Cheap Tent for 1st time Camper

Midget_Karen

Unless you know the weather is going to be good, don't go for a cheap single skin - as soon as you touch the tent sides from the inside (very easy to do in a small tent) it will leak on you, as the surface water tension is lost.

Borrowing would be the way forwards, perhaps?

(BTW don't know if you already have sleeping bags, but a cheap mummy one is better than a cheap rectangular one, as you can pull the top around your head and stop the draughts getting in at night!)

Jay-Jay_4

I should clarify that a single skin tent has just one layer all the way around whereas a double skin has seperate/zipped in or sewn in inner fly sheet.
A single skin tent will, as Karen says, get condensation on the inside and wherever your sleeping bag touches (usually your feet) it will get wet. The cheapo ones from Asda are single skin but I reckon they would be ok for kids and teens.

We're taking one of these to Scotland in June as we needed a cheap 2nd tent to leave unnatended for the weekend, we're going to have to 'bag' our feet to stop some of the condensation soaking our down bags. :rolleyes:

Frizz, most of the big family tents will have zip in bedrooms

coffeebean

You need to get the best tent you can afford. A cheapie will only result in you getting soaked if it rains, blowing away if its windy. Go for one with a HH of at least 2000 - that's the degree of waterproofing - personally I would go for 3000, to allow for wind-driven rain that we get in this country. Have a look here: https://www.ukcampsite.co.uk and read through the tent forum, masses of good advice there.

frizz_head

Thanks so much everyone for all your tips and advice. I will certainly show all responses to Mr Frizz and see what he thinks. The one in Argos we have seen is this one, although it does not give that much info re some of your above points to consider. Does it look ok?

All my friends think its hilarious, they all keep saying "You - camping!" and then shriek with laughter. If I tell you my nickname is Hyacinth Bucket you will know what they mean!!!!

Re. the socks and bobble hat in bed, I wear that in bed now - really feel the cold. LOL

I am determined to do this though - the kids are so excited.

Thanks again everyone.
Frizz

frizz_head

Edinburghlass wrote:

I got a leaflet through the door today from Tesco which is stocking a load of camping equipment at very reasonable prices but perhaps not suitable for camping in the rain and cold.

two man dome tent £9.94
camping starter set including dome tent for 2/3 people, 2 adult mummy sleeping bags, 2 camping mats and a wheeled carry case only £39.97
single airbed £7.98
double airbed £11.54
foot pump £3.47
foam mat £3.44
adult sleeping bad £6.87

I guess it depends on the size of your local Tesco, mine is a Tesco Extra

Those prices are fantastic Edinburghlass - have a huge Tesco nearby so will have a look.
Thanks

frizz_head

Jay-Jay wrote:

Frizz, as it's your first time and you're not sure whether camping is for you could you borrow a tent off anyone? Or, get a couple of small, cheap tents and pitch them facing each other so the kids are right next to you.

You can pick up single skin dome tents for £10 at Asda, They're not huge but would be fine for 2 little children or a teenager.

It just sems a bit excessive spending over £100 on a tent that you may only use once.

Good point Jay-Jay, will see if I can pick up a cheapy tent first, and put it up in the garden to see how it holds out.

Anya

We got ours from www.cccoutdoors.com. They do camping stuff at really good prices and free delivery. The other one we use is www.wildday.co.uk. Those two are for the main stuff. Simpler stuff i.e. kettles, airbeds,sleeping bags we get from Argos and Supermarkets.

Edinburghlass_2

frizz_head wrote:

Those prices are fantastic Edinburghlass - have a huge Tesco nearby so will have a look.
Thanks

Forgot to quote the prices for:

One person cooking set which includes a 2 lt pan, frying pan, plate, dish and cup (buy all the family one each and tell them to do their own cooking )
pair of adult folding chairs £8
picnic waterproof rug £4.97

And if you have a strong nerve and wait, they will no doubt be reduced in four weeks when they change the range

frizz_head

Our friends are regular campers and have everything, so they have said all we need to get is a tent, sleeping gear, and some chairs.

lnjk

3 Person Tent
Made from water-resistant polyester with taped seams and breathable polyester inner sheet. Entrance door with mosquito net and 2 air vents. Durable PE groundsheet and lightweight fibreglass poles. Click details for more info...
£24.99

at LIDL
http://www.lidl.co.uk/gb/index.nsf/pages/c.o.oow.20050523.index