Need a decent two bedroom area tent for stay aways at dog agility competitions.
Needs to be easy for a 1 person put up in case I go on my own, but reasonably spacious so that in poor weather there is enough room for 2 people, drying dogs, in the porch/living area so that the bed areas can be kept totally clean & dry, plus enough room so that me and 2 dogs can cook, eat and not be so confined that we go stir crazy!
Has to be very robust & waterproof - not the best camper, but OK if the weather & water is kept outside, and I can be dry & cosy inside!
Looking at Vango & Sunncamp models, but the list is bewildering
Any help welcome, I am an ex-caravan type, please don't judge me harshly...
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
I vote for the Quecha Seconds range! We have the Family 4.2 (medium) but there is also the Base Seconds (small) and the Family 4.2 XL (large). It's a pop up so you can put it up and down by yourself fairly quickly (recommend the you tube videos first!). Although it's a pop up ours has withstood torrential rain and some pretty severe winds, guessing at least 60mph, with no damage. Downside is it doesn't have a sig, so there are a few "visitors". It's still pretty warm and cosy though. Good luck!
I bought a Vango Tigris 400; have only used it for three nights so far, but managed to pitch it on my own and take it down on my own in reasonably calm conditions. Living area is light and spacious, and would be tolerable for two people and soggy doggies, I reckon - but dog owners would be able to advise you in more detail!
Vango icarus 500 could be an option, big living area to dry off dogs and 2 sleeping compartments that can be unzipped to make one large one, or one for you one for dogs. Only used ours in dry/occassional shower weather so can't advise on windy although it does have the stability straps (not sure of technical term) to use in the wind.
It would give you plenty of space and easy to erect by yourself.
------------- I'm working class, I do what I have to do, to get by.
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
Hi...I too am looking for something similar for quick trips away with the 2 dogs when hubby is working. I'm new to camping, and we have the Monty 6 which is fab, but can't imagine I'll ever be able to put it up on my own. My research so far is leading me to the Vango Eos 350, Vango Dart 300 or similar. I also really like the Gelert Cabana 4. It's just sooooo confusing. Sorry I can't help but will be watching for other replies. Good luck!
The Quecha Second range would certainly overcome the issue of pitching alone. This was originally my choice of tent however with the dogs I prefer a SIG in the living space. My old tent did not have a SIG in the living space and found my dogs were obsessed with trying to escape under the tent. With the SIG once we are all zipped in the dogs can roam around freely no need for them to be tethered outside or constantly on a lead inside the tent which quiclkly becomes a pain!! Most campsites state dogs on leads at all times, however if you are more likely to be camping at Dog Competitions the rule might be more relaxed. Would definately recommed a porch or extension for the dogs to be kept in if they are wet/muddy or alternatively to keep them dry when the weather takes a turn for the worse whilst you can still enjoy your "own" living space. Much consideration was given to my dogs needs when we were shopping for our tent and the SIG was a must for us. Outwell Nevada M was finally our choice. That said could be difficult to pitch on your own, however there are always people around on campsites who are happy to help pitching. In the tent reviews for the Nevada M there is a review from a person who uses it also for flyballing/dog shows!!
------------- Carly
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
Well... we have just come back from Fforest Fields and whilst we there there the Welsh Kennel Club had their show at the showground in Builth Well.
Lots of campers there had 'enclosures' of windbreaks. Some were the wooden type ones which are good but take a long time to wallop into the ground.
However, we saw campers with specific expandable type windbreaks for the dogs and they looked great. This post has reminded me to search for them on tinterweb but maybe someone knows what they are and can post a link?
Anyway, my brother has the vango icarus 500 plus porch and we have had some horrendous weather and it has stood up to that absolutely no problem at all. You could put a windbreak at the end of the porch and the dogs would have their own space without being tied up - especially if they are have got wet - no need to put them in the tent then until they are dry??
Can the Icarus 500 really be pitched solo? I'd much rather have one of them instead of bending down all the time in a smaller Eos/Dart type but I've not much experience at this camping lark and don't want to be put off whilst camping solo.
The icarus 500 was my dream tent until the Gelert Atlantis 5 with porch came up at a great price, its basically the same tent and at 5ft 4 I can easily errect the tent on my own (porch not quite yet). There are several brands variations of the icarus.
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: Tent advice... HELP!!
