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Topic: Pitching in the dark/dusk

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Liverbird08

13/9/2009 at 9:26pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: Quechua llll Bell t

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Just pitched my Bell tent in the dark in the woods whilst my friend held a tiny torch up for me to see! Did it and proud although not quite as good as it normally is, still looked great in daylight.

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2011-
Dec/Jan -Cornwall nr Padstow (cottage)
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March - Llangollen (cottage)
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bartown22

13/9/2009 at 9:49pm
Location: Notts
Outfit: Quechua 4.2 and 2 second pop up

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This is why pop up tents are a blessing! I have pitched a normal tent in the dark and it took us twice as long with lots of bad language lol.

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Wendyxx

scrumble

13/9/2009 at 11:13pm
Location: Cambridgeshire
Outfit: Moslty in a Pennine Pathfinder nowaday

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I've never pitched our Khyam Ridgipod in the dark (I've pitched smaller tents sometimes), though it's been close. But I'm pretty sure we could do it ok - it's the beeing tired at the end of a journey/long day or having the kids there as well that would be the issue for me.

The most useful thing is decent head torches, then yoiu can see what you are doing and have free hands. Car headlights give plenty of light, but they also end up casting a lot of shadow

Finnboy

14/9/2009 at 2:00am
Location: Medway Kent
Outfit: Base Sec 4.2 Base Sec 2 Sec+III

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Sorry if already mentioned (only skim read the thread) but LED head torches are fantastic for this sort of thing. Very bright and leave hands free to pitch the tent.

Also a second vote for popups, we tried our new Jersey M this weekend and it was bliss at how easy it pitched and was folded away.

EDIT: Just seen poster above mentioned the head torches. I totally agree.

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(Quechua popup addict!)
Planned for next year, hopefully!

Summer Solstice wild camp.

Chilled in a Field, July.

Crantock, August. Fouth year with the fantastic Quechua Base Seconds 4.2!
..... and the odd night wild camping in my Argos 1 man tent...

petemillis

14/9/2009 at 6:50am
Location: None Entered
Outfit: Bell tent & lavvu & Coleman Avior X2

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I have a plan....things like the Gelert pop-up tents are so cheap that I wonder if it's worth keeping a couple for emergency use. Imagine....arrive in the dark, whip out the pop-ups, chuck in sleeping bags and sleep overnight. Then, in morning, up bright and early, eat brekkie and pitch your main tent in daylight. Hmmm.

pokeystick

14/9/2009 at 7:03am
Location: Midlands
Outfit: blacks constellation 3 lynx

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I totally understand the dilemma with problems getting away from work and having to pitch in the dark. I've done this with several tents and been successful, but I am aware that this is what I do so practice pitching my tent to get familiar with it.

I pack my tent as the last thing in the car so I can reach it easily and pack the tent so that everything is in order of pitching. I always use a head torch because car lights may disturb any sleeping campers, depending on the time you arrive.

Remember, pitching is not a race so take time and be patient with your partner whilst helping pitch. Get into a routine so you both know what your jobs are. My partner and I discuss a pitch whilst sitting in the car so we avoid unnecessary disagreements whilst in ear shot or others. Arguing or shouting at each other in tiredness and frustration will never go down well with your neighbors, but regardless of how hungry or tired you are, always get your tent pitched before anything else.

The hardest part is finding a decent pitch in the dark so it's always best to go somewhere you know well or has set pitches for you. I have to say though, for me it is definitely worth doing because I can get away with weekend breaks without taking annual leave!

I'd be interested to know what you decided and how you got on.

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Bananas are a good source of potassium

Outdoorlass

14/9/2009 at 11:15pm
Location: UK
Outfit: None Entered

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13/9/2009

Quote: Originally posted by Outdoorlass on 11/9/2009OH just called and wants to go, FFS I haven't organised anything, its way too late now, so thinking just going for a one nighter first thing in the morning

manage to get away?

H
iya,

Sorry, not logged on for a couple of days, nooo sadly, we didn't go, my DD has ME/CFS and was very tired after her first week back at school and needed to rest.

Not to worry, there will be plenty of opportunities in the spring.

Thanks

Post last edited on 14/09/2009 23:21:39

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Outdoorlass

14/9/2009 at 11:17pm
Location: UK
Outfit: None Entered

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Thank you all for the advice and stories, some great tips for future trips.

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