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Hi,

We started camping last yearfor the 1st time and basically we loved it. To be on the safe side we just bought a cheap basic tent, just in case we didn't like it.

Now we now we'll be going plenty of times we realise we need a bigger better tent.

We basically have a 4 man, one room tent with porch area (no idea if this is the proper term, i doubt it). To put you in the picture, there's 2 kids 2 adults, we need 2 rooms and a lot more room for bags/clothes/gear than we currently have.

Sorry if this is a bit vague, we're by no means experts but any advice would be greatly appreciated.

ps while i'm on. Anyone now of any campsites in the lakes that would enable us to go both kayaking and cycling.

thanks very much, i know i'm asking a lot

The Vango Icarus 500 or 600 is a good, well designed family tent. The only thing is they're very popular this year so every site you go to will be a sea of Vango Icarus's. The review section has alot more info.

Its down to budget and what you like the look of. We have the Vango Columbia 600 which has a high level of waterproofing 5000HH (2000HH would be the minimum to go with), sewn in ground sheet and steel poles for rigidity. There are 2 bedrooms one of which can be split into 2. It also has an enclosed side entrance useful during wet weather. They are being discontinued but there is still the odd one available for £275.

Steel poles are heavier than fibreglass and slower to put up but stand up to wind better. There are also alloy poles (e.g. used by e.g. Kampa) and PE wrapped fibreglass which won't splinter/break as easily as fibreglass.

Some of the flysheets are thicker and more resistent to tearing - as with the "feel the difference" 100D Kampa flysheets. Others are quite flimsy - worth checking out in person as can differ among tents from the same company - e.g. Coleman. Don't rely on the Brand for the quality. UV resistence is another factor as it can destroy a tent very quickly.

Other things to look for:

For fibreglass poled tents Vango have the TBSII system of internal strapping that can be attached in very windy weather and reduced the flexing of the poles significantly.

A sewn in groundsheet (SIG) is warmer and makes the tent quicker and easier to pitch - but you are best investing in a footprint groundsheet to go underneath so that you can protect the SIG from stones and pack the tent away clean.

The size and rectangle nature of the bedrooms. Airbeds are around 70-85cm wide and 188-200cm long (single) and 130+cm wide (doubles). Some bedroom pods are essentially singles or designed for inflatable mats rather than airbeds.

Ventilation - essential to minimise condensation in a polyester tent (an adult breathes out about 1 pint of moisture a night)

Flymesh - on all doors is best if you can get it or at least one.

Doorways with a porch over it to give you a sheltered entrance or ventilation on wet days.

Awning or ability to add an optional one again to keep you dry on wet days and enjoy bright days.

Good luck!

Helen

Hi All,

thanks very much for the help and advice, i'll have a look at every thing recommended and make a more informed decision. It'll have to wait until lunch as the internet is banned at work, in fact if i get caught now i'll be in trouble so i'm off. Back i 4 hours!!!!

thanks again

Hi again,

I'm back, after looking at the reviews. Now i have 3 tents in mind

Kyham Kansas 8 family tunnel tent, Kyham Ontario 8 & Kyham Quebec.

To me they all look very similar, is it just a case of going for the best price?? Bearing in mind i'm hoping this tent will see us through for a few years.

oh i see, thanks for the info. I thought they all looked VERY similar.

nice dogs too!!!