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Topic: Tunnel tent that I can put up by myself

bluejake

29/5/2013 at 3:05pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: None Entered

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Hi,

I am after a tunnel tent that I can put up by myself after having a disaster with the Kampa Woolacombe 4 on it's first outing? I am 5' with a 3 year old son so it needs to be easy. My last tent was eaten by mice!

Anyone have any suggestions? I have looked at Air tents but I can't find any reviews on them and they are very expensive.

Cheers

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autopilot

29/5/2013 at 3:28pm
Location: Earth
Outfit: Karma Bell Tent (5M ZIG) + Robens Tarp

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Dont give up yet! Other than bell tents and pop up tents, tunnel tents tend to be the easiest to put up single handedly, even really big ones. It comes down to technique and practice - peg out one end then pull the other end, peg that down (not too tightly) do the rest then adjust. Also have a look on YouTube as there are some guides on there. Have another go in your lawn. You CAN do it :)

Tigermouse

29/5/2013 at 3:28pm
Location: Bolton Lancs
Outfit: Tent & Toyota Granvia

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Have a look for the Vango Midas 400 - vis-a-vis tunnel design with some good features, plenty of headroom and dead easy to put up solo. I got mine locally just before Easter and I'm well pleased with it. JR Leisure have them at £149.

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Tigermouse

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youlbury

29/5/2013 at 3:44pm
Location: Cornwall
Outfit: Outdoor Revolution Ozone 6.0 xtr Vario

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Icarus 400/500 or the many look a likes, easy and light enough to mage to pitch yourself.

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It's better to ask a silly question than make a silly mistake.

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clunty

29/5/2013 at 3:56pm
Location: Worcestershire
Outfit: Montana 6 Icarus 500 & Cabana 4

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My now 13 yr old who is shorter than you and very small build can manage the Icarus 500. Admitedly, she doesn't have a three year old "helping".

bluejake

29/5/2013 at 4:12pm
Location: None Entered
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Thanks. I did have a previous Kampa that I could easily put up by myself but the mice ate it my own fault for not getting it out the shed when I should have.

The woolacombe steel poles bent on first use and I am now in dispute with Camping World about a refund but after putting a post on the Kampa Facebook page I now Kampa are onto it. I am concerned that if they bent like that with a few people putting it up, and following the instructions in the tent bag, christ knows what they would do with me on my own!!

I will have a look at the icarus 500. Shame I can't afford the air tents as they are superb for a single mum like me with my not very helpful helper.

KellyW

29/5/2013 at 4:37pm
Location: Cumbria
Outfit: Montana 6

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Icarus 500 - 3 fibre glass poles, saw 1 go up in 10 mins at the weekend (if that) - was very impressed.

I've got a base 4.2 can put that up & down myself really easily. Up and pegged in 5 mins! Honest, brilliant when it's just me & the little folk.

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Opensauce

29/5/2013 at 4:59pm
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If theres just the 2 of you as you describe then a medium size dome tent as small as you can get away with would be easier to erect single handed. You could also consider quick erect tents like Kyham. This one, perhaps?

heath63

29/5/2013 at 7:40pm
Location: wirral
Outfit: Outwell Nevada m Vango sigma 300

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The best way for to erect a tunnel tent. Saw it on U Tube somewhere. Thread all poles through the sleeve. ring and pin, the front and back of tunnel tent. Pull up the back peg it down so it will stand. Pull the front up, peg it down, then ring and pin the middle pole now. Put in the bedroom pods, Peg out as normal.

Easy peasy,. I can erect my Nevada M in seconds. Pegging it out takes a bit longer.

This way is the most easiest, If it's windy or to stop the tent moving before lifting, is to peg the corners .

heath63

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dk168

29/5/2013 at 8:10pm
Location: Devizes Wiltshire
Outfit: MWB VW Crafter PVC

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I had a Khyam Freelander before, and could pitch it up on my own and I am only 5'2.

DK

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SA2009

29/5/2013 at 8:38pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: Outwell Biscayne 600 &Vango Icarus 500

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I've just bought a Icarus 500 for me (5ft 3!) and my four year old, hoping to do a trial pitch tomorrow with a view to camping at the weekend in it, will let you know how I go!

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mcguire6078

29/5/2013 at 9:04pm
Location: London
Outfit: Kampa Frinton 4 Classic Nevada M

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Not sure if you have seen the Gary Cross Camping method for erecting tents. Will work on any tunnel style tent. As long as it's not too windy can easily be done by one person.

Cross Camping

Post last edited on 29/05/2013 21:10:08

Jukie999

29/5/2013 at 9:14pm
Location: Dorset
Outfit: Outwell Vermont XLP Vango Icarus 500

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Hi!
I bought the Icarus 500 and pitched it last weekend on my own in about 15 mins and certainly not rushing ..... I'm 5ft 1 and had no problems. Used the Gary Cross method pegging 4 corners first then threading the front pole first by the door to fill it with air and it lifted itself !

carperjake

30/5/2013 at 10:44am
Location: Scunthorpe
Outfit: Amazon 800 & Horizon 800

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I put up an Amazon 800 and and Gelert Horizon 800 on my own, it's practice an dtechnique, that's all.

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Coming soon to a campsite near you, Jake, Mrs Jake, Little legs, Bosdog the Doodle and Olly the Cavachon.

2014:

August: Scarborough, High Yedmandale. Not tenting though, using one of their lovely holiday homes!

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