Message Forums

1. a 4m is cosy for five of us, we have a double set up in the inner (children share a double)and a sofa bed in the living are which we fold out at night but leaves little space for much else. I would like a 5m but can't justify the cost when the 4m works ok for short breaks and I wouldn't get much for it to go against the cost of a 5m.

2. I have a brand which some would say to avoid 'mycooltent.com', the company went out of business last year and many people had problems with leaks (mine did well during the jubilee weekend rain) belltent.co.uk, karma canvas and canvas and cast are a few of the better known brands.

3. Never cook in a bell tent with children about, you can get a cheap ulitity tent or windbreak with canopy.

4. Better to have an A frame entrance as this will appear to give more room and definately protects from the rain when doors are open.

I would suggest going for the 5m if you can. I have the 4m and it can easily fill up with just two of us in there if the weather is bad and the chairs are brought inside.

You'll have more headroom with a 5m and so more room to walk about. Those who have compared both sizes say there is a significant difference. Also, your little one(s) will soon grow and fill the space.

I found that the inner tent in the 4m really dominated the space, so I sold it. It actually took up just over half of the space and crept forwards past the halfway line.

Mine is from belltent.co.uk and I have no complaints about its quality.

I do resort to using the stove in the tent, with ventilation, when the weather is bad, but wouldn't risk it with children around or the inner in place. Consider getting a tarp to cook under, or a separate utility tent would probably be the safest option.

They are lovely tents and very easy to pitch.

Having had both, I would also say it's worth the extra for the 5mtr version, especially as you want an inner.

I had the soulpad 5mtr, which I found no faults with other than the pole being too thin. Not sure if it's thicker now, as I know belltent said theirs is now thicker and most tend to be very similar.

Quote: Originally posted by RTS5 on 30/6/2012

---

Now that is a bell tent I like.

I reckon you could use some sheeting/material hung off the poles around the edge and the centre pole to screen off a bedroom(s) area to save having to get an inner tent.

---

Quote: Originally posted by autopilot on 01/7/2012

---

Another question; which are better- soulpad or bell tent.co.uk?

____________________________________________________________

They're both good, from what I've heard. I've certainly had no problems with either the tent or the service from belltent.co.uk.

Quote: Originally posted by autopilot on 02/7/2012

---

Another question :)

If I bought a model without the stove port, can one be added in future?

---

You can cut a hole and add a flashing kit for a woodburning stove flue, if that's what you mean.