Help me find a new tent

[Tangle]

We bought a tent last year (one of these) and, in general we're very pleased with it. We did a couple of nights about 45 minutes away, and then 2 weeks in Burgundy. It's big enough that DH, DD (nearly 4) and I have plenty of space whatever the weather, especially once we added on the front awning to keep out the sun/rain.

There's just one problem - I can't put it up by myself as I can't get the poles in (or at least, I can't do it without a lot of time and cursing - the former DD doesn't approve of and the latter I don't approve of around DD...). DH doesn't find it much easier yet, so DD tends to get a bit fed up when we're trying to set up camp. It also means that DD and I are very unlikely to disappear off for a night or two by ourselves.

So, we're pondering getting a different tent to use for short trips. It doesn't need to be as big (although still able to sleep 3 to 4) but it DOES need to be quick and easy to pitch.

The Quecha 2 seconds XXL IIII caught our eye, I'm just slightly concerned about how weather proof the living area is - there seems to be clear air between the bottom of the fly and the ground so I can see the wind finding that a lovely invitation (along with rain and anything else).

Has anyone got any suggestions - either on whether the lack of flaps is an issue or alternatives we could consider? £100 is the kind of budget we had in mind, would like to keep it under £150.

Thanks :)

what about the quechua base seconds 4.1?
i went to decathlon earlier this week and they had it on display. Very roomy, very nice and it doesnt have the same issue you mention about the seconds xxl iii

and it is £149

I had the same in a seating area in the first tent I bought. Fine if it is warm and dry but less good if it is cold and rainy. We were in Snowdonia last summer. It rained all the time. The sleeping area was fine but the seating area let water in.

Quecha have a good reputation and are quick to pitch. Striking needs a definite knack. I've got a smaller Outwell pop up tent and I nearly left it at the campsite the first time I used it.

Hmmm. Managed to miss the Base Seconds 4.1 (having looked at the 4.2...)

Mollie - can I ask which Outwell pop-up you had and whether it got easier with practice (or was the 1st experience so bad it never came out again!)? I've just seen they're bringing out a Fusion 400, which is being advertised in some places for about £150 (although up to £200) - it doesn't have the height of the Quechuas but the hydrostatic head is a lot higher and our experience with an Outwell tent is very good...

Bell tent! I'm even beginning to bore myself now with raving about them especiialy as I haven;t yet camped in it!!

Quick and easy to get up (that bit I have done in the garden though!), roomy and lovely!

Friends have one that they also love (used it all season last year in good and bad weather.

They only thing they don;t have is an extension, but you can get an awning that kind of does the same thing.

Oops maybe I shoudl read the whole thread first, wouldn't fit in your budget I'm afarid [slopes off]

I do like the look of bell tents, but DH is less convinced - and I'm not sure they fit the "little weekend tend" bill :o

BluddyMoFo - Gloating is MEAN (but I hope you win your tent )

Hi Tangle, my DH also not convinced, it took a lot og nagging begging promisingspecialfavours-- persuasion to talk him round.

That and still pegging the 68 guy ropes on the old tent an hour later when friend with Bell tent turns up and is done in 20mins - bedding and everything!

Quechua base seconds 4.2 is fab! I can pitch on my own in 10 mins and have even managed the knack of getting it down - again 10 mins tops. The bath-tub type groundsheet velcros on but there is a bit of 'space' all round. We haven't noticed it being particularly drafty or cold but only camped once in nice weather so far.

I've got the Outwell Alderney. Prior to use I did practice in the back garden and thought I got the hang of it. First time packing away in public with an audience was a different matter entirely! I've used it since though so wasn't completely put off. It is great having a tent you can get upright in seconds.

I've also got a 3m bell tent which is perfect for me and ds. That takes longer than the pop up obviously but is lovely and very easy to pitch. The only problem with that would be packing away when wet - canvas is heavy.