Tent Advice

lynseydee

Hi

I'm thinking of getting a tent so me and my son can go on short breaks. I know ideally I would need something slightly bigger than a two berth and have seen these ones which I quite like but didn't know which would be the better of them.

Does anyone know anything about tents that could give a bit of advice? Or have any other suggestions.

Thanks

https://www.blacks.co.uk/equipment/039367-vango-ark-300-3-man-tunnel-tent-2018.html

https://www.blacks.co.uk/equipment/041667-outwell-fresno-400-4-person-tent-green.html

https://www.blacks.co.uk/equipment/041668-outwell-tacoma-500-5-person-tent-green.html

daveyjp

Both good brands. Our Vango is similar to the first one and great for weekend trips.

However the 5 person one will provide slightly more comfort as you should be able to just about stand up in it and you'll have more room inside for your gear.

joedenise

I'd go for the middle one. Will give you more room than either of the other two.

comeandgo

What time of year will you be using the tent? I five berth tent with just two bodies could be very cold. I have a vango and its good for Scottish weather. You say you need room but what would you be doing in the tent? Putting trousers on is easier standing up but cooking e t would be done outside or at the entrance.

lynseydee

comeandgo wrote: »

What time of year will you be using the tent? I five berth tent with just two bodies could be very cold. I have a vango and its good for Scottish weather. You say you need room but what would you be doing in the tent? Putting trousers on is easier standing up but cooking e t would be done outside or at the entrance.

Hadn't thought about the bigger the tent v number of bodies so thanks for pointing that out. Just that I know they suggest you should think about going bigger than the people using the tent. Obviously we would need room for storing clothes and other things we will be taking rather than keeping it all in the car.

Norman_Castle

If you're camping in the summer I wouldn't worry about body heat warming the tent.
If you're camping next to the car you don't need a small and lightweight tent. It needs to be big enough for you to be comfortable without being so big its difficult to pitch.
I mostly use a three person tent originally bought for me and a large dog. The extra space is useful especially if its wet.


Seeing tents pitched can be useful. Look locally for camping shops that have display tents. Go Outdoors normally does.

FreeBear

If you go for a big tent, don't expect it to stay up in high winds.

I used to use a Vango Hurricane (if I remember the model right) - Absolutely bomb proof even in the worst of weather. A double hoop tunnel design with loads of tie down points and internal straps to stiffen up the hoops. But for back packing, it was just too darned heavy. I now prefer to go off out with a bivy bag & tarp. Lightweight camping in the extreme, but not for everyone.

DCFC79

Id be inclined to go for either tent 1 or 2, have you a Go Outdoors or other camp shops where they have tents setup so you can check them out.

Tom99

I have an Outwell very similar to your 3rd option, you can stand up in it and also sit on a chair inside the tent, much better than crawling in and out all the time.

maisie_cat

Go for one more berth at least than you'll need, remember that you son may want to bring a friend at some point.
Standing room and room for a chair for when it's raining and you just want to read a book.
Outwell is an excellent brand, we are on our 2nd, we upgraded last year and we have a 6 berth for 2 of us and we love the space it gives us.
This time of year there are loads of tent shows, it's fun trying out the tents and there are often deals to be had.

Tyler_Durden_UK

FreeBear wrote: »

If you go for a big tent, don't expect it to stay up in high winds.

Last year our 6 man tunnel tent survived some of the strongest winds I've camped in, at one point I was seriously considering getting the family into the car for the night, was fine though with no damage to the tent.

If you're on a budget you can often find good secondhand tents on Facebook marketplace