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Camping

Our UK Camping forum has all the information you need on finding the right equipment for your tent or caravan.

Please help us choose an easy weekend tent for 5!

3 replies

LightTheLittleLight · 02/09/2014 19:09

Just got the bug for family camping - there are 5 of us including 3 children (ages 10, 7, 2). We have a Vango Amazon 600 that we bought about 5 years ago and rather neglected after a bad weekend when the older DCs were small - resurrected it this summer and have loved the whole camping experience. And, to be fair, the tent which was really spacious and comfy.

However, it is a bit of a beast in terms of the time and effort needed to pitch/take it down which makes it feel like a major hassle for a quick weekend trip. We are thinking now we should keep the Amazon for longer trips when we want the comfort and try to pick up a smaller, quicker tent for the spontaneous overnight/weekend breaks.

Any suggestions? We have looked at the Vango Icarus (500 and 600 - not sure which we would be better with) which looks much easier and a nice compact shape. DH prefers the shape of the Vango Orchy (600?) which we spotted on our last outing or the Hi Gear Voyager, which looks similar - I worry that it might turn out to be another big tent?

Our budget is up to £200 really, I'm happy to look for bargains on ebay but even so probably can't stretch to an Outwell or similar.

Does anyone have any opinions on the above tents or can suggest something similar/better that would do the job?

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LightTheLittleLight · 02/09/2014 19:11

Forgot to say, tent has to be comfortable to sleep at least 4. DS (oldest) likes having his own bedroom and is probably likely to opt for a pup tent rather than share with the girls!

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Blu · 03/09/2014 22:09

Having looked at the Vango Orchy (do they still sell them?) I would avoid. I downgraded from my old Vango tent because I found threading the poles across each other for the dome was a complete pain.

I camp with friends who have an Icarus, not sure whether it is 500 or 600 but it is very spacious, very simple and quick to put up and strike, and a generally excellent simple tent.

I want one, but a bit smaller.

LightTheLittleLight · 04/09/2014 07:18

Thanks Blu - yes I think the Orchy was discontinued quite a while ago but we've seen some good second hand ones come up for sale nearby.

Interesting feedback though, my feeling was also that the Icarus would be more what we were looking for in terms of ease of use.

I'm guessing the Hi Gear Voyager is similar to the Orchy in terms of putting up?

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