We just don't know which tent to go for as we've looked at so many lately. We've got a Coleman Mackenzie X4 and want to change it for something with a bit more living space as we found this a bit tight when full of all the usual equipment for 7-10 day trips. Head height is also an issue as other half is 6ft1 and bending is a real pain for him. I'm a weather wimp which doesn't help as I get anxious in wind and rain and can't sleep or relax if I don't feel safe.
We're thinking steel poles for stability and polycotton or heavier weight polyester for noise and weather. We have kind of narrowed it down to a small handful of tents...
1. Robens Triple Horizon (on SUPER deal from local dealer)
2. Outwell Ontario LP
3. Kampa Frinton 4 Classic
4. Kampa Frinton 5
What do you think? We're undecided :/ (sorry for long post!)
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That's almost (change my mind often.. lol) the conclusion we've come to after the research we've done. We do have a large conservatory for drying out a cotton/canvas tent but we're slightly worried about pack size and weight too.
Would the fact that the Robens Triple Horizon has been discontinued worry you? It seems to have the right spec for us, stability/cotton etc. and the price is really attractive. It has a more modern look than the Kampa which may seem superficial but you have to like a tent when you're going to live in it for upto 4 weeks a year don't you?
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I too have been in the same predicament as you. Way to many nice tents to choose from. And when it comes down to cost... heavier fabric, or more room for living?
I too was undecided on which tent to get and all the tents you listed were in my same line-up.
In the end I thought I had it narrowed down to the Frinton 4 Classic for its Poly/Cotton fabric and ok/livable size. A little smaller then I wanted but could probably live with it. But dropping down in fabric to the Frinton 5 wasn't worth the little extra living space to me , yes its still a better choice in fabric vs many others like outwell...for example. As the Frinton 5 has the 100D poly.... but still to me wasn't much gain in space overall.
But then I stumbled across the Kampa Tenby 6 And that was the wise decision for me atleast. It cost relatively the same as the Frinton 4 Classic but has a whole lot more livable space and still better quality fabric over the Outwell tents. Tenby 6 has the 100D poly, inner roof lining to help keep cool in summer and warmer in colder weather. Plus the sleep tite system. And an optional front canopy. And with the built in front vestibule you can get in and out of the tent just fine in the rain. And I also believe the majority of the poles are steel so should be overall a pretty stable tent.
So the Tenby 6 did it for me in the end. You should have a look at it.
Good luck with your decision. And Happy Camping.
I also might want to add that I haven't actually purchased this tent yet,... but when i'm ready to make my purchase this will be the one I go with. The Tenby series has gotten great reviews here on this site in the tent review section. So I know it will meet everyone of my expectations.
you will still get your guarantee with the Robens tent as its with the shop not the manufacturer but if something is wrong and they are out of stock you won't get a new one. Thats the only thing that would worry me.
All down to personnel choice really but if you shop around you might get a good deal on the Kampa ?
Pack size they usually come in two bags one for the canvas and one for the poles. They will be heavy been polycotton but it will be justified when you use it
Well, we've narrowed it down to either the Frinton 5 (have read some excellent reports about the 100d polyester quality) or the Frinton 4 classic. Our local guy has a few tents up in an indoor barn display at the moment but will have more once the season starts properly around March. Do you reckon the prices will go down for 2010/2011 tents much after that?
Just hope we get it sorted soon, first trip booked already for June! We're off to Old Oaks in Glastonbury, anybody been?
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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
Given you requirement for a bit more space - the Frinton 5 would be my suggestion. It will last 3-4 times longer than the other polyester tents. The Frinton 4 classic would be slightly superior in terms of material, breathability etc but in comparison to what you already have will it actually give you more space?
------------- Love our set-up and need no more tents or gear, so trying to stop looking!
Yeah thanks Speedcamp - re. size - that's what him indoors says, but then he has experienced my sleeplessness (and resulting crankiness) in polyester so is tempted by polycotton! lol
We might take a long day trip over to Norwich and check out what they have in March/April. Otherwise it's a Kampa... until we see something else of course. It is horribly addictive to keep looking
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