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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

Is this the bargain of the year or seriously rubbish quality and that's why it's so cheap?

33 replies

nkf · 13/04/2009 21:00

www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?jspStoreDir=HalfordsConsumerDirect&mpe_id= 63353&cmcr=No+Campaign--Web+Activity--LL+P1+845701--PRODCATESPOTCAROUSEL165556--Halfords+Fami ly+Tent+Pack&catalogId=10151&evtype=CpgnClick&intvid=116415&langId=-1&partNumber=845701&storeId=100 01&ddkey=ClickInfo

OP posts:
Lucycat · 13/04/2009 21:03

Well it isn't very waterproof at 1500 HH - do you need everthing in the set? You could get a better tent for the price with none of the kit.
any use?

poopscoop · 13/04/2009 21:04

seems ok for a starting tent. The reviews are ok, except the tent pegs missing, but alays advisaeble to check everything is thre before setting off.

How many of you are camping in it. How oftgen are you going to use it?

Original poster
nkf · 13/04/2009 21:04

We don't have anything though. When you say not very waterproof, do you mean it would be serious if it rained? Or it could cope with rain but not thunderstorms? Very useful yes.

OP posts:
Original poster
nkf · 13/04/2009 21:06

I have just agreed to go on my first camping trip ever. With a group of friends. I have two children. We were lent a tent for a bit that we used in the garden but it's small and very old. Think army surplus circa 1975. So I am looking for something that I won't get too upset over if camping turns out to be a nightmare.

OP posts:
poopscoop · 13/04/2009 21:15

are you going for a weekend, week, fortnight?
and if only occasional use, think it would be fine, espesh as you get the extras with it.

Original poster
nkf · 13/04/2009 21:16

A long weekend to start with.

OP posts:
StripeyKnickersSpottySocks · 13/04/2009 21:19

I'll save myself the bother of clicking on the link. Its from Halfords = its shit. Sorry.

StripeyKnickersSpottySocks · 13/04/2009 21:20

Can you not borrow a tent from someone to see if you like camping first?

Original poster
nkf · 13/04/2009 21:20

Reallyl? Halfords is a no-no is it? Damn.

OP posts:
SammyK · 13/04/2009 21:24

NKF I think you are right to get a starter family pack personally. We got one from argos, similar style and layout to the tent you linked to but cheaper with air beds and sleeping bags, which is still going strong 5 years on.

noonar · 13/04/2009 21:25

we've got that one. tis fine for the money for a long weekend. really. we also have campervan, so you can borrow the tent

noonar · 13/04/2009 21:25

nkf. its fine. buy it.

StripeyKnickersSpottySocks · 13/04/2009 21:30

Sorry, I'm a bit of a serious camper so don't tend to rate Halfords, Argos, etc for their tents. But guess for what you want it for it'll be OK. I'm too used to Outwell tents but they're too much money if it turns out you don't like camping.

Original poster
nkf · 13/04/2009 21:33

Have just ordered it. Thanks for all your input. Fingers crossed I like it. Camping is so out of my comfort zone but I have wanted to try for ages.

OP posts:
poopscoop · 13/04/2009 21:42

Well i really think it is fine for what you need it for. Weekend trips and coming with all the gear is a bonus.

Ifyou really get into camping at a later date, then it would be well worth investing in something of a higher calibre.

Have fun

SammyK · 13/04/2009 21:43

We go camping for a weekend/short break of four days tops, and this kind of tent is fine, especially if you are new to camping and aren't sure if you will like it. We are now considering a bigger tent as the 'baby' who used to be in our bedroom pod is now four! Even so we wont be buying a tent the size of our house, may as well stay at home.

Have you searched the archives for first time camping tips nkf? Mine is take warm layers for evening and sleeping in.

Original poster
nkf · 13/04/2009 21:46

I've been browsing the MN experts for some time. And I know that many people recommend taking duvets etc rather than sleeping bags. But we didn't have beds either and so it seemed a good deal.

Now, all I need is some kind of cooking stove. And some easy to do recipes. Is a fridge ott? Got to keep the beer cold.

OP posts:
Phoenix · 13/04/2009 21:48

A friend at work used an Halfords set last year. The tent leaked and didn't end up going back home with them. But last year was a crappy summer.

Original poster
nkf · 13/04/2009 21:49

Oh dear. I shall pray for fine weather.

OP posts:
noonar · 13/04/2009 21:50

well ours didnt leak. re fridge you just need a rigid plastic cool box and a campsite site that freezes ice blocks. change blocks morn and night = cold beer.

noonar · 13/04/2009 21:51

has to be air tight so not zip up cool box.

StripeyKnickersSpottySocks · 13/04/2009 22:08

I don't have a fridge. I use a cooler box and ice packs. Some sites I go to don't even have ice pack freezing facilities and I've been known to use a bucket and water to keep the beer cool and it works.

SammyK · 13/04/2009 22:08

our argos one has done heavy rain, high wind, etc and is now 5 yrs old, this the newer version

Original poster
nkf · 13/04/2009 22:09

That's even cheaper. Darn it.

OP posts:
StripeyKnickersSpottySocks · 13/04/2009 22:10

I use a stove like this for a short trip.

www.amazon.co.uk/Portable-Camping-Cooker-Cartridges-Refills/dp/B000RHV3MU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=sport s&qid=1239656958&sr=8-2