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Total camping newbie here, looking for a first family tent for long weekends mainly, possibly the ocassional continental trip, but want to get something that will last and handle poor weather.  We're two adults, plus kids 6 and 8.

I'm thinking tunnel might be the way to go, because dome tents look like a nightmare to put up, and for weekend trips, obviously the quicker the better.  These two look like the main contenders for good quality tunnel models with enough (but not too much) space.  I just wondered if one had the edge over the other.

If anyone had any views (or general advice on other models as a really good quality 4+ person long-weekend tent that's quick to erect), I'd be extremely grateful.

Many thanks in advance for any help - and please feel free to pick apart my totally simplistic and inexperienced thinking!

Jules

Hi

let me be the first to welcome you to this very addictive site. I too am new and posted on here regarding which tent - I looked at both that you mention but I actually went for the monty 6 It just seemed better but I guess it's down to personal preferences.

I managed to put it up in 1/2 hour with my 2 boys 11 & 12 very impressed with the tent. It even went back in the bag afterwards. Just can't wait to use it - 2 weeks to go

good tent hunting

HI ...Welcome to ukcs ....domes arrnt that bad belive me ......... But out of your two id go Monty 6..  ...pitched next to a Vail 2 weekends ago.... great tent inside and good looking outer too ...my only fault with it was when it rained the canopy which covered the frount door isnt quite the right shape as water ran from the top and came in the open sides of the canopy at an angle of about 20 degrees making all the sides of the grass it was suposed to be covering very wet, and eventuialy muddy,therefore making the ocupiers move the cooking equipment an extra 2 feet to the centre near to the door... just a silly little design fault that you wouldnt notice till it was to late....         Just to brag a bit,never had this problem under  Outwells Hartford Canopy (although this ia a dome)..

   Best of luck...

     Happy Camping

       OutWard

Wow, thank you so much to everyone for all your help!

It sounds like the Montana 6 is probably the way to go, especially as it seems to retail around £30 cheaper than the Vail, and we had been leaning that way already.

I'm particularly heartened by the reports on putting-up times - a half hour sounds great, I just hope we're as adept as you are.  I'm sure the dome tents are also great (we actually started off looking at the Vango Diablo 600 and Hartford XL), but I just get the impression that they're perhaps designed more for more serious, longer camping holidays, which we don't plan to do - at least not for a while.

Again, thanks so much for all the help.  Time to hunt around for the best deal on a Montana 6 ......

Jules 

Thanks guys.  I spotted a couple of £295 deals which seems ok, given the RRP.

I'll make some calls tomorrow, and see who can deliver fairly quickly, as we're hoping we might get away next weekend.  I'll also check totalcamping MamaBear, and see how they're placed - they're quoting about £320 I think.

Many thanks again for all the help.  Really looking forward to getting stuck in.

Jules

We bought a montana 6 a few weeks ago and had our first camping trip this weekend.

I love the tent, we had the canopy, footprint ground sheet and carpet.

I see you are from Cheshire, we bought ours from Camperlands in Northenden they do mail order and did what we thought was a brill deal at the time!

Quote: Originally posted by Trailerman on 11/8/2007

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Total camping newbie here, looking for a first family tent for long weekends mainly,....I'm thinking tunnel might be the way to go, ..... good quality tunnel models with enough (but not too much) space. ....

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No contest in my eyes - the Montana wins and with all the extras you can get now its just makes it better - I used the extension on mine for the first time and it was the best money I have spent

The Vail is nice as I was in two minds but settled for my Monty

Good Luck with your decision

Can I put in a vote for a Wild Country Homestead or Halo - probably the best family tents out there.  Try a Homestead 53 before deciding - we've used one several times with 2 adults and up to 4 kids, but admittedly better suited to 2-3 kids.