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Tent recommendations for 2 adults & 4dc?

10 replies

Dillydollydaydream · 22/08/2013 12:13

Hi there.

I'm new to camping. I haven't been since I was a child.
Recently we've been thinking about going camping but there seems to be so much tent choice. Are there any makes to avoid?
Are there any makes you'd recommend?
Are the air filled tents a gimmick or quite useful?

Would I be mad to go on a camping holiday with 4 dc?!

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TwoStepsBeyond · 22/08/2013 12:35

I'm about to go with my DP and 5 DCs! Even the lady taking our booking said "you're brave" - cheeky cah! It will be great, you'll all love it, just make sure you pack your sense of humour along with the kitchen sink.

Go for one bigger than you think you need (ours is a 10 man for 7 of us so that we have a decent sized living area in case of inclement weather).

Also a porch is a handy addition for leaving the shoes and chairs etc outside under cover.

We bought a fairly cheap and cheerful (£300) tunnel tent which has been perfect for us so far. You can end up spending a fortune but for us camping is supposed to be a cheap weekend away, so we kept it to a minimum and it does what we need it to.

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Dillydollydaydream · 22/08/2013 13:50

Thanks.

The cheapness of a holiday is a definite plus, especially in the summer holidays, it costs a small fortune for us to go away.
Will definitely look for a nice big tent, we're hoping to get a dog soon so the more space the better!

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Sixtiesqueen · 22/08/2013 22:09

We have a kalahari 10 from go outdoors. It's massive. Would recommend that. With a porch.

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Dillydollydaydream · 23/08/2013 01:17

I visited go outdoors today and saw the kalahari. Really good sized tent and reviews online look pretty good too.

I've been scaring myself reading about carbon monoxide related camping deaths :(
Where is it best to use a gas camping stove?
Does it have to be outside the tent or will the porch area be adequate?
Just thinking abou my early morning cuppa :)

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MummyPigsFatTummy · 23/08/2013 08:02

a porch area is fine or an awning provided it is open to the air. The important thing is good ventilation.

BBQs should be left outside at night.

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MummyPigsFatTummy · 23/08/2013 08:03

To be clear porches or awnings are fine for gas stoves, not BBQs. I think they should be used away from the tent, unless anyone can contradict me.

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Dillydollydaydream · 23/08/2013 11:32

Ah right. Thanks for that :)

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TwoStepsBeyond · 23/08/2013 14:11

Mine's the Kalahari 10 too! Its been excellent so far, I read some dire reviews of Kalaharis but presumably those were from people who had the money to buy far superior quality tents, which sadly I don't! No issues with it so far though.

I tend to keep my little gas bottle outside or in the boot of the car overnight since all the scare stories, then open up the boot to connect it to the stove in the morning (& air the car!) I usually put the stove outside for actually cooking as sometimes the gas lights with a bit of a "whoomph" which I'm scared will take the whole tent down if I'm too close!

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WeAreSeven · 23/08/2013 15:59

Agree with MummyPig. There have been deaths from barbecues left in the porch. I think 5m away from the tent was recommended on here.
Gas stove is fine in the porch but not in the tent unless there's a special ventilated kitchen area.

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Dillydollydaydream · 26/08/2013 01:28

We bought a Kampa Studland 8 today. Tis massive!
It's an end of season one so got a good deal on all the package, can't wait to try it out now
//⛺