Monday, July 02, 2007

Yikes!

Landcroft House is camping this weekend at Cornbury. Mild panic has suddenly descended as we realise we now need to hurry up and buy a tent and all the rest of the stuff. Anybody got any good tent-buying advice or general camping tips? Thank you!

30 comments:

Silvana said...

For me, you and Scrap? Too small, though I do love the idea of a pop-up!

Rob said...

it's 3 man!

Anonymous said...

Hmm getting it out looks alright, but putting it away again?

v. skeptical.

And it looks a bit pokey for three. Or two. Or even one, really.


Aren't there any nice hotels near Cornbury. Tents are for refugees.






Though you rarely see Lauryn Hill in a tent....

Anonymous said...

*voice of experience*
Pop-up tents aren't that great if it rains. If a tent is described a 3-man that means it will sleep only two people. I never sleep in a tent without an airbed these days as well as a small stove in order to make morning coffee, an absolute must. If you want to save money I could lend you both (airbed is double) for this weekend. Take a torch too.
Have fun!

Rob said...

Like it's going to rain! You old cynic...
*shakes head, throws away wellies*

Anonymous said...

if you can get a tent with some kind of "porch" area it can make a big difference, allowing more space when you sleep and also a shelter from sun/rain in the morning. Wet wipes are essential too.

Silvana said...

Yes, I agree with MG and Grahame, your one's tiny. We need to be able to stand up in it and we need a porch.

Anonymous said...

www.feathers.co.uk

charlbury taxis will assist with transport to and from

01608 810501

geh

Rob said...

they look nice Gav. Are you suggesting this might be a better option than a night under canvas?

James Franco said...

what about this one http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_230915_langId_-1_CarSelectorCatalogId__CarSelectorGroupId__varient__categoryId_33978_crumb_34005_parentcategoryrn_33978

Rob said...

James means this

Rob said...

I like it!

Silvana said...

I like James's suggestion but we'll have to go to Mitcham to get it. What about this?

Valentine Suicide said...

Get yourself an Outwell Montana 6.
Got two sleeping compartments I can stand up in mine (6'4"). It's got a sewn in ground sheet so no creepy crawlies

AND

a hydostatic head of 5000.
(you won't get wet)

Anonymous said...

1) Fabsil tent waterproofer - if the tent is dry you can endure most things in the field
2) Wellies - except wet feet
3) Don't forget a pillow of some kind when you pack the sleeping bag.
4) Those little filter coffees that you put over a mug and pour boiling water into. Environmentally ruinous but the easiest way to get real coffee at your own tent 9especially if someone else makes it for you).

Silvana said...

Ken - fantastic tips, thank you very much.

VS - my sister also highly recommends the Montana 6 so I believe it could be the one for us. But £350!! And what on earth is a " hydostatic head of 5000"?

Rob said...

*looks up travelodges*

Tony said...

We've got lots of tent gear you can borrow - foldng chairs, table, etc. Call round! Have got got a nice tent too, but don't think we've got it back..will check

Mel said...

Silvana! What is wrong with "having to go to Mitcham"?!!! If you can make it this far you are welcome to borrow ours. It has a massive sleeping area, a built in ground sheet and a bigger porch than our house. Final tip....an inflatable matress is a must, those roll mat things are pants.

Mel said...

Pad says we have loads of stuff (gas, stove, chairs, pans, kitchen sink, etc, etc) you are welcome to borrow it all.....

Anonymous said...

I've got a great sleepign bag (currently languishing at Lorraine's house). It has a hood and eveyrthing. want me to get it for you>

Anonymous said...

oh and as for camping tips - leave the mesh window thing open to get air running through. And don't ask barnaby levy to put yr tent up after dark on a lumpy patch of ground then take too many magic beans to get over the horror...

BLTP said...

I agree with all the above take ya stove top expresso pot it's the only way to start the day. oh and pillows, black bags, wellies and folding chairs oh and you could look at my glasto checklist (200 downloads and counting). Decathlon in surrey quays is good for outdoor kit especially kids.Oh and head torch is fun.

Anonymous said...

you need something warm to sleep in - flannelette PJs? it gets very cold under canvas. a bucket - you don't want to be traipsing across a field to the facilities. but if you do, a torch is a must. Guy ropes are hazardous in the dark and you don't want to drop in on your fellow campers. and.....yes, a built in groundsheet is a must!

oh and if you see Martin Clunes wandering around, he may even get you stuff from Tescos if you ask him nicely.

Valentine Suicide said...

Hydrostatic head S, (because I'm sure you REALLY wanted to know) is the amount of liquid, in mm, a 1 cm squared piece of fabric can resist before it leaks.

I think the hydrostatic head in Travelodges is 'quite considerable'

ally. said...

don't go camping - it's horrid. bed is best.
x

Rob said...

Apparently, Travelodges now also have flushing toilets, television, bath-tubs and pubs next door (with sofas)...

Drunk Mummy said...

As a seasoned camper with small children, I will give you one piece of advice:
Take a wine box, and drink all of it.

Rob said...

Excellent advice, DrMm. Especially so as now we've ditched the camping idea enitirely! It's cocktails in the bar, hot bath and bed ahoy!

Silvana said...

Bltp - I tried to download your Glasto Guide but Divshare wouldn't let me have it :(