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Hi,

I thought I would join this forum as it is packed with information!  I have never had a tent before and thought I would visit this site; I have read several reviews on different tents on here, and they are all positive, which has brought me to a quandary as to which tent to get.   I would like a 6 berth tent for my wife, me and two kids.

Originally I had thought of the Outwell Idaho L but the price is putting me off a bit at about £490. Then I had thought of the Outwell Montana 6 or Dakota 6, again these are at about the £400 mark and from what I have read I would need an extension.  The kids sleeping area does sound good though!  From some of the posts these tents sound heavier and harder to put up/down than say the Vango’s!

I have also looked at the Vango Sungari 600 which is about £300, but again may need the extension for cooking facilities, etc?

All the reviews on this site sound very positive, but I can’t make my mind up (and of course it is hard to not physically seem them side by side).  Hence if there is any help you can offer I would be very grateful.

Thanks.

Welcome to the forum !

First of all, relax . You don't need to get all your gear in one go . Most of us didn't .And as tempting as it is to become fully loaded, the downside is that you are having to get used to too much equipment in one go . Concentrate on the tent first.

The Sungari 600 is indeed a look of a bargain tent, and is worth considering.

Kampa Lulworth 6 is a generously proprotioned six berth with a canopied area, and apparently has been upgraded in production.

Coleman eXponent tents are great value for money. Consider Matrix X9, Evolva and Mackenzie 6 , possibly Modulous X7

Tunnel tents are always popular, and have a reputation of being guick to pitch.Consider the likes of Khyam Ontario 8 ,Vango Tigris 800, Kampa Salcombe, Gelert Horizon 8 or Meridian 8.

All these suggestions can be found below  £300.

Hi, we are quite new to camping and bought a Gelert Horizon 8 and was surprised at how easy it was to erect and there is so much room inside for 2 adults and 2 teenagers.

Good luck with your tent buying.

Lynn

Quote: Originally posted by pjh10 on 28/6/2009

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Hi Neil. I don't know what camping shops are like in the far north

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All,

Thanks for all the advise, i'll look into them all.  Edinburgh is not far north, however for display tents it seems to be....... not many outlets have more than 1 large tent on display, very frustrating!

thanks again.

I have the Vango 600.  The 900 creates an extra large lounge and another bedroom.  Certainly big enough for a family of two adults and two children.  I found it to be robust and easy enough to pitch.  I think that both are within your price bracket.  Porch provides an excellent kitchen area.

I have now bought an additional tent for solo camping.  I agree with the other comments about visiting displays to get a feel for something.  I agonised for quite some time before making a purchase.  In fact, there is no substitute for sheer experience.  I have paid for many mistakes.

Hi Neil

As has been said, you should have a look at tents "in the flesh" first.  You should take a trip to Go in Coatbridge.  It's only down the road a bit and it has a very good selection and a big display area with lots of tents pitched (I think the Hartford may be up just now).  If you get a card (£4) and sign up for the mailing list you're likely to get some really good deals too!

All,

thanks for the positive feedback etc.  I went to GoOutdoors at Coatbridge, and after much diliberation we decided to go for the Outwell Idaho 6....... we felt it have seom bettter features than the Vango's (in terms of the windows etc).......

Again, thanks to all. 

so when are you going camping- and where?  I hope the weather holds for you and your as lucky as we were with our first (and only as yet) trip as the weather was amazing.

Good luck  Lynn

Don't know if it's of interest, but if you have a card and a voucher, you can get an extra 15% off between 6pm and 8pm on 9 July!  I suspect it's not worth the hassle of returning though.

I'm between an Outwell Nevada 3 (it was pitched insideat the back left of teh Coatbridge shop), a Vango Icarus 400 or 500 and a Coleman Columbus 4 right now.  At the minute I'm swayed in favour of the Outwell...

Happy camping!  And if you're looking for nice sites within driving distance for a weekend, I recommend the Gillespie leisure parks in D&G.  I take my 2 year old to Seaward but I believe there is another one just down the road which is good for older kids.

Thanks to all for the advice.  We haven't been camping yet as the wheather has been SO bad up here this last week or two...... hopefully next week or the weekend after!

cheers, Again!.