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Wow thanks for replies, excellent site

Going to see if I can find somewhere localish to have a look at tents erected might give me a bit more of an idea to living space, but like the look of vango tents.  I live in surrey any ideas?)

Also think I will need to invest in some proper sleeping bags as the ones I have were just cheapies from tesco.

was not going to put to much in roof box just sleeping bags and pillows/cloths was only to free up some leg room in car lol.  Have been reading up on the hippo(soft boxes) which might be a better option as I can probably fit it on roof myself

Will have to get my cig lighter fixed in car to charge mobile (can't be without it when I'm on my own with kids)

thanks

Quote: Originally posted by jac_c on 12/5/2009

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i would just like to say what a great forum this is and how adictive it is :-) and everybody is so helpful.
The only bad(joke) points are I am so confused now on what sort of tent to get and where to go so much great advice has bombozled me

can someone help

I have a nissan micra with roof bars and hopefully getting roof box this year, want to take my sons (9,5) camping, will be solo this year as hubby going in for knee op, but will also need convincing it is a good idea ready for next year.(not camped before)

Not sure if i should just get halfords special 4man with acc or go for something on ebay a bit bigger (ready for next year) max budget £200 allin. need to be able to fit table and chairs in (english weather!)

Also got some more questions, (have only been camping as a kid in trailer tent 20yrs ago)

1) footprint what is it?

An extra groundsheet that goes under your existing one, usually used for tents with a sewn in groundsheet. Keeps it all clean for easy packing !

2) breathable ground sheet?

 Usually used in awnings for caravans etc but basically it allows the grass underneath to breath.

3) some sites have pitch size? is this the size of tent only or the size once pegged out with guideropes?

The size of the tent as shown on your tents description. Be careful as some sites are getting tough on larger tents. Better to go for long and narrow to have more choice of sites you can use imh.

4) do any site do mobile phone charging or would I have to get electric hook up?
 

Have you see the solar "freeloader chargers you can buy ?http://www.amazon.co.uk/Freeloader-SC8088-Solar-Charger-Silver/dp/B000ODRNDA?

5) cooker/bbq 1ring/2ring gas bottle or the tiny canisters?

For family camping most people use a 2 burner .

6) am I taking on a too bigger task or just mad?

Absolutley barking

am sorry for all question, but am so confused

thanks for all replies

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We bought our vango a couple of years ago off ebay, it was second hand but they had only used it once, we got it with cooker, gas bottle, camp kitchen and loads of other stuff for about £160 which was a bargain so you can get some good deals on there.

Last weekend we went to the lakes but had to come home early because the weather was atrocious, 2 tents next to us blew away (a coleman and an outwell) but fortunately ours was still standing so I have complete faith in my Vango!!!

Ebay for the tent, but be rudent to make sure you get a good manafacturer(search the forum for this).

Chairs, B&M or tesco....shop around, roughly 5 or ten pound for one.

Footprint, buy a tarp from screwfix(cheaper) or B&Q.

Search on here for sleeping bags vango nitestar seem to be a fav.

Beds, your choice.........carpeting the tent, fleeces asda 2quid for one.

Cooker already mentioned above.

A little internet research or camping suppliers and work out what comforts you want and then you'll know what tent budget you have and what will fit in the Micra.

Also check freecycle and maybe try borrowing some kit from friends till you find your feet.

Some people spend a fortune on kit and some are quite happy roughing it.....which are you.

Hi

I have just bought these Sunncamp sleeping bags for £17 (looks like they've gone up a bit £21.50) but this is still a good price as they are £35 on other sites. Haven't used them yet but they are very thick and warm .

As stated above I wouldn't buy the Halfords tent as they don't have great reviews. You can pick up really good tents for not much more than these. Some of the most well known and trusted tent manufacturers are Outwell, Vango, Coleman, Royal, Khyam and Wynnster. Kampa tents are also getting some good reviews at the moment. We had a Coleman Lakeside 4 as our first tent which stood up to a lot of bad weather. You can pick it up for about £100 now. It doesn't have a sewn in groundsheet though only a flat one so not sure if this would be an issue for you.

Which ever tent you decide on try to see it up at a display and also check out the tent reviews on this site.

Happy Camping

Quote: Originally posted by hall68 on 13/5/2009

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Hi

I have just bought these Sunncamp sleeping bags for £17 (looks like they've gone up a bit £21.50) but this is still a good price as they are £35 on other sites. Haven't used them yet but they are very thick and warm .

As stated above


The sleeping bags have gone up since last week . I bought 4 last week as a wedding present for my sister to replace her rubbish tesco ones, and they were £17.50 then , and I only paid £15 for mine last year . they are excellent bags though, really warm.


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Debbie