I'm interested in getting a family tent that will last and has good ventilation- cotton feel not nylon.  Weight is not important.  Has anyone used/owned one of these?  Even the "basic" Arran model looks expensive.  Are they worth it?

http://www.stunningtents.co.uk/Sales/Arran_Tentipi.asp

Got one, love it!

Varrie 7. 

Have a look on my blog, (not the latest post, that is a cheapo tipi!) "Tipi & Sunset".  I use it for car and canoe camping.

Expensive, but worth every penny.

Blog: 

www.lordofthecrinkles.blogspot.com

Thanks- sounds good.  Any down sides?

Thanks- sounds good.  Any down sides?

None, apart from cost. However, you will probably not need (or want to) buy another large tent again.  For family use I would recommend the Varrie 9.  Get the "Pro" groundsheet, don't bother with the optional inner, you won't need it. Varrie is much better than Arran with the extra details, venting and guying.

Pros far outweigh any cons, imo. Easy and quick to erect single-handed, well-made and as bombproof as a tent can be.  It'll become a family friend.

We use our Varrie 7 year-round in any weather.  You'll get lots of envious attention from other campers on commercial sites!

Reindeer skin! Sounds like luxury

You want luxury?

Get the stove, too.  

Just looked at your blog, Lord of The Crinkles and read what you say about indulging love and obsession at the same time.

You are one lucky guy.

Have a look at These from Helsport before you make yor mind up, they are priced competativly and able to take all the four seasons can throw at them.

I have one of these and i reckon it's bloody great!!!!!!

Drew

Just looked at your blog, Lord of The Crinkles and read what you say about indulging love and obsession at the same time.

You are one lucky guy.

Hey, thanks Tim.  I know it! 

These are also worth a look:

 www.pointbarwilderness.co.uk 

Liking the look of these for family camping!

What about when it it raining? - is getting in and out of the tent a wet affair as it has no porch?

What about when it it raining? - is getting in and out of the tent a wet affair as it has no porch?

The Tentipi Pro groundsheet has zips so that it can be folded away from the door. It would be easy enough to rig a tarp if you wanted more cover. Some people I know do not use a groundsheet in their tipis at all, but then they'll happily eat roadkill! My advice to anyone looking for one of these for family camping would be to buy the largest lavvu or tipi you can afford. Our Varrie 7 could sleep 6 at a push, but for two of us it is really spacious. For family use, go for the Varrie 9. Some lavvu's are even bigger. I like the freedom from not having inner tents, being able to stand upright and move around and ease of pitching. After I've bivvied out overnight when working, the tipi seems palacial.