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Or is one big plastic skin pretty much like any other?
some have windows which i would imagine would help when in one but it is basically a cheap emergency shelter and at those prices £20-50 i would be looking for the least likely to rip as I doubt any are breathable to any degree that helps when 4 folk are inside it.
It might seem obvious, but go for one that is as light and compact as possible - that way you are more likely to have it with you when you need it. Also think about how many folk will actually be sheltering under it - e.g. with only two you'll have too much flappy material to deal with.
I have an old 4-man Karrimor KISU and a 2-man Terra Nova. Both do the job equally well. Be prepared for the inevitable disembodied "[i]are you alright in there?[/i]" comments when in use though. 😆
It might seem obvious, but go for one that is as light and compact as possible - that way you are more likely to have it with you when you need it
This ^.
The new ones from RAB look okay but it's fair to say that they are pretty much all similar ... except for weight/packsize.
Thanks folks. Didn't realise so many different people were making them. Lots seem to have rather pointless windows in them. I'd rather have it lihter, simpler and cheaper myself.
As above - light and simple, forget windows. In really big group shelters a vent/door can be useful. Mainly so don't spend lunch stuck in a stinky, damp pit with the kids.... 😉