I wanna buy a tent & camping equipment...

jet77

Hi,

I'm going camping with my 2 DD's and the dog next Fri for the weekend. I don't know anyone I can borrow anything from and need to make it go as smoothly as poss. I will prob be going about once a month for the weekend for the forseeable future to see parents and Dad will be on hand to help me assemble the tent (thank goodness!!:D )

I have seen this 2 room 4 person tent with sleeping bags and air matresses for 89.99

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3409158.htm

Is this OK? Does anyone know whether I need a better quality of tent or if this will do? Can I get a better price elsewhere? Will I be able to fit me, 2 DD's, tent and luggage in main part of car (dog will be taking up boot space)?

I have been on the travel board and looked at 1st time camper threads which have given me loads of info about what else to pack:beer:

Any advice very welcome!!

Luv Jxx

andysstuff_2

I had that tent, and have to say that it's SMALL! Without knowing how old DD's are it's difficult to say, but if they are more than 5 or 6 I would say that it'll be too small for your needs.

Bedrooms feel very cramped and if there's 2 sleeping in one. You are better buying a tent with more headroom.

I've now got the tent below tent for weekends away with my 2 boys and would not recommend anything much smaller if you are going regularly

http://www.worldofcamping.co.uk/shop/Detail.asp?ProductID=1059

LilMissEmmylou

jet i got a tent in argos the other day. it was a 6 man tent that was originally £80 (i think) and it was reduced to £35!!!! so lots of room and a bargainous price! I also got other bits and bobs in argos too but tesco have some cheap bits too. A picnic rug for £2 something, its blue with a black waterproof base and some bits for cooking on the camp fire or gas stove all reduced to 80 something p. Also got a gas stove for £15 and the gas to run it 12 cans for £15. A small camping non stick pan set for £20 (i think). Lots of great suff on offer if you go in and check their sale stock book

Little_John

It also depends on where you plan to go camping, if youg going to be in someones back yard or a camp site where there is plenty of space and you will have someone else to hep you put it up then great buy a large tent. if you may be in a position where you won't have a lot of space or will be on your own then it is better to buy a smaller tent as they are easier to put up on your own.
each has its own pro's and cons
Large tents hold lots of people have loads of space, what holds more holds less and all that and own cold nights can take ages to warm up the inside. they also weigh a lot more to carry if you plan going camping anywhere you can't drive to.
Small tents are more limiting on space but they warm up easier at night and can be very light weight if you go on your own, because they are smaller they are also easier to put up solo too and more stable is poor weather.

If you plan to be someone who camps in fair weather then why bother with somewhere that is comfortable and huge where you can stand inside, part of being outdoors is to be outdoors not spending all your time in the tent. Take some folding chairs or sit on the ground and enjoy it camping is great fun and an excelent way to spend time with the family. if it does rain then go inside lie on the sleeping bags untill it stops then get back out again.

The only problem I can see you having is if you intend taking the dog lots of campsite won't allow them on.

telephone_man

IMHO I would look no further than Ebay. I got a 6 man tent from an Ebay shop at a snip. Make sure you buy it from an Ebay shop with good feedback.

Keeping_Positive

A good site for camping tips and info is www.ukcampsite.co.uk. They also have a free ads section so you may get a bargin on there.

Best to get at least a 6 berth that will fit 4 without being too big. I would buy on ebay but not a rage or leben as they usually get poor reviews.

daysieblue

I bought this tent http://www.blacks.co.uk/blacks.storefront/product/BLK-SS06-Tents-and-Camping-Gear/BLK3to4PersonTents/095060.aspx>
yesterday, although they do seem to be quite low on stocks, there's some other nice looking ones, and some are 50% off. I'm a bit of a camping newbie, but this one seems to do the job

Keeping_Positive

Wow daysieblue that looks a good tent for the price. Looks a good size as usually a 4 berth means lucky to fit more than 2 comfortablly.

Weve just gone to the other extreme spent £300 on a 10 man tent lol!

Little_John

You can't fit 4 people in a 4 man tent? you obviously need more space than everyone else. Ive slept with 4 in a 3 man tent, kit goes out of the window when its like that well in the porch area anyway. Some require you to sleep in mummy bags and top to tail but they fit you in no problem.

loopylass

I bought a 6 berth tent from sainsburys 2 weeks ago it was supposed to be £80 went down to half price then went down further to £17 and with my discount £14 it is very roomy you could get 4 people each side and you can stand up in it

it is the same as the one jet77 was looking at in argos but a bigger version

minap

Can one get tents which reflect the sunlight and UV Rays?