2 or 3 man tent recommendations
Discussion
Hi,
I’m looking to buy a two or three man tent for my two teenage children to sleep in. I have a campervan which me and my wife use but the girls like to sleep in a tent alongside the van on a campsite.
Because we can carry it in the van, it doesn’t need to be small and light, the most important thing is it’s a very quick and easy to pitch. It won’t be used in winter, just spring, summer and autumn.
Recommendations for a quick pitching tent most welcome. Many thanks
I’m looking to buy a two or three man tent for my two teenage children to sleep in. I have a campervan which me and my wife use but the girls like to sleep in a tent alongside the van on a campsite.
Because we can carry it in the van, it doesn’t need to be small and light, the most important thing is it’s a very quick and easy to pitch. It won’t be used in winter, just spring, summer and autumn.
Recommendations for a quick pitching tent most welcome. Many thanks
I have a Coleman Instant Tourer tent in my "collection". The children can put it up almost by themselves, it really is quick. They have newer versions. Sleeps 4 at a push.
It's not perfect - single skin, sloping door, but it is so very convenient I/we use it much more than I expected.
It's not perfect - single skin, sloping door, but it is so very convenient I/we use it much more than I expected.
I was going to recommend a Quechua inflatable from decathlon they we have that has been fantastic for over 5yrs..... Literally 5 mins to put up...if that
Ours is a 3man but it looks like it's been superceded by this one
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/4-person-blackout-ai...
5 mins to erect and a blackout lining for lie Ins (teenage girls)
The pop ups are good too, my mates kids sleep in one.... Can wobble a bit in a breeze though
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/3-person-blackout-po...
Ours is a 3man but it looks like it's been superceded by this one
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/4-person-blackout-ai...
5 mins to erect and a blackout lining for lie Ins (teenage girls)
The pop ups are good too, my mates kids sleep in one.... Can wobble a bit in a breeze though
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/3-person-blackout-po...
Edited by shedweller on Saturday 11th June 20:32
I still have my Khyam Igloo that I bought in the mid eighties. I think you can still buy roughly the same model now, and if it's anything like the quality of mine, you really can't go wrong. Double-skinned, two doors (one in a small porch and upright), and can be thrown down in a couple of minutes and ready to crawl into out of the rain, while waiting for a break in the weather to pop back outside and bang in a few pegs and a couple of guys if you feel like it.
Only bit of mine that needs 'help' after all these years is the groundsheet which has become slightly absorbent, but is simply fixed by sliding a bit of polythene sheet under it.
My daughter just borrowed it the other week for her sprogs, and it performed perfectly, as always.
Great, great design.
Only bit of mine that needs 'help' after all these years is the groundsheet which has become slightly absorbent, but is simply fixed by sliding a bit of polythene sheet under it.
My daughter just borrowed it the other week for her sprogs, and it performed perfectly, as always.
Great, great design.
Have had a 3 man Quechua pop-up from Decathlon for years, they're a world away from the disposable festival rubbish. Super easy to put up and down once you know the knack to it. Just secure with 4 pegs unless it's windy and worth using the guys.
Current ones have big vents on the sides for airflow which is well worth having in the summer.
Current ones have big vents on the sides for airflow which is well worth having in the summer.
I love me some tent design discussion! I've had many good and bad tents over the decades, and I know what I like!
First, you do indeed want 3-man tent, minimum. 3-man is really 2-man with comfort. The only reason you'd got for a 2-man is if weight was an issue, like backpacking/cycling.
Second, don't go for anything with a tiny porch. Never underestimate the usefulness of a large porch separate to the sleeping area. It makes everything easier if you don't need to be in the bed chamber to put your boots on, etc. At very least it's useful for storage and making the living space tidier, roomier and more comfortable. Even for backpacking, a decent porch is worth the extra grams.
Don't choose anything with a sloping door. Generally (with very few exceptions) these have the zips far down at the bottom of the door, the least convenient place to reach down to. On smaller tents the angle of the door tends to be exaggerated, as the roof is lower overall, and combined with less room inside to move, this makes reaching for the zip puller from the inside a pain. Vertical side doors are awesome.
Geodesic pole designs, where the poles cross over, are more stable than tunnel tents. Tunnel tents are ok though in most cases.
I'm going to recommend this as a starting point:
https://www.leisureoutlet.com/150199-vango-scafell...
plus the matching groundsheet protector (footprint) which doubles as porch groundsheet for another £25 or so.
Side doors x2, big porch for storage and getting your wet boots on/off, all poles are identical, "gothic arch" shaped poles so more stable than straight poles, roomy sleeping area for 2 (not for 3), well constructed, packs down well, pitches as one piece with fly and inner together, inverted guy runners (more convenient, just a nice thoughtful touch) and is really good value. More than good enough quality for decades of campsite and field use (you're not in the market for mountain/winter tents so forget all the £1000 MSR and Hilleberg stuff).
That'll last a lifetime and will be a pleasure to use every time. We've got one, and it's my second favourite 3-man tent, and 1/3rd the price of my absolute favourite.
If that's over-budget, come back for more suggestions, or feel free to post other models for critique, but I think that'll suit your needs perfectly.
EDIT to add, I'm going to recommend avoiding AirBeam/inflatable type tents. They are clever, but they have limits, and if you are unlucky enough to have a windy night from just the wrong angle, they will flatten themselves on top of you. Sure, they pop back up again when the wind drops, but it'll ruin your night. We've resorted to moving cars to provide shelter, adding additional guys, tying the tent to the car roofrails to brace against the wind. They don't save any time, and you need to carry a significant sized pump. They introduce a lot of potential issues for really no benefit at all, other than novelty, IMO.
First, you do indeed want 3-man tent, minimum. 3-man is really 2-man with comfort. The only reason you'd got for a 2-man is if weight was an issue, like backpacking/cycling.
Second, don't go for anything with a tiny porch. Never underestimate the usefulness of a large porch separate to the sleeping area. It makes everything easier if you don't need to be in the bed chamber to put your boots on, etc. At very least it's useful for storage and making the living space tidier, roomier and more comfortable. Even for backpacking, a decent porch is worth the extra grams.
Don't choose anything with a sloping door. Generally (with very few exceptions) these have the zips far down at the bottom of the door, the least convenient place to reach down to. On smaller tents the angle of the door tends to be exaggerated, as the roof is lower overall, and combined with less room inside to move, this makes reaching for the zip puller from the inside a pain. Vertical side doors are awesome.
Geodesic pole designs, where the poles cross over, are more stable than tunnel tents. Tunnel tents are ok though in most cases.
I'm going to recommend this as a starting point:
https://www.leisureoutlet.com/150199-vango-scafell...
plus the matching groundsheet protector (footprint) which doubles as porch groundsheet for another £25 or so.
Side doors x2, big porch for storage and getting your wet boots on/off, all poles are identical, "gothic arch" shaped poles so more stable than straight poles, roomy sleeping area for 2 (not for 3), well constructed, packs down well, pitches as one piece with fly and inner together, inverted guy runners (more convenient, just a nice thoughtful touch) and is really good value. More than good enough quality for decades of campsite and field use (you're not in the market for mountain/winter tents so forget all the £1000 MSR and Hilleberg stuff).
That'll last a lifetime and will be a pleasure to use every time. We've got one, and it's my second favourite 3-man tent, and 1/3rd the price of my absolute favourite.
If that's over-budget, come back for more suggestions, or feel free to post other models for critique, but I think that'll suit your needs perfectly.
EDIT to add, I'm going to recommend avoiding AirBeam/inflatable type tents. They are clever, but they have limits, and if you are unlucky enough to have a windy night from just the wrong angle, they will flatten themselves on top of you. Sure, they pop back up again when the wind drops, but it'll ruin your night. We've resorted to moving cars to provide shelter, adding additional guys, tying the tent to the car roofrails to brace against the wind. They don't save any time, and you need to carry a significant sized pump. They introduce a lot of potential issues for really no benefit at all, other than novelty, IMO.
Edited by 2ZZ Top on Tuesday 14th June 10:56
2ZZ Top said:
I love me some tent design discussion! I've had many good and bad tents over the decades, and I know what I like!
I'm going to recommend this as a starting point:
https://www.leisureoutlet.com/150199-vango-scafell...
plus the matching groundsheet protector (footprint) which doubles as porch groundsheet for another £25 or so.
Side doors x2, big porch for storage and getting your wet boots on/off, all poles are identical, "gothic arch" shaped poles so more stable than straight poles, roomy sleeping area for 2 (not for 3), well constructed, packs down well, pitches as one piece with fly and inner together, inverted guy runners (more convenient, just a nice thoughtful touch) and is really good value. More than good enough quality for decades of campsite and field use (you're not in the market for mountain/winter tents so forget all the £1000 MSR and Hilleberg stuff).
We have something similar to this from Vango, bought it ten years ago or so. It doesn't get used loads but it's plenty big enough for 2 people (we've had 4 in it, with me sleeping in the porch - don't recommend that!), doesn't weigh a ton and is easy to use. The porch is very handy, I've had bikes in it before. I'm going to recommend this as a starting point:
https://www.leisureoutlet.com/150199-vango-scafell...
plus the matching groundsheet protector (footprint) which doubles as porch groundsheet for another £25 or so.
Side doors x2, big porch for storage and getting your wet boots on/off, all poles are identical, "gothic arch" shaped poles so more stable than straight poles, roomy sleeping area for 2 (not for 3), well constructed, packs down well, pitches as one piece with fly and inner together, inverted guy runners (more convenient, just a nice thoughtful touch) and is really good value. More than good enough quality for decades of campsite and field use (you're not in the market for mountain/winter tents so forget all the £1000 MSR and Hilleberg stuff).
Edited by 2ZZ Top on Tuesday 14th June 10:56
A few years ago I bought a 3 man Vango for use at the Isle of Man TT races. For a single person, it was great and the porch was a useful size. It was also easy to erect.
I’ve used it once since then with the Wife and it was just about acceptable for 2 people. I would recommend them and as I can recall, it wasn’t too pricey.
I’ve used it once since then with the Wife and it was just about acceptable for 2 people. I would recommend them and as I can recall, it wasn’t too pricey.
2ZZ Top said:
I love me some tent design discussion! I've had many good and bad tents over the decades, and I know what I like!
First, you do indeed want 3-man tent, minimum. 3-man is really 2-man with comfort. The only reason you'd got for a 2-man is if weight was an issue, like backpacking/cycling.
Second, don't go for anything with a tiny porch. Never underestimate the usefulness of a large porch separate to the sleeping area. It makes everything easier if you don't need to be in the bed chamber to put your boots on, etc. At very least it's useful for storage and making the living space tidier, roomier and more comfortable. Even for backpacking, a decent porch is worth the extra grams.
Don't choose anything with a sloping door. Generally (with very few exceptions) these have the zips far down at the bottom of the door, the least convenient place to reach down to. On smaller tents the angle of the door tends to be exaggerated, as the roof is lower overall, and combined with less room inside to move, this makes reaching for the zip puller from the inside a pain. Vertical side doors are awesome.
Geodesic pole designs, where the poles cross over, are more stable than tunnel tents. Tunnel tents are ok though in most cases.
I'm going to recommend this as a starting point:
https://www.leisureoutlet.com/150199-vango-scafell...
plus the matching groundsheet protector (footprint) which doubles as porch groundsheet for another £25 or so.
Side doors x2, big porch for storage and getting your wet boots on/off, all poles are identical, "gothic arch" shaped poles so more stable than straight poles, roomy sleeping area for 2 (not for 3), well constructed, packs down well, pitches as one piece with fly and inner together, inverted guy runners (more convenient, just a nice thoughtful touch) and is really good value. More than good enough quality for decades of campsite and field use (you're not in the market for mountain/winter tents so forget all the £1000 MSR and Hilleberg stuff).
That'll last a lifetime and will be a pleasure to use every time. We've got one, and it's my second favourite 3-man tent, and 1/3rd the price of my absolute favourite.
If that's over-budget, come back for more suggestions, or feel free to post other models for critique, but I think that'll suit your needs perfectly.
EDIT to add, I'm going to recommend avoiding AirBeam/inflatable type tents. They are clever, but they have limits, and if you are unlucky enough to have a windy night from just the wrong angle, they will flatten themselves on top of you. Sure, they pop back up again when the wind drops, but it'll ruin your night. We've resorted to moving cars to provide shelter, adding additional guys, tying the tent to the car roofrails to brace against the wind. They don't save any time, and you need to carry a significant sized pump. They introduce a lot of potential issues for really no benefit at all, other than novelty, IMO.
Fantastic advice and that Vango looks like a good option.First, you do indeed want 3-man tent, minimum. 3-man is really 2-man with comfort. The only reason you'd got for a 2-man is if weight was an issue, like backpacking/cycling.
Second, don't go for anything with a tiny porch. Never underestimate the usefulness of a large porch separate to the sleeping area. It makes everything easier if you don't need to be in the bed chamber to put your boots on, etc. At very least it's useful for storage and making the living space tidier, roomier and more comfortable. Even for backpacking, a decent porch is worth the extra grams.
Don't choose anything with a sloping door. Generally (with very few exceptions) these have the zips far down at the bottom of the door, the least convenient place to reach down to. On smaller tents the angle of the door tends to be exaggerated, as the roof is lower overall, and combined with less room inside to move, this makes reaching for the zip puller from the inside a pain. Vertical side doors are awesome.
Geodesic pole designs, where the poles cross over, are more stable than tunnel tents. Tunnel tents are ok though in most cases.
I'm going to recommend this as a starting point:
https://www.leisureoutlet.com/150199-vango-scafell...
plus the matching groundsheet protector (footprint) which doubles as porch groundsheet for another £25 or so.
Side doors x2, big porch for storage and getting your wet boots on/off, all poles are identical, "gothic arch" shaped poles so more stable than straight poles, roomy sleeping area for 2 (not for 3), well constructed, packs down well, pitches as one piece with fly and inner together, inverted guy runners (more convenient, just a nice thoughtful touch) and is really good value. More than good enough quality for decades of campsite and field use (you're not in the market for mountain/winter tents so forget all the £1000 MSR and Hilleberg stuff).
That'll last a lifetime and will be a pleasure to use every time. We've got one, and it's my second favourite 3-man tent, and 1/3rd the price of my absolute favourite.
If that's over-budget, come back for more suggestions, or feel free to post other models for critique, but I think that'll suit your needs perfectly.
EDIT to add, I'm going to recommend avoiding AirBeam/inflatable type tents. They are clever, but they have limits, and if you are unlucky enough to have a windy night from just the wrong angle, they will flatten themselves on top of you. Sure, they pop back up again when the wind drops, but it'll ruin your night. We've resorted to moving cars to provide shelter, adding additional guys, tying the tent to the car roofrails to brace against the wind. They don't save any time, and you need to carry a significant sized pump. They introduce a lot of potential issues for really no benefit at all, other than novelty, IMO.
Edited by 2ZZ Top on Tuesday 14th June 10:56
After a couple of cheaper tents we've landed on Hilleberg tents, all of which have been tunnel tents. They cost a lot more than the one linked and for this use would probably be overkill. They were bought for cycle-touring and hiking where weight and more importantly pack-size makes a big difference. I can get my 3 man (a KAITUM 3 GT) up in comfortably less than 5 mins, on my own in strong winds. I've never had a problem with a a tunnel tent and firm ground. If you are worried about this it's worth upgrading pegs. The 'Y' pegs that some of the Hillebergs come with are much stronger than a traditional peg. You can buy better pegs from most shops that sell the adventure-type tents.
If you're not worried about weight then even a 4 man tunnel shouldn't be out of the question. For many years we used a Keron 4GT as a family tent. Comfortably the best tent I've owned. I'm sure you can find something of a similar design at a much lower price.
Our first good tent, bought for cycle-touring was a Helsport. We still have it. It once broke a pole on a tour (but there was a spare section in the bag). It's not quite as good as the Hilleberg's on condensation but is still a fine tent.
We also have a Roben Double Dreamer 5 which the family like but I don't get on with (It's heavy and takes up too much space). It's reasonably well made and has lots of space.
As 2ZZ mentions above, make sure you get a footprint, which should be attachable to the main tent.
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