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Camping under canvas - Tent talk. Advice, info and recommendations

Topic: Should I swap Orchy 600 for a Bell tent?

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marxistish

01/8/2012 at 5:36pm
Location: Bristol
Outfit: 5m bell tent with SIG

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Hi all

I'm a soon to be single mum...and I cannot put up my Orchy 600 (and extension) by myself. And it seems to take a long time to put up and down, even with two of us. I've got 3 kids max age 6- so although they try they are not particularly proficient. I don't want to have to give up camping...and I know that people will probably help me out on a sunny day- but experience tells me that if it's raining I will get no help at all (a full campsite watched us struggle whilst our hungry, cold children froze in the rain last half term- they wouldn't stay in the car). I was wondering if a bell tent would be easier and quicker to put up and take down solo? Because if I'm going to sell the Vango, now would be a good time...Any thoughts will be very much appreciated.

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It's not about the rain it's about the bits in between!

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robnchar

01/8/2012 at 5:58pm
Location: Notts Derbyshire
Outfit: Soulpad 5000tribe Vango 450

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Yes but remember a canvas tent can take a lot of drying as well as being heavy when wet . You would allso need a tarp as you would have porch type area for cooking etc but this is allso a good thing when packing up as it gives you a shelter while you pack up !

JimCall

01/8/2012 at 5:59pm
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Welcome to the forum!

I suppose it depends on how much space you need. If you are used to a large tent like the Orchy and an extension then you might find a bell tent a bit restrictive but they are very easy to erect in comparison. You could do it on your own no probs.

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Jim

SoggySteve

01/8/2012 at 6:39pm
Location: Bristol Uk
Outfit: 2012 Outwell Trout Lake 4 & Tarp

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My experience (and the manager at BCHCamping) said cotton tents dry quicker.

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