FabSwingers.com forum: Upgrading tent

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Help!

I have a 4 man dome tent and I'm sick of the back ache putting it up and down and the constant crouching. I'm looking to upgrade to something taller that I can at least stand in the porch area.

I camp alone, so a minimum of 2 man space and maximum of a 4 man tent that I can easily put up alone. My tent is my home while camping, I spend all my time in or around the tent.

I'm driving myself crazy looking at them and narrowed it down to a vango mokala 450 or a vango galaxy 300.

Does anyone have these or can recommend a different one? Porch has to be standing height and big enough to have chair and table etc. Must be able to assemble alone.

Post on here please, no pms.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Have you got a Go Outdoors near you? They have erected tents in the showroom near me. Helps make that decision to buy much easier because you can envision what you are getting.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Have you got a Go Outdoors near you? They have erected tents in the showroom near me. Helps make that decision to buy much easier because you can envision what you are getting. "

It's a great idea but I live rurally so there's nothing nearby. The nearest is an hour and a half drive.

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By *easidersCouple
over a year ago

Wirral

Have a look at decathlon's website - lots of options there. For example, the INFLATABLE CAMPING TENT - AIR SECONDS 4.1 - 4 PERSON - 1 BEDROOM (sorry for shouting), lots of room, 5'2" of height in the porch, 12.5kg, looks easy to put up - peg out the corners then inflate the supports. £220

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

We use a vango Icarus 500 when there is just the two of us. Easy for one person to put up. When camping for two weeks we use a Kyham Ontario 8 and that can be put up by one person, you just got to know how x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Have you got a Go Outdoors near you? They have erected tents in the showroom near me. Helps make that decision to buy much easier because you can envision what you are getting.

It's a great idea but I live rurally so there's nothing nearby. The nearest is an hour and a half drive. "

Try Winfields just outside Chester. We have had 2 tents from them which in the sales were absolute bargains. One was an Outwell Wolf lake 9e which we actually sold on for a profit.

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By *andSCouple
over a year ago

Old London Town

"Help!

I have a 4 man dome tent and I'm sick of the back ache putting it up and down and the constant crouching. I'm looking to upgrade to something taller that I can at least stand in the porch area.

I camp alone, so a minimum of 2 man space and maximum of a 4 man tent that I can easily put up alone. My tent is my home while camping, I spend all my time in or around the tent.

I'm driving myself crazy looking at them and narrowed it down to a vango mokala 450 or a vango galaxy 300.

Does anyone have these or can recommend a different one? Porch has to be standing height and big enough to have chair and table etc. Must be able to assemble alone.

Post on here please, no pms. "

I have one you can have. Not sure it’s exactly the model you’re after but I’ve got the footprint sheet and porch and internal carpet. I’ve put it up on my own quite a few times.

Four person tent with bedrooms at both ends or more internal space if you only want to use one.

The only problem is that one of the poles is slightly damaged but that can be fixed easy enough apparently.

Please let me know if you want it - pm is fine with us.

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By *addington57Man
over a year ago

Somerset

I bought a royal portland air 4 man tent two years ago, very easy to put up, bedroom converts into one large room, lounge area easy to stand up in, lovely tent, I use on my own for fishing breaks, lots of room for one...... I add a front porch last year so I can use for cooking area.... Can find it on YouTube...

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By *elsh_naturist_coupleCouple
over a year ago

Newport

We made a mistake. Go Outdoor near us was having a 30% sale due to refurbishment. Ended up buying a bed tent.

It's lush like you can now stand up in it being an air tent was really easy to put up! Only done a trial put up haven't used it yet but ideal for us. It will add a bit more luxury.

It's a berghaus 4XL

Water proof rating 6000

Semi flam retardant.

Air tent hardest thing about it was getting it back in the bag. Make sure it's as airless as possible.

Large front entrance porch 2 side entrance.

Nice touches like the sleeping compartment stays in place even when you take it down. All the doors have fly screens.

Just feels well thought out.

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By *r politeguyMan
over a year ago

coningsby

That is so kind of you to offer to the member. Still some genuine nice people about

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By *heshire BoyMan
over a year ago

Nantwich

"Help!

I have a 4 man dome tent and I'm sick of the back ache putting it up and down and the constant crouching. I'm looking to upgrade to something taller that I can at least stand in the porch area.

I camp alone, so a minimum of 2 man space and maximum of a 4 man tent that I can easily put up alone. My tent is my home while camping, I spend all my time in or around the tent.

I'm driving myself crazy looking at them and narrowed it down to a vango mokala 450 or a vango galaxy 300.

Does anyone have these or can recommend a different one? Porch has to be standing height and big enough to have chair and table etc. Must be able to assemble alone.

Post on here please, no pms. "

I'm taller you can upgrade to me and join me in my caravan lol x

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By * and BCouple
over a year ago

Durham

Air tents are the way forward. We have two. One for the bike, a 4 man with standing room porch area which we bought from Halfords a few years ago, had plenty of use and still looks brand new. The other is a Vango Evoque 400 which we take when using the car. We would never go back to pole tents. got so sick of repairing broken poles when we were camping in windy conditions. The Air Tents hardly move when it's windy. At the end of the day you get what you pay for. Air tents have come down in price over the years but are still on the expensive side but well worth the extra pennies

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By *wFunGuy4YouMan
over a year ago

Cheshire

I have the Kampa Hayling 4 air tent. Best tent ive had when it come out a few yrs ago. Done me for festivals, BSB, shell island etc. Great for when you go on your own, easy to put up, can stand up no problem in all the rooms too

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By *igSlinkyCouple
over a year ago

pontardulais

We have a berghaus air 6 with porch awning for kitchen. Just me and misses and a 3 year old use it. But we do have all the gadgets aswell Inc oven lol. It’s a perfect t size for us and I do highly recommend air tents

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Help!

I have a 4 man dome tent and I'm sick of the back ache putting it up and down and the constant crouching. I'm looking to upgrade to something taller that I can at least stand in the porch area.

I camp alone, so a minimum of 2 man space and maximum of a 4 man tent that I can easily put up alone. My tent is my home while camping, I spend all my time in or around the tent.

I'm driving myself crazy looking at them and narrowed it down to a vango mokala 450 or a vango galaxy 300.

Does anyone have these or can recommend a different one? Porch has to be standing height and big enough to have chair and table etc. Must be able to assemble alone.

Post on here please, no pms.

I have one you can have. Not sure it’s exactly the model you’re after but I’ve got the footprint sheet and porch and internal carpet. I’ve put it up on my own quite a few times.

Four person tent with bedrooms at both ends or more internal space if you only want to use one.

The only problem is that one of the poles is slightly damaged but that can be fixed easy enough apparently.

Please let me know if you want it - pm is fine with us. "

Thank you that's very kind. I'm not a fan of the vis a vis style.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"We made a mistake. Go Outdoor near us was having a 30% sale due to refurbishment. Ended up buying a bed tent.

It's lush like you can now stand up in it being an air tent was really easy to put up! Only done a trial put up haven't used it yet but ideal for us. It will add a bit more luxury.

It's a berghaus 4XL

Water proof rating 6000

Semi flam retardant.

Air tent hardest thing about it was getting it back in the bag. Make sure it's as airless as possible.

Large front entrance porch 2 side entrance.

Nice touches like the sleeping compartment stays in place even when you take it down. All the doors have fly screens.

Just feels well thought out."

Jeepers that tent is massive! I like the idea that all doors are fly screened but I feel that's just too big for me. I'd feel a bit silly putting that up just for me. The one I really want is the vango mokala 450, I don't mind poles as I only go in fair weather. The only thing that irks me about the vango is its described as a weekend tent?!

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I have the Kampa Hayling 4 air tent. Best tent ive had when it come out a few yrs ago. Done me for festivals, BSB, shell island etc. Great for when you go on your own, easy to put up, can stand up no problem in all the rooms too"

Wow that is a gorgeous tent! I love all the windows in it, loads of living space. Bit too expensive though, gutted.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"We have a berghaus air 6 with porch awning for kitchen. Just me and misses and a 3 year old use it. But we do have all the gadgets aswell Inc oven lol. It’s a perfect t size for us and I do highly recommend air tents"

You like your luxuries! Sounds like you've got a good set up there, very comfy.

I only need a tent for 2 or 3 nights, I can't fit much in my small car.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Robens Klondike tents are pretty tall

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By *wFunGuy4YouMan
over a year ago

Cheshire

Wow that is a gorgeous tent! I love all the windows in it, loads of living space. Bit too expensive though, gutted. "

Have a look at a good second hand one, plenty out there with people upgrading etc

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By *ools and the brainCouple
over a year ago

couple, us we him her.

We also have the hayling 4 air pro with additional vestibule to close in the front porch when weather is gnarly.

Although we are looking to get a slightly bigger one and going polycotton as well.

Currently umming and arrring over the zempire aero pro TL TC.

But at almost 2 grand it's a big spend.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Wow that is a gorgeous tent! I love all the windows in it, loads of living space. Bit too expensive though, gutted.

Have a look at a good second hand one, plenty out there with people upgrading etc"

I'm dubious about second hand that it might have problems.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"We also have the hayling 4 air pro with additional vestibule to close in the front porch when weather is gnarly.

Although we are looking to get a slightly bigger one and going polycotton as well.

Currently umming and arrring over the zempire aero pro TL TC.

But at almost 2 grand it's a big spend."

Wowser that's a huge good looking tent! Reminds me of a caterpillar!

TC tents are way more expensive, I wish I could get the mokala TC, the colour is great too.

2k is a hell of an expense, however it's justified if you spend lots of time away in it.

I'm a fair weather 2 or 3 day camper.

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By * and BCouple
over a year ago

Durham

"We also have the hayling 4 air pro with additional vestibule to close in the front porch when weather is gnarly.

Although we are looking to get a slightly bigger one and going polycotton as well.

Currently umming and arrring over the zempire aero pro TL TC.

But at almost 2 grand it's a big spend.

Wowser that's a huge good looking tent! Reminds me of a caterpillar!

TC tents are way more expensive, I wish I could get the mokala TC, the colour is great too.

2k is a hell of an expense, however it's justified if you spend lots of time away in it.

I'm a fair weather 2 or 3 day camper. "

If you are just a 2 or 3 day camper why did the Vango weekender put you off. You asked for a tent for ease of putting up as poles are back breaking. I think from all the posts here about Air Tents you have your answer. Yes not a budget tent but so easy to erect on ones own and options of standing room too. Win win we'd say

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"We also have the hayling 4 air pro with additional vestibule to close in the front porch when weather is gnarly.

Although we are looking to get a slightly bigger one and going polycotton as well.

Currently umming and arrring over the zempire aero pro TL TC.

But at almost 2 grand it's a big spend.

Wowser that's a huge good looking tent! Reminds me of a caterpillar!

TC tents are way more expensive, I wish I could get the mokala TC, the colour is great too.

2k is a hell of an expense, however it's justified if you spend lots of time away in it.

I'm a fair weather 2 or 3 day camper.

I'm just pretty indecisive about purchases. I talk myself out of things all the time. It's been good looking up the recommendations people have given, tents I'd not previously seen before, and if money wasn't tight I'd get an air tent. I know there's cheaper air tents but they don't have the things I'm looking for. I don't mind pole tents, I just wanted a taller one with lots of windows.

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By * and BCouple
over a year ago

Durham

"We also have the hayling 4 air pro with additional vestibule to close in the front porch when weather is gnarly.

Although we are looking to get a slightly bigger one and going polycotton as well.

Currently umming and arrring over the zempire aero pro TL TC.

But at almost 2 grand it's a big spend.

Wowser that's a huge good looking tent! Reminds me of a caterpillar!

TC tents are way more expensive, I wish I could get the mokala TC, the colour is great too.

2k is a hell of an expense, however it's justified if you spend lots of time away in it.

I'm a fair weather 2 or 3 day camper.

We got so sick of repairing tent poles and tens when getting caught in strong wind so that's why we went down the air tent route. They never move in windy conditions. We've had both of ours for quite a few years now and they still look brand new. Worth every penny we spent on them

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By *ust RachelTV/TS
over a year ago

Horsham

Not sure on modern tents, but surely the bigger they are they heavier they are. So while you save your back standing in them, you damage it putting it up.

We used to use a ridge tent when my parents went camping., metal pole and canvas tent. Loads of room, but a bugger to put up and move.

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By *hris 62Man
over a year ago

HEREFORD

Well have you looked at the outwell tent ,not cheap, but good eary to put up ,plus if not such why not you tube the tent and than you a better idea what the tent like to put up plus how much room you got

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By *wFunGuy4YouMan
over a year ago

Cheshire

Wow that is a gorgeous tent! I love all the windows in it, loads of living space. Bit too expensive though, gutted.

Have a look at a good second hand one, plenty out there with people upgrading etc

I'm dubious about second hand that it might have problems. "

Now is the time to buy un-used or barely used tents. Everyone was buying camping gear or motorhomes due to not getting abroad for a holiday. 1 has just come up this week kampa studland air 8....still in its bag un-used. Comes with everything, they even bought a trailer too. Mad as its never been used

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Still looking, I think I'm going to have to bite the bullet and go air tent, going to cost more but all your recommendations have helped so thank you. Seeing videos of them going up in minutes has made me think they are worth it.

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By *igSlinkyCouple
over a year ago

pontardulais

Get one that will connect to a battery pump. Mine has a hand one and it’s a pain in the ass lol

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By *agertha73Couple
over a year ago

Cardiff

Our Coleman octagon tent works for us!

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By *addington57Man
over a year ago

Somerset

"Still looking, I think I'm going to have to bite the bullet and go air tent, going to cost more but all your recommendations have helped so thank you. Seeing videos of them going up in minutes has made me think they are worth it. "

Look at Royal portland 4 air tent got mine new on ebay fron Norwich camping £299.....lovely tent, simple easy to erect in 20 mins....

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

I've found my tent!!

I'll be ordering tomorrow.

It's called outdoor revolution camp star 500. It's a bundle that comes with footprint and carpet.

It's a 3 bar air tent with poled eyebrow, lots of windows which was what I wanted. It's more than I wanted to spend but looking at the videos on it I'm hooked. One guy put it up in under 9 minutes!

I'm so excited!

Thank you so much to all who contributed, it may not seem to you like you helped but you really did. X

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By * and BCouple
over a year ago

Durham

"I've found my tent!!

I'll be ordering tomorrow.

It's called outdoor revolution camp star 500. It's a bundle that comes with footprint and carpet.

It's a 3 bar air tent with poled eyebrow, lots of windows which was what I wanted. It's more than I wanted to spend but looking at the videos on it I'm hooked. One guy put it up in under 9 minutes!

I'm so excited!

Thank you so much to all who contributed, it may not seem to you like you helped but you really did. X"

Brilliant, you will love it.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I've found my tent!!

I'll be ordering tomorrow.

It's called outdoor revolution camp star 500. It's a bundle that comes with footprint and carpet.

It's a 3 bar air tent with poled eyebrow, lots of windows which was what I wanted. It's more than I wanted to spend but looking at the videos on it I'm hooked. One guy put it up in under 9 minutes!

I'm so excited!

Thank you so much to all who contributed, it may not seem to you like you helped but you really did. X

Brilliant, you will love it.

Thanks! I'm so excited. I've ordered the tent, hook up and bunting for jubilee weekend and booked a site!

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By *ee04Man
over a year ago

Essex

The vango Icarus is a great tent had one for 10 years and it will be doing the isle of weight festival again this year.

Have an air tent for longer trips don’t like taking it festivals as it’s too heavy.

If you don’t mind poles I’d opt for the Icarus, only 3 poles. Peg out he 4 corners put through the poles then finish the pegging great tent.

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By *ools and the brainCouple
over a year ago

couple, us we him her.

Well we have upgraded.

Now have a lovely Vango TC tent the kapalua 550xl.

Well chuffed can't wait to use it.

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By *rontier PsychiatristMan
over a year ago

Coventry

We have 3 Coleman Instant Tourer 4s in the family (we do a lot of camping and a good sale a couple of years back). Anyway they say four man but effectively a very comfortably 2 man tent. Best thing is they are very simple in design, to operate and pitch in a minute (maybe 2/3 with all pegs and guy ropes in). Really good if your arriving in the dark and/or are d*unk at the time. They are just a little too short for me to stand up proper in, but maybe ok if your short. They don't have a seperate living area, but I often extend out a fly sheet or put up a gazebo if I need more living area. Love the speed and simplicity. Often chose them over the huge family tent. Great for normal camping, not suitable if you want to pitch on the side of a windy mountain or do extrem stuff.

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By *rontier PsychiatristMan
over a year ago

Coventry

Anyways that my 2p's worth enjoy your new tent and have lots of fun.

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