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Topic: Polycotton Weekender - suggestions...

ejred72

02/8/2008 at 12:13am
Location: None Entered
Outfit: Bear Lake 6 & Cabanon Guadeloupe

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I've just come back from a fantastic week of camping in my fantastic Bear Lake 6. A wonderful, wonderful tent!

Now, I know from reading on this site that many of you with larger tents also have a smaller, weekend/overnight tent too. Now I too have decided I'd like to have a short stay tent.

The thing is I have been spoilt with the quality of the Bear Lake...so I'm looking for a polycotton tent that's relatively easy to put up on my own (as I might camp just me and kids) and sleeps up to 4. What do you suggest?

As I love the BL6 I've looked at the Trout Lake - could 1 person put this up? Is this a good weekender option? I've also thought about the Baltic Sea L and the South Sea 4 - neither of these last two have I actually seen for real only online. Does anyone know where any are on display?

Are there any other tents I've missed? It would be great to hear what works for you and what you would suggest as a good buy/investment for many happy impromptu camping trips ahead.

I really want to get something soon - even this week so all suggestions are really welcome!

Thank you in advance...

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lentrott

02/8/2008 at 9:16am
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Hi there! The Trout Lake is still a pretty big tent and at close to £400 maybe a bit expensive for a weekender? Although there are less poles and canvas, it pitches along the same lines as the BL, so will be a bit easier but still better with two!

I think the South Sea 5 would be a better choice than the South Sea 4 as it has full stand up height in the middle and will be less of a squeeze for 4 people. We have the Kansas 5 which is the polyester version, and it is really quick and easy to pitch. The South Sea 5 is also half the price of the TL! I doubt you'll find one on display, but if there is a Go Outdoors near you, they usually have the Kansas 5 pitched which has identical dimensions.

My tip for the best weekend tent though would be the Cabanon Guadeloupe. It offers easily as much space as the TL but is super quick and simple to pitch (15 mins tops!), it's 100% cotton, superbly made, and will last a lot longer than the other two. You are looking at about £400 again but the money would be much better spent! If you can hold off for a while, a lot of dealers offer good discounts over the winter (despite it being a 4 season tent!). It may also be worth keeping an eye out for second hand examples on eBay!

Have a look at the top picture in my gallery!

lentrott

02/8/2008 at 9:22am
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I've just found this bargain...Cabanon Guadeloupe £329

...or if you cannot travel to Norwich try this which as far as I can make out includes free delivery!

Post last edited on 02/08/2008 09:36:47

Merry

02/8/2008 at 11:40am
Location: A quiet pitch with a lovely view
Outfit: Cabanon Noumea

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I agree with Len, and would recommend a Cabanon Pacific, Atlantic or Guadeloupe. Any one of those three would be far easier to put up than the Outwells you mention.

I have a Pacific and a Noumea (= baby Guadeloupe) for solo camping and think they are both completely fab in their different ways. MT

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rexgrant

02/8/2008 at 12:12pm
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Hi ejred.
Yes I also agree with Len and MT.
If you enjoyed the breath-ability of the Polycotten, then you really will appreciate the safety and breath-ability of the
pyramids.
Regards
Rex.

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jakks360

02/8/2008 at 2:46pm
Location: Devon
Outfit: Guadaloupe + Noumea ++!

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And me... perfect - I can easily put mine up on my own - my 14 year old (smallk for her age!) daughter took the Noumea on school camp a couple of weeks ago and put it up on her own -

You won't be disappointed!

Jackie

akjohnson

02/8/2008 at 5:58pm
Location: Leicester
Outfit: Cabanon Biscaya 370

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We've just bought a coleman Mackenzie X4 polycotton for use at weekends. Didn't want to buy the polycotton due to cost but once we saw it we had to buy it! Fatal mistake...but a great tent for weekends....seems to go up quick and has space.

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ejred72

02/8/2008 at 11:20pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: Bear Lake 6 & Cabanon Guadeloupe

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Thank you everyone for your helpful comments and suggestions so far - this site is so brilliant and everyone is so helpful! Thank you!

It's funny, I don't know why I hadn't looked at the Cabanons. I really like the look of the Guadeloupe and the fact it's so simple to put up. I'm going to check out everyone's recommendations online and do some thinking... I'll keep you posted on my decision!

Thanks again.

lentrott

03/8/2008 at 7:43pm
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No probs

, looking forward to hearing which you choose!

ejred72

04/8/2008 at 9:46pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: Bear Lake 6 & Cabanon Guadeloupe

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Hi there

I just wanted to let you know that I've bought my weekender tent! Which one?....Well, I've gone on your recommendations and bought the Guadeloupe from Camping International (Norwich were out of stock). It should be with me by tomorrow, so it'll be up in the garden tomorrow night and out camping by the weekend.

I was really taken by the quick set up, the character and of course, the canvas. I've not seen it for real yet, so I just hope I really like it when I get it up! Gulp!

I actually camped next to a Dutch family last week and they had a very similar designed tent which I liked. (it wasn't a Cabanon though!)

Thank you so much for all your help - it is so much appreciated. Happy camping!

lentrott

05/8/2008 at 10:28am
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Great choice!

They really are great tents, i'm sure you won't be disappointed! Don't be put off by the bags they come in though which don't exactly give the best first impression! It is worth getting a side panel as well which offers extra shelter from wind and rain, plus extra privacy.

Check out these threads for discussion about the Guadeloupe!

Enjoy your new tent!

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