Tent suppliers: OneStopFestival.com
The name says it all. This small website is totally dedicated to the serious Festival Goer. It offers everything from tickets to condoms, including a range of Festival Tents.
The tents are mostly from Gelert and Freespace, and are all in the budget range. One nice touch is that tents are matched up with sleeping bags and other camping equipment to form Festival Kits.
Tents are classified according to size, and are described sufficiently for anyone who has read my article Qualities of a Best Festival Tent to choose for their self.
There are a number of Special Offers that are worth checking out.
Shipping costs are clearly stated according to your postcode. These range from £8 to £25. They aim to ship all tents the same day but accept that in busy times 2-3 days may be more realistic. Don’t wait until the day before your festival as you may find everyone chasing for the same service.
The returns policy allows damaged goods to be returned within 7 days for a full refund of the cost and postage. That’s fair enough. There are conditions, but nothing unusual.
The shopping cart accepts payment through Protx. I hadn’t heard of these before. They seem to be an alternative to Paypal. You may want to check out their website.
Camp cooking: the choice of fuels
The golden rule with camp cooking is never to cook inside your tent. Under the porch is fine if you are careful but consider your alternate route out should you catch the fabric alight. Also consider the fumes. You need proper ventilation to ensure that you do not succumb to these.
When it comes to camp cooking, your choice of fuel will depend very much upon your camping style. The following list of choices looks at the lightweight options before moving on to those who need not worry about that aspect.
Unleaded petrol (and similar)
Some multi-fuel stoves burn unleaded petrol. This is safe enough if you follow the instructions that come with your stove. These stoves need frequent cleaning for the best results.
Be warned: I have watched in horror as an acquaintance poured petrol from the fuel bottle onto an already burning fire to ‘get it going’. The fuel in the bottle caught (as common sense should have told him) and it was only quick and proper reactions from the rest of the team that saved him from terrible burns, or worse.
Petrol is relatively easy to find around the world and therefore makes a good choice for a backpacking stove. It must be carried in a bottle designed for the purpose and so long as you consider the affects that changes in heat and altitude have on the pressure inside you’ll have no worries.
Methylated spirits (meths)
There are several meths burning cook-sets available and they are used widely by youth groups for good reason. They are easy to light and the only real danger comes from the near invisible flame. With one warning about this, most young adults can cope.
Meths also has a nasty smell and needs to be stored properly.
Alcohol jelly etc
There are several burners that contain a supply of jelly that is easy to light and safer than liquid fuels. The downside is that these are single use and so they are really only useful for short trips. They also tend to come with limited support for pans, and therefore need to be properly placed to avoid spills and other accidents.
Gas
Gas is easy to light and the burners need very little maintenance.
There are various types of gas and gas containers. You need to be sure you have the correct combination to suit your style.
There are several types of gas supplied for camping. These offer different size canisters for different users. The smaller canisters tend to connect to smaller burners (and vice versa) though some canisters have a standard connection that can fit the whole range.
Anyone going to very cold places (or altitude) should consider getting special canisters for the purpose. Standard gas can be difficult, even impossible, to light.
Taking gas on aeroplanes is normally not possible and so gas is a poor choice for backpacking, unless you can be sure of buying the correct type of gas in your destination. If you must use gas then check out freighting companies to get a supply sent ahead in good time.
Charcoal
Charcoal is a good fuel and available in many parts of the world. It is dirty and so you need to consider that if choosing to cook on it regularly. It takes time to light a charcoal fire and get it hot enough for cooking. This prevents many from choosing it for regular use. It could provide the fuel for a special meal, and that will often be the case for touring too. If you have plenty of space in your van, why not take a BBQ set along and wait for that nice summer’s evening?
Wood
Wood should only be used with proper consideration for the source. If wood is abundant then consider a campfire. Campfires are a great experience and can turn a miserable damp night into a joyful one.
You will need to prepare some form of support for the food to be cooked. Be sure this is strong as it is difficult to adjust once the fire is raging. Cooking should be done on the embers. Check out any good camping cook book for special campfire food options.
Other
There are other choices: peat and animal dung to name two. These are really only suitable to particular environments. Try them if they suit your style - but only after proper research as to the issues particular to each.
Best 2 person 4 Season Backpacking Tent
In my article Do I need a tent to go backpacking? I criticized the idea of a single best tent for backpacking, and even the need for a tent unless you plan to use it. If you are heading off backpacking this summer and aren’t sure whether you need a tent then read that article first. If you do have plans to use a tent and know that you will need a 4 Season backpacking tent then this article is for you.
Remember, 4 season in these terms equates to a tent that is strong enough to take trekking year-round. If you are looking for a mountain tent for really extreme situations then go for a model that is specifically designed for such use.
The North Face Tadpole design is a classic. It was products like this that helped make the NF brand so strong. The Tadpole has been refined over the years and now incorporates about every feature you would want for a tent in this class, without excess weight. My Tadpole is nearly twenty years old and still functional so, if you do decide to splash out, you can expect to recoup your investment over the years.
The Tadpole is available from:
Terra Nova offer a great tent with the Voyager. It is similar in construction to the Tadpole above, and you can currently find some great deals on this tent.
Check out prices with:
For something a bit different, compare the above with the Small Dreamer Tent from Robens. This is a much cheaper tent and the sacrifice is largely in terms of your comfort.
Tent suppliers: WildDay
WildDay is a relatively new oufit, having only been around since 2000. However, thay now claim to be Europe’s online outdoor store.
The site is easy to navigate and contains WildDay’s own Wild Guides, including one on Tents.
What makes WildDay stand out is their commitment to social programs. They have set up a number of initiatives to collect and distribute funds to benefit children worldwide, and to encourage healthy lifestyles in the UK. You can check out details at: http://www.wildday.co.uk/About/AboutUs.aspx
Deliveries are charged at a flat rate depending upon your location. This varies between about £6 and £12. Orders are dispatched within 24 hours from stock, and usually take 2-3 days. Items out of stock may take up to 7 days for dispatch. Orders are delivered by ParcelForce, so you can track them online.
Items can be returned in most cases. There’s even a special period of grace for Christmas gifts.
The details for tent purchases reads as follows:
Tent Returns
Any tent returned to us must be in its original package or box , and where possible returned in a suitable protective wrapping. Any tent returned to us with the postage labels adhered to the stuff sack will not be refunded. Return ed tents that have been pitched, even indoors, are considered second-hand and un-sellable. Therefore tents that have been pitched or exhibit signs of use will be returned to the customer and a £5.95 charge applied for postage.
WildDay are registered under the Data Protection Act, protecting your privacy.
Security is provided by VeriSign.
Best 1-Room Family Tent (Budget)
If you read my article on Qualities of a Best Family Tent you’ll know that I rate the Size of a best family tent according to many factors, not just the standard number of adults that will fit across the floor space. Following up on one of these, I have divided up my best family tent recommendations by the number of sleeping areas or rooms that each tent has. Within each article I will further break those recommendations down - by price.
There are a huge number of tents in this 1-Room category. I have ended up with more choices than in other categories but that reflects the imaginative designs available. I have therefore split the article by price bracket. Take a look and see what suits you.
Those who have younger children may prefer to sleep all-together in a 1-room family tent (even if this is divided up by curtains or the like) to keep an eye on them. You may also consider this type of tent if you are a couple on a long trip wanting lots of space; a home-away-from-home, without resorting to a caravan. Several tents in the range have the option not to pitch one of the inners giving you even more space for living, or storage.
Budget
A very nice tent all round, the Vango Orchy 600 offers an ideal high dome living space with the one sleeping area as a tunnel off from that. Vango use good quality materials and there are plenty of nice little extra touches to make your camping experience that bit easier.
There is an Orchy 500 for smaller families.
The Robens Dreamer has a nice simple but strong design and would make a nice tent for more remote camping scenarios. There are several variants available, including bigger and smaller models and a light version. Check these out when following the links below.
For a smaller family on short trips the Jamet Pacific 4 is worth a look. This tunnel tent has enough space to sleep 4 comfortably and a nice little porch area for meals etc.
Gelert are fast becoming a very popular make. Their Tornado 5 dome tent is incredibly cheap and well worth a look if you only plan on short trips - or are a couple who just like lots of room.
The Stormlite Weekend 400 would be suitable for just that; weekends away with a small family (4 of you, not 400!) The dome only uses two crossing poles which is not a strong configuration. I wouldn’t use a tent like this is much worse than good condition.
Amazon.co.uk offer the following tents:
Don’t forget to search on these names once on the site. Amazon.co.uk often offer variants as well as second hand items at special prices.
Field and Trek offer two of these tents:
The first three tents are all available from OutdoorMegastore. For convenience you may want to copy this list to Notepad or similar before following the link for use in their search engine. Direct links to prices are not possible at this time.
- Vango Orchy 500
- Robens Dreamer
- Jamet Pacific 4
WildDay stock the following:
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Robens Dreamer Tent
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Gelert Tornado 5 Tent
Top 10 Books for Campers
For something a bit different, I have made a list of some great books for campers to ensure you have a great time camping, whatever your style.
Camping should be fun
Cool Camping…: Sleeping, Eating, and Enjoying Life Under Canvas
Taking camping to another level. Enjoy!
This pair love their camping and know how to get you to love yours. Something for everyone.
Hearty eating for campers
Great outdoor food, good enough to eat in your garden. Don’t forget to check out the other Cool Camping guides. These offer a different perspective on campsites for England, Wales, Scotland and France.
A wonderful title and an inspirational book. Camp food need never be boring again.
Responsible camping
Although this book is focused on camping in the US it contains some of the most advanced thinking on responsible camping to ensure you leave the ‘beautiful wild country’ beautiful for others.
Technical books for serious campers, and those working in the field
The Camping Manual: The Step-by-step Guide to Camping for All the Family
The definitive guide for families going camping. Packed with advice wherever you are heading.
The Campsite Companion: All You Need to Know for Life in the Great Outdoors
Practical tips to enhance your camping experience.
Outdoor Living Skills Field Guide: Levels 1-5
Directed at those who teach youngsters to camp, this book has many lessons for all campers. A great book to accompany family trips.
Specialist camping
Allen & Mike’s Really Cool Backcountry Ski Book: Traveling & Camping Skills for a Winter Environment
A great book for winter (or mountain) camping whether or not you intend using skis to get around.
Lightweight Backpacking & Camping: A Field Guide to Wilderness Hiking Equipment, Technique & Style
A serious look at what you do need and what you can do without, safely.
Do I need a tent to go Backpacking?
You will see many tents rated as Backpacking Tents. The implication is that you if you go backpacking then you need a tent; and more than that, the particular tent on offer. There are two generalizations hidden within such an implication. Let’s look at these, and understand them, before moving on to the uses for a tent when backpacking:
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Backpacking does not equate to camping. It is more likely in many destinations that you will stay in cheap hostels or guesthouses.Carrying a tent in such situations is not only an unnecessary burden but also marks you out as naive and a potential victim. A tent should not be carried as a backup, only where you have actually planned for its use. You could be planning a trek, in which case a tent could be invaluable - but check out the information available. On more popular routes there are sometimes alternatives. If you go trekking in Nepal then the best option is to stay at local guesthouses. That saves you weight, and provides income for the locals.
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I have said elsewhere that no one tent suits all purposes. It is also true that no one tent suits all kinds of backpacking. You should therefore think what use your tent will be put to in order to decide which tent is best for your backpacking rather than looking at single solutions. Often, the single solutions will fit the bill, but not always.
Uses and features of backpacking tents
Wilderness trekking: This has to be the prime reason for taking a tent backpacking. If you plan to do any wilderness trekking and you know there are no reasonable alternatives for shelter then you had best take your own tent from home. You will need a strong, light tent and these are rarely available locally. Space and comfort need to be sacrificed for portability as you will no doubt be carrying much else besides. That is, unless you are considering taking transport, porters or pack animals along. Then your priorities change and you can afford to take more weight. See my article Cycle Touring with a Tent for some relevant tips.
Cost-saving: If your trip is less extreme in terms of destination but on a budget then you might consider taking a tent along to save on accommodation costs. A typical example would be an inter-railing trip around Europe. You can only spend so many nights sleeping on trains before even a camp feels comfortable. You will need to check on regulations to be sure that camping is permitted where you plan (some countries don’t encourage camping except on campsites) and that camping is safe. Try to get feedback from others who have gone before you on this one.
Freedom: In 1. above I said that you shouldn’t just carry a tent as a backup. It’s a lot of weight and not so useful without other heavy/bulky equipment such as a sleeping bag, mat and cookset. However, if your style of travel is to go wherever, whenever and you can foresee yourself needing a tent regularly (though not precisely when and where) then go for it. I carried one across Africa for 10 months and, yes, it came in handy many times - even for sleeping on the deck of a boat. I was particularly glad of the no-see-um meshing.
As with all tent purchases, the clearer you are on your intended use, the better you can define your priorities before deciding on any particular tent. Just don’t plump for a tent that says backpacking because you are going off for your first trip. It is unlikely to be what you need.
Best 1-Room Family Tent (Mid Range)
If you read my article on Qualities of a Best Family Tent you’ll know that I rate the Size of a best family tent according to many factors, not just the standard number of adults that will fit across the floor space. Following up on one of these, I have divided up my best family tent recommendations by the number of sleeping areas or rooms that each tent has. Within each article I will further break those recommendations down - by price.
There are a huge number of tents in this 1-Room category. I have ended up with more choices than in other categories but that reflects the imaginative designs available. I have therefore split the article by price bracket. Take a look and see what suits you.
Those who have younger children may prefer to sleep all-together in a 1-room family tent (even if this is divided up by curtains or the like) to keep an eye on them. You may also consider this type of tent if you are a couple on a long trip wanting lots of space; a home-away-from-home, without resorting to a caravan. Several tents in the range have the option not to pitch one of the inners giving you even more space for living, or storage.
Mid range
The Wynnster Phoenix 6 is a nice balanced tent with a clever dome design giving a separate sleeping area behind a decent sized living area.
Personally I prefer the arrangement of the Vango Amazon. This offers a tunnel style tent with a large porch entrance that would be suitable for cooking or other chores during wet weather.
For something different, take a look at the Sunncamp Evolution 600 DL. This dome tent uses clear panels to ensure plenty of light gets into the communal area. The DL model has a slightly larger living space than the original design.
The Gelert Lokon Vario 6 doesn’t look pretty but is certainly functional. There are plenty of options to ensure comfort whether you need maximum water-proofing or plenty of ventilation.
For smaller families, check out the Lokon Vario 5 and Lokon Vario 4
Amazon.co.uk offer the following tents:
OutdoorMegastore offer all of the tents recommended here, and lots of other ones too. Here’s a handy list. Copy it to Notepad or similar for use in their search engine before you follow the link:
- Wynnster Phoenix 6
- Vango Amazon
- Sunncamp Evolution
- Gelert Lokon Vario 6
- Gelert Lokon Vario 5
You can find Vango and Gelert tents at WildDay including the:
Best Tent Starter Packages
On May 20 I received a comment from Alex on the article Which tent should I buy? asking what else he should consider for a camping trip - specifically for a 2 + 2 family on a budget. I answered that with the article Got a tent: What else is it we need? This article then follows on by recommending some Best Starter Packages as these offer some great deals for anyone in Alex’s position.
Halfords
Better known for car parts and bicycles, Halfords now offer a range of outdoor Leisure equipment. Within this they offer several Tent Packs. These are currently on sale. Check out the prices and reserve online.
This pack offers superb value. A tent, 4 sleeping bags, 2 double mattresses, an electric pump and some lights all for (as of today) under £100. There are plenty of reviews on the page to help you decide.
If that seems too cheap to you, then take a look at the Urban Escape Family Tent Pack. That includes an upgraded tent.
OutdoorMegastore
Stan has prepared a range of Tent Package Deals. These include a tent, sleeping bags, inflatable mattresses and an electric pump.
There are 3 choices that would suit a family of 4:
- Easy Camp Basic
- Easy Camp Deluxe
- Easy Camp Luxury
Copy the phrase Easy Camp Family Camping Package and paste that into the OutdoorMegastore search engine to go straight to the latest prices.
Got a tent: What else is it we need?
In response to the Comment from Alex on May 20 …
A tent provides shelter but even a great one wouldn’t be sufficient for a camping trip. You will also need to consider:
Sleeping
It will rarely be warm enough to sleep without some form of insulation. Sleeping bags are the preferred option. The selection of these is beyond the scope of this site but look for ratings. 4 season is for year round use, anything less is only for the warmer months.
Your sleeping body loses much of its head from the head (hence why good sleeping bags have a hood) and to the ground. You can insulate yourself by using any form of sleeping mat. These come in three main varieties:
- closed-cell foam (the ones that you see rolled up). Cheap but effective
- self inflating mats. These are thicker, more comfortable and warmer - and also quite a bit more expensive
- inflatable mattresses. These are large and bulky so really only suitable for touring, but are about as good as you are going to get for camping. Double mattresses do mean that you will move when your partner moves but that just takes a bit of getting used to.
Cooking
If you plan on eating in local cafes and restaurants then you can dispense with cooking gear. Otherwise you need at least some form of making heat and some pots and pans. Don’t forget plates to eat off etc. Best plan your meals in advance and think what you will need - and change the meal if anything seems to require too much. Storing your food should not be a problem for the short term but if you are going for more than two nights it would be worth considering a cool-box for dairy products, beer and other essentials.
Washing
Most campsites will offer washing facilities for your dishes (which you should always use) and also a shower hut or similar for you. The latter often requires tokens, not so much to make money but to prevent abuse. It isn’t that hot water costs so much but there are lots of campers and one person shouldn’t hog the shower for hours on end.
Seats and tables
You don’t really need seats and tables. Try to choose a spot where these become unnecessary. If you like to sit down for family dinners then it would be worth taking a folding table and some stools that stack, or folding chairs.
Lighting
It will get dark at night, and without street lights that can seem extremely dark, especially for children who have grown up in a built up area. Take plenty of different sources of lighting so that you need not keep moving the one source.
Clothing
You should be able to get away with using your regular clothes around the campsite. However, once in the countryside you are likely to be tempted to take a few hikes around. Good on you! Be prepared by taking strong and comfortable footwear and some decent protection from the elements. Consider the sun as well as the rain. It could happen.
Entertainment
Don’ forget that you are going away to enjoy yourselves. Without TV, DVD etc, you will have to resort to old-fashioned entertainment: that’s why some people choose to camp. Think about a kite, football, Frisbee, playing cards, Jenga etc. Take some activities for outside and some for evenings and rainy days. Take swimming stuff even if you aren’t sure you’ll use them.
The countryside is a great place for children to learn and you can take some relevant books and equipment for photography or drawing.
There are currently some great offers on Starter Packs that put many of these items together in a package. To find out about these read my article Best Tent Starter Packages