Well, I am almost booked for 2 weeks in sunny Vendee. I am beginning to think that my tent my be a bit small and claustraphobic for two weeks - particularly if it's going to be really hot.
I have discussed the option of extending my living area by purchasing a gazebo with zip up sides but then I think - why bother - I'm unlikely to use it again. Perhaps I would be better investing in a larger tent?
Any suggestions for a largish tent, large living area, tall enough to stand up in and light and airy?
P.S. I must admit that I am already a fan of the Vangos and would like a Diablo but think it might be tricky to erect alone.
------------- It won't be long till Friday...
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
We are very impressed with the Outwell montana range - we got the six man which is big enough for two of us and our dog, and we like space. It has two bedrooms and a huge living area, so the four man would probably be big enough for you. It has lots of windows all the way round so is very light. It's like having a portable two bed bungalow, is dead easy to put up and has a sewn-in groundsheet all the way around so is cosy when the weather is not so warm, thus extending the camping season by a month either side in England. We all sleep better in this tent than any other we have had as the groundsheet cuts out all the flapping in windy weather. If you are going for two weeks you do want to be comfy and be able to get dressed standing up. Hope you have a great time.
------------- it seems to be brightening up a bit over there.....
It may help if you tell us how many of you there are and how many sleeping pods you need etc.
We have an Outwell Winfield, which is ideal for what we want as it is roomy, can be well ventilated and shaded, and has the versatility of pitching in different directions.
We have found these essential when hot weather camping. Others may have others priorities.
Jim
who in their right minds sits inside a tent when its sunny!
as for a gazebo, they for gardens.
every time we`ve been camping and others will agree, we spend 99% of the time not in the tent sun or rain, its either under the porch or just outside under the sky, also a day tent which doubles up as a dinner.
take a look at outwell`s range of tunnel tents, you been needing meshed doors and windows in France.
Thank you all for the replies! I have booked but they have put me on a smaller pitch, so I might have to wing it with the Venture 500 and see how it goes. There's only me and a 10 year old, so we should be OK! (I hope).
Hi Truffles - I have a friend who travels with her boy of 6, and she finds the Outwell Winfield perfect for her needs. The tunnel design means she can put it up alone, the layout means that it is head height all over, and she leaves out the second bedroom in order to maximise the living space. It may not have a much bigger footprint than the Venture 500, but I think the layout gives you more living space with full head height. And it has mesh on all the doors.
Have a look at the picture in my profile of our setup in the Vendee last year. We like space so we have an Outwell Sun Valley 8 and a sunncamp daytent!
One major benefit of the daytent/gazebo is that it provides shelter from the sun but still lets the breeze blow in the sides and keep you cool. When were were in the Vende last July it was stifling hot inside the tent and far too hot to sit outside without shade. The daytent was perfect for this.
Whatever you choose, enjoy your holiday. We love the Vendee and cant wait to go back this summer.
The Coleman Weathermaster Plus is easy to erect alone. The best thing about it is you can roll back the roof revealing 2 mesh panels, and the open the doors and windows revealing a further 4 mesh side panels, making a very light and airy escape from the sun if it gets too hot at midday. Leave out 1 bedroom if its just for 2 people giving a roomy living area.
Quote: Originally posted by foggers on 07/2/2006
Hi Truffles - I have a friend who travels with her boy of 6, and she finds the Outwell Winfield perfect for her needs.
What sold it for us was that with 4 doors, we could buy the extra canopy poles, and in hot weather, (it will be hot), there would be quite a bit of shade, and ventilation flowing through the tent. We have stifled in tents that did not allow this. Doors either side are essential to us in hot weather and they also offer far more versatility on different types of pitches and slopes. This is one mistake we did learn from.
Jim.