(+) Size, waterproof - quick to erect for size - smaller to carry/load compaired to others. (-) Pole ropes dodgy(?), tricky to shut zip without adjusting pegs, need to tether v. well.
Advantages: Lots of space for everyone. Disadvantages: No longer made.
The Khyam Michigan 12 was only made in 2007 so can be hard to come by now. But if you are after a large, well set out tent, and you find one of these then grab it whilst you can.
The tent is an outer pitch first, or all in one. Personally we leave the inners in place which reduces the pitching time.
The tent itself is large and can be difficult and heavy to put up. Saying that I am under 5ft and have limited mobility so if me and hubby can put it up between us then I'm sure others could easily. We have reduced the pitching time to around 30 - 45 minutes now, which is not bad considering. One good thing though, is that although the tent is large it still fits on most pitches so no extra charges.
The tent has 3 inners. All or some can be removed if wanted. The largest is 6 berth. This is used by our 4 children and is just big enough ...
Advantages: Size, waterproof - quick to erect for size - smaller to carry/load compaired to others. Disadvantages: Pole ropes dodgy(?), tricky to shut zip without adjusting pegs, need to tether v. well.
This is our second Khyamtent as we loved the quick-erect system.
Generally we are pleased with it due to its size (family of four) - if the weather is rainy there is plenty of room. We used it last summer when the floods happened and it was also quite windy. It witheld the rain excellently - it is highly rainproof - another reason why we bought it.
On the negative side we have had the inner cables (ropes) go twice on the main poles. You can fix these fairly easily and Khyam replaced the ropes with no hassle and no expense but I query if there is a weakness here. It can also be quite tricky to set up perfectly to ensure the zip closes on the front door again due to its size - this gets easier with practise.
The only other comment is that when we used it in some quite high winds (floods again!) you need to tether it very well ...
Advantages: So auick & easy! Saves you getting wet when others are still constructing... Disadvantages: None that I can think of!
The Mutts Nuts!
These things go up & down in minutes (or at least the 2 man vector does!) stand up to all sorts of weather (I've used mine in a hailstorm in gale force winds in Biarritz!!) & they are pretty light.
They also came in all shapes & sizes which are variations on the basic Dome.
When new you just fix the inner inside the Fly & that's where it stays, the tent is almost free standing when the poles are locked straight although like all tents it is important to stratch the peg rubbers when anchoring it down & apply the Guy lines if expecting rough weather.
Even with the Guys in place this tent only uses 12 pegs!
I've been touring on a mountain bike with one in France numerous times & the simplicity when you have to keep putting up / taking down is great.
Mine's also made from a ripstop nylon, which helps when it ...
salty_monk 08.02.2001 (06.02.2001)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Khyam Vector
Product Information for "Khyam Biker Tunnel/Dome Tent" »
Product details
Type
Camping Tent
Genre
Tunnel/Dome Tent
Sleeping Capacity
2-3 Person
Manufacturer
Kyham
Manufacturer's product description
This tent was introduced for the 2003 season. The same design but slightly smaller than the touring McKinley, the Biker is a two/three person backpacking tunnel-dome tent with enlarged front storage area (and a long black beard with a tattoo of Sonny Barger), designed with mountain bikers in mind. Features Khyam's own Rapidex Quick Erect system, a unique pre-assembled system that allows you to erect the Biker in an amazing 20 seconds. Other features include, Weather weave PU coated polyester flysheet (2500 hydrostatic head), fully taped seams, breathable polyester inner tent, mesh vent panels; rain cowls, robust plastic pegging rings, inner tent groundsheet, double-layer reinforced triangular guy points.
