I occasionally camp with my gravel bike.
Currently I have the Tambu bayu 2 bivy tent.
It has a number of disadvantages for me:
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single-walled so moist inside
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translucent fabric
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entrance with line, so difficult to get in and out.
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low (seat) height especially with air mat.
Big pluses are fast set up, light (1.5kg) and compact.
Now I saw the Black and fresh MH100 tent on offer at Decathlon. It seems to solve all the disadvantages. But especially the weight (3kg) and the packaged size stop me.
I attach the tent with straps to the front fork.
Who has experience with this or another tent suitable for mounting to the front fork and also affordable (max. €120,-).
I always look at 2 people to have space (for luggage).
by kwouters
10 Comments
Ive got the 1 person MT900 black Simond rent from Decathlon and for solo bikepacking i think it’s perfect. The 2 person could be better, haven’t tried it. But it’s light, sturdy, easy to assemble and price is good. I can recommend it.
https://www.decathlon.fr/p/tente-dome-de-trekking-1-place-mt900-legere-et-autoportante/_/R-p-305777?mc=8882673&c=gris
Naturhike Starligth UL
The Decathlon one is a decent tent. I eventually went with it’s cheaper version and it’s great, but it is bulky and heavy. Still doable on back rack, but completely not the type of gear I would choose when size and weight matters.
The Decathlon Black and Fresh tents are really good if you don’t want to be woken up by the sun. I have the 3 person version and recently packed without issues on my rack, but definitely too big to fork mount. I’ve borrowed the Grand Canyon Richmond 1 from a friend and that was a easy fork mount.
With the things you’re looking for the MH100 checks all the boxes, but you’ll probably need to rethink the packing a bit.
I usually travel with an older model Decathlon Black & Fresh Arpenaz 3. It weighs about 3.5 kg and packs down into a fairly bulky bag, but I just carry it in one of my rear panniers. I also own a lightweight one-person tent pretty similar to yours, it’s only 900g, which is great, but I really don’t like that it’s single-walled and that I can’t sit up inside. What I love about the Black & Fresh is that, especially in summer, I’m not woken up at 5 a.m. by the sun lighting up the whole tent. It’s definitely heavier, but for me the comfort is totally worth it.
You could also look at the Vaude Taurus 1P tent. It is a lot more expensive. But the life span will also be longer.
https://www.bever.nl/p/vaude-allround-taurus-1p-tent-1p-G5FA3A0025.html?colour=2998
Another option is one of the Naturehike tents like this Cloud Up pro. Thisone is light (1,55 kg) and cheap.
https://amzn.eu/d/5NR05iA
Do look at the materials because the same model is offered with different materials which has an influence on its weight and properties.
Lightest on a budget is the Lanshan or Lanshan Pro from 3F UL Gear. Requires separate poles, but they sell pretty light carbon fiber poles.
Naturehike was laready mentioned, they have some decent options. I had the Cloud Up 1 but hated the small front entry, 2P version is probably a little better. Still would go for side entry tho.
I actually bikepack with MH100 fresh and black 2 person tent, its a really good tent, always dark inside and good temperature. The problem with it is that is heavy and it packs so bulky. I fork mount it but inner on a side and outer on the other side.
MSR Elixir
I have the decathlon 2p cool&dark 3kgs easy to mount. Straps on the tent bag to compact it. Quality vs price best choice