We had a sun valley8 but it is now gone to the Great Camp Site in The Sky . We have looked around (Towsure Go outdoors Jacksons ) and also looked around the internet but can not find any thing that we like/agree on . We are going to a Yoemans tent show on saturday. Has any one got some advice on what we should be looking at to replace our old tent . We really have not got a budget but would like alot of space, windows that open for good vent and a good quality build . And does pollycotton mean long lasting or leaky . Many thanks
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I would start by thinking on the lines of..do you want something similar/as big as your old SV8.
Polycotton will last much longer than nylon(polyester),but is quite a bit more expensive.
How many people will be using the tent,that narrows the search down a bit.
What about something like the Outwell Vermont L/or XL,very roomy and has the big enclosed front porch,plus the internal storage wardrobe.
A bit smaller is the Outwell Montana,available in polyester and polycotton(Montana Lake)
Both those tents have good ventilated windows,pvc zip open windows,no see-um mesh and inside curtains
I think you need to narrow down your must have requirements first,then get a short list
------------- Sue & Phil
--------------------- I Love My AeroBed
I was in the same boat as you,we love our SV8 especially for the porch bit and the only thing that we could find close to the layout was the Hawaii Reef,identical layout to SV,bit smaller width and length wise and only sleeps 5 whch was ok for us.
We saw one at yeomans and went in it but the colour wasn't to our liking even though the price was £600,going into a polycotton tent really sold us on the idea and we ended up getting a montana lake for £600 instead
If budget/ pack size & weight isn't an issue then I'd definitley recommend a Polycotton. Can't comment specifically on other brands, but the quality on the Outwell Polycotton's is really good and they have plenty of windows/ ventilation and versatile door options. If you see them at a tent display, I'm sure they will stand out from the other non polycotton tents. They are really sturdy and well made. We have a Trout lake 4 - which may not be big enough for your requirements - but I know the bigger Bear & Wolf Lakes are very highly regarded.
Never had an issue with leaks at all...and Polycotton's are much quieter in the wind; no flapping! They are also warmer in cold weather and cooler in the warm..
It's a no brainer IMO!
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Thanks for advice so far . I must admit that we are looking for something that is the same size as the SunValley (which was a great tent till daughter went through side) if not slightly bigger .Normally their are 5 of us (three adults two children) but we do take everything apart from kitchen sink so space is also important(halogen cooker a must). As Outwell is the only brand of tent we have owned i must admit to being nervous in investing money on a differant brand and then having quality issues .
I also bought a new tent this year having previously only owned Vango or Outwell, a few good folk on here kept recommending Kampa i now have the Pendine 8 and I love it, spacious easy to erect and quality to rival Outwell.
Have a look on their website as they do a few 8 man tents and there are plenty of reviews on here to compare and reassure you.
Happy tent hunting
------------- I'm working class, I do what I have to do, to get by.