Camping is still the best way to be close to nature, but it also leaves you at its mercy. Choosing the right shelter is vital, so in the February 2015 issue of Getaway we tested 10 of the best tents made for adventure. These zany, sometimes downright strange, tents are a little out of our budget, but their extraordinary design still has us itching to climb in.
1. Field Candy Tents
About R5 469, Superbalist
These classically-shaped tents feature a huge variety of quirky designs and were one of our favourites for their beauty. They’re made in England and shipped across the world. You can get your hands on them here too although they’re pricey, and not all designs are always available.
Each tent is just as technically savvy as it is fun, with waterproof exteriors and a good old-fashioned cotton inner tent, so you don’t get unwanted condensation inside when you wake up in the morning.
These were some of our favourites, but there are SO MANY to choose from on their website, www.fieldcandy.com
Buy it: R5 469 from Superbalist
2. VW Camper Tent
About R6 250, Yuppiegadgets
This life-sized tent is a replica of the iconic Volkswagen Type 2, or VW Kombi, from the 1960s and it’s pretty darn cool. It’s a functional tent with practical waterproofing that sleeps four adults, and you can stand up inside it. There are also two double-sized rooms with a zip partition to maintain a little privacy.
It’s available in blue, red and peppermint green.
Buy it: R6 250 from Yuppiegadgets
3. Orange Solar Tent Concept
Still in concept phase. As of February 2015 not yet available for sale
But it’s a brilliant concept and we hope it gets there! Solar power and camping systems combined would be an absolute win in sunny South Africa. Mobile telecoms company Orange partnered with a design firm to come up with the ultimate festival tent for the UK’s Glastonbury festival.
It has built in solar wings to charge your devices, sleeps four comfortably and, at night, the tent glows so you can find it.
Watch this video to see more.
Visit the Kaleidoscope design website for more information.
4. ARK Inflatable Tent
Price on request, African River Kraft
Mostly used for medical and emergency relief operations, these inflatable rapid deployment AirFrame tents are pretty impressive. They are self-erecting, modular (like hamster houses with tunnels and multiple rooms), can be inflated in minutes, and still boast all the usual waterproofing, able to stand up to the wind and rain.
Full specs of the ARK inflatable tent available on their website.
Buy it: Price on request from African River Kraft (ARK Inflatables)
5. Cork Tree House
Still in concept phase. As of February 2015 not yet available for sale
Ok, this one isn’t strictly a tent, but it’s still great for camping and adventure. 100% free of dangerous chemicals, lightweight and portable, we like what we see.
It will keep merry campers warm at night thanks to cork’s natural insulating properties and it rolls and folds into a compact and simple-to-store bag that can be deployed as needed. There are also breathable flaps, a small porthole for light and a custom-fit bedroll and pillow inside.
It’s a little unclear on how well it handles wind and rain though…
More information on the Yanko Design website.
6. Tentsile Stingray Tree Tent
About R6 500, Tentsile
I’m sure you’ve seen this one do the rounds on Facebook. The dreamy look and feel of this tree tent is bound to stir your wanderlust. The Tentsile Stingray is a 3 person tree tent offering comfortable outdoor experience away from the inhospitable ground, ground based insects, snakes or other predators.
It’s got a spacious triple-hammock interior, covered in a rip resistant insect mesh, and is accessed via a floor hatch in the centre or via the large front door. It can be suspended between 3 trees or other large objects such as columns, trucks or boulders.
Buy it: About R6 500 from Tentsile
7. Guide Gear Teepee Tent
About R1 500, Importitall
It looks serious and we want it. Made from heavy-duty, lightweight, waterproofed polyester it’ll weather wind and rain, and the timeless peak-style construction affords loads and loads of interior room. Covered mesh windows allow air to circulate, keeping your camp fresh. It sleeps six people.
Buy it: About R1 500 from Importitall
8. Whitepod
About R8 500 a night, Whitepod
Ok, it’s actually an eco-luxury hotel in the Swiss Alps and you won’t be pitching it yourself, but as tented camps go this one is pretty incredible. Each pod is a 40m2 geodesic shaped tent. What is this you ask? A geodesic dome is a sphere-like structure composed of a network of triangles. The triangles create a self-bracing framework that gives structural strength while using a minimum of material.
Each pod is decorated with unique antique objects from the region and large bay windows let in a healthy dose of natural light. The suite’s include a king-size bed, a fully fitted bathroom with toilet and shower, a wood-burning stove, and the other usuals. And there’s WiFi.
From R8 500 a night. Rates and availability on the Whitepod website.
Tell us which tent is your favourite in the comments below, would you actually buy one of these zany tents?
For some more practical tent ideas, grab a copy of the February 2015 issue of Getaway magazine.
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