Mumsnet Talk

I need some help finding a tent which I can erect on my own, It's for myself, 1 dd(11) 1 ds(9) . I have camped before but sadly my husband passed away last year, the kids really want to continue camping but I'm anxious about putting the tent up alone. Our last tent was rubbish and we'd been talking about getting a new one, so any recommendations for a 6/8 man tent which I can put up alone (Not too expensive please!)

There are probably lots of others to recommend, but I got a second hand Khyam Rigidome tent a few years ago to take my ds's camping. I first took them on my own when they were 5 and 3 and managed to put this up on my own in about 20 minutes.

They're great as the poles are all built in to the tent and you click it up - like a big umbrella! They're not the prettiest tents in the world but mine sleeps 6 and is wonderful - love it

A bell tent. The rigidome looks grat though.

Quechua Base Seconds 4.2 is a doddle to put up and almost as easy to take down. It's also really flat, light and easy to store. Doesn't have a huge living space but you can add bits on or use a Quechua tarp as a porch. Check out some photos and reviews here www.ukcampsite.co.uk/tents/p/Quechua-Base-Seconds-4.2/972

I had a Khyam motordome as an awning for my campervan and the poles are the same as on the Rigidome. One of the knuckle joints broke the first time we used it and it was unsuable. Thankfully we had the van to sleep in but it spoiled the holiday big time as nowhere to keep bikes, wetsuits, etc.

I think the breakage potential is too great.

In the past I've had an Outwell 5 person tunnel tent that I could put up on my own in less than 20 mins. There is a knack to doing it but once you have the method its easy - put all the poles in and have the tent so the different pole sections are on top of each other, then heave like mad on the 2 main (rear) guys - the first pole/hoop will now stand vertical, bang the guy pegs in and then you can let go and walk the other pole/hoops out into place. Certainly with an 11yo to steady stuff you could do it.

Tunnel tents are the easisest to put up on your own, apart from Bell tents. I've got a bell tent now and can do that in about 10 minutes.

I've also got a Quercha Base Seconds and they are good tents, suprisingly sturdy but space is a bit limited.

So sorry to hear that you lost your DH, pinkhebe - and good for you in continuing the camping.

I have often taken DS, 10, camping on my own, and he has been a great helper since he was about 6. An 11 year old and 9 year old should be expert helpers - I guess the secret is to give them different tasks, not expect them to work together! DS helps with putting poles together, getting all the pegs in, and holding steady when the structure goes up. Also helping me fold the tent and all tasks with taking it down.

However, the Mum-only family I know who camp swear by the Decathlon Quechua one.

Bell tent seconded.

I have a quechua and a teepee type tent that I take when it is just me and the dc's. I have a damaged right arm so I literally have to put them up single handed. The bigger tents are too heavy for me and I would never manage a bell tent. I plan to get another quechua so I can link them together.

I also use a base seconds when camping alone with dc's.

Mine is the 4.1 so we either all share 1room or Dd2 goes in a pup tent, she is 16 though and likes her space.

I have a base seconds that i use as a porch and it doubles the living space.
Agree that your dc's will be able to help, after a couple of trips they will probably be pitching up for you.

Godd luck.

Oooh I've been looking at bell tents....

Buy one, buy one, buy one.

do it do it do it do it do it...

You'll never regret it!

Another vote for bell tent, but I would advise buying an extra canvas bag (soul pad do them) to pack away the tent and groundsheet separately - tis bloody heavy, I can't pick it up if in one bag!