What a fab site, only just come across it tonight. Hope you can help. We are a family of 5 who have been offered a second hand Freecamp tent that sleeps 8 in 3 pods for £70 (exact model unknown). Does this represent good value for money?! We have been camping before the kids came along quite a lot - I can't recall hearing about this make of tent and nor can I find much info on a google search. We need to change our 4 man tent for a bigger family one, we plan on fair weather camping for long weekends. Any info or advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
Freecamp tents are not very good quality , don't be tempted it probably only cost about £70 new . Flimsy flysheet and poles , gaps at the bottom leaving draughts in , these are real bottom of the range tents .
It'll probably be an auckland , yellow and blue , 3 pods.
flysheet so thin its almost transparent .
Rubbish tents , leave well alone .
As you have some experience you will appreciate the merits of having a sound base, and unfortunately , they tent you have been offered would realy be best avoided.An interesting analysis of review scores revealed that the well known brands, Outwell, Vango, Coleman , Khyam , Gelert, Wynnster and Aztec averaged from just over 9 to 8 out of ten in terms of marks given on average , which is an indication of satisfaction . Everybody is concerned about being charged for two pitches these days. Two approaches, buy a tent that will suffice any pitch , or buy the tent that suits your needs and choose sites that don't penalise in this manner, and there are plenty of them , and I usually find them nicer sites in terms of atmosphere.
------------- Be seeing you!!
Numbersix
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
Thanks for your replies, our budget would be around £150 - £200 for something that is going to last for donkeys years. Don't want to pay for a flimsy one at all! Yes I am addicted to the site already! Can't believe I even considered planning a trip without it! I'm not adverse to spending a bit more for something that is the dogs, and I certainly do not want to be ripped off. I will politely decline my friends offer.
One option many have been contemplating is the Coleman Matrix X6 or X9 which can be had for this budget . Just over budget would see you in a Khyam Ontario tunnel tent , again another popular consideration . Have a look at them ,and give us some feedback ,and then we can refine the choice.
Vango or Coleman is the only way to go !! Loads of choice, good quality and reasonably priced and several within your budget. Have a look at the "tent review" section on here. Then let us know your short list.
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
Hi, You really cant go far wrong with one of these Vango Orchy 600 and this is a good price with a free footprint.
It's a good size, you can get a canopy for it if you needed one, and the bedrooms can be split if you need to. All sewn in groundsheet, so no draughts and bugs.
£150-£200 will get you a fair choice of tent. Remember though that synthetic tents only have a life span of 5-7 years if used regularly. If yiou want something that will last for donkey's years, as you say, you might be better off looking for a second hand canvas frame tent. There are quite a few of these around and £200 would buy you a top quality brand one like Cabanon quite easily, with 5-6 berths and in sound condition. Downside of course is pack size and weight.
Take your time and look around. Draw up a short list...berth size, SIG (Sewn In Groundsheet)?, sleeping configuration, shape, ease of pitching, footprint, carpet etc etc. And yes you're only intending to use it for weekends now but how about in two years time, when the camping bug has really bitten? If you buy a tent that can be fitted with an add-on porch when budget permits, this might be useful.
And just a tip...put your rough location on your profile. There's lots of people here with tents they intend to sell one day. You might get lucky.
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Topic: Newbie Buying a Tent Advice Please!
