Tent recommendations?

[kalniel]

I might have managed to persuade the gentler half that sleeping outside isn't such a bad thing to try in summer, so what kind of tents should I be looking for?

It'd only be fair weather camping, needs to be as civilised as possible I guess, and as cheap as possible really (in case once is enough).

So far I've seen a cheap pro action river 240 which doesn't look very sturdy, but looks quite comfy, and a Eurohike Dart which is more my kind of thing, but might be a bit minimal.

Cheers,

[GheeTsar]

This time last year Millets did a 50% off sale where you could get pretty roomy tents for cheap. Might be worth giving them a call or checking their website.

Some things to look out for:

- A stitched in groundsheet is more waterproof and easier to put up
- Never underestimate the benefit of being able to stand up in a tent (even if it's only just)
- Pop-up tents are best kept for festivals as they are not too sturdy
- Try and buy a tent which comes in a bag a reasonable amount bigger than the factory packed tent (otherwise you'll never get it back in)
- A porch area is very handy to avoid mud and dirt getting in the sleeping compartment
- If you're not going to hike with it, go as large as your budget will allow.

[Lee H]

IIRC Argos have a few of their dome tents on offer with a few 6 man capacity catching my eye recently.

Halfords were also doing a mega clearance on camping stuff recently as well so it might be worth checking them out.

[Haiku32]

I have to second what Ghee said about the luxury of being able to stand up in a tent. If you are doing things like fishing and hiking then you'll probably be getting a bit muddy. There's nothing more uncomfortable than trying to take off a bunch of muddy, wet clothes whilst sitting down. The bigger the tent the better . I got a very nice 8 man tent off ebay for only £30 and I find it amazing. It's got a huge amount of room - 2 sleeping compartments, a huge "living room" area and a little porch bit. The dimensions are about 8ft * 12ft, it's huge! Very study as well. Goes to show that you don't need to splash out for a decent tent.

[CaseyV9]

GO OUTDOORS are great. Pay something like £4 on a store card and you get everything dirt cheap for a year. And with a tent, get a double skinned tent to stop the condensation dripping on your face in the morning pop-up tents FTW

[TheAnimus]

Blacks have a buy one get one half price offer going on!

But i think it ends tommorow AM.

[kalniel]

Blacks have a buy one get one half price offer going on!

But i think it ends tommorow AM.

I'm not yet big enough to need two tents, but thanks anyway

[TheAnimus]

On more than just tents,

So if you bought a tent, you could have a sleeping bag half price etc.

[tiggerai]

hehe sleeping outside is fun...

we slept out in the back garden last weekend (to test everything for a proper trip this weekend) but it was really fun. Esp when we hooked up the DVD player and internet...

[AledJ]

This time last year Millets did a 50% off sale where you could get pretty roomy tents for cheap. Might be worth giving them a call or checking their website.

Some things to look out for:

- A stitched in groundsheet is more waterproof and easier to put up
- Never underestimate the benefit of being able to stand up in a tent (even if it's only just)
- Pop-up tents are best kept for festivals as they are not too sturdy
- Try and buy a tent which comes in a bag a reasonable amount bigger than the factory packed tent (otherwise you'll never get it back in)
- A porch area is very handy to avoid mud and dirt getting in the sleeping compartment
- If you're not going to hike with it, go as large as your budget will allow.

There is an art to getting tents back into the bags they come in! Having spent 4 years working as security at festivals its easy to pick up lol Thing to remember is hwo you unpacked when new, and also make sure you all the air out!!

I have no idea of the name of the tent i now have but it is massive, and i would be lost without the inner porch bit. Getting dressed while lying down is not fun lol

Will you be sleeping on ground mats?? Air beds are a great choice! Some of the £40 + ones now have an integrated pump.

[nvening]

I might have to get me one of these for festivals - looks pretty sweet http://www.millets.co.uk/product/095...65f2b919a33ed9

[AledJ]

I might have to get me one of these for festivals - looks pretty sweet http://www.millets.co.uk/product/095...65f2b919a33ed9

Nice tent! Although from the number of festivals i have worked at i would just be a cheap one from tesco. You would not believe how many tents get damaged by people falling over, and other thinsg that i won't go into lol

Then again can depend on the type of festival and what camp site your in. Only thing with the pop up tents try it before you go away lol I have had a hours of fun watching people trying to fold those damn things back up lol

[kalniel]

hehe sleeping outside is fun...

we slept out in the back garden last weekend (to test everything for a proper trip this weekend) but it was really fun. Esp when we hooked up the DVD player and internet...

That's cheating!

Will you be sleeping on ground mats?? Air beds are a great choice! Some of the £40 + ones now have an integrated pump.

You can get ones under 20 quid that have integrated pumps now, but they seem quite heavy compared to rolls to me.

[nvening]

Nice tent! Although from the number of festivals i have worked at i would just be a cheap one from tesco. You would not believe how many tents get damaged by people falling over, and other thinsg that i won't go into lol

Then again can depend on the type of festival and what camp site your in. Only thing with the pop up tents try it before you go away lol I have had a hours of fun watching people trying to fold those damn things back up lol

Haha, yeh i know - you just have to choose a good place to pitch - not my the side of the main pathway through the campsites *facepalm*. We normally get there early enough and set up a circle. Also im stewarding at reading this year so have the option of a seperate campsite (which i probably wont bother with) but it does mean ill be there early

[nvening]

That's cheating!


You can get ones under 20 quid that have integrated pumps now, but they seem quite heavy compared to rolls to me.

There worth it!

I have a double one

[AledJ]

You can get ones under 20 quid that have integrated pumps now, but they seem quite heavy compared to rolls to me.

Ah right long time since i looked. I have an inflatable bed that doubles as sleeping bag Its heavy but then i'm not trekking with it. Just stick it in the car.