Over the last 40 years (yea Gods, 40 years!!!) I’ve always camped with either a motorcycle or bike so used a series of small 1 man tents but as I mature I’m thinking as I now drive to camp I could buy a bigger tent with a porch (luxury). My question is having 1 person in a 3 man tent would it be significantly colder???

If you’re driving does it matter? You can take a warmer mat, bag and clothes. Plus loads of food to warm you up

A bit cooler, more dependant on the tent in my experience (not exhaustive).

A tent with a solid Vs mesh inner is warmer.


3 man seems big for 1 person but hey, thats up to you of course

If you are driving, then get a Big tent and a stove.

https://belltentboutique.co.uk/product ... ent-stove?

Richpips wrote: ↑Sat Sep 12, 2020 7:37 pm If you are driving, then get a Big tent and a stove.

https://belltentboutique.co.uk/product ... ent-stove?

This is the one you want...

https://www.canvastentshop.co.uk/fastfo ... stove.html

I'd love a new big tent. Ours finally expired last summer. I can't remember the brand but it was one of those with a big communal area in the middle and three separate bedrooms. Just brilliant for family camping, especially if it was raining. Oh, the card games we played

I like bell tents but I actually fancy one of Robens jobbies with their big tarp attached across the front. I had a bit of spare cash this month too, but blew it all on car insurance for my young fella. (His mum bought the car, so I'm still ahead)

https://www.robens.de/en-gb/shop/outdoo ... rson-tents

And back to the OP .... yes, big tents are colder but not when you're wrapped up in the duvet you brought from home. If you'd like a recommendation for a three-bloker that won't break the bank, maybe look at the Coleman Coastline series. Happy to recommend it after 10 years or regular use, though if I was in the market again for a tent with that much floor space, I'd want something I could stand up in.

Those Robens tents are great.
The vertical sides make really good use of the available floor space, so does the fact it’s rectangular . Bell tents are great - very simple to erect and super sturdy but the internal space isn’t as good as the floor area would suggest. With the low roof height at the edges and round shape it’s hard to make proper use of the edges.
Add a bedroom or two and a stove and awning and you could live in a Prospector. I’ve certainly lived in a smaller bed sit!

It does depend on whether you’ll always car camp with it or need to carry it.

Do you need to be able to stand up in it or will sitting up with head clearance do?

The MSR and Big Agnes type tents with near vertical walls make the most use of space. We’ve got the two man BA and there’s plenty of room though we possibly could have got the three man one for not much extra weight and cost. The newer models come with an awning so easier to get in and out when raining.

Best check things out when camping as most will be happy to tell you the pros and cons

Two people, almost stand up, well OK stoop up then, 1kg! https://www.terra-nova.co.uk/all-tents/ ... ra-2-tent/. £400 reduction as well .

Slightly less insane, but admittedly equally useless for your requirement since it's ten years old, is the Terra Nova Laser Space 2. https://www.terra-nova.co.uk/p/laser-sp ... ign-award/.

I actually bought one! I don't think that many were made so I've probably got a collector's item . 3kg was/is a pretty impressive weight for a 6' high shelter. Sadly not used as much as I'd hoped since Mrs Perrin wasn't entirely convinced. Still, never say never, there's still time.

Even TN were a little lukewarm despite preening their feathers over it : "The Terra Nova Laser Space 2 was something of a revelation when it was first launched – with people not really knowing what to make of a 6′ high, 3kg tent that you can stand up in. This is hardly surprising, no-one had even thought to try it before Terra Nova recognised a lack of tents options for certain types of outdoor users who needed lots of space at the minimum possible weight.

One group who took to the Laser Space 2 instantly were cycle tourers, with lots of interest from mainland Europe where touring is a larger phenomenon that in the UK or US".

Bit of historical entertainment there for you, and it's certainly "a bigger tent".

As you were.

R

How about something like a Luxe HexPeak? Plenty of room and you can choose inners - full inner for company, small inner for solo use and a massive 'play' area. Not stupidly heavy or expensive and quick to erect.

Some options here: https://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/shelters-1/page/1/