Mumsnet Talk

We have a Montana lake which is wonderful, huge and warm.

I've put pics of my samara on my profile now.

They're excellent camp tents.
If you are on a funds then other manufacturers will provide you with the same dimension for less, but Outwell are known for excellent camp tents.

We bought the Vango Icarus 600 (not the XL I should add) last month for £180 a quick google shows them going for £199. A canopy to make it like the XL would be about £100 extra so would bring it to the XL price anyway. We are a 2+2 family and DC small so the normal one suits us fine for a weekend - not too big to fit on a pitch but roomy inside.

We have the Vango Orchy 500 (which I think was replaced by the Icarus). We've used it for 2 seasons for 4 of us (2 adults + 2 toddlers) and will probably get one more season out of it. We camp 4-5 times a year including March in England through to August in South France plus music festivals so it's done us quite well. I wouldn't spend a huge amount because, as the kids grow, we will need something different.

Vango samara 600 with enclosed canopy for us a family of three! Easy to pitch, lots of room for those rainy days even with the addition of our friends family of four!

But have seen it cheaper, we bought ours as a package of footprint and carpet (which is great).

We just got the Montana 6 really pleased with it but it's a large step up in terms of effort to pitch in comparison to my old two man. Seriously though we really love it.

What do you want it for?

I mean, camping obviously but for how many people, what ages, length of trip etc?

I just got my first tent and I did consider teh Icarus 600xl. In the end I got the Vango Samara 600 instead. Mainly because it had three sleeping areas... but also it's a bit wider. We have had one night in it in the garden and I am happy with it so far. I also got the canopy and with that on it is enormous with that on. The other one I nearly got, but was put off as I thought it would be too difficult to put up on my own, was the Gelert Corvus 6+2. I saw it in a shop and it's fab...

Go for a tent that has good hydrostatic head (waterproofing), 1000mm /2000mm heads are fine for summer use but if rain is going to be a problem then go for a higher figure of 2500/3000 mm.

thanks chaps - the first link was for a Vango Icarus 600XL

I have the normal sized Icarus and a canopy, I think it's good value and easy to put up.

The outwell montana is a popular choice. I've seen it cheaper than that elsewhere though. You first link just goes to the homepage.

This was my first thought www.outdoormegastore.co.uk/vango-icarus-600xl-tent-limited-edition.html

then i found this www.charliesdirect.co.uk/products/outwell-montana-6p-man-person-camping-tent#

views anyone or any other options?? Any help gratefully received!