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Hi all,

Been reading forums for last few days and decided to have a go at asking you lot what you think about some tents.

We are looking at buying a tent - we have one already but this was pre-children and it is too small.  We have some basic camping equipment already.  I've been looking at tents today and the one's i really like are Outwell montana 6 and Icarus 600 as they are a similar shape although they vary considerably in price!  This shape i think will suit us.  We've been doing keycamp/eurocamp for last 5 years and like the large open area and the bedrooms together.

The only concern i have is that we are a family of 5 kids aged 1,4 and 6 (2 adults)and i'm worried that we won't all fit.  It won't be at present for long trips just probably 4 days max.  Does anyone else have a family of 5 and fit in this tent?  I've looked at reviews and both seem favourable apart from size.

The other advice i'm after is that we may only get 1 chance to go this year so may not buy a tent now.  When is a good time to buy a tent if we don't need it for this summer?

Any advice gratefully received.

For trips of 4 days the icarus would be more than adequate. So would the monty for that matter. For extra space you can add an 'awning' (for the monty) or the sun canopy for them both.

Should you do that, get the extras this year because Vango in particular have slight colour changes year to year. Also, I would advise you to get your tent this year as next year you'll be looking at the VAT increase, and the price of tents is expected to go up anyway on top of that.

Try and get to a tent display where you can have a look at both of those tents.

WE are a family of 4 our kids are 3 and 4 years of age so we wanted a tent with a large single pod that would take the 4 of us so we were together.

in the winter sale we picked up a wynnster raven 8 from somerset camping for £150

after looking at the ratings on the tent reviews on this site, the wynnster came highly recommended its quite big 8 berth too at 7.5m x 3.5m most 8 berth come up a bit smaller. this might be ideal for your needs.

We are a family of 5 (mum,dad and 3 boys 9,6&6 (twins)) and we bought a Gelert Corvus 6+2 last year and it has loads of room for us. It got and extra bedroom and it's not as pricey as the Monty, but its still a really great tent and ticked all the boxes.

Its a tunnel tent with 3 seperate rooms and a huge living room, its really is worth a look. The extra's (canopy, awning, carpet) are great too if the budger will stretch that far.

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/tents/p/Gelert-Beyond-Corvus-6-+-2/1029

This is the blurb:

The Corvus 6+2 offers the optimum in comfort and living space. With the option of an additional side bedroom this model offers choice and versatility to the user. Due to the large front and side windows, light freely enters the tent whilst the small canopies over the side doors provide additional protection from the elements.

Specifications :
flysheet fabric: Polyester with waterproof PU Coating.
Inner fabric : Breathable Polyester.
Groundsheet : durable polyethylene
Hydrostatic Head : 5000mm
Poles: 10 x 19mm steel poles & 5 x 12.7mm fibreglass poles 2 x 16 mm steel porch poles.
Weight : outer 14.7kg
inner 24.6kg
Pack size : Outer : 75 x 43 x 33 cm
Colour : Vibrant blue, Steel grey and Anthracite
Pitching style : Outer First

Features :

* Electric cable zip access point
* Packed in large carry bag for convenience and portability
* Sewn-in inner tent groundsheet prevents unwanted drafts and bugs
* Living area windows
* Large inner tent and additional removeable second bedroom
* Pre-attached guying system
* Hanging tent storage pockets
* Two door entrance options
* Multi ventilation options
* Tent accessory pack included

There aren't  many reviews because its a new tent and there are a copy about ground sheet blowing but we have never had a problem, its just making sure its picthed right.

hi, thanks all for replies.

On reflection i think those tents would be too small and that we would outgrow them quite quickly.  I don't know why but got my mind set on a outwell - when i went to view i just seemed to prefer them.  I will now broaden range to find exactly want we need.  I like the style of the montana 6 but the larger versions from outwell are so expensive.  I think i will have a look at khyam and winnister and see if i can find one that has a similar style to the montana - are they both good makes i want it to last us.

Thanks

kiddywinkles - we are getting the hi gear kalahari 10/gelert meridian 10, which ever we find at  better price.

Khyam is a well respected brand - the Ontario 8 has 3 bedrooms (2+2+4) and the 4 berth can be divided with a curtain.
Very easy to pitch, measures 7.5m x 3.7m so fits on a standard pitch, the bedroom pods are large and can accommodate 8 x 75cm wide airbeds so a genuine 8 berth tent! I think some manufacturers base their bedroom sizes on size zero models!!
If you don't want all the bedroom pods up you can remove them to create even more living space.
The living area is 3.7m x 3.2m so plenty of space for the growing family, 5000HH rating so very waterproof, standing height (225cm), cable entry points, large windows, great ventilation (we've never had a problem with condensation), SIG with the added bonus that the groundsheet goes flat at the doors so no trip hazzard.
You can buy carpet and porch to turn it into a real home from home.

Search the Net for the best prices - usually around £200 - a LOT of tent for your money and will last for years.
Ours is 3 years old and has withstood several batterings from the Great British weather and still looks like new!!