 |
Khyam Ontario 8 Family Tent
by Funhouse
After catching the camping bug last year, we decided replace our 'compact' with something a little more roomy. We purchased the Khyam Ontario 8, and I'm so glad we did. There are five of us, and the extra room is fantastic. There is 1 large bedroom and 2 small, you can fit a double or 2 single airbeds in each small room and 2 ... doubles/4 singles in the large room. The living area is spacious enough to have storage units, tables, chairs etc without being cramped, plenty of headroom and not at all claustraphobic.
The tent is pretty straightforward to put up, takes 2 adults approx 45 mins to an hour start to finish, including pegging in etc. Poles are colour coded which makes life much easier.
We have survived wind (40mph), torrential rain, freezing temperatures in this tent and it's never had so much as a leak.
The only thing is the tent pegs that come with it aren't great, I would advise replacing these with some heavier pegs. Also it is heavy - but the main storage bag is wheeled, and does take quite a bit of space in the car (2 bags) so not the best tent for small cars.
The Ontario provides the space and comfort required for longer camping holidays, not just weekends away. We've had a week long camping trip in this tent and look forward to an even longer stay in the near future.
Read the complete review |
 |
Khyam Freelander 2009
by Gnome
I have always looked at the Khyam range of tents with suspicion. Plastic poles that "snapped" into place didn't sound either study or designed to last. I was wrong!
The Khyam Freelander can be pitched in under a minute, although pegging out and guying does add another few minutes (five if you do in properly). You get ... a waterproof shelter very quickly though, and while it is possible to pitch it by yourself, a little help makes the job so much easier.
There is a single bedroom room that is designed for three people, but is really only comfortable with two. Two large windows and extra pole to convert the door into a sun shade means the tent can be cooled and ventilated quickly, making it useable on even the hottest summer's day. A manufactures designed "footprint" groundsheet protects the sleeping compartment and is useful in muddy and wet weather. I wouldn't use it for a long camp as I prefer the living groundsheets, but it is fine for a weekend, or when luggage space is limited.
The Khyam Freelander has a large porch / living area that is plenty big enough to stand up in. Whilst, the living area is just about big enough to fit a small stove and a table & chair in, it is best used as a relaxing area, with cooking and eating done outside (weather permitting).
Overall, I have been pleasantly surprised by the Khyam Freeland. It is perfect for my usage (several weekends from spring through to late autumn, with a two week long camp in the summer), it is easy to put up and doesn't cost too much (I paid less than £200). Khyam tents are well worth a look.
Read the complete review |
 |
Khyam Ridgi-Dome XXL
by bloozy
When we decided to buy a tent in 1998, we looked for many factors: * Reliability in horrendous weather conditions (we're British, after all) * Ease of installation * Size (Family of 2 adults & 3 kids) * Strong material (friends have had bad experiences with rips on the first outing of other Dome tent makes) * ... Value for money
We examined many, and finally settled for a Khyam Ridgi Dome XXL. Once we got over the initial outlay (Khyam charge seperately for inner tents: this seems steep until you realise the wisdom of enabling you to buy whatever inner tent suits your family, rather than a pre-ordained sleeping space).
In our second outing, a week in Devon in May, 1998, we experienced sea mists, hailstorms, thunderstorms, gale force winds, and had no sheltering in the campsite. The tent withstood it all (even if we didn't get much sleep!)
It is so easy to install: my wife is 5'2", and was able to install it solo in a campsite recently, with the help of our 11 year old son. (I was at work that day). It is important to follow the Khyam instructions carefully: though after frequent use, it soon becomes second nature.
We chose 2 inner tents: a small one for my wife and I, and a large one for the 2 kids to sleep in. They set up instantly, and provide comfort and security when all around is tempestuous! (We have since camped in fine weather, although this is sadly a rarity in British summers!)
The actual tent itself allows a tall man to stand without stooping, and has provided ample room for us to install a 5 seater folding table and play games (when it's raining outside!)
All RidgiDome tents come with extremely durable meshed nylon material, which is extremely hard to rip. So the Khyam scores very highly on that front.
The only gripes we have had concern the early model which we bought. In 1998, RidgiDomes came without mudwalls (a major omission) and nowhere to hang a cent
ral light (so you have to use lighting at horizontal levels, which can be tricky and casts a lot of shadows). The mudwalling is now installed on all models, I understand, so that point is moot, as is the central strap now standard for overhead lighting on current models.
All that remains is to say that this tent was superb value for money, and the only thing we'd like to do is upgrade to the 2001 model: money permitting. If we can't, our current model is still absolutely excellent, and has given our family many happy holiday memories.
Read the complete review |
