Please can anyone help in deciding on a 4/5 person tunnel/pyramid tent to use for a few weeks in Summer. Must be very robust, not too many poles to snap together.Sewn in groundsheet, large eat- under area, stylish. Shortlist DeWaard Leeplaar,Cabanon Biscaya. Any others to consider. I know these tents will cost £1500 ish but should last and make us feel good! Thanks.
sorry cant help but your blue face is a little sad, i would add that you dont need to spend that much to get a decent comfortable tent, have a look at a range of tents.We like our Outwell which is spacious, light, pretty stylish (not that this matters), canopy to cook under and plenty of space.
You list some nice tents. If it's not a rude question are you new to camping or returning? You joined the site in 2004 but this is your first post?
I'd be wary about spending that much money if you're new to camping or even if you're coming back to us. If you want canvas you can pick up some nice second hand Cabanons on ebay - the unstylish frame models perhaps but very easy to put up.
Otherwise as Phil+ruth say there are some lovely tents around that don't involved that much money.
Otherwise if you've camped for ages, know you love it and just want a shiny new tent then go for it!
I've seen the Cabanon Biscaya pitched, personally if I wanted canvas I wouldn't want to faff around with a dome set up. I love the ease of a frame. Also I didn't like the ZIG - the tent has no mud flaps so although you could zip out the ZIG in hot weather if you got caught by a downpour you'd have a very wet tent. I'd rather have good mudflaps and a loose groundsheet.
Can't comment on the other tent, but the Biscaya would meet all of your requirements. We found it slightly easier (and quicker) to erect than a normal frame tent due to the identical poles. Also love the ZIG - no bugs or drafts at all inside. Also, the tent is well ventilated, so I don't think you would ever want to unzip the ZIG. I've heard a few people worrying about erecting ZIG-first during a downpour - we've not had this problem, but you could zip on the outer before you peg it all out (or just wait). We love ours, but some people have had issues, so you might want to search the folder. And remember the 500 is quite a beast when packed, so check your car is big enough. I would say it is essential that you see everything you're interested in erected (and packed) before making any decisions.
It might also be worth having a look at the Cabanon Barbados; a cotton canvas pyramide tent with SIG. Though it only has a dividing curtain, and not separate inners (but then nor do all Biscaya models), and the living area is not as huge as perhaps you would like, this is a fantastic, doddle to pitch tent with absolutely minimal poles.
You could add a side panel for more privacy and to provide a little more shelter.
We have the Guadeloupe (smaller relation) and it is a brilliant tent; surely the forerunner - and more simple version - of the Biscaya.
Yes , Liddenham, very good suggestion . We have been fairly regular campers for the last 35 years , usually in a series of smaller tents , bought at last minute. As each year passes we have made do and always with compromise somewhere. A too big, heavy phase followed with a giant Khyam (sold on this website) . Two weeks in the wonderful Scillies last year, spent in a lightweight yet quite well designed Vaude Badawi. So this year we wanted a more robust model which was relatively simple and quick to erect but at the same time offered some living room, with a robust design , without requiring a trailer to lug it around. The Dutch swear by their elegant De Waards , but do we really need to spend that much?
Outwell Indiana would fit your bill pretty well. It's the best alternative to a frame tent that I've found.
Very spacious, very stable, very light, well ventilated. The canopy is included and is a nice touch.
I've not pitched one (it's still on my wish list) but it's a cracking tent. For two of us we'll buy the 6 - it's a little bigger than the 4 but with the same number of poles.
Outwell are fantastic and will give you more than you need for a fraction of your budget. Indiana, sun valley or given your budget norfolk lake; you won't go far wrong.
Good luck
Rob
------------- All The Best
Rob
March Wales
April TBA
May TBA
June TBA
July TBA
August France
Sep TBA
Oct TBA
For that kind ofd budget you could be looking at a Karsten tent.
------------- Love a lot. Trust a few. But ALWAYS paddle your own canoe!!
Minds are like parachutes:- They only function when they are open!!!
Those who talk don't know.
Those who know don't talk.