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My advice would be to buy the best sleeping bag you can afford. Even in summer it can be cool at night and a good sleeping bag is a must.

Take a trip to your local camping shop and have a look round for a tent to suit you.  

I agree a good sleeping bag is a must, otherwise I wouldn't go too mad on camping gear till your certain you enjoy it, starter kits are ideal.

 Hope you enjoy yourself

Tis true that Tesco, Argos and Halfords do cheap starter kits but what if it rains? The HH on those tents is usually under the recommended minimum and getting soaked can be enough to put someone off camping.

If you are going in a cheap tent then try and make sure that the weather forcast is good and if you do like it then get yourself a decent tent that will keep you dry :)

The sleeping bag advice is sound... cheapie bags wont keep you warm.

As Taviour said... try and get to a tent showroom where you can have a proper look and see what size and style of tent you like. Then look on the internet to see if you can get it cheaper :)

Note to Hawk... I am not 6 feet 6 or built like a brick s**t house but even I cant cope with mummy bags ! Feels like I am a hotdog LOL

Angie

Quote: Originally posted by AngelicMinx on 28/6/2008

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Tis true that Tesco, Argos and Halfords do cheap starter kits but what if it rains? The HH on those tents is usually under the recommended minimum and getting soaked can be enough to put someone off camping.

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Quote: Originally posted by mr.paul on 28/6/2008

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It's not so much the Hydrostatic Head of the cheaper tents as the poorer workmanship in the seams.

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Very true. I was trying not to be too negative lol

You get what you pay for ... simple as that :)

Angie

Hi Coolerbob & welcome to the forum

Have a look at Gelert tents. They do some small cheaply priced tents, but they are a well respected manufacturer. You haven't mentioned an airbed or self-inflating matress - don't forget one of these - you won't enjoy sleeping with just your sleeping bag on the floor of the tent.

Have a look here at the camping checklist to see what other equipment you will need.

I have done a bit of digging for you

http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-1428744-10475506?url=http://www.outdoormegastore.co.uk/acatalog/Stan_s_Tent_Package_Deals.html

I take it that by the rucksack question you are backpacking and without car? In which case this is a real find. http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-1428744-10475506?url=http://www.outdoormegastore.co.uk/acatalog/Coleman_Raid_Shelter.html 

http://www.camperlands.co.uk/store/erol.html#11117X54330 for a bit more room.

Don't worry too much about the HH tho. My Kyham is only 2500 and has never let in a drop. As has been said on this thread, it's more about the quality.

To be fair the Argos tents have done well for my son though I woudl recommend test pitching before you go and even turning a hosepipe onto it to make sure!

Do spend your cash on a good sleeping bag and either an airbed or self inflatable mat. If you feel the cold I would go for the self inflator. Airic and Thermarest are the top brands but if you are young and don't feel the cold too much then a cheaper brand could do. There are a few threads about them.

Snugpak are a good make and I use the Navigator for spring and summer http://www.surplusandadventure.com/shop/camping-outdoor/snugpak-bags-clothing/snugpak-outdoor/snugpak-navigator-sleeping-bag-378252.html It has a comfort rating of 12c to -2c and as a bonus it packs up small and is NOT a mummy bag and is roomy. If you need a double just get a left and a right and you can zip them together.

If you need more help then don't be shy just ask. There is every type of camper under the sun here with all kinds of needs.

I hope you enjoy your trip.