Cheap huge tent

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It seems to be a definite case of YMMV. Several of the reviews say that this tent was standing perfectly well in high winds when others were not surviving. Again, there must be a reason why almost every review is 9/10 or 5/5. And yes, you can stand up in it, unless you are 6'3".

We have been camping for a few years in a £60 tent from ebay. It's rubbish but it provides a bit of shelter.

BlueCow1975

"Re: buying cheaper tent for first time campers"

QUOTE AZZA87
"I really don't agree with that, or think it's a good idea at all. If someone who has never done camping before and they go for a cheap tent to give it a go and see if they like it and something goes wrong because they're bought cheap they are most likely, due to their bad experience to write of camping completely.

First time campers don't know much about camping and don't really know what they are buying (quality wise, else supermarket's tat would sell!) and so think they're getting an amazing deal on camping equipment when they really aren't.

If you've bought a cheap tent and have been disappointed with it, before buying your next one go and visit a camping exhibition or garden centers that have outdoor stores in them so you can see all of the tents up on display that they offer, so you can see what the quality of the tent is like." QUOTE END

The point that I was trying to make was that not everyone has the budget to splash out on higher spec tents when they need a large tent to sleep a number of people. Yes, branded tents on the whole offer better quality. However, if a family splash out 500 - 700 on a great tent and hate camping then they have lost out. If they spend a couple of hundred on a cheaper tent to try it then that may suit some people better.

I think the main thing is that people are making an INFORMED decision ie. buying cheaper but with the understanding that the quality and life of the tent may well be nowhere near as good (and remember some have camped happily in cheap tents for years). If they have the budget to buy an expensive tent in the first place then great. Ebay is an option if camping does not suit and they want rid of the tent at a later date. Please be aware that vango and outwell can have issues also!

The bottom line is that we are all individual and there is no "right" or
"wrong" way to find the perfect tent. Everyone has different needs and budgets. The most sensible thing to do is look at ukcampsite website and read up on the reviews.

No matter what tent you have it is always worth investing in a couple of spare poles, gaffer tape etc to enable you to do emergency repairs on the field if need be. Also good to invest in better tent pegs as the wire ones are not great for optimal anchoring of the tent. Search UKcampsite forums for pegs if you need further advice.

The main thing is CAMPING IS GREAT FUN! Enjoy it!!