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

Topic: Simple budget family tent

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clueless

via mobile 15/4/2021 at 5:34pm
Location: westhoughton bolton
Outfit: Gelert horizon 8

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Hi,

We’ve had all sizes of tent over the past 20 years from 2 man to 8 man, current main tent is a Vango Keswick 600 DLX steel-pole beast, which we love for the space/longer stays but really need a second smaller tent for basic 1-2 night quick getaways.

DH is 6’1 and with two tall growing boys (12 & nearly 9) headroom and sleeping space need to be generous, but a quick pitch is most important. Have been eyeing up the Vango Icarus for the past couple of years but couldn’t decide on it and that’s now out of production.

Budget won’t stretch to Air tents - happy with a few fibreglass poles tbh (as long as pitching is simple) as it’s likely to be for fair weather spur of the moment camps anyway. Don’t really want to go over £250 as may only get used 1-2 times per year.

Any suggestions I might not have considered, or personal recommendations? The tent market seems to have moved on over the past few years!

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DeborahTurner

via mobile 15/4/2021 at 9:14pm
Location: London
Outfit: Esvo Bedouin 280

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This always struck me as a good buy, Obelink have a good reputation
https://www.obelink.co.uk/428850.html

DeborahTurner

via mobile 15/4/2021 at 9:19pm
Location: London
Outfit: Esvo Bedouin 280

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The Icarus is still available, GoOutdoors have them, and Blacks, but more than £250.

christopherowens967

via mobile 15/4/2021 at 9:30pm
Location: haverfordwwest
Outfit: Elddis typhoon gtx

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Totally agree with an icarus perfect for weekends Way slept 4 with me no worries till kids got a bit older than was a squeeze but they brought their own when they got to 15+

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DeborahTurner

via mobile 15/4/2021 at 10:07pm
Location: London
Outfit: Esvo Bedouin 280

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Sorry it’s the Icarus DX that is still available, the one with the improved side door and a bit bigger, I think.

Such a loss: the Icarus (and earlier versions, Iris / Isis ) is such a great tent. We don’t all want or need the bulk, weight and expense of inflatables.

clueless

via mobile 15/4/2021 at 11:28pm
Location: westhoughton bolton
Outfit: Gelert horizon 8

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Quote: Originally posted by DeborahTurner on 15/4/2021
This always struck me as a good buy, Obelink have a good reputation
https://www.obelink.co.uk/428850.html

That’s a really interesting looking tent at a good price! Never heard of them though, being honest?! Might be worth a punt though!

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clueless

via mobile 15/4/2021 at 11:31pm
Location: westhoughton bolton
Outfit: Gelert horizon 8

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Quote: Originally posted by DeborahTurner on 15/4/2021
Sorry it’s the Icarus DX that is still available, the one with the improved side door and a bit bigger, I think.

Such a loss: the Icarus (and earlier versions, Iris / Isis ) is such a great tent. We don’t all want or need the bulk, weight and expense of inflatables.

At one point (around 2003-2010?) we had the Venture which I think was the even earlier model? I absolutely loved that tent, just outgrew it when the kids were small with all the paraphernalia! Funny how things come full circle! However I can’t find it in stock anywhere :(

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MrDasherD

via mobile 16/4/2021 at 9:01am
Location: Exeter
Outfit: If it fits in the 2CV - - - .

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Decathlon have some excellent value tents ...https://www.decathlon.co.uk/browse/c0-sports/c1-camping/c3-family-tents/_/N-17b5kje

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(°\=/°)

DeborahTurner

via mobile 16/4/2021 at 1:28pm
Location: London
Outfit: Esvo Bedouin 280

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Joined: 11/8/2011

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Quote: Originally posted by clueless on 15/4/2021

Quote: Originally posted by DeborahTurner on 15/4/2021
Sorry it’s the Icarus DX that is still available, the one with the improved side door and a bit bigger, I think.

Such a loss: the Icarus (and earlier versions, Iris / Isis ) is such a great tent. We don’t all want or need the bulk, weight and expense of inflatables.

At one point (around 2003-2010?) we had the Venture which I think was the even earlier model? I absolutely loved that tent, just outgrew it when the kids were small with all the paraphernalia! Funny how things come full circle! However I can’t find it in stock anywhere :(

LOL, I had a Venture 500 which was an excellent tent except I hated threading the poles across the dome part.

I later bought a Vango Kalu which was a doddle to put up, even by myself, and extremely sturdy, with it’s one steel pole and fibreglass ‘outriggers’. That was discontinued pretty quickly.

Personally I don’t like many of the Decathlon tents because if the turquoise colour. But they are good quality and good value.

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