]

This one is Boutique Camping.

[@Paleoaleo]

@@BenVallack Many thanks!

[@urbanshepherd]

Another great video, thank you. Do you think the weight and size of a packed bell tent would work on the roof basket of a model 3? Wasn’t quite sure on the video whether you had the tent on the roof or in the car. Thanks!

[@BenVallack]

Yeah I keep the tent in the boot well. I have plenty of stuff that is lighter that I’d prioritise on the roof, bedding etc.

[@urbanshepherd]

@@BenVallack Apologies, I remember you saying that now. Thank you, and again, thanks for the informative videos.

[@benjirides218]

Great video! Do you think having a rainfly might help with the radiant sun effect too? I know you need the rain fly to prevent moisture build up on rainy days, but if it helps with the sun then it's just an added bonus at that point.

[@BenVallack]

I’m not worried about moisture buildup - just let it dry when it’s dry. Some kind of fly would block the sun though - you almost want it it setup to cast shadow over the tent without blocking airflow.

[@benw8982]

@@BenVallack Sounds good thanks!

[@WololoArgent]

Can you make compartments in the tent?

[@BenVallack]

You can get inner compartments for then yeah

[@BenVallack]

Check this out for an alternative though! kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXSnhKqkr92qf80

[@jamesrosales89]

thankyou :) which brand/company made your bell tent ? was the material : 280 or 380 gsm ? 🤗

[@BenVallack]

Mine is www.boutiquecamping.com/ - as it was ex-rental I’m not 100% what weight canvas it is sorry!

[@jennyh8392]

Great video!

[@stuhales3151]

Ben, where did you get the floor mat for the inside?

[@BenVallack]

en-gb.facebook.com/paullsmatting

[@tomaspland889]

what's that table unit you have?

[@yvonnedorothea8426]

How did you call the floor - carpet? And where can you by it?

[@BenVallack]

Paul's Matting in somerset - its called coir matting. www.paullsmatting.co.uk/

[@yochanaliora8093]

Where did you purchase the koya matting?

[@BenVallack]

www.paullsmatting.co.uk/

[@mvargasmoran]

MAD LAD!

[@100musicplaylists3]

Its that center pole that bugs me. any solution to get rid of it?

[@BenVallack]

Bivvy bag

[@michaelmadison883]

is there no link for the tent itself

[@BenVallack]

You can get them from a variety of places including second hand. In the Uk some options are belltentboutique.co.uk/ and boutiquecamping.com/

[@pauleuc2212]

Where to buy the mats? Flooring..

[@BenVallack]

www.paullsmatting.co.uk/

[@DaleHooton]

In before Ben designs a single pole bell tent!

[@BenVallack]

Subscribe to my new cars channel! www.youtube.com/@BenVallacksCars

[@DaveXL495]

Ridiculous to ignore pegging time. I tour in an OzTent RV5 and my standard peg in is 4 pegs and 6 for the awning. If it's excessively windy I'll go up to 6 with the awning down. Also, no consideration for bug protection, water running on side slopes, and sand blowing in when on a beach.

[@thefamilytimes4091]

How big is your tent?

[@BenVallack]

5m

[@ddddddd5425]

Is that canvas tent? tents like that are pretty cool until it gets a little bit wet and its impossible to dry and you put it away like 1% humidity and it gets all moldy :(

[@BenVallack]

Yep definitely the biggest drawback!

[@borg386]

That's my biggest concern too. Any solutions?

[@BenVallack]

@@borg386 just make sure you can dry it at home if you have to put it away damp.

[@janeayres8772]

Yes, this is one of my main considerations, so I'm thinking keeping the size small, getting the 3m, and I could set that up in my back yard to dry, or even drape it around my living room, without the groundsheet 😁

[@azizinanc]

maybe you could make videos about Barefoot walking/running, Barefoot shoes😁

[@BenVallack]

Heh you spotted them :) yeah will do - using a treadmill desk now too so plenty to weave together with productivity too!

[@azizinanc]

@@BenVallack nice!

[@dsample]

I was thinking the same. I could see your kid was in Vivos, but couldn't tell if yours were Vivos or Freet

[@stratmex5422]

Hi ! 2' 25 to have money with sponsor 🥴 And, finaly... You speak and speak... To much ! However... Sibley tents are vert interesting... Calme down... I Hope and I think you can be more easy and chill... Do you know you can breath sometimes 😉 I wish you will understand this way one day. Thanks... 😊 ✨

[@benyyz]

Don't store food in your tent. It can attract critters or worse, especially in bear country.

[@BenVallack]

Yeah good shout, don’t get much to worry about here though!

[@pearshaped9116]

Spot the American XD