VERDICT A retro-inspired tent that harks back to a golden age of camping but is bang up to date when it comes to materials and construction PRICE £550 |
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Somewhere, hidden in a dark corner of my shed alongside the giant spiders, there’s a Lichfield Combat, my first ever tent. It’s a ridge tent, the sort of thing someone would come up with if they were asked to draw a tent. I got it for my 16th birthday and it served me well in my first years of camping.
Why am I telling you this? Well, this new retro-inspired tent from Craghoppers takes me right back to those distant teenage years, camping out in the Combat.
Best known for adventure and travel clothing, Craghoppers has moved into camping equipment and created an instant classic. In a world where tunnel tents are everywhere, I absolutely love the retro appearance of the Kiwi. It harks back to a golden age of camping; even down to the vibrant orange colour.
But don’t be fooled by its appearance, because, when it comes to materials and construction, this four-berth tent is bang up to date. This is no novelty throwback. The flysheet is made using a high-tech polycotton, which is warm and breathable, and created using recycled plastic bottles.
Craghoppers has also wisely chosen to use its famed NosiLife, anti-insect material, which has an anti-mould finish and a PFC-free water-repelling treatment.
The flysheet and groundsheet pitch as one, so the tent is fully sealed from the elements, with no chance of draughts whistling through. Ventilation comes from the mesh backing on the front door and the two ground-level side panels, which have covers that zip closed.
Pitching is simple, with just two poles to lift into position then the guyropes to be pegged out. Althought it’s described as a four-berth, it’s far more realistic to use it for two. It comes in its own carry bag with padded shoulder straps, so it’s easy to carry to and from your pitch.
Style Ridge
Sleeps 4
Weight 8.2kg
Packed size 60 x 30cm
Waterproof N/A
Pitching time 15 mins
Size 260 x 194cm
Height 150cm
Materials Outer Polycotton Poles Steel
Year 2022