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Topic: Best 5 man tent for under £150?

carlwrigh79

26/7/2010 at 6:42pm
Location: newark
Outfit: None Entered

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Hi I've been trawling the web for the past couple of weeks trying to pick a tent.

I think a tunnel tent with sleeping at one end with full sewn in groundsheet is looking the best and so far its looking like I'm going to get the Vango Icarus 500 after reading all the reviews.

Could anyone suggest anything similar or better for the money? I've found the Icarus for £129.99 so far. Thanks peeps, hoping to make a decision soon

Thanks

Carl

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DamonST

26/7/2010 at 7:37pm
Location: Bury Lancashire
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The best advice I can give is don't limit yourself to "brand new" items.

I just picked up a second hand Vango Albany 600 for £92 on eBay, and there's no way I'd have picked up anything equivalent new for anywhere near that price.

I took my time browsing the auction listings, checking out any tents I wasn't familiar with on here and reading real reviews from real campers. Eventually I found a couple I was happy with and kept my eye on them til it was the right time to drop a bid in.

If you do check eBay, all I would say is don't be tempted by the brand new budget brand tents starting at 99p. They're cheap for a reason

saint-spoon

26/7/2010 at 7:39pm
Location: South coast
Outfit: vango icarus 500 with porch thingy

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We have just purchased the icarus 500 and think that it is a cracking piece of equipment for the money. The canopy is very handy as well.

carlwrigh79

26/7/2010 at 7:54pm
Location: newark
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I've also looked at this Eurohike Eden 500 not sure about it as not had many reviews?!?!?!

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adandemsmom

26/7/2010 at 7:55pm
Location: West Midlands
Outfit: Kampa Hayling 4

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I know you are looking for a 5 man tent but will it need to sleep 5?

If so, I think the Icarus 500 will be a bit small. Tent manufacturers are very optimistic whn it comes to 'berths'.

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carlwrigh79

26/7/2010 at 7:58pm
Location: newark
Outfit: None Entered

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It'll be for 2 adults, 2 children (under age of 5) and a small dog, so would have thought it would be big enough?

rooks

26/7/2010 at 8:10pm
Location: Norwich
Outfit: Caravan wannabe

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i would give E-bay a good trawl we have been doing it for weeks and if your lucky a bargain can be had
it might be the wrong time of year to buy as everyone is looking but people upgrade give up etc etc
pick a tent look at reviews online and have a flutter

Best of luck
Paul
and as already said the 99p start ones are cheap for a reason we have just been away in a rage tromso 10 man tent they are starting on E-bay at 99p and are going for about the £130-£150 mark dont bother we were going to buy one but im soooooooooo glad i borrowed one first

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adandemsmom

26/7/2010 at 8:11pm
Location: West Midlands
Outfit: Kampa Hayling 4

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I'd measure your beds, the sleeping compartments are around 140mm each.

If you go and see one in the flesh, you can visualise how the space would work for you when you've got everything in it (4 chairs, clothes etc.).

A bit over £150 but the 600 might offer you more space?

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mjtwinny

27/7/2010 at 9:31am
Location: Waterloo Liverpool
Outfit: Outwell Virginia 5 Outwell Nevada 3

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We were undecided between the icarus 500 and the outwell virginia 5. Reviews for the outwell 10 out of 10. Went to look at both of these, specs were the same but decided on the outwell, much more light inside, more windows felt bigger inside. Is the same specs as the minnesota but the poles are different. I know this tent cost more but we feel it is worth it. Take a look at reviews and pics on here . Good luck.

HEJC72

27/7/2010 at 12:10pm
Location: North Yorkshire
Outfit: Holi * Perran 4 * Airedale 5

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For 4 people plus dog I would be looking for at least a 6 berth and an 8 berth would be even better and won't take any extra time to pitch.

-------------
Helen xx
Mini Mad Mum

Lancman

27/7/2010 at 8:10pm
Location: Devon
Outfit: Outwell Nevada M + Sunncamp Omega XL

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You can get the Icarus 600 for £150 and I think the additional 750mm width would be well worth the extra £20 over the cost of the 500. You might be able to get Go Outdoors to beat that price by 10% as well.
Now, if you want something completely different.....

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James Watt

27/7/2010 at 9:55pm
Location: Costa Del West Sussex
Outfit: Tesco 4 Man Dome. Outwell Virginia 5

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Hello Carl.
As HEJC72 has stated, you need to be looking for a larger tent.

4/5 Person tent = 2 Adults and kit.

I have a Tesco 4 person dome, and an Outwell Virginia 5.

Neither one would be suitable for 4 people (2 adults and 2 children) and kit.

Methinks a Vis-a-Vis type is more suitable for you?
2 Bedrooms next to each other is a bit, er, umm, too close for comfort, (if you know what I mean?).

For the size you wish, and the price you quoted, you'll end up with either, a 'Fair Weather' tent, or, large pre-owned one.

I wish you success either way.

P.S. Welcome to UK Campsite

Kind regards James

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In the beginning there was darkness.
Then I bought a tent.
I'm not destitute, I'm just poor.

carlwrigh79

28/7/2010 at 8:11pm
Location: newark
Outfit: None Entered

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Hi Guys cheers for all your help,my father-in-law has now offered to pay towards one (increasing budget!) What you guys recommend as the best for me where budget isn't a problem..... well too much of a problem ;)

I'm thinking icarus 600 or a outwell one?!?!??!

carlwrigh79

30/7/2010 at 10:52pm
Location: newark
Outfit: None Entered

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Hi All

Now getting this Kalahari 10which should have plenty of room.

Now looking for roof boxes, oh the joys!

HEJC72

01/8/2010 at 1:09pm
Location: North Yorkshire
Outfit: Holi * Perran 4 * Airedale 5

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I can highly recommend the Khyam Ontario 8 which would be perfect for a growing family plus pooch!

-------------
Helen xx
Mini Mad Mum

sarahpowell

01/8/2010 at 3:44pm
Location: Halifax West Yorkshire
Outfit: icarus 500 vango

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Hi there, i realise you may be looking at bigger and better now but, just had my 2nd trip in Icarus 500 ( new to camping). So easy to pitch and plenty space. Left Naburn Lock this morning with 5!!!!!! Icarus 500 next to each other!We can't all be wrong! If the 500 too small i'd say look at 600. I have double and single airbed and the (space for) 2nd airbed that i use for the dog and her basket.Good luck, trust me, i know how long and hard this decision is.
Sarah

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Lovin it so far!!!!!!

:) Josh's mom

July 2010 Home Farm York

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