Can you critique my choice of tent?

[jamaisjedors]

Follow-up to a thread about camping in hot weather.

We are going to Corsica for 2 weeks in August. 2DS, 7 & 5.

2nd time camping (with DC, have hiked/camped extensively previously).

Want a vis à vis tent for a little privacy .

Was thinking polyester with a polycotton tarp over the top, or the Decathlon Air www.decathlon.co.uk/t42-xl-air-tent-id_8171138.html

but now found a polycotton vis à vis on OBELINK:

www.obelink.co.uk/tents/tunnel-tents/everest-4.html?category_params=category_id%3D4188%26subcats%3DY%26features_hash%3DV368

which I think is going to be my choice.

Can I ask if anyone can see any obvious flaws?

I have even started a thread on ukcampsite but had no negatives yet.

Thanks

Wow, they both look lovely tents.

The main thing I would want to check (and want) is that on the Obelink the main door also comes with an additional mossie net door that you can keep zipped up to stop bugs coming in but to get some much needed air into the tent.
The polycotton will be lovely but I can't see any vents/windows at the bedroom ends. I'd want that big door open all night if that's the case to get whatever breeze there might be into the tent. Such an amazeballs price too

The decathlon certainly suits it,s name of air. V impressive looking. Can't work out why it's 21kg though, but if weight/pack size not an issue then ignore that.

Thanks slubber - you are endlessly helpful!

Actually we saw the previous model of the decathlon air in the flesh, so to speak, last year. It's pretty huge, which worries me, the boys and I felt like we were walking around in a palace but the footprint (and pack) will be big (too big maybe).

Mind you the Everest is not much smaller. I will find out about the mozzie nets - thanks.

No worries. I'm endlessly addicted to looking at tents (sad but true, I find them very calming).

Going on from the size issue, that is a very good point actually. Have you got your site booked yet for Corsica? ( btw) and do you know what pitch size you are on? The only reason I ask is that last year when we camped all over Germany (diff country I know but it did happen plenty of times) the sites we rocked up at were somewhat unaccustomed to the size of our tent, which measures an un-staggering 3x4m. We frequently were made to pitch on the caravan hard standing pitches as we had a big tent . Lying on gravel is rubbish.

I know the French are much more into tent camping so it probably won't be a problem but if both your tent choices feel huge it's prob worth checking out if they have any rules.

Ok, perhaps worth checking then. We haven't booked yet because most places in Corsica won't take bookings (apparantly most people move around a lot - every 2-3 nights) but will check out a typical place.

Actually tent size will probably be an issue in Corsica because (also apparantly) they tend to pack in the tents on some of the campsites and not really have fixed pitches.

I'm not sure how small we can go with 4 of us and vis à vis but I will look.

Do YOU think the Everest is huge?

I have emailed Obelink re the mozzie net thing - although some thread on UK campsite (i have been lurking like mad on there) said mozzie nets were no use on the main area as you have to open it to get in... but that applies to all nets I suppose!

No 5x3 isn't huge, not compared to some of the monster tents you see in the UK. It will be huge though if the tents the sites you want to go to cater mosly for backpacking tents. Deffo worth checking on.

OK, Obelink have got back to me - double mesh on the bedrooms and the window (but no mention of on the door...).

I have looked at some photos of the campsites in Corsica and lots of them show family-sized tents - I guess it's a case of whether they pack 'em in or not.

I think we would be aiming for slightly less crowded campsites inland rather than the all singing all dancing coastal ones.

DH wants to wait til JUNE to get a tent, he thinks there will be bargains [deluded]...

I of course want it NOW but I suppose it would be prudent to wait til Decathlon start their tent demo area.

You are in France aren't you? no idea of the market there but June is peak period tent buying here and bargains are few and far between. I'm not sure about Obelink,tThey ALWAYS have that price slash thing up on all their tent prices (who are they trying to kid?) not sure if they do further discounts. What I do know is that they often sell out on their popular tents and you have to wait months for them to come back intro stock.

Saying all that it is a very valuable experience to go and look at tents when they are pitched. Sometimes you just need to stand in a tent to know it's not for you or The One!

Have you seen the thread I started on the tent pitching video? Would be the most perfect tent for your needs, so many doors!...only look if you've got £1,500 spare in your tent kitty though

Yep we're in France. I totally agree that places will sell out but need to work on DH! Decathlon NEVER do deals on tents (or not til October at least) - we live 10 mins from one.

MAYBE we need the Decathlon base seconds and then a couple of pop ups tents instead - but they would be very hot I think.

Also agree about the Obelink prices - I looked last year and they were all like that all the time, but as it's the ONLY vis à vis polycotton I've seen, I'm a little stressed it will vanish pouf and then that will be it.

I suppose the choice will be made then though!

I enjoyed your tent video last night - although I have to admit to zipping through some of the slower parts - but yet it would be perfect for us - hadn't checked out the price - a little over budget I would say - don't think DH is going to go for that one!

Are you planning another mega-trip this year or was that a one-off?

I saw quite a lot of decathlon popups last year that had those air vent wedges at the bottom, like an armadillo. Folk seemed to be emerging from them in the morning looking fairly well rested and not like a basted turkey, and this was in like properly hot weather, over 30degress

No big trip this year but fingers crossed we might get to do another on in a few years. I'm planning it already. Italy I think, so will be most interested in your views on what tents work in really really hot weather.

The Obelink vis a vis does look lovely.

Will definitely report back once the purchase is made, and post-trip too (end of August).

Ta
Happy tent buying