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I really like this tent - think it's the storage area I'm drawn to!!

If after all your research you think this is the one, then I would go for it. Can't help with whether it can be erected on your own with some help, but hopefully someone will be able to answer that question for you

hi clez,just read your post

i think the darwin would be perfct for your family needs,but i would doubt that you and a nine year old would find it very easy to pitch-no offence intended

*the packed tent is very heavy

*the pitching sequence is not very straightforward

*installing all the poles in the sleeves can be a tricky

*holding tent upright before pegging out and guying probably needs two adults

if you decide to buy,let us know how you get on

by the way

we found that the tent is supplied with inner bedrooms fitted and this makes it extremely heavy and difficult to erect(snigger)first time

best of luck

petegt4

clez,didn't mean to alarm you.as i said,leaks may have been caused by storing tables etc against flysheet.nothing got wet and no water came anywhere near bedroom-in other words we were warm,dry and comfy and thats all that matters is it not?

buy tent and enjoy

Very happy with my Coleman Columbia.

This has stayed up in some fairly windy and wet conditions during the past year - with not problems or leaks.

I'm not familiar with the exact tent- but it looks good and suitable for your needs.  I think you and your boys should easily get this tent up.

clez,the only tools you need to erect tent are a mallet,patience and possibly alcohol!!   as for equipment,go for a weekends camping,see what other people use and talk to other campers and then buy a few items to get started(buy biggest gas cylinder you can comfortably manage)

or you can learn the hard way like us and spend a fortune buying loads of stuff that you either don't need or won't use.

I used my Darwin for a week in July. Only had a minor leak in what can only be described as torrential weather.  In a week on really soft ground (tent pegs pushed in by hand mostly) none the of the pegs came loose and I didn't have to repeg at all.  Tons of space for me and my three kids.  Neighbours helped us to pitch the tent as it was windy at the time and a family in a caravan across the road helped us to take down the tent.  I intend to pack the tent in two bags to combat the weight problem.  Poles, pegs and inners in a separate bag. Plenty of room to cook in if you have to as you can open the side doors to make a porch area.  Excellent for airing as you can unzip the groundsheet.

Keep the inners separate to keep the weight down and to make erecting easier.

Fifpat

we have a darwin and have had no problems puting it up...

no leaks despite a small hurricane on a recent outing (it actually flattened the tent down onto us).

you can open up sie doors so this adds to the versatility and access when table and 4 chairs are inside.

anybody know what the sets of ties hanging across the second pole are ofr... it has me puzzled

good luck

Adrian