We're researching family tents, having not owned one or camped much en famille, though plenty before children -
there are 6 of us, and we have personal recommendations for the Khyam Dakota ( HUGE!) from friends who absolutely love it and have pretty much spent this summer in it.
another personal recommendation for the Gelert Satellite 6 DLX from another family with 4 children (we have 2 girls and 2 boys and at least 3 pods are required)
this one is obviously smaller, so no free pod(s) for a loo or storage or sulky preteens or whatever... ;-)
neither of these have SIG in the living area..
also have discovered the Vango Colorado 600DLX , similar to the Gelert i think? not sure if that has SIG or not?
I know Vango from days of yore and my scouting days, so they get a plus for trustworthyness
and finally the Outwell Hartford XXL, appeals because of the SIG and the 4 pods, the 5 3 man pods of teh Khyam seem a bit like overkill, but can you have too much space?
I have seen the Hartford XL pitched, so I'm guessing this one is just a step up -
price wise they all seem to be available within a similar range £200 - £250 give or take
so do any of you seasoned tent owners have any comments, I do realise these are all big tents and that some sites may baulk, but with our family that's just got to be dealt with really!
Slightly concerned about space when I've read posts from people saying that they have to have the Gelert or the vango as they have 2 children and I'm contemplating double that..
should we buy as much space as we can? or is that silly? The Khyam appeals too because of the depth of the pods - even adults could lie pointing to the middle - makes getting out in the night so much easier IME!!
anyway - enough of my rambling... and more of yours
thanks
Post last edited on 31/08/2007 13:01:14
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
I think you need to go to a decent shop which has a good range of tents erected, only then you'll be able to decide on the pro's and cons of each one.
On a couple of occasions i've slept 6 in my Montana 4 for week long holidays and i've found it fantastic! I'm not neccessarily with the "if there are 4 of you then get a 6 berth" gang, but of course it all depends if you take everything including the kitchen sink!
------------- Proud Mommy of a Vango DD360, Outwell Montana 4, Quechua 3 second air, Quechua 2 second air.... oh... twin daughters too!
Kyam Kassas Outdoor Megastore Khyam Pole & Sleeve Tents. Not sure if it has layout you need in the bedroom pods but it has a sig(toggled in front of the doors) we saw it up and its a great tent for the money.
------------- Always Kate unless Jay is looking over my shoulder :) x
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
I didthe geek thing yesterday and madea comparison chart -
the Hartford and the Khyam are front runners, with the Hartford a smidge in front due to the SIG and the slightly smaller overall size ( Dh thinks the Khyam is too large, interestingly the pods are only a little larger than the Hartfords, despite them saying they're a 3 berth vs the Hartfords 2 berth..)
Where the Khyam wins is space and the flysheet pitch first, if it had a SIG it'd be my top choice
for those who have a Hartford, or other inner first tent, is it a real downside? what about in rain?
i think that's my main worry..
oh and of course it's the dearest of the 4 we're looking at LOL!!
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: first family tent
