Discussion
I used to camp lot, but not in recent years. However, I'm going on an extended family weekend at the end of next month but not with my wife & daughter.
We've got a large 5 man tent, but I just want to take something small/quicker to erect, so looking at a decent 2-man.
I'm driving so packed weight/size isn't critical. There will be 60 of us, some in caravans, some motorhomes, other with larger tents plus a jamboree cover, so it is just a sleeping set-up, plus space to store stuff. We'll also all have electric hook up.
Fairly open on budget, Ideally below £500.
Any immediate ideas?
Thanks.
We've got a large 5 man tent, but I just want to take something small/quicker to erect, so looking at a decent 2-man.
I'm driving so packed weight/size isn't critical. There will be 60 of us, some in caravans, some motorhomes, other with larger tents plus a jamboree cover, so it is just a sleeping set-up, plus space to store stuff. We'll also all have electric hook up.
Fairly open on budget, Ideally below £500.
Any immediate ideas?
Thanks.
While I agree with the above (I've had my Terra Nova Quasar for over 30 years, and they still make a near identical one), they're quite expensive as they're generally designed to be lightweight.
I also have a Khyam Biker and thier quick folding pole system makes it really quick to put up and down, but is a lot bulkier than the terra nova. I tend to use the Khyam a lot more.
I also have a Khyam Biker and thier quick folding pole system makes it really quick to put up and down, but is a lot bulkier than the terra nova. I tend to use the Khyam a lot more.
That's a heck of a budget!
If you're a) car camping (so weight / pack size not massively important) and b) valley camping (so not using in winter winds / blizzards / etc), £150 will get you a Vango Beta 350XL
https://www.outdoorworlddirect.co.uk/vango-beta-35...
We've got a Beta 350 (non XL) purchased in 2009 which continues to see annual use. Cost us £49.99
If you're a) car camping (so weight / pack size not massively important) and b) valley camping (so not using in winter winds / blizzards / etc), £150 will get you a Vango Beta 350XL
https://www.outdoorworlddirect.co.uk/vango-beta-35...
We've got a Beta 350 (non XL) purchased in 2009 which continues to see annual use. Cost us £49.99

Edited by Harpoon on Wednesday 23 July 15:57
I use this two person tent for "me plus motorbike gear." Inner can be pitched at the same time as the outer, lots of pockets/vents, kept me dry through pouring rain, and IMO pretty good value for money at £119. Spend the remaining £381 on something else 
https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15980944/oex-jackal-i...

https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15980944/oex-jackal-i...
Agree with the above. That's a big budget for a 2 man tent. I've just got an OEX Rakoon which is brilliant for the money (I paid £99.) if a bit small for 2. I use it as a good size 1 man. I help with a scout group that uses Vango tents which are well made as well. Go somewhere like Go Outdoors and see what looks the right size.
Bill said:
I've just got an OEX Rakoon which is brilliant for the money (I paid £99.) if a bit small for 2. I use it as a good size 1 man.
Same here, but all tents are n-1 in reality aren't they? It was faultless for my 'weekend in summer in England' a few days ago; the amber weather warning was just peachy.I'd recommend anything Decathlon for the level you are looking at. It's fantastic gear tested in the Alps and works really well.
Perfect for 2
https://www.argos.co.uk/product/7297036?istCompany...
But with your budget if you have the boot space I'd go for this
https://www.argos.co.uk/product/7276246?istCompany...
Perfect for 2
https://www.argos.co.uk/product/7297036?istCompany...
But with your budget if you have the boot space I'd go for this
https://www.argos.co.uk/product/7276246?istCompany...
I've had a few tents around that size for trips with my two eldest kids...
Coleman Chimney Rock 3 was generally poor quality and moved around too much in a breeze.
Vango Alpha 400 was a good tent but with just one "room" not very usable when you have people going to bed at different times.
Outwell Earth 3 is a great tent, still have it but it's a little small for us now, but would be great for 2.
We are now in a Vango Beta 450 which is very good.
I go bikepacking in a Wild Country Zephyros 2, which is good quality but would be very cosy for 2, despite the name. Whatever tent you go for, get a 3-man.
You don't need to spend £500 btw. If you want to splash out, put the money into a good sleeping mat and bag.
Coleman Chimney Rock 3 was generally poor quality and moved around too much in a breeze.
Vango Alpha 400 was a good tent but with just one "room" not very usable when you have people going to bed at different times.
Outwell Earth 3 is a great tent, still have it but it's a little small for us now, but would be great for 2.
We are now in a Vango Beta 450 which is very good.
I go bikepacking in a Wild Country Zephyros 2, which is good quality but would be very cosy for 2, despite the name. Whatever tent you go for, get a 3-man.
You don't need to spend £500 btw. If you want to splash out, put the money into a good sleeping mat and bag.
Edited by HardtopManual on Thursday 24th July 00:50
Thought about a tepee?

I use this - it s light, small, loads of space - no way it’s a 6 man as advertised, we use it for two with camp beds and a stove. You could get 3 camp beds in maybe but it would be tight. It’s a generous 2 bed job in my book if you are leaving g space in the middle for a wood stove.
It’s really quick and easy to put up. Click pole together and insert it. Peg out tent, peg out guys. 5 minutes.
Being able to stand up is great (I’m 194cm).
https://www.amazon.co.uk/OneTigris-Fortress-Backpa...
You ll get that and a little stove for your budget. Nice and warm, get a flue water jacket to have constant hot water.
I have one of these cheap stoves and whilst the concept is great it’s very cheaply made and I would not recommend this particular one.

Next time I think I ll get something like this, stainless or Ti but with with a window for some more firelight

I use this - it s light, small, loads of space - no way it’s a 6 man as advertised, we use it for two with camp beds and a stove. You could get 3 camp beds in maybe but it would be tight. It’s a generous 2 bed job in my book if you are leaving g space in the middle for a wood stove.
It’s really quick and easy to put up. Click pole together and insert it. Peg out tent, peg out guys. 5 minutes.
Being able to stand up is great (I’m 194cm).
https://www.amazon.co.uk/OneTigris-Fortress-Backpa...
You ll get that and a little stove for your budget. Nice and warm, get a flue water jacket to have constant hot water.
I have one of these cheap stoves and whilst the concept is great it’s very cheaply made and I would not recommend this particular one.
Next time I think I ll get something like this, stainless or Ti but with with a window for some more firelight
Edited by Lefty on Thursday 24th July 10:14
A mate has a couple of these Decathlon 2 second pop up tent the 3 man "fresh and black" is great for 1-2 people, sturdy and so fast to pitch. Takes a little practice taking it down but you could do the practice before your trip. I prefer to take my family style 4 man even when I go solo for a weekend. It takes a while to pitch but I like being able to stand while I'm getting dressed or if it's raining have some place to sit. It sounds like you'll have plenty of options for communal shelter so the latter won't be an issue for you.
Or if you really want to spend the money they do a different style pop up 3 man for £250
They have a 2 man version of the above for £130 but that looks a little tight on space I don't know why the 3 man is almost twice the price.
Awning for the last 2 tents
Whatever you go for I'd highly recommend getting the black out style ones they keep the temperature more reasonable and I can never sleep when the sun comes up and is blazing through the side of teh tent.
Or if you really want to spend the money they do a different style pop up 3 man for £250
They have a 2 man version of the above for £130 but that looks a little tight on space I don't know why the 3 man is almost twice the price.
Awning for the last 2 tents
Whatever you go for I'd highly recommend getting the black out style ones they keep the temperature more reasonable and I can never sleep when the sun comes up and is blazing through the side of teh tent.
We've just been looking for similar for my son, we ended up with an oex phoxx 3 - genuinely 2-man size with room for gear, 2.3kg if that matters (it does to him as he's carrying it!).
I think we paid about £80 with a code from HUKD.
https://www.ultimateoutdoors.com/19674176/oex-phox...
I think we paid about £80 with a code from HUKD.
https://www.ultimateoutdoors.com/19674176/oex-phox...
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