I'm still sceptical about the campbed situation with only a car to transport everything to the campsite.
SIMs seem a good idea - but again, this is just for a single trip and I don't want to stock up on things I'm not going to need.
I have, however, thinking about getting roll mats - What is everyone's opinion on these? My brother is in Air Cadets and my sister Army Cadets so I know they don't mind sleeping on these.
However, in April - it might be cold. So, with a couple of emergency blankets thrown underneath a roll mat, would this prove to be slightly warmer?
Thanks again for the info!
------------- April Bank Holiday - Woodlands Grove Leisure Park, Dartmouth.
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
roll mats are not bad for warmth just not very comfy,but young bones and all that.just had a thought about your scale drawing did you take into account the sloping sides of the tent?because when you put something tall like a table against the side it will stand away from the bottom if you see what i mean.
Thanks wongers, yes I did take into account the sloping sides, and it just means bringing the tables closer together for the night time areas.
However, I certainly think roll mats will be the easiest, especially if they are good for warmth. Both of them are in Army/Air Cadets and regularly go camping with their roll mats, so I know they will be fine.
If it turns out to be far too uncomfy, there is a "games room" which is open 24/7 and is also heated, so they can b*gger off up there haha.
Thanks again for the advice and tips all. (Any further suggestions or comments are still welcome).
------------- April Bank Holiday - Woodlands Grove Leisure Park, Dartmouth.
re-campbeds they take up less room and weigh less, one of the reasons we got them. we had a double and a single airbed but got campbeds for the same reason, plus campbeds dont go down in the night and your not sleeping on cold air. we have a little C3 and get all our gear in it if packed right
only downside of a campbed is if OH gets amorous but then thats what floors are for
Hi Amnesia, I have just returned from Glencoe with my new carolina M. In the living area I had a cooker & table, another kitchen table, 2 chairs a couple of boxes with gear, a duffle bag and I reckon there is still enough space to shoehorn a couple of teenagers in! (i posted a couple of pics on the review page).
With regard to sleeping, I have tried everything from roll mats to fishermans bed and the comfiest I have found is the exped range of sims. When I was a lot younger all I ever used were roll mats but hard ground takes its toll on old bones! Campbeds tend to be colder as any insulation from the sleeping bag is compressed by the body and therefore subject to the cold air underneath, albeit this problem is only relevant in winter. I would run with the roll mat idea.
Jim's comment above has reminded me that if you look at the tent reviews for the Carolina 3 (same design as the 'M' but with the door on the opposite side) you will find lots of photos showing members living areas complete with their clobber. Should give you an idea of the amount of space inside. There are photos on the Carolina M review page as well but not many of the inside of the tent.
Jim, Bob and Shirleys; many thanks for all of your replies.
I managed to pick up a working campbed from Freecycle, very pleased and I was amazed how small it folded down to... The only memories I had of campbeds were the large spring operated ones that need to two people to open out haha.
Thanks for the info also regarding the Carolina 3, I didn't even think to check for pictures of that, I had been searching for 'M'.
Many thanks, Amnesia
------------- April Bank Holiday - Woodlands Grove Leisure Park, Dartmouth.
Check also that whatever you buy has 'cushioned' or large/flat feet. You don't want things that are going to pierce holes in the groundsheet, especially campbeds and chairs which are going to take the full weight of a person.