The Camping Forum

[LittleWideWorld]

Hi,

I usually camp in an Outwell Montana 4 which is great for our main holidays. However, it needs two adults to put it up - I've managed to put it up once on my own on a completely still day, the slightest breeze and it goes up like a kite. It's also pretty heavy!

As my partner travels on business a lot I am looking for a tent I can take the kids camping in when he isn't around. It needs to be big enough to accomodate 1 adult, 2 children and a large dog and all the stuff that accompanies kids camping (I'm thinking a 4-5 berth tent) and easy enough for one adult to put up with minimal assistance from an 8 year old.

I've been looking at the Vaude Campo Family (but have no idea if that can be put up by one person) and wondered if anybody has used this tent or has an alternative that fits my needs. I really liked the look of the Vaude Division Dome but the price put me off.

Thanks

[Rob-merlin1973]

Hi
I was thinking maybe the Outwell Minnesota 4 tent

http://www.outwell.dk/TentMeasure.aspx? ... =939&pid=1

There is plenty of room and even though the video shows 2 people putting it up if you have a look at this video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdLpxDCQkHs

It shows how to put up this type of tent on your own. (they are using a Vermont XL)

[in-a-tent]

What about one you pump up?

http://www.karstententen.co.uk/site_ind ... 3&parent=0

Or a big pop-up tent.

http://www.in-a-tent.co.uk/products/107 ... %282009%29

Althought that's prob. not big enough.

I put our sun Valley 8 up on my own (while the OH herds the kids) but it's not easy so I can understand your quandry.

[Admin]

What about the Quechua Base 4.2

Small yet big enough but also a popup very quick pitch time.



Click pic for more details

[LittleWideWorld]

Thanks,

The Outwell Minnesota pitches in a very similar way to the Montana and the weight of those poles puts me off a bit.

I hadn't considered a pop up - I'll need to do the rounds of the local tent shops to see if anybody has one I can look at.

I like tent shopping so i think i'm going to enjoy this

[Admin]

Thanks,

The Outwell Minnesota pitches in a very similar way to the Montana and the weight of those poles puts me off a bit.

I hadn't considered a pop up - I'll need to do the rounds of the local tent shops to see if anybody has one I can look at.

I like tent shopping so i think i'm going to enjoy this

Thats the issue tho with the base 4.2 its only available in Decathlon stores.. and not really local. most local being docklands london.. or nottingham

[in-a-tent]

What a largish dome tent with fibreglass poles, they are lighter than the steel poles - our big 8 berth tunnel tent has fibreglass poles and it makes it a lot lighter than the montana (which my SIL's family have).

This looks relatively easy - get the main dome up and then the add-on at the front.

http://www.in-a-tent.co.uk/products/272 ... %282009%29

Or this is a similar idea, with a main dome and a front canopy

http://www.in-a-tent.co.uk/products/311 ... %282009%29

Anyhow hope you find something - let us know what you decide on won't you.

[underpressure]

Hi, I've just read your thread re Family Tents. I noticed that In a Tent mentioned Karsten Inflatable Tents. We're a young family of four, no dog as yet, and have a tent which I can easily put up by myself. Depending on the length of stay, friends joining us, etc., we can either take just the main pod with or without a rain awning or add the sleeping extension for more space. We are the UK dealers for Karsten and have brand new tents to view. So if you are ever in East Herts please come and see us. http://www.campingtravelstore.co.uk. However, we plan to visit areas round the UK this year with our tents. Have loads of fun shopping. Suzie

[LittleWideWorld]

Thanks guys, I have toured the local tent retailers and settled on the Robens Double Dreamer . This is the same layout and size as our Outwell but has lightweight poles rather than the massive heavy ones the Outwell has and is made from a lighter fabric.

This does mean the tent is less sturdy but between me and my 8yo we can get it up relatively quickly. We will be putting it through it's paces at half term with our first camping trip where I leave the other half at home.

[Wayne]

Let us know how you go on with the Robens, have been looking at them and they appear to be a fairly well made tent.

[dadsbeaniemad]

I wonder how the Roben wet?
I've been looking at one in Kendal Camping - not that I am buying any more

[Rob-merlin1973]

- not that I am buying any more

Yeah right there is always room for 1 more in the Keely collection

[dadsbeaniemad]

Ermmmm well ........... I might have invested in a couple more since I was last here

[Rob-merlin1973]

Ermmmm well ........... I might have invested in a couple more since I was last here

Omg how many you got now then

[dadsbeaniemad]

Well ............ the bora Boa was too small for Tina so am relieving her of that in Cornwall in 3 weeks time and we are updating the Montpellier with a newer one.
Will deff have to sell somethings
2nd Cabanon Andorra
Outwell Michigan L - maybe
Minny 4 inners
Jamet ridge tent