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Just a word of warning when tent hunting - once you get a unit over 5m wide you may begin to experience problems booking a pitch.
You wouldn't fit the Idaho XL onto a standard Club pitch (although there are some Club sites which now have Jumbo pitches available)
There are sites that accpet overly large units but you may be limited to where and when you can camp (especially if you want EHU)

Not trying to put you off your choice but it is something to bear in mind when looking.
Maybe have a look at some of the tunnel tents available? They fit better onto a pitch, make better use of internal space and are easy to pitch.

We are a family of 5 (2 adults, teen and 2 children) and we are very happy with our 2007 Khyam Ontario 8.

Happy tent hunting.

Hi , I have just returned my Kalihari 8 tent for a full refund and I am going for the Idaho XL , my friend has one and he loves it , I know it's big and I may have some problems with pitch sizes but will call ahead to any sites first to see if they can take a tent of this size.

Only downside is you could get the Idaho XL for around £250 at the start of the year and now they have shot up in price again, the best i have seen for the XL so far is £434 with carpet included

How about a slightly used Bear Lake? I have a TL (no use to you - too small) But it's the same quality, which is VERY good indeed.

There's bound to be a load of "Only used once" deals on ebay/Preloved etc in the not too distant.

We have large tents and as of yet have not had trouble getting a pitch. Some sites just like you to ring if you are over a certain length (which ours usually is) but still we have not yet encountered any problems. I think if space is important to you and the site will not accommodate you, then look for a different site that will.

We have the Idaho XL.  Fantastic layout.  The fact that the sleeping areas do not overlook the living area and have corridors did it for me. We had a wardrobe at the end each one and it didn't infringe on the living area at all which is perhaps why it felt more spacious than just having 1 whole living area. With the carpet and extension it really is a home from home.  The extension really does make a difference.  We put the cooker and our table out in it which freed up the porch for kettle/fridge etc.

I would say go for it but best of luck with whatever you decide.

Thanks Sue you have just cheered us up no end , can't wait to hold of the XL and get our first trip under our belts, we are all very much looking forward to it

We have managed to get the carpet with the tent and just need to get the footprint and hopefuly get the extention for the start of next season and that gives us all winter buy all the stuff we want / need.

If you have any pics of the tent pitched it would be nice to see them

Has anyone got a link for a video showing you how to erect the Idaho XL i can't seem to find one

atb

Tommy45

Cpringle i did like the Kalihari 8 so i bought it but took it back yesterday to get the Idaho but the K8 is a great looking tent

This started off two weeks ago buying a Vango Venture 500 , then a Kalihari 8 , and now were on to the Idaho XL.......NO MORE CHANGES FOR ME !.......lol  

Hi Tommy 45.  This is a link for the Outwell website for the set up of the Idaho L.  It also applies to the XL. I hope it works!

http://www.outwell.dk/TentSetUp.aspx?b=Outwell&bid=2&lid=1&l=en-GB&TentId=592&catID=248&pid=1

We also have the groundsheet - saves the tent from getting dirty and you can position it where you want it before the tent goes up.  I havn't worked out how to reduce the size of my pics to get them on here yet but you can see some pics on the tent review section on here.

Lee, for 5 of you it might be worth having a look at the difference in dimensions between the L and XL before you buy. The XL is ideal for me, OH, 8 and 4 year old (eldest refuses to come)!!  

Whatever you decide, the Idaho is really a great set up.

Once you get the knack of lifting the first 2 poles up it doesn't take that long at all.  We have only erected it twice so far.  The first time probably took us about an hour as we stuggled with the poles but after reading advice on here, the second time only took us about 40mins. The trick is to open the doors and let plenty of air inside before lifting, it makes it far easier.  I'm sure it will get quicker with practice.

IMO I don't think it would take much longer to pitch the XL as there are the same number of poles etc as there are on the L.  From the measurements the XL is an extra 1m 50 wide and an extra 45cm in depth.  I must admit I have never been in an L so don't know how different it would feel space wise.

I think patience and stress are part and parcel for most people pitching a tent!  It does improve though, at least now me and OH can stay fairly civil instead of shouting obscenities at eachother!!!!

Thanks for the link Sue regarding pitching the tent thats great , it doesn't look too hard......famous last word.....lol

Cliff n Pat , great pictures there on Shell beach

I now know i have made a good choice of tent