Camped for the first time as a family of four (two young children) last year in a hand-me-down 4-person vis-a-vis festival tent. Separate ground sheet, four poles that seemed to be precisely located for the door to even open. Generally a nightmare all round - But the kids loved it. For better or for worse we've decided to give it a real go this time round and therefore in the market for a tent...
I have spent what feels like every spare hour for a week looking at tents and I've through the phases of not knowing what to look for, thinking I knew everything there is to know about tents to finally conceding they all look the same. I've put some loose requirements below but I'm happy to be challenged on any of them.
Use Case:
* 6 person - Will only ever be used by four but want enough space to feel comfortable if taking shelter from the rain. Happy to go larger if recommended but will be transported (with all other belongings) in the boot of a car (no trailer) and don't want to constrain campsites we can use (assuming some places might have upper limits). 2 adults, 2 kids but would be good if tent was good for 4 adults to give confidence there is space for the tent to last us while the kids grow up.
* Cannot imagine ever camping for more than a week at a time.
* Imagine it'll be used no more than four to five times in a year.
* I expect to use it between ~Easter and ~September so (hopefully) no extreme weather.
* Plan to camp on family friendly campsites. Nothing too adventurous/off-piste.
Things I *think* I (don't) want in a tent (feel free to challenge)
* Tunnel layout (avoid vis-a-vis).
* Light and airy - Lots of windows.
* Enclosed porch (or at least zip-on vestibule available).
* Think a footprint and carpet are good ideas.
* Minimum two bedrooms. Option of three might help with diplomacy as kids grow up.
* Cable entry for electric hook up.
* Air tent on the perception it'll be easier to put up - Happy to be proved wrong -- Giving up on this seems to be the easier way to otherwise get more for the money.
Biggest constraint (I guess?!) - Budget
* Not sure really. I'd started out with £500 in mind blindly thinking this was going to buy me the mansion of tents. I now realise this is incredibly budget.
* Have acknowledged paying more is worth it if it'll be how we spend our holidays but still lower is better - Still need to buy all the other camping kit.
* Four figures seems like a mental barrier to overcome so I have been constraining myself below £1000 - I'd need to be really convinced to spend more but I'm open to being challenged.
So.... Recommendations please!
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
Not sure if you've got yourself something sorted yet but why not go to a number of outlets with tents on display. That way you can get a feel for the space and layout, etc. I went this past weekend to one and it had paid dividends. It seems folk on here aren't too bothered on giving advice so you'll have to do you due diligence.
As with anything, go with the best that you can afford and look at things like hydrostatic head and denier of the fabric to give you some idea as to the quality you buying.
You'll also need to give thought to where you'll be storing it when not in use. You'll not want to keep moving it around for risk of damaging it.
Good luck and let us know what you decide on, if you haven't already. Or if you have then let us know what you went with :)
Whatever you get, see it in its bag first and check the weight. Air tents can be particularly big and heavy in many cases.
If there is a porch available BUY IT. If there isnt a porch available DONT BUY IT and assume you can find a porch later, as odds are you won't find one. Hence the original tent is on Sale price.
After many years with pole tents we ventured into the land of air tents but have reverted to a good quality steel poled tent. Takes up less room in the car and in honesty it doesn't take the two of us much longer to put up. I actually prefer the feel, somehow more open.
Have a look on Khyams website, they have a summer sale on with genuine bargains, we know they're genuine cos we saved 400 poundson ours last year. We have the Family 6 which is currently reduced from 999 pounds to 799 pounds.
It has everything you mention as requirements, lovely big windows plus extra windows in the roof, great for stargazing! The porch comes with a groundsheet and can be completely enclosed or you can zip the front so far back or completely off.
I've done a couple of trip reports with photos of the tent if you'd like to see our set up. We all like our own tents and you'll get lots of advice so down to personal choice but I would just add Khyams come with a lifetime warranty so definitely worth considering.
Well you know what they say “ you buy cheap you buy twice “
We got a six berth Zempire Evo TXL in the after Christmas sales for £865 instead of £1400 rrp.
I also purchased the add on awning wall to enclose the porch /awning area .
No Zempire are not cheap and don’t apologise for being expensive either and yes its an air tent but take a look at this video of one being pitched solo ! The Version 2 is out now but you can still get the V1 if you search for it. But good luck in whatever you choose but Zempire is top quality high spec equipment.
The OP had posted in March and had received only one reply when I added mine on a couple of weeks back, so I didn't think my reply as to the lack of help/advice was too harsh.
Having had only one person reply to my own post when looking for advice from those one would like to think would be willing to give others the benefit of their own experience compounded this belief, but I also appreciate others have their own lives to get on with and that people really should do their own due diligence.
But for those of us just venturing into this field, it can be quite daunting as to what is tat and what is not, and most folk want to try and cut through the chaff.
Quote: Originally posted by Dog Breath on 21/7/2022
There's no getting anything past you, is there?
The OP had posted in March and had received only one reply when I added mine on a couple of weeks back, so I didn't think my reply as to the lack of help/advice was too harsh.
Having had only one person reply to my own post when looking for advice from those one would like to think would be willing to give others the benefit of their own experience compounded this belief, but I also appreciate others have their own lives to get on with and that people really should do their own due diligence.
But for those of us just venturing into this field, it can be quite daunting as to what is tat and what is not, and most folk want to try and cut through the chaff.
I view 'latest posts' when I come on so perhaps the OP had slipped down in the days I didn't venture onto here. I've been on this forum many years and had so much useful information. We were all new to this field at some point. Speaking personally ive learned loads from the more experienced campers on here and like to think of myself as one of those more experienced ones now and I'm always happy to share my experiences.
------------- May/June - Spring Valley
Aug/Sept - Leekworth
Quote: Originally posted by Dog Breath on 21/7/2022
There's no getting anything past you, is there?
The OP had posted in March and had received only one reply when I added mine on a couple of weeks back, so I didn't think my reply as to the lack of help/advice was too harsh.
Having had only one person reply to my own post when looking for advice from those one would like to think would be willing to give others the benefit of their own experience compounded this belief, but I also appreciate others have their own lives to get on with and that people really should do their own due diligence.
But for those of us just venturing into this field, it can be quite daunting as to what is tat and what is not, and most folk want to try and cut through the chaff.
My post wasn't directed at you specifically (or I'd have quoted your comment before responding) and my point was that it'd be nice if the OP would come back and let us know what they got fixed up with.
Post last edited on 26/07/2022 16:07:59
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
Quote: Originally posted by Dog Breath on 21/7/2022
There's no getting anything past you, is there?
The OP had posted in March and had received only one reply when I added mine on a couple of weeks back, so I didn't think my reply as to the lack of help/advice was too harsh.
Having had only one person reply to my own post when looking for advice from those one would like to think would be willing to give others the benefit of their own experience compounded this belief, but I also appreciate others have their own lives to get on with and that people really should do their own due diligence.
But for those of us just venturing into this field, it can be quite daunting as to what is tat and what is not, and most folk want to try and cut through the chaff.
I view 'latest posts' when I come on so perhaps the OP had slipped down in the days I didn't venture onto here. I've been on this forum many years and had so much useful information. We were all new to this field at some point. Speaking personally ive learned loads from the more experienced campers on here and like to think of myself as one of those more experienced ones now and I'm always happy to share my experiences.
I totally agree Tracey, it's unusual for a post not to receive numerous replies and if that's the case it's likely to have slipped down the page. People on here are almost unanimously helpful and courteous to others, especially newcomers.
It's always nice when someone who has received advice or posts about a dilemma, comes back to let us know the outcome.
For a few years now I have used my Eurohike Rydal 600 tent for summer family holidays in South Wales. It is relatively cheap to buy and I have found it user friendly and tough. Last weekend I had near gale winds and driving rain for a full 24hrs and it came through it all with no tear, breakage or leak - impressive for such a large 'family holiday' tent like this (I have just left a review with photos).
It has a large sleeping area with central divider and there is a large enclosed living area with two windows plus two entrances.
Look at a second hand cabanon Biscaya. Read about them in the reviews section if this site. Come in several widths and configurations (320, 370, 440 and 500). If you can get it with the additional sun canopy (like rocking horse poo second hand)
Also walk round your local campsite, most people are only too willing to tell you about their tents, ideally find some older tents to find any problems (try getting spares for the original inflatable Vangos)