Best 2-Room Family Tent
Posted BY Ian under best-tents
If you read my article on Qualities of a Best Family Tent you'll know that I rate the Size of a best family tent according to many factors, not just the standard number of adults that will fit across the floor space. Following up on one of these, I have divided up my best family tent recommendations by the number of sleeping areas or rooms that each tent has. Within each article I will further break those recommendations down - by price.
Top end
VauDe offer a very stylish tent in the Badawi. This is rated as sleeping 4 in 2 rooms with a communal area in between. This tent uses top quality materials ensuring it is strong enough for all weathers. This original model is now hard to find.
Cotswold Outdoors offer a Long version which has enough space for 3 in each of the two sleeping rooms.The Terra Nova competitor, the Family Khamsin, is a little more spacious and offers 5 places in 2 rooms. You get more for less (it's standard price is a little cheaper) but I've read a few reviews which suggest that the design has weaknesses; there are not enough guy lines to hold the shape in strong winds, and the fabric becomes too taught in hot weather. To be fair, other responses indicated that their Family Khamsin stood up to strong winds which may suggest more of an issue with the way the other tents were pitched.
For looks, you will find the Primus Bifrost H4 hard to beat. This tent has elegant lines without losing anything by way of function. Officially rated as a 4 person tent in 2 rooms, this tent is large enough to squeeze in one or two more if necessary.
Mid range
The Terra Nova Halo 53 is not only a great looking tent but is rated to fit 5 in 2 separate areas. There is a spacious communal area and the porch door can be raised up as an awning.My pick is the Vango Diablo 600. This tent is rated as big enough for 6 sleeping in 2 rooms though you are unlikely to sleep 3 + 3 as suggested. The floor plan looks like something out of Star Wars which has to be a plus. The two rooms are neatly angled away from the communal area with a bonus porch to make sure you have plenty of space during your days as well as nights. Great for longer trips.
I also like Vango's Kura 600 is rated to sleep 6 in 2 rooms. (I'm still not sure this configuration is for real, but anyway ...) There are lots of nice touches showing this to be a mature design which will stand the test of time.
As an alternative, consider a Wynnster tent. The Cygnus 6 may be a large bundle to carry around but that equates to a sound and spacious tent fit for 6 in 2 rooms. There is a tunnel-like entrance and a communal area for meals and recreation.
Budget options
Vango dominate this bracket:
Of all the Vango tents, I think the Albany 600 is the most affordable solution that will fit the bill for most families. The tunnel design is easy to pitch. Just pay attention to ensure that the guys stay taught and the shape is maintained.Stormlite offer a sound alternative for smaller families on a budget in the Family 400. This attractive tent sleeps 4 in 2 rooms and has a communal area with porch in between.
OutdoorMegastore offer the following tents, and lots of others besides. You may want to copy the list into Notepad or similar before going there for use in their search engine:
- Vango Diablo 600
- Vango Kura 600
- Vango Albany 600