This tunnel tent is easily pitched using two poles which are colour-coded to match the sleeves they slide inside. When pegged out correctly (there’s reflective tabs on the peg points so you can do it in the dark if needs be), it is a decent size for two, a bearable size when you add two kids and – honestly – a bit of a squeeze for four grown-ups. If it’s space you’re after, the Vango Venture 450 Tunnel tent has a lot of it. Rated a four-person tent, it has 143 square feet (13.2 square meters) of space. With a dedicated sleeping area, a sitting area and a covered patio, this is ideal for longer camping vacations. The waterproofing is good (3000mm) and there are mesh panels for ventilation, though how well you pitch it can affect this. The groundsheet is made from a durable fabric and extends to inside the porch, which an adequate size, but you’d struggle to fit in everything if four adults brought along large bags. Lights-out Inner - Helps reduce early morning light in your bedroom whilst still being breathable to ensure a good night sleep Everyone likes a bargain, and boasting a 55-year legacy of making a host of great value offerings for Duke of Edinburgh participants across the country and beyond, it’s perhaps no surprise that Scottish brand Vango strikes a good balance between cost and features.

The two side panels include a mesh door that is split 60/40, in case you only want to open it a little to gain entry. The three front panels include doors with mesh and zip curtains, and there are skylights near the roof. I’ve used it by myself for a luxuriously spacious slumber. When used as a two-man tent the two porches and two doors make it feel much roomier, allowing you to choose one side to store bags and the other as the entry, or take a porch and entrance each. Despite the light weight it holds its own in terms of waterproofing (1200mm) and there is the even more appealing feature – the fact that you can pitch it without the fly sheet on dry nights, since it’s a free-standing dome, and watch the stars from your bed thanks to a mesh ceiling, which is also brilliant for ventilation. Some people may be immediately put off by the price of this one. I will admit I was too before I used it. But this model is offering you something all the others cannot – total freedom.

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Boutique Camping was formed 12 years ago by two festival-loving friends. This online store has evolved from initially selling a single design to offering a multitude of options. This is their classic model but with a twist – whereas canvas needs to be ‘wetted’ before it is naturally waterproof (no hydrostatic head rating here), this one has been made with a synthetic and anti-mould polyester canvas-look waterproof treated fabric, which will see you through rainy nights straight out the bag. Waterproof PE Groundsheet - Robust and hard wearing fabric to stand up to the rigours of the most active campers That didn’t seem to affect its stability, but you could possibly lessen this effect on the inside by attaching a roof lining (an optional extra). There is also an annexe, that can be used for storage or sleeping space, or as somewhere to leave a bike – it has its own door.

Both Heimplanet tents benefit from the Multi-Chamber Safety System, which means each beam functions separately. So if one beam is damaged the integrity of the structure is not totally compromised. You can also repair or replace each part separately.It’s good to know you don’t use any poles up against the caravan – Vango’s draught seal system is designed to keep all draughts out without risking any damage to the van.

This makes it a great option if you’re touring on bikes (you can store them safely in with you) or kids in trailers, or dogs. It also works well in bad weather as you have an area you can comfortably get organised and dressed in without having to get wet. Although it was only a breezy day at our location (Love2Stay near Shrewsbury), the wind did catch the roof of this awning, causing it to billow a little.

Manual

Protex® 70 Denier Polyester Flysheet, 3000mm HH - Highly waterproof, durable and reliable fabric, exclusive to Vango Fully sewn-in groundsheet in sleeping area with attached flat groundsheet in porch for easy cleaning