Hi all
I've been camping before in other people's tents but now I'm buying my own stuff for family holidays. Have bought a Bear Lake 6 tent which has a separate zip-on groundsheet but do I need to buy a tarpaulin to go underneath that? Some articles I've read seem to indicate that it's advisable. What do you think? It seems like another big thing to have to take!!Also I'm about to buy a roof box for my Honda Civic(2001 Model)-was thinking of a largish Thule -any advice? And anyway, is a roof box a good idea or would a trailer be better?? Would really appreciate the advice of those who have learnt by experience!!
We always use a tarp as it keeps the tent nice and clean. Cheapest place I've seen tarpaulins is B&Q. If you want a cheaper, lightweight alternative take a plastic decorating sheet (£1 from a pound shop).
Agree with wilkos - keeps the ZIG clean for packing away and can be used over and over. Doesn't really take up much extra space. We bring ours home folded, dirty side in , in a bin liner.
We always put a tarpaulin under our tent, it was a godsend last year when we had to pitch after all that really wet weather, kept our tent good and dry and having a cheap one meant we didn't mind throwing it away afterwards it was in such a state, just think that would have been the bottom of our tent!
Trailers can be un-hooked and left where they are, most people put clamps on them, some sites do charge for trailers,but they are good for storeage.
We've had a Karrite Roof box for 3yrs not the most expensive but not had any problems with it, we tried a couple out (Thule & Halfords) from friends before before we actually bought one, so had a good idea what to look for and the size we needed. There is alot of choice out there so do your homework, if you look on the Thule website they show you what the different models look like on different types of cars. Our box came with some very handy straps that we use to store it, with the roof bars attached, in the roof of our garage, it's up out of the way and we can store a few bits inside it.
So you need to think about where you might store the box/ trailer afterwards.
Bear Lake tents are quite expensive, so you would want to keep it in prime condition, putting a tarp under the tent will help to do this. When packing away the under tarp will prevent the rest of the tent from being soiled. If their are any sharp objects under the tent the under tarp will cushion it. I always check the site first for debris but you can always miss something. For a few exta pound it will be worth it. Outwell do a fitted groundsheet for the bear lake.
We found the cheapest and best way to get a one piece under tent sheet ,is to go to your nearest builders merchant, and get a waterproof membrane cut to the size of your tent. Take to camp with you, a waterproof bag to put it in when you pack up ,then fold it in such a way that the mud and grime are on the inside.When you get home hose it down ,let it dry pack it away for your next trip We bought ours 3 years ago and it 's still as good as new
A trailer is a better idea then you arent cramped for space, and you can take more gear.A trailer will also come in handy for other things besides camping
Post last edited on 10/05/2007 20:46:12
------------- Corpogreen esq
dead horse
and
donkey buyer
Thanks everyone for your helpful advice-what a great community spirit there is on this site. Hope to meet some of you out and about some time
All the best
Harvest Moon
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Topic: tarpaulins
