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Subject Topic: Bell Tent Buyer`s Diary! Post Reply Post New Topic
10/2/2013 at 11:09pm
 Location: Norwich Norfolk
 Outfit: Retro 70s Canvas Frame Tent
View Kevie192's Profile View Profile   Reply to Kevie192 Reply   Quote Kevie192 Quote  
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Hi all,

I am SO EXCITED! We are off to the SoulPad Showroom tomorrow to have a look at their bell tents with a view to buying one in March for ourselves.

I had started to make a list of products 'to buy' and lists of URLs etc when it struck me that some of you may be looking to buy the same things or could help me to decide on what to buy so I thought I would create this thread as a sort of 'diary' of our journey through buying a new tent. I'll try and detail the decisions we had to make, what we decided and how we came to that decision. I see a huge amount of threads on bell tents on here and I'm a bit of an obsessive researcher so I thought this might help some people...

First, a bit of background...

I'm Kevin and my partner is Chris. We camp with our 2-year-old dog, Duke, who just loves being outside and being with us both 24/7! We live in Norfolk and mainly camp around the area as we have family here who like to visit us 'in camp', although we are hoping for a few weeks further afield this year.

I drive a Toyota Corolla and the dog goes in the boot so we only have the back seats and a bit of the boot in which to fit our gear. Needless to say, I'm looking into a HandiRack and HandiHoldall for this season!

We bought a cheapy 2nd hand frame tent last year and the bare minimum of low-cost gear just so we could try out camping as the OH had never done it before. Needless to say, in the couple of times we went away we really did enjoy ourselves and we can't wait to get out there again but this time with a bit more 'style'!

The Tent - As I said, we're going over to the SoulPad showroom tomorrow morning to have a look at their tents. I need to see the 4m and 5m next to each other to see what size we need and visualise how we'll use each space. I don't want to get a 5m if there'll be vast amounts of empty space, but at the same time I don't want a 4m if it'll feel cramped on those bad-weather days when everything is inside.

Since they're local and come highly recommended on here, I'm leaning towards buying from SoulPad. However, I'm going to make a trip down to the Bell Tent UK showroom too sometime soon as I want to look around an Emperor and a Touareg to see if any of those are more appropriate for us - I like the idea of increased headroom!

I'm also loving the look of the Malu Awning and think I'll get one no matter which tent I buy - I will probably use it as a cooking shelter and a place to say out of the hot mid-day sun! (In England?! I can dream...)

Carpet - Whilst I love the look of the coir matting, there's no way we could get those with the weight and packed size. Currently looking at the Bell Tent UK Eco Handloomed Rugs as they could be a viable option for us. There's a shop here in Norwich called The People Tree who sell something similar so I need to price those up and decide which is best! The only *slight* worry I have is 'slippage' - I hope the rugs won't be sliding all over the place as it'll be a nightmare with the dog! However, I think you can get some non-slip rug stuff that should help them stay put.

Heating - Whilst the romantic idea of a woodburning stove is extremely appealing, cost is a massive factor here. The only stove and flue we could afford is the Frontier and there are many reports on here saying that they are just not big enough for a 5m bell tent. Since we'll be using EHU anyway, the best option seems to be a fan heater with thermostat.

Lighting - We already have a Maplin Camping Lantern (which is brilliant, and on sale atm!) for a main light, so I intend to supplement that with a homemade tealight chandelier as per this thread, as well as some Solar Fairy Lights and a Feuerhand Paraffin Lantern I already own (and love!) I would absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE a Chrome Petromax with Reflector but we'll see about that once I've bought everything else and see what's left of my bonus!

Bedding - Having used a 'ready bed' as an airbed last year, we are absolutely certain of 2 things: 1. We need a bed which is raised off the ground and 2. We want to use a duvet rather than a sleeping bag.

I'm hoping to try out the SoulPad ZonkPad bed tomorrow so I'll report back on what it's like. (Though you can get it cheaper on eBay - listed as an Anywhere Bed)

Probably going to get a 10.5 tog microfibre duvet and pillows (since they're smaller than 'normal' ones) and pack them in a vacuum storage bag for transport. We have a handheld Dyson I'll be taking to camp with us so no problem getting the air out again to bring them home.

I'm also currently debating internally about whether to get an electric blanket or not to make sure we're extra toasty! Anyone who has experience, I'd love to hear what you think.

Cooking - I already own a Cadac Safari Chef (which I intend to run on a Campingaz 907) and a Cobb BBQ. I love them both, but for different things. Each camp, I'll choose which one to take based on the meals I plan to eat!

We do have a double stove but I don't like lugging around big gas bottles so we'll be using 2 suitcase stoves placed on a kitchen unit in the awning for use.

We were lucky to get an Aldi Coolbox last year on sale and it does a fab job of keeping things cold when it's plugged in so we'll be using that as a 'fridge'.

Furniture - Still looking for a couple of decent low-down but transportable tables. Up for any suggestions you may have...

For sitting, I love moon chairs but most don't pack down well. When in GO the other day, I saw the Hi Gear Miami Chairs which are a cross between a moon chair and a standard camping chair and pack size was fairly reasonable! So I think we'll have a couple of those and get a couple of throws from The People Tree to cover them with.

Now, being two grown men those folding tables with attached stools for eating were NEVER going to be any good for us. So, we've got our eyes on a Sunncamp Table and Bench Set for eating on. Reviews on here seem to be good and the price is fairly reasonable.

Other Stuff - Of course, we'll need a windbreak. Having used two of those garish bright-striped beach windbreaks last year, I intend on getting my sewing machine out and making a new windbreak to fit on the existing poles.

Bunting is also an absolute must so we'll be looking for some of that on Folksy and support an artisan maker rather than buying mass-produced.


So, that's it so far. I'm sorry if I've 'gone on' a bit too much but I wanted to get all this stuff written down so I can refer to it later!

Do let me know if you have any comments or suggestions :)

Cheers,

Kevin

Post last edited on 10/02/2013 23:16:41


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11/2/2013 at 6:28pm
 Location: Norfolk
 Outfit: 5m bell tent & Vango Peace tepee
View P-T Family's Profile View Profile   Reply to P-T Family Reply   Quote P-T Family Quote  
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Hi Kevie

Just thought I've give some more info to consider! We got a bell tent because we needed a big tent but wanted something quick and easy to put up (and they're beautifull!) We decided against Emporer (too big) and Toureg (too many guy ropes). Soulpad didn't have mesh on the doors (although may have added this now) so got ours from Karma Canvas as they were cheaper than Bell Tent.

My xmas present was a canvas tarp which was from a seller called Wenka on E-bay (advertised as reenactment wedge or something) which seems to be better rated (and cheaper) than the Malu.

Got the Miami moonchairs a couple of weeks ago which I also plan to cover! My other half doesn't find them that comfy so intends to use his fishing chair (hoping he'll let me cover his chair too!) Last year we used inflatable sofas from Wilkinsons but want to keep set up time to a minimum.

Clas Ohlson in Chapelfield are good for bits and bobs and the Indian stall on Norwich Market has some beautiful things.

My next purchases (subject to MOT on the car) is a new winsbreak and we're also looking for a new table, thinking possibly of a height adjustable one so that we can have it inside or outside the tent and I'm sure I can find more to buy for it!

Happy shopping!!



11/2/2013 at 7:07pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Karma Bell Tent 5m
View Wilts camper's Profile View Profile   Reply to Wilts camper Reply   Quote Wilts camper Quote  
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Oh how exciting. My partner n I plan on purchasing a Bell Tent very Soon.We think we will get one from Karma as it has a fly screen on the door, but will be very interested on wot you think of the soul pad. Still undecided on 4m and 5m for 2 adults n mad poochie! Look forward to reading about your findings
Happy Shopping!

-------------
Wilts camper


11/2/2013 at 7:07pm
 Location: Sunny Suffolk (West)
 Outfit: inflatable dome Palamos6 frame tent
View Tynxuk's Profile View Profile   Reply to Tynxuk Reply   Quote Tynxuk Quote  
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Welcome to glamping . You will need a towbar & trailer by the time you have completed your 'must have' items.

The soulpad showroom is great and staff are friendly, as they're only 20 miles away from us we visited them at the beginning of December with the intention of buying one after Christmas but they had a sale mid month to tempt us early.

If you're handy with a sewing machine you should be able to make your own bunting and I'd highly recommend making a full inner to line the tent which will aid in heat retention and make it a smaller space to heat. It does make the standing height smaller but on cold nights its a small sacrifice, my OH calls it the bedouin tent as ours has a romatic drape to it. During the day we draw it back so it closes off about 1/3 of the 4m bell tent (untested on the 5m) which also makes the space being heated smaller, I am temted to make a fabric circle (well hendecagon) in a hoop to sit above the loop on the pole to close off the top 1m without encrouching on standing space and hopefully aid in heat retention during the day.

We bought an adjustable table & stools set from tesco direct while on sale but they no longer have stock, I believe it's this table which is really useful in the bell tent without the legs fully extended.

And although soulpads don't have the flyscreen I put 2 voile at the doors and not only do they work a treat it drapes nicely too.



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11/2/2013 at 8:20pm
 Location: Norwich Norfolk
 Outfit: Retro 70s Canvas Frame Tent
View Kevie192's Profile View Profile   Reply to Kevie192 Reply   Quote Kevie192 Quote  
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Thanks for your replies everyone :) Really useful replies and I'll have a bit of a nosy around the various sites you've suggested.

The moment I stepped into that showroom this morning I glanced over and there it was. The 5m tent was staring at me from it's little wooden platform and I just knew there and then I had to have one!

The staff were brilliant, made me a lovely cup of coffee and were more than happy to talk all things bell tent. They had a 5m, 4m and a new type of 3m being released soon (It's some kind of blended material and will retail at about £180 apparently!) so it was really nice to be able to get a 'feel' for each size of tent before we buy. We decided it definitely needs to be a 5m. You can't stand up in a 3m so that was an instant 'no'. The 4m was nice but the bed has to go sideways so there isn't all that much space for other 'stuff' in there after that. I was constantly thinking of those rainy afternoons sitting in a tent with the dog and I felt the 4m would be just a bit too claustrophobic! There was loads of 'standing space' in the 5m too and I'm 5ft10".

I had a look at the bag for the 5m and I felt quite reassured. It was actually smaller than the 2 bags for our current frame tent so that's a win.

Chris instantly said to me that he really loved the coir matting for the floor and since the tent is smaller than we thought I think we could fit it in so may end up buying the semi-circle for the front of the tent and two rugs for either side of the bed...

Also saw the hammocks there and fancy getting one for lounging around the front of the tent. I saw SoulPad sell 'Tree Subs' to hang it from rather than actually having to find 2 trees in the middle of a campsite. Had a quick google and found them on the Hammock Heaven website a bit cheaper!

Tynx, we looked at the bijou inner that was in the 5m and decided we don't really want an inner. We want a raised bed and decided that we'd be sleeping with the canvas touching our faces if we had an inner! I like your idea of closing off the top 1m with some fabric though, might have to give that a go!

Thanks for the tarp suggestions too. I read on here that one person really rated the
HC Tarp. At only £60 inc poles it might be one to bare in mind!


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11/2/2013 at 9:47pm
 Location: Nearly always sunny Scunny
 Outfit: Nigor WikiUp 3 and others
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P-T Family - the Touareg has only got 18 guy-ropes, 3 more than a bell tent.  It's those Hypercamp pyramids that have loads of them.  Doesn't take long to peg out the Touareg at all.

Kevie192 - I think you have made your mind up that you want a 5m Bell tent now.  Good choice.  You will have more floor space with this.  Footprint wise, the Touareg is a bit bigger than a 4m Bell but a lot smaller than a 5m Bell.  Though I love the front and back doors on the Touareg.  Wish they would make a bigger one. 

 

 

 

 



11/2/2013 at 10:30pm
 Location: Norfolk
 Outfit: 5m bell tent & Vango Peace tepee
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Oh no MissElaineous, don't tell me that - I don't need another tent! And Kevie, that hammock is lush but my other half will kill me if I try and sneak any more 'non essentials' in the car! ;) Look forward to seeing your first bell tent pics!


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11/2/2013 at 11:05pm
 Location: Norwich Norfolk
 Outfit: Retro 70s Canvas Frame Tent
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Been spending the evening looking at kitchen units and trying to decide what we want for our tent...

I'm thinking we probably should cook under the tarp, maybe with a windbreak one side. But what do you use to put your stove on? I kind of want something I can bring in the tent if it's windy and raining and I have to take the tarp down, but I don't want it to take up much space! At the same time, it needs to look 'nice' too...

Any ideas?

Post last edited on 11/02/2013 23:18:07


12/2/2013 at 6:13am
 Location: Surrey
 Outfit: Alaska Bedouin 280 De waard & Jambore
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I have the Vango Garda kitchen unit which has adjustable legs so can be used inside or outside (I then cover it with an oilcloth) I usually take a base seconds as a kitchen tent if going for a week or more but for weekends I have a vintage baby belling which I cook on inside (usually go EHU).


12/2/2013 at 8:28am
 Location: Sunny Suffolk (West)
 Outfit: inflatable dome Palamos6 frame tent
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I too have a kitchen tent, a Eurohike quick pitch family day room (similar to base seconds) for long stays and a cheap changing tent to house just the small kitchen unit for short stays (argos photo shows blue but is actually green) both stand up well to adverse weather, I also only cook by electric.


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13/2/2013 at 9:54pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: 5M Bell Outwel WL5 Rosas Q Base II
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Where to put the kitchen stuff is a common question amongst bell owners I think.  I also have a kitchen tent (Quechua pop up) that I use with my 5m bell.  I hadn't wanted "yet another" tent after i bought the 5m but I absolutely hated how messy it looked when I had kitchen gear inside (fridge, cooking table, kettle, elec stove, food, dishes) ... so I succombed and got the Quechua.  Although it sorts out the issue of where to put the kitchen, there are a couple of negatives that go along wtih it (last summer I kept getting wet going back and forth between bell and kitchen tent ... i felt like a yoyo back and forth all the time.  Also, we lost some of the togetherness feeling when I was cooking in the kitchen tent and the family were in the 5m bell tent - I really like us being together ....

So I am now using my pyrimid tent more often these days because of the straight wall (which is ideal for kitchen set up) and I can leave the bell and kitchen tent behind. 

Humbird



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