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Hi all

As a complete beginner to camping who's about to make her first camping trip this weekend I wondered if anyone could help out!

We've recently bought a Sunncamp Vario 5 from Ebay which we discovered had no instructions!  This problem is solved now as I found the link on here for Family Vario instructions.  What I need though if anyone can help out, is a list of exactly what should be included with this tent ie, how many poles etc.  I know this is all a bit last minute but could really do with checking that everythings there b4 setting off to Wales this weekend!

Thanks in advance.

Rachel

If your tent is like this one:

http://www.somersetcamping.co.uk/detail/98/?source=froogle

then you can compare the details given with what you have. It lists the number of inner tents, groundsheets, poles etc.

The vario 5 became the vario 500 in newer models, so there are some differences depending on year on make.

I can give you a list based on my vario 6:

- 4 identical shock-corded poles with one spare pole section for repairs

- 2 metal poles that go along the sides of the tent, each in 2 sprung sections with a screw in thing to join them

- fly sheet including semicircular front panel (attach this if its not already attached)

- 2 bedroom inners (you might want to check the the hanging toggles are all OK)

- 2 tent tidies which attach to the side walls

- sleeves for the side poles (I don't use these and I'm not sure if all models have them)

- fabric panel that attaches between bedrooms (not essential)

- 2 sections of silver coloured ground sheet for living area (we have bought an additional groundsheet for under the bedrooms to stop them getting mucky)

- lots of guy lines attached to tent! might be worth checking that they are all there or at least the the major ones (attached to each pole sleeve one each side, one in middle of front, others are at the back)

- lots of pegs, you probably want to take in excess of 30 (including good ones for the major guys) for the tent, plus additional ones for your groundsheets

- repair kit containing patches

This is from memory so apologies if there is anything I have forgotten.  I hope if there is anything different on the 5 someone with a 5 will add their comments.

Have a nice trip.

Hi Rachel, the best way to make sure you have everything is put the tent up, have a trial run - don't wait until you go away and then find out a vital piece of kit is missing as it will ruin your weekend, familiarise yourself with the tent and make sure that it is all in good order before you set off...this you should do with a new tent but even more so with a pre-used, plus you will be a lot more confident when putting it up on the campsite and have the appearance of a well seasoned camper instead of looking hopelessly lost!   We have the vario 600, slightly different to yours but principle still the same - you should have flysheet (tent) plus separate living area groundsheet, 4 shock corded poles, 2 long stabilising poles that go along the sides in the tent, 2 inner tents (sleeping compartments), bag of pegs (but recommend getting yourself some spares).  32 guylines are included for our tent - not sure how many yours has but should all be attached anyway.  If your tent has the moveable front panel make sure it's there!, plus a couple of hanging organiser 'pockets', other than that you should have a repair kit and 1 or 2 spare pole sections...not vital as you can obtain pole sections for repairs from camping outlets...hope this has been of help to you and enjoy your weekend..

Well guys thanks for all the information - I've re-checked everything in the bag and as far as I can see it's all there! yipee!

So, looking forward to my first camping trip - all we need now is some dry weather :-)