Talk

We used to have a separate groundsheet one but found the "folding under" technique of the groundsheet was a bit of a faff and not foolproof so if you missed a bit of tucking under and it rained then rain came in where the groundsheet was on top of the tent. We treated ourselves to a ZIG (4m) and have never looked back - it's quicker to put up and the zips are really easy to open/close and no danger of water coming in. Also find a 4m ample for us and our 3 kids and think 5m ones are a bit unwieldy.

When I get this wonderful tent, I'm hoping to take it to festivals too with the DC. Which is why, much as I'd like a stove, I probably won't get one for a very long time. Shame really, as the one NettleTea linked to had me oohing and ahhing (although really don't have enough money for a stove).

I know people do take them to festivals but I gather to family camping areas. I think there is something lovely and festival-ish about them!

Oh, wow, these tents do look amazing! OH and I are looking for a tent to go camping with our DC in summer, they are 8 and 2. I really like the look of bell tents but OH is not convinced, he feels it would be completely impractical being so open plan and having no separate area for cooking, etc.

It'd be interesting to hear the experiences of people who have camped in bell tents with young children.

Also wondering if these would be suitable for festivals. We are booked to go the Carfest this year and wonder if it would be too big for the average festival pitch?

theres a 5m one here with all the extras you would ever want. I am still working out if I need mine for a convention we are hosting this summer and I need to accomodate more people...

My children never throw up or wee. They are perfect.

Ok, a PIG it is then (I think). With the money I save I can buy an inner too.

It's a shame Obelink don't sell to the UK as it is a big difference in price for the PIG.

Thanks Newbie, I will need a 5m, otherwise I would take you up on your offer.

I guess you could do that with a ZIG too, Starlight. But like others on here, it would be the chances of the zip breaking which would bother me. Mainly though, it was the big difference in prace between PIG and ZIG which convinced me to go with the basic version <cheapskate emoticon>

I have young children who throw up and wee. I want to be able to hose down the groundsheet/chuck a bucket of water over it.

We have a tucked under one too - got it from Obelink in Holland - slipped through their UK ban somehow. Saved loads of money. DH is vaguely thinking of taking a trip over there and buying a load this year so quite interested to see whather ZIGs or PIGs (or tucked under) are most popular.

BTW, we have had two bell tents since 2007 - traded up from a 4m to a 5m a year or so ago - we have camped in some seriously dodgy weather, including a virtual mud swamp at Forgewood last year, and we have never had any problems with water getting in to the tent. The tucked under groundsheet works fine.

or right, well we have neither then. More like a tucked under groundsheet.

Camped in rivers and stayed dry though.

No insects in a ZIG

ZIG = Zip In Groundsheet

PIG = Pegged In Groundsheet

HTH

Zig

Ziiiiiippppp

Roll roll

Look it's a spaceship

Camped for approz 3months in a bell, but no clue as to what a zig or pig is.

is this some kind of pretentiousness?

PIG!
We have one. The pegging under takes 10 mins.

I think the ZIG is more expensive, heavier, and more likely to go wrong.
I'd rather peg down.

I'd like to put in a word for ZIGs - we've had ours nearly 3 years now, camped out in it a LOT and it works perfectly. I'm a total weakling lightweight and I can zip it/unzip it no problems, the soulpad zips are really chunky and hardwearing.

This post just reminded me....I am selling 4m soulpad hybrid with regret. Love love love it! but relocating overseas and it's not practical to take it.
I've only had one camping trip - sunny week in Henley last year so it's in fantastic condition.
PM if you want.
Any ideas on where best to advertise to sell it?

Ooh, please do let met know if you decide to sell.

also get a bigger one - I have a 5m and its great. I did a friend's wedding in it last year and put it up by myself no problem. Once you get the knack its pretty simple.

I got mine from Soulpad as they are such lovely people. I am probably going to sell it though as we run a glampy campsite and I dont get a chance to camp in the good weather so have just bought a caravan to get us away out of season.... (feel a bit of a tent traitor now....)

Thanks NettleTea, that's good to know. Do you mind me asking where you bought yours? Or are they much of a muchness?

No, we have a pig and we saw some hefty storms while it was up and it was fine. The rubber skirt goes right under and has enough extra that it was fine.

Yes, I do worry about the zip going if I get one. But, does a PIG let in water?

Ideally, I would camp in glorious sunshine, but as we have had a few wet summers I would hate to spend that amount of money on a Bell tent and then regret my decision.

Decisions, decisions...

I agree, zips are always the first thing to go, and if it goes it the middle of a holiday then you are stuffed.

Campfires = campsites!