Hi I used to go camping years ago but haven’t been for a long time. We used to have an out well Maryland xl which we loved but it did limit us on where we could stay.
We have decided to get back at it but we have nothing and I don’t know where to start. Firstly I would love tent recommendations, especially inflatable tents as the worst part for us was setting up and I am guessing these are easier lol.
We are a family of 7, myself, my partner 3 teens 19,18 and 16 and two younger one, 8 and 5. We also need as many tips as possible please
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As suggested on your other thread, I too would get two tents. A spacious 6 Berth with living space and awning / porch for you and the younger ones to sleep in and a more basic 4 or 5 berth for the older ones.
Within a very few years you will be lucky to get everyone on the same family holiday, this way you have a great long term tent for you and the younger ones, and also a more light on its feet that the older ones can take if they go on their own in due course.
Between them they should be more than capable of putting up a simple poled tunnel tent.
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Hi thank you for all the replies, we have been and had a look at a few including when packed up so we could see the weight. My partner and two sons are carpenters so they are used to carrying heavy stuff.
I did like the idea of two tents but the cost of an actual camping trip is then so much more expensive.
As for them not coming for my longer, honestly I have 8 kids on total the three eldest are 26, 25 and 24 and the still tag along, with their partners and their own kids too, honestly I love them all but I can't escape haha
If looking at a single tent, then I'd advise caution with the type that has 'tri-lobes' for the bedroom pods, something of this style: https://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/tents/p/Wynnster-Cygnus-8/1288. Not suggesting that one specifically is any worse than others, but just an example of the general format.
We used to have a 9 berth one many years ago, used on our annual 'lads' trips to France to a motor race. In those days, there were no restrictions on pitch space occupied on the pop-up camp site, but we only used it 2 or 3 years before we found that pitch boundaries became defined and it wouldn't fit! In general we found it didn't fit very many defined boundary pitches anywhere and we couldn't use it, we got rid of it in favour of a tunnel tent! It was also a bit of a PITA to erect/break down, so many poles and guy ropes! - it took many hands to make it easy. It was also VERY wasteful of land space, as the gaps between the lobes were not terribly useful for outdoor activities (sitting out, cooking, loo tent etc.), as the guy ropes criss-crossed them! We virtually needed another pitch space beside the tent to use for outdoor uses with so many of us!
As we've been 'mob handed' as a group, as you are as a family, with our later 6 berth tunnel tent, we increased our sleeping capacity by 2, using pop-up bedrooms that were placed in the tent living space overnight, then packed away during the day to give us back the living space, may be a way of increasing sleeping capacity in a more modest sized tent for you too.
Two tents, also means on most sites two pitches! So not just the cost of the tents, but the ongoing cost of an extra pitch, not many sites will allow two on a single pitch, sometimes a small 'pup tent' for kids will be allowed, but think you may struggle convincing them your boys are 'kids'!!!!
With so many people in a single tent (reckoned 1 person can produce up to 1 pint of condensation per night - from sweat and breath!), you are going to have serious condensation to deal with! Excellent ventilation is essential to avoid being 'rained' upon indoors and puddles on the SIG! Sorry to say, ventilation tends to get better as you go up the price range, and some brands tend to be more thoughful on this than others! Easy point to overlook when looking at more obvious things, but the difference between true comfort and 'mopping up'!
Hi thanks for the reply, the rest of the family have just gone out so I am able to sit and do some research now lol. The condensation was something I was thinking about, we also live in a small home and so this is something we have to constantly deal with here as well haha
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We have a Vango Vesta 850xl. The 3 teens could go at one end and the rest of you at the other. Roomy bright living area. Our biggest issue with it is in rain, the transition from wet to dry is tricky as only a small little porch. We've bought a tarp to use with it this year, so we'll see how that goes. It doesn't pack down small but no air tent that accommodates 7 will!
We're in Ireland
Sorry that message cut off early, we're in Ireland so not sure how pitch sizes here compare to UK but we have fitted on pitches - not a lot to spare on some.
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: New tent advice
via mobile 20/4/2024 at 9:30am
