• PRICE £39.99
• SLEEPS 2
• WEIGHT 3.1kg

Packed size 60cm x 15cm
Materials Outer polyester; inner polyester; groundsheet polyethylene; poles glassfibre
Dimensions Outer 300cm x 160cm; inner 210cm x 150cm; height 120cm
 

COMMENT

Two-berth dome tents with an extended porch are ten a penny in this very crowded sector of the camping market. And it is hardly surprising for this size of tent is an extremely useful addition to the camping cupboard.

This design is ideal for a good general-purpose tent - the sort you can throw into the car boot when snatching that odd weekend away. It is just as happy for touring or festivals - even for the kids to use if they want to spend an odd night camping with friends in the back garden. They are also very useful to use as extra accommodation if your family tent starts to feel a tad crowded.

It is almost obligatory for all key manufacturers to have an example of this style within their range and Easy Camp - the low cost brand in the OASE stable that includes Outwell and Robens - is no exception.

If you are in the market for such a tent and if you are a fan of this Danish company then you may well be tempted to buy its Torino 200.


Highs and lows

The extended dome design is well suited for the smaller tent. It provides optimum headroom and the small size does not cause too much of a problem when trying to pitch it in the windy conditions that would blow a larger dome away.

The tent pitches inner first - always a minus point in my book when you are using a tent in wetter British conditions. Peg out the inner, insert and tension the flexible wands, throw over the outer - remembering to insert the extension pole for the porch - and peg out. It may not take long but your inner will still get wet if you are pitching in the rain.

Ventilation is also a problem in smaller tents. Here, a rear vent- protected by a bellows that uses a prop to keep it open - aids airflow.

However, the valance that protects the living area from draughts, tucks under the detachable groundsheet to effectively keep that required air circulation to a minimum.

Light is provided by two windows - one each side of the main door. These have curtains that Velcro into position, and a mesh vent at the apex. The addition of windows in a small tent is a psychological bonus. The light, airy feel that these provide when holed up against bad weather is a real moral booster. It also takes away that green zombie-esque cast caused by the sun filtering through the outer.

The porch groundsheet is somewhat smaller than the floor area. This provides a patch of grass to rest wet items, and catch any run-off of rain water.

The Torino fits easily back into its tent bag when you come to pack it away. CG

 

CONTACT:

Oase Outdoor
Tel: 01937 591101
www.easy-camp.co.uk



This tent review was published in the August 2007 issue of Camping magazine. To order our lastest issue please click here.


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