I'm looking to buy our first tent so we can start annual camping trips as a family.
We're a family of 3 (little boy who turns 1 this August)
I'm looking to spend no more than £200 (absolute max 250) on our first tent. Good living space is important to us, as is not having to crouch down whilst inside. A nice to have would be seperate darkened bedrooms for little one's naps.
We're obviously not pro's and whilst I'm OK with instructions and building my little ones sun tent, i think it needs to be relatively easy to pitch.
Any recommendations? And any other tips for first time family campers?
Get to a camping shop and have a look around. You need to see them in the flesh . Is it going to have enough room in it to sit in if the weather is bad? Does the tent i like have the blacked bedrooms? .Make a list of your needs.
Any other stuff you need car boots, second hand shops, ask family friends.
Iv doubled up on certain kitchen stuff over the years so i dont leave the tin opener at home.Modular packing :if you think you need the washing up bowl can you fit something inside it? The gas bottle will fit in the bucket. Bucket for night time emergency toilet, you dont want to trek to toilet when its hammering it down. Lights a plenty, torches, battery wind up. Trial run putting your tent up at home or somewhere local. Have fun shopping.
Agree with above, look at them set up first if at all possible, GoOutdoors is one of the few outlets that have an outdoor area for this if you are near a store.
If you are in Scotland or anywhere where there are midges/mosquitoes etc a bug net built into the bedroom doors as well as the front door is essential. Especially with a child.
Make a list of what you need for cooking etc. and essentials for bathing etc.
If you are very new, apart from the tent I'd recommend buying only the essentials for the first few trips or taking suitable things from your kitchen, as you may decide you don't like it.
Enjoy.
Also get one with the highest HH value.
Cheap tents tend to have low ones ie 1500HH better ones have around a 5000HH rating.
This rating is the tents waterproofing strength, there is nothing worse than waking up in the middle of the night with rain dripping through into your tent and believe you me I have seen it happen !
As budget is limited look for used gear. As above decent HH (3,000mm as a minimum), not only for keeping water out, but better quality thicker material and finishing,zips, interior fittings etc.
There are a lot of people who try camping, spend a lot on the 'best' tent and use it a couple of times.
No better way to see what suits you than seeing them in the 'flesh', so check online for any camping outlets near you and have fun visiting and sittingin the tent displays to get a 'feel' for what works for you and your family.
Then, choose either to buy brand new or, if funds are tight, see what the pre-loved websites have to offer. Good old Ebay, Preloved etc or local ads including FB marketplace.
Whatever you buy, practice putting it up at home and, even garden camping to get used to it, especially the children.
Have fun!
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Topic: Tent recommendations for beginners
via mobile 26/6/2022 at 10:36am
