Bushtec Legacy
Bushtec Legacy: We test a new dome tent with a space-age look about it.
Why a dome?
A dome tent is to camping what an Isuzu bakkie is to a Northern Cape farmer: affordable and practical.
What’s different about this one?
This polyester tent features a silver flysheet that works a bit like the silver foil you put around your
baked potato. In this instance, because the shiny side is on the outside, it reflects heat away from
the tent during the day. On the inside, the tent is a generous 2,5m by 3m, which means it really is big enough for Ma, Pa and two kids. And with a height of 1,8m, even Pa can
stand up to put on his pyjamas. Also, instead of the usual two poles, it has three intersecting fibreglass poles, giving it a sturdy hexagonal shape.
Any drawbacks?
The flysheet is a tight fit, with only a small porch over the entrance. When we pitched the tent, the weather was fine so we weren’t able to see how weatherproof it was. But both the tent walls and floor have a water column of 2000mm, which means it should stay dry in most conditions (although I’d worry about driving rain coming in the door).
What about packing it away?
No problems there. It weighs less than a bag of potatoes – only 8,25 kg – and fits easily into the boot of a car.
What would you use it for?
It’s ideal for car camping – whether you’re touring through Namibia or going camping for the weekend.
Capacity: 4 people
Weight: 8,25kg
Size: 350 x 300 x 180cm
Price: R3600
Contact: Canvas and Tent; 036 634 1902 or 082 455 5580; www.canvasandtent.co.za/bushtec
Mark says: I was really impressed by the cooling effect of the silver heatreflecting flysheet.
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