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Camping under canvas - Tent talk. Advice, info and recommendations

Topic: 1st tent with 2 children -where to start

Lyds1

13/7/2014 at 8:24pm
Location: West Yorkshire
Outfit: Vango Icarus 500

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I have decided to take the plunge and try camping with my 2 children (and their dad when he isn't working but seems to be away most of the school holidays). I'm looking at the cheaper end of the market and don't really know where to start. I need to be able to put the tent up myself with the "help" of a 7 and 5 year old.... needs to sleep 4 people and I would like a little bit of living space other than the sleep area.

I have read some of the reviews about Halfords and Argos tents and know the saying "you get what you pay for" but I can't afford to go over £100 really. A second hand one would also be a possibility. I live near a "go outdoors" store and looked at their tent selection but would welcome any tips and advice on what to look out for.

Thanks in advance

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Frazzle-

15/7/2014 at 10:08pm
Location: Hampshire
Outfit: Outwell Montana 6P tent

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Look at Go and find out what you like in terms of style. Man / Berth you will need a 5 man or maybe 6 (or 8 if you really like to spread out) as you also have to think that your H may go too.

No suggestions on actual tent but do not forget preloved, ebay and gum tree as you can often see your tent up before you pay for it and check it over. As I'd imagine(for example)a small amount of felt pen on a small corner would not worry you if it kept the price down to your budget.

Marty2711

16/7/2014 at 7:59am
Location: East Kilbride Scotland
Outfit: Vango Airbeam Eclipse 600

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Lyds, there's a myriad of shapes, sizes and styles going about. For a hundred quid you'll pick up a 4/5 man no problem, brand new in one of the cheaper makes like Argos or Halfords. Personally I wouldn't touch them. I've seen many lying on their side after a rough night of weather.

Like Frazzle said Gumtree and Ebay is awash with second hand stuff and you'll get a good branded tent like Outwell, Vango, HiGear (Go Outdoors), Gelert etc. at a fraction of the price. These tents don't really compare to the cheaper end of the market. They are built better and are far more durable.

Off the top of my head, for ease of building, stand up space and roominess the Vango Icarus 500 or similar would do you a good job.

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Regards,

Marty2711.

shimmsie

16/7/2014 at 8:48am
Location:
Outfit:

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We got our Vango Icarus 500 from the free ads in our local paper. Cost £90 and clearly had hardly been used as most of the guys were still tied up post factory production! It would def be possible to put it up yourself but practice first in the garden if you can. Trying to put a tent up for the first time at the site with two children around your ankles is a recipe for disaster

.

Definitely look at Gumtree. There are loads of tents for sale on there in Devon at the moment so imagine the same can be said for Yorkshire.

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August 2013 - Kingsbridge, Devon
April 2014 - Ladram Bay,Devon
May 2014 - Whitehill Country Park, Paignton
July 2014 - Rivendale, Derbyshire

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Lyds1

16/7/2014 at 12:59pm
Location: West Yorkshire
Outfit: Vango Icarus 500

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Thank you!

I've kept looking at used ones the 2 most promising just now are an Easy Camp kos 4 or an Easy camp Taranto 600 .... withing my price range second hand.

Trying to decide.... can't view till tomorrow any way due to end of term production at school today.

Advice very welcome!

sorenlorensen

16/7/2014 at 7:34pm
Location: Peak District
Outfit: 5m Bell

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Can you borrow one from someone for a first holiday? I think it'd be really useful in helping you choose...

I only say that because it isn't until you stay in one for a few nights that you see how you live and what works for you design-wise.. You'll see from this forum that everyone has a view on how much space/what layout you need.

If you borrow one, you've not spent anything upfront if you decide camping's not for you but if you do enjoy in (and I'm sure you will!) you'll have a much better idea of what you want/need

Lyds1

18/7/2014 at 9:24pm
Location: West Yorkshire
Outfit: Vango Icarus 500

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Finally taken the plunge and bought a Vango Icarus 500 off ebay, collecting it Sunday and plan 2 nights away in it next week if the weather is sunny.

Now working out what to take

thanks for the help

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