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I'm very new to camping, tried it last year for a weekend and loved it. We borrowed a cheap tent last year from friends but now would like to buy our own.   Our friends have the Gelert Meridian 10 which we fell in love it, having looked at so so so many reviews I can't decided between the Gelert Horizon 8 or the Meridian 10 ????  I'm keen to buy all the bits such as the carpet and porch etc but just can't decided on which tent. 

I've found the Horizon 8 (2010) for £269 and the Meridian 10 (2010) for £349.

I just want to make the right decison.  Think I've spent more time and effort deciding on a tent than I did my house!!

Any help or recommendations would be most appreciated. 

Hi,

I think your best bet would be to try and go and see some tents in the flesh, are there any camping stores within your area ?

I nearly made the mistake of buying a Outwell Hartford after seeing it on the outside, but once i had a look inside one i decided that i really didnt like the sleeping pods, its all down to personal preference, so i would def try to go and view some before splashing out on one.

Hope this helps a bit

Jak

You could always check this out!

ops forgot the link!

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/forsale/v/Khyam-Campus-Seattle/987

Looking at the real thing pitched is the only way you should proceed, unless to have used a particular tent and like it, or really trust the manufacturer.

It can be a hassle as camping stores with tent displays are not evenly distributed over the whole country, but travelling around a bit is essential.

If you can get to a Yemoans show; they offer the opportunity of seeing a fair selection of this years models and some old favourites; but they are not the last word.

Take your time and have a good look over your potential choices. Try to get clear in your mind what features you want the tent to have, and what are luxuries that can be sacrificed (e.g. Price, flysheet material, maximum berth, living area space, windows, do the doors fully zip closed?, are there mosquito nets?, metal poles versus fibreglass, weight, pack size, options like extensions and carpets....... etc, etc).

Good luck with the hunt.