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Camping

Our UK Camping forum has all the information you need on finding the right equipment for your tent or caravan.

Original poster

Wise and experienced campers .. please come and advise!

41 replies

DifferentFutureAhead · 02/08/2012 21:32

I have never camped before. I have always wanted to but stbxh never wanted to, so although I acquired some camping gear, we were never able to go Sad

However this is a new beginning and I want to take dd1 (4yo) camping in the summer hols (think it might be a bit ambitious to take dd2 (1yo) the first time we go)
In my mind I have planned a night at Wellington Country Park as this isn't far from us.

So what I need is advice about a tent. I have a tent. It's a huge thing. Never used. But I need a tent I can put up by myself, I was thinking one of those pop up things, are they any good?

I have:

A 2 burner stove and pans
Fat Airic for myslef (Going to take a quilt, is that good enough for bedding?)
A sleeping bag for dd1 (need to get her a mattress/air bed/ready bed. Which is best?)
Camping chairs

What else will I need. I need to go minimal as I will be doing all the packing, unpacking by myself!

All advice gratefully received! Also opinions on whether this is a good idea or not? Am I nuts for even considering it?

OP posts:
Original poster
DifferentFutureAhead · 04/08/2012 13:29

I really don't know what to do now. I have a huge one that seemed to big to put up myself and now the smaller ones are too hard to take down by myself.

OP posts:
Original poster
DifferentFutureAhead · 04/08/2012 13:30

Can you put it down twooter?

OP posts:
thisisyesterday · 04/08/2012 13:31

why don't you have a go with the one you have? see if it's easy to put up or not?

if it isn't then i'd go for something similar but a bit smaller maybe?

Original poster
DifferentFutureAhead · 04/08/2012 13:32

Sod it, I'm going to try and get my one up in the garden. I'll let you know how it goes.

OP posts:
Original poster
DifferentFutureAhead · 04/08/2012 13:32

x posts thisisyesterday!

Great minds think alike! Grin

OP posts:
fossil97 · 04/08/2012 19:56

Did you have a go? Sorry if I was a bit negative. I've put plenty of tents up on my own, I'm sure you can.

With tunnel tents there's a trick to doing it singlehanded, I will find another video. I think is the one. Similar sort of tent to yours.

It's like changing a kingsize duvet cover, fabric everywhere but once you have the corners sorted you're away.

twooter · 04/08/2012 22:09

Yes, dead easy, allby myself.

twooter · 04/08/2012 22:10

I got mine for 4 people plus dog. The porch can seat 2 plus a small table, but the main room has ample space for us.

Kahlua4me · 04/08/2012 22:16

I have no problems with our pop up. Once you have practiced, it is easy and the instructions are excellent.

I live fairly near Wellington, you are very welcome to come and try it. Also decathlon staff are helpful and willing to show you.

Pixel · 04/08/2012 22:59

I saw this tent in Blacks the other day, only £40 and it was lovely . Dh was there too and we already have 5 tents so I had no hope of getting it Grin.
I already have a tent the same size and design of this (Tesco cheapy not nearly as nice though) and it is easy and simple to put up and down by myself in about 5 mins.

WendevilleAndManlock · 05/08/2012 08:03
for the XXL IIII. With the pop-ups there is a technique, once you have it sussed they are easy. If you can find the XXl III for under £100 you won't regret it. It is on the decathlon site but for some reason reverts to the home page, so might be worth ringing around for stock.
Original poster
DifferentFutureAhead · 05/08/2012 09:51

You were right fossil, it's a beast! I can't do it by myself.

Pixel has that tent got a porch?

I found youtube video of putting down a pop up.

OP posts:
Kahlua4me · 05/08/2012 11:08

Some friends bought a four man in Asda last week for £30, seems fine and was very simple to put up. It had a porch

Pixel · 05/08/2012 21:56

Yes it had a little porch at the front, with a SIG. Not big but enough to keep wellies, stove etc so they aren't in the bedroom part.

Pixel · 05/08/2012 22:02

I mean when the stove is not in use of course, just in case anyone thinks I'm suggesting cooking in the tent. Wink

Selks · 05/08/2012 22:06

Take more bedding - take more than you think you will need to use....you will use it. It can get very cold at night even in the middle of summer. Likewise take warm clothing and layers for the evening...you need to prevent yourselves from getting cold prior to getting into bed as it's harder to get warm then.

Are you taking a car? if so I would take things such games and toys to play with in the tent if it's rainy, a waterproof picnic blanket or groundsheet for sitting on outside, bat and ball/kite/bike for DC, cool box/bag, washing up bowl, plastic plates and mugs, flat surface such as a tray for food preparation, mini first aid kit, suncream and insect repellent, wellies /crocs (depending on the weather)......the list goes on Grin

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