Outwell kids rooms: nice or pointless waste of money?

[downbutnotout]

We have just bought our first family tent ahead of our first family camping trip and dd (4) was very taken with the Outwell kids rooms when we were tent viewing. I must admit that they seem very expensive for what they are, but as dh has declared we can afford it if I really want to get one, I'm thinking about getting one anyway.

So am I an effete southern ponce who will be laughed at by other campers?

I doubt you will be laughed at as Outwells are very popular atm, as are the kids rooms (having quicky and circumspectly peered into a few this w/e).

tbh, and this is my personal, subjective and slightly judgy opinion I think they are a bit horrid. The colours are gross, and the holes in the mesh roof (for throwing balls through) would entertain for all of ooh maybe 2 mins before they would get bored with it.

I just have this slightly uneasy feeling that Outwell are really pushing the 'buy the complete matching kit' option, and people will be paying out a lot of money before they have decided that they actually enjoy the camping experience.

tbh I would spend the money (if you have disposable money for camping kit) on really good bedding (thermarests and/or top quality sleeping bags), as nothing is more unpleasant than being cold at night. That or really good waterproofs

And going on all the stories of tents destroyed by the wind this BH, I would invest in a load of Delta Pegs as well.

agree with slubber I dont really see the point..ok they look fun but to a child camping in itself is fun with my lot the only time they get near their innertent is when they are ready to drop!! If you want a playtent take a cheap £15 pop up one.

We've got one of these for our Outwell tent ... love it, love it, love it!! We umm'd and ahh'd for ages because of the price but in the end we decided to go for it (bit of an extravagance but we're not going to be in a position to something like that again for a long time).

Personally I think it's the best thing we did ... 5 year old DS gets lot's of use out of his, he's in and out of it all the time. At night it's great 'cos it's easy to get him into it and because it's much darker he gets to sleep much easier (plus the cute stars glow in the dark!).

Tee hee - was hoping someone would come along who loves theirs, thereby giving me an excuse to get one. Will also listen to the advice on bedding etc, so thanks slub and nemo!