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Topic: Best material

iank01

31/5/2019 at 12:23pm
Location: Worcestershire
Outfit: Buccaneer Cruiser

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If buying a 4 man tent which is the best material, polyester, polycotton or cotton?
The tent is for a small family, couple plus girl 13 & boy 8 years of age. As it is a starter tent not looking for anything overly expensive, but prefer to pay the extra for a tent that is fairly robust and will last more than a couple of seasons.
Have ruled out any air tents that there still seem to be too many problems with them although easier to erect in some ways. Pegging down will probably take just as long. However if there are any air tents that stand out may consider one.
All very contradictory but know zero about modern tents as last time stayed in a tent was when in the services in the sixties. In case you are wondering the tent is for the daughter and family.

Bob61

31/5/2019 at 2:07pm
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I am sure those people who swear by the material their tents are made of will tell you theirs are the best but if you just want a family tent at a reasonable price, that will last several years if looked after, then a polyester tent is as good as any other.

I have seen so many problems reported with airbeam tents that I wouldn't touch one with a tent pole.

My choice (of course) would be similar to mine (see profile) with metal poles. Dead easy to erect...just fit the poles while it is on the ground and then pull up the front pole using the guy ropes like a pram hood and temporarily secure with pegs. Straighten it all out and then go round with all the pegs to pegging points and finally the guy ropes. The pegging will be the most time consuming bit but with a family all helping it shouldn't take long.

dmsplat

31/5/2019 at 2:18pm
Location: North West
Outfit: Obelink Familia 6; ESVO Bedouin 280

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I own all three & I prefer cotton (but only because I'm snooty).Cotton is lovely & breathable and will last (almost) forever if you look after it, but it's bulky and heavy (and really heavy when wet). It also takes longer to dry.

Having said that, if I was after one tent to do everything then I'd go for polycotton. It's cheaper than cotton and dries quicker. It's also more breathable than polyester (so it lets condensation out quicker and it will be less like an oven if it gets sunny) but it is heavier and has a larger pack size than Polyester.

It's best to take your time picking and to not rush into something just because it's a good deal.

Finally, some people swear by air tents, I'm not one of them (yet!).

Caligula

31/5/2019 at 4:01pm
Location: Suffolk
Outfit: Very variable

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I'm not playing devils anything, but merge Bob61 and dmsplatt…..and that to me is all spot on. All makes sense.

My personal preferences are also for poles...one if possible, and polycotton or cotton.
But I can see a case for polyester...….

Hedgehugger

31/5/2019 at 6:03pm
Location: Wirral
Outfit: Aztec Mardi Gras 3

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I couldn't handle the weight of cotton; my tunnel tent is polyester and has been fine for me, easy for one to put up.It's a three person style. I'd be tempted to go for a five person tent if there are four using it - a bit of extra elbow room comes in handy. My daughter has one now with a central living area and bedrooms at either side and they seem happy with it.

Bob61

31/5/2019 at 9:55pm
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With regards to the size of tent, mine is a 5 man tent but on the occasions when my mate joins me for a camping trip we find it a little cramped. You have to take account of the size of two or more airbeds, things like tables, chairs and of course personal baggage which can take up an awful lot of room.

I would go for the biggest tent you can handle and in that respect it might be best to see some tent displays if there are any in your area. They all look big when empty but imagine filling them with the 'essentials' (lol) and that space is soon filled.

seanfdh

31/5/2019 at 10:10pm
Location: North Devon
Outfit: Robens Fairbanks Coleman Phad X3

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Are the 13 & 8 year olds going to be happy sharing a bedroom? Would the 13 yo be happier with a pup-tent to herself?

I'd suggest going for something cheap(ish) to start with as nothing teaches you what you really want in a tent or tents like using one.

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Sean

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