THE Phantom’s large dome houses the bedroom. There is a large vent at the rear to help remove condensation. A cowl protects the mesh vent from the worse of the weather – this is kept open in the wind by two props and a stiffened rim.

More ventilation comes from the mesh vent that sits at the apex of those striking front windows. These also sit under stiff-rim cowls held open by props. Those triangular windows sit each side of the large front door panel that rolls up when in use. The windows allow plenty of daylight into the porch area and can be closed off  by drop down, Velcro close, internal curtains at night.

Inside, our test unit had a detachable groundsheet for the porch. The inner tent doors are mesh backed by a modesty panel that keeps things draft free and private. The bedroom has two mesh roof panels and four pockets – two on each side wall.

Camping says The Phantom is an eye-catching extended dome that sees the dome used as the bedroom. The single fibreglass hoop creates a large porch for gear storage and cooking but this is a tad small and low for socialising. In fact, you have to be an optimistic or very friendly group if you expect the Phantom 500 to house five in comfort.

OK, you might be able to cram that many into the bedroom but many would consider the inner’s width and length more suitable for three. Gear storage would certainly prove interesting if you used the tent to its quoted capacity.

Bearing in mind these comments, a touring couple would find there is plenty of space in that bedroom for a double airbed plus tote bags of clothes and various miscellaneous items we all take camping. That will leave the porch free for outerwear, shoes, camp stove and plastic box of kitchen bits and bobs.

Coupled with the reasonable price tag and you have a strong contender for your cash if you are in the market for a quality, inexpensive and very good-looking tent for touring. And that new Easy Camp trim sported by the Phantom certainly stands out from the crowd.

FACT-FILE

Price £99.99
Packed size 60cm x 24cm
Materials Outer PU-coated polyester, 3,000mm hydrostatic head Inner Breathable polyester Groundsheet Polyethylene Poles Fibreglass
Dimensions Outer 380cm x 340cm Inner 220cm x 320cm Height 185cm (porch 165cm; inner 175cm)
Sleeps Five
Packed weight 8.7kg
Pitching time 10 minutes
Style Dome

CONTACT

Easy Camp
Tel 01937 591101
Web www.easy-camp.com


This review was published in the April 2010 issue of Camping magazine. Order our latest issue.