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Topic: Newbie camper

MP 2484

16/7/2010 at 10:57am
Location: None Entered
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Hi Guys n Gals,

Never been camping but always wanted to, now going with some mates. I've had a look for a cheapish 2 man tent and seen the Vango Alpha 250. Is this a good begginer tent etc etc? Any others you'd reccomend?

Also what do I do about a fridge, can I just use a cooler bag?

Thanks in advance

Mike

flamingobingo

16/7/2010 at 11:04am
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Outfit: 5m bell tent

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Hi Mike

I can't help with the tent question but wrt the fridge - go somewhere that has a freezer, and take two sets of freezer packs and a cool box. That way you can have a frozen set in the coolbox, while the second set freezes in the site freezer, and then swap them over. Make sure you mark them before you put them in the freezer.

sanhozay

16/7/2010 at 11:26am
Location: Otley
Outfit: Terra Nova Laser Com

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I don't have one, but I've seen those small Vangos (Alpha, Beta, Zetes) erected at various places and like the look of them. Vangos are decent tents (I have a Tigris as well as a handful of small tents).

Obviously it's a small tent so you can't stand up in it and your options are limited for sitting around in it, or careful cooking if weather is poor.

The Alpha 250 is a cosy, but not unreasonable, 2-man tent. For only a few quid more, the Zetes 300 is a tight 3-man, or a generous 2-man. The tunnel structure probably gives a bit more practical headroom inside and IIRC the porch is a much better size.

The Beta 350 gives a lot more porch space for storage and sitting if it's wet. The Icarus extends that further and gives a generous living area (for a 3-man tent).

Depends on your expectations with regard to space, but overall those small Vangos represent excellent value IMO. Certainly much better tents than the ones sold off by supermarkets or in "camping sets".

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Richard

peter2188

16/7/2010 at 9:48pm
Location: cheshire
Outfit: vango 500 fireblazer

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i have a little fridge that plugs in to your car cig lighter,tried it out once it gets quite cold but i think it would drain the car battery if used all week it is ok for up to 8cans of coke so fine for keeping your milk fresh and perhaps bacon and sausages think the option of freeze paks better in a cool bag.do not think i would like to see if my battery stands up to the use so it s been in its box for 4 years in the loft hmmm ebay ? sale. As like they say u get what you pay for or what you can afford for the tents scene we have a vango 500 fire blazer 4 berth but think more suited to 3 people but its been very good in torrential rain and high winds tried and tested on shell island wales they call it tent death island it has been the demise of many tents so u need a good one just bought a gelert newland 3 berth not sure what it like as not been out in it yet but have seen good reviews on the 4 berth model but it will be interesting on shell island in august .

moonmummy

16/7/2010 at 10:40pm
Location: Cornwall
Outfit: HypercampDjakarta Vango omega 350

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Hi Mike,

The Alpha's are good beginner tents. I have the 250 and it's weeny. I wouldn't want to camp in it if I was sharing with another camper. Ok for 1 person.

If there's 2 sharing,or you want a spacious tent, look at the Beta 350, would probably be more suitable, it's got a good sized porch. I have the Omega 350, which is the same but with aloy poles and 3000 HH. Only thing with these tunnels with side doors, is that when it rains, the water drips into the porch when you open the door. (Unless you rig up a tarp across the top of the tent.) If you want to sit in your tent watching the rain, they aren't brilliant. The Icarus has a front door, so may not have the same problem.

The Vango sigma 300+ is worth a look too, it's got a porch at either end, and bedroom in the middle. You can open both doors and get a breeze blowing right through the tent on a hot day. I seem to remember seeing a sigma 300+ for about £40 online somewhere....shop around.
A quick and easy way to extend the living space on the sigma or alpha,is to get a Vango adventure tarp. This can be hooked over the doorway and gives you a large,sheltered area to sit under. Also can be pitched away from the tent as a communal shelter for evenings etc.

gone for a p

16/7/2010 at 10:59pm
Location: Kent
Outfit: Easy Camp Venice 200L

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Hi Mike. I have a Vango and i think it is excellent and I dont think you'll be disapointed if you get one. They are very good quality. We sat in our tent one holiday last year when it was just pouring with rain, it lasted for most of the week and the tent kept us dry and snug. Weve had ours for a few years and we are really pleased with it. Good luck for your first camping trip and I hope you really enjoy it!

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Happy Camping!!

MP 2484

18/7/2010 at 11:53am
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Excellent advice guys, thanks very much.

I'll let you know how I get on.

Cheers

Mike

MP 2484

12/9/2010 at 5:47pm
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Right well i've been bitten by the bug now. Went camping for the first time a week ago and loved it. I purchased a Vango Spectre 300 which suited me perfectly really easy to put up.

I stayed at Cae Gwyn in Coed Y Brenin (North Wales) which is a really good campsite. Thanks for all the advice.

Cheers

Mike

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