Recommend an affordable and good 2-3 person tent in the UK
September 14, 2007 6:19 AM Subscribe
Recommend an affordable and good 2-3 person tent in the UK
I'm looking for a 3 season tent that will be big enough for two or three people. I don't intend to take it up mountains or anything, but I don't want something that will fall apart after a few uses. I'm looking to spend between £50 and £100. I did check the earlier Ask Mefi questions on tents, but they were mainly for the US, which has different (and alas, better and cheaper) tents than the UK.
I'm looking for a 3 season tent that will be big enough for two or three people. I don't intend to take it up mountains or anything, but I don't want something that will fall apart after a few uses. I'm looking to spend between £50 and £100. I did check the earlier Ask Mefi questions on tents, but they were mainly for the US, which has different (and alas, better and cheaper) tents than the UK.
Meant to say, they are a reputable company and all tents come with a lifetime guarantee.
posted by brautigan at 6:58 AM on September 14, 2007
posted by brautigan at 6:58 AM on September 14, 2007
Best answer: I'm assuming that you'll be using it in lowland campsites, but since you're asking this now, are you planning on using it over the Autumn and Winter? The things you lose at the lower price points (that are relevant to your needs) tend to be weatherproofness and stability.
Millets have some deals on, as do Blacks, their more upmarket sister company, such as this one or this one. You might want to spend some extra dosh on a second groundsheet to go under the sleeping area. This doesn't have to be a nice one from an outdoor shop, just some black plastic from a garden centre will do. The groundsheets at your price point will almost always let a bit of damp in, and this will stop it. Make sure you cut it so it's slightly smaller than the tent bottom, as if it sticks out beyond the fly, you'll gather water underneath. And when you put it up, make sure the tent is nice and taut and all the guylines are used, and tight - this will do loads to keep it stable in any Autumn gusts.
Sorry if this is telling you how to suck eggs.
Enjoy! I'm off camping this weekend with my wife and toddler. If you're going to Norden camp site near Corfe Castle, he'll be the one keeping you awake by giggling and shouting that he wants to have a barbecue at 3am.
posted by dowcrag at 6:59 AM on September 14, 2007
Millets have some deals on, as do Blacks, their more upmarket sister company, such as this one or this one. You might want to spend some extra dosh on a second groundsheet to go under the sleeping area. This doesn't have to be a nice one from an outdoor shop, just some black plastic from a garden centre will do. The groundsheets at your price point will almost always let a bit of damp in, and this will stop it. Make sure you cut it so it's slightly smaller than the tent bottom, as if it sticks out beyond the fly, you'll gather water underneath. And when you put it up, make sure the tent is nice and taut and all the guylines are used, and tight - this will do loads to keep it stable in any Autumn gusts.
Sorry if this is telling you how to suck eggs.
Enjoy! I'm off camping this weekend with my wife and toddler. If you're going to Norden camp site near Corfe Castle, he'll be the one keeping you awake by giggling and shouting that he wants to have a barbecue at 3am.
posted by dowcrag at 6:59 AM on September 14, 2007
Seconding Vango Deltas in that price range- the 300 is excellent and one of the variants comes with a useful porch. Guaranteed, Well made and Easy to put up .
posted by Joe Rocket at 7:49 AM on September 14, 2007
posted by Joe Rocket at 7:49 AM on September 14, 2007
Another vote for Vango. I've had mine for about 10 years (a 2-3 man one) and it has lasted very well. Not the lightest tent in the world but very good value.
posted by jonesor at 9:00 AM on September 14, 2007
posted by jonesor at 9:00 AM on September 14, 2007
Response by poster: Great stuff, thanks for all the advice! I opted for dowcrag's Blacks Cygnus tent (half price) in the end.
posted by adrianhon at 9:42 AM on September 14, 2007
posted by adrianhon at 9:42 AM on September 14, 2007
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by oh pollo! at 6:39 AM on September 14, 2007