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Hello everyone

I've been looking for a 6 sleeper for a while now - just can't decide. I think a fairly basic Icarus 600 would suit - I need something I can put up solo, as my hubby does not plan on joining me and the 2 kids very often, but may join us sometimes.  I would like to bedrooms all near together, not vis a vis, as the kids feel safer close. My car is not huge, so the pack size can't be massive. Budget is tight - under £200, less if possible. I had a 2nd hand Aztec Sala 6 which was perfect - but started leaking like a sieve! Shame....I loved it.... but think I might be better opting for a new one this time, to get a guarantee on it. I just wondered if there is an obvious (or not so obvious) option I am missing?

I'm also not sure whether to get one now, or whether any better deals can be got later in the year or early next season?

Many thanks for any help

Kate

Your spot on with the Icarus, there is a reason this tent is so popular. There may be some Vango Icarus 600 DLX's left, one of the online stores is doing it as a limitied edition. It's one hoop bigger, which doesn't make alot of difference to putting it up.

I have the Icarus 500 which I love, I have the canopy for it too and in my opinion it's definately a bonus to have the canopy.

As for the timing, snap them up now. Camping has enjoyed an increase in popularity - stocks are running out and the VAT is going up in January. The 2011 models could be significantly more expensive, so now is the time. If you wait any longer you'll risk not getting any in stock.

As I said, camping has enjoyed an increase, but alot of those first timers are having second thoughts (after the mixed weather we've been having) and if you're willing to dip your toe in the sea of second hand again there's alot of 'once used' tents on ebay coming up which are an absolute bargain.

It might be worth considering a Gelert Lokon Vario 600. As it's a tunnel tent - you have masses of room, with the bedrooms being at on end, and an adjustable porch area at the front. I managed to pitch ours single handedly - which is something I couldnt do with our Cleveland6.

Thanks - great advice, I'll definitely try to get one over the weekend then. The Gelert Lokon Vario - I was camped next to one over the summer, and was so impressed with it in the high winds - I thought that style of tunnel tent would struggle - and other makes did - but this one I was near never budged at all! Unlike my too-big dome tent that was nearly caved in at the sides..... My concern with the Lokon was that a couple of the reviews mention that it's OK to put up with 2, in good weather, but for 1, in bad weather - a bit of  worry! But if you reckon I would be OK I might have a look for one.

Thanks again!

Bought one - finally! I went for the Icarus 600, as i had a look  for the Gelert and could not see one online anywhere. It's from an ebay shop at £155 - I thought I was not fussy about colour but found I really liked the blue, so went for that. Now have to find a canopy - can't wait for next year to get camping again!