We've got one - we love it - for us outdoor activity snobs it feels like a 'real' tent (not like those flimsy big family monstrosities!) and yes, I'd say it will be fine as long as you're not after huge amounts of space. The sleeping areas are fine for two adults (mpre floor space than your average 2-man backpacking tent, and much more headroom), and although Wild Country say 2 adults + 3 children, that would be a bit of a squeeze. The living area would be big enough for playing in, or for a table and chairs, but not both! Plenty of standing headroom in the living area. No porch, but you can put the door out as an awning.
Basically they're a top quality, easily erectable, sturdy/weather resistant tent, designed to be relatively light (8kg is very good for a tent this sturdy of this size) - haven't tried it yet, but I reckon I could carry it in a rucksack on a short family backpacking trip. If weight and sturdiness are not an issue, you may as well get a cheaper bigger family tent. That's why we got a Wild Country Halo 73 for when we're in the car and weight isn't an issue - we'll still use the Khamsin (2 adults + 3 kids) for 'lighweight' trips (OK, family camping can never be really lightweight - those days are definitely over for us).
As with any tent, try and see it erected - if you can find a shop that sells them, you might be able to persuade them to put up the inner in the shop (if there's space) to give you an idea of the size.
Hi jelly
I have just had a look at the Khamsin tent and the alloy pole design with the 6 cross overs will make it a strong and stable tent.It does not give the H.H. but you can be sure they will not put rubbish on such a well designed Vis-a vis Tent.
Rex
------------- "Be the person your dog thinks you are" (BM)
The only issue I can think of with our Family Khamsin is the fact the flysheet/outer can become very taught in hot dry weather, and then slackens when wet. This is partly because the fly is very well fitting and helps give the tent extra strength, but it is also due to the material used. To be honest we haven't found it enough of a problem to actually go out and move pegs - we just check and tight/slacken guys when appropriate (as you may do with any tent). Never had a problem with any leaks, but we did have a river flowing though the living area (which is non-SIG) after a storm in France one time, so a few things got soggy! Some people have said they get drips coming in when the doors are unzipped (what do they expect!) but the newest model has a small hood over the the door to help prevent this.
Thanks for the info everyone - has anyone expereince of it in wind though.
We've been in a tent flatterned by wind in a Summer Storm in Wales - with three children and it is definately not something we wish to repeat. It was so servere we had to evacuate.
So when we read a review about three family Khamsim getting flatterned by wind in one night, then another review where the flysheet was ripped in the wind I got very concerned.
Until then the Family Khamsim had been our first choice - all that space and two bedrooms, plus hydrostatic head values of 4000 for the Groundsheet and 3000 for the flysheet and all for and all for an actual weight of 7.9kg min and packed 8.3kg (info from Terra Nova).
So any expereinces of the Family Khamsin in winds?
Thanks
Sarah
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We have used it in fairly strong wind, and it stood up pretty well, where other tents suffered. I guess the tents that were flattened may have pulled their pegs out - although we don't have them, delta pegs are supposed to virtually eliminate that possibility. As far as ripping goes - I guess that's a possibilty - the fly material must be fairly thin to keep the tent's weight down, but I'm in no doubt it's top quality material. I firmly believe that the Family Khamsin is sturdier than 'normal' family tents - it may 'wobble' a bit in strong wind due to the flexibily of alloy poles, but its shape and design give it the edge, as long as it's pitched well.
If you're really concerned about wind, you could always go for a Terra Nova Cosmos - a snip at £2500! The ultimate foul weather family tent?
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Topic: Family Khamsin Tent
