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Hello everyone!

This is a first time post, although I've been a lurker for somewhile! Now I really would appreciate comments from any of you (er, that'd be ALL then) more knowledgable and experienced in camping matter than me.

I'm looking for a new tent to help persaude my fair weather OH that camping is a good idea. We'll only do it at weekends as she will only consider hotels in places very hot for main holidays - but she works hard so that's fair enough.

There's only the two of use - although I guess that we may take the dog too and - if we're paying - our 17 year old might accompany us rarely.

As she's very much fair-weather I've already concluded that it has to be a tent with a SIG but as she's not yet convinced I don't think I dare spend too much money. As a result of hours of Interweb time and a visit to both the local Yeomans and Go Outdoors, I've narrowed it down to 3 tents, each with a SIG and pretty reasonable space. They are:

Outdoor Revolution Scenic v5.0

Coleman Cedar Creek

Coleman Galileo L (only 'cos it's on special everywhere, otherwise I think it's a bit big for the two us.)

Any comments on the various Pro's and Cons of these - or indeed any suggestions of a make/model I might have missed - would be very  much appreciated.

Thanks,

WL.

weeeeeeeeeeeell biased as i may be but i would go for a cheaper tent and look for a bargain as there are many if you spend time surfing and searching on the old tin -ternet.

After some many weeks surfing i came to the conclusion that the Wynnster Kestrel 5 was the tent for us and got it at half price at £130.  This tent sleeps 5 in a 3 and a 2 pod with ample living space and a removable front that can pitch further back to create the porch area - vital for that all important "chilled glass of white/red/rose (who's fussy?) in the ambience of the setting sun".  We are new to camping as a family but raring to go but wanted a bit of space with headroom and separate sleeping pods.

I personally think camping is a great way of letting go and truly relaxing.  Its a completely different way of holidaying to going away in hot countries - both great for their own reasons. 

Here is my two pen'orth     For weekends go for the easiest, quickest you can find.  See this thread ONE NIGHT STAND
http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/active_topics.asp?PagePosition=2&showActive=6

the more time and effort needed to set up the less likely you are to camp.

Get a pup tent for teenager they need their own space, and you will only need to carry it when they accompany you.

Find a site that isn't to far away but has everything you need

Hope this helps

My OH took 20 years to persuade me that camping was a good idea.  I stipulated that I would only camp in comfort so we bought a large tent (now a Vermont XL) which gives us lots of space.  We have a double height airbed and he's had to go along with my needs for cupboards and other luxury items, like ehu (for my hairdryer, straighteners, etc).  All the sites we go to have to have immaculate loos and showers.

2008 will be our third year of camping.  I can't tell you how much I love it!  It gives us the opportunity for longer holidays and more weekends away with the kids (both aged 12), out in the fresh air with the dog.  We're off to France for 3 weeks in the summer as well as a trip at Whitsun to Devon and a weekend away with likeminded friends in June.  There will be other weekends as well.

We don't only just camp.  At Easter we had a week in Switzerland, skiing.  We're also planning more hotel holidays in the future

Winelodge, maybe this will help your OH make a decision.  I can't recommend it enough!

Quote: Originally posted by oldham on 24/4/2008

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Here is my two pen'orth     For weekends go for the easiest, quickest you can find.  See this thread ONE NIGHT STAND
http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/active_topics.asp?PagePosition=2&showActive=6

the more time and effort needed to set up the less likely you are to camp. .......

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I think this is excellent advice. The more stuff you take away with you to help you have a good time, the less of a good time you will have because you will spend a larger part of the weekend sorting out the stuff!

This is true for tents as well - there will be a thread started on here most days from someone who has bought a huge complicated tent which is great for long stays (say, once a year fortnight in August) but has then realised that their main need is actually for a much simpler quick up and down tent so that they can fully enjoy more frequent shorter trips. MT

 

Thanks everyone for the comments.

I have to say I was inclined to a simpler tent to erect for just the reasons given, which is why I leaning towards the Outdoor Revolution - just three poles and it seems to be quite sturdy.

Anybody got one? How long is the pitch time? The guy at Jackson yesterday hadn't got a clue as he'd never pitched one!

WL.

 

Quote: Originally posted by Merry on 24/4/2008

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Quote: Originally posted by oldham on 24/4/2008

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Here is my two pen'orth     For weekends go for the easiest, quickest you can find.  See this thread ONE NIGHT STAND
http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/active_topics.asp?PagePosition=2&showActive=6

the more time and effort needed to set up the less likely you are to camp. .......

---

I think this is excellent advice. The more stuff you take away with you to help you have a good time, the less of a good time you will have because you will spend a larger part of the weekend sorting out the stuff!

This is true for tents as well - there will be a thread started on here most days from someone who has bought a huge complicated tent which is great for long stays (say, once a year fortnight in August) but has then realised that their main need is actually for a much simpler quick up and down tent so that they can fully enjoy more frequent shorter trips. MT

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Hi WL

I haven't any experience of the others but I picked up a Galileo L from Wilddays last week (£185 less a £20 Amazon voucher than someone kindly gave me, so at £165 a bargain even in light of previous posts about the roof-window sagging). I had a spare hour at the weekend and it stayed mercifully dry-  I managed to get it up and partially pegged in 30mins on my own (important if OH isn't keen on getting her hands dirty!). From what I can see, its well made and comfortable- and huge which is also a bonus.

A slight word of warning- my day job is researching companies and after a slight mix-up with the ordering, I had a look into Wildday- they seem to have a very poor financial situation at the moment and a 0 contract/credit rating so if you're ordering from them, make sure its by credit card to cover yourself! That said, the tent was cheap, it arrived within a week so they must be doing something right.

Good luck with the persuasion!

Hello Winelodge, and welcome.

Regarding the Galileo I suggest that you look up the threads that are alluded to by Banal above: there is an issue regarding the skylight (rain water gathering and causing it to bulge downwards) which, I guess, is why it is not being made this year and the remnants of last year are being sold off cheaply.

I was seriously considering the Outdoor Revolution Scenic 5.0 and saw it errected at Camperlands.  It is a very good tent and ideal for 2-3 persons.  Although the living area is not as large it is sufficient for your numbers and it has the advantage of a covered storage area outside of the SIG living area.

Thanks folks, really appreciate the time taken to reply.

Have to say that it's largely because of the feedback I've read on UKCS that I've dithered on the Galileo, 'cos you do seem to get a lot of tent for the money.

Am very definitely leaning towards the Scenic, although the lack of options to extend (matching canopies, wind breaks and the like) are making me wonder if I should splash a little more cash and perhaps get a Minnesota 4.  

But then that goes against the original "see if my missus likes camping" scenario.

Decisions, decisions.....

Well after much to-ing and fro-ing I finally made my mind up and bought an Outdoor Revolution Scenic Vrx 5.0i from Jacksons of Arley yesterday who were very helpful AND were prepared to match the best price I'd found on the web. (Also seems to have been a good seller for them as they said they'd sold over 300 this year.)

Will practice pitch it this weekend and plan to use it next. Pictures and any quirks I find to follow.....

We bought the Scenic 5.0i from Jacksons earlier this year! Absolutely love it!!!!!

The Minnesota was on my shortlist, but I'm glad I went with the Scenic!

We've had a large Khyam & a Sunncamp family dome tent amongst others. All good in their way, but I have found the scenic to be well made. It is warm to sit in during the evenings & warm at night. It looks a very professional outfit when pegged out properly campared to some of the most popular choices.

To put it up, you'll need 2 of you, but if 3 of you do it, it'll take about 10 mins to get the basics up. take your time & you'll have a great base for your holidays!

I cook outside under a fishing brolly & windbreak (which I've done for years this way!) so there is plenty of room inside to sit.

We've had x4 adults sleeping in it comfortably on a mixture of air-beds & camp beds.

A good purchase, good luck with it & enjoy!!!!!!!

Right then, managed to practice pitch the Scenic today and to get it up on my own!

Took me about 45 mins to work out the best way to do it without any help and I think it'd be impossible to to on your own in any kind of wind.

New pic in my gallery.

Looking forward to using it at Cornbury this weekend when I think it may be a little wet.....