Recommendations for family tent

[kam1]

Hi, I want to buy a family tent (for 2 adults and 3 children) as a surprise for my husband's birthday but having done some research I am overwhelmed by the huge range out there and finding it difficult to make a decision. Can anyone recommend a particular make? I would like one that can be separated into a few different areas so we don't all have to sleep in the same space and one that isn't too complicated to put up. I have a budget of around ?300, I have read good things aobut the Outwell Nevada M and also Gelert but this is all new to me and would love to some help making up my mind! Thanks.

[david_carnell]

We have the Outwell Nevada M and have used it a few times since purchase.

I've nothing else to compare it to since tents before this were all for two people.

It's very good. Easy to assemble (I can just about do it solo while MrsDC looks after the chimp) and very spacious inside. Having two inner bedrooms means the chimp gets his own bedroom with all his stuff in while the living area can house catering stuff. The living area is pretty substantial - big enough for 5 to sit in and eat on a wet day if necessary.

It also has a host of accessories that you can buy for it to make it even bigger or more homely. Lots of the windows and walls roll up to let air in but have mesh to stop bugs etc.

If you hunt around you can get it for your budget.

The only downside is that it's massive and heavy to cart about. That's the trade off I guess....

Sorry to hijack your thread but on a related camping subject....the chimp has outgrown his travel tent thing (aged 2.5) but still sleeps in a cot at home. What the heck do we put him in/on when we next go camping???

[indya]

The Badawi Long (I think that's how it's spelt) is wonderful. Easy to erect as it has not too many poles, is very spacious with separate areas and plenty of head height in the central area. We love it! Good luck and have fun camping!

[intexasatthe moment]

Decathalon at Surrey Quays do excellent tents at good prices . My own preference would be to avoid the " pop up " ones - mainly because I think they're hard to fold up and also because I'm old fashioned and only feel secure with fly sheets and guy ropes . Decathalon do seem to push the pop up ones .

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/C-359126-family-tents/N-101920-size~4-man-tent/N-101920-size~6-man-tent

[Medusa]

I have a Gelert Meridian 10 (but it also comes as an 8-berth). It is absolutely the bees' knees in every way. I have taken 3/4 children camping in it and can't fault it. We got caught in 60mph winds and while every other tent on the site blew down and got wrecked, mine just had one section of a pole break. The Meridian tents have bedroom areas that can have 'doors' put up or down depending on your requirements. It also has a large living area that you can stand up in throughout. After our first couple of trips I got a porch to go with it because that extra bit of dry space is great when you have classic camping weather.

If you'd like to try one out before you buy, I am very happy to lend mine out.

[Convex]

You def need a living area you can stand up in, is my contribution. And if in doubt, go for the bigger tent.

[Convex]

You def need a living area you can stand up in, is my contribution. And if in doubt, go for the bigger tent.

And d-c - we co sleep with the kids on camping hols.

[kam1]

Thanks all for your helpful replies (and for your kind offer Medusa), I did wonder if the Outwell Nevada will take up too much space in the car. I hadn't thought of Decathalon, will have a look there at the weekend. Got a bit more to go on now, thanks.

[nunheadmum]

Also be wary of what they say is 4 or 5 or 6 person size - their definition of the space needed may be different from yours! Our tent says 5 person and neither my husband nor 1 are big but with air beds, it's pretty neat in the 3 person section even for 2. Consider the actual dimensions, not what it says.

And if your kids are scared of bugs / spiders etc, a built in ground sheet is a must.

[winslow]

Have a look at this range https://soulpad.co.uk/shop

[newtoedf]

david_carnell, we used one of these http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kampa-Junior-Airlock-Airbed-Blue/dp/B001W2ICA0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398981963&sr=8-1&keywords=kampa+airbed for our monkey when he was little. He now just shares a double air bed with his big sister.

[Carbonara]

Pop up tents have fly sheets and guy ropes! Decathlon staff will demonstrate and teach you how to fold your tent in the shop - and you can return for more help, I have seen people being taught how to do it, and there are videos on YouTube.

http://www.bradburncamping.co.uk/vango-midas-800-tent-moss/p48?source=froogle&utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=comparison_shopping_feeds&utm_nooverride=1 This is a good brand, a good deal and suits your requirement for spaces to be a little apart.(not pop up!)

[canela]

we got a bell tent....only one pole so super easy. In fact, I've gone off with the kids on my own for a few nights and managed to put up and down single handed. you can get extra bits for partitions etc, and you can definitely stand up in them. we love ours and have gone away for over 2 weeks in it. they are tents you actually like being in so if it rains it doesn't matter so much. you can get them online at the bell tent company.

[edanna]

Interesting thread. With apologies for another hijack can anyone recommend any good family friendly campsites easy to reach from here (up to 1-1.5hrs drive)? Thanks

[canela]

there are so many! depends on whether you want wild or facilities. if you want the latter, then wowo is great.

[Carbonara]

Forgewood.

[hpsaucey]

Carbonara Wrote:

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> Forgewood.

I'll second Foregewood. Really lovely.

[edanna]

Thank you - great tips.

[jollymummy]

I'm just starting to look for a good sized family tent and wondered if you decided on one?