I'm a newbie to camping. I'm going camping with friends in a month. I don't have anything. Could you advise me on a tent, sleeping bag, rugsack, other tips? I'd like to know what's best for me and where I can buy it at a good price.
Thanks!
I agree with Lizzy. You need a good sleeping bag but be aware of your own dimensions! Dont go for a "mummy" type if your 6ft6" and built like a brick S***house. You can buy a good cheap tent and bits from Argos or Halfords. Make your first trip in good weather and see if you really like camping before spending huge amounts on kit that you may never use again if you find you hate camping. If you find you do enjoy it, look at what kit those camping around you are using, then you will get an idea of whats on the market and, especially, what will be right for your personal needs and tastes. Good Luck and hope you do enjoy the outdoor life
------------- hawk
"Laugh and the world laughs with you, snore and you sleep alone"
I have the body of a greek god - its in my freezer
Tis true that Tesco, Argos and Halfords do cheap starter kits but what if it rains? The HH on those tents is usually under the recommended minimum and getting soaked can be enough to put someone off camping.
If you are going in a cheap tent then try and make sure that the weather forcast is good and if you do like it then get yourself a decent tent that will keep you dry :)
The sleeping bag advice is sound... cheapie bags wont keep you warm.
As Taviour said... try and get to a tent showroom where you can have a proper look and see what size and style of tent you like. Then look on the internet to see if you can get it cheaper :)
Note to Hawk... I am not 6 feet 6 or built like a brick s**t house but even I cant cope with mummy bags ! Feels like I am a hotdog LOL
Quote: Originally posted by AngelicMinx on 28/6/2008
Tis true that Tesco, Argos and Halfords do cheap starter kits but what if it rains? The HH on those tents is usually under the recommended minimum and getting soaked can be enough to put someone off camping.
It's not so much the Hydrostatic Head of the cheaper tents as the poorer workmanship in the seams.
Had a bit of a disaster (self-induced) a couple of weeks ago and ended up dashing to Tesco at 11pm to buy a tent. Rubbish - zip broke immediately and I suspect we're lucky it didn't rain. Still, for £20 it gave us somewhere to sleep for the night, just don't expect it to last very long.
Have a look at Gelert tents. They do some small cheaply priced tents, but they are a well respected manufacturer. You haven't mentioned an airbed or self-inflating matress - don't forget one of these - you won't enjoy sleeping with just your sleeping bag on the floor of the tent.
Have a look here at the camping checklist to see what other equipment you will need.
Don't worry too much about the HH tho. My Kyham is only 2500 and has never let in a drop. As has been said on this thread, it's more about the quality.
To be fair the Argos tents have done well for my son though I woudl recommend test pitching before you go and even turning a hosepipe onto it to make sure!
Do spend your cash on a good sleeping bag and either an airbed or self inflatable mat. If you feel the cold I would go for the self inflator. Airic and Thermarest are the top brands but if you are young and don't feel the cold too much then a cheaper brand could do. There are a few threads about them.
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Topic: Newbie question
