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Subject Topic: Single Mum advice pls - tent or trailer?! Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonLilSparkles
28/7/2018 at 3:15pm
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Hi all

I’m a single mum to an almost 2 year old and want to take her camping on a regular basis. I figure I have 3 summers left before we’re a slave to the school timetables so I’d like to be able to go away maybe once a month to 6 weeks while the weather is nice while she’s little.

Having only ever been camping with other adults I’m really apprehensive of doing it alone though!! Mainly just with the idea of pitching and taking the tent down with a toddler in tow.

I’ve considered a trailer tent, specifically the Combi camp, which even second hand would be a stretch in terms of affordability, although just about doable. But also looking at inflatable tents as they seem to be pretty quick to set up.

Any opinions greatly appreciated!!

Also - am I totally bonkers to think this is even a good idea?!! 😂


PersonBearwood
28/7/2018 at 3:52pm
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Air tent, as much easier to put up yourself, as you also noted quicker especially if you get electric pump. The hard part is keeping your child amused and safe while putting up and taking down. This will depend on you and your daughter and how she copes only you can tell. As long as you are both safe and enjoy then hey try it. Oh btw we are all a wee bit bonkers lol

-------------
Well do bears!!!!


PersonLilSparkles
28/7/2018 at 5:01pm
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Haha I’m in good company then!

She’s easily amused and loves to help with things, so as long as it’s a quick pitch/packaway the biggest problem would probably be stopping her from getting involved!

The Vango inflatables look like maybe they’re the best option and I hadn’t even thought about an electric pump, so that’s definitely a tick in the bix


PersonBob61
28/7/2018 at 9:58pm
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I have never had one but I am given to understand that trailer tents take as much time to put up as ordinary tents. I have never had a blow up tent either but if you have not had a tent before then perhaps an inflatable might be your easiest option.

If you can afford a trailer tent though, have you considered a small second hand caravan? A few years back I bought one for £300 in pretty good condition but of course you need to be very careful as there is plenty of damp rubbish out there...but that applies to trailer tents as well.

As mentioned, your main problem will be keeping a two year old amused and out of mischief while you erect a tent and even a blow up one will take some time. Blowing it up is the easy bit...you then have numerous guy ropes and pegging points to do before the tent is safely erected...not to mention all the gear that needs to go inside although that can be done later.

Lots of single mums go camping with their kids and manage very well. I understand women can multitask so with a bit of practice I am sure you will cope. Good luck.


PersonTimCESmith
29/7/2018 at 12:01am
 Location: London
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There are lots of single parent camping groups you can get hold of via Facebook and / or Mumsnet. I ran into one a couple of years ago whilst camping solo + DD and had one of the best trips ever.

If you're worried about setting up your unit single-handed, you will always get help if you ask for it, either from fellow campers or the campsite staff. That said, we bought an inflatable tent so the I can pitch single handed.

I've said it before on here, but the reason Apple invented the iPad is to keep little ones occupied whilst you set up the tent.

The worst parenting fail I've had in four years of camping was to forget the Calpol. It's only happened once.


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Personlidds0
29/7/2018 at 6:54am
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Get a Cabanon Guadeloupe. Pack size is not too huge or heavy, SIG is tough and high quality canvas lovely to live under. Just the right size for 2 people and easiest and quickest of all tents to pitch (and you don't need to buy a pump!). Resale values are good too, if you ever fancy a change. Will last until your child becomes an adult, if properly cared for (the tent, not the child!).


woodman2
29/7/2018 at 10:05am
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One thing you need to consider is the weight of these inflatable tents.

With a conventional tent the poles and fabric are usually in separate bags and so the weight is split.

When we looked at inflatable tents the size and weight of the single bag was very significant and maybe would be a problem for you.

Good luck with whatever you decide.


Personlidds0
29/7/2018 at 12:35pm
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Quote: Originally posted by woodman2 on 29/7/2018
One thing you need to consider is the weight of these inflatable tents.

With a conventional tent the poles and fabric are usually in separate bags and so the weight is split.

When we looked at inflatable tents the size and weight of the single bag was very significant and maybe would be a problem for you.

Good luck with whatever you decide.



And the bulk...


PersonPeppermintCreams
29/7/2018 at 2:13pm
 Location: London
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I've just come back from a few days camping with a mums group all with 3 year olds and older/younger siblings. (Half of us single half of us left the men at home) Can I recommend a pop up festival/play tent for your DD to play in as soon as you arrive. Also some pre-downloaded netflix/cbeebies/prime on your tablet or phone. And snacks! I've got an Vango Icarus 500 which I can put up by myself or with minimal help from my 10 year old. Good luck!


PersonSurfin
29/7/2018 at 6:53pm
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Argos are doing a Inflateable Tent for £100
Its a Tresspass 4 and gets good reviews from the buyers in the Argos site.

If its not available in store you can order from the Argos Store on Ebay and have it delivered to a Argos near you.For that money i am thinking of getting one and the only thing holding me back is..do i really need another tent.
Enjoy your camping which ever way you choose to go.

The Blurb
Spacious living and bedroom room, walk in height double skin ventilation windows sewn in groundsheet carpet included air poles, set up in seconds.

4 person tunnel tent.
2 rooms, 1 door, mosquito nets and sewn in groundsheet.
Tent material polyester.
Hydrostatic head 3000mm - the higher the figure, the more waterproof the tent.
Fire retardant double skin with taped seams.
Includes: carrybag.
Pitched size H190, W230, L450cm.
Packed size L61, W20, .
Packed weight 11.4kg.


Post last edited on 29/07/2018 18:58:43


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Personfin676
29/7/2018 at 10:02pm
 Location: Banffshire
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Inflatable tent is definatley the easiest to pitch on your own whatever the weather throws at you but do ensure that you peg out all the guy lines
Best to buy some good tent pegs as the ones that come with most tents are very poor
practce the pitching and packing of the tent before you go away so that you know that you have everything you need and know what you are doing
Enjoy the time you can have outdoors with your daughter

Brian



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