I always had my heart set on a large canvas frame tent, but I am now wondering how these newer, modern style canvas tents compare. I think the frame tents look extremely sturdy and spacious, do the tunnel/dome style ones come up to scratch.
Can anyone recommend a large 8 berth canvas tent that would keep us cool and allow plenty of space for a 2-3 week holiday in France.
Thank you x
------------- Finally camping under CANVAS.
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I do like the old frame tents too and they can be had quite cheaply, but for us we needed a sewn in groundsheet to make sure the dogs didn't escape.
We've taken our polycotton bear lake 6 (old style) to france and it was superb, comfortable to sit in all day, 100% dry and sturdy in a severe "weather event"!
Can't think of anything similar in 8 berth though!?
I like the older frame canvas tents but what stops me is that they don't seem to have groundsheets that could compete with my ZIG.
While I like nature, I don't want it necessarily "in" the tent with me. The last time we packed away there was a young frog under us and the time before that I saw a mouse scurry away.
I'n sure you could "produce" something more than suitable with a Karsten, what with their main pod (various sizes), then sleeping extensions and/or additional pods to suit... then of course, there's the awnings.
Wouldn't come cheap, but that depends how many you want in "separate rooms", and who are fine with being kept apart by a mere dividing curtain, but certainly an option!
Off the top of my head, and based on Mum, Dad, 3 teens and 3 pre-teens, I'm thinking 300 main pod, 240 pod to rear, for Mum & Dad, Sleep extension to the right, and same to the left. Awning(s) to the front, to finish it off in style.
Get on auction sites - our 4 x 4.5m 'bungalow' frame tent was £80 - it's large and heavy to pack though: much larger than I anticipated, so make sure you have room. It's 65kg for the whole lot (inc. poles) so most of a roof-rack load for most cars.
I too would love a canvas frame tent, easy to put up, solid and lots of useable space (almost vertical walls).
If you do get one Cabanon are seriously good. The Espace (8 Man) looks amazing and I have seen them in new condition for way less than you would expect.
here is My Cabanon Athena and cook tent down in St Buryan
sadly it doesnt get used much now as my teenage daughter has better things to do than going camping with mum and dad, it was a real mansion for the three of us
For use in the heat of a French summer, you won't do better than a Cabanon Espace (8 berth). Yes, the canvas and frame is heavy and bulky but, if you can carry it, what other tent offers x 4 generous bedrooms (one is split by a dividing curtain), hanging rail for clothes, changing area, designated kitchen area (separated by a curtain, on later models), spacious living/dining area where 2 sides can be totally rolled up, for best possible ventilation and where a roof liner makes it cooler still?
The cotton canvas is dependable and breathable, the PVC coated roof can be wiped clean if required. Tough, large mud flaps go inside the tent and can be overlaid with a good quality groundsheet to keep you dry, or a breathable one if you want to keep things cooler still.
If you can get hold of one with a side canopy you can create more covered area and shade.
In my experience, nothing can touch them for usability, dependability, comfort or general niceness. They are wonderful tents, especially for use in France, when it's hot.
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If it's an 8 man tent you need then a second hand frame tent will offer the best value for money. Earlier this year we bought an old 6 person tent (for 5 of us) and even in the awful pre Easter weather stood proud. We did however decided the living area was not enough for us so I kept an eye out on gumtree and Fridayads for an 8 person one and sure enough one was listed for £30 within 50 miles.
We have sold the 6 person one which admittedly was easier to errect and have yet to try out our 8 person mansion.
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Topic: Canvas frame tent v modern canvas
