Tent/s for a family

[ryangus]

Well, we've made the decision to downsize our existing tent (Jet Tent), due to it's cumbersome weight and size (particularly when packed).

The wife and I did a little bushwalking/hiking before the kids came along, and had a Kathmandu hiking tent that suited us fine. Since then, our family has expanded (5yo girl and 3yo boy), as has our footprint, so to speak. We do a lot of travelling in Australia, using our Land Rover as the means to get around. This is fully equipped with fridge, cooking facility and storage. The Jet Tent was great for what it was - a large, quick touring tent. After some thought, I've come to realise how cumbersome it all is. After some long thought and discussion, we're looking to change our approach. We'll still keep the vehicle and it's setup, but we think we can get by with 2 small tents. For now, it will probably mean 1 adult and 1 child in each tent until the kids are old enough (and don't annoy each other so much!) to sleep in one, at which time I'll get to be with the lovely wife again (YAY!). We also plan to start hiking a bit more, so the tents need to be suitable for 2 adults that can be lugged around in/on a backpack.

We were almost sold on the EPE Speedy tents, but realised they wouldn't be suitable for hiking, and weren't sure of the durability.

So, we're looking for comments on other's experiences in a similar situation, and recommendations good quality small tents. Any suggestions would be great, particularly brand, model and supplier.

[Robatman]

No experience yet... but thinking along similar lines to getting a bigger tent to accommodate my boys on bushwalks. If you have the money hilleberg seem like awesome tents but at $800+ for a Nammatj 3GT or similar is a lot of money. I am currently taking my time in looking at the Vango tents- spirit 200+ or 300+ ($400)or if i go one step down in 'ruggedness' the omega 250($270) or 350. The benefit for me is having a larger vestibule for poor weather or nightime playing games/cards etc. All are light enough to carry into the bush- though the omega's are pushing that idea a bit. Check ebay for an Aus seller with free post.

One thing worth considering is that a tent for bushwalking is made to be portable (lighter- less fabric to carry) and thus has much lower head height than a car camper type tent would be. Standing up is maybe not an option for bushwalking tents.
Robert

[Bluegum Mic]

I love the idea of this tent
http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/tents-and-s ... ce-5-tent/
Just a shame its a touch too weighty. It really would involve one person carrying the tent and the other gets all the sleeping gear etc. Great amount of space though and tall enough to stand in.
Edit: mind you its blardy expensive.

[Onestepmore]

Mic that tent looks lovely. All the Terra Nova ones look great - did you see the cuben one man? (lol tent porn)

For kids you NEED a big vestibule. If we take 2 smaller tents for 4 we use a) Alps Mountaineering (from Amazon - very reasonably priced) - 2 side vestibules + 2 entrances, and b) MSR Hubba. We also have the 'gear shed' vestibule add on for the HUbba - extra space is a godsend, but you need one extra guy tie-out to stop a sag just above the door entrance (there is a loop to accommodate this). You can easily have one child in the vestibule if mozzies aren't a problem, or use a bug net, and a bivvy sac if it's wet.

It's often handy with kids to have additional shade or shelter, especially when it's hot or the weather is yuk. With children you do spend more time in camp, so want to make it comfortable and pleasant. They are not tidy and spread stuff out. An extra ground sheet is recommended. Large plastic sheeting or tyvek is handy and light. We often take a tarp too, and set it up with 2 walking poles. Extra shade between two smaller tents. We've got a Luxe one (I got from Backpacking Light in Melbourne but I think this brand is also available on e-bay). Black with purple binding, orange guys, and red stakes lol. It's cat cut and you can pitch it low or high and wide, but it's a little heavy at 1 kg, (and seems really heavy when it's wet) so we recently got a super light cuben fibre rectangular tarp from Zpacks

We also have a Hilleberg Nallo 3GT - once agin very spacious for 3 and great vestibule space, and a child can sleep in the vestibule if needed in a pinch so can suit 4. Kids are NOT good at getting in and out of tight fit tents esp with muddy boots and wet gear. Accept the extra weight cost and go for something with a decent vestibule. This is the tent we'll take for our Easter Snowies trip (just myself hubby and son).

Don't choose a 2 man tent with a head entry door. Side entry are much better for kids, less akward. I also wouldn't go for one with a pole support right at the doorway either, unless you like fixing up collapsing tents.
PS the glow in the dark guy rope attachments help (a bit) in avoiding trip ups, lol. Blinking lights on each guy may be better but I yet to find light and affordable ones. My son has a skill - if there's a guy rope and stake he is sure to find it.