Firstly I want to apologise for starting up a new thread as I know there are so many that already address the tall issue as I have been trawling through them for days now. I've seen so many good recommendations but I'm now struggling with making the right decision, so I hope you don't mind me starting this one up. I did have my heart set on the Vango Icarus 500 but then I have read so many reviews that aren't that great, so I feel like I'm back to square one. My son and I have really been loving the camping and have been about 8 times in the last year but the tent I have means I am forever on my knees and we don't really have much of a living space so I think its about time I invested in a decent size tent. I'm looking to spend somewhere around the £150 but would stretch to £250 if necessary. My requirements are; 4 to 5 birth family weekender tent, all in one with sewn in groundsheet, big enough living space to stand up in if possible(I'm 6ft 6), stands up to all adverse weather conditions, can be put up on my own. I like the idea of a tunnel tent with the possibility of taking the divide down so its one big sleeping room. I would dearly love to hear any of your experienced suggestions.
Cheers. Nelly.
------------- Nelly
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could try outwell Minnesota 4 or 6. We've just bought a Yukon River which is same tent in poly cotton. Pitched this for the first time yesterday and it certainly is very tall. Fits all your requirements except perhaps pitch on your own (too heavy). Minnesota's can be had for under £250
if you do a bit searching.
Try and get to any outdoors shop and have a good look. I found it a help that you could go inside them (they were pitched at the time lol).
When we upgraded from a 2 to 5-man tent, I tested height, hubby & I are both tall and also sleeping space. I think other shoppers thought I was mad when they trooped in and I'm sprawled out on the floor, had to check if the double airbed would fit! It was great that even when the weather wasn't great, you could still stand up properly without looking stooped all the time. I think the sewin groundsheet is good, mine isn't and sometimes find it draughty but then not alot of condensation.
Thanks for your help guys. I do like the look of that Minnesota 4, and the Oakland L and the prices look quite reasonable on the yeomans website. The Vango Orchy 500 also looks like an option. Appreciate your feedback.
Happy Camping!
Nelly
------------- Nelly
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
I have the Icarus and I love the tent, but I know the Vango Orchy has a more generous head height, although not as straightforward to put up.
My BIL is 6ft4 and he got the Easycamp Topeka 8 man this year, he hates having to stoop all the time.
The Easycamp Topeka design is based on the Vango Columbia 8 man, so have a look at them both. There are 6 man versions of them both, although the 8 man is more generously proportioned as you would expect.
I have the Attwoolls bibury, it is vis a vis style, so it has curtain divider for the bedrooms, if you take them both down it will be one big living area. im 5'11 myself and my friend is 6'2 and we both have room to stand.
Also i being a woman can put the tent up on my own in about 25 min and about 15 mins with 2.
I can fully recommend this tent and at the moment it is on sale for £165.
People are wary of buying an own brand but i can confirm that it is built by Kyham, and is of good build quality, Sturdy and waterproof.
Its a 6 man, but i think it is an ideal family tent.
There are some images on my profile if you would like to view it.
Hope this is of help
------------- Leanne xXx
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
If you can get hold of an Outdoor Revolution Starcamper 5 it would be ideal for you - long bedrooms and excellent headroom in the living area.
We have one and I know I really should sell it as we now have a Nevada M which is almost the same but has a smaller living area. Can't make the decision to part with it yet though as the living area is fantastic for UK weekends when you spend more time 'indoors' - with the Nevada you have to have the canopy to make it 'comfortable'
Thanks again to all of you. We have got out last camping trip next weekend at Debden House and I reckon it will be the last time I use the darwin tent, and even though in a way it will be sad I am really excited about buying a proper tent. I'm sticking with Outwell now and it will be either the Minnesota, Oakland, or Virginia that I buy. I'm sure the lead up to xmas will see quite a few good prices for any of these, so I'm looking forward to getting a bargain too.