We have camped in various tents over the years and have decided to go for a frame tent but don't know which one!! We need something to suit a family of 5 which includes 2 teenagers, something robust to protect us from the elements
any advice would be very much appreciated.
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All frame tents offer stability in inclement weather. Some are slightly thicker canvas than others. Some have mud flaps which go outside, and some go inside - if the flaps go inside then you can make them more draught & insect proof by pegging a groundsheet through the flaps.
The choice depends on the style which appeals to you, and most importantly, the condition of the tent. If you are buying from ebay, make sure you ask whether there is any sign of mildew or marks caused by dampness. Don't let 'broken springs' or 'rubbers need replacing' put you off, these are both easily fixed without much outlay. If a canvas frame tent has been well looked after it will last 30 years, so don't worry if the seller says that the tent is 10 years old - providing they have cared for it, it will last you another 20 years.
We have a cabanon 3 berth and a sunncamp 6 berth..both canvas,love them both,huge amount of space in the sunncamp..but I think as a family of 5 you may need something slightly bigger
as JK says,dont let "poles need re-springing" put you off..I managed to re-spring our Maisie no problem for about £11,they truely are better than polyester (wish I'd changed years ago) and don't take any longer to pitch,but do need more care.
Just check the listing for damage,mildew,(as has been said) and go for it.
Good luck and happy camping!
------------- March- Padstow
April- Forest Glade
June-Grizedale
July-Jedburgh
and lots more besides
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Hi and welcome to UKCS.
After years of polyester we got out first frame tent - a Cabanon Athena - and love it. It was 10 years old and like new
One of the very few down sides to a frame tent is the weight and bulk for transportation. If you can cope with that I'd suggest something of a similar size an Aruba or even an Espace which has 4 beds. The Cabanon quality is very high and looked after can last decades.
Take your time reading the tent reviews above and looking at all the photos, weight's etc.
Good luck.
------------- Christine
2014
April -
BunRoy Fort William 3 sleeps
April / May
Invercaimbe Arisaig 4 sleeps
Bleatarn Brampton tbc July
Have you thought about the teenagers having their own "pup" tent? Means you don't have to worry about having enough bedrooms for all of you and they get their bit of privacy.