Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums

Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
   Camping under canvas -  Tent talk. Advice, info and recommendations
Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Should we buy an Inflatable tent! Post Reply Post New Topic
05/2/2015 at 7:30pm
 Location: cheshire
 Outfit: Conway Corniche DL
View Earle's Profile View Profile   Reply to Earle Reply   Quote Earle Quote  
Joined: 06/4/2009

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   10

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Hi fellow Campers,

as a family have been using a Trailer Tent for years but its got to the point where we have so much stuff and just in general the TT takes ages to set up. Because of this we have become reluctant to go away last minute and last year missed all the brill weather,instead waiting for our two week holiday at the end of August but the weather was disappointingly windy and cold. So we have decided we want to get back to basics to a degree so we can be spontaneous in 2015 and follow the sun! We are going to put the TT in storage in Grandmas garage (she does not know yet)and buy a quick to erect family tent.We have done a fair bit of research and come across the newish ranges of inflatable tents. We would just be interested in what folk think about these and would be interested in any of your experiences or what to look out for and avoid.
We have just come across the new range of inflatables from Outdoor Revolution. They look good but are untested.
Any help,advice of views would be most appreciated

Chris and family

-------------
CJE


Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes

New! Please upload a photo of your tent to the Tent Showcase!


05/2/2015 at 7:39pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View Francais's Profile View Profile   Reply to Francais Reply   Quote Francais Quote  
Joined: 29/6/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   12115
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 4
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 14
Site Nights 2018: 0

To be fair I have looked at a good number of inflatable tents, but it wasn't until I went to the Karsten display at Cheshire, that I realised there was only one brand that I would spend my money on.

The Karsten Tent's simply take the concept to the next level, that there is no doubt.

As for chasing the Sun, I guess your plans are not to camping in the UK!


05/2/2015 at 8:54pm
 Location: Kent
 Outfit: BL6 & Nevada M etc
View atko's Profile View Profile   Reply to atko Reply   Quote atko Quote  
Joined: 12/7/2005

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   902

Site Reviews Total: 11
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 7
Site Nights 2018: 0

Each to their own, but about 2 years ago we garaged the trailer, sold the bear lake 6, cleared out all the stuff we didn't use and weet back to basics. Why?, because i was fed up spending a whole day erecting tents and putting everything up and in place WAISTING OUR HOLIDAY TIME.

We now have a Vanqo Evogue with awning, back box we use on occassions and every other item we use beds etc has to fight for it's place in terms of usefulness, can it do more then one thing and is it easy to erect etc etc.

In summary, its the best thing we ever did. We can be all done within 1-2 hours, rather than nearly all day. IMHO, camping should be fun and easy so we can enjoy our holiday. I think some people love camping so much they forget about their holiday / location and spend so much time with ovens etc etc.







-------------
atko


05/2/2015 at 9:16pm
 Location: Garstang
 Outfit: Outwell Vermont 7SA
View ballycfc's Profile View Profile   Reply to ballycfc Reply   Quote ballycfc Quote  
Joined: 30/12/2014

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   103

Site Reviews Total: 5
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

I can back atko up on that. Bought a Vango Icarus Airbeam 800
Last year plenty of room for us 5 using 4th double compartment as a store/wardrobe. My toddler is now 2 and is a handful and the girls are as much use as a chocolate fireguard. I can have this
Pegged out and blown up on my own in less than half an hour. Leaving them to explore. Such a bonus as we aren't getting stressed shouting at each other. Gradually everything else goes in and after about and jour and a half of not breaking sweat everything is set up. Then I call them back, time for a beer and relax :)

-------------
2 Weeks in Watergate Bay August 2017
lots of weekend escapes as soon as it warms up.

Apr - Wyreside Fisheries and Camping
May - Swiss Farm Touring & Camping


Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes

New! Please upload a photo of your tent to the Tent Showcase!


06/2/2015 at 7:27am
 Location: Hertfordshire
 Outfit: Anything I like !!!
View Cross Camping's Profile View Profile   Reply to Cross Camping Reply   Quote Cross Camping Quote  
Joined: 20/6/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3073

Site Reviews Total: 4
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Hi, the Outdoor Rev are far from in tested, they have been making caravan and motor home awnings for years and top of the range inflatable awnings for a few years.
The Ozone 6.0 xt as been the most requested to be "notified when in stock" tent we have ever stocked. The interest is huge. The fabric is the best most UV resistant we have ever displayed (drive away awning, same as the new tent range) so I don't think you have anything to worry about re quality.

-------------
Gary Cross - The masked camping guru.


Advertisement



06/2/2015 at 8:20am
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Peakland Alport
View cathbut's Profile View Profile   Reply to cathbut Reply   Quote cathbut Quote  
Joined: 30/1/2015

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   7

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Hi, atko - any tips on travelling light - or as light as you can for long trips with 3 children!? We often do multi site camping trips across France and the day packing up, travelling and then getting it all out again is exhausting. We might get an inflatable this year to make it a bit easier, anything else?



06/2/2015 at 2:12pm
 Location: Kent
 Outfit: BL6 & Nevada M etc
View atko's Profile View Profile   Reply to atko Reply   Quote atko Quote  
Joined: 12/7/2005

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   902

Site Reviews Total: 11
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 7
Site Nights 2018: 0

Hi Cath,

I can only tell you what we do which might be of some help. We also have 3 children 14, 12 and 9. We usually go to France end of May for a week and to be honest we stopped camping and hire a mobile home on a french site usually about £250-£300 for week so well worth doing that. In August it's a different matter and we do camp.

We have an estate car with roof box and the Thule back box which is a godsend. It means you can get so much more in and travel without towing our trailer etc.

We have a vango evogue tent(not cotton), after having many heavy, large canvas tents etc. It's not too big a size packed down, reasonably light and very easy to erect. We use good self inflatable beds as pack down really well. We take a cadac which gives us so many cooking options or a coleman dual fuel burner (both not both). We use the dvd players in car if it's raining in tent. We hire fridge from campsite, i know it's more money but they are so much better than camping fridges and this alone saves space. We also find we don't have to shop so often for milk etc. We take unltra light sleeping bags, kids alo use these for sleepovers etc. Light fold down camping chairs from Decathlon. The table we use folds in 2 so easy to erect and pack. We also only take 5 plates, bowls and cutlery. The list goes on. We stopped taking the sat, tv, oven etc etc.

Honestly, We take the minimum, but still want to clamp and it's improved our holiday experience so much.

As ballycfc said above, my wife and i would also argue so much putting the tent up etc, now it takes so little time it's a much better start to our holiday.




-------------
atko


Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes

New! Please upload a photo of your tent to the Tent Showcase!


06/2/2015 at 2:24pm
 Location: Garstang
 Outfit: Outwell Vermont 7SA
View ballycfc's Profile View Profile   Reply to ballycfc Reply   Quote ballycfc Quote  
Joined: 30/12/2014

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   103

Site Reviews Total: 5
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Hmm the Thule Back Box? Is that the 949 Easybase, I'm looking at one of these. If so do you just use the base or do you have the hard box aswell. Been trying to justify the extra price of the box. Might just buy the base this year and the box next year.

-------------
2 Weeks in Watergate Bay August 2017
lots of weekend escapes as soon as it warms up.

Apr - Wyreside Fisheries and Camping
May - Swiss Farm Touring & Camping


06/2/2015 at 6:41pm
 Location: Derby.
 Outfit: Karsten 350+Awnings
View Mucker1884's Profile View Profile   Reply to Mucker1884 Reply   Quote Mucker1884 Quote  
Joined: 01/7/2012

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   9052
Tent Reviews:   5

Site Reviews Total: 40
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 2  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 6

Quote: Originally posted by ballycfc on 06/2/2015
Hmm the Thule Back Box? Is that the 949 Easybase, I'm looking at one of these. If so do you just use the base or do you have the hard box aswell. Been trying to justify the extra price of the box. Might just buy the base this year and the box next year.



I've recently sold my base and cycle holders, but am now "lumbered" with the Easy Bag (948-4) (That's the "soft box" not the hard one).

I really ought to put it up for sale, but I'm not into advertising/having strangers round/Ebay etc.

If it interests you, give me a shout, see if we can sort something out?

Perfect condition, all the straps etc, used just twice (we replaced the Astravan for something bigger! ) Holds 315 litres (110 x 55 x 53cm).

We're talking about the bag only... the base has been sold...




And no... you can't have my private reg, despite it being considerably better than yours!!


-------------
2024: 38 nights thus far...
2023: 47 nights
2022: 40 nights
2021: 30 nights
2020: Just 24 nights
2019: A personal best 50 nights
2018: Just the 30 nights
2017: 34 nights
2016: 32 nights
2015: 38 nights
2014: 34 nights
2013: 36 nights
From July 2012: 23 nights


06/2/2015 at 7:18pm
 Location: cheshire
 Outfit: Conway Corniche DL
View Earle's Profile View Profile   Reply to Earle Reply   Quote Earle Quote  
Joined: 06/4/2009

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   10

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Hello all

thanks for all the replies. I have had a look at Karsten inflatables but I think they are going be a bit too pricey for me. Like you all say being able to put the tent up quickly on your own is the thing.The Mrs called me some terrible names last year, worst rows we have ever had. Off to Winfields of Chester to see a few inc the Outdoor Rev 6xt tomorrow.

Chris

-------------
CJE


Advertisement



06/2/2015 at 7:31pm
 Location: Kent
 Outfit: BL6 & Nevada M etc
View atko's Profile View Profile   Reply to atko Reply   Quote atko Quote  
Joined: 12/7/2005

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   902

Site Reviews Total: 11
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 7
Site Nights 2018: 0

Good luck.

As regards to the thule base, yes that's the one. We only use this base so we can use the hard thule back box, which we like as more secure, weather proof and hard wearing. We've had ours for years and it's very robust.

I love this bit of kit because you can pack loads in it and strap some things to the rear in between the box and the car. This is much better than taking the tailer i.e you don't even know it's on the back, can go faster, feels secure, adds loads of extra space, reversing is easy, easy to get on and off and much cheaper than pulling that anssems gt750 trailer of mine.

In other words i love it!

-------------
atko


Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes

New! Please upload a photo of your tent to the Tent Showcase!


07/2/2015 at 10:04am
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Peakland Alport
View cathbut's Profile View Profile   Reply to cathbut Reply   Quote cathbut Quote  
Joined: 30/1/2015

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   7

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Thanks for the tips atko! It doesn't sound like we take much more than you in terms of camping kit. It's probably the 5 bikes, balls, bats and other kiddietainment paraphernalia that takes the time to pack!

We're thinking of the Croyde 6 Air, I'm wondering if the front porch would mean we could get away without taking our tarp...and would the pump do bike tyres? I think I need to free up some extra space because the Croyde pack size is twice as big as our current tent


07/2/2015 at 1:22pm
 Location: Kent
 Outfit: BL6 & Nevada M etc
View atko's Profile View Profile   Reply to atko Reply   Quote atko Quote  
Joined: 12/7/2005

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   902

Site Reviews Total: 11
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 7
Site Nights 2018: 0

Cathbut,

That's the reason we bought the canopy. Some Vango tents come with built in canopy, but we tried these with a table and 5 chairs underneath, but canopy was not big enough, so we went for the vango evouge with seperate canopy which was much bigger.

We don't take the cycles, if we did it would be a trailer job.

-------------
atko


08/2/2015 at 11:25am
 Location: cheshire
 Outfit: Conway Corniche DL
View Earle's Profile View Profile   Reply to Earle Reply   Quote Earle Quote  
Joined: 06/4/2009

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   10

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Hello all
oh well,in for a penny in for a thousand pounds!
Went to Winfields in Chester yesterday where the Outdoor Rev 6xt is on display just to see it. Anway due to the fact that this tent ticks all the boxes for us and because we were offered £125 discount we bought one. This tent looks and feels fantastic with many small design features that indicate that the manufacturer really knows about camping. Off to buy a second hand trailer today which the tent and all the other equipment will be stored in. Then just hook up on a sunny Friday and off we go. It takes 16 pumps to fill each air tube of which there are five and in less than 10 (more like 5) mins it is up.
Can't wait to go, wonder if it will be warm enough at Easter.
Chris

-------------
CJE


08/2/2015 at 7:19pm
 Location: Lancaster
 Outfit: Kampa Hayling 6 Air
View Briffster's Profile View Profile   Reply to Briffster Reply   Quote Briffster Quote  
Joined: 10/6/2013

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   95

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Nice one Chris. We are getting our new tent at the end of the month. After posting on here about inflatables and weeks of Internet searching and lots of trips to various tent shops. We have decided upon Kampa Hayling 6 Air.
Can't wait to get away for the first time with it. Pick daughters up from school on a Friday and within an hour we should be almost set up. We have around 6 trips penciled in on the calendar for 2015 so far.
Happy inflatable camping!
Col.

-------------
April/May 2016 Dumfries
June 2016 Austwick



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Tent talk. Advice, info and recommendations - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...














10809 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement


Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar


Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder