Kyham Screenhouse/Gardenshelter Groundsheet

Advantages: Lightweight, spacious, well made
Disadvantages: fiddly to put up

.... Besides it’s cheaper than hotels. But the good old Vango Force Ten was looking a bit the worse for wear so we decided to invest in a new luxurious but compact model large enough to accommodate 3 young children and 2 middle aged adults. Tent design changed a great deal about 10 years ago with the advent of dome tents and tunnel tents. These incorporate flexible jointed poles, made either of metal or glass fibre. They increase the usable space inside the tent, having a curved ceiling, take up less room when packing and are lighter. Tent material has also improved greatly; you are no longer restricted to heavy weight canvas and you can choose from a range of polyurethane coated materials in a variety of grades. Inner chambers are made with breathable cotton, or nylon with sewn in groundsheets. You can still buy traditional ‘A’ Frame... Read review

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Advantages: Can stand up in it! Quite Big, pegs!
Disadvantages: Problems with condensation, groundsheet

...Coleman Bi-Space 300 This tent is ideal for two people - for three it might be a bit pushed for space! It features a tall living space - which comes with a groundsheet and a lower smaller sleeping area. The tent is fairly easy to put up! we have even done it in the dark, the poles and loops are colour coded so you know where to thread each rod. The rods fit together nicely and have no trouble getting them through or taking them out - remember to push the rod and not pull otherwise the connections with come loose! Once all the rods are in place you can see the shape of the tent - pegging it down is very time consuming, there are lots of peg loops and a skirt which runs right around the tent...this can be folded up in the day to let air in, we tend not to use it because of all the pegs, but its comforting knowing your... Read review

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Advantages: Easy to erect, large, simple construction
Disadvantages: Heavy to Carry

...the canvas. There is a strap system employed which will go under the groundsheet and keeps the poles spaced correctly, basically you then have to go round and make sure each corner of the strap is poked up the bottom of the poles (sound interesting I know). Next you just thread the internal long poles through the loops and add tension to the length of the tent. Tighten the tension straps, peg down the rest of the canvas, spread out the guide ropes and put down the groundsheet then connect the inner tents. Congratulations, you have now erected your home from home. If you want a side door you can lift up a door flap and secure it with poles and guide ropes. What I will say however is that I wouldn't attempt this with just one person. Have a person on either side putting the tent up evenly. TAKING IT DOWN To take the tent down again you... Read review

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