Our trusty Gelert Alaska 6 is about ready for the scrap heap so I'm looking at buying a new tent.
Last year I looked at the Kampa Pendine 8 and it looked very impressive. The key thing we want is a vis-a-vis style tent with one or more bedrooms at either end. Generally there will be 4 of us in a tent and the Alaska was a little tight if we had to stay inside with 4 people and all the kit.
I'm not sure if there's any new offerings for the 2011 season so I thought I'd ask!
What would you experts recommend for us?
Thanks in advance.
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
Considering the price hike this year I would consider looking at who has stock of last years tents as alot on in the sale due to the news season's tents becoming available!
The Pendine is about same as last year, price wise and same spec. Kampa have two further 8 man viz a viz tents in the Sandown 8 and the Tenby 8 (with built in porch) though it looks quite heavy and not cheap. Looking at different manufacturer if you wanted the built in porch The Michigan 8 by Outwell looks interesting.
Guess it depends on your budget The Sandown and Pendine are around the same price.
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
Thanks for the help so far! I'm looking at no more than £400 really. I cant really justify an £800 tent given how much camping we do.
I like the look of that Tenby 8 but I'd be a little worried by its size and whether it would fit on a standard pitch. The price is a litte more than I'd like to pay as well which is a shame.
I'm not bothered about what the make is as long as its good quality so any suggestions you have are apreciated.
Have a look at the Outwell Idaho L. A great tent that looks like it would suit your needs. Two good sized bedrooms either end and, what's better, each has it's own little dressing/storage area with hanging rail. Lounge is a good size and there are lots of windows so nice and light. Loved this tent.
------------- 2012
March - Woodovis, Devon
April - Trewethett, Tintagel
April - Santander - no caravan
May - The Willows, Abersoch
June - Killegruer, Mull of Kintyre
August - Gwithian Farm, Cornwall
September - TBC
October - TBC
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
I like the look of the Outwell Idaho L. I can only seem to find a 2009 model though. Is that right?!
Whats peoples thoughts on this fitting onto standard pitches? I'm worried by its 6 x 6 meter footprint and whether i'd be charged for 2 pitches on some campsites.
The Outwell Idaho was discontinued at the end of 2009. I know the Discover Leisure store near to me had some in stock last year, but I think you would only be likely find second hand versions now.
I have the XL version and whilst there are some sites where we cannot take it, these are fairly few and so we've not had a problem finding sites.
Vango are doing the new Midas 800 which is vis-a-vis. The Tigris 800 is also vis-a-vis, but with a bit more living space. Both you should be able to pick up within your budget (the Tigris may need you to shop around though). They can also have enclosed canopies added for extra space if needed. With their TBSII internal strapping system that you can clip in place in windy weather, they are also more stable than many fibreglass poled tents.
Vango's sister company, Lichfield, has the Carradale 8 which can be vis-a-vis, a little more expensive (about £350, but may be able to find cheaper) but with 5000HH and the tied arch design (2 steel upright poles with 2 piggy-backing fibreglass poles). Lichfields own website hasn't been updated yet, but there are a few online retailers with the tent if you want to take a look.
Depending on the arrangement you want the Lichfield Sandwood 4+2 may also be an option.
Is there a same style tent as the Idaho in the 2011 range? I've had a quick look but theres loads of tents on their site.
I realy like the idea of having near on vertical walls like my original idea of the Kampa tent. I know brands like Outwell do this which is a real draw to maximise the living space. Living space is paramount for us really so I dont have to take a gazeebo along with us.
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: Buy me a tent!
