OVER the years I have made numerous attempts to describe pitching a Khyam Quick-Erect tent and I am so happy that the company now supplies the necessary videos on-line. Now all I have to write is that, once practiced, it is dead easy – those joints are excellent.

They are also very easy to replace if you do have an accident. Yes, I hold my hands up and admit I have broken one. I tried to move the erected tent to a new position in very windy conditions and twisted the frame. I also admit to trapping the outer in a joint when striking camp. The resulting hole was also easily repaired. Both stupid mistakes and never repeated. Indeed, I have used Khyam tents for many years and have always been impressed at the way they withstand British weather.

The Wayfarer is particularly impressive – although the reintroduced Tourer 400 is my favourite. Unlike other Khyam tents, the Wayfarer does not have any poles to thread through during pitching – and this makes it very quick to pitch. The tri-guy system that takes a number of guys to one single peg helps, too.

Once up, you do have to insert the inner tents – these have to be removed when taking the tent down or you will find it impossible to pack the tent away.

The tent has three windows. A mesh vent sits under a storm panel above one – this has an external curtain. The door also has a panoramic window as well as a mesh door behind. And the third window comprises a split vinyl/mesh panel. The mesh panel sits under an external vinyl curtain. This can be rolled up to reveal the mesh panel which, in turn can be unzipped and rolled up out for the way for increased ventilation. Inside, the internal curtain can be rolled up to reveal the lower vinyl window or opened completely.

The sleeping pods toggle together and the mesh and fabric doors fold centre. There are th usual vents and the inners have zip access to a useful rear storage area.

Camping says With no sleeping pod extensions to worry about the Wayfarer is a remarkably quick tent to pitch. The guys at Khyam claim three minutes but why rush? Two will easily have this up and pegged in less than ten without breaking into a sweat. Such quick times and all that space makes this tent a luxury tourer for two who appreciate their home comforts (just remove one of the inners to create even more space) – and have a car big enough to transport them to the campsite. Neat features and a good build add to this well-rounded package – even nicer if you add the carpet.


MORE INFORMATION

Price £475 – with great on-line bargains
Packed size 115cm x 30cm x 30cm
Materials Outer Weatherweave Pro PU-coated polyester Inner Polyester Groundsheet Polyethylene Poles Rapidex fibreglass
Dimensions Outer 460cm x 406cm Bedrooms Two x 210cm x 170cm Height 213cm


Sleeps 4
Packed weight 22kg
Pitching time 5 minutes
Style Dome
Sewn in groundsheet
Electricity port


CONTACT

Kyham
Tel 0800 644 4401 • Web www.khyam.co.uk


This review was published in the April 2011 issue of Camping magazine. Order our latest issue.