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Hi, I'm new to this site, and looks fab. Well, went camping with the kids for the first time last week (7 years and 3 years). Took our 2 old tents, one being an old Vango Force 10 A-frame ridge (anyone remember these classics?). Felt like I was out of Dad's army - us and out little 2 man tents, surrounded by a mass of huge domes, tunnels, marquees. Well, my wife had to go in to Force 10 with our youngest - it was all too exciting - and I didn't like to say that I noticed these 'peelings' on the inside of the flysheet. Needless to say it rained, and they ended up swimming!

Not to be put off, we decided we had to get a new tent. Liked the idea of separate bedrooms (for those cosy, intimate(?) evenings), and more space, and a bit of luxury. Liked the look of the Killington 400 or 600, and the Outwell Hartfold XL. I would just go for the Vango K 600, but I'm concerned about the size of it (may be a touch of agrophobia after the Force 10 experience) - I like the idea of camping on "proper" sites, but also hold onto the idea of pitching in the wild, and I'm guessing something this size might be problematic. Hence looking at K400 and Outwell, both similar size, both look well built, but Outwell has 3 bedrooms and so extra space. Not really considered any other tents. Any pointers?

Thanks, Paul

hiya paul,

    just bought an outwell hartford xl. took it for it,s virgin outing last weekend ( not just the tent...us too !). more than happy with the tent, good build quality, lots of space, not to bad to put up either! " NEVER GO,S BACK IN THE BAG AS WELL AS IT COMES OUT" still very happy with the tent....can,t offer any views on the vango though. good luck !!!!

I looked at the Killington 900 as a replacment to my Diablo 900 as the Killington pitches outer first which makes it much easier in if pitching or packing up in wet weather.  I assume Hartford XL pitches inner first.

Just something else to consider

We have the hartford xxl and to be honest it is not a problem to put up.  We pitched ours several times in the garden first before taking it away for the 1st time and it gets easier each time.  We have got the pitching time to just over the hour and most of that is pegging out time.

I have posted tips on here about getting it back in the bag before and will trawl through some old posts to see if I can find them

Just changed my Hartford XL for the Killington 600 and it leaked...not happy! No problems with the Hartford it was just getting old and we wanted a change! I'll hold final judgement after it gets replaced!

Have fun

Have just completed our first family camp this week with a new Outwell hartford XXL which was great,the build quality is good and the addition of the tunnel/porch a must.Pitching can take a bit of time but I`m sure this will reduce with practice.Don`t be put off by the size as space is vital with kids if it rains (9yr boy + 7yr b/g twins....  aaaagh).Pitches inner first and I dont fancy taking it down if its pouring down (not that it does in this country.......does it!!!).

ps if poss try river dart site Holne near Ashburton the kids will love it.

The Vangos don't have such 'slopey' bedrooms, if that's a consideration at all.  The black and orange vango's did seem to get very warm in the sun in comparison to the green Outwells - we considered both very seriously and I spent a considerable amount of time (looking like a deranged woman according to OH) running from one to the other at PJ's camping, so check all the differences and the 'feel' of them. 

Personally with kids I don't think you can have too much space - especially if it rains.  Pitching inner first ended up being something we decided against too - I'm not good in stressful wet and windy situations, starting a holiday with a wet tent would finish me off!