So after a year or so of indecision and yet more indecision, (trailer tent/Airframe/Standard) we finally decided that we should purchase something cheaper to see if we enjoyed camping or not before we made any significant investment here is what happenned: Site Osea meadows just outside Maldon, Essex: Very pleasantly surprised, All facilities (Site/toilets/showers/drinking water/washing up hut) were clean and well maintained. There was plenty of hot water, a large playing field for the kids and plenty of space. We were non electric so were able to pitch away from the main area and had a large area all to ourselves. The kids could play near the tent without annoying anyone else. Cannot comment on the club house/cafe as we did not use it Weather: Massive surprise after all the scare stories and weather warnings we really couldn’t have picked a better weekend (we had two rain showers of about 15 mins and 30mins on Saturday morning) the remainder was hot sunshine. I have mild sunburn on my shoulders! Outfit: We opted for a sunncamp invader 600. Up and guyed out in around an hour - not bad considering this was the first tunnel tent we have ever pitched. We tried to pitch near the playground area as there was plenty of open space around it we were told that we could not (after half pitching the tent) as that was the games area so the only negative point to the site would be that a sign stating no pitching here would have helped. The re-pitch incident above meant walking a half assembled tent across a field. We got a very slight tear where it snagged on a bramble. This was a very gentle snag- see the tent review for full details a great tent for the money but why make the flysheet out of tissue paper and why did it come out of the bag but not go back in the bag? Conclusion: We enjoyed it the kids had their freedom going to and from the massive play area and generally just running around so they were happy. The adults were free to relax and eat and drink (booze seems to be an obligatory requirement when camping). We will probably go away again soon and have already booked a place called Fen Farm in August. Maybe now we can invest in a longer term tent a Kampa Filey 5 or 6 Air perhaps?
Post last edited on 09/06/2014 16:38:53
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Topic: First camping trip in new tent
