I have never worn a tent out yet. I have changed tents because my circumstances changed and I needed bigger or smaller or once changed to a caravan and back again. I only usually have one tent at a time and have given tents away or sold them. I know there is supposed to be a life expectancy on tents but if you look after them and treat them carefully they should last years.
Use to camp years ago with my first husband with my two children when they where little in a small 4man vango tunnel with no ehu,basically roughing it . But really enjoyed it .
Then tried it with my second husband years later , no children all grown up, he hated it soft lad!!
Well I didn't give up .
We went through 3 different styles of tents till we found the montana 6
We have all the extras that go with the monty awning ,carpet, canopy etc we need ,with the ehu if course!!!
Just waiting for the roof protector to arrive, I don't think I could find a better tent it is perfect for the two of us
he loves camping now. :-)
He books all the trips away come rain or shine ...😃😃😃
I have found the type of tent that suits my needs, namely a Dutch pyramid canvas tent that could withstand stormy weather.
I am keeping my Hypercamp Escala 4 for as long as I can until I can afford a better Dutch pyramid tent with less pegging points, namely the ESVO Bedouin 280 or 340.
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! *
Use to camp years ago with my first husband with my two children when they where little in a small 4man vango tunnel with no ehu,basically roughing it . But really enjoyed it . Then tried it with my second husband years later , no children all grown up, he hated it soft lad!! Well I didn't give up . We went through 3 different ...
I have just replaced a vango equinox that I bought in 1995. It's been used on average 3 or 4 times a year since I got it, unfortunately the fabric had finally given up and it was no longer waterproof and I could no longer keep it taught................I don't think it owed me anything though and if my Helsport lasts as long I will be well happy..
Just my input on UV exposure, we have an outwell tennessee 6 and the first time we put it up we plastered it with sprayway UV protector spray (silicon based and sticky until it dries), several trips in UK and France and its still good as new (reproofed in Brittany last year) and its as watertight as as ducks bottom :-) we normally change cos of tent envy but this one is a keeper.
This is since the early 90s, I think - memory is hazy! I had a small 2 man dome tent that I gave up on in favour of a 3 man dome with better porch, and stoop entry as opposed to crawl, but no windows. 2 man dome was donated to my favourite campsite and they use it as emergency accommodation in case of mishap - including a biker melting his tent by getting it stuck onto a hot exhaust pipe, apparently!
3 man dome with no windows got tired after much use and was recycled - groundsheet into a boot liner and flysheet into fabric to make doors for FoO's Coleman chef annexe.
After that I had a Peakland 3 man dome with windows in porch, which is still serviceable for short breaks,though a little worn. I am not quite as serviceable and rather more worn, so have cut down on crawling by upgrading to a larger Aztec 3 man tunnel with windows in porch and standing room throughout for a shortie like me. That will probably be my last tent, I'm guessing!
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We're still on our first tent but about to get our second. We have had an easycamp Cosenza 600. Brought about seven years ago. Love this tent. Very spacious and always looks great and very solid. Only downside is that it erects inner first and does take a while to put up.
Really want another vis a vis style although these don't seem as popular anymore. End of last year decided to try and buy a Vango Midas 800. Not the prettiest looking tent but ideal for weekends and longer breaks with a canopy for extra room. As usual the canopies are hard to come by but was lucky enough to pick up a brand new one (last on shelf) from Camperite leisure.
So I've currently got the canopy and am desperately saving the pennies to pick up the actual tent. Next month fingers crossed. If I can't get the tent I know I can sell the canopy.
Can't wait though as having something easy to pitch will help us get away more often, and when the kids don't want to come with us we'll have room without needing the canopy.
Will not be selling the easycamp until we've trialed a new tent out though. ( if at all!!! )