first time camper

newcook

Im off camping in a couple of months for the first time and while I think I have got everything covered I have been told that my tent wont be warm enough and will probably leak due to it being a single skin! I admit, I didn’t pay a lot at all for it, mainly because if I don’t enjoy it then I haven’t lost a lot of money.

So, if my friend is correct by saying that the tent will leak if it rains, can I buy a sheet of tarpaulin to put over the top or is this not recommended?! If it helps It’s a 2 man tent (just me staying in it) so not huge.

andrewf75

Hmm single skin does not sound good although I have no experience of them. You can get a proper 2-man tent for about £40-50. Its probably worth upgrading as it won't help your enjoyment if you get soaked - can always sell it again.

MallyGirl

If anything comes into contact with the tent that will encourage water to seep in - putting a tarp on top pretty much guarantees that the tent will leak. If you get cold and damp that will pretty much ensure that you don't like it. A basic 2 skin tent won't set you back much and will mean you enyoy the camp more

Mankysteve

As its a single skin it won't leak so much as it will do is get bad condensation. Also a single skin wont be as warm but not huge difference.

newcook

Thanks guys. Will give it a try in the garden over the next couple of weeks and if it does leak then Ive got time to look for something different. unfortunately as I don’t drive I’ll need something that’s light enough to carry but still simple enough to set up by myself!

glenrobbiescamp

Try a spray on can of ducks back,this sprays a waterproofing sheen over the tent and will keep out most of the weather, can be obtained from most camping shops. Good luck.

andrewf75

newcook wrote: »

Thanks guys. Will give it a try in the garden over the next couple of weeks and if it does leak then Ive got time to look for something different. unfortunately as I don’t drive I’ll need something that’s light enough to carry but still simple enough to set up by myself!

loads of options. Just go to an outdoor store and have a look.

Gloomendoom

As somebody has already said, the problem with cheap single skin tents is condensation... rivers of it.

Sleeping with the door open helps.

sooty&sweep

What sort of tent is it ?
Jen

greenface

find out what causes it to leak and condensation then learn ...it wont leak then . (take some tarp with you )

Norman_Castle

Being single skin will make little difference to how warm it is. Your sleeping bag and mat should, hopefully, keep you warm.