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
Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Which Tent do we take this W/end? Post Reply Post New Topic
08/9/2010 at 7:36pm
 Location: Herefordshire
 Outfit: Outwell Hartford XXL
View jollyjojo's Profile View Profile   Reply to jollyjojo Reply   Quote jollyjojo Quote  
Joined: 20/7/2009

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   25

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

Now being the proud owner of 3 tents, I am in a dilemma...which one do we use this weekend?

Our faithful Hartford XXL, which can only be put up in dry weather as it is the old design whereby you put up the inner tent before the flysheet, it also has nowhere to cook in it....not good with the rainy forecast.  On the plus side, we can put it up with our eyes shut and it is SOOOO airy and spacious

or our little compact Attwoolls Fairford Deluxe which we bought specifically for weekend use, but again was bought with fair weather in mind and has nowhere to cook and not alot of room for sitting inside if the weather is wet.

lastly our brand spanking new, not even out of the box yet Outwell Vermont XL.  Which is light, spacious, has room for cooking, room for lots of people and BEAUTIFUL, but I have never put it up before and I will only have my mum for assistance.  Also not sure it is a good idea to take it away without trying it out first, but if I have to put it up to try it in the next few weeks, should I just take it and use it?

Oh the decisions, it was much easier with just one tent!



08/9/2010 at 8:17pm
 Location: Cheshire
 Outfit: De Waard Lepelaar & Kleine Burgemeeste
View reggiewac's Profile View Profile   Reply to reggiewac Reply   Quote reggiewac Quote  
Joined: 27/7/2009

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   304

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 1  
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: 1
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Quote from Friends-

"My wallet's too small for my fifties, and my diamond shoes are too tight."

Take them all and see which you fancy on the day. Or maybe pitch them all and then sit and chortle at the mere mortals who only have one tent.

-------------
Your mileage may vary


08/9/2010 at 8:40pm
 Location: Norwich
 Outfit: Caravan wannabe
View rooks's Profile View Profile   Reply to rooks Reply   Quote rooks Quote  
Joined: 24/7/2010

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1187
Tent Reviews:   1

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

now thats tent snobbery? lucky buggers


08/9/2010 at 9:44pm
 Location: Herefordshire
 Outfit: Outwell Hartford XXL
View jollyjojo's Profile View Profile   Reply to jollyjojo Reply   Quote jollyjojo Quote  
Joined: 20/7/2009

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   25

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 wasn't bragging, just in a general dilemma. 

The Hartford is being sold to help pay for the Vermont, just thought it might be used for one last trip

Was hoping for some advice on whether others would take a brand new tent, on a trip without having put it up first.......or would I be better off taking less practical but trusted tent.

 



08/9/2010 at 9:46pm
 Location: Costa Del West Sussex
 Outfit: Tesco 4 Man Dome. Outwell Virginia 5
View James Watt's Profile View Profile   Reply to James Watt Reply   Quote James Watt Quote  
Joined: 31/5/2010

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   994
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

jollyjojo it's a 'No Brainer'.

Take both the Vermont (it needs an airing) and the Fairford for back-up.

Take lots of Ground-Hogs, to use them on the Vermont.
Therefore keeping the Vermont pegs in perfect condition, should there be a problem requiring return.

I did that with my Virginia 5, and still use the Ground-Hogs rather than the plastic Outwell pegs.

Don't make out the Vermont is a 'Magic' tent, peg ALL the guylines, ensuring the rear of the tent takes the brunt of any breeze.   

Well you did invite advice after all. LOL

Then you can look at the other tenters, and say "they're there with their old ones, and I'm here with my new one."

Go on! You know you want to.

Regards James

-------------
In the beginning there was darkness.
Then I bought a tent.
I'm not destitute, I'm just poor.


Advertisement



08/9/2010 at 9:53pm
 Location: Herefordshire
 Outfit: Outwell Hartford XXL
View jollyjojo's Profile View Profile   Reply to jollyjojo Reply   Quote jollyjojo Quote  
Joined: 20/7/2009

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   25

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

 

Thank you James

I did ask for advice and thoughts and appreciate any that I get, for instant.......what are Ground Hogs?

We always always peg out all the guidelines on out tents.....why wouldn't we?  They wouldnt be put there if they werent meant to be used.....or are you telling me that the Vermont is rubbish and is likely to blow away in the slightest breeze?



08/9/2010 at 9:56pm
 Location: Tidbury Green
 Outfit: Swift Fairway SE 442
View Tidburyboy's Profile View Profile   Reply to Tidburyboy Reply   Quote Tidburyboy Quote  
Joined: 03/9/2009

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1443
Tent Reviews:   2

Site Reviews Total: 17
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
Site Reviews 2022: 2  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 2  
Site Reviews 2018: 2  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 7
Site Nights 2022: 12
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 15
Site Nights 2018: 2

Take the Vermont, it would appear to be the best option. If you were a newbie camper I'd say take the one you're used to putting up.

(And do people REALLY care/covet what tents other people have? How very sad if that is really true)


09/9/2010 at 12:40am
 Location: Severn Valley
 Outfit: Aztec Galeria 4 Outwell Virginia 5
View FriendOfOwls's Profile View Profile   Reply to FriendOfOwls Reply   Quote FriendOfOwls Quote  
Joined: 22/8/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1857
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 6
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

Quote: Originally posted by Tidburyboy on 08/9/2010



(And do people REALLY care/covet what tents other people have? How very sad if that is really true)

I covet other people's tents, but in a good way.  It's not envy so much as tent lust.  I love my 4-berth poly tent, which is just the right size and weight for us, but that doesn't mean I don't lust after a huge canvas bit o' lovely I see on a campsite, or a nifty little mountain pop-up which somebody pitches in 30 seconds!

We all have our favourites, but it's great to mentally play the field...

FoO



09/9/2010 at 9:04am
 Location: Beautiful Warwickshire
 Outfit: Various tents
View Sceptical Camper's Profile View Profile   Reply to Sceptical Camper Reply   Quote Sceptical Camper Quote  
Joined: 16/7/2010

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1735
Tent Reviews:   2

Site Reviews Total: 39
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

Quote: but I have never put it up before and I will only have my mum for assistance

Personally, I'd feel uneasy going on a trip with a tent that I had not pitched before. Quite apart from the potential pitfalls of pitching an entirely unfamiliar tent, a campsite miles from home is not the best place to find that a pole is broken or that something is missing!

So I'd be inclined to take one of the tents you know is 'tried and trusted'. Perhaps you could take the Hartford or your Fairford to camp in but also take the Vermont along to do a trial run secure in the knowledge that if it didn't work out you still had one of your proven tents there ready to use?


09/9/2010 at 9:32am
 Location: North Wales
 Outfit: Outwell Hartford XXL & Virginia 5
View Catalan74's Profile View Profile   Reply to Catalan74 Reply   Quote Catalan74 Quote  
Joined: 26/5/2009

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   610
Tent Reviews:   2

Site Reviews Total: 9
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'm the opposite I'm afriad....as I'd have to take the Vermont as the excitement of a new tent to me is like Christmas morning!!! I was like that with my Virginia 5! I have the Hartford XXL and it's ok when we go with the 5 kids but it's a mission even though we've put the thing up loads - especially even more of a chore now we've got the smaller tent as DH loves the fact the beer gets out earlier and with far less angry banter between us! I just couldn't cope with the temptation of a new tent sat in a box if I had the chance to go use it!!

-------------
It always rains on tents. Rainstorms will travel thousands of miles, against prevailing winds for the opportunity to rain on a tent.



Advertisement



09/9/2010 at 9:42am
 Location: Zummerzet
 Outfit: Outwell Utah 6
View jessicaw's Profile View Profile   Reply to jessicaw Reply   Quote jessicaw Quote  
Joined: 20/4/2005

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   527
Tent Reviews:   1

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

I was in this position last year and took both the old and the new tent. It took a long time to pitch the new tent which is what we used in the end, and I didn't do a very good job and it was cold and a bit lopsided, the last time I pitched (my third proper attempt) was a far better pitch!!

It is nice to try out a new "baby" but yes I'd take something else as backup. My other concern would be the weather at this time of year. Yes you are worried you won't have anywhere to sit if it's raining but watch the wind, I'd be inclined to go with slightly sturdier tents ie smaller if there's any chance of bad wind.

-------------
Single mum of 4 crazy children!!

2011 So far...
April - 2 nights in Easter Hols in Haven, Burnham (down the road).
Taking my sister and family for a trial camp locally 20th May
GLASTONBURY!! And *no* kids this year!! (Working: secure camping too!)
Chy Carne July/Aug 2011...


09/9/2010 at 10:33am
 Location: Nottingham
 Outfit: tent
View Splinter66's Profile View Profile   Reply to Splinter66 Reply   Quote Splinter66 Quote  
Joined: 31/5/2010

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   19
Tent Reviews:   1

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

Take a shufty here. It may give you the confidence to take the Vermont but don't expect to be able to do it in under 10 minutes or solo.  The guy is pretty amazing and following his method shaved 30 minutes off for us putting up our montana.


09/9/2010 at 3:44pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View xtinexoop's Profile View Profile   Reply to xtinexoop Reply   Quote xtinexoop Quote  
Joined: 09/10/2004

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3144
Tent Reviews:   5

Site Reviews Total: 7
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 so impressed that people have space to take two mega-large tents?

I would take the older ones - you know they don't leak, if its windy and they get trashed you won't cry and you know how to put them up so that will be less stressful.


Christine


09/9/2010 at 6:20pm
 Location: Herefordshire
 Outfit: Outwell Hartford XXL
View jollyjojo's Profile View Profile   Reply to jollyjojo Reply   Quote jollyjojo Quote  
Joined: 20/7/2009

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   25

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

 

Thank you everybody for your replies. 

 As the children are now travelling with somebody else, and we have the back seat we can put things on, we are going to take the Vermont and the Fairford as a back up....just in case

 

Jo



09/9/2010 at 6:56pm
 Location: Tidbury Green
 Outfit: Swift Fairway SE 442
View Tidburyboy's Profile View Profile   Reply to Tidburyboy Reply   Quote Tidburyboy Quote  
Joined: 03/9/2009

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1443
Tent Reviews:   2

Site Reviews Total: 17
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
Site Reviews 2022: 2  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 2  
Site Reviews 2018: 2  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 7
Site Nights 2022: 12
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 15
Site Nights 2018: 2

Quote: Originally posted by FriendOfOwls on 09/9/2010

Quote: Originally posted by Tidburyboy on 08/9/2010



(And do people REALLY care/covet what tents other people have? How very sad if that is really true)

I covet other people's tents, but in a good way.  It's not envy so much as tent lust.  I love my 4-berth poly tent, which is just the right size and weight for us, but that doesn't mean I don't lust after a huge canvas bit o' lovely I see on a campsite, or a nifty little mountain pop-up which somebody pitches in 30 seconds!

We all have our favourites, but it's great to mentally play the field...

FoO




Of course you are quite right FoO, I did mean "covet" in a negative way. For example, I love the Bell Tents but would not for a moment be (really) jealous of the owner.

I personally think a campers most precious possession, is the simple desire to get out there and just go camping! Now as far as I can tell, we are all pretty equal in that regard.    


09/9/2010 at 7:16pm
 Location: Costa Del West Sussex
 Outfit: Tesco 4 Man Dome. Outwell Virginia 5
View James Watt's Profile View Profile   Reply to James Watt Reply   Quote James Watt Quote  
Joined: 31/5/2010

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   994
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

jollyjojo.
           'Ground Hogs' also called 'Rock Pegs.

I bought my 23cm ones from Halfords. Pack of 8 for 3.99 GBP.

The 'wires' that came with my Dome tent soon got bent.

I didn't fancy getting my new Outwell plastic ones dirty, so never used them.

Hope it's not too late for you, to get a pack or two to try out?

Kind regards James

-------------
In the beginning there was darkness.
Then I bought a tent.
I'm not destitute, I'm just poor.



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 - Camping under canvas - Top of Page

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


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...














7507 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