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Hi all,

Thanks for all your comments - I'm off to the NEC on Saturday to see big tents 'in the flesh'.

I'm still a bit worried by the sheer bulk of the Vermont XL, particularly the front porch/sun canopy ending up right at the front of a pitch, maybe near access road etc.

As a result, I now really want to have a look at the Nebraska XL as well - although the square area of the Nebraska is bigger than the Vermont, it is generally less bulky (my OH says the Vermont looks like a big catering tent!).  I also like the separated sleeping areas so there's a bit of separation if parents or inlaws stop by for a night!

As an aside, is it possible to remove one of the sleeping areas in the Nebraska to increase the size of the living area? (I guess I'll find out on Saturday, but if this is possible I think it'll be the tent for us!).

Really great site this - I think I must have almost read almost every post/thread!

Cheers,

Tim 

Quote: Originally posted by TimandJulia on 15/3/2007

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As an aside, is it possible to remove one of the sleeping areas in the Nebraska to increase the size of the living area? (I guess I'll find out on Saturday, but if this is possible I think it'll be the tent for us!).

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Yes you can remove either or both of the pods.  They hang from the tent flysheet and can be unclipped.  I'm pretty sure one of the two inners can be half collapsed and rolled up; I.e. leaving a 4 berth and a 2 berth up.

Steve 

Quote: Originally posted by TimandJulia on 15/3/2007

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Thanks for all your comments - I'm off to the NEC on Saturday to see big tents 'in the flesh'.

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How did you get on?

We did the same today and ended up with the Vermont XL.

We also considered the sleeping layout of the Nebraska but decided that we preferred all of us sleeping away from the noise of any road at the back of the tent. We also thought that the porch and living space of the Nebraska wasn't quite big enough for us with 3 kids.

It's amazing that we too had exactly the same thoughts as you have mentioned in this thread about the various tents.

Steve

Steve,

Have still got my head in brochures trying to decide!  I think ultimately there's so much choice, that we've been over-analysing our needs to try and get the 'perfect tent', when in reality most of them are great tents and would be absolutely fine!

Saw the Nebraska XL first of all and was impressed with the amount of space, but there's probably too much bedroom space for us that we wouldn't use.  It's just me the OH and 2 small kiddies - although we thought we wanted another sleeping area for in-laws, kids friends etc in the future.  Whilst we could easily drop an inner to make more living space, it still just seemed a bit of a waste - and I definitely agree with your point about sleeping at the front, or right next to a neighbour if the tent was pitched cross-ways.

Then we looked at the Vermont xl, and if anything thought the reverse - the living area and porch are vast, yet the bedroom area isn't as versatile as the Nebraska for extra family etc (agree with other posts here about having a 2-3-2 arrangement).  We don't think we need quite so much living space, although I think the front opening porch/canopy is superb.  It does look like a huge tent from the outside.

However, we were most impressed with the Outwell polycotton tents (the OH particularly so). It was a bit blustery while we were there first thing this moning - all the tents were flapping around a bit and the groundshets lifting - except for the polycotton ones - which were serene in comparison and had a really quality feel to them - and I love the thought of  a cooler tent when in warmer places. 

So we then went to go-outdoors in Coventry to see the Norfolk Lake - very, very nice tent - the 2x 3 person pods would be fine for us, with the additional 2 man option all we need for future versatility.   However, it is the same length as the vermont xl, is big and heavy when packed up and will take up almost half the car boot - so we'll have problems taking much else with us other than the basics.  The next size down, the Arrow Lake has a similar living area, but smaller porch - if anything I think we would happily give up a bit of internal living space and keep a decent sized porch.

Having said that - I'mw almost certain we'll go for the Norfolk from Outdoor Megastore  (10% discount on again, but still ends up way over original budget) - final decision to be made tomorrow!

Cheers,

Tim

Tim

To bring the saga to a close - I'm happy to report the deed is done!

Norfolk Lake just ordered from Outdoor megastore - OH happy that I've done thorough research and have taken advice from experts here (but unhappy at the amount of time I have spent on this forum reading about all other things camping!).

Content that we've got a great tent for the next few years - will report any odd experiences (with the Norfolk!) as and when!

Ta for all the advice - I'm off for a lie down!

Tim

Tim

Congratulations, the lake tents are excellent quality and I'm sure you'll love it.

Steve