New Tent & Other stuff Time

Cabaal

A few years back when my other half was out of work I decided we were getting a holiday regardless of how hard money was at the time,

So with that in mind and even though I'd not stayed in a tent since 1997 and my other half had never stayed in any tent in her life I bought a tent and a stove and away we went on a 10 day long trip.

We loved the trip but didn't get to do anymore camping until this year where we only went away for a few days,

So I'd like to do more camping in 2014 but want to make things a little less cramped especially if/when it rains so I wanted to upgrade things somewhat and also have the option of having other people with us.

this is what I have
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gelert-Tornado-grey-dome-tent/dp/B00BQW90B6/r

and this is what I'm thinking of to give more space and scope,
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004O6MGNA/

i know its a 6 man but I'm thinking long term with this tent due to the price and also ability to bring friends along,

Any thoughts or suggestions on the tent choice?

Orion

It's still a basic tunnel tent and crawling in the door when raining and not being able to stand up are the drawbacks.

How about something like this: http://www.gelert.com/products/bliss_4_tent

If you want something with space when it rains then head height is good. This one has a decent living area and porch that you can sit in comfortably uncramped. I have the Ottawa 6 myself (not in production anymore but you might find it second hand) and love it - it's similar to the Bliss. We go camping with the 2 kids and the dog and have plenty of space.

If you're around Blessington at all go in to Charles Camping and have a look in their tent warehouse at the back. They have some great family style tents erected so you can have a look and see what suits.

Cabaal

Wary of size of sleeping areas, any thoughts on http://www.gelert.com/products/bliss_6_tent

Orion

That's the same tent just bigger. I linked the 4-man as it was the same price, more or less, as the one you linked. A 6-man is too big for 2 people but perfect for 4. Our 6 man is actually a 4/2 instead of a 3/3. The kids sleep in the 2 and it's big enough for them - myself and the missus sleep in the 4. On cold nights the larger area is colder as there's more air to heat up and only 2 bodies to do so. Smaller is better in that regard. If you'll be bringing friends regularly I'd recommend the 6-man but if it will mostly be just the two of you then the 4-man - you can use the second pod as your storage area. Don't forget you can use the living area to throw your rucksacks into at night if the spaces are too small for 4of you and bags. Each pod is 180 wide which should be enough space for two people plus rucksacks though. Our Ottawa is 240 wide in the large one and it's actually too big for two people.

Apart from that it looks like a fine tunnel tent. Tunnels are easy to put up and take down. Mine is a large dome and it took us a few attempts before we got it down to an art. I like the covered porch area which mine doesn't have - although our living space is simply huge. It means you can set up your kitchen in it and just leave it there. 6000HH will keep the rain out and there are plenty of windows to let light in if you have to stay inside. There may be other options at the price point but Gelert are a fine entry level brand and for April-October camping won't let you down.

I would definitely recommend making a trip to a camping shop to see one erected. It's hard to tell from pictures what space there is. http://www.charlescamping.ie/ have loads erected and they do sell the Bliss 6 and 4 (€435 for the bliss which is close enough to the gelert price of £350). Only mentioning them because I've been there. There is a camping shop in Waterford too - http://gooutdoorireland.com/ - but I don't know if they have a showroom.

[edit]Oops - mixed up the two. The pods in the 4 man are 145 wide and the 6 man is 180. 145 is ok but you'll need to keep it fairly neat - stick both bags on one side or out in the living area at night. It's the 6 man that's 180 each which is a grand size for two people + gear. My recommendation (without actually seeing the tent for real) would still be with the 4 man if it will mostly be just the two of you.

Orion

Another option is stick with that you have and head to Casey's in April/May for a weekend and have a look around at the tents that are there. It's a great campsite anyway. If you see one that takes your fancy most family campers won't mind giving you a look at it - we're a pretty friendly bunch for the most part