Message Forums

Hi everyone, I've been surfing over these forums for some time but have only just joined.

My situation is that my wife and I want to start camping with the kids (1 and 4). I did a load of camping when I was a kid in massive frame tents (Raclet, Casey's style) and done lots of scout camping etc. Other half has been camping once, with me, about 7 years ago which wasn't entirely successful. Tent was too big for us to put up in wind, other half inexperienced so unable to do much to help, arrived late at site etc etc.

My wife is keen to go camping again but without the trauma, especially as we're with the kids now. My problem is confidence! While I was a kid it was all a big adventure but now I'm in charge and everyone looking at me to sort it all (oh the joys of being a Dad!). With such small children, I worry a lot about getting the tent up, leaks, cold etc, wife gets worried if everything not going to plan - am I being paranoid?

With regard to tents, we'd like to buy a new tent, preferably large again, but a load easier to put up as my wife will help as much as poss but could be keeping the kids in check. We've seen the Khyam quick-erect system and the videos on their website seem to make it look easy(given that it's a windless, sunny day!) - are they that easy? I hate tents that require 15 foot long fibreglass poles to be threaded through some fabric that jams all the time - not much fun!

So really, are we mad to be thinking of doing this again? What are your thoughts on tents etc, general tips to know? Anything really to give me that confidence boost!

Many thanks!

If I had a family again I would definitely go back to a frame tent.  I now use a lage tunnel tent purely because I have to erect it single handed, but in my opinion frame tents are more practical in terms of shape and usable space, particularly in wet weather.  The only downside in the weight and size when packed.

Hi and welcome,

My advice would be read all the threads on here, go and look at lots of tents, watch all the pitching videos, and by the time you have done all that you will be an expert and will impress the OH and kids with all your knowledge.

Seriously we have only started camping and are thoroughly enjoying the whole experience, we have 2 tents and both have the fibrglass poles never had any problems with them jamming.

Good luck

Tricia

I'd recommend Khyams - they really are easy to put up. We can get our XL standing up in under 10 mins and I'm not much help as I'm only 5'. After that it's just a matter of pegging it out and guying etc.

Hi Steve, having started camping again after a gap of 15 years, we share all your concerns. In those days we had a canvas frame tent which could take a bit of punishment. Now we have bought a modern dome tent, which seems quite flimsy in comparison. Due to this awful weather, we have not yet had chance to use it, and are worried about going away for our holiday in late August, without having a trial run. What happens if it leaks, if a pole breaks, will it stand a good breeze, is it safe or wise to cook inside it ? I should imagine that these are common concerns and their's only one way to find out the answers, so let's go for it.

                                                                                        Keith.

Hi Steve. OH, me and our thee kids (3, 5 & 10) went for the first time a few weeks ago as a family (OH and me having done it before in frame and trailer tents). We were worried about everything and spent lots of time on here asking questions. We plumped for the Outwell Montana 6 because of its size and it looked toddler escape proof. And, it is a great size and does keep the 3yo in. 

We camped near Bakewell early June. It was so cold at night we had to huddle together to keep warm. We actually though we might all die in our sleep.

But, the kids loved every minute of it and constantly ask "when are we going again".

Next time we'll make sure we have more than just sleeping bags for night. That'd be my tip. Oh! and if you do get a Montana 6, the porch area is just right for a porta-potty, a must with a 4yo.

Hi we have a frame tent we got it from argos a few years ago (it is actually on sale at the mo) and we love it it has loads of head height a massive living area and although you can seperate the bedrooms we just have it as one big bedroom as we have a 6 and 1 year old so we all cosy together. Don't panic about the putting up etc just have a few dry runs in the garden before you go and tell your wife to ignore any expletives or insults that will undoubtly come from you whilst erecting said tent. Also a good tip for when putting the tent up is no matter how much they plead MAKE THE CHILDREN STAY IN THE CAR WHILST ERECTING THE TENT!!!! Having them running around attempting to get inside the tent whils you are putting it up will only cause more anger and expletives! So if they have some treats to keep them occupied in the car you will find it easier to cope with. As you can probably tell i am very experienced in this and have learnt to simply agree with everything my husband says during tent erection!!!!!!

Pro Action Nevada 5 Person Frame Tent.  This is the tent we have it is only £69 at the mo!

Hi everyone and I'm touched by the number of replies that came so quickly.

On balance, I think you've convinced me to go back to a traditional frame tent. There are things to be said for the lighter weight camping but the strength, waterproofing and size of the frame tents just seems to make it better for all concerned, especially with little ones in tow.

Having helped put them up loads when I was a kid I doubt they've changed much (do you still have to label them with bits of insulation tape like my Dad did??) so will make it easier. What might not be so easy though is finding a decent quality one. I saw the recommendation for Cabanon and also seen Marachel, Relum and Raclet on the forum. Problem is two-fold:

1) Not many places seem to sell these now, especially Cabanon (even their website takes you to a stockist who doesn't sell them.

2) Even fewer places have them erected to go and see - we're on Merseyside and happy to travel across NW England, North Wales, West Yorks etc but can't find any definites - any ideas?

Many thanks again.

Having camped with small kids on my own I recommend the following

1.  Practice putting up the tent,  so you are confident what to do the first time... regardless of the tent you choose.  THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT.

2.  Do not go too far for your first adventure, you still get away and at least you do not arrive late and do not feel pressured the first day.

3. Have emergency food ready and make sure that evening meal is simple so that you do not have the kids howling at you.

4.  Pack logically, plan, make sure you know where things are... AND what you will need immediately on arrival on the site is avaliable easily.

5.  Pack some sort of distractration for the kids so you can put the tent up without worryig... for the one  year old some sort of humane teathering is a good idea....  If not too hot used to leave car door open and let them watch from there.... if hot.. remove chair from car with child still strapped in, and let them watch you .. provide some sort of toy distraction.  These days you have DVD's ..

6.  Kids are not useful in setting up camp until quite old as they get tooooo excited.. just accept it.

7. Be organised...... VERY.  It cuts the stress

8. Pack a bottle of wine and the corkscrew & have lots of fun

PS people will help you .... personally I do not watch people struggle.

The Khyam tents are very easy to put up, we had one and i could put it up single handed in minutes ( I am onlt 5ft2 girl). The other important piece of kit is decent sleeping bags and insulation under you when sleeping. There is nothing more likely to put you off that being cold.

Ther are loads of different type and shape of tents, it would be a good idea to go and have look at a few to see. Make sure when you pack the car you put the tent in last as this means you can put the tent up without evertything else all over the floor. Get someting to keep the kids busy whilst you put the tent up (portable dvd players in the car are great for this)

We have three kids and started when the youngest was 3months, the kids love it.