Camping goddesses, please help me choose a tent

[woodenchair]

I'm a complete novice at camping, but have to chose a tent. We'll probably only use it one/twice a year. I have one ds who is 2. Have got it down to 3, mainly because they are cheap, but I'm not sure which benefits are most important, so I thought someone on mumsnet would probably be able to help

this one and this one are very similar. The main difference is the way the poles are set up, is one easier to setup? Is a dome easier than a tunnel?

I like this one because it's a bit wider than the others (dp is a bed hog) but there is no side door, does that matter?

tia

Hello - just a quick one before I take the kids to the park!

Is a sewn in groundsheet important to you? or will you be 'sunny' campers?

Any of the EasyCamp ones will be fine and straightforward to put up - I'd recommend going for as much head height as possible and trying to go and look round a few tents before you buy. Do you have a Yeomans display near you? here is a link for you to check They give you a good idea about how roomy tents actually are.

The side door thing doesn't matter at all although if you can get one with 2 bedrooms it's useful to have somewhere to kepp all your spare stuff!

hth (and welcome to the lunacy of the camping threads )

you're right we're likely to be sunny campers although I'd like to think a bit of drizzle won't put us off.

The tents don't have a sewn in groundsheet in the living areas, although the ones provided to fit the areas, they would need to be pegged down, does it much difference if they are sewn in?

I'm a good couple of hours from a Yeomans site, unfortnatley, they look like alot of fun for ds!

and thanks for the tip about the side door.

where are you 9region will do)? one of us will probably know of a display

sig essential imo, makes a lot of difference

I'd say that whatever berth they say they are you should half it. We have an 8 berth allegedly and it fits the four of us and all our junk JUST. Would suggest some sort of porch is good for coooking outside when if it rains. Also, an opening space at either end is good for a flow through of air, for if when it's hot.

I'm east midlands, near peterborough.

I'm guessing that sig is sewn in groundsheet?

yes thats right

berth- they say add 2, but tents vary. our 8 berth khyam more than enough for the 6 of us, we also have a canopy. detachable canopies are great on larger tents as some sites limit pitch size and ypu have the option of leaving it off iyswim

tent display

lol

I have Peachy's 8-berth for four of us

the idaho is great- go for it

just type tent display and the town into google

What is the best price you've found for your Idaho?

This is a good price?

Would the extra 30cm width on the 600 just give that bit extra room for shoes vital camping equipment? - and for just £10 more?

just pondering - y'see width is very important

Lucy, that tent looks good, my friend mentioned she wished she'd had a canopy though, do you think it matters that is doesn't have one?

They are useful, if only to cook under, we have one (think it's on my profile) and as the side of our tent slopes (as does the Idaho) it means you can get in and out of the tent without geting wet!

You could always go for a tarp instead they can be positioned close to your tent - or if the weather is good just for chilling under. They are cheaper too!

If I tell you my ideal tent you may be able to say 'yep here it is'

2 bedrooms plus living area
Dp wants the bedrooms side by side
sig (check me, I'm getting the lingo)
canopy
If poss the bedrooms need to be wider than 280 overall like i said dp is a bed hog

Found this one but is doesn't have the sig

thanks for help btw

Peachy, I think I knew about that place. I'll see if I can get dp to go and have a look at the weekend, it's a bit of a trek but probably worth it.

I may just have it!

Coleman Cedar Creek £99 does that tick all the boxes?

mmm maybe not he canopy bit - I'll keep thinking!

no worries re the help bit - tis my passion - I'd have to be writing reports otherwise

me like!

bed bedroom for us, small one for ds. living area, canopy, side door, sig and under 100 squids. Thanks!

Woodenchair, we bought a tent last year, we have used it twice. It has a living area and a bedroom that can sleep five people together or you can seperate the bedroom into 2 bedrooms by using a partition.
Its this one "look atthis

I am selling it as I have just bought a Bongo Camper Van!

I just wanted to say, the cedar creek is lovely, but there's not a lot of spare room for kit- you might be better with the Idaho if you're camping for more than a weekend? I would go have a look in person before buying online.The Cedar Creek is lovely and cosy though.

OMG - So sorry, but thats the one I have, the Idaho!!!!!
So sorry, I think I just like the name of the other one!!!

Yep!! I'd recognise that orange insert anywhere!
I'll see if i can put some photos up!

My contribution (fwiw) - with young dcs, being able to have the sleeping area as one unit (rather than two permanent "bedrooms")is really handy (ref Nixz's details)- especially if dcs wake in the night. Saves you having to faff around with zips etc to check on them.

Also the sig thing - heartily recommend!

That's a really good point. Our tent has a door between each bedroom, which is great, as you don't have to go out one bedroom to go next door IYSWIM