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hiya, i've just bought the very same pack and really quite pleased with it! we're new to the camping game too, been camping for a year in a tiny two man that looks like a play tent next to everyone else's so have been desperate for a decent sized tent for ages!

the first pack i got from halfords had a few probs with it, the stitching was a bit ropey in a few places, but nothing major at all, however, took  it back because the tent pole channel ripped when i was adjusting the poles. this was my fault really, but took it back anyway. cheeky, i know!!

however, the second pack is fine, the tent's lovely and roomy, the blow up beds are perfect, although i've found they can get a bit damp as condensation forms on them between your warm bodies and the cold ground, so make sure you put a blanket down between you and it. the sleeping bags are a little on the thin side, but still perfectly functional, take a couple of spare blankets and you'll be as snug as a bug.

i agree though that they probably aren't best for seasoned, hardy campers, but for fair weather beginners like you and me i think they'll be fine! we go the the lakes a lot and its often windy there, but i reckon they'll stand up fine against a bit of a battering, just so long as its not gale force 9!

but, as i keep reminding myself, £99.99 is not a lot of money really, and if we get a good few weeks camping out of the kit i'd say we've got our money's worth, wouldn't you?

It looks like a copy of the gelert 'family dome' which were about £120 when they first came out a few years ago. In fact it's probably the same tent made in the same far east factory but with a different badge. Along with all the other accessories it's a good buy.I personally think its ok as a weekend tent for 3/4 persons.You should have it errected and pegged out in less than 30 mins with practice!!

Once you've used it 4/5 times I bet your looking to upgrade .....:-)

Quote: Originally posted by smalenbalen on 18/7/2006

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Once you've used it 4/5 times I bet your looking to upgrade .....:-)

 

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i know!!! rapidly finding this camping lark is addictive! run before it sucks you in too!

We bought the same package. Used it twice and so far quite happy with it. The only negatives I found were:

The ground sheet wasn't sewn in in the living area. I only saw a pic of the tent in an ad and didn't even think that'd be an issue and so far it isn't,  but I'm a bit worried how it might fare in the wind as there's no storm flaps and the gap at the bottom seems quite large. (I've read the huge thread on here about the pro's and cons of sewn in groundsheets!)

The zips seem a bit weak. We've had a couple of scary moments when we've had to zip up fast in a rain storm and found the teeth on the zip have stuck. I think we may have pegged it all down too tightly!

A bulb on one of the lamps blew after just one hours use.

The sleeping bags seem a bit flimsy.

We got the deluxe package for £100 and for that price we can't really complain - especially for the size of the thing!