We are currently looking to buy our first tent and finding it all a bit mind blowing!
We are a family of 4 with 2 boys (6 & 4). We have decided we want a tunnel type tent with 2 bedrooms next to each other and would really like them to be seperated by a fixed bedroom divide.
So far our favourites are the Vango 600 or the Gelert Lakesbury (?) 5 but open to suggestions!
Also is there any such thing as a list of things a newbie needs to get started, cooking, sleeping etc???
welcome to the most addictive site in the world, theres loads of info and advice from fellow campers to be learned from
when we started camping agin we went for the older frame type canvas tent, as it offered me more things that i like, we have one with a 4 person pod and 1 with 2 bedroom pods
lists of items you need differ form set up to set up, will you be using EHU or not, the type of seating, beds (fixed, air or self inflating) and loads more differences
but basically you will need
something to cook on ( and the fuel to run it)
something to sleep in and on
something to sit on
lights to see with and stuff to
keep you warm, dry and to get clean with
and a whole load of other stuff that is neccesary and expensive if your'e not careful,
we also have
a first aid kit
an emergency fix kit, with duct tape, spare guys, spare pegs, spare gas regulator, swing kit, scissors, pegs and string etc
and what ever you feel is neccessary
id take a look around some of the camping shops ( but dont take any cash) see what you like and then look on the internet, ebay, pound shops, car boot sales, friends, families and other campers that upgrade
This checklist is often used as a guide for initial kit. Basically your starting list is equipment for sleeping, eating, sitting, and lighting, then go from there according to your budget.
Which Vango "600" tent were you looking at ? They use the 600 (=6 berth, nominally) for lots of their models.
Hiya we are a family of 4 and we have just purchased the wynnster perpignan 8 (pic in gallery) one of the reasons was because it means the kids have their own room and we can have ours but are just next door if need be!
We had a 6 berth but felt there was just not enough room in the bedroom for clothes etc so personally I would look at something a bit bigger especially if you are planning on camping for a week or more!
It is slightly over your budget but its certainly a cracking tent and has steel poles so pretty sturdy! It is only out this year so no actual reviews as yet but Wynnster seem to get a good name.
------------- Elaine
Easter Southerness
Jubilee TBA-
July - Blue Dolphin
We have the Vango Columbia 600 from Vango's premium family tent range last year - 5000HH waterproofing, steel poles, SIG, flexible 2/3 bedroom arrangement, large open living area, enclosed wet weather entrance. Being discontinued this year, but there are still a few available for about £275 (RRP £450). The carpet and footprint for the 2010 Sungari 600DLX will fit and if you go for a sage one, the canopy for the Sungari 600DLX will also fit and match.
Its a very high spec tent for an affordable budget. Well worth considering...
Hi and welcome. As I say regularly, people on this site are great at spending other people's camping cash. But, having had a look at the checklist above, think what you can take from home to save your initial cash. Think Sleeping bags = duvet etc. Until you know you like it you don't want to spend too much.
Does it have to be brand new?
Do yo ulike the canvas frame tents - like Cabanons (sorry I'm a Cabanon owner and much prefer frame tents now)
The Outwell Michigan L is a 6 berth but somfortable for 4 - just around your £300 budget on it's own. Easy tp erect as it only has 3 steel poles and then 2 bedromm duraflex ones and 2 inside duraflex ones to form the central dome roof. I hav eone and found it very good but def only a 4 man tent. it's vis-a-vis though so prob not good for you
Have you been out and about looking at tents on display to get a proper feel for what would suit you?
Star1234's new tent looks really nice - I'm sure Wynster is made by the same people that make Khyams.
Hi BJB1 were a family of 4 2 boys 9 and 13.Were only on our second camping season and already on our second tent.Our first tent was the lakesbury 5 a great tent ,but we felt it was a bit too small for our needs.We have recentley bought the Vango Maritsa 500 its the same lay out has the Lakesbury but has some extra features.A great porch also a third area for a extra bedroom or a walk in closet come wardrobe area ,it also has a pole to hang clothes up and sounds like the divide your looking for.We havent had it out yet but we have had it up in the garden.Were not in to huge tents but we feel the Maritsa 500 is what we were looking for to suit our needs.Its a little over budget for you but may be worth a look.Hope this has been helpfull good luck
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Topic: First timers just looking to buy
