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Hi Sarah

I was thinking of doing the same myself (going away on my own with the kids).  I was also looking at the Vango Orchy 500 and hoping I'd be able to manage on my own with the help of my 10 year old.  I'm only 5ft tall though so would be interested to hear if my height would be a handicap!  There's a thread on here about the Orchy and it seems to be popular.

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=32&TopicID=140054&PagePosition=3

Hi Michelle,

orchy does seem to have a lot of good comments- we have to go up to norfolk next weekend to see OH's granny so have planned a trip to norfolk camping where I hope they will have one up to have a look at. will let you know.

Sarah x

Hi there

 Vango orchy 500, you should be fine pitching, the only issue is getting a bit of height in the living area, which the 10 year olds will easily help with. Ultimatley you would be better with a tunnel as they are lightning to pitch - ref Outwell Nevada M or Outwell minnesota 4

cheers

The Orchy will be much lighter to put up than an outwell tunnel tent. We put ours up in 25 mins on the first go. 10 year olds would be able to help out very easily.

Take a look at the measurements of each model you buy as they pack you in. We have the Sumatra (orchy 600) and it's better suited to 4 people.

Having an Outwell Montana 6 already and having helped my Dad pitch his Montana 4 I know I definitely wouldn't cope with the weight of a Minnesota.  The Nevada M seems very similar to the Orchy 500 but much more expensive! 

Hi rickit,

          I do work within the trade, but completely from an independant side,and the views and opinions that I am giving are my own as I camp alot.

The reason why in particular I was recomending a tunnel for the simple pitching for sarah jg is that a tunnel tent with short pole sleeves can easily have its poles threaded and connected into the ring pins or eyelets whilst the tent is on the floor, which helps in the wind, and then simply pegged at one end and pulled from the other (Accordian). Where as a self standing structure like the Orchy500 can be put up by 1 person with  a bit of messing about, but by far easier is if one of the ten year olds push it up in the centre to construct the dome.

I suppose it comes down to personal preference, but if there are any other questions please feel free

cheers

Thanks all for all your advice. Norwich camping did not have one up as their field is still wet and they had only pitched about a quarter of their tents- (still had quite a few up though including cabanons .. lovely!...if only we had a bigger budget!) so have decided to take the plunge after seeing all the positive comments and order the 600 in grape today - very excited! What will keep me busy now I won't be spending all this time on the web looking at tents?!  Thanks again x

Quote: Originally posted by MamaBear on 29/3/2008

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Not sure what you mean about having to push up the center to construct the dome, but I don't think we had to do that.

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Hi all, i've just been bought the Orchy 500 for my birthday. I imagine it to be the same as a Vango 500 to put up,which was my first tent and I managed that fine on my own as i only have my 4yr old to help....lol I thought i would be clever and switch to the scenic 500 last year. i managed but it wasn't easy. So really looking forward to going back to the Vango with added bonus of larger living area ans sewn in groundsheet.