just some points gathered over the years. just general thoughts.
tent makers say sleeps 4. tent user says 2. so don't go down the line of a 4 person tent thinking you will have lots of room.
head height,check what you fancy is not some crawl in sit with head against roof.---and good venting also is a must or condensation probs with little circulation will cause you trouble.
SIG now your limiting your options due to your £200 max
stability,you don't want some flimsy pole job that caves in on a typical summer breeze.and yes many cheaper tents do.
waterproof known as the HH.best at least over 2000.
look on this site what 2nd hand tents are on offer!
camping, should be a pleasant time not a struggle.and don't rush buying a EBay special! many end up in camp site skips when it blows a bit hard.
Quote:
a bit off subject...but how do you get ur links on like that ?
Drag the cursor over the word you want to highlight (such as 'this'), then click on the hyperlink icon above the text box (third from the right), insert the URL (web page address) for the link you want to add and then click 'OK'.
Slightly different method if you're using Firefox, as opposed to IE, see here.
There's nothing worse than being cold when you're camping and it could put you ( or your family) off if it's your first time, so I would recommend getting an electric hook-up cable specially for use in tents and taking a small fan heater. The cables aren't cheap (don't be tempted by the ebay rubbish, buy from a proper camping shop) but well worth it if it means you'll be nice and cosy in the evenings.
------------- Tigermouse
I have a very temperamental personality - 50% temper and 50% mental
Quote: Originally posted by giddy camper on 04/1/2011
Also can you recommend necessary equipment for first timers?
Lots of questions and you'll get lots of answers, some conflicting.
Camping like any hobby can consume money, so try it out first without spending too much money and if you like it then you can invest in 'quality' equipment.
As for first time equipment, you will need the following. A tent (I'll come back to that in another post), mats or air beds, decent sleeping bags, pillows, chairs, perhaps a table and a single burner cooking stove.
Now, most people worry about getting wet when camping, which isn't generally a problem as most tents are fairly waterproof. The two main worries are, cold and wind. Wind again is something best left for the tent part of the thread. However, even on warm summer days, it can get quite cold during the night, so a decent sleeping bag is important or a duvet as well.
You can buy duvets for next to nothing these days but one problem you will find is (car) boot space and you need to balance out what you can and can't take, space wise.
BTW, your dog will love camping, the open space, the walks, the interaction etc., fresh air et al, really do make for a good holiday/weekend away for your furry friend.
As for the earliest/latest time to go camping, that really depends on experience. As I mentioned earlier, it can get cold at night, but if you have quality all year round sleeping bags etc. then it isn't so much of a problem. If I were a newbie then I'd stick to May - Sept. One of the problems out of season is that it gets dark so early (as well as cold), so you really need a mains supply for light and heating.
Don't forget the little things either. For instance, you can never have too many torches (and spare batteries) IMO; gaffer or 'duct' tape can come in very handy; spare tent pegs are a wise precaution.
You say you have a dog: search the forum and you'll find lots of advice about taking dogs camping.
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: First time camper - advice please
