We adore our Vermont for holidays, but as of next summer want a weekend setup, so if we decide to just get away for 2 nights we can just throw some clothes in a hold all and go.
The Vermont takes us around 30-40 min to pitch which is pretty good going so I'm wondering if that can be beaten, really?
We did consider a trailer tent but we're low income and can't justify it.
We're two adults, 3 kids under 10 and 2 Labradors :)
Any ideas?
------------- Camping with three kids who have Autism... Never a dull moment!
how about the Vango Calisto 600 - its on offer at Go for 159.99 at the mo, steel poles too, and wide altho the living area is also wide, its quite short, but if you feel you need it, you could always get the front extension for it but then your wanting a quick up/down weekend tent, and i think the tent on its own might just suit your needs as it is.
its normally around the 279 mark - so bit of a bargain id say!
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Living the Dutch Dream - Karsten 300 pod + extns in Sea Green and Pure Cotton
i saw the tent up in Go, its a wide tent, lots of room, steel poles perfect for rigidity if it gets windy - and re assuring too!. good head hight, for the money i think its hard to beat and probably 15 minutes to put it up really. only 3 strong steel poles, sewn in ground sheet and if you need more room get the front extension!.
cant see getting much better for that kinda money tbh.
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Living the Dutch Dream - Karsten 300 pod + extns in Sea Green and Pure Cotton
a friend has one of these for weekend only takes him 15mins to put up , ideal for a weekend tent , just keep checking go out doors as some times they sell the ridiculously cheap
We have gone away from having a weekend tent and just use the same tent but just massively cut down on all the other stuff.
How long is the 40mins it takes to pitch your tent out of the total time it takes you to set up, does 20 mins you save over a weekend make that much difference?
Break your kit down into boxes. the things you need for all trips, the stuff you only need for weekends and the stuff you need only for long trips, that way you can grab and go.
As I said we just cut down on stuff for shorter trips, pitching the tent is just a minor part of the whole setup, I reckon to fully establish camp for us takes about 3 hours if on an extended stay, of that, putting up the tent is probably about 20
I have two pack-sets too but mine is relatively lightweight anyway, the extras pack includes chair, awning, pans, cooker windshield and table, food is added to the pack on the day.
the basics are tent etc, bed etc, washbag etc, clothes, cooker, instant lemon tea and kettle
no carpets, curtains or kitchen sink
------------- Still trying to get the packing right.
We have a Vango Icarus 500 (bought as a B&B tent) that we have used for a 2 nighter with a tarp, for 2 adults and 2 children. Only takes 10 mins to pitch but then our Vermont xlp only takes us 30 mins to standing before pegging out !
However...... i don't think I could face pitching the Vermont for 2 nights as its the drying out etc when getting home that would put me off.
I would be tempted by the Calisto though... steel pole version of the Icarus, bigger, and with 3 poles will be quick to pitch like the Icarus. But looks much better as it won't let the rain in when you unzip the front door
Quote: Originally posted by hankakampa on 15/9/2013how about the Vango Calisto 600 - its on offer at Go for 159.99 at the mo, steel poles too, and wide altho the living area is also wide, its quite short, but if you feel you need it, you could always get the front extension for it but then your wanting a quick up/down weekend tent, and i think the tent on its own might just suit your needs as it is.
its normally around the 279 mark - so bit of a bargain id say!
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Topic: Weekend setup
