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Hi

Never been camping before.  My other half thought it would be fun for the boys aged 4 and 12 .  They're really excited about it but I'm not sure now.  Is this tent really as bad as the reviews on the message boards suggest? I've just brought one on ebay.....  Will it stand up to a weekend in a not too exposed area like a forest campsite?

Hi Marie

Welcome to UKCS you'll find lots of people on here happy to help with your query.

I checked eBay and completed items but couldn't find a stormproof ohio listed.

Some of the Stormproof tents advertised are very poor, whether the ohio is I can't tell.

The US seem to have very different standards to UK and that includes their quality brands too, they seem to expect perfect dry camping conditions.

You are right about finding a sheltered spot for your tent though - not bad for a newcomer!

If the weather forecast is good there is no reason why you shouldn't try your tent out for the weekend and could easily get you into camping for year one.

Next year if the boys are keen maybe look at getting a new tent especially if you want to go for a week or more.

Hi Marie, I would check their returns policy to see if you can get a refund. it does sound as if these tents are not up to the british weather. as you have never camped before it would be such a pity to have your first experience ruined by a leaky tent. It could put you off camping for life. Even when the forecast sounds perfect, there is always the chance of an unexpected downpour, in a decent tent it's no problem, but if they are as bad they sound, I wouldn't risk it. If you can't get a refund, try it out in the garden, hose it down thoroughly 20-30 mins and see what happens. if it does leak, tell them if they don't refund , you will be leaving neg feedback as its not fit for the purpose intended. did you pay by paypal and credit card? as you will have payment protection if you did.

There are loads of great bargain tents from quality manufacturers around at the moment, last years stock being sold off to make room for the new models coming out now. let us know the type of tent you are after, ie size, how many bedrooms, price range, for weekend use only or longer holidays etc.

Good luck.

Thanks for all your advice.  I'm so pleased I've found such a helpful on-line community - haven't told my other half thatthe tent might not standd up to the job.

I'm expecting it to be delivered today.  Threre is a returns policy but it will cost more than half in postage, if I do.  I only paid £34 plus postage (£9.99), so I will try hosing it down in the garden before I go anywhere with it.  Will I get a decent tent for that so of price - we are a family of 4 plus a labrador.

This is my item - it is list as as Ohio but the details it is called a Stormproof Texas.  Have checked the sellers feedback - he's sold loads of tents, so there may well be lots of disappointed campers out there.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8777069494&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&rd=1

Thank you all again.

Hi Marie ,shame you didnt find this site before you bought the tent ! unfortunalty a lot of people only find this site AFTER they have purchased one (or one of the other 'ebay only' tents )

the trouble is people leave feedback when they buy this crap as soon as it arrives ,or after they have only pitched it but not actually used it ! then other poor sods read it and feel the tent is a safe bet !

Maybe you'll have not bad weather and maybe you'll ybe lucky ,you never know ,BUT whatever dont let it put you off camping ! there are some fatastic tents out there for not a lot of money ,and now you have found this site ,there will be lots of people willing to help steer you to the best deals should you choose to get a new tent

Best of luck !

Hi Marie

Thanks for posting the detail.

Looking at the spec they give for the tent I think you've got one of their better offerings.

The waterproofing is stated as 1500mm, with taped seams. This means that it is waterproof by most accepted standards (1000-1200 being the usual definition). The taped seams means that the stitch holes are covered internally as this is the most likely place for a leak, especially when the fabric is stretched. If it was 2000mm that would be fine so it is not far from the ideal.

I guess it is up to you if you think it is worth returning, like you say you don't get postage refunded and then you have to pay the return costs plus spend more money on another tent.

Put it up in the garden and leave it for a few days to see what happens before you go camping so you can see how it copes with rain - if it doesn't leak then I would say go for it.

For a tent big enough for a family of four, pus dog, decent spec but no frills? Budget about £100. There are bargains around and you might just land something very good for that amount of cash, but you won`t get anything under £80, I bet.

Remember you`ll need sleeping mats or airbeds, four sleeping bags (or take lots of duvets) cooking stove, etc etc.

If you`re clever, use stuff from home etc etc and shop for stuff from Lidl etc I reckon you could get a tent, airbeds, sleeping bags, cooker, table and chairs for four folk around £200--£250. Expensive? Compare that to two nights in a B&B, and you get to keep the equipment!

Just use the Stormproof. £43 for a tent? It can`t be that bad with a HH of 1500. Just remember you get what you pay for though, and don`t go camping with it when the forecast is bad!