Before having children we used to go for trips in a 3 man backpackers tent, which is a little impractical for the 4 of us and all the stuff you need with toddlers. So we decided to invest a small amount in a family tent. The halfords tent pack looked like a really good deal. £79.99 for a 4 man tent 2 dbl air mattresses 4 sleeping bags and a lamp, all in a convenient wheeled bag. It is a good price. But I thought that since they were sold together, the matresses would fit in the sleeping areas. Istead of making the seams bulge and one of the toggles rip from the ceiling when my 2 yr old sat on the edge. Anyway I thought I'd get something bigger, came straight home and ordered an ultrafit tent, which it turns out are less then brilliant. Anyway, hope it all turns out for the best. Feeling a bit stupid now.
------------- Sue
Duct tape is like the force. It has a dark side and a light side and it holds the universe together email
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We live to learn!! We bought a twelve man as a few of us went camping only to discover that I could not reach the centre poles when we put it up!!! I am on th short side!! So we had to get rid of that and downsize but you do not know till you try!!
Oh well, you seem in good cheer about it! I would never buy another tent without seeing it up first. There are a few shops near where I live and one has in excess of 50 tents permanently erected outdoors. I visited this shop when it was windy as hell and lashing it down with rain. It is amazing what you learn about a tent when you see it "put to the test". Also, as a rule of thumb, it seems to be a good idea to get a tent that has an extra three berths minimum more than you require.
Can you not send the tent back and spend some quality time with the family choosing a new one?
If you do decide to go for a new tent, why not ask for member's comments on it before you part with the cash?
I can't agree more, I keep meaning to do proper research before buying rather than after. I'm just impatient and impulsive. And those ultrafit tents look like such a good deal.
------------- Sue
Duct tape is like the force. It has a dark side and a light side and it holds the universe together email
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
We've tried tent after tent (or at least it seems like it!) and now have the tent that's best for us and the stuff that we actually use, rather than take loads of stuff that we thought we'd use. We also have young children like you - trial and error gets you there in the end. Don't feel daft, everyone's been there. Are there any camping shops/places near you where you can see tents errected? It's a good way to get an idea of the difference in quality, sizes, style etc.
------------- Angie ~~
~ If you see someone without a smile give them one of yours ~
I had my heart set on a Vango Diablo 900 until I actually saw it up and its enormous. We went to a tent display and weighed up all the pros and cons, make of tent etc and whether to have SIG or not. That and this site were an enormous help in our final decision. Hope you find what you need without too much more outlay
sue you sound the complete opposite of me! I have to research things for so long that I forget why I'm researching!
we got our first tent with all the gear second hand from a friend for peanuts. I then went round and spoke to other campers on campsites about their tents and the pros/cons of each. I would go off to do the washing up and come back ages later tispy but full of info!
The info on this site is excellent and I wish I had found it years ago, hopefully you will get enough advice to make an informed decision that is right for you all
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Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
I'd put an ad on ebay and a notice up at work to sell the tent, might recoup some of the money you paid out. Keep the airbeds and sleeping bags for your new tent when you buy it but make sure you check the dimensions of the bedrooms so that you know the double airbeds will fit in, a rough guide would be that they'll fit in a double bedroom (just, as you've discovered) but a 3 or 4 person bedroom would be better as you'll have room to move around.
I'd definitely go along with the train of thought that you should view as many tents erected as possible then see which of them meets your requirements best. Check out the Yeomans Outdoor website for camp show locations as they have a few in Derbyshire, the next one is in Darby Dale from the 16th August to the 10th September.
Just checked map for location of Ilkeston and theres a show on just outside Mansfield which is less than 20 miles from you. Click here for more info.
my first camping trip with the wife and kids was in a halfords family de-lux pack , loved the camping but not the tent , got home put tent in bin went to my local outdoor store winfields with the tents errected . came home a few quid lighter and with a brand new idiana 8 . looking forward now to aug bank holiday ,2 hours 3 arguments , 2 sulking kids one happy dog and indie 8 pitched it must be worth it .
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: family tent pack, Im a bit clueless.
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