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Hi All,

After much deliberating I am about to invest in a used Kyham Ultimate Classic.  We are a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids) and although I have been camping a few times I have borrowed equipement previously.  I now feel confident that I will make use of the kit more often if I had my own so feel the investment if well worth it. 

I have spend a fair amount of time trawling what is on offer and came down to a Outwell Bear Lake 6 (decided against as too heafty an investment for my 1st tent, but on my search did find a brand new one for £400.00).  Alos looked at the Kyham xl classic tc (poly cotton), but maybe slightly small and not available to June and need one for next weekend (looks a good tent though).

So although I would ultimately look for a poly cotton tent I have decided to plump for a used Kyham Ultimate classic with ground sheet for £165.00 (bargain i thought).  If all works out and the family continue to enjoy (certainly my 2 boys do, but the wife is suspect to say the least) the experience I can upgrade next time.

Any advice, experience of the above tents (especially the Kyham Ultimate Classic) or other suggestion you may have would be very welcome.

Thanks

Dantheman070 (kind of a newbie)

If you really like cotton or polycotton canvas then you might find it hard adjusting to life in a synthetic tent; we have tried it and it just doesn't 'feel' the same.

You seem to be looking at tents both with and without sewn-in ground sheets, so is this something you aren't too bothered about, either way?

If you buy a used Khyam, do check it over thoroughly before purchase, bearing in mind that you often need to be inside it to see any faults or tears (as daylight shines through so makes them easier to spot). Also check all poles and joints are functioning okay.

Best of luck, whatever you decide!

Hi Liddenham,

Thanks for the feedback.  I hadn't realised that some of my shortlist had a SIG and some hadn't!  Shows how much I know, can you help with which does and which doesn't?

I agree with you on the Bear Lake 6, I just thought it was a bit much for 1st time purchase.

By the way the Coleman Columbus 6 looks good and now a definte contender.  Have you had personal experience of this tent?

Thanks again.

Dantheman70.

Just on the size issue, would this be classed as a large tent?  i.e. ae we likely to have problems pitching on some pitches (require 2 pitches etc).  We are looking to pitch on serviced gravel pitch at Sandy Balls (New Forest) and the last thing I would want is to be told it doesn't fit, especially as they are fully booked with no other pitches!

Thanks

Dantheman07    

Nope, this is not a huge tent. The two pitches issue is mostly in respect of the mega domes, which sprawl out in all directions, so you are okay if you stick with a tunnel design.

I haven't used this tent personally, but looked (repeatedly) at the Coleman polycotton tri-space (discontinued model now, but same fabric as this). They seem well made tents, my only gripe being the headroom (This one varies in height, which might be an issue?) I like the canvas, the SIG and the fact that the poles are alloy - lighter but as strong as steel, and something you only find on the higher-end tents, but would prefer if all the poles were the same length / headroom the same throughout the tent. Another observation; living area is not very big in this tent, so you need to think how much space you think you'll need in that respect. Also, there is no porch area, again, quite a subjective requirement. Still, all three bedroom inners are good doubles, so will accommodate airbeds such as the Coleman Comforts, and the vis a vis arrangement does give a bit more privacy so you can put the kids one side and you the other.

If it offers what you need from a first tent, then I reckon it has quite a lot going for it for the money. That said, only you can know what you are looking for, so it is only a suggestion.

Best of luck, whatever you decide.

Hi,

I have decided to go for the used Khyam Ultimate Classic, mainly beacuse it seems a good deal (paying £175.00, including the groundsheet which doesn't come as standard) and as you say the extra size it gives (would you say this is a large tent that could give potential problems?).

I really liked the Coleman Columbus 6, but just felt the size might be an issue (growing family) and may well have needed to upgrade again shortly after buying.  You mentioned the Coleman Polycotton Tri-space, is this the same as this tent which seems similar to your description, this also looks like a good tent for the money. Why has it been discontinued?

http://www.camperlands.co.uk/store/erol.html#11075X11780      

Thanks for all your help.

dantheman07

I have now purchased a Khyam Ultimate Classic + essentials and I am set for the weekend.   Noticed on the Khyam website that they do not have any video clips for putting this model up.  Hopefully the owner still has the instructions and / or video.  Failing this does anyone know where I can get a replacement video or instructions?  Or any special hints and tips for putting up this tent in less than 30 minutes?  Will are arriving fairly late on the Friday with tired kids but at least there will be 2 adults  to struggle putting this up for the 1st time.

Any info help re - this model Khyam would be well received.

Thanks