I am considering buying a family tent primarily for impromptu short breaks and long weekends.
There are 5 of us, my good lady and I and 3 boys aged 5, 3 and 3.
I only want to buy one tent so I want to get it right, I want it to have plenty space so we don't grow out of it.
I have done quite a bit of research and am looking at the outwell Hartford XLP.
I would really like some good honest feedback on this, the only thing that really gives me pause for thought is the size (7.5x7m) and how limiting that could be for campsite selection.
Any thoughts?
Robinson2002
------------- R2K2.
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
I felt sorry for your lack of replies so thought i'd reply!
You may well have problems with pitches at that size but it all depends on the depth of your pockets really!
Although pitches are usually around the 6m mark, some sites have a limited number of xl pitches which they will charge the same price or a small premium for. Those that haven't won't usually turn you away but you may have to pay for two pitches.
It would just mean ensuring whichever site you book know in advance the size of the tent if you're willing to pay the fees :).
On the tent note, I hear lots of good things about it but if you wanted other opinions you could always take a look at the tent reviews area on the site.
I am in the same position - looking for a good family size tent - I am looking at the Skandika Milano 10 or the Vango Tirgis 800xl
Never even thought about pitch size as new to all of this !
What is a "standard" size pitch then ?
Does it differ from country to country as i would love to do France next year
------------- family of 6 and camping novices
July 2013 - River Valley - Co. Wicklow
August 2013 - Nore Valley - Co. Kilkenny
April 2014 - Silver Sands , Wicklow
June 2014 - Camping des 4 verts , Camping Haliotis
As mentioned, larger tents can sometimes encounter problems on some sites. You will either be refused, charged extra for a "jumbo" pitch or in some cases charged for 2 pitches which then makes breaks very expensive!
There are sites that accept larger tents but you may find your choice is more limited - just something to think about before parting with your cash!
A tunnel tent makes the most sensible use of a rectangular pitch offering you living and bedroom space.
As a guide, the Camping and Caravanning Club standard pitch is 9m x 5m.
We have the Khyam Ontario 8 which is a roomy but simple to erect tunnel tent, offering a SIG (sewn in groundsheet) for keeping out drafts and wayward toddlers in which drops flat at the doors so no trip hazard, spacious bedrooms at either end and a large central living area, standing hight throughout, large windows and good ventilation.
This tent measures 7.5m x 3.7m and we have always found it to be spacious for our family of 5 and have never encountered a problem getting onto a site due to its size.
Where abouts in North Yorkshire are you?
It is nice to see another Northerner on the forum!
------------- Helen xx
Mini Mad Mum
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
Good advice Helen will check out the Khyam now !
I have 4 under 4 so need plenty of space and also easy to put up too.
------------- family of 6 and camping novices
July 2013 - River Valley - Co. Wicklow
August 2013 - Nore Valley - Co. Kilkenny
April 2014 - Silver Sands , Wicklow
June 2014 - Camping des 4 verts , Camping Haliotis
I've never pitched one but I understand tents with crossing over poles are a bit more complicated to pitch. Tunnel tents are dead easy.
What about the outwell Vermont xlp
------------- 2013
Easter - Thorpe park tin tent
May bank - Saxdale
Whitsun - Nantcol
June - Studfold
July - Priests house, Barden's back garden ;-)
July- 4 vents Paris for euro Disney
Aug - Saxdale
Aug- high straggleton farm
Aug BH - Studfold
Sept - Stratford
Oct - Masons
NYE -saxdale (eeeek)
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes