OK so talk to me about canvas bell tents please.

[Beachcomber]

We currently have a 6 man tunnel tent that is perfectly good but we really want a cotton tent.

So I have been looking at Dutch tents (would love a De Waard but can't afford one) and was thinking that these pyramid tents could be quite good. Then came across the bell tents and from internet info only am SOLD.

So, the way I see it bell tents are great because they are cotton, cheapish, easy to pitch, good in wind and rain, cosy and good looking to boot.

Obvious disadvantage the same with all canvas is weight and drying. However we live and camp in France so would like the cool factor of canvas and would easily be able to dry a wet tent (MIL has huge barn that we could hang it up in).

I have done a search on them and see that a couple of MNers have them and seem very happy. If you could answer a couple of queries for me I'd be very grateful.

Are they cold at night what with being so big and not having inners as standard?

Would a 4 meter one be big enough for 2 adults and 2 children or should we go for a 5 meter?

Are they as easy and quick to pitch as everybody says?

Do they pack down to a reasonable size?

Do they really cope well in windy conditions?

Many thanks to anybody who can help.

As requested, here I am!

I love love love my bell tent. To answer your questions -

-Haven't noticed mine being any colder than any other tent, don't think the lack of an inner layer makes much difference TBH (although I do tend to take my duvet with me, none of this sleeping bag nonsense!)

• A 4 metre should easily be big enough for 2 and 2 (depending on how big your children are!) but it might be better to get the slightly larger one just so that you have more space for bags, cooking equipment and so on, it's nice to have a clear space to sit in if necessary

• They are really quick and easy to pitch. Might take a little longer the first time you do it but we can get ours up in under 10 mins now.

• Size - well, they're not that small, TBH! But probably not that much bigger than any other large family tent. Ours easily fits in the boot along with all our bags etc so as long as you aren't planning on going hiking with it you should be fine...

• They cope fine with wind, although like any tent they can flap about a bit if you don't pull the canvas tight enough when pitching. I really wouldn't worry about them blowing off though!

Phew, monster post, apologies... I really am a convert to bell tents though and can't wait until it gets warm enough to go camping again. One hint - I wouldn't get the "deluxe" version with the attached groundsheet - they might be a bit easier to put up but with the normal tents you can roll up the sides when it's hot to make a sort of pavilion which you can't do if they're attached to the bottom.

Hope this helps

Thank you!

Sounds fantastic. I think they look nicer without the inner so it is good to hear that it is cosy enough without one (duvet user here too).

Pitching time sounds great. We bought a tunnel originally cos we were told they were easy to pitch but it seems to take us ages and is a struggle in the wind.

So far I can't see any drawbacks to this tent and they are so beautiful.

I want a tent I can LOVE and I just don't love my nylon tunnel although I do like it and it does keep me dry.

Now just have to convince DH that we should treat ourselves. I think he is pretty sold by the pitching time and the fact that it is canvas.

Thanks for your helpful post.

Hi

www.thehappycampers.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=166 - 64k

Try this discussion thread: I found it very informative.

Yours

Rx

We've just bought a 4 m bell tent from canvas and cast and took it to Wales for a wet weekend. We researched the sites a lot and bought this one because the canvas specification seemed better (350g) and the site was informative.

It's easily large enough for 4 (could take 6, or more if necessary), bombproof, and very well specified - nice colour, nice groundsheet, strong centre pole, ropes, pegs, wooden sliders, and has a panel to take one of their stoves later if you want (would cost around £60 to put a panel in yourself).

Mark at canvas and cast was very helpful and delivery was swift. Definitely recommended! A lot of very nice tent for the money.

I think you could put it up on your own; would take two trips to carry it - although it's not large when folded it's very solid.

Sorry for the thread hijack but :

Have any of you guys experienced bell tent campers had any issues with bell tent vs standard pitch size in campiste where pitches are marked?
We have a VW Camper and want to do away with our Tunnle driveaway awning and are thinking a bell tent would be perfect. We do use campsite with marked picthes on a regular basis and are worried whether we can fit the tent (4M) and the van on oen picth..

many many thanks in advance.

Hi
we're just about to buy a family tent and are totally sold on bell tents in terms of look BUT does anyone have any views on the whole family (1 boy 2 1/2 yrs, 2nd 7 mths) sharing one room rather than divided sections?
Also, is there enough space in the 5m tent for wet weather indoor time...?
thanks