HELP!!!!. We are looking to replace our Outwell Delaware 5 tent which was badly damaged. We like the idea of the air tents due to the ease of pitching. i had back surgery a couple of years ago and have always struggled with pitching our Delaware. I am just so unsure of the air beam technology due to all the problems people have had on here. We would like a tent with a separate enclosed front porch for cooking etc. We have narrowed our search to the following.-
Outwell Vermont XLP
Vango Illusion 800
Vango Rivendale 800XL
(Is the Illusion worth the extra money over the Rivendale)
Kampa Croyde
Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.
------------- Happy Camping
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
I have the Illusion 800 but have only test pitched it so far.
I chose it over the Rivendale as you can open up the whole living area into the porch and the Illusion also has the double rip-stop and higher density fabric.
Saying that, the Illusion 800 has just had a recall so if you want to buy one, make sure the retailer is aware of the recall and supply the additional replacement beams.
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
TBH, I don't think you'd go far wrong with any of those However here's my 2p worth.
Up until this year I had decided that my next tent would be the Outsell Vermont XLP, what's not to love? Light and airy, plenty of space, lots of little niceties (hanging rails etc). However I decided this year that I wanted a large tent that I could pitch up on my own. Reason being that I can go on ahead earlier in the day pitch and get everything ready for the rest of the family arriving at tea time. This is when I started looking at Airbeams.
Now as to the others, I looked at the Illusion and thought that this was a great layout (similar to the Vermont) but the Flysheet feels amazing, very thick Ripstop Nylon, it feels as though it would last for years. we also looked at the Rivendale the benefits of this is that it has a flyscreen on the middle door, but it doesn't have a groundsheet in the extension (it comes with the footprint though). TBH though I will probably use a Treadlite carpet anyway. Now I can't comment on the Croyde, but I did like the Studland (very similar to the Illusion).
In the end we ruled out the Illusion because we wanted a polycotton tent and went with the Rhapsody (Polycotton version of the Rivendale). I was put off the Kampa due to the availability of spares. Having had a Vango for 5 years, it is easy to get parts. I have already ordered a spare airbeam just in case.
I guess what I am saying is if it was me my choice would be the following
For non Airbeam - Outwel
If you want a wide open space (and not too bothered by bugs)- then the Illusion
If you want something a bit cosier then splash out a bit more and get the Rhapsody :)
Hi, we bought the Kampa Croyde 6 2016 version last weekend which has the front porch. We've only tested it in the garden so far but found it really easy to pitch, we will be camping in it for the first time at the end of May bank holiday. We bought it from Kenmar Camping in Wakefield where it was on display outside. Staff very helpful. If I can fathom out how to put pictures on here I'll post some of ours up in the garden.
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
Thanks for all the info folks. Its nice to hear that the tents we have shortlisted seem to have positive feedback so far.I thinks its a trip to Cross camping tomorrow. I have spoke to Gary and he is so knowledgable and helpful.
Quote: Originally posted by cathasle on 13/5/2016
Hi, we bought the Kampa Croyde 6 2016 version last weekend which has the front porch. We've only tested it in the garden so far but found it really easy to pitch, we will be camping in it for the first time at the end of May bank holiday. We bought it from Kenmar Camping in Wakefield where it was on display outside. Staff very helpful. If I can fathom out how to put pictures on here I'll post some of ours up in the garden.
Yes they made some changes for this year, hope you enjoy your trip
to post pics you need to upload them to a host, I use photobucket, then once uploaded you just get the image link on the right and post it on here by using the little mountain icon at the top of your post x
Quote: Originally posted by cathasle on 13/5/2016
Hi, we bought the Kampa Croyde 6 2016 version last weekend which has the front porch. We've only tested it in the garden so far but found it really easy to pitch, we will be camping in it for the first time at the end of May bank holiday. We bought it from Kenmar Camping in Wakefield where it was on display outside. Staff very helpful. If I can fathom out how to put pictures on here I'll post some of ours up in the garden.
Yes they made some changes for this year, hope you enjoy your trip
to post pics you need to upload them to a host, I use photobucket, then once uploaded you just get the image link on the right and post it on here by using the little mountain icon at the top of your post x
Been over to Cross camping today 111 mile trip each way but well worth it even though Gary had gone home ill. Nice to see the tents we had shortlisted on display but still undecided. Loved the Vango Illusion and the Kampa Croyde but I think I would prefer the Croyde in polycotton. Also loved the polycotton Vango Rhapsody which is just a bit too expensive. The only thing that puts me off the Kampa is the one year warranty, three years on Vango.
We too had been very undecided and have made a couple of trips to Cross Camping to have a look and try and decide (luckily we only live 20 miles away). In the end we've decided to go for the Croyde in polycotton. Unfortunately they don't stock that model so we will have to get it elsewhere but they were really helpful there and I wish we could have got it through them. It is really difficult making the devision on what to get.
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 choice
[/IMG]
