Family tents
Family tents
Large tents for family holidays
Are you planning a holiday with your extended family? Or do you just want enough space for the two of you and your little one? A family tent not only offers plenty of space, but also a place to retreat and play - for a relaxing family holiday. At doorout.com you can find inflatable family tents, family tents for 4 people, family tents for 6 people and family tents for up to 16 people.
- Checklist for your family tent
- Which material is suitable for the tent - cotton or polyester?
- Family tent or caravan - a comparison
- Washing or cleaning the family tent
- Frequently asked questions
Checklist for your family tent
Protection against moisture in the family tent: height of the water column
Few things are more detrimental to family peace and quiet on a camping holiday than a wet tent floor, wet sleeping bags etc. So when buying your family tent, pay attention to the water column. This indicates in mm how much water the tent can withstand. A tent is considered waterproof from 1500 mm. In regions known for high levels of rainfall, a water column of 3000 mm is recommended for family tents.
Stability and weather resistance
Also make sure that your family tent is windproof and weather proof. Coated materials provide the necessary robustness - even in uncomfortable weather conditions. A sun canopy protects you from direct sunlight. Firmly sewn-in groundsheets or tarpaulins provide additional protection against moisture in the family tent.
Size and weight of the family tent
There should be enough space for everyone in the family tent. Our family tents can accommodate from 3 to 16 people. When choosing the size of the tent, also make sure that there is enough storage space and room to relax in addition to the sleeping cabins. Want to cook in the tent? Plan space for this too. Don't forget to check the headroom. Especially if the weather lets you down and forces you to stay in the tent for the day, it is more comfortable (not only for tall people) to be able to stand in the tent. The weight of the tent plays a role when pitching and taking it down, but also for frequent changes of location. Depending on the material composition, the tent can be heavier or lighter. Our family tents weigh approx. 9 to 50 kg. The larger the family and the smaller the children, the heavier the luggage. All the better if the pack size is small. The smallest pack size of our family tents is 66 x 23 x 23 cm, weighs less than 10 kg and is suitable for 3 people.
Number of sleeping cabins in the family tent
Even the best family can get on each other's nerves and need some space. Separate sleeping cabins (at least two cabins) not only separate sleeping quarters, but also give family members the opportunity to retreat if necessary. Whether in a 6-person family tent or a 4-person family tent. Darkened material guarantees restful sleep.
Setting up a family tent
If you are travelling with children, you know that a family tent needs to be quick and easy to set up, as there are many more exciting things to discover. But even if you've been driving all day and finally want to arrive, a complicated tent set-up is a mood killer. Inflatable family tents can be set up in no time at all - the main work is done by the air ducts and pump. Tents with flexible poles made of aluminium, fibreglass and steel also promise quick assembly.
Family tent poles: aluminium, fibreglass, steel or air channel
The flexible poles of our family tents are made of aluminium , fibreglass or steel. This not only makes the tents stable, but also means they can be pitched quickly. But it's also possible without poles: family tents with an air channel and pump can be inflated or pitched in just a few minutes.
Tent ventilation
Many people in a small space inevitably means poorer ventilation. You can counteract your family's grumbling about this imposition with integrated tent ventilation. In addition to ventilation openings at various points on your family tent, side doors can also ensure optimum ventilation. Equipped with mosquito nets, you will be spared annoying visitors.
Family tent with canopy or extension?
Depending on how much storage space you need, it's worth checking whether your tent has a canopy or an extension that can be attached. You can not only store your luggage there, but also your cooking station and, if you have a suitable base, an oven. In the rain, you can get into your tent dry and on hot days, the canopy provides shade.
Which material for the family tent - cotton or polyester?
Polyester is a very lightweight material on the one hand and very robust and easy to clean on the other. For example, it cannot become mouldy and can simply be wiped clean. On the other hand, a polyester tent gets warm more quickly - but this can easily be counteracted with ventilation windows. Cotton, on the other hand, is particularly suitable if you like camping in very warm regions. The material is breathable and ensures good air circulation in the tent. Heavier in weight, however, the tent is less suitable for frequent changes of location. It's all in the mix: A high-quality cotton mix creates a very pleasant indoor climate and ensures a restful night's sleep. What's more, the material mix is lightweight and easy to care for.
Family tent or caravan - a comparison
Holidays with a caravan are not only very comfortable for families. If you arrive at the campsite late at night, you don't have to pitch a tent first (even if this can be done within a few minutes, depending on the type of tent - inflatable). No, the caravan is already there and all you have to do is slip into the bunk bed. The cooking station or even a toilet are often included. However, the sense of adventure is completely lost as the caravan feels more like your own living room that you have dragged with you on holiday. You're not close to nature either - you can't hear the crickets chirping, wake up to the sun's rays or fall asleep in the fresh air under the "open" sky. Depending on the size of the tent or caravan, there is either a lot of space in both variants or you end up stepping on each other's toes. However, family tents with several sleeping cabins create pleasant retreats that a caravan, despite its size, cannot offer. Driving a caravan on the motorway is quite awkward and you are bound by comparatively low speed limits. The caravan also costs an additional camping pitch.
Conclusion: Even if the caravan has a few advantages over the family tent in terms of comfort, it still lacks the feeling of "real" camping. In a family tent, you are close to nature and cosy at the same time. Integrated sleeping cabins provide places to retreat to.
We have compared the two variants again below:
| Family tent | Caravan | |
|---|---|---|
| Adventure tent | ✓ | ✕ |
| Proximity to nature | ✓ | ✕ |
| Comfort | High | Higher |
| Space | A lot | Much |
| Set up | Depending on the type of tent within a few minutes (inflatable) | Set up immediately |
| Additional tent pitch required | ✕ | ✓ |
| Retreat options | ✓ | ✕ |
Washing or cleaning the family tent
You don't need any special cleaning agents or accessories to clean your family tent. A little soapy water and a cloth (not a sponge!) are all you need. Proceed as follows:
- Set up the tent and knock it out.
- In the next step, vacuum any remaining coarse dirt, first inside and then outside, using a hoover.
- Spray the outside of the tent with the water hose.
- Remove stubborn jewellery with soapy water and a cloth.
- Now wipe the inside of the tent.
- You can remove particularly stubborn dirt by soaking it in mild soapy water.
- Finally, clean the tent floor.
- Then allow it to dry thoroughly outdoors.
Please note: Never treat your family tent with aggressive cleaners or alcohol. These could attack and damage the material. You should also never wash your tent in the washing machine, as it cannot withstand the mechanical stress.
Frequently asked questions
What should you look out for when buying a family tent?
First and foremost, of course, there should be enough space for all family members. A tent with separate sleeping cabins may be suitable. You should also bear in mind that the camping equipment also needs to be stowed away. Family tents with standing height are particularly comfortable. Attention should also be paid to weather resistance.
How much does a family tent cost?
The various models of family tents are available in all price ranges. From the classic house tent for up to 3 people from €59.99 to the luxurious family tent from Outwell, which offers space for up to 7 people as a five-room tunnel tent, has visual and functional refinements and is worth its price of €2,599 in every respect.
How high should the water column of a family tent be?
In principle, a tent with a water column of 1,500 mm or more is considered waterproof. However, we recommend a water column of at least 3,000 mm to ensure protection against heavy rain.
