The wife and I, both in our early 50s, have decided to "have a go" at camping.
Kids are "too cool" to come away with us now (which is nice) and when we did attempt camping, when they were very young, this proved absolutely disastrous.
So, wouldn't mind some advice for relative novices at the art of camping.
Can anyone recommend any web sites which has some general advice on the sorts of tents that are available (ie: Frame Tent v. Dome Tent v. Trailer Tent etc) and also any handy hints for camping novices such as us.
In fact any general advice would be greatly appreciated. Assume nothing!
this is without a doubt the best camping website, for all the info you need.
if you can tell us what plans you have, ie, will you be using tent for weekend away, weeks 2 weeks, do you want to be able to stand up in tent throughout,
will you be travelling abroad, all these things help you decide what you want from a tent. frame tents are heavier than more modern polyester tents, if you can be more specific then we can be more helpful!
also, do you have a budget for this??? that would help determine what sort of equipment to go for!
Good luck, and welcome to UKCS!
Jen
------------- "He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion." In memory of Bear. 06/03/06 - 25/01/12 Izzie 23/09/07 - 25/03/13
Well, to start with: we had in mind just the occasional weekends away just to see how we get on with it. So my thinking was an introductory 2-person dome tent. We certainly don't want anything elaborate to start with, just somewhere to sleep and provide adequate shelter against the vagaries of an English Summer/Autumn.
Once we have got used to it a bit, we might invest in more equipment and try to be a little more adventurous.
As regards budget: not really an issue, just no idea how much things cost which sort of takes me back to the beginning really.
Obviously don't want to waste money, but at the same time it doesn't have be cut price just for the sake of it.
quite a good webite at the moment is www.e-awnings.co.uk they have a lot of last season tents that are cheaper than the latest models. they are all good quality named tents, so they will all keep you dry, LOL!
you can look at the layout of them, see what you like.
you will need airbeds or camp beds, you can use your bedding from home to start with.
some camp chairs, something to cook on. utensils etc.
------------- "He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion." In memory of Bear. 06/03/06 - 25/01/12 Izzie 23/09/07 - 25/03/13
theres some good info on this site when you look for it! checkout above link and the features/tips page.
------------- "He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion." In memory of Bear. 06/03/06 - 25/01/12 Izzie 23/09/07 - 25/03/13
I do echo Junhung comments - go to a local camping store and see what catches your eye and then ask some questions.
With tents, specifically look at the bedroom width, as well as length; look at the height throughout, the way the groundsheet fits, how much light in the tent there is.
------------- Big Bunny
Robens Valley Lodge & Cabanon Pyramide 6 "... kids you distract the bear, while I run to the car...."
HI Stedders, Like you we are novices, we have had loads of valuable information from the experienced campers on this site. I'm sure you will find out anything and everything you need to know, cos they are a friendly and helpful bunch!
Quote: Originally posted by Big Bunny on 01/7/2006
You come to the right place...
I do echo Junhung comments - go to a local camping store and see what catches your eye and then ask some questions.
Junhung??? whos that then?? LOL!!!!
With tents, specifically look at the bedroom width, as well as length; look at the height throughout, the way the groundsheet fits, how much light in the tent there is.
------------- "He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion." In memory of Bear. 06/03/06 - 25/01/12 Izzie 23/09/07 - 25/03/13
Hi there stedders and welcome to UKCS; there really is no better place for all your camping know how!
I agree with jenhug (see Big Bunny, I can get it right!) To start off, go to some camping shops and have a wander around. This will help you get a feel for the features that are important for you in a tent. Also you need to think about how big a tent is when packed down for transport - e.g. frame tents are lovely sturdy things and the cotton canvas is breathable and lasts for years, but they can weigh a ton and can fill 2 hefty sacks, so you may end up needing a trailer or roof box.
The issue of head height is important too - do you need to be able to stand up in the bedroom and the living space? This may be important if either of you has a bad back, or if you prefer campbeds which are up off the ground rather than an airbed or self inflating mattress. Also, be aware that the stated berth sizes od tents can be misleading - you may find that you need a 4 berth tent just for weekends for the 2 of you, so that you have enough space under cover (given the joys of the GB summer!)
Measure the actual bedrooms and again think about the space you need for your chosen bed- a good double airbed like the Coleman Comfort is about 140cm wide and won't fit in some of the skimpy bedrooms on some models. We have a 4 berth Khyam Conquest 400 for our weekend tent just for 2 of us.
Have a good look around on these boards too, cos there are always debates about the pros and cons of different tents - this will help you again to work out the things that matter to you. Some of the key issues are:
Cotton canvas versus synthetic fabrics
Fully sewn in groundsheet (SIG) tents ( which tend to go up inner first, with a few innovative exceptions) versus flysheet first tents with loose groundsheet.
Poles - steel, aluminium, alloy, fibreglass, wrapped fibreglass
But whatever you do don't get a tent off ebay! go for a good make -Vango, Outwell, Gelert, Sunncamp, Khyam, Aztec, Royal, Jack Wolfskin, Robens, Coleman.
Enjoy the search and do come backwith lots more questions when you think you may have seen something you like.
Not all frame tents weigh a ton; the Cabanon Pacific is a lightweight option - aluminium poles - which is ideal for a couple, for short stays and for longer holidays, and literally takes just 15 mins to pitch (it's a doddle!), from start to finish. See the link:
There is a sun canopy option and a second inner can be added if you ever want to take anyone camping with you.
If you know what you are looking for, there are often bargains to be had on ebay and it is not a bad place to look for ideas, since often tent interiors are pictured and, if nothing else, you can see how older models have stood up to some wear and tear.
As previously mentioned, frame tents can last for years and years if properly cared for, so you could perhaps look up 'Cabanon Pacific' on ebay and get a bargain?
As has been mentioned already, a good idea is to have a stroll around your local camping dealership and view the tents on display to see which has the 'feel' that suits you. As 'traditional' campers, we find it very hard to contemplate life under synthetic canvas, even though we appreciate the virtues and easy-care properties (as well as price!).
Camping is entirely what you want it to be, so get as much info as possible on all things before making your choices, and be prepared to change some items when you get some experience as you are bound to find you get the 'bug' and are continually looking for ways to improve on kit!
Hello again - have you tried the company search button at the top of the page? That will help you find retailers in your part of the world - there is nothing like a good mosey around a camping shop!
Don't buy a 2 berth dome tent for your first camping experience. Even if the bedroom pod is wide enough to take a double airbed, you will need space to put your clothes, toiletries and towels etc., so as Foggers says, go for a four berth, even if you start off with a second hand tent. After your first trip you'll be more certain of exactly what features you want in a tent.
Another tip is to have a look where the next meet is in your area, go along as a day visitor, have a good nosey and just ask. People are very helpful. Use a much gear from home before splashing out on what you "think" you need.
Do not get a 2 persom tent. We have a 5 berth for the two of us. Camping is not about being uncomfortable, or roughing it. Been there; done that.
Jim.
Thanks for all the tips, advice and links to this (most excellent) web site.
Been doing a bit of research and we are probably going to plump for the Vango Venture 500 which seems to be highly regarded and has good reviews.
So, it's going to be a case of diving in and see if we sink or swim.
Just not sure which retailer to use. Any recommendations?
Still hoping to get along to the Camping Exhibition in Wokingham before the end of the month
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Advice for Camping Novices
