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

Topic: Tent- low cost, 4 berth, easy to put up

JoJo19

21/5/2017 at 1:28pm
Location: Herefordshire
Outfit: Khyam Montpellier 6

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I am planning a few camping excursions over the summer with my seven year old. I currently have a six berth Khyam tent that's great when I have my other half with me but is just not manageable to put up by myself with only a small easily distracted child to assist. I therefore need a smaller tent that's relatively easy to put up and am thinking of something four berth to give us enough space to spread out a bit.

The other challenge is that I don't have a much of a budget and am trying to do things as cost effectively as possible. But needless to say I am looking for something that will stand up to the odd storm and last more than one season.

I am happy to get something second hand if that means I can get a better quality make or model. I don't mind if it not the prettiest tent on the site as long as we are dry and can maybe stand up in it - I am 5'4 so I don't need anything with a really high top.

Any thoughts on which makes and models I should be looking at?

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mitzionline

21/5/2017 at 8:59pm
Location: Devizes Wiltshire
Outfit: Cabanon Barbados & Cabanon Guadeloupe

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Hi I can recommend the Outwell Nevada. It's a 5 berth but I would say easily fits 4.

We've camped in a Nevada for about 4 years and it's never let us down. Big bedroom, big lounge area. It's been on numerous trips and always been quick to put up and take down. It's a smallish packsize and not too heavy. It's head height for a 6ft person, so not sure if it would be too big for your needs. Look at the details and reviews and pics on ukcampsite

Post last edited on 21/05/2017 21:19:58

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foggers

03/6/2017 at 5:54pm
Location: Sheffield
Outfit: Cabanon Guadeloupe Zephyros3

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What kind of budget have you got? Bell tents are super easy to put up single handed but the canvas ones are heavy and expensive. Spreen online a German camping company do polyester ones which seem to have a good reputation.
Or you can go for a standard 4 berth tunnel tent. We got a Vango Talos 4 from Go Outdoors in their winter sale and having used it at a very soggy festival a couple of weeks ago, I was impressed with how it held up.
Getting a second hand tent carries some risks, because it could be older and nearer to the end of its life than the seller claims.

JoJo19

04/6/2017 at 4:22pm
Location: Herefordshire
Outfit: Khyam Montpellier 6

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Thanks for your helpful thoughts. My budget is only up to £200 at a push but ideally less, so quite limited. I will check out Spreen - I have never come across these before. I am planning a trip to Go Outdoors this week so will have a good look at the Vango tents they have (and get a feel for what I can't afford no doubt!).

I take your point about the second hand tent risks - this is not my preferred option unless buying new v quality at this price is not feasible.

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Bramston

04/6/2017 at 4:38pm
Location:
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Your tent requirements are contradictory.
You want a cheap tent that will survive a storm and last more than one year.
You would also like to stand up in your tent and buy it 2nd hand.
A tent you can stand up in will cost more and be less likely to survive a storm, and a 2nd hand tent less likely to last more than one year.

Try getting a tent that is a little lower, a little tougher and a bit newer.

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heath63

04/6/2017 at 10:00pm
Location: wirral
Outfit: Outwell Nevada m Vango sigma 300

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You can buy a good cheap tent, which will keep you dry. Go Outdoors is to go to look at tents. A 4 berth tent will be ideal. My tunnel tent was a Vango, it lasted for years. It owed me nothing. Tents hydrostatic is very good these days Mine was 2000hh. as long as you treat them right, they will last. I used mine in all weather's and winter camping.
My current tent is the Outwell Nevada M. It is a big tent to put up, if not use to something that size on your own.
Keep in mind tents with sloping front, if it rains or have dew, you get dripped on.

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lidds0

05/6/2017 at 9:05am
Location: Yorkshire
Outfit: None Entered

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Quote: Originally posted by JoJo19 on 21/5/2017
I am planning a few camping excursions over the summer with my seven year old. I currently have a six berth Khyam tent that's great when I have my other half with me but is just not manageable to put up by myself with only a small easily distracted child to assist. I therefore need a smaller tent that's relatively easy to put up and am thinking of something four berth to give us enough space to spread out a bit.

The other challenge is that I don't have a much of a budget and am trying to do things as cost effectively as possible. But needless to say I am looking for something that will stand up to the odd storm and last more than one season.

I am happy to get something second hand if that means I can get a better quality make or model. I don't mind if it not the prettiest tent on the site as long as we are dry and can maybe stand up in it - I am 5'4 so I don't need anything with a really high top.

Any thoughts on which makes and models I should be looking at?

Have you looked at the Quechua (Decathlon) inflatable tents? Info and videos

It seems to fit your requirements (quick and easy to pitch by one person, under £200 for this particular model and a standing height living area). It's not too heavy (website states 12.3kg) and the pack size isn't huge, at 75 x 30 x 32cm. I'm thinking of buying one for short stays and last nights, when rain is forecast. The sloping front might be a bit of an issue (as someone has previously stated, rain can come in when you open the door on a sloping front tent) but I can live with that, for what we want it for. Read the reviews and have a look at the pics posted by customers, to get a better idea.

Decathlon offer a 2 year warranty as standard and are great to deal with if anything goes wrong. It basically means you should have at least 2 years of worry-free, easy camping.

We've had Quechua tents previously and still have their pop-ups, which are the best we've come across. In France, you see this brand on virtually every campsite.

Post last edited on 05/06/2017 09:16:38

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Belper Bloke

06/6/2017 at 1:07pm
Location: Rugby
Outfit: Vantage Sol Motorhome

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Jo Jo I have a Kyham xl 4 berth come and collect from near Rugby £50, ready to use in good condition

AndyVale.

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Andy Vale from Belper.

foggers

10/6/2017 at 7:14pm
Location: Sheffield
Outfit: Cabanon Guadeloupe Zephyros3

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For that budget, the Outwell Rockwell 3 might suit. It's a tunnel tent with nice big windows and an eyebrow porch that should prevent rain blowing in when using the door. They have it at Go.

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