We've got a Ridgipod Classic with no pods which has been fine for us with 2 small children but is a bit big (all right then, it's huge.) We'd like eventually to get a tent with 3 bedroom inners but not as bulky as the Ridgipod. I've been looking at the Coleman Columbus 6 (I like the airy living space in the middle) but it's very very long indeed, not sure whether it's more bulky with less actual space than ours.
I'm pretty sure I'm looking for something that doesn't exist but what are people's opinions on long tents vs squarish? What are the pros and cons? Are you bovvered?
------------- You lie on the floor, you get walked on.
Long tunnel tents are usually easier to erect as they have a series of poles that generally run from one side to the other. The squarer/dome tents tend to have a poles that criss-cross in the middle and are often much harder to erect - plus, most domes cannot be pitched all-in-one.
I think that something like the Outwell Monty 6 would prob meet your needs, or the newer Bear or Norfolk Lakes.
------------- Claire x
Jan 2013 - Skiing, Kühtai, Austria
May - Swiss Farm
Fforest Ffields
Aug - Saumur, France
Oct - Somewhere...
Jan '14 - Skiing, Les Houches
To me, I would have either set up, depending on the sleeping arrangements I wanted. If I wanted a bit of privacy between all three bedrooms then I don't think you have any choice really but to go square with a big pitch.
If I did not mind some, or all, of the bedrooms being next to each other, then I would prefer a long style, as it is easier to find the right piece of ground to pitch on.
------------- Big Bunny
Robens Valley Lodge & Cabanon Pyramide 6 "... kids you distract the bear, while I run to the car...."
For us we have both depending on our needs and were we are going, how long etc. For longer trips to prefere Nebraska xxl for the space in the living area.