by ahukippax » Thu Jan 13, 2022 9:13 pm
I think it depends on your definition of reliable, what conditions you want it to be able to sustain and at what comfort level for yourself. I've just returned today from a fabulous summit camp on Kidsty Pike in the Lake District. I took my Vango Force Ten MTN2 but because of the benign conditions a £40 tent from Asda would have been fine. I have also been in Scotland with friends in a storm where a Vaude, Wild Country and Terra Nova Voyager got pretty much flattened in high winds and snow. My friends survived the night but it was very uncomfortable, whereas me and a pal in a Quasar had a relatively comfortable night. All tents are compromises, be it price, weight, durability, strength, space. If you want a bombproof all season tent then I suspect you will need to pay more than £150. If you want a good 3 season tent to use occasionally in winter then I am sure you can find one. Its an important choice to make as winter nights are long (14 hours last night in the tent ) so comfort is a factor but ultimately it is down to what compromises you are willing to make.
Good luck and enjoy getting out.