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Subject Topic: Help! Which tent to buy...?
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27/8/2008 at 8:42pm
 Location: None Entered
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Hello there. A complete novice, I have just joined this site because I have finally been persuaded that taking our children camping would be a good idea! We are a family of five (three small children) and it will be our first foray into camping, and I haven't a clue which tent to look at. We can't afford to spend much (am thinking £100 max if poss) but happy to pick something up second hand from ebay. I would be very grateful for any advice on brands, 'single' or 'second skin'(?!), types of groundsheet, what materials or headroom to look for - and even which brands to steer clear of, etc etc.

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27/8/2008 at 9:46pm
 Location: Cambs
 Outfit: Nowt.
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As a very quick guideline, buy a decent branded tent -so Outwell, Vango, Coleman, Wynnster etc. If it says it's a Rage brand, don't touch it with a bargepole. You need to be looking for at least a 6 berth for a family of 5, preferably a 7 or 8 berth realistically as the manufacturers idea of what a 5 berth is, isn't anything like what you or I would call a 5 berth.

You need something with a decent HH (hydrostatic head -level of waterproofness) Go for at least a 2000HH, so not one of those Argos jobs that are a 1200 -they'll leak like billy-oh in a shower.

Headroom wise -with small kids you need something you can stand up in. You don't want to be crawling around at night, trust me!

Groundsheet. Well we prefer a full sewn in groundsheet (SIG) as its bug free and warmer. Depends on your preference though.

Other than that, it's really up to you. Have a look at some of the online camping retailers, lots of them have good sales on right now. Take a peek at the for sale ads on here, you're more likely to pick up something decent!

Finally, see if there is a camping shop near you with a tent display. Even if you don't buy, it's worth going to get a feel for the sort of thing out there, and what sort of tent you like. Then you can hunt for a knockdown price one/ second hand version.

Good luck!

 



27/8/2008 at 11:05pm
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Thanks so much. That's all really helpful. (And my preference is definitely bug-free!!) Cheers! Kx

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28/8/2008 at 9:07am
 Location: East Sussex
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If you are looking for minimum outlay, then have a look at the Halford offers, they have a starter family tent pack on sale for £79.99, which includes some sleeping bags, mattresses and lights, see Halfords tent pack


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New! Please upload a photo of your tent to the Tent Showcase!





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