Hi - I am looking for recomendations for a tent for myself and my 2 daughters (one adult, 1 teenager) both my eldest and myself have back problems so crawling about on our knees is out! Its just for when the mood takes us to chuck it in the back of the car for a weekend (fairweather campers!!) -
1 - needs to be lightweight
2 - needs to be put up easily
3 - needs standing up room throughout including bedroom
Has anyone any suggestions?
------------- Hols 11
Easter - East Calder
Wee break in tent - Aberfoyle
Summer - Whitby/Barnard Castle
Aug - Craigielands
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Easy, the Vango Icarus 500. Easy to put up, standing height throughout, three poles all the same length so there's no confusion what pole to put where, and the all important sewn in groundsheet and inner mesh door. The 2010 model will be all over ebay now as used once Icarus's get swapped for the new colour because there's a new canopy out. You might get one for about £80, just check it's in perfect condition. A new 2011 model has a slightly higher spec so take a look at that too but it will be more expensive.
I second the above. The only answer could be the Icarus really. Got a bit of a cult following on here with some fantastic reviews. It meets all your requirements and more.
I can highly recommend the Licata 400 It's a doddle to put up (I'm a short unfit mum of 3 and can do it solo in about 15-20 minutes), SIG, standing height throughout, massive windows let in loads of light, spacious living area and large bedroom pod that can be divided. Easy Camp are from the Outwell stable so quality is excellent without the huge price tags!
Ok heres one more for the list, Outwell Virginia 5. Only available at Yeomans Outdoors but a really good tent nonetheless. It is light, easy to pitch and standing room throughout - have a look here:-
To go on a different route, you could try the Hi Gear blackrock 5, or the gelert Atlantis 5, they are Identical in both size and shape, even down to both being made by Gelert. The 2 tents I have mentioned will take Vango canopies on the front (not sure of the side one) but even so all the tents are within 5-10cm in dimensions.
And you could probably get a Gelert Atlantis 5 2010 model from Halfords for just under £100..
------------- If it wont move, try a bigger hammer.
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We bought the Vango Kairos 400 for overnights and touring with 3 people. Very fast to pitch (I've done it in less than 5 mins in the bedroom by myself - couldn't be easier) and a surprising amount of space for the footprint size, although compact. The quality is there too with a steel pole for stability, adjustable tension straps, large window with cover, 2 doors, lamp point, etc. Lichfield have taken over the tied arch designs this year, but there is no equivalent to the Kairos 400. There is a retailer selling them new on eBay with free carpet and footprint for £129, making the tent in the region of £85.
Can't wait until the ground is a little drier to pitch ours fully outside... we aim to use a tarp to provide cooking shelter.
Good luck with your choice!
Helen
------------- Love our set-up and need no more tents or gear, so trying to stop looking!