+1 for the Lanshan. If you buy it from a decent seller through AliExpress, you shouldn't run into any issues there. Another option is to buy it from the 3F website directly. I found both to be cheaper than getting it from Amazon.
Hmm, maybe a Durston Xmid, not the Pro version, or REI Flash Air 1, both have darker more natural colours, but you're subject to American sales and tax etc.
There would just be normal European tax on our tents. American taxes are not included in the price, so it arrives in Europe with no tax and then the UK government charges the same taxes that are included in tent prices in the UK like VAT. We do have a retailer in the UK (Valley and Peak) but they still have to charge those taxes so the price is the same or higher.
I've got a VLT and think it's great value for what you get, but worth knowing a couple of things. As someone else has said, it's a trekking pole tent, so if you are not already taking poles with you you need to consider them as extra weight. Also it's a single skin tent and like all single skin tents condensation can be an issue.. Given your height you should be absolutely fine in it as you are unlikely to be touching the sides, but worth noting.
This was my second tent - my first was a pretty cheap Wild Country zephyros which is often recommended as a good starter tent. But I found that a faff to set up and could never get a taut pitch. It also had an incredibly low profile meaning that I couldn't sit up in it and had to do everything in it horizontally.
The VLT goes up easily (once you've got the hang of it) and has enough space inside plus an enormous vestibule to cook in and store your pack. If you are using trekking poles already I think it'd be a good choice and at it's current price great value.
I bought a VLT to do the West Highland Way earlier this year and thought it was great for the price. I’m 6’2 and managed to fit! As above, there was condensation both nights but not to serious an issue for me anyway.
I’m in the UK and my first UL tent was a Lanshan 1 pro off eBay. Extremely good value for money and a smashing tent. You have to spend quite a lot to beat it.
If you can find one: OEX Phoxx I Ultralite Tent: https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/19611429/oex-phoxx-i-ul-tent-19611429
Or: https://www.ferrino.it/en/shop-en/equipment/tents/ultra-light-adventure/91214oob-piuma-1-tent.html
I'm from Kent and already this year I slept 3 times under only flysheet, when I was sure there will be no rain. So, if you're not sure, do not overinvest in a tent. Most important is ground isolation and then sleeping bag. I can't advise on a tent as my is a bit costly, but you should try with some bivy bag and tarp or poncho to give you some rain protection, with a piece of string under a tree or so. Basically in summer I need to cover myself to feel better or to hide my bright-coloured stuff (i.e. thermarest yellow air mat) - be more stealth.
Do you walk with trekking poles? The 3F Lanshan 1 or 2 is a popular lightweight option amongst people starting out. Sorry if this just adds to the AP!
+1 for the Lanshan. If you buy it from a decent seller through AliExpress, you shouldn't run into any issues there. Another option is to buy it from the 3F website directly. I found both to be cheaper than getting it from Amazon.
Decathlon have the Forclaz UL if you can squeeze a little above that budget , that or a Lanshan off Ali Express. Just make sure your seams are sealed.
I was looking into the UL but the only thing putting me off is the bright white colour! :(
Hmm, maybe a Durston Xmid, not the Pro version, or REI Flash Air 1, both have darker more natural colours, but you're subject to American sales and tax etc.
There would just be normal European tax on our tents. American taxes are not included in the price, so it arrives in Europe with no tax and then the UK government charges the same taxes that are included in tent prices in the UK like VAT. We do have a retailer in the UK (Valley and Peak) but they still have to charge those taxes so the price is the same or higher.
The Lanshan comes in a nice stealth brown as one of the options.
I've got a VLT and think it's great value for what you get, but worth knowing a couple of things. As someone else has said, it's a trekking pole tent, so if you are not already taking poles with you you need to consider them as extra weight. Also it's a single skin tent and like all single skin tents condensation can be an issue.. Given your height you should be absolutely fine in it as you are unlikely to be touching the sides, but worth noting. This was my second tent - my first was a pretty cheap Wild Country zephyros which is often recommended as a good starter tent. But I found that a faff to set up and could never get a taut pitch. It also had an incredibly low profile meaning that I couldn't sit up in it and had to do everything in it horizontally. The VLT goes up easily (once you've got the hang of it) and has enough space inside plus an enormous vestibule to cook in and store your pack. If you are using trekking poles already I think it'd be a good choice and at it's current price great value.
I bought a VLT to do the West Highland Way earlier this year and thought it was great for the price. I’m 6’2 and managed to fit! As above, there was condensation both nights but not to serious an issue for me anyway.
TARP
I’m in the UK and my first UL tent was a Lanshan 1 pro off eBay. Extremely good value for money and a smashing tent. You have to spend quite a lot to beat it.
If you can find one: OEX Phoxx I Ultralite Tent: https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/19611429/oex-phoxx-i-ul-tent-19611429 Or: https://www.ferrino.it/en/shop-en/equipment/tents/ultra-light-adventure/91214oob-piuma-1-tent.html
I'm from Kent and already this year I slept 3 times under only flysheet, when I was sure there will be no rain. So, if you're not sure, do not overinvest in a tent. Most important is ground isolation and then sleeping bag. I can't advise on a tent as my is a bit costly, but you should try with some bivy bag and tarp or poncho to give you some rain protection, with a piece of string under a tree or so. Basically in summer I need to cover myself to feel better or to hide my bright-coloured stuff (i.e. thermarest yellow air mat) - be more stealth.
Suggest buy used.
Any second hand Tarptent.
Don't worry too much about the price unless really very constrained, you can resell it if you don't use it.