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Hi happy campers,

We've been camping around in a 'compact' Sunncamp for a few years now and feel the need to spread our wings into a bigger tent. It's just me, the missus and 2 kids (10 and 6 yrs old). So we've looked around the internet sites etc and thought that the bees-knees Khyam were the go until we found that they don't have a sewn-in groundsheet which seems quite important after being in a few mighty deluges. So, kind readers - what do we buy? suggestions greatly appreciated - shortlist so far = Campus Indiana 6, or the mighty Khyams, or Outwell, or hey just rig up a tarpaulin of it's hot! [jest]

We are fair weather campers to be honest and usually do June to Sept - your help?

He there

I agree the montana 12 is brill. They also make a canopy for the montana 4 & 6 but not the 12, but there's no reason why a side canopy from outwell wouldn't go over the door to make a but extra room on the side for muddy boots/ cooking etc

I agree the montana range is excellent.

They don't make a canopy for the 12 but do do a side canopy that would probably fit for muddy boots or cooking

What is your budget?
How are you transporting this?
Primarly for weeks away, or weekends?
Will the two kids share a sleeping pod together or would it be better to seporate them?

Thanks again for your messages guys and gals - I'm getting a bit twitchy about campsites not allowing us on with some of the bigger tents - eg coleman columbia 10 great, fantastic price, montana 6 or 12 -  but I came across this on the web today "ideal for family or group (if site permits)" what if they don't permit ?! We don't want to set up a Billy Smarts circus tent (only funny for those over 40 I suspect) but nor do we want to continue being floor dwellers crawling around on all fours, and we all know how we get our pants on (or off*) in those situations! Anyoine tried the Campus Super Trio Deluxe - wife likes that.

Happy for you all to ditch my post at this point if you feel that you're getting bored with my deliberations ie "oh why don't they just buy a tent and get on with on it"! Answer , we want some cheap holidays, quite cash-challenged and don't want to make a big mistake.

Paul (aka forest 16)

If you want a bedroom for each of you, then I'd say you couldn't go wrong with a Vango Aspen 700.  3 bedrooms so one each for the kids and if your budget strecthes, go for the DLX with the extended porch. These tents are superb, very light and airy and with a SIG.

We've always had BIG tents and I mean BIG, we've had a Suncamp Tourist Plus 20XP (Sleeps 16 - 22 peeps & 5 bedrooms!!!)  There is a thread that lists tonnes of sites accepting big tents so don't let that put you off.  Go and have a look at an Aspen on display, you'll not be disappointed.

There`s only four of us, and we just got the Nebraska XXL. Lots of room to spread out in and no worries about being on top of each other on a wet day. Superb tent.