Several years ago I bought a Vango Venture 500 and I think its now time to move up a little in the camping world.
We've had some fun with this tent, but there's a number of things I'd like to improve on with my next tent.
The Vango is not very stable in wind and even for relatively small amounts of wind the shape of the tent totally deforms. I'd therefore like a tent that stands up to the wind much better.
The Vango is supposed to sleep 5, but its cramped even with 4. I'd therefore like a tent that easily sleeps 5 and could take a 6th person without being too cramped.
When pegging out the Vango's outer tent, its a bit hit and miss getting the shape right. I'd therefore like an outer tent with a sown in ground sheet.
The Vango is very prone to condensation, I guess though that's a common problem with most modern tents.
Any recommendations anyone?
Thanks.
------------- Shaun.
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All Polyester tents are prone to condensation but if you use the vents correctly (rather than what some people do and close them all up ) and "air" the tent, the problem becomes less of a burden... Obviously the more bodies in the tent, the more condensation will be produced......
Once you start going for a realistic 6 berth tent, the size of them dramatically increases, It is all down to personal choice really as to budget, style of tent, sleeping/bedroom arrangements etc.....
My advice would be to shop around and visit some decent tent displays to get a "feel" for what you want, search online for a tent that takes your fancy and then try to track it down at a dealers to have a look at in the flesh.
I'm sure if you post preferences and budget that you will have many replies with recommendations and links
We have a Coleman Big Cypress which is an 8 berth tent, I think it would be fine for 6, but there is only 2 bedroom pods so I guess it depends on how you want to distribute your bodies!
Anyway, it's an inner first pitch, sewn in groundsheet right through, and we never get a drop of condensation, it is fabulous! Only problem for me, a short arse, is getting the flysheet over the top of the tent. Luckily my friend is tall enough to handle that part of the job!
I don't know if they make them anymore, cos we paid bugger all for ours last year, presumably because they don't! But I would say look for something that you pitch inner first to really get rid of condensation.
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Hi Shaun, i'm buying a Coleman next week. But I have noticed the living space in the cabins and the Evanston is quite small. However the Coastline, although with a lower HH rating, is really roomy with four two man pods. Feels great inside. I'm torn at the moment. Have seen the coastline with carpet, canopy and groundsheet all in for £235.
We have the Coleman Mackenzie X6 (which is like a cross between the Mackenzie cabin, the Evanston and the Coastline 6) and it's a fab tent..... it has 2 double bedrooms at one end That can be opened into one larger space and then an additional inner that can be removed from the front end of the tent, There are 2 side entrances and a HUGE front entrance that opens up under a MASSIVE canopy outside that zips on and off at your convenience, The windows are also really big and really bring the outdoors in IYSWIM? all of the windows have curtains and the entrances has no see-um mesh to stop the bugs, ventilation is also good and there are several zip open flaps to help air move freely round the tent (stopping some condensation)....
IMO the Mackenzies are of much better quality than the Coastlines and there are still a few about at bargain prices...I'm sure I saw an X8 online for under £300 the other day ......
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I too have a VV500 and if I were to upgrade I would look at the Outwell Troutlake though this may be a bit small for you or if you are interested in the Tigris I would suggest you look out for last years Tigris 600 DLX. The DLX gives you more living space
------------- Get me my dust pan and brush, we're going camping!
ok, might not suit but how about a good used Frame tent ?
You can pick up 6 berth Relum and Cabanon with good canvas well under your budget. No condensation, real weather resistance. And proper canvas rather than plastic so lovely and cool in hot weather
Downsides are weight (say 40kg) and size, so if you have a small car and no trailer not ideal. Need to dry them well after use (true of plastic too). Little heavier to pitch but certainly not hard
If you dont like it you can always sell it on for potentially no loss
Very stable (ours has withstood some terrible weather), easy to pitch, acres of living space, good ventilation, large windows, 5000HH rating, SIG which drops flat at the doors so no trip hazard, can actually accommodate 8 x 75cm wide airbeds, removeable bedroom pods (2+2+4), door can be canopied out to form a sun porch, cable entry point, lantern hook and cable tidy. All in all a fantastic family tent!!
------------- Helen xx
Mini Mad Mum
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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: Time To Upgrade
) and "air" the tent, the problem becomes less of a burden... Obviously the more bodies in the tent, the more condensation will be produced......
