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I'd say don't go for a dome, as they are tricky if the dome is too high. Tunnels are easier  - I can do a vango icarus 600 no problem, although it does not take me the suggested 12 mins! My kids are not the most help - the 9 year old can hold a pin in place if I'm desperate - and husband does not do camping - so I'm sympathetic to your situation! I have to say that whenever I've struggled on a campsite (eg trying to pitch my huge 9 sleeper dome tent in a gale) people come and help!

Hope you find something that suits, and get many happy days of camping

Kate

I would not go for a tall dome. You really need someone tall inside to help lift the poles with a dome. A tunnel tent would be better, preferably not too large or heavy. Something like the Lichfield tied arch tents with 2 steel poles and piggyback fibreglass poles may be a good idea and more affordable if that is also a criteria. Good spec, space and you insert the 2 main poles, peg the base and lift each in turn (the pegging keeps them up but you can guy out if its windy). Then thread the fibreglass piggy back poles and put on the pins welded half way up the steel poles. Only then need to guy out. Lichfield are a sister company of Vango and it seems that Vango technology and an even higher spec has gone into the new Lichfield designs.

My husband has said he would consider camping with one of these! Our Icarus is new last year though, so I thought I'd wait a couple of years to see how they are developing. sound good though!

Snag with domes is that you really need someone inside to raise the dome while you scamper round outside popping in the pins. With a tunnel, I put the poles in with them laid on the floor in a stack, then put up and guy out one by one. I've managed OK alone in all but worst weather.

Let us know what you decide....