Busybird Posted June 9, 2010 Share Posted June 9, 2010 theherd123 wrote Is a double skinned tent a better first option to start with esp with a 20 month old? Our first tent pitched inner first which was fine unless it was raining I would recommend getting a double skinned tent that pitches outer first or all in one (the inner can be packed away still attached to the outer and the whole lot pitches together). I would also recommend a fully sewn in groundsheet. Outwell do excellent tents but are not cheap. An insumat between sleeping bag and airbed solves the heat loss problem but don't skimp on sleeping bags!! We also take fleece throws that act as 'carpets' for the kids to play on in bad weather and extra blankets if camping in cooler weather. It is very easy to get carried away when faced with all the amaxing accessories available for camping. Many will help add luxury and convenience to your holiday but think about how you will transport it all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skillick Posted June 9, 2010 Share Posted June 9, 2010 We camped for many years for our main family holiday with our children. We had previously camped with Scouts and Guides and caravanned with my husbands parents. We borrowed a trailer tent from friends and were hooked. As someone who likes a bit of luxury I really enjoyed having a 'proper' bed, raised off the ground and my girls thoroughly enjoyed sleeping in their own 'tent' underneath our bed. We always enjoyed our camping holidays and found it great to get to know other campers. My girls usually made new friends and now they are grown up both still enjoy camping holidays in their own tents. I can recommed the camping and caravanning club sites, in fact there is a picture of our last tent on this page (it's the first one that comes up, blue with a car either side of it). The toilets and showers are always clean and tents are pitched a safe distance apart. http://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/siteseeker/aspx/details.aspx?id=6110¤tPage=0&enhancement=none&priority=1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tara Posted June 9, 2010 Share Posted June 9, 2010 Hello we go camping a few times a year my partner grew up with it they went a few times every year.He has loads of memories as a child and tells me when were sitting up late once the kids are asleep and we have a good laugh We have used park resorts and found them pretty ok my children love swimming and the play parks we mainly choose opnes that are right next to beaches,we have met some lovely people and still keep in touch with them.We are going to buy a caravan just feel for us it would suit us but still love the tent just want my own shower and toiliet and love the idea of hooking up and going plus l can take the children on my own and feel more secure.We brought a 8 berth tent its brilliant never wet inside and plenty of room.This is our tent http://www.marshallleisure.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=5344¤cy=GBP We will use it for a few more years yet.We take duvets pillows 2 ring gas stove with grill a value toaster and air beds we use electric and we use the tvs for the children but mostly they play with other children.We have joined other familys and all the kids have played.I used to go abroad in hotels and l still will do that but have caming breaks away too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bronze Posted June 9, 2010 Share Posted June 9, 2010 We have just updated to a vango tigris 800 with a porch http://www.outdoormegastore.co.uk/acatalog/Vango_Tigris_800_Family_Tunnel_Tent.html. It has 4 inner 2 bed bedrooms which is great for us as here are 6 of us and I'm sure dd won't want to share with any boys as she gets older If you like luxury look at getting some fat airics or thermarests. Actually I think the airics have been stopped because they're bringing ouyt something better Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMO Posted June 10, 2010 Share Posted June 10, 2010 Hi You'll love this site - very family friendly and with a great farm trail with lots of animals and play areas : http://www.cotswoldview.co.uk/ Have a look at the pods - they look fab and are good if you are just dipping your toes back into the world of camping. Hope to see you soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzie50 Posted June 10, 2010 Share Posted June 10, 2010 i need a loo and a trailer although will not use both at the same time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busybird Posted June 10, 2010 Share Posted June 10, 2010 Jules I absolutely LOVE your top and scarf!! Tell me your shopping secrets... we are far too much a crocs and slobs camping family aspiring to be more Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules. Posted June 11, 2010 Share Posted June 11, 2010 Jules I absolutely LOVE your top and scarf!! Tell me your shopping secrets... we are far too much a crocs and slobs camping family aspiring to be more thank you *blushes* The top is from Joe Browns, bought in the sale last year, & the scarf a birthday present from Wallis. You can't see that I'm wearing my wellies in the photo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ladyjulian Posted June 11, 2010 Share Posted June 11, 2010 I love love love camping. However, one thing I have noticed is that the amount of equipment you really can't do without expands to fit whatever your mode of transport is. I mainly cycle-camp, in which case it's: 2-man tent (half each between me and partner) Trangia x-ped down mat sleeping bag fabulous little russian-doll plate set thing titanium spork lightweight sandals so I don't have to wear my bike shoes, and a warm fleece for the evening However, if I have the luxury of taking the car, I can suddenly discover that I absolutely must take a lot more stuff. A carful of stuff. If I had a caravan, I'd probably find I could fill that up too. Stuff that has made a real difference: the xped down mat. They're not cheap, but if you want a really good (warm) night's sleep in a tent, they're *wonderful.* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted June 11, 2010 Share Posted June 11, 2010 Hey Jules - I recognise that tent! Looks great One thing i have found is that everyone's idea of what they want from camping is so varied - some want a home from home with every mod con; others like to really get back to nature with no electric and only the bare essentials. There is no wrong or right - it can be as minimalist or maximalist as you want (and have the space for!) For me it's a bit of escapism - creating my own little palace with nature on the doorstep. I love comfort, colour and cosiness, but like to do without electric wherever possible. This is my set up at the moment: Bunting and lanterns by the door: Scented tealights in handpainted jars: Rugs and carpets on the floor. The kitchen unit is pure luxury with water on tap; plus my funky red enamel teapot and red whistling kettle: Comfy, cosy bed: All the blankets, rugs and bedding have been charity shop finds so minimal financial outlay as well! I even have a woven french market basket hanging by the door with towel and washbag in for my trip to the showerblock: I want one of these next: Emperor Tent Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickric Posted June 12, 2010 Share Posted June 12, 2010 Emperor tent. Has anyone ever been to Shell Island in Wales? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted June 12, 2010 Share Posted June 12, 2010 Emperor tent.Has anyone ever been to Shell Island in Wales? Aiming to go in July - unfortunately they don't take advance booking, you just turn up on the day We are going before the schools break up, so hopefully will get on. It looks beautiful - I've been wanting to go for ages! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted June 12, 2010 Share Posted June 12, 2010 Emperor tent.Has anyone ever been to Shell Island in Wales? Aiming to go in July - unfortunately they don't take advance booking, you just turn up on the day We are going before the schools break up, so hopefully will get on. It looks beautiful - I've been wanting to go for ages! but what if you've driven all that way and then can't get in?? - what a nightmare. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted June 12, 2010 Author Share Posted June 12, 2010 Thanks for the photos Snowy - thats my kind of camping! Do hope you can get in at Shell Island when you go - such a long way to go to be disappointed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted June 13, 2010 Share Posted June 13, 2010 Thay have a live feed that tells you what the expected pitch availability is for that day! We will go armed with a few alternative sites as back up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patsylabrador Posted June 13, 2010 Share Posted June 13, 2010 Wow! What a set up, I love that. We're always so slapdash, we forget everything. Last week we had to buy pans and utensils on the way because we'd forgotten to pack them. My husband had packed a week's supply of booze (for one night) and very little else. I remembered my mascara, toothbrush, sleeping bag and very little else. Thank goodness it's just the two of us now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willow Posted June 13, 2010 Share Posted June 13, 2010 Just come back from wandering around a tent show down the road and I'm torn between a Vango Tigris 400 and an Outwell Nevada M as a good short trip tent for family of 4. We still use the Vago Kura plus porch for 1-2 week hols but I want something smaller for weekends. Does anyone have either of these ? I looked at the reviews on both on UK campsite and they both look good. We've had a pole split on our Vango jura in first year of use (3rd outing) and Outwells have good rep for quality. I'm not as worried about cost and want to chose what is best for us rather than the cheapest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sezra Posted June 13, 2010 Share Posted June 13, 2010 Outwells have good rep for quality. I'm afraid I can't comment on the tents you mention but we have had an Outwell for 6 years and we have been really happy with it. I love looking at other peoples tents when we go away, I think I would like a new one but cant justify it whilst ours is still going strong! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickric Posted June 14, 2010 Share Posted June 14, 2010 This is the tent we are looking at link. Although having looked at the Bell tents from the link on Snowy's post I really want one of the 5m ones and it's not that much more expensive Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted June 14, 2010 Share Posted June 14, 2010 I think Vango and Outwell are both great makes in terms of quality, they aren't the tops, but they are very good value for money and generally very good quality. I've got a Vango and it's a great tent, equally others swear by Outwell. The Maritsa is a lovely tent - I was looking at one last week. Great use of space! The beauty of the bell tents is that they can be erected by one person as they are just one pole. The downside is that all that cotton canvas is extremely heavy. And you still need a seperate kitchen tent or the whole effect is spoilt! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willow Posted June 14, 2010 Share Posted June 14, 2010 But of course as soon as I narrow a weekend tent down to 2 sensible options I'm reminded I quite fancy the idea of a teepee with cushions, rugs and a fire and no division between relaxation and sleep areas. The reality of course is there'd be odd packets of food, lolly wrappers and stray used socks lying around (even if the boys didn't pack any socks) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patsylabrador Posted June 16, 2010 Share Posted June 16, 2010 Has anyone read 'The Tent, The Bucket and Me' by Emma Kennedy? I've only read a short bit and it's very funny. It reminds me so much of camping trips with my parents. I think anyone who went camping in the 60's and 70's will recognise a lot of their families in this book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C&T Posted June 16, 2010 Share Posted June 16, 2010 Has anyone read 'The Tent, The Bucket and Me' by Emma Kennedy?I've only read a short bit and it's very funny. It reminds me so much of camping trips with my parents. I think anyone who went camping in the 60's and 70's will recognise a lot of their families in this book. I thought it was hilarious! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bronze Posted June 16, 2010 Share Posted June 16, 2010 Patricia I have the vango tigris but the 800 and we love it Snowy how do you get everything there. We couldn't fit all that in a trailer! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Speckled Hen Posted June 16, 2010 Share Posted June 16, 2010 But of course as soon as I narrow a weekend tent down to 2 sensible options I'm reminded I quite fancy the idea of a teepee with cushions, rugs and a fire and no division between relaxation and sleep areas. The reality of course is there'd be odd packets of food, lolly wrappers and stray used socks lying around (even if the boys didn't pack any socks) This place is fantastic http://www.lake-district-yurts.co.uk/ The girl who runs them was on my beekeeping course Hubby and I are going camping to Skye this weekend, last time I was there was as a student more than thirty years ago and I can remember the midges I am armed with myrtle midge repellant and a midge hat but perhaps I should take my bee suit Never mind, at least I booked us into a posh inn at Applecross for two nights on our way home Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
