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Went to the NEC show yesterday - we are looking for a large family tent and i originally came up with a shortlist (see my other thread!)...and have found the list completely change. 

Concluded the following....wasnt so impressed with Sprayway / Coleman quality of Tent. 

Kampa's looked nice but croyde a bit small, they have discountinued studland.  Stduland looks to be ver similar to the Outwell Bahia 7, and I realise a few places have these still available, but we arent in a position to buy immediately.

Really impressed with Outwell, roomy, good quality, great designs. 

So....we are now looking at the Vermont XLP and Bahia 7 (Bahia 7 being a very new design - my wife loves the 'add on pod' idea). 

Any alternative tents to these? 

Also, would Polycotton be a worthwhile investment in a tent of this size? 

Have to say im put off a little by some of the comments from one of the sales reps regarding Polycottons...saying they are require more thorough drying and care (therefore space and time) that the polyester equivalent.  That is quite a big consideration for a busy family without much room to be messing about with a tent after return from a holiday!! 

Granted though he may have had his own agenda...the brand he worked for have just discontinued their polycottons - somewhat driven by their risk of having to buy large orders from the far east. 

The Bahia is a nice tent, and I agree the pods are handy. It's a lot of money though, when you consider the price of the main tent and each pod.

To add on to JAAB's suggestion. The Corado range of tents from Hi Gear are discounted. So you will chave to be quick to get a new one (if indeed Go have any left), or buy a 2nd hand one.

Quote: Originally posted by 1Man1Dog on 22/2/2013

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The Bahia is a nice tent, and I agree the pods are handy. It's a lot of money though, when you consider the price of the main tent and each pod.

To add on to JAAB's suggestion. The Corado range of tents from Hi Gear are discounted. So you will chave to be quick to get a new one (if indeed Go have any left), or buy a 2nd hand one.

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Here is a good chance to get a Corado 8.......

and camping tables.....and chairs...and stoves....cooking sets...gazebo....cupboards...lanterns...torches....beds....and much more.

You also get a van to  carry it all.

Thanks for the input everyone, havent discounted the tents from my other thread, namely the Gelert Beyond Corvus / Meridien / Horizon 8, have also spotted the Vango Monte Verde.

However, did love the Vermont, felt like a great space and a step above the ret in terms of quality.  I think the Bahia is maybe just a new take on the classic vermont design.  Interesting on the pitch size though...but having said that all Jo keeps saying is that we will buy what we want / need to be comfortable...

The Bahia 7 is actually slightly narrower than the Vermont xlp - you lose out on 20cm bedroom width, but then you can fit the pods which i guess helps. 

Love the design of the Campa croyde 8 - great shout - thanks - need to see one of these in the flesh now too.  Looks to be very similar to the Vermont but about £350 cheaper.

Flexible too with the spare bedroom at the front.... 

Thanks for that arsenaldes, actually seen the Kampa croyde 8 for £450 yesterday too, so a significant difference. 

Im struggling in my own head with the extra value i would get from the Vermont for the extra £500 odd....but then its probably not me who gets the final say ;) 

Particularly when the flexibity for sleeping arrangements is so good on the Croyde and you can get the vestibule pack to close the front off.....