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Hi Everyone,

We're looking to buy a new tent at the moment, having sold our Wynnester Anglesey as the kids aren't coming with us as often now. I would like a more compact but spacious tent which we can use for 2 of us and very occasionally 4, probably for weekends. I would also prefer one which is easy to erect and pitches flysheet first, with a SIG throughout. I have been looking at:

Coleman Mackenzie X4

Outwell Nevada M

Vango  Yukon 400

Vango Orchy 500

Would you please give me your comments on which tent you think is best and why - also if there is another tent you think I should consider?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Jan. 

I have the Yukon 400. It's easy to pitch and designed to withstand horrible weather.

However while it is perfect for three I wouldn't try and sleep 4 in it, unless you are on those very narrow self inflating mattresses and are happy to sleep extremely close to each other.

I have seen the Nevada M a few times and it would definitely give you more space, both for sleeping and in the living area. Although it is perhaps not quite as weatherproof as the Yukon there are many very satisfied UKCS members who have survived unscathed in it during very bad weather

The Yukon does get unbearably hot during the daytime if the weather is anything like last weekend and I don't think the Nevada M would be any better. Last weekend I would much prefer to have been in the polycotton version of the Coleman Mackenzie X4, but it does cost a whole lot more.

There are many satisfied Orchy users here but they have a known problem with the inner not fitting very well plus all the disadvantages of domes if you are erecting/striking in very windy weather.

Thanks Peter, that helps. I might consider the Yukon and a pup tent. Both the Nevada and the Mackenzie are still looking like strong contenders. I'll reconsider regarding the Orchy if there are known problems... does anyone else have experience of these tents please?

Thanks also Princess for bumping me!

Hi Jan

Have you considered a Royal tent. We have the Royal Avignon 4 Select SG tent (see in my profile) which is a 4 berth with 2 bedrooms, SIG, side porch (great for storage) and canopy. We have pitched it twice so far and find it very straightforward. We have also managed to get it back in the wheeled bag easily both times - couldn't even do that with our small tent!!! Its very spacious for a 4 berth and has a good head height throughout. There are 4 of us (2 adults and 2 teens) and we find it has plenty of room but it wouldn't be too big for me and hubby on our own. It measures approx 3.00 x 4.80 (plus side porch 1.00 x 1.00)

It is a 2007 tent so you can pick it up quite cheaply. The Royal Bordeaux 4 Select SG is a similar design but I have heard that the Avignon seems to be more spacious due to the shape of sides

Good luck with your search

Hi All,

To update, we've just bought a Coleman Mackenzie X4 and are looking forward to using it very soon... thanks again.