we recently got the Eldorado from Obelink (slighty bigger, heavier and cheaper than Djakarta)
It was amazingly easy to put up solo, the only thing for me was the number of pegs - I can imagine it being a bit of a pain in Cotswolds or somewhere with rocky ground. Taking down was just as easy, 9 mins from unclipping inner to in the bag - though I did need help folding the canvas
Once up it just feels so much nicer (to us anyhow) compared to a plastic tent
Again thank-you for so much very useful and helpful info. I've never heard of inflatable tents - again something to investigate!
Moonmummy I hope that your tent arrived - how is it I'm desperate to know - thank-you for the posting of the page number to see one in action. It looks beautiful - I'm very taken with it (as is my little one - thats lovely Mummy)!!!
Snowbirdcr - thank-you for the comments both about Khyams and also weight of canvas when wet - I hadn't really given this much thought - any idea roughly how much heavier this makes the tent anyone - double the weight, 50% more? I've looked at Cabannon - they look gorgeous but I can't justify the initial outlay without having had some experience of this type of tent and also I think that one suited to the two of us would currently be too heavy for me to handle alone.
Merry - thank-you for your comments. Yes speed is important but not as crucial and solo put up as my five year old is quite happy to sit with a hammer and pegs making little corrals for her toys for 30 - 40 minutes while I erect a tent. The most important thing is that I can erect it easy - esp. since I have a very weak wrist due to an injury last year - it will heal completely but is going to take a number more months to fully get there - hence the importance of not having to apply any tension when erecting a tent (I can put the Kyham biker up without any strain on the arm - need to use my foot to get the tunnel pole in though - looks a bit odd I would imagine but I imagine it adds amusement to my neighbouring pitches). I really like the look of the pyramid they are just beautiful - can't see your 6 man on eBay - however I guess it would be way to heavy for me at the moment.
Littel skink - the Eldorado looks beautiful - I guess it might be too heavy if it comes in one bag - is it splitable? Odd I can't work out why it is so much heavy than the Djakarka given that it seems to be only 30cm bigger but weighs another 7 kg - where does the extra weight come from?? Or have I just read the numbers wrong. Any thoughts??
Won't be putting up my Djakarta until it stops raining But at least it is here now.
I must admit, I was surprised by how heavy she is, I am really glad that I didn't get the Eldorado now, it would have been too heavy for me to manage alone.
This beauty is just about as heavy as I can manage. The poles are in one bag, pegs in another and the bulk of the weight, canvas inner and fly in the huge big bag. If you have problems with your wrist, lifting may be an issue, and maybe the lighter tent is a better option? There is a shoulder strap on the bag, which should help.
Did you go to the 'tent reviews' section and look at 'Hypercamp Djakarta'? More lovely photos for you to drool over.
My little one is really taken with the photos too, it gets lots of 'Aw' noises and cuddles in its bag! He put the poles together when it arrived today as if he knows exactly what to do.
I bet you are desperate to get the tent up - I'm so excited for you.
Think you are right about the weight the lighter tent has to be better (it is very useful to know that you think it is heavy). Just a thought I wondered did you look at tipis at all? I think the pyramid is probaly better due to the multiple high points though.
So cute your little one putting the poles together and cuddling the bag - children really do make it worhthwhile - the best job in the World being a Mum.
Look forward to hearing how it is going,
Kitty
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We have a Vango Juno 500 tepee, I love the space and height. Littleun loves it too. It is an absolute breeze to put up, but only single skin polyester,no porch and I was concerned about stability in strong winds. Great little one nighter in summer though.
I wanted a similar tent, but canvas and really stable in the strong winds that we get here on the Cornish coast.
I felt that the canvas tips were just too big/high/heavy for the 2 of us.(And too expensive for me). Also I wanted a porch to cook under if it's rainy.
I nearly got a 3m bell tent from Soulpad, but same issue with lack of porch. Also, for me, as we travel by bus with a trolley to carry the equipment, (weight really is a big issue for me!!) I can't leave bags of things in a car, and felt the bell tent would end up really messy as it doesn't have a 'tidy things away corner'.
The Djakarta won me over as she is the most practical shape/weight/price for me. I now think that she is far more beautiful and unusual than tipis/bell tents too!
I can set up my little 'kitchen' at one side of the living area. If it's rainy, open the front wall and tie it back to make a big porch area and cook safely. (I would like the canvas tarp to make a shelter, but doubt the extra weight would go on our little trolley.)
I am already looking at bunting and cheery glamping accessories to make her even more special for my littlun!! I am absolutely dying to get her pitched!
Sorry that's a big waffle, hope it sheds a bit more light.
.... Merry - thank-you for your comments. Yes speed is important but not as crucial and solo put up as my five year old is quite happy to sit with a hammer and pegs making little corrals for her toys for 30 - 40 minutes while I erect a tent. The most important thing is that I can erect it easy - esp. since I have a very weak wrist due to an injury last year - it will heal completely but is going to take a number more months to fully get there - hence the importance of not having to apply any tension when erecting a tent (I can put the Kyham biker up without any strain on the arm - need to use my foot to get the tunnel pole in though - looks a bit odd I would imagine but I imagine it adds amusement to my neighbouring pitches). I really like the look of the pyramid they are just beautiful - can't see your 6 man on eBay - however I guess it would be way to heavy for me at the moment.....
Kitty
Hi, sorry if I wasn't clear - my Pyramide 6 isn't for sale. Is it your 'mallet' wrist that's a bit fragile? If so, then don't forget that a pyramid tent would need more pegging than an Atlantic. NB I am not saying this because I am selling an Atlantic, just because I have experience of putting up both the Atlantic and various sized pyramids so have some idea of the pros and cons of both. Good luck.
------------- Tackling life the Western District way
I am also a single mum to one 7 year old and we have regularly camped. We love it. I agree, as they get older and the weather gets less predictable(!) we need some extra shelter. We are off to Wales next week, and although I would have loved a Khyam Freelander (superb for ease putting up when on your own, and space ideal), my budget has dictated I buy a cheaper tent this time round, so I have just purchased a Regatta 4 person, 2 room tent - the living area is great, so spacious, and standing room. I had a practice putting it up a couple of days ago and it took about 20 mins, which reall isn't bad. Not sure how it will be in wind/rain etc but I'll let you know. It was a great buy, only £59.99 in the Argos sale.
Hope you get sorted! Have fun.
Alys
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Sorry this post is going to be short - I'm taking my little one away camping tomorrow in the New Forest and have been running around trying to get everything ready. I seem to have more than I can fit in my car. Moonmummy I don't know how you do it on a bus you really are a wonder!
Moonmummy I'm looking forward to hearing how the tent is when we get back. Also I'm hoping to be able to look around the site with my little one and discuss exactly what sort of tent we should have next - as currently there really isn't much living space. YOur post was both helpful and clear _ I too was looking at Soulpads!!!
Merry - thank-you for the advice very helpful!
Alys - looks interesting thank-you would like to know how it goes with the wind and rain. Think my little one and I might have lost our hearts to the Djakarta. Moonmummy makes a great case!!
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Topic: Best Tent - advice for single Mum
But at least it is here now. 
