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Quote: Originally posted by Liddenham on 08/7/2006

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Do you think that tenters are largely divided into two distinct 'camps' (pardon the pun!); those who favour traditional design and canvas and those who prefer synthetics?

Went to view the tent display at our local leisure outlet, today, and was just admiring the Cabanon canvas when we overheard a family, exiting an Aruba and commenting that the line-up of frame tents was "Like Hi-De-Hi"!

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No, I think canvas and synthetic tents do different jobs. So although you might find campers who only have a canvas tent, or others who only have a nylon tent - there will also be those who have both and choose which tent to use dependent on thetype of trip they are going on.

And unfortunately I think the 1950s hi-de-hi chalet image of frame tents is still going strong, and with some justification. Their design details are   often quite twee eg twiddly little print curtains. The manufacturers of frame tents need to look to both their design and marketing departments if they want to keep up the size of the market that these excellent tents deserve. MT

Quote: Originally posted by Merry Terrier on 09/7/2006

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And unfortunately I think the 1950s hi-de-hi chalet image of frame tents is still going strong, and with some justification. Their design details are   often quite twee eg twiddly little print curtains. The manufacturers of frame tents need to look to both their design and marketing departments if they want to keep up the size of the market that these excellent tents deserve. MT

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I have to agree with your point; isn't it about time that manufacturers gave different options, as on the trailer tents; dispense with the roof liners and curtains (at least on some models) and offer coated polyester roof and with zip up flaps instead of curtains? Would save on pitching times considerably as those are the faffy elements of frame tenting!

P.S.

I do realise that the design of frame tents has hardly changed in several decades - testimony to the fact that they work, and they work well, but surely it is time for some minor cosmetic changes?

Over the years, we've seen  minor adjustments to the tried and tested design; plain to georgian effect window panels then back again to plain, chintz curtains to geometric designs,brown canvas colourways, oranges, greens and blues; so the only real changes have been in respect of fabric design and colour.

The introduction of tents such as the Laguna,  Biscaya and Cancun are perhaps a more modern approach to the traditional frame tent but whether or not they will be as long-lived is anybody's guess. I really don't know why manufacturers don't take the best bits of both and amend the old favourite - the frame tent - to make them less faffy, whilst retaining the dependability. After all, we have the choice of curtains or blinds in our homes, don't we, which illustrates that with the same basics but different interpretations of interior design one can create a hugely different perspective.

We're Frame Tenters every time. Started with a small 4 man Lichfield and now on our second Sunncamp (Chateau followed by Palace) both of which we bought second hand. Very large and comfortable and certainly not as claustrophobic as synthetics. Also the advantage of being able to cook inside.

Only gripe about the Sunncamps (it's been the same with the Chateau and our current Palace) is that in very heavy (or persistent rain) seem to be bit weak on the side ridges and prone to leaking. Never got to the bottom of it but at the end of the day it's never enough to ruin the experience.

I must say i do like the Cabanon rubberised roof which offers 100% waterproofing. Also their overall build quality is excellent.

campasarow

Well done on getting the Grange. Every time I see a Grange I become very jealous.

Three years ago was on a site when two middle aged women arrived with a brand new Grange complete with sun canopy that they had bought 'second hand' (I mean this tent was brand new and still in its box) which they then proceeded to tell us thay had manged to knock down in price to £170. Couldn't belive that they had picked up £800 of tent for so little.

campasarow

We have a Sunncamp Grange and a Sunncamp Vario 900 (new this year) We loved our frame tent and like everyone else has said the space and stability of them are great. We decided to get a tent with a sig and wanted one that we could use for weekends as we found that the frame tent takes too long to put up and takes up a lot more space in our trailer. Both have advantages and disadvantages, you need to think what sort of camping its going to be used for.

Good Luck with what you decide

Just chipping in on this thread as I noted the reference to tentsdirect.com. I live near Cirencester where they are based and the office has closed down ..... now they may well have moved, but the website still states the Cirencester address.

Just like to get in on the discussion.

We have had a cabanon Athena for about 6 years now, and except for a stormy session in Ireland, we have found it great.

recently due to age (ours...not the tents) we decided that for short trips a tunnel would be easier on travel and installation so we get a Sula 6. found it fine but not quite as roomy but ideal for a couple of nights.

So its a case of you pays your money and you takes your pick.

Whatever you buy, I'm sure your camping days will be as happy as ours