Another vote for Outwell Nevada; but pricewise, the trusty Icarus 500 bought new is closer to the mark: a brilliant small family/couple tent; it's also very compact in the boot.
As jonbyrne suggested, you might want to look at a pup tent for your lads: a Decathlon 3-man pop-up is a good idea, and will be useful when they start going to music festivals! But the Icarus would be fine for overnight stops.
It's all the other toot you have to carry that's the downside to tenting; though the joy of being able to zoom anywhere (particularly France) is quite a compensation. We've just started 'vanning, with touring ion mind; but keeping hold of a couple of tents for the odd quiet trip.
Quote: Originally posted by caravan21 on 07/7/2014
There are four of us so was hoping a five man would be big enough. Last time we camped our boys were only 2 & 5, they are now 13 & 16. We are not sure how long they will want to come with us so we don't want a huge tent as there may only be the two of us using it after a year or two.
I would get at least a 6-man for 4 adult-sized people. We use a 6-man tent just for 2 of us and a dog. You need enough room to be able to sit around a table under cover to eat, and to relax, if the weather's bad.
You have to bear in mind the need to store a certain amount of stuff under cover as well, and bear in mind headroom. If you're tall people, spending a week stooping in your tent will not be comfortable!
I think the second hand market is the way forward for you.
Your children are probably nearly as tall as you are now and a "compromise" tent...ie- 5 berth cheapo will soon fill up with bodies if it rains or turns cold.
There's plenty of bargains to be had on the free adverts section and the only compromise would be that it's been used a few times before.
You would be better looking for a tent with sleeping pods at either end to give the kiddies their own space...a bit like a Vango Tigris 800, it has a good amount of living space too.
Good luck.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Looking in to camping
