Buying a Tent

[eddie00001]

I'm looking to get a tent, I'm off to the British GP in July and want a tent for the weekend that can sleep 2 (a 3 man would probably be better just so there's that little extra room). Also would like one that is fairly easy to put up and not too expensive (approx £40 no more than £60).

Thanks

[punky]

Tesco have a few available. They do a standard 2 man job for £8, which allegedly takes 10 mins to erect, or a 3 man job for £20. However they do a 2 man pop-tent (erects in seconds) for £30 in store.

Halfords have some bundle deals though including sleeping bags, etc.

[eddie00001]

Thanks - seen a few deals on camping websites - guess my main concern is what do you get for you £40ish compared to other tents that are £100-200+

[punky]

Normally there's no a big difference. Only in size and things like stronger struts/canvas, extra pockets or a front porch.

Unless you're intending on going away for lots of weekends as holidays, i'd say just get cheap and cheapful.

[superbiatch]

Not a lot in my experience (been a happy camper for 10 years ;))

Its worth paying about £60 from a reputable outdoor supplies centre for peace of mind.

Friends have bought those cheap tents and managed one or two trips before they've ripped or the poles have bent.

If you plan to do it more often, its worth spending even more. My current 4 man cost £300 but its has fibreglass tent poles and has been on many an expedition over the last 3 years :)

[eddie00001]

Its worth paying about £60 from a reputable outdoor supplies centre for peace of mind.

Can you recommend any? Either an online one, or a nationwide shop/chain?

[superbiatch]

Can you recommend any? Either an online one, or a nationwide shop/chain?

I've bought from outdoor world and some others based in Betwys-y-Coed, but i think they pretty much sell the same stuff. I have found that the big name ones tend to be a little bit dearer than the small family run shops tho ;)

[Xaccers]

Been looking online for some 8+ man tents and ebay has plenty going for around £50.
Give them a browse for their smaller tents.

[MovedGoalPosts]

Quality of materials, weight, ease of assembly and disassembly, size and weather resistance all come into play.

Two part tents that have an outer cover and frame that can be erected first, so you then put up the inner from inside the erected outer can be great in poor weather. That way you have something dry to get into. Cheaper tents may not have the separate inner, so that if you touch the side, you get wet. You also want integrated, robust groundsheets, incase you find yourself pitching on a hidden boggy bit ;)

I've had a tent something like this (http://www.blacks.co.uk/blacks.storefront/product/BLKSuperCamping/BLK-SS06-1-to-2-Person-Tents/094484.aspx), for a few years - It's served me well.

[Escapee]

I've bought from outdoor world and some others based in Betwys-y-Coed, but i think they pretty much sell the same stuff. I have found that the big name ones tend to be a little bit dearer than the small family run shops tho ;)

" now is the season of our discount tents":)

The camping shops up in north Wales always seem to sell the Gelert range of camping equipment. I have a couple of good tents but often use a cheap one for one or two nights, I bought one last year in the shop that used to be 'pound Stretcher' I think they are called 'In-shops' ??? now.

I suggest having a look there if you are happy taking a risk with a cheat single skin tent for a couple of night like I often do. After all waking up nice and warm in a pool of water is all the fun of camping.

[eddie00001]

I've seen this tent on a few sites, all about the same price

http://www.blacks.co.uk/blacks.storefront/product/BLKSuperCamping/BLK-SS06-1-to-2-Person-Tents/094955.aspx

or

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330130385593&ssPageName=MERC_VI_RCRX_Pr4_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT&refitem=330127318403&itemcount=4&refwidgetloc=active_view_item&usedrule1=CrossSell_LogicX&refwidgettype=cross_promot_widget

Anyone used them or seen them in use?

[AntiSilence]

http://www.millets.co.uk/millets.storefront/default.aspx
http://www.yeomansoutdoors.co.uk/
http://www.surplusandoutdoors.com/
http://www.surplusandadventure.com/index.html

I go camping (in woodland, not camp sites) quite often and I've got a cheap (£30) ridge tent. It's light and easy to carry attached to the ruck sack.

[Nidge]

ARGOS have a deal on at the moment where they are selling an 8 man tent with all the airbeds and sleeping bags for £140, not a bad deal that.

[Halcyon]

A dome tent is one of the best portable tents around and all fits in a bag that is easy to carry around with you.
You just feed the poles through and it all bends into shape.

If it is for occasional use then the one in the link below will probably be fine for 2 people:

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3409086.htm

If you intend on doing a lot more camping, check out the ones in outdoor shops.

[superbiatch]

If it is for occasional use then the one in the link below will probably be fine for 2 people:

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3409086.htm

I started out with one like this and still use it for festivals. As Halycon says it won't do you for the long-term, but for a few short breaks it'll be fine.

[papa smurf]

if you have a single skined tent you wake up soaked,you need one with an inner tent [ie double skinned]

[AntiSilence]

if you have a single skined tent you wake up soaked,you need one with an inner tent [ie double skinned]

Yeah, mine does have a habit of that. Especially when camping in February or October when it's cold outside.