I've been browsing this site for a week or so and found it very useful so far.
We (me and my partner) are looking at getting a tent so that we can go can camping occasionally (not every weekend or month like some of you! - life is too busy!), but neither of us has been camping since we were kids.
Looking for a cheapish tent with plenty of room to sleep and for space to sit and relax. Ideally with room for me to stand up in (5'11" in my socks).
I'm heading over to Springfield Camping at Denholme Mill on Saturday as I know they have a big selection on display.
In my mind I think I'm looking at the following tents:
Vango Icarus 500 Vango Orchy 500 Vangy Tigris 400
Are there any others around that sort of price range you think I should be taking a nosey at?
Cheers Adrian
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We have a Vango Tamor (2008) for weekends that we are very pleased with. As we are a family of 4 + 2 dogs we wouldn't stay longer than 2 nights in it and are thinking of getting the extension just to add a bit more space. How long are you planning for your trips to be? A bit of space for however long you will be camping is nice, although I also don't like to take ages pitching up, hence the Tamor suits us nicely. (We have a bigger Outwell for stays of a week or so). The head-height is good. From looking at the website at this year's tents, I thought the Icarus looked good and would be the sort of thing I would look at if we didn't have our Tamor.
I can vouch for Springfield Camping - we ordered from them online and the delivery turned up the next day, very prompt and efficient. Whilst researching the aforementioned extension, I've found them to be good on price too. Apparently they have 5 floors of camping stuff - woo hoo, enjoy yourselves!!!
------------- Angie ~~
~ If you see someone without a smile give them one of yours ~
I've had a look at the Vango Venture, which is basically the same as the tamor, and thought it wasn't bad, but unfortunately when I stand upright in the living area I always had my head pushing against the canvas which would really annoy me!
We are probably going to be camping for weekends to start with and then maybe a week here and there during the warmer months, so something reasonably roomy and sturdy would be good.
I do like the look of the Icarus, but my only reservation really is that Vango claim it to be a weekend tent as oppose to a family tent.... What is the difference between a weekend tent and a family tent of similar size such as the Orchy or the Tigris. My guess is that it isn't as sturdy. I think i'd rather go sturdier if possible, especially if we plan to do weeks away in the summer.
You wouldn't be able to stand up in the bedroom in the orchy or the tigris although the icarus is slightly higher, of course it would depend on whether that would matter to you? I've seen all three tents pitched together and the orchy and the tigris seemed sturdier but the icarus wasn't pitched properly as a lot of the guy lines were flapping about loose. Out of the 3 the tigris seemed the better tent, maybe the 600 would suit you more than the 400? The price difference is only £30. You may be pleasantly surprised when you go and look and spot something else that you prefer even more to the ones you have listed.
------------- never argue with an idiot........ they will bring you down to their level and beat you with experience
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Thanks Stormchaser. I'm not too bothered about being able to stand up in the sleeping compartment (haven't master sleeping standing up yet!), but will look at the 600 as well.
Went to Springfields yesterday and after much Umming and Ahhing, decided on the Tigris 400. It just seemed a little sturdier (thicker poles, better HH), had the little awning over the side door and, with the front door closed, seemed to have more usable space in the loung area over the Icarus.
Will be pitching it tomorrow evening so that the misses can have a look around it.
You say you have an outwell tent and a vango do you rate one better than the other. Is the vango double skin or single can you tell me does it get cold at night in the outwell tent as I believe these are single skinned tents.
thanks
lynne
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Topic: Going tent shopping on Saturday
Neither have I but it might help if you want to get dressed in there in the mornings
