Message Forums

I'd second the Frinton too - the 100 denier flysheet will double or more the life of the tent (re. UV degradation) over the 75 denier Coleman. Quality materials and a great design. We have the smaller Kampa Bude 4 and the quality difference over other polyester tents is really noticeable!

Note - the roof pole on the Frinton is PE wrapped fibreglass but the uprights are steel.

If you want a more affordable option - steel poles, SIG, bedroom dividable by curtain into 2 x 140 wide, 5000HH, 75 denier flysheet, 10,000HH groundsheet, enclosed wet weather entrance, Vango's unique TBSII internal strapping system that adds even more stability when clipped in place (belt and braced)... look at the discontinued Vango Columbia 400. There is one for £150 NEW on ebay at the moment:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vango-Columbia-400-Family-Tunnel-Tent-2009-/270636148453?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_HikingCamping_Tents_JN&hash=item3f032be6e5

Some other retail outlets still have them in stock from last year. As they've not been on display this year, people have missed seeing them. Note- some of the photos still show the pre-production model with fibreglass poles, but I can assure you that they are powerplus steel poles. We have the Columbia 600. They are fantastic tents!

PS the carpet and footprint for the Sungari 400s will fit, along with several of Vango's canopies.

Helen

Hi Diane

No problem. People can easily go off a brand - as Outwell is finding this year... Must admit, having a Coleman dome tent ourselves, I feel the same way about Coleman tents. I think they've cut corners too in recent years in terms of the quality of the materials used, zips etc. although they have some interesting designs. May be it is more a matter of the individual tent and the quality/price bracket it is aimed at.

Must admit that if Kampa did a 6 berth version of the Frinton with its sloped windshedding front it would be a strong contender as an eventual replacement for our Columbia given the quality of the Kampa materials (they beat all other polyester tents on the market hands down as does the thought that goes into all the little touches!), although it would still lack the TBSII, low level airvent system, enclosed side entrance ... aaarh!

Our Kampa Bude 4 shouts quality in contrast, despite the fact that the Columbia is way ahead of may other tents in the way of quality...

Anyway - try the company below. They are Kampa's Yorkshire dealership - whether they'll still have any up on display is more suspect:

Caseys Camping
Within Stephen Smiths Garden Centre,
Pool Road,
Otley,
Leeds,
West Yorkshire
LS21 1DY

TEL: 01943 465462
FAX: 01943 850825
www.caseyscamping.com

Good luck with your decision...

Helen

Quote: Originally posted by dianeb on 05/10/2010

---

Cheers for that Helen, I've been there this afternoon to look at the Coleman. They didn't have the Kampa tent unfortunately. I've left a message at Peak-Outdoors to ask if they have one on display. They are down in Mansfield so bit of a trek but I'll be happier seeing one before I buy.

How big is the side porch on the Columbia?

Diane

---

The porch is a nice size for your wet gear and possibly a toilet overnight. The external door slopes in so the floor area is larger than the roof area (if you see what I mean). The photos on the review page for the tent will show this.

Helen