Hi, looking to buy a family tent for short holidays. Was looking at Vango Staffa Air 500 and the Vango kintyre 500. Does anyone have any reviews/recommendations? Many thanks
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As no one has yet replied, I’ll jump in. It’s been a while since I was tenting, and I haven’t used either of those. In general, I’d prefer fibreglass poles: more of a faff, but lighter to lug about. Also, have a look at tents with a bit of a canopy, to stop rain running inside when you unzip. I quite like the Outwell Nevada, but there are others. Vango are decent enough. Have a look at the Sierra 500.
Other considerations: a simple tarp for shelter from sun and rain. (Probably decathlon) and self inflating sleep mats - warmer than airbeds.
Good luck,and happy camping!
How bulky and heavy is the packed tent?
How quickly does it take to erect and pitch, including all guy lines?
How quickly can it be collapsed and packed away into the bag?
If you have a tent which is difficult to erect and then has 20-30 pegging points short breaks become much shorter!
Blacks has a 50% sale, might help for when you decide what you want. You can filter the search, which might also help you decide.
There are sooooo many tents to choose from: our choice (years ago) focussed on wanting cotton outer & inner, but that sacrifices weight & volume.
Loath to recommend any particular tent to someone else, as such a personal choice, almost as bad as choosing their clothes for them!
Couple of points though, Air Beam tents are great in some ways, but be aware of their packed weight and holdall size - they can be unwieldy beasts that are beyond some peoples ability to handle, and a challenge to fit in a car boot, especially the larger berth ones, it is what it is, there is no way of splitting it up. Poled tents tend to be lighter overall, and the poles can also be removed from the holdall to make it lighter to handle.
Novices often believe manufacturers claims and live to regret, but experienced campers will ALWAYS deduct ONE from any claimed berth capacity! A bedroom with two berths is only really comfortable for one! Bedroom for 3, only 2 etc. If you believe manufacturers berths, you'll be in intimate contact all the time!
Berth space never really allows for any baggage, so strictly sleeping space on a minimalist bed. Think about where 'baggage' can go, and allow for any 'luxury' beds.
Personal thing perhaps, but I like a separate porch area, where wet and muddy gear can be removed/stored so as not to drag the damp and muck into living/sleeping area. It's also better for use as a kitchen. Another personal thing, but shared by many, head height and sitting space. Not being able to stand up straight becomes tiresome! Having sufficient space to sit and eat under shelter WHEN the weather is unkind is something many a camper truly appreciates - it's no fun HAVING to lie on your bed because no other option!
Lots of good advice here, we’ve recently taken up camping again after a break and went with Bergahaus, picked an Air 400 for ease, there’s only two of us and a dog though! We’ve been massively impressed by the space, quality, and robustness, it’s luxurious in tent terms (it was also £399 before a discount, so not cheap). The Adhara 500 (pole) looks great as does the 4XL and is a lot cheaper than the Air range and you can get a porch/awning that extends the tent a lot. Go Outdoors/Blacks/Millets are all the same group but their prices differ and they are the only ones that usually sell Berghaus tents (they own the group) but they also stock loads of other brands and have a wide selection up for display often outdoors. I’d very much recommend going and seeing what you like. Take the kids too, they will undoubtedly love exploring all the tents! Have fun.
I would recommend a metal frame tent and not fibre glass poles, based on my recent observations this year, in that frame tents are better in coping with windy conditions.
Personally I would opt for a Dutch canvas pyramid tent again; however, each to their own.
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Topic: Which tent would you recommend
via mobile 02/6/2025 at 5:00pm
