Total camping novice here

[shimmerysilverglitter]

but always enjoyed as a kid and the only way I can really afford to take my dc away on holiday.

Is this a good beginning?

here

Only would be going in nice weather as dc still quite small.

Seems like a good deal though probably only suitable for fair weather-ish camping...ebay is good for camping stuff too.

Yes, no intention of the tough stuff just yet, just the odd couple of days here and there in good weather.

You know what? its probably fine!
We started out under similar circs five eyars ago with a cheapo argo proaction tent (and a dh who dreaded the idea of it); now we are hardened addcits with full top of the range kit and many happy memories

Go for it and enjoy

(but I do second ebay- second hand great is better than cheap adequate IMVHO- plus to get an actual berth size one would normally add 2 to the number of occupants; so 4 people = a six berth tent etc)

I have heard that said before actually, go 2 up etc.

Will have another look.

I know I probably sound so stupid but does loose ground sheet mean it is not attached to the tent?

Couldn't be doing with that really, ground sheets getting all rucked up and damp getting in etc.

I thought all tents had sewn in ground sheets these days.

See how woefully ignorant about camping I am thank goodness I came on here before I ordered it.

Try soemthing like this

Or there's even a quechua on Ebay for under £100; however don't even consider the Rage or similar ones- if your local camping store doesn't stock the range and you can't find a few positive reviews on uk campsite don't even consider it!

1500 IIRC is standard army minimum but we always choose 3000 - 5000 HH for our tents

hi gear also a good cheapish option

Think will go for that second link.

Cannot bear the thought of a loose groundsheet with everything getting in. Need a fully sewn in groundsheet.

Thanks all.

we have lose one and things never get in. you have bed compartments with zips. we have a large tent that is bit tricky to dry and i would have thought sewn in groundsheet with mud on would make it much harder and messier?????

dreamingofsun, a cheap tarp under the tent protects the SIG, as long as its slightly smaller than the tent so water doesn't run underneath .

ah that makes sense suzie - i always had visions of people with tents hanging up to dry in their dining rooms with muddy groundsheets

lol - we learned from experience !

We have that tent pack from Halfords.
had it up twice..once in garden and then went camping in it last August.

Verdict - fab.
It rained on night 2 and did not rain in at all, was most impressed. The beds and sleeping bags and lights are worth around £100 to buy anyway so you really get the tent for free.

I first thought it would 'do' until could afford something better but am that impressed we are keeping it!