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Hi folks and hope this is the first post of many,

After many years promising yet doing nothing we have finally decided to take the plunge and go camping this year. As complete beginners to camping, (bar an unfortunate incident at the otherise excellent Castlerigg with a dodgy second hand tent and a gallon of condensation a couple of years ago),  I thought it would be wise to seek out the advice of those that had been doing it for years and as you seem such a friendly lot here we go...

I was looking to buy a relatively cheap tent £100 - £200 (in case we decide it is not for us) and suitable for the two of us and a five year old to sleep and live in for a maximum of 3 to 5 days. Having discounted Ebay after hearing several horror stories and not having any 'proper' outdoor specialist shops in my vicinity where you can actually see the tent erected, it is difficult to shop without being able to properly visualize the finished result.

I have considered both the Coleman Lakeside 4 and Coleman Columbus 4 as possibilities. Does anyone on here have any experience of either of these two tents (or Coleman tents in general as a brand)? If not, are there any other recommendations? The two Colemans appeal as I like the idea of two separate sleeping compartments and a living space that I can (just) stand up in (I'm 6ft 2). Would these tents actually be big enough for a 3-5 day stay once cooking equipment and other stuff has been added?

Sorry for all the questions on my first post but I want to get it as right as possible and remember..we could be pitching next to you on our first trip.

Many thanks for your time and advice. See you soon,

BB

 Hi and welcome to UKCS.

Sorry dont know either of these tents,But someone will and you will find plenty of help and advice on here.

I will say this tho...buy the biggest tent you can within your budget,cos you will soon have lots of "essssential"bits and pieces and need somewhere to store them.

Howsabout a Centenary Fiesta 6 for £199.99?

http://www.outdoorgear.co.uk/eshop.asp?wci=product&wce=51110101&desc=CENTENARY+FIESTA+6+PERSON+TENT

Loads of headroom in the living area and the 4+2 bedroom layout would give you the choice of your little one having a rooom of their own or coming in with you. Plenty of doors and windows and just soo 2006! A good quality tent with an up-to-date design, its made by a reputable manufacturer (Wynnster) who sell the exact same tent for £50 more as a Pegasus 6. Bargain! MT

I can't comment on the two Coleman tents you mention as I haven't seen them, but we do have a coleman tent (a bispace) and the quality is excellent so you won't have a problem there.

Where abouts do you live?  Are you sure there are no shops or displays coming up in your area so you can get a good idea?

Just had a look at the fiesta that MT suggested, it looks really nice.  We have the Montana 6 which you would have no problem standing up in, you can also stand up in the bedroom (which seperates into two) which is a bonus.  It is more than you are wanting to pay at £329.00 but you might be able to pick a second hand one up, which will only be a year old at the most as they were new in 2005. Just another thought.

We had a coleman bi space 500 and it was excellent so I could recommend that and the one we have now, a coleman weathermaster plus.

We bought both off ebay one was brand new, one was used and we have been pleased with both no probs. Just check out their feedback we only buy off those with 100% positive Oh and they were both under £150 you can stand up in the living compartments of both as well. Hope this helps

emma

Hi.

We've just bought a Royal Biarritz 6. It's a huge 2 bedroom, family dome tent with lots of headroom, sewn in groundsheet and a porch. It was £150 incl. P&P from www.worldofcamping.co.uk.

log on to www.unitedbritishcaravans.co.uk we got a coleman columbia (big tent) fo 130quid excellent quality, give it a go we are 3 kids 2 big peeps and dog It's ideal should cost between 350 and 400

well good