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I need a new tent to take touring in France this summer but it also needs to be able to stand wild and windy conditions in UK. 

I currently have Hartford XL but it's too big now the teenagers are rather erratic family members.  So, most of the time it's just me and a 12 year old.  If the older ones are around they can have their own little tent but it would be good to be able to get them into the big tent if need be and I will need to be able to cook and store gear for 4. They will certainly be wanting to sit inside if it's raining!

I love the Hartford XL, bags of space, great for socialising in bad weather and really cosy with the SIG.  But I broke 4 poles last year in a gale and I definitely want alloy or steel poles for my next tent.  Also new tent must have SIG and if poss space to cook in a porch (or under canopy). 

Anyway, I have been looking at the wild country homestead 52 and the outwell minnesota but I have not read a great deal about either of these.  The montana 6 seems to be very popular but I'm a bit worried this might be too big for us.  what do you experts think?

Also, do you think it is worth the money to get the poly cotton fabric eg on the Outwell Trout Lake?

Hi Daisy,

I was undecided between the Minnesota and Trout Lake as they are similar sized tents but in the end plumped for the Minnesota on weight and cost. I't's quick to erect and can pitch it on my own and very easy to get back in the bag. I also bought the front extension which really finishes the tent off.

Hi Pete

Thanks for the reply.  There seems to be loads of good press for the Montana and the Minnesota so I think I will choose between those two.  Guess I need to see them in real life to get a better idea of what will suit. (might manage that Saturday)

Can't really afford the extra for the Trout Lake.  Might spend the money on an extension like yours!

Best wishes

We have a Homestead 5 and it seems to stand up very well in windy conditions and have never had a problem (although recommend ear plugs if you want to sleep through it).  It is tunnel shaped so always better to try and pitch it end on to the wind (assuming you can predict such things).  It has 3 very solid steel poles that I cannot imagine bending let alone breaking.

It is designated a 5 man tent, but we have used it happily with 2 adults and 4 kids.  There are 2 separate sleeping compartments, so one can be left at home if there are just the 2 of you and the space used for storage. 

Wild Country tents are designed/made by Terra Nova, who make some serious expedition tents, so I tend to have more confidence in the brand than I would Outwell.  They are also great at aftersales service, so spare parts and repairs are well catered for if the worst comes to the worst.  I have only needed a new guy rope (my daughter rode over it on her bike !) and they just sent me a new one FOC - I didn't even have to pay for postage.   

Hi AndyBrad

Thanks for the information.   The Homestead seems like a good tent for us but I had not heard much about it.

So many people on these forums seem to favour the Outwells that I guess I was leaning in that direction!

I am hoping to see the Minnesota 4 at a local shop at the weekend.  I will have to investigate to see if I can get to see the Homestead somewhere.  

Thanks again. 

I never tire of pushing this tent. It's really a frame tent(steel poles) but synthetic tenting. SIG too 

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http://www.tentsandcamping.co.uk/acatalog/SunnCamp.html

Latest model is now available in Polycotton.

Hi

Thanks rickit and safeway.  The Sunncamp looks interesting and I am now distracted by all sorts of possibilities! I rather like the look of the Prism on the same site - looks intriguing but I don't think I could get to see one around here (Cornwall).

I am going to look at the Minnesota on Saturday. 

I have also started looking again at tents with a vis a vis layout because I'm not sure how we will deal with all the sleeping accomodation close together at one end.  The Teenagers are pretty noisy and keep strange hours and I do like to be able to get away from them.  Even if it is only a few feet! 

So I have been looking (online) at the Khyam Harewood (the old ridgidome classic XL) which is expensive but has a faily small pack size for a big tent.  Any knowledge of this?