I am a camper

[remal]

No really

have a few things on this year and need to get myself a good 3 birth, light tent. and a good sleeping mat

I have looks at Millets but they were understaffed and i was not going to wait 15 mins to ask a few questions before I spend ££££££ a bit of money

Sleeping Mat wide i am looking for a self inflating mattress that will be comfy and warm for use in most seasons.
Tent, able to withstand the english weather I have bought cheaper tents that just don't last that long

So does anyone know of a few good places to get tents and mats online and what do you guys recommened?

[KB_S1]

We have a Vango Hydra 300+ tent, it is superb.
also use thermarest mats, they are self inflate, sleep on anything types.
get a decent sleeping bag and you are sorted.

Summitts online is ok, but best to choose your products and look around.

[Trooper2]

Therm-a-rests are great and the North Face makes great tents as well.

[minicoo]

As far as tents go I have a Vaude Hogan which I have been really pleased with, Therma Rests are ideal for a good nights sleep.

[remal]

Trooper2 said:

and the North Face makes great tents as well.

If you on about North face who also make clothes. I just bought a new windproof jacket that cost me much more than my last tent. God knows how much they start at?


and these Therma Rests seem popular






>> Edited by remal on Monday 23 January 20:57

[scared but happy]

Just buy a cheap VW bus with an awning and at least you have the joys of camping with a nice warm bed at night off the ground away from the nasty bitey things including the ground frost. Also have a cable made up with a rubber 2 way adaptor for electric hookup and then you can power a kettle,TV and the blow heater.


Linconshire last year (Willow Halt camp site - great for fishing etc)

[remal]

An Idea but I don't think that would fit in my Tiger Kit Car

[sadako]

Do NOT buy a frame tent they are a bastard to put up. Dome tents are much easier. We proved this on our first camping holiday with my parents. We were advised the above and bought a mahoosive dome tent. By the time the camp staff who knew it was our first time came out to see how we were doing with our tent we had put it up, cooked, eaten, and were busy helping the neighboring campers put their frame tent up

This tent was so big when we ended up getting drunk with our extended family we got 12 people in it. It was big enough for a 6' person to stand in the middle. The tent when compacted is about 2/3rds the size of a golf bag (as long but thinner)

[scared but happy]

Our last frame tent was so large you could infact park the car in it as well. But I agree they are total sods to put up. Best to get a hoop style one with fitted ground sheet that goes into the glovebox.

[markmullen]

I use a Vango Venture 500 5 man tent, its a bit of a monster but is put up in 10 minutes or so. It is a 5 man job, if you are planning on keeping your luggage in your tent with you you'll need a bigger tent than the number of people you plan on putting in it. Also the number of people relies on you being pretty good friends, not always a bad thing Eg if you want 2 people plus a week's luggage get a 4 man tent, if you want 3 people with plenty of room get a 4 man tent etc.

I've spent 2 weeks a year at Bisley plus Le Mans in it and it has lasted 3 years so far, not bad for £120 or so RRP.

[remal]

Their is normally only myself and my brother in law in the tent so 3 birth is more than enough. And I have to pack it in my Tiger which had no boot, and only a very small parcel shelf, no roof or windscreen so size of the tent packed is a major thought.
I will have a look around at the Vango tents.

cheers

[hugh_]

I've got a Vango TBS250, supposedly 2-3 man but realistically only 2 tho. Other than that its great, put it up in any direction to the wind and set the tension bands and it is fine, its got a huge porch area, big enough to fit a mountainbike in or cook in. They do a 3 man version, either the 300 or 350 (cant remember what number it is).

Hugh

[tallbloke]

If you are going kit car camping you want a dome tent just big enough for 2 to sit in the porch on folding chairs. Go to an out of town camping shop which has lots put up outside to try. Don't worry about famous names, trust your own eye for quality, we paid £70 for a good one.

Thermarests are the business. If you can afford, go for the expedition weight 2" thick one, mega comfy!

[Nick P]

me and the missus bought a medium sized motorhome that sleeps 4-5 late last year....the ribbing i took from my mates was unbelievable, however when they realised that i am now rolling up to pubs, getting pissed then sleeping in the camper they are incredibly envious, especially when i fire up the cooker in the morning, have a bacon sarny & cup of tea. Mind you it only does 20-22mpg!!! and tops out at 110kph.
the kids love it too

[rsvmilly]

remal said:

Trooper2 said: and the North Face makes great tents as well. If you on about North face who also make clothes. I just bought a new windproof jacket that cost me much more than my last tent. God knows how much they start at? and these Therma Rests seem popular

I have a North Face down jacket and it laughs in the face of cold weather.

I also have a North Face tent and the quality of the poles is amazing. You just can't believe how light they are. It weighs less than 2kg - ideal for camping off the back of a bike. North Face do some great gear although they are expensive.

I also have a Thermarest Ultralight. Very good.

If you're camping out the back of a car then you don't need to go for the lightest gear.

Good online supplies I've used include;

www.fieldandtrek.co.uk (register for their newsletter and they'll send out regular coupons for discounts of up to 20%)

www.cheaptents.co.uk/ give 10% discount on RRPs

www.gear-zone.co.uk/

www.outdoormegastore.co.uk/ less high-tech brands but much cheaper - ideal for car camping

There is also Ellis Brigham who charge RRPs and rarely discount.

[B17NNS]

I, this year, will mostly, be stopping in 'otels.

[B17NNS]

the only way to do camping

[anonymous-user]

When I upgraded my Le Mans tent I got one from www.venturesport.co.uk/ and their service was good.

[tinman0]

the only way to do camping

[Shaun_E]

for the Vango Spirit 300. It is lightweight (<6kg) and packs down small - I bought it to fit in the boot of my Seven. I'm sure I got it from this place here. It arrived within a couple of days.