Our local camping shop seems to have expanded massively since I was subjected to being dragged around it when I was small and my parents got a caravan so we had quite a good look in quite a few tents at last!
The other half is very taken with the Ohio - they only had the L pitched but its huge compared with our current frame tent. I think he also likes all the headroom, being 6'2". I liked that the kids can all fit in one bedroom and that there seemed to be quite a bit of space in the living area (but am now worried it won't be enough after I read a comment on here that it seemed quite small compared to similar models on the market.)
We didn't manage to see the Idaho but have seen the panoramic tour on the World of Camping website. I prefer the layout of this one and it looks like it has more usable living space. The only thing that niggles me about it is the porch area - at least with the Ohio you could still cook outside and stay dryish (even without buying the extension.)
Has anybody managed to view both in the flesh?
(Sorry - we are in a complete panic as we're going away next weekend and still no tent, but at the same time need to get it right as the tents we like aren't cheap...)
Thanks!
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hi we have a idaho xl and love it to bits its big and roomy superb living space and realy sturdy you could do a lot worse the only niggle we have with it is getting it back in the holdall can take a bit of jiggery pokery but apart from that we have no quarms and would recomened it to anyone
I would second the Idaho XL we love ours but it has been in the garage all winter not in its bag as I'm not entirely sure its physically possible it put it back in lol x
Another vote for the Idaho XL. A palace of a tent! We also failed to get it back in the bag the first time. However once you know how, it is fine! Good luck whatever your choice!
Idaho XL . Better over all value . You can do a lot with £250 change over the Ohio XL.Vermont XL would be a close second . Cutting it fine to get one and have a trial run , especially in this weather .Does it have to be an Outwell?
------------- Be seeing you!!
Numbersix
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I quite like the look of the Gelert Corvus 6+2 or their Meridian 10, and could get either of those, plus the footprint groundsheet and carpet for less than any of the Outwell tents on their own.
Yeah, I know its cutting it really fine - the OH has a habit of saying "lets go for it" at the 11th hour...
The Meridian 10 is a really sexy tent ,and would be my choice . There is always the Vango Nile 800 or Amazon 800 or Coleman Weathermaster XL, but really the differences are all down to those must have nuances as you have a good short list .
I would not worry about the fact that a footprint groundsheet is available. Buy a ground sheet off a roll to fit 7X5m . Or the generic ground sheets that are about . But this a serious bit of kit , available for £299.99 from Wild Day . Remember the windbreak is part of the package . Qvsonline do a range of tarps/groundsheets . One for the Weather master would be £37 delievered - and it matches !! I'm also sure that you could find a 3m x 4m carpet as well.
------------- Be seeing you!!
Numbersix
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Well after going to two camping shows by Yeomans and 5 big retailers shops with large tent displays we have just ordered an OHIO XL the reason being that the living space is just large enough as standard and with 3 kids there is just enough bedroom space, but if you buy the front extension living space dwarfs most other tents on the market.
The OHIO XL falls short of the 7m size we seem to always get quoted as maximum when we find a nice site, with our old tent a Sunncamp Tourist 12xp and also on the continent pitches are normally divided so even double pitch would not work. This is were the OHIO shines with it's duel personality ( as is for limited space pitches, and extended when pitch size is not an issue ).
We shortlisted the Vermont XL as well but ruled it out in the end because of the length, we also ruled out many others such as the FLORIDA, IDAHO XL and DAKOTA. 8 We also looked at the Sprayway Valley 8 and Ravine 6+2 and the Outwell Norfolk lake and ruled them out for other reasons and we were left deciding between the OHIO XL and WOLF LAKE ( later just too dear for us plus extension is open at front which to us is not ideal with the British weather).
So to sum up look round there are many great tents out there but really think about where you want to go and will your tent be too big because if it is then you won't be able to go. If like us you need more space than an airplane hanger but also want to travel abroad with the tent then check out the OHIO XL.