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Hi there!

What a fab site, only just come across it tonight.  Hope you can help.  We are a family of 5 who have been offered a second hand Freecamp tent that sleeps 8 in 3 pods for £70 (exact model unknown).  Does this represent good value for money?!  We have been camping before the kids came along quite a lot - I can't recall hearing about this make of tent and nor can I find much info on a google search.  We need to change our 4 man tent for a bigger family one, we plan on fair weather camping for long weekends.  Any info or advice would be appreciated. Thanks. 

Hi, Welcome to the forum, now you're here, you'll be hooked!! (then it gets expensive!!)

What's your budget?  If you let us know how  much you want to spend, I'm sure there will be a link to some amazing bargain in no time!!

I'm not sure I'd spend my money on a pod tent as they can be tricky to get on some sites.

Best going with a well known brand so you can be assured of quality...

Fair weather camping is fine, but you do need something that will stand up to a bit of unexpected weather if it occurs.

Happy hunting

Emma

£150-£200 will get you a fair choice of tent. Remember though that synthetic tents only have a life span of 5-7 years if used regularly. If yiou want something that will last for donkey's years, as you say, you might be better off looking for a second hand canvas frame tent. There are quite a few of these around and £200 would buy you a top quality brand one like Cabanon quite easily, with 5-6 berths and in sound condition. Downside of course is pack size and weight.

Take your time and look around. Draw up a short list...berth size, SIG (Sewn In Groundsheet)?, sleeping configuration, shape, ease of pitching, footprint, carpet etc etc. And yes you're only intending to use it for weekends now but how about in two years time, when the camping bug has really bitten? If you buy a tent that can be fitted with an add-on porch when budget permits, this might be useful.

And just a tip...put your rough location on your profile. There's lots of people here with tents they intend to sell one day. You might get lucky.