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this is without a doubt the best camping website, for all the info you need.

if you can tell us what plans you have, ie, will you be using tent for weekend away, weeks 2 weeks, do you want to be able to stand up in tent throughout,

will you be travelling abroad, all these things help you decide what you want from a tent.  frame tents are heavier than more modern polyester tents, if you can be more specific then we can be more helpful!

also, do you have a budget for this???  that would help determine what sort of equipment to go for!

Good luck, and welcome to UKCS!

Jen

quite a good webite at the moment is www.e-awnings.co.uk they have a lot of last season tents that are cheaper than the latest models.  they are all good quality named tents, so they will all keep you dry, LOL!

you can look at the layout of them, see what you like.

you will need airbeds or camp beds, you can use your bedding from home to start with.

some camp chairs, something to cook on. utensils etc.

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/articles/view.asp?id=7

theres some good info on this site when you look for it! checkout above link and the features/tips page.

You come to the right place...

I do echo Junhung comments - go to a local camping store and see what catches your eye and then ask some questions.

With tents, specifically look at the bedroom width, as well as length; look at the height throughout, the way the groundsheet fits, how much light in the tent there is.

Quote: Originally posted by Big Bunny on 01/7/2006

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You come to the right place...

I do echo Junhung comments - go to a local camping store and see what catches your eye and then ask some questions.

Junhung???   whos that then?? LOL!!!!

With tents, specifically look at the bedroom width, as well as length; look at the height throughout, the way the groundsheet fits, how much light in the tent there is.

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Quote: Originally posted by jenhug on 01/7/2006

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Junhung???   whos that then?? LOL!!!!

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:->

Aplogosies Junthong.

Hi there stedders and welcome to UKCS; there really is no better place for all your camping know how!

 I agree with jenhug (see Big Bunny,  I can get it right!) To start off, go to some camping shops and have a wander around. This will help you get a feel for the features that are important for you in a tent. Also you need to think about how big a tent is when packed down for transport - e.g. frame tents are lovely sturdy things and the cotton canvas is breathable and lasts for years, but they can weigh a ton and can fill 2 hefty sacks, so you may end up needing a trailer or roof box.

The issue of head height is important too - do you need to be able to stand up in the bedroom and the living space? This may be important if either of you has a bad back, or if you prefer campbeds which are up off the ground rather than an airbed or self inflating mattress. Also, be aware that the stated berth sizes od tents can be misleading - you may find that you need a 4 berth tent just for weekends for the 2 of you, so that you have enough space under cover (given the joys of the GB summer!)

Measure the actual bedrooms and again think about the space you need for your chosen bed- a good double airbed like the Coleman Comfort is about 140cm wide and won't fit in some of the skimpy bedrooms on some models. We have a 4 berth Khyam Conquest 400 for our weekend tent just for 2 of us.

Have a good look around on these boards too, cos there are always debates about the pros and cons of different tents - this will help you again to work out the things that matter to you. Some of the key issues are:

Cotton canvas versus synthetic fabrics

Fully sewn in groundsheet (SIG) tents ( which tend to go up inner first, with a few innovative exceptions) versus flysheet first tents with loose groundsheet.

Poles - steel, aluminium, alloy, fibreglass, wrapped fibreglass

But whatever you do don't get a tent off ebay! go for a good make -Vango, Outwell, Gelert, Sunncamp, Khyam, Aztec, Royal, Jack Wolfskin, Robens, Coleman.

Enjoy the search and do come backwith lots more questions when you think you may have seen something you like.

Not all frame tents weigh a ton; the Cabanon Pacific is a lightweight option - aluminium poles - which is ideal for a couple, for short stays and for longer holidays, and literally takes just 15 mins to pitch (it's a doddle!), from start to finish. See the link:

Pacific

There is a sun canopy option and a second inner can be added if you ever want to take anyone camping with you.

If you know what you are looking for, there are often bargains to be had on ebay and it is not a bad place to look for ideas, since often tent interiors are pictured and, if nothing else,  you can see how older models have stood up to some wear and tear.

As previously mentioned, frame tents can last for years and years if properly cared for, so you could perhaps look up 'Cabanon Pacific' on ebay and get a bargain?

As has been mentioned already, a good idea is to have a stroll around your local camping dealership and view the tents on display to see which has the 'feel' that suits you. As 'traditional' campers, we find it very hard to contemplate life under synthetic canvas, even though we appreciate the virtues and easy-care properties (as well as price!).

Camping is entirely what you want it to be, so get as much info as possible on all things before making your choices, and be prepared to change some items when you get some experience as you are bound to find you get the 'bug' and are continually looking for ways to improve on kit!

Don't buy a 2 berth dome tent for your first camping experience. Even if the bedroom pod is wide enough to take a double airbed, you will need space to put your clothes, toiletries and towels etc., so as Foggers says, go for a four berth, even if you start off with a second hand tent. After your first trip you'll be more certain of exactly what features you want in a tent.

Oh, and welcome to the forum