UKC

I'm looking to buy a new tent, it's been about 20yrs since I last bought one so am after some suggestions please.

It will be for car camping, just my wife and I so weight isn't too much of an issue.  I'm looking for something decent quality, happy to spend the money to get something that will do us for the next 20yrs or so.

Looking for something with plenty of space, ideally able to, or close to be able to stand up.  Likely a 4 berth I guess to give us plenty of space for stuff for an extended trip.  Needs a decent sized porch.

I had a cursory look in Go Outdoors this afternoon and they all looked terrible - either utterly massive, or small, and all looked like they would fall over in the slightest hint of a breeze!

Any suggestions are welcome - thanks!

Have you looked at Tentipi wigwams?

Expensive and heavy but quality and you can fit a woodburner in them.

Theres a good book by a fellow using one through winter in Scotland.

Dave 

Something like this perhaps.

https://www.robens.de/en-gb/shop/outdoor-tents/tent-types/teepee-tents/gree...

I saw one standing up well to a gale, on a site in Devon last autumn and I'm considering getting one myself.

Andy

We've got one of these. Very happy with it:

https://www.climbers-shop.com/dpt/pgr/robens-midnight-dreamer-family-tent__...

Anyone used the Alpkit Axiom?  Is it any good?

If the use you describe is solely what you'll be using it for i would opt for a traditional canvas patrol tent. As long as you go for a good supplier: I’ve seen adds for Blacks of Greenock’s but you'll be paying £750-1000 for a new tent. 

If you don’t want to spend that amount ex scout patrol tents do come up for sale for circa £100.

Alternatively lots of online suppliers sell canvas bell tents for circa £250-£350. They are pleasant to stay in although I’ve no experience on storm resilience.

All of the above will need drying after use and seasonal reproofing and the odd patch when needed.

Agree that most commercially available Nylon stuff from the likes of go outdoors will struggle to last 3 years’ worth of good use as much of them are basically designed disposable.

We use this Queshua 4-person tent from Decathlon. Lots of space in the sleeping departement and enough space for a small table and two chairs in the living room.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/camping-tent-mh100-xxl-4-person/_/R-p-105650?... blue_grey

Thanks for the suggestion - spent many nights in those in scouts!  It's not really what I'm after - will take up too much space in the car and they are a bit of a faff.  

We have the Coleman Cortes Octagon 8 for camping and really like it. You can stand up in all of it, but it is just one big room. It's airy which is great for summer, the only time we do that type of camping. 

Yes (first gen), and really rate it.

We bought it to use as a couple more comfortably than the 2 man tunnel tent we were using (and that my wife hated using). I didn't mind increasing weight and size as it was our car camping tent but wanted something I could trust camping at exposed sites or ibad weather.

Only real complaint is that the clear windows clouded up (due to UV?) after a couple of summers, also that the pegs that come with it are made of cheese. It's perfect for a comfy camp for a couple with piece of mind that it's going to stand up to more than your average family tent. I wouldn't want to have a family in it for any length of time though. I bought the footprint too, which made for a much more civilised experience in the porch.

Our family is about to increase by two so it has just been put in the loft, replaced by a more family friendly decathlon 5 man blow up tunnel tent, but the Axiom will still be an option for foul weather/more adventurous family camping.

I recently picked up a used Outwell Bear Lake 4 on Ebay for about 200 quid. I had similar requirements to you and when me and the wife used it for the first time last week we were extremely pleased. Polycotton and steel poles so hoping it lasts a while. As others have alluded too, you don't get long out of your bog standard Go Outdoors type tents these days.  

Thanks - that's exactly the situation we're in currently.  Could be a good option. 

After a thread on here a while ago on air tents I picked up one of these for family camping https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/4-man-inflatable-blackout-tent-air-seconds-4-...

Very impressed with the build quality and features which a lot of thought has obviously gone into.

The air tubes are sturdy and it survives weather well. The other contender for us was the Alpkit Axiom and I certainly don't regret our choice.

Glad to hear that you are pleased with it. We have bought the 5 person version to replace the Axiom.

When I got the Axiom actually had that 4 person one in my hand at Decathlon before wussing out. No regrets going for the Axiom but really glad to hear you are pleased with it. The open vent on the top of the porch and mesh side window made me a bit nervous from a poor weather point of view, so good to hear that it hasn't let you down.

We have an axiom, use it for car camping with two small children and a dog.

Ticks all your boxes, haven't had it out in violent weather, but would expect it to fare well enough.

Haven't yet had the pvc windows most as the other poster mentioned but note that, (a) it's not that unusual, and (b) clear windows on tents are stupid - would be happier without them!

Agreed that the pegs are fairly on the soft side. But it's a pretty common issue with any tent that isn't extravagant.

Fully expect to get many more years from it, we're happy with the purchase.