BCF Wanderer Refuge 2

Brilliant first hiking tent – Have used heavily for eight years. Still going strong. No rips or fraying in the fabric, poles still are in perfect condition. The carry bag is shredded to bits and pieces which just goes to show how much it's been used!! Have recently upgraded to a tent which is a bit lighter but I still use this one when I need extra stability (such as in high winds) or need to fit two people. I refuse to sell it as it's so excellent.

Not a horrible tent – The tent itself has held up through some great storms and is nice and strong keeping the inside completely dry. The outside vents are great too on hot nights. The only problem I've had is the fabric on the outside that you put your pegs through and clip your fly over have frayed away, almost like they have been soaked in battery acid. Really disapointing.

Failure of Aluminium poles with stress fractures – Have had a Wanderer Refuge 2 for a few years. Lightweight, weather resistant, good in the cold. I replaced the lightweight aluminium tent-pegs with steel, its a bit heavier but much better to peg out particularly on stony ground. Have got fatigue stress cracks in the aluminium poles which caused the poles to break twice on consecutive trips. Was able to patch up to get me through each trip by splinting poles with tent-pegs and tape. Closer examination shows cracks at all the joins. Wont be able to use these poles again. Can't find replacement poles. Suggest anyone using the tent closely examine the aluminium poles for hairline cracks. Do this before and after each trip. Check where the connecting inserts have been centre punched. Cracks appear along or nearby the punch holes. .

Wanderer 2 tent poles fail – This is a great tent for hiking and overnight kayaking trips but the light weight alloy poles have all got hairline cracks in them where they connect.Try to get them replaced. No warranty bcf did not want to know about it . Other wise it is a good tent . Light weight Alloy poles failed

Two person tent with front and rear access – This is your basic rectangular two person, two pole tent. It is good quality and comes with a fly that attaches at the bottom of the poles. Both front and rear access (vestibules) have a double zipper for fly screen and block out flap. It has screened ventilation in the top and some pockets on the sides. The dual front and rear access is an uncommon feature and this would be ideal for where there is limited camping space, such as on the deck of a small boat. The one that I have, is an orange colour. The tent is inexpensive, advertising for about $74. The front and rear vestibule is an uncommon feature and it would be difficult to find another tent like it. Really cant find a lot wrong with it, as it is still fairly new and hasn't shown up any faults yet