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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

First time camping, need tent advice

22 replies

SweetCheeksLovesSweetTalk · 20/02/2009 21:54

DH and I are going camping for the first time this year. DD, who will be about 22 months at the time will be with us.

What size tent do I need?
Is there a good brand of tent?
Any advice, tips gratefully received.

OP posts:
K999 · 20/02/2009 22:01

Whatever kind of tent you get -make sure that you use a camp bed, otherwise the ground is freezing!!

PimpMyHide · 20/02/2009 22:02

[embraces tent porn threads]

Flutterbye · 20/02/2009 22:05

Depends on lots of factors, money, if you're going to expand, if you want lots of indoor space or happy with a shelter/tarp to sit under in rain, sewn in ground sheet or removeable, tunnel or dome. If you want it to be your one and only tent for 10 years or just a cheapie to try out??? So in sumary....Borrow, borrow, borrow. Look on ebay/freecycle. Go to tent shows, nose around at what other set ups people have on sites.

We only started camping last year and already have 3 tents, one probably will never get used again, the other two are Vango's which we're happy with.

Original poster
SweetCheeksLovesSweetTalk · 20/02/2009 22:09

Very small budget, need a tent to last us a couple of years till we can afford to buy a more expensive one.

OP posts:
Flutterbye · 20/02/2009 22:19

This Vango Venture 500 is very popular, reliable and cheap. here's the reviews for it. A 5 berth is probably the smallest you want to go for??

WhereTheWildThingsWere · 20/02/2009 22:24

Get a tent at least two berth bigger than you actually need. Vangos and Outwells are good, but it depends on how often you will use it a more inexpensive tent might be fine.

You really do need to go to a display and look at them set up to get a feel for what you want. When considering your budget bear in mind that you will need a fair but of other stuff (for cooking, sleeping etc) as well as the tent itself.

Original poster
SweetCheeksLovesSweetTalk · 20/02/2009 22:32

Vangos looks fab. Do you think we could away with a cheaper one for this year or are cheaper ones not as waterproof etc?

OP posts:
Original poster
SweetCheeksLovesSweetTalk · 21/02/2009 08:24

Or should we stick to a well known brand?

OP posts:
Original poster
SweetCheeksLovesSweetTalk · 21/02/2009 08:53

I know you tene experts are out there!

OP posts:
PandaG · 21/02/2009 09:03

go for one with a minimum of 2000HH - 3000 better (that's hydrostatic head, or how waterproof it is)

is a really good idea to borrow a tent for your first excursion, see if you like camping, and get an idea of what features you want. We borrowed a tent for our first trip, and found out that we definitely needed more space!

with a 22month old I think I would be looking for one with a pod that I could do up with the zips at the top, so they couldn't wander out in the middle of the night - you would easily hear them if they were calling for you - either that or one with room for you to sleep together

Original poster
SweetCheeksLovesSweetTalk · 21/02/2009 09:04

Would you recomend the vantage 500? I do really like that tent

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Original poster
SweetCheeksLovesSweetTalk · 21/02/2009 09:06

Vangos

OP posts:
PandaG · 21/02/2009 09:09

looks a nice tent - and Go outdoors a good company. personally we have a much bigger tent, but have 2 older children and camp quite a bit, so was a worthwhile investment. Looks like there would be plenty of room for all of you for sleeping, and some space indoors if it is wet.

large plastic boxes useful for storing your stuff in

hercules1 · 21/02/2009 09:11

Get a bigger tent than you'll think you'll need. Best bit of advice I have is to wear lots of layers at night, thermal socks, sleeping bags and bring your duvets and put picnic blankets under your air bed (never tried camp beds).

Original poster
SweetCheeksLovesSweetTalk · 21/02/2009 09:44

Spoke to DH and we are going to get the Vangos.

I've got to try and make this trip as cheap as possible now

OP posts:
Flutterbye · 21/02/2009 11:32

The Go Outdoors near us (Oxford) has a tent display all year round so if you're near to one of their stores (or someone elses) you should really try and see it in the flesh before parting with money, just for the size issue.

nannyL · 21/02/2009 11:33

I agree HH of 2000 is minimum and personally i wouldnt buy one with a HH

nannyL · 21/02/2009 11:40

also you could always get a canopy or extension if you need more room

Original poster
SweetCheeksLovesSweetTalk · 21/02/2009 12:16

Thanks for your post NannyL, very detailed and helpful.

I dont know if I could pursuade dh to part with that amount of money for a tent nannyL, not yet anyway!

On your second link to pegs which pegs specifically do you think we shuld get?

OP posts:
nannyL · 21/02/2009 12:31

I have the nylon ones (my local camping shop had them in the sale for a bargain 50p each )

they are ok and good, but all my friends use the stainless steel ones which somehow seem better...

i decided that id rather spend £4 than £28, and later i might upgrade to the stainless steel ones, but the nylon ones seem ok so far... not used them in very stoney ground yet and that is when i will feel i can truley comment on them!

they are much much much better than the pegs that come with the tents though!

Original poster
SweetCheeksLovesSweetTalk · 21/02/2009 13:23

I think I may help the budg and go for nylon ones as well

OP posts:
Original poster
SweetCheeksLovesSweetTalk · 21/02/2009 13:27

budget

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