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Subject Topic: What to do.. Post Reply Post New Topic
25/5/2011 at 11:45am
 Location: Shrewsbury
 Outfit: Vango Oregon 400
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Hi. I need some advice. We used to have a Vango Diablo 600 and ended up selling it because we didn't like the layout - kids too far away in the other "bedroom" to sort them out in the middle of the night. I don't like having to get out of my sleeping bag!

Anyway, we sold it and bought a little Vango Oregon TBS 400, which is fine except a fine mist comes in when it is raining hard, plus it has a very badly fitting bathtub ground sheet (which seemed a good idea at the time as I thought it would be good to be able to take it out and shake it). Anyway the rain runs in over the groundsheet so there is nowhere to keep stuff dry. We had a lovely long weekend in it over the first bank holiday, but it was bone dry, so no need to go in the tent except for sleeping.

So I'm trying to convince my husband that we need to get a new tent, but he is very skeptical as I was the one who convinced his to downsize from the Diablo. He will not be happy with me if we fork out for a new tent and it is still not right for us. He doesn't believe that there is a tent out there that will keep us dry and comfortable even if it is heaving down with rain - there are four of us, two adults and two kids (nearly 7 and 3.5).

So, I think I know what we need; A 5 man tent (don't really want anything larger), bedrooms that can be one whole room or split into two (as I want to be able to sort out the kids if they need me without getting out of bed!), a "living area" (with a SIG) and a porch where we can set up a camp kitchen.

I think an Outwell Florida 5 would be perfect, but I really don't want to make another mistake (especially as that would be an expensive one!). Any other suggestions?

My husband seems to be particularly hung up on pitching time so any advice on that would be good.

Thanks for your help.



Sarah

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Sarah


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25/5/2011 at 11:51am
 Location: Shrewsbury
 Outfit: Vango Oregon 400
View bananaman's Profile View Profile   Reply to bananaman Reply   Quote bananaman Quote  
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Maybe a traditional frame tent would be an option...?

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Sarah


25/5/2011 at 12:43pm
 Location: Stalybridge
 Outfit: Outwell Oakland XL
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Joined: 23/1/2011

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My set up would be ideal, for you. We have huge living space and have side extension for cooking.

Maritsa 500 or 600

Nevada M & extension

The options are too many to list

a 4 or 5m bell tent would be quickest to pitch



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Phil + Shirl


25/5/2011 at 12:53pm
 Location: South
 Outfit: Vango Maritsa 700 Navy
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Joined: 18/5/2011

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The Maritsa ticks the boxes, that's why we have bought one. We couldn't find anything with such a practical lay out.


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25/5/2011 at 3:42pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
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I sold my Diablo for much the same reason and got an Outwell Montana 6, fantastic tent and I would still have it, but I introduced my mother to camping and needed another bedroom, got a Outwell Hartford XL, only had it a few weeks and decided to sell as it was to much like Diablo.

Now finally I have Kampa Pendine 8, larger that what you are looking for, but 2 kids in one room, granny in the other and me and OH in other with en-suite facilities now. and large living area for rainy days, bought the porch for storage, cooking etc. very happy with it.

But I did really love the Montana.



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I'm working class, I do what I have to do, to get by.


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25/5/2011 at 3:49pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: 5m Bell 4m Bell Emperor Bell
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Joined: 13/4/2011

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Just a thought, but have you considered a Bell Tent? A 5 meter bell would be ideal, I can get it up in 10-15 minutes and I have a disabled/crap hand....
You can get an inner tent, I think soulpad do one that splits in two although I'm not certain.

Anyway, its a very different style of camping but a very beautiful one. So why don't you have a look at either Bell Tent UK or Soulpad, you can get SIGs and ZIGs depending on preference....

We sleep 5 and a dog in ours, thats me, the wife, 2 teenagers, a 10 year old and a fat dog.

Case


25/5/2011 at 4:03pm
 Location: Nottingham
 Outfit: Eldiss Affinity 482
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I know you dont want anything larger than a 5 berth but a Kampa Croyde 6 seems to tick all your boxes, fairly quick and easy to put up (we do it from start to finish in about 45 mins), large living area, porch to cook under and the main bedroom divides into two.

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Debs




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26/5/2011 at 5:41pm
 Location: Shrewsbury
 Outfit: Vango Oregon 400
View bananaman's Profile View Profile   Reply to bananaman Reply   Quote bananaman Quote  
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Thanks for your ideas - hugely appreciated.

I hadn't thought of a Kampa tent - they passed me by completely - and the Croyde 6 looks great.

My friends have a 4m Bell Tent. It is absolutely lovely, but I think we'd need to add the inner (otherwise the kids won't go to sleep!) and that cuts down the space inside quite a lot.

Some other friends of ours had a Maritsa 700. Another great tent - hasn't realised they come in smaller sizes.

Clearly I need to do some more research!!

Thanks for your help!

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Sarah


26/5/2011 at 7:28pm
 Location: lincolnshire
 Outfit: outwell nevada m
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Definitely a vote for the Outwell Nevada M (we have one!)

5 berth with 2 bedrooms that can be opened into one

Massive living space with SIG, loads of windows and light

Front extension provides excellent porch for storage, cooking and sitting in the rain.

Oh, and easy to pitch too!

Can't recommend it highly enough



26/5/2011 at 7:42pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: 5m Bell 4m Bell Emperor Bell
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The 5 meter bell feels a lot bigger than the 4 due to the extra height, so may be worth looking at a bit closer... but its like anything, it suits some people and not others.

Case


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26/5/2011 at 10:01pm
 Location: Aston Clinton
 Outfit: Kampa Holkham + Outwell Yukon River*
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Another vote for a Kampa tent or an Outwell Nevada

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Experience enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.
Everything has been said before, but since nobody ever listens we have to keep going back and saying it all over again and again and again




Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes

New! Please upload a photo of your tent to the Tent Showcase!


27/5/2011 at 9:08am
 Location: Rural Peterborough!
 Outfit: Elddis Xplore 302 & Defender 110 CSW
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The Kampa Bamburgh is similar layout to the Vango Maritsas, just to confuse you further!

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Yes, the car is bigger than the 'van.



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