6 Berth Tent - 6 Person / Man Tents - £200 - £299
Easy Camp Boston 600 Family Tunnel Tent - £249.99 Another new for 2010 is the Easy Camp Boston 600. This is a big tent for the money, with a 2 x 3 berth sleeping arrangement that includes a zipped divider. As you can see it has absolutely massive windows, and is one of those tents that you can hide in away from the rain without feeling too enclosed. You can while away the hours watching the rain trickle down the windows and and maybe invite a few guests in who are not fortunate enough to have purchased a tent that lets so much light in. The living area is well sectioned, and the porch has its own extending canopy for further protection against the elements if you want to keep the front door open. It's another easy pitch, fly sheet first tent with fibreglass poles that are both sleeved and clip on - tents are so easy to pitch these days it almost takes the fun out of it. If size and affordability are an issue then this and the Vango Orchy are probably the best buys, the main differences being the sleeping arrangements, and the amount of windows (you might not actually want your tent to have that many windows - if you can see out, people can see in!). |
Vango Icarus 600 Family Tunnel Tent - 2010 Model - £269.99 Vango tend not to do budget tents, in fact they are known for their top of the range models, so when they do come out with a cheaper option, you know that it will be a quality item as they are unlikely to risk their reputation by bringing out sub-standard quality tents. New for 2010, this is, it is claimed, an exceptionally easy tent to pitch due to the 'as-one' easy to pitch system. And, at a combined weight of 15 KG, it is also very light. It has a single six berth sleeping compartment, and is probably most suitable for a small family. Ideal for a weekend break, the Icarus has reasonably sized communal area, and if its raining you won't feel too enclosed as there are more than adequate windows. The ground sheet is fully sewn in, and the 2000mm hydrostatic head protection of the flysheet is adequate for all but the worst storms. If you are not sure about camping as a lifestyle then the Icarus is not going to break the bank, and serves as a cheap, but durable introduction to the camping life (so, you can always 'ebay it' if you decide that camping isn't for you). |
Kampa Croyde 6 Family Tunnel Tent - £329.99 Standing at 215cm, the Kampa Croyde 6 is the hugely impressive, but less expensive version of the Kampa Filey 6. It has a tubular steel frame, which is one of the reasons that it is cheaper, as it is heavier to transport. However, it is exceptionally good value for money as has a whole raft of great features, the only drawback being its combined weight of 40kg, but, then again, if you don't have to carry it too far, then it's a great deal. With a 4 plus 2 layout, it has a fully sewn in ground sheets, and with its 4000mm Hydrostatic Head, and fully taped seams, it is fully equpped for combatting the elements. Another great feature is the amount of side and panel windows, six in all which, make the bad weather an evenmore enjoyable experience. If you are lucky enough to enjoy a good summer, then the fully breathable polyester inners, and UV protected Weathershield flysheet with fire retardancy are a bonus. Other features include lamp hanging point, cable entry point, reinforced adjustable pegging points, large closable front vent, loose canopy groundsheet, cable ties, pre-attached fluorescent guylines, and organiser pockets. |
Vango Nevis 600 Tent At a few quid more than other tents in the below £300 range, the 'Nevis' is a high qulity 6 berth tent that as usual with 'Vango', is a triumph in design and features. The flysheet has a whopping 5000mm of hydrostatic head protection which with the waterproof exterior storm skirt system will assure dryness in a monsoon. It's fully sewn-in Polyester (4000HH) grounsheet is probably the most important protective element, as waterlog prevetion is the most difficult of the elements to fend off. It has a stated amazing 15 minute pitch time, and although we always take these figures with a pinch of salt, that's quite a claim to make, Vango are a highly respected brand who are above hyperbole, so, we are inclined to believe this claim. The layout and the general structure would support their assertion, as it is a basic tunnel design, but with high grade poles, and sheet materials - which is why yu can't pick it up at a supermaket for forty quid. It is not a flashy design, and although it has a lot of handy inbuilt features, it is not 'bells and whistles', but an assuredly simple design, manufactured with high grade materials. Not massive, but well formed and durable. It currently comes with a free Vango Tunnel Extension worth £100! Bargain! |
Sunncamp Evolution 600 DL Dome Tent This very sleek, but spacious 6 berth tent is new for 2010, an upgrade of the new introdcution in 2008. It has a 4 x 2 layout, with an impressive 14.5 square metres of communal area. The design allows for great airation in hot weather, but full protection in bad weather. It also comes with a mud wall, and has a respectasble 220cm headroom at it's heighest point. With a combined frame and sheet weight of 25.5 KG, for it's size, it is one of the lighter models in the 6 man tent range, and is therefore easier to transport, and store, when not in use. It come swith a repair kit, cable entry point, cable tidy, and has a hydrostatic head of 3000mm, which should keep all but the worst out. A stylish, yet deceptively roomy tnet for the price. |
