Hi, I have been browsing this site for weeks now, trying to decide what tent to buy! have finally settled on the Vango Icarus 500, currently available for £143.99 at Go Outdoors. I went to collect it and they were out Of stock so arranging a transfer for me, which is great. However, having seen it in the flesh I am worried it is too big!
We will be fair weather campers, I expect. one or two nights, with me, my husband, 3 yr old and 6 yr old. Sometimes, a quick one night only with some other mums and kids with teir own tents.
this looks like a great, well made and currently good value tent, but should I be looking at a cheaply dome tent to get me started?
many thanks for any advice < by the way I camped once as a teenager!, now nearly 40!
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Seriously, Tords, I'd say this is a good price, and a very good first tent. I know they are only toddlers, but rule of thumb says take two off the berth to allow plenty/sufficient living area, so I'd say size wise, this is as ideal as you are gonna get.
There are only the two of us, but as soon as we started to build up the furniture etc, it's surprising how soon they fill up. If you are getting this years model, the 2012, then you have a little extra width, I believe, so stick with it. Maybe in a couple of years, when the mites become a little mightier, then you may be ready to upgrade/upsize, but I'll be amazed if you regret having this as your first tent.
Easy to handle, and easy to pitch too.
The Icarus 500 is ideal for 2 adults and 2 children
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we used to have the orchy 500 and it was a lovely tent for just the 2 of us! i love the icarus too and i think it ll be perfect your family and ill tell you something ... id put money on it that it wont be very long and you ll be back at go/yeomans/campingworld etc to buy the front extension for it!!!
its a great choice and im sure you ll fill that space very very quickly!
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I'd say it was the perfect size for 4 of your for long or short breaks. I have the 400 and can put it up on my own, you should (with a bit of practice) be able to put the 500 up on your own if needed. Though if you are away on your own with friends you will always have a pair of hands to help out.
At that price you really can't go wrong .
We bought this tent from Go Outdoors a couple of weeks ago as i wanted a bigger tent. There are only two of us most of the time, but its surprising how quickly you start to fill the space up ! Haven't tried ours out yet, but went in the display model in the shop and it looked fab.
I'm gutted though, as we paid £180 for it !!
have just sold mine for 160 with carpet and canopy. will be ideal for you. we were only 2 adults and a toddler but was great. only sold as gone to folding camper
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lol I've been looking at this as our second tent just for the odd weekends as our holkham 6 is so big and heavy! I agree, bet you'll want the canopy after a trip or 2, there is so much extra kit to take along!
We have a large tent too (2 adults, 1 two year old and 1 five year old). I really value the space and like not feeling cramped. It means the children can spread their toys/colours over the floor without getting in the way and when it's raining, there is always plenty of space for everyone. Think you would regret getting something smaller. In this case, big is better and size does matter
It's deffo not too big! We used ours for just 2 adults, with the canopy & found it too small, when the weather is mixed.
Saw a couple being able to walk around in a Monty & that was it, we upgraded to the XLP so can now cook inside, stroll around, have the kettle etc safely on a cupboard, keep the loo seperate, have a *boot room*......could go on lol!!
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Totally agree, Russandjax. We (2 x adults) have the tent plus front enclosed canopy/extension, and by the time we fitted it out with camp beds, clothes rails, big chairs (in crappy weather), food cupboards etc, whilst it wasn't too tight, it certainly wasn't as roomy as our Filey 6!
We are off this weekend, and due to the weather, we are planning on leaving the Filey behind, and even the Icarus canopy, (and the bloody clothes rail!!) and going with just tent...... with an XL tarp & windbreak for the kitchen.
This is getting as close to wild camping as I'm prepared to go!!
Definately not too big - in fact I would say it would be a bit of squeeze for 2 adults and 2 children plus all your kit and would recommend looking at the 600.
My friends both have the 500 and they say it is "fine" for 1 adult and 1 child and is "ok" for 1 adult and 2 children.
thanks again for the advice- collected it today from Go Outdoors. they were brilliant, honouring the 20% off they had at the time I ordered it so got it for £143.99. bargain!
looking forward to the trial next weekend.
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Topic: vango Icarus 500
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