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Hi there,

This is my first post and I am really impressed but a bit overwhelmed by the vast amount of information here.

I am the single parent of a 6 year old and we have been camping a few times in a borrowed tent.  I'm now ready to take the plunge and buy one but am struggling to work out what to buy.

I've pretty much narrowed down my brands to Outwell vs Vango - the fact that 90% of the tents on most sites are one or the other seems like a good clue to reliability.  Ive read a lot of reviews  here but am really struggling to narrow down my choices.

My ciiteria are

 - must be pitchable by single (reasonably tall female) person

 - must sleep ideally 3 people (so we can take my child's friends along when she is older)

 - SIG preferred.  polycotton also

 - would like to be able to buy matching awning for extra but protected outdoor space

 - max £300 new or second hand

 - must alllow adult of 5'9'' to stand up at least in the living space if not the bedroom.  I get wicked backache otherwise.  So have been looking mainly at tunnels rather than domes.

 - would prefer 2 sleeping compartments but can live with one.

I'd be really grateful for advie from all the people out there who know more than I do - that is probably all of you!

Many thanks,

Alison

Sounds Like an Outwell Virginia 5 to me  £199.00 at Yeomans and you can get a front Canopy

If Its got to be polycotton then what about a 4m Bell Tent, They are around the £300 mark and you can get them with SIG or ZIG

Oh and welcome to the MadHouse

Wow - what speedy advice!  based on a quick look, I think I'd go for the Virginia 5 - bit more headroom and 2 sleeping compartments.  the borrowed tent we used was an Icarus 300 and there wasn't enought headroom for my liking.

any other suggestions?

I

Dont Forget the Virginia 5 has all them loverly windows plus a rain protection above the door,

Its a slightly smaller version of my Oakland XL

Quote: Originally posted by MrDasherD on 07/6/2011

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You will always get people on here advising you to get their favourite tent!

Best, IMHO, to find a good tent display locally to you, go and see and discuss, then you get exactly what you need/want.

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My favourite tent is my own lol, and the Icarus suggestion also came from an outwell owner he,he

Seriously tho always best to go and see them in the flesh.

It's now a challenge to me to suggest an Outwell before a Vango gets mentioned, Plus Vango are having serious Quality issues at the moment.

The Icarus and the Virginnia are both three pole tunnel tents, with all three poles the same length. The Icarus 500 is stand up height inside whereas the 300 and 400 versions are not. The Icarus also has two bedroom compartments although the divider is a simple curtain.

I would choose between the two once you see them in the flesh. I think you could also consider the Lichfield Findhorn 4 for ease of putting up.