Cycle Touring on a Budget

Last year's big trip showed that you can, if necessary, get everything you need for a two-week expedition and keep within a very modest budget. 

It's likely that, like me, you already have a few bits and pieces you can adapt or make do with, but a lightweight tent is essential for cycle touring and I didn't have one of those.

After some online research and a poll of more experienced cycle campers, I took a chance on one of the cheapest tents I could find. In fact, it was between two choices in the end, both similar in weight but one with slightly better reviews and a smaller pack size (important on a bike with only two panniers) was the Gelert Solo One Man Tent, weighing in at 1.5kg:

I was a little worried by its small dimensions and the relatively low waterproof rating (1500mm), but reviews suggested it would cope with moderate rain and at least one person taller than me had managed to squeeze into it. At just £25 on Amazon (last year), it would be a bargain, even if it only lasted for the two weeks.

Conclusion
It is small and you certainly can't sit up in it, but the Gelert Solo kept me dry on rainy nights and warm on clear and chilly ones, was big enough to lie out full length in and, despite the laughs I got every time I rolled in and out, it did me absolutely fine and is still as good as new. The full length opening isn't so much useful as essential, but as long as you're reasonably agile, not taller than about 6 feet (181cm) and only want it to sleep in, you'll probably find it perfectly adequate, too.

You can now get it on Amazon for about £32, with free delivery: 
Tweet