Yay!!, just received delivery of my first bell tent. It's the 5m basic from belltent.co.uk and I can't wait to try it out for the first time. I've been camping for a few years with an old poly tent, eyes green with envy at neighbouring bell tents in the campsite and now I finally have my own.
Any other experience Bell tent owners with any advice for a first timer?
Just waiting for a reasonable weekend to get out and try it. Also planning on heading to Yorkshire for a week during July it can't come quick enough!!
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That's right in fact they don't give you instructions just the pdf download. There are also a videos on youtube which show you step by step how to do it. As I said I am hoping for a weekend trip to test it out before we head off for a week so that I can familiarise myself with it.
Apparently they do let some moisture in on the first use but once dried again they become watertight so would like to get this process out of the way nice an early in case the weather is bad in July.
Waft a bit of air in when putting the main pole up - always seems to help. When doing guy ropes start with the front one as helps to ensure doors are correct (ie not raised). And finally start saving - you'll need it for all the lovely things you'll want to put in it!!
First time out of the bag you have to tie all the guy ropes on which is a bit of a pain in the bum, other than that its nothing but pure joy, after the first time which takes a bit longer you will have the tent up in 10 mins then just time to relax
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Thanks a lot for your comments. Yes already been shopping on ebay for things to fill it with and been looking at stoves but to be honest i am a fair weather camper so doubt i'll ever need one.
One thing I am looking at is a gas lantern. I'm looking at the camping gaz ones has anyone used them in bell tent ?
I have used a camping gaz lantern for years, its about the only thing we bought when we first started camping that we still use; we dont hang it up though it is normally on a table.
About the getting the tent wet for the first time, we have the 5 mtr and the emperor and neither let in a drop of water during their first wetting, or since for that matter :)
Thanks for that info Paper clip, I had major concerns when a I read that in case the first outing is a washout but perhaps it's just a disclaimer from the website.
On the camping gaz lanterns I remember my dad used one when I went camping as a kid and seem to remember them being really fiddly and a nightmare to get lit, going through several mantles etc. Is there one in particular you would recommend?
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The mantles can be delicate and mostly get damaged in transit rather than in use if you know what I mean. They are not really that much of a faff to change as long as you dont have shovels for hands!
Never had a problem lighting them I just use the longer cooks matches with no problems.