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   Camping under canvas -  Tent talk. Advice, info and recommendations 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email
Subject Topic: Advice needed please! New to camping
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PersonClb192
13/7/2011 at 10:28am
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Other then Glastonbury, I've not camped since I was a kid, however really want to start with our kids, aged 2 and 4.

Have done a but of research, and think a second hand cab anon frame tent is a good bet, so just wondered if:

Are we being ambitious going for a frame tent as newbies? Don't want to be putting it up for 3 hours :)

Is the Andorra big enough or should we go for a 6 berth. I've seen a good post 2001 model, and thought if we got into camping and wanted to go for longer than 2-3 nights I could buy an a series bedroom annexe? Thought this might give more flexibility.

Is £120 a reasonable price for an Andorra in good shape?

Any other advice, ie that I haven't even considered, greatly appreciated,

Thanks in advance


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Personrochford6
13/7/2011 at 10:46am
 Location: norfolk
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If you decide to go for a frame tent make sure you have enough room to transport it along with the rest of your camping gear, they come in Huge bags.

I am sure one of the more knowledgeable Cabanon fans will be along soon to answer your questions

-------------
Brian


Personcathyh
13/7/2011 at 10:53am
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Hi and welcome!
Firstly well done on starting camping with your kids - they will love it! (I know mine do!)
I think first time putting up for any kind of tent will take a few hours, but I certainly prefer the frame tents for sturdiness (with little people running amuk in them and weather wise) and just for the general 'feel' of them.
Whatever you go for, it is worth doing an overnighter at a local camp site or in the garden first so you are familiar with your tent - get some coloured electrical tape to code the poles!
Personally I think an Andorra will be a bit snug for 4. It's OK, but as the children grow they (and you) will want a bit more space. But £120 for one in good condition is a very good price - if you decided to sell it on again and get a bigger one, I bet you would get your money back.
The obvious downside of a canvas frame tent is weight and pack size, but if you have the room, go for it!


PersonClb192
13/7/2011 at 12:30pm
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Thanks I think I will go for the Andorra, it seems the best value to get us started, and if it is a squash, hopefully we will be able to sell on and get a bigger one.

Think space should be ok, we have a fairly big car, and a roof box if nec.

My only worry is that you pitch the Andorra inner first, does that make it very difficult in rain?

Thanks again


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Personrochford6
13/7/2011 at 12:41pm
 Location: norfolk
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I think you pitch the canvas first, then put the inners up inside.

Certainly with our Aruba it is canvas first which was handy the last time we pitched as we had an almighty storm so at least we could get inside quickly and get set up without getting soaked

-------------
Brian


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PersonClb192
13/7/2011 at 12:58pm
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Thanks Brian I'm probably wrong, just read that on a review somewhere and panicked! An Aruba, they look lovely but a bit pricey for us at the moment! Considered the Athena, which I think is the older version but I thought it may be too big for shorter breaks?

Completely separate but when reading the forums I noticed you mentioned a cheap tent courier, do you still have those details? Think it was you anyway.

Thanks everyone, seems a great bunch on this site.


Personrochford6
13/7/2011 at 1:27pm
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The freight company i used was These

As for the Aruba being out of your price range, i picked ours up earlier this year for £142. it is in near perfect condition so i guess i did at last get a bargain

-------------
Brian


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PersonClb192
13/7/2011 at 1:56pm
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Wow, bargain indeed! I'm avoiding eBay, they seem massively more expensive on there I think!

That's great thanks again :)


Personcathyh
13/7/2011 at 2:45pm
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Preloved is the best place I've found to pick up the odd bargain!
And pitching in the rain is not too bad - poles up, then throw canvas over the top, doesn't take too long for it to be weatherproof (you just get wet whilst pegging - but not too many pegs on a frame tent anyway)


PersonClb192
13/7/2011 at 5:30pm
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I have taken the plunge, bought an Andorra on preloved. I'm very excited hope it is as good as it looks!


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Personcathyh
13/7/2011 at 6:10pm
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Great, don't forget to post pics when you get it pitched!


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New! Please upload a photo of your tent to the Tent Showcase!





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