I am a single mum of 4 kids (14, 10, 9 and 7). I want to buy a tent and be brave and start going camping with the kids! I have been looking around and keep finding tents I like then changing my mind! I figured the best way was to ask those in the know!
Iam looking for something with at least 3 sleeping pods. On occassion there may be another 2 coming with us. I like space, would rather have bigger than just enough (giggles!) .. I need something that is easyish to put up. I have been looking at the Kalahari 10, Khyam ontario 8 .. With the bigger tents, are site fees more?
Any help would be gratefully appreciated. I want to make the right choice!! I do have a limited budget and have been looking on ebay!
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Hi LV10. We have a Gelert Horizon 8 - good reviews on here. I haven't put it up by myself BUT I do think me and my 14 year old would manage. I think you could possibly buy last years version at a reduced price, and there may be some on ebay. I couldn't rate it enough. 4 sleeping pods if needed.
Have a look at the reviews and on the pictures of tents on the sticky on top of the camping under canvas forum. You might spot one that suits.
Hi there. Im with you on the space thing. I have a kalihari 10 for just me and partner. Its an easy pitch tent and most sites accommodate big tents on standard size pitches. Be carefully with haven sites though, most of theirs are only 6 by 6 meters.
Tunnel tents are easier to pitch and don't take up as much room for the amount of berths. Older kids can always have their own pup tent if there's room outside or inside the living area if needs be, just move it during the day.
------------- Kate
Trailer tent, caravan and too many tents!
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There are quite a few pitching videos on youtube. Once you have a few tent suggestions you can watch them and see how you would think you would manage with them and how big they are. I had to rule out some of the ones I liked because there was no way I was going to be able to put them up on my own(only a wee person).
I would also go for a "tunnel" design with bedrooms each end "vis a vis" try an avoid the tents with multiple seperate bedroom pods as they will be more difficult to put up
------------- Experience enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.
Everything has been said before, but since nobody ever listens we have to keep going back and saying it all over again and again and again
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Have a look at the Vango 600. Can't say enough about them . One of the best bigger polyester tent out there. These others don't have a canopy , this is so important when cooking and entertaining . You should really consider this.............
Agree about the Vango. We have a Colorado 800dlx which I can put up with minimal help from the kids, (and I am a 5ft 6 mum of five!), once the main central area is up you simply insert poles and peg out the three pods, one is a large pod big enough for three kids, the others are double pods at the side, and there is a massive living room in the middle, big enough for table and chairs if the weather is iffy. It has a SIG and bathtub front to keep out the worst of the dirt and grass. Where this tent wins for me is the large porch area so all your gear can be separate away from the living area, and there is a porch extension available which we use as a kitchen and place to put outdoor gear, with still enough space to put a chair for the first cuppa in the morning! Loads of space, I have seen them on ebay cheap, they are not expensive, we bought ours new in 2009 for £239 and added the footprint and groundsheet to it for practicality and luxury.
Good luck with your search, check out my reviews on this tent and porch extension.
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Topic: Advice needed .. at least 3 sleeping pods
