I think I probably will go for the Vango v5, based on the price and upgrade later if all turns out well.
It's still in stock at beefysmum's link, I think I just didn't select the colour last night so it complained.
Just one question, are there any accessories that I would be wise to get with this tent?
For example I have seen people talk about templated under sheets that you can erect the tent on presumably to keep the tent clean and dryer. Some people have mentioned generic tarpaulin for this.
Anything tent specific I should bung in before I order?
Thanks.
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
Why I'm offering further advice when you rejected my suggestion for the tent, I do not know.
You would have to check whether there are any made-to-measure footprint groundsheets for that tent. I suspect not as it doesn't seem to be on the Vango website. however, it is not difficult to make one yourself. You can get a tarpaulin sheet from B&Q for very little money and just cut it to shape.
Next, think about pegs. Then tent will probably only come with narrow "pin" pegs. For most pegging points these can be useless as they do not hold things down in strong winds and soft ground. Consider Delta pegs for your main guys. They are quite ingenious in design and members here swear by them. Rob Orr (from Delta) is great to deal with. I've got the yellow nylon ones which have not, as yet, been tested as we have been lucky with the weather; but one day they are bound to be and I would not like to see my tent rip to shreds while I lie wrapped up in my sleeping bag. For your corner ground pegs I would use V-shaped pegs and you'd probably be OK with the pin pegs for the other ground pegs.
You will also need to think about appropriate lighting. If the V5 comes with an internal hook my suggestion would be a UFO LED light. VERY bright, small, light (not heavy). From Morrisons (if any left), Pound-shops or ebay.
Hi Matt I have just bought a footprint groundsheet and a carpet for my Venture 500,good price at Outdoor Megastore and very quick delivery.The contents state Tamor/Tahiti but does fit the V500 cos they are the same size lol !! Also don't forget that the Venture at that gobsmacking price does have a *riser* groundsheet in the living area which can be raised when you want to keep bugs and the elements out.For a starter tent you can't go wrong with that one.
Thanks for that info Former Scout. I had planned to get the B&Q tarpaulin as I have seen many people recommending it on here. I certainly need some sort of decent lighting and had not heard of the UFO light. It looks good.
Thanks also for the info on the pegs! Of course as a novice I've only got visions of perfect weather in my head so I'd better starting preparing for the worst as you say.
Regards,
Matt
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
Hi Matt,the footprint groundsheet goes under the entire tent and I just had a quick measure of the carpet rolled in its bag and it is 30 ins round by 21 ins long,hope that makes sense,I don't do metric lol ! We have a Corsa and you soon learn to become an expert when it comes to packing it,but I don't let my DH do that bit lol !
-------------
Mags
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
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: Where to start - Tent recommendations
.
