To think fuck it and buy a new tent!

[CoffeeAndShortbread]

Posted here for traffic....I'm raging as NOT so 'D'H has had a complete meltdown and screamed at the kids that the camping trip we had planned for tomorrow is cancelled. (His fuckwittery is a subject for another day - so not looking for LTB etc that is being dealt with separately)

I'm still going and will do it on my own as I'm not being yelled at by a control freak and being scolded like a child.

The question is do I take the Montana 6p (Huge steel poles)the kids are 10, 8, 8 but are like chocolate teapots (Adhd/Asd, yes all 3) and ask for some help at the crucial stage from a neighbour/ warden OR do I say fuck it and buy an inflatable tent from decathlon?

I'm an experienced camper but the tent is a bit big, with heavy steel poles.

I'm torn as a new tent even if expensive will be smaller and we are away for 7 days, with some rain strongly possible, but on the other hand it would be so much easier with an inflatable.....

So wise people in my phone what's a girl to do?

YABU - Take the old tent and save money

YANBU- Just buy the inflatable one and make life easier, plus no begging for help from randoms

I would put your tent up for you if you asked. Go for it! Enjoy!

An air tent is better in strong winds IME! I can put mine up by myself, although is heavy to get out/ back in the boot.

@NoSquirrels

I don’t think buying and pitching a new tent solo is a great idea. You won’t have time for a practice run and doing it alone first time on site in some charge of 3 DC is a guaranteed stress.

Take the old tent. You know how to pitch it etc. The 10 year old can definitely help at a crucial month and you can ask on site for a pair of adult hands to help - people are pretty friendly, you know that already.

Save the money for some awesome treats whilst away. And wine.

I agree with this!

I wouldn't want to take an unfamiliar tent with me and 3 "chocolate teapot" kids.

Take your old tent. Buying a new one would always be scarred with memories of why you bought it.

buy the new tent...and make childish man pay for it

Air tents are hard to carry and get up. Sorry you're having this stress.

You'll definitely find someone who can give you a hand, especially when they see you're there with the kids by yourself.

Do you have a garden you can put it in to practice single-handedly setting it up? You may be able to work out which parts you'll need help with in advance which will help in your quest to find friendly camper helpers.

Air tent with extension. Camping needs to be made as easy as possible, and impending rains mean you need indoor space too.

I can put up my Decathlon inflatable eight man tent single handed. Would heartily recommend! As PP said, make sure you get the Decathlon pump to go with it.
Whatever you choose, hope you have a lovely time.

Take the big one. So much more comfortable if raining. We’ve often helped single parents with kids at campsites by lending a pair of hands for a few minutes to get a big tent up - most campers are willing to help each other, so it’s worth the risk.

Hmm, I always think buying a new tent is exciting so hard not to say go for it but I'd say stick with your current tent. Someone will definitely help you get it upright if you ask or they see you struggling. I'm recommending this only because my friend had a Quechua air tent and used it at Camp Bestival a couple of weeks ago. There was one very windy night and one of the air beams burst in the early hours and the tent collapsed. They cost £25 per "beam" to replace and they couldn't get hold of one so ended up buying a pole tent. The air tent opposite them also burst and she said she saw a few collapsed air tents the next morning but all the pole tents seemed fine. I'd been seriously considering buying an air tent until this conversation - tbh, I still haven't entirely ruled it out but that's because I just love a new tent!

Stick with the old tent or buy a bell tent (it needn't be canvas, there are polyester ones as well). The air tents are heavy and a pain to put away. Also think about taking a separate pup tent or a gazebo to extend space (both easy to put up).

Ime, campers are always really willing to help other campers. I'd go with the Montana, you know it's plenty big enough and you know how it goes.

Ask the woman camping next to you ….. I’d help you!!!

I know I couldn't do our 8 man solo, I can't even pick up the pole bag, and it's only just doable with DH.

I'd say have a decent tent you know you can do yourself.

I'd get a cheap tunnel tent - like this www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15981048/hi-gear-zenobia-6-nightfall-tent-15981048
always had them as single with 3 kids and they are easy to put up alone (but for one bit where it helps if a child holds it but not essential) - tried an air tent - Vango pricey - deflated middle beam caused leaks at 5am - changed it for a 6 man Vango Icarus - my second one.

@Peace43

Ask the woman camping next to you ….. I’d help you!!!

also this - I was given 20 fags, a bottle of Cava and a limitless supply of Bacardi at a festival once for putting all the tents up of our near neighbours! I'm 5f 2" and manage to put up out 10 man tunnel on my own

[quote GoWalkabout]@justinhawkinsnavalfluff wow suspiciously similar situation
but how do you know that OP is not your husband doing a reverse to prove that you were wrong ?? [/quote]
Good point although he's too scared of Mumsnet to try!!

Think about a bell tent, very simple to put up. Can be done alone and an all round nicer feel inside x

Hugs.
Campers will always help x

I used to have a 5 person Montana and could put it up by myself. There’s a technique….get the poles in and lie the “sections” on top of each other with the bedrooms at the bottom . Then grab one of the front guy ropes and pull it up/walk it out by the guy rope. Maybe the kids could help by doing the other guy rope at the same time? But you can do one at a time. Get the two front guys staked down. Then pull out the back to get it level and stake the back guy ropes.

Maybe your dh will calm down and come? But do ask other campers for help if needed.

I'd be worried about carrying an air tent solo. I think you will find adults who can help, if need be.

Would your dc help if they had plenty of warning/prep? It is really just a case of holding poles.

Thanks everyone.

I've just turned down his offer to come because "There's no way you'll be able to put it up on your own"

I must admit to not being dignified or taking the easy way out to keep the peace.

I said that I didn't want him to come, if he felt like he was only doing me favour by doing so.

If he promised to stop being a stress head, AND apologies to the kids, because he actually wanted to go then he would be welcome to join us but otherwise I would rather he stayed at home than have a shitty attitude all week.

So to prove I CAN I will be tackling the Montana, along with a little help from whoever I can rope in.

Wish me luck!

Good luck! You can do this 😊