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Tents and Camping Equipment - Rough Guide

If you are new to camping there's never been a better time to start. Tents, cooking gear and sleeping equipment are all superb value with major store chains now getting in on the act. Many Outdoor Specialists are also looking for your business, especially online.

What type of tent should I buy ?

Prices vary enormously but you can pick up a comfortable 3 man tent with built in groundsheet, sleeping area and storage porch for around the £60 mark. When buying a tent always check the internal dimensions. As a rough guide a 4 man tent may be just comfortable enough for 2-3 people so if there are 4 people going camping it may be worth considering a 6 man tent. If you have the option opt for a bath-tub style sewn-in groundsheet. This will stop any build up of groundwater entering into your tent. The waterproofness of your tent is also important consider tents with a 1500 static head resistance or above.

There are 2 major modern styles of tent, namely 'Dome' and 'Tunnel' each appealing to different markets. Larger tents have separate bedrooms and a living area, always look at the floor plans or request one if they are not shown online. It may also be useful to go to a large camping store and see some of the models erected. You can then go online to compare the price. Bear in mind that many online companies may add around £5 delivery on top of the advertised price so look out for hidden charges

Cost of other camping equipment ?

When buying a sleeping bag for Spring and Summer camping in the UK look for a 2-3 season bag with temperature ratings of around 3-15 degrees centegrade. Expect to pay £15-£20 for such a sleeping bag. If you are looking to join 2 together don't forget to get a 'left zip' and a 'right zip' bag. As with tents there are many different types of make and model but the norm nowadays seems to be the 'mummy' style which tapers in towards your feet.

You'll also want a sleeping mat or mattress to keep you off the ground and smooth out the ground for a comfortable night's sleep. Many people opt for the inflatable matresses with a battery powered pump. A double mattress of this type would be in the region of £25. Other furniture you might want to consider are folding chairs and tables which are resonably priced and readily available.

A typical cooking stove will set you back around £20-£30 which should include a gas canister or two. Replacement gas should be around £3 for a 90 minute supply. Some of the major retail stores often stock cutlery sets, pots and pans and stoves in multi-buy deals which can offer great value so keep a look out for special offers.

Where can I camp and how much will it cost?

There are literally hundreds of campsites all over the UK alone, all of different standards. If you are camping in a tent it is highly unlikely that you would be required to be a club member although members could get a substantial discount. Prices are often dependent on the popularity of the location and competition, high or low season, available facilities, how many people are camping and the number of cars. A typical campsite in the Lake District with an on-site shop, shower block and washing area, washing up and a recreational area would cost around £10 per night for 2 people including a car rising to £15 in the high season. Surcharges are then often added for additional people or vehicles.