I have read on here the dangers of cheap tents, but as a student I have little choice but to buy a tent that is no more than £50.
I plan to take on the music festival circuit this summer, and will be camping overnight at probably five or six different festivals, in this country and on the continent. I may also go on some short 'pure' camping trips.
Would like a tent which can comfortably sleep two, hold out the water even in the grossest of glasto-type conditions, is fairly light to carry around and is simple to put up.
Suggestions of tents (pref available to buy online) would be very welcome. Also any input on these possible purchases:
Most of the tents you've listed look fine... I'd probably keep to a 'well known' make (like Vango), simply for the availability of 'spares'. The fibreglass poles have a habit of snapping, so it helps if you can get replacements...
Have a look at the 'Khyam Calgary 3' on www.khyam.co.uk, it looks a nice little tent that might suit you and is a good 'well known' make too...
I hope you find a nice tent, that's right for you. Enjoy your festivals and camping... Andy...
I fully agree with Andy Pandy 666, all the tents are suitable. Remember the figure that you are looking for with regard to how waterproof the tent is to look at its Hydrostatic Head or "HH" this is the theoretical height of a column of water that the material will support without failure.
As you can see most of the models in your list have a figure of 2000mm, although I did notice that at least one (Pheonix 3 Plus) has an "HH" of 2500mm. Therefore you can assume that this is the most waterproof.
But do also make sure that it is the right size and type of tent for you. Also PLEASE make sure that you pitch it before going to a festival, and when you do apply seam sealer to all the seams - they are always the week point in most tents!
Happy camping .
------------- The Sun always shines on TV.(and not on my caravan!)
Ihave 2 x 2 man tents for sale if you are interested. I am going to put them up in the garden tomorrow so I can take photos.
One is a Eurohike Teviot from Millets (used three times) and the other is a slightly bigger umbrella style tent, the poles are already attached (used twice). You simply get inside and push up the centre and the tent erects itself! I can't recall the make right now but if you are interested you can email me and I'll send you pictures and more info.
Tara at rockcentral.co.uk (replace at with at )
The only reason I'm selling is because we keep upgrading our weekend tent and have just purchased a Sunncamp Evolution 400. Fingers crossed it'll arrive today so we can go camping tomorrow night!
also, take a look in halfords. they had their small tents on offer at the weekend.
------------- "He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion." In memory of Bear. 06/03/06 - 25/01/12 Izzie 23/09/07 - 25/03/13
The Vango 300 and 300+ would be my choices off that list, with the 300+ the winner for extra storage space. I`d have happily used it as a weekend tent for Hubby and I in our old cycle-camping days (Pre-kids...)
My son has the Vango 300 and he and his friend can put it up in twenty minutes....and they`re both nine. I or Hubby can put it up in ten minutes working solo.
Vango are a good brand, with good customer service, good availibility and a good reputation. Can`t go far wrong with a Vango. Shop around for the best deal though.
I'm going to get myself one of those "Royal Phoenix 3 Plus" tents tomorrow, tempted by the Vango ones but I'm on a tight budget and the difference in price would mean I'd have to leave someting off my list of stuff to get (like a stove!).
Centre Caravans Nr Oxford have them for £25 if you collect or £34 on-line delivered (I shall collect!)
Having survived the Glastonbury rivers of mud I can recommend getting a three person tent so that there is enough space to keep your kit inside the inner tent and keep it dry. I would agree that the Vango tent looks very good.
If you are pitching at festivals I would go for a dome shaped tent as they rely less on guy ropes for stability than tunnel shaped ones. At festies there often is not space to put all the guys out, and also people often trip over them and they get detached from the pegs. I woul go for the Vango Delta 300 or 300+, or the Gelert Colima - good quality makes.
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.