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You don't actually have smaller space with the Columbia 600 - you actually have more. As discussed in another thread, the plan of the Samara is actually misleading. The area shown on the plan actually includes the front side wings (hence outside space). The tents are very similar in design, the main difference is that Samara goes straight down from the front pole rather than extending out from the front pole as with the Columbia, which actually means that the living space is smaller in the Samara and the front is less wind shedding. We use the front slope for added seating and low level play space or storage inside. You get greater internal floor space for the number of poles with the Columbia. 

If you use the front door in the wet you have the shelter of the tiny over-canopy with the Samara, but any front on wind is likely to put greater stresses on the front of the tent as there is no where for the wind to dissipate to (unlike the Columbia). With the Columbia you have the enclosed side entrance for wet weather access. If we want to have the front open on the Columbia in the wet we just use our £20 Vango Adventure Tarp.

The competition to the Columbia is the similar spec but much more expensive and popular Outwell Montana 600 (which is actually getting more like the Columbia each year). Kampa do upright fronted similar versions too, some in their 100 denier flysheets with retractable canopies - but you'll pay a lot more.

How about a Vango Maritsa 600 ?

* scrub that idea ...Just seen your other post ... funny how needs and opinions differ ...we thought the lack of a fronted,  useable porch / wet area with Samara was a silly design ...lol  ... agreed on the pole front though ... good luck with your search !

Quote: Originally posted by arsenaldes on 01/5/2011

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I know what I would go for, an Outwell Montana, even if it were second hand, decent quality steel poled tent wind tested by Outwell at 60mph



Outwell montana wind test

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Only the 2011 Montana with the new velcro guying system has been certified against the Beaufort scale... so a second hand one is unlikely to meet this standard. The Columbia is belt and braced too with the combination of steel poles and the TBSII internal bracing system.

You also unfortunately have little control over the use, care and storage of a second hand tent, which can significantly undermine a tent that only has an estimated 6 months of use before UV exposure starts to get the better of a 75 denier tent... many of the previous Montana models also lack the improvements of recent years (which have actually copied features - such as the more stable square porch pole - that were already on the Columbia).

For the extra cost of a Montana you actually get very little advantage, if any, over the similarly spec'd but much more affordable Columbia. The design of both tents has however stood the test of time...

Quote: Originally posted by arsenaldes on 01/5/2011

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Do Vango still make the Columbia I thought they discontinued it

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Quote: Originally posted by arsenaldes on 01/5/2011Have a look at some Kampa tents they are pretty good quality

Or how about a Wynnster Perpignan

Quote: Originally posted by Gimpymoo on 01/5/2011

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Quote: Originally posted by arsenaldes on 01/5/2011Do Vango still make the Columbia I thought they discontinued it

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New ones can be found online, the only thing stopping me buying one is the fact they are discontinued and you can no longer purchase the footprints/carpets/extensions. A shame they employ this tactic.

Is there any other brand worth considering other than Vango for a 6 birth, 3 bedroom tent for £400?

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Quote: Originally posted by shirewoodcamper on 26/6/2011

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Quote: Originally posted by Gimpymoo on 01/5/2011

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Quote: Originally posted by arsenaldes on 01/5/2011Do Vango still make the Columbia I thought they discontinued it

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New ones can be found online, the only thing stopping me buying one is the fact they are discontinued and you can no longer purchase the footprints/carpets/extensions. A shame they employ this tactic.

Is there any other brand worth considering other than Vango for a 6 birth, 3 bedroom tent for £400?

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I am considering the Columbia - you can use the samara 600 carpet/footprint as they are almost identical.

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Unfortunately not, as the Samara basically goes down vertically from the front pole whilst the Columbia slopes outwards, so the Samara's carpet will be smaller. The plan of the Samara is misleading as it includes the front wings in the plan rather than just the internal space. A better fit would be the Sungari 600 carpet and footprint if you can find these - although scarce themselves

However, don't let that put you off. The Columbia carpet is very bulky, whilst certain other makes pack up smaller. A bit of hunting should enable you to locate tent carpets of a size that trimmed or sewn together would match the Columbia. Some makes (e.g. Gelert) make their dedicated tent carpets that way - by sewing together strips of carpet, covering the join with binding tape.

Many forum members also prefer using B&Q type tarpaulins rather than dedicated footprints - just gaffer tape together and cut slightly smaller than the tent so that they don't stick out.

For a tent that would cost very much more if at 2011 prices, a bit of ingenuity on the extras is worth it in my opinion. We love the tent so much we have two (one tucked away for when the first eventually gives up).

BTW - the Samara canopy will fit the Columbia as the profile of the tents is the same.