I have recently joined this site which is great with lots of info and I am already excited about camping,,, We are hoping to go for a short break bank holiday Monday to Shell Island but need to get a tent first!!!.
There is just the 2 of us but would like a tent we can stand up in, plenty of space to have a table in living space, biggish windows, goundsheet attached and space to store things like stove, clothes, food etc. so I thought a larger one and use one of the sleeping pods to do this.
We was thinking of the tents below so we can have lots of space, but I read on of the threads that some campsites charge you double prices if you have a large tent. Outwell Michigan 6 person Tent 2011 or Outwell Nevada L.
So looked at this one Outwell Caroline M 3 berth (£169.97 go outdoors) but not sure where you store other items?
Just wondering what everyone else does.
Many Thanks for any replied
Mandy
Outwell Michigan 6 person Tent 2011
Outwell Nevada L
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
The Carolina is a great tent but like you say the only storage area is the living space, but if theres only two of you then you will have ample room because its huge.
Have a look at the reviews there are lots of photos to see if it would work for you.
If you'd like to 'hide' your stuff then go for something with 2 sleeping areas, i've not being paid attention to whats upto date in tents this year but i'm sure someone else can recommend one.
The Nevada L is not big enough to be charged double, or the Michigan, not on any camp sites I've been to anyway - I would think the Nevada would be ideal, although possibly the M, with the option of a front extension, would give you really flexible space. My other suggestion would be the Glendale 5 as it has 2 living areas.
Let us know what you go for,
Mairi
------------- April/May - Georgia destroyed in high winds sob
May - Loch Ken, 1st outing for the wolf lake
July - Waterside House, Lake District
July - Inside Park, Dorset
I have an Vango Icarus 500, great tent with the things you are looking for. I am also new to camping and wanted something easy to put up with built in groundsheets and the Icarus has fitted the bill nicely. I have also purchased the enclosed front canopy for extra space for longer trip or when we take the dog.
------------- Tania
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
I have the Vango Icarus too, and there's three of us. The Icarus is a box ticker, it's quick to put up, it's full head height throught, even in the sleeping areas, it's reasonably priced, it's got a few design ideas like a mesh panel for the doors and a darker inner compartment so you don't wake up too early. Overall you couldn't go too wrong.
We have just purchased an Outwell Nevada M from Go Outdoors, as it is ample for two adults, Oh 6'+, and one samll dog. There is three entrances, three big windows, a large living area, & a universal 2+3 sleeping pod that can be either opened up to create a large sleeping pod,( as we will be doing), or one of the pods can be unzipped to create more stooge space. Built in groundsheet, hydrostatic head of 4000 and a super windproof system, check it out on Outwell's webpage, where they have a YouTube video walking you through the erected tent, and another video demonstrating how you pitch the tent. Excellent spec. and great value for money for a tent:)
------------- Gaze at the stars
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
When trying to chose a tent, it is a really good idea to go and look at some that are erected in a tent display. There will be a camping/outdoor store somewhere near you ( Go Outdoors for a start) that will have a reasonable selection to walk about in. This way you really can get a good idea of the space available. The general rule of thumb seems to be, to get a tent with 1 or 2 more berths than the number of people who will be in the tent.
And once you are at a camping store, you will find loads of items you never knew existed, but you absolutely MUST have. It becomes an obsession !!
Another vote for the Nevada M from me. Theres 3 of us & the dog, loads of room especially with the extension. We were drawn to it being a light colour so its very airy inside & the huge windows are brilliant if its bad weather & you're stuck inside.
Shell Island is known as a tent breaker, I have an Icarus and wouldnt take it to Shell, it just not strong enough and I wouldnt trust the fibreglass poles to take the strain.
Maybe look for a steel poled tent?. (Missouri etc)
Or a Vango Force 10
We decided on the Nevada M which we purchased yesterday together with the footprint and carpet. The only problem we have is we tried to pitch it in the garden but its too big for our lawn as we have a tortoise house which we will need to reposition on the garden in order for us to air the tent when we come home. I am right in thinking this should be done before storing away?
Also after reading more of the reviews for Shell Island we have decided not to go there for the bank holiday in August, the mention of strong winds have put me off. We are looking at Tenby/Saundersfoot as we know the area having previous holidays there.
I just also wanted to say a big thanks for everyone replies and how valuable the information on this site is.
Thanks
Mandy
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
Hi
You need to make sure your tent is totally dry inside and out before you put it to bed for the winter so anywhere you can dry it will be fine
------------- 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
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: Complete Newbie to Camping..
