Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums

Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
   Camping under canvas -  Tent talk. Advice, info and recommendations
Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Pitching alone, which tent?? Post Reply Post New Topic
21/6/2011 at 9:59am
 Location: Merseyside
 Outfit: None Entered
View cheechee's Profile View Profile   Reply to cheechee Reply   Quote cheechee Quote  
Joined: 23/5/2011

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   16

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

 

Hi

It looks like I will be doing more solo camping, which means I will have to pitch my tent alone. I am no spring chicken , and have a few physical aches and pains. Plus being 5' 3 not the tallest of people either. So my question is which would be the best tents to look at.

I do like to be able to stand up and move around, plus I have a german shepherd dog who will be coming with me and he needs a bit of room as he is on the larger size.

Any suggestions or recommendations would really help



Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes

New! Please upload a photo of your tent to the Tent Showcase!


21/6/2011 at 10:18am
 Location: Aston Clinton
 Outfit: Kampa Holkham + Outwell Yukon River*
View arsenaldes's Profile View Profile   Reply to arsenaldes Reply   Quote arsenaldes Quote  
Joined: 13/6/2010

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   5090
Tent Reviews:   12

Site Reviews Total: 4
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

I find the tunnel tents, like the Vango Icarus, easiest to pitch by myself

-------------
Experience enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.
Everything has been said before, but since nobody ever listens we have to keep going back and saying it all over again and again and again




21/6/2011 at 11:34am
 Location: north west
 Outfit: Emperor Bell & 4m & 5m bells
View Paper clip's Profile View Profile   Reply to Paper clip Reply   Quote Paper clip Quote  
Joined: 19/8/2009

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   298
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

I too am 5'3 and have a few aches and pains Although I dont go solo camping there have been a couple of occasions when I have pitched by myself, we had an outwell carolina 3 (they call it an M nowadays) and after watching the guy from yeomans pitch it on utube mastered the art of getting up single handed. We now only have bell tents which I have to say are an absolute doddle to pitch and strike solo even in windy conditions.

-------------
good things come in cookies


21/6/2011 at 12:23pm
 Location: Sunny south coast
 Outfit: Columbia 600 Bude 4
View Speedcamp's Profile View Profile   Reply to Speedcamp Reply   Quote Speedcamp Quote  
Joined: 21/9/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3173
Tent Reviews:   8

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Have a look at the 2010 Vango Kairos 400 or 500, which do genuinely take 5-10 minutes to pitch single handed (I'm 5 ft 2 and can do our 400 easy in that time), have steel pole strength and plenty of room for 1 plus large dog. We have 2 adults and a 4 year old in our Kairos 400 when touring.

The 2011 version is the Lichfield Findhorn 400 (Lichfield is a sister company of Vango), which has a higher spec but not as aerodynamic in my humble opinion nor quite as large as its squarer.



-------------
Love our set-up and need no more tents or gear, so trying to stop looking!


Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes

New! Please upload a photo of your tent to the Tent Showcase!


21/6/2011 at 12:34pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View valbarley's Profile View Profile   Reply to valbarley Reply   Quote valbarley Quote  
Joined: 02/8/2008


Guest

Forum Posts:   5289
Tent Reviews:   4

Site Reviews Total: 5
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

3m bell tent?

enough room for a double bed and the mutts and very easy to pitch

plus the advantage of being canvas

can stand in the centre but not loads of moveable room (altho at 5'3 more room than i have!)



Advertisement



21/6/2011 at 1:55pm
 Location: North Yorkshire
 Outfit: Holi * Perran 4 * Airedale 5
View HEJC72's Profile View Profile   Reply to HEJC72 Reply   Quote HEJC72 Quote  
Joined: 28/9/2004

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   5798
Tent Reviews:   8

Site Reviews Total: 13
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 1  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 1

I'm a short, fat, unfit mum of 3 with several health problems and I can pitch my Licata 400 on my own in about 15 minutes.
I can pitch my Vango Green Tee 500 DLX in about 5 minutes.



-------------
Helen xx
Mini Mad Mum


21/6/2011 at 6:18pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Kairos 400 Tigris 400
View Bridget1's Profile View Profile   Reply to Bridget1 Reply   Quote Bridget1 Quote  
Joined: 05/2/2011

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   84
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

I would second the Kairos for easy pitching. It's a doddle!

-------------
Bridget1


Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes

New! Please upload a photo of your tent to the Tent Showcase!


21/6/2011 at 7:07pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View simon1963's Profile View Profile   Reply to simon1963 Reply   Quote simon1963 Quote  
Joined: 31/12/2010

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   231

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

yes vango icarus tunnel tent easy to pitch i know as i got one


21/6/2011 at 7:53pm
 Location: West Yorkshire
 Outfit:  Kyham Freelander and Kairos 400
View snowbirdcr's Profile View Profile   Reply to snowbirdcr Reply   Quote snowbirdcr Quote  
Joined: 05/7/2004

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   726

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

You might also think about a Kyham Freelander. I am 66years young and travel solo with my dog, this one pitches and takes down very easily. There is standing room in the main compartment and gives plenty of space.

You have lots of choices , have fun !


21/6/2011 at 9:59pm
 Location: Devizes Wiltshire
 Outfit: MWB VW Crafter PVC
View dk168's Profile View Profile   Reply to dk168 Reply   Quote dk168 Quote  
Joined: 19/6/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   9601
Tent Reviews:   6

Site Reviews Total: 56
Site Reviews 2024: 9  
Site Reviews 2023: 9  
Site Reviews 2022: 8  
Site Reviews 2021: 9  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 45
Site Nights 2023: 47
Site Nights 2022: 46
Site Nights 2021: 34
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Another vote for Khyam Freelander.

I am only 5'2 and can manage it on my own with ease.

It is supposed to be a 3-berth tent, however, I find it just right for me and my Border Terrier.

I bought the tent-specific canopy, new item this year from Khyam, in order to give the sloping front door a bit of shelter in the event of rain to minimise the risk of water ingress if the tent door is not closed properly.

A number of us (mostly if not all ladies I believe) with the Freelander has worked out a way to make opening and closing the door easier, by attaching a split ring to the metal tag, then hook it up with a wooden dowel/metal rod/etc...

I use the handle end of my extra long peg extractor from the same company that makes Delta pegs for opening and closing the door with great results.

DK

-------------
* Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest And Play! *
- 2025 - inc. FR & DE
- 2024 - 10/56 inc. FR & NL
- 2023 - 48 inc. FR
- 2022 - 49
- 2021 - 34
* Ex-tenter & solo female camper *
* Treat life events like a dog: If you can't eat it, play with it, or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away! *


Advertisement



21/6/2011 at 10:15pm
 Location: Merseyside
 Outfit: None Entered
View cheechee's Profile View Profile   Reply to cheechee Reply   Quote cheechee Quote  
Joined: 23/5/2011

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   16

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

 

Wow, thank you everyone plenty of ones to look at and see which is best for me

Val....you wouldn't be just a little bit biased would you , although must admit the bell tents are tempting just a bit out of my budget I'm afraid.

I will have to do my homework now I have something to work from, sometimes just getting started on an option is difficult but you have all helped me in that department.

 



Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes

New! Please upload a photo of your tent to the Tent Showcase!


21/6/2011 at 10:26pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View angads's Profile View Profile   Reply to angads Reply   Quote angads Quote  
Joined: 28/4/2011


Guest

Forum Posts:   215
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 3
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

i am 5 ft 3 and own a vango icarus 500, very easy to pitch and i do it on my own


22/6/2011 at 12:35pm
 Location: Aston Clinton
 Outfit: Kampa Holkham + Outwell Yukon River*
View arsenaldes's Profile View Profile   Reply to arsenaldes Reply   Quote arsenaldes Quote  
Joined: 13/6/2010

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   5090
Tent Reviews:   12

Site Reviews Total: 4
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

The Icarus 500 is a great value little tent with the added advantage that you can get add ons for it later if you wish this cant be said of all tents. 2011 models are in my opinion better than earlier versions

-------------
Experience enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.
Everything has been said before, but since nobody ever listens we have to keep going back and saying it all over again and again and again





In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Tent talk. Advice, info and recommendations - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...














4522 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement


Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar


Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder