Let's talk Soulpad accessories please?

[lapumpkin]

Had our first weekend in the Soulpad and LOVED it! Thanks everyone for all the advice and help - wouldn't have got it without you. Just a couple of questions:

1. Storage for things while you're in the tent - what do you use? We have a Mondeo hatchback so no room for wicker baskets etc but want to keep things tidy and (more importantly) looking beautiful! I was thinking of something folding?
   
2. where can I get a low folding table? The wooden ones I've seen on various belltent websites are beaut, but don't fold. :(
   
3. Things to hang things on... (like towels etc) what do you use?
   
4. Awnings - do you have one? Do you need one? What do you use it for?
   
5. We went for PEG - so good... we did the whole lifty thing and got a great breeze going through the tent while everyone else was suffocating in the sun. Is it worth getting the canvas groundsheet cover for over the top of groundsheet instead of lots of rugs?
   
6. Best camping chairs?
   
7. We didn't have any trouble putting the tent up really, although the groundsheet didn't fit exactly... the instructions say 4/5 inches for the pegs from the groundsheet, which seemed too much really... any tips for the perfect erection...??
   Thanks!
   
   Alex :)

[MummyPigsFatTummy]

Can't help for all of these (although I do like a good erection pun) but will add where I can:

1. Pop up laundry hampers are good for storage and pack up small - I suggest not the ones which only have slits at the top because they are a bit of a pain to get things in and out. Also those folding plastic crates you can buy for about £3 in places like B&Q etc.
   
   
2. I have two low folding tables - one from Decathlon like this: www.decathlon.co.uk/low-folding-table-green-grey-id_8171439.html, and one like this: www.completeoutdoors.co.uk/Gelert-Aluminium-Backpacker-Table. Neither very pretty but you can always cover them in something perhaps?
   
   Or you could go for it and get a bell tent table like I have just ordered which clamps to the centre pole (so you can choose height) and which you can glamp yourself! See here: www.hookedonglamping.co.uk/
   
   
3. I don't have anything to hang stuff on (often put towels hanging off the guy ropes of our tarp or event shelter). However, I have just noticed that the hooked on glamping link above does have a couple of gadgets for this.
   
   
4. A tarp or event shelter is great because you sometimes want to be outside the tent but still under shelter. This can be for cooking, sheltering from the rain or the sun. As the bell tent doesn't have windows, it can be nice to be under cover but still able to see the world. We have a Decathlon tarp and a Coleman event shleter but you can get matching tarps for bell tents.
   
   I can't really help on the last three, though I would say that Decathlon camping chairs are sturdy which is not true of all other types. Moon chairs are very comfortable but can be annoying if you don't want to be slouched back all the time. They are also quite bulky to pack. However, I know that some people have made a studyt of tiny camping chairs of great beauty and will no doubt be along to share their wisdom soon

[MummyPigsFatTummy]

Mmmm - am liking that groundsheet cover...

[motherofluvlies]

Did you find a Spanish campsite yet?and guess what we have bought a soulpad and I am watching your thread with glee.....I didnt know such things existed :)

[nizzy99]

I also ordered the hookedonglamping center pole table extremely handy but not to be used for heavy items.

We got a Beige Tarp from obelink which goes nicely with the soulpad being the same colour and it gives somewhere to sit outside and cook even if it is raining.

Some solar fairy lights where the last accessory i bought but havent used them yet.

[Bramblesinforrin]

I am off today in my new soul pad 5m zig. I think the rolled up sides action will be very good in this heat.

I have the soul pad fairy lights, which flash if necessary! I also have some of those plastic trugs to lob shoes etc in. We'll be cooking outside in our kitchen area under a tarp.

For seating we have a moon chair and one where you can lean back and put your feet up. :D

[Bramblesinforrin]

Oh and don't forget the iceytek, also doubles as extra seat!

[lapumpkin]

Thanks everyone. Thinking folding crates might be a good idea - also I remembered that IKEA has some quite cool folding down storage things which go pretty flat.

Love the central table idea but we have a little 1/4 inner tent so that will mess with that...

YY please - tiny comfortable beautiful camping chair suggestions..! :)

[attheendoftheday]

For storage I've recently got these . The plain cream ones look pretty nice and they can be flattened.

I hanker after a wicker basket, but have no space for one.

[MinimalistMommi]

nizzy how compact is your tarp? I'm on the look out for one.