CheapTents.com Outdoor Gear Blog

Buying a new tent is never an easy task, there seems to be so many technical features these days that it can be more than a little bit confusing. So to cut the daunting task of buying a tent down to size, here is the CheapTents buying guide.

This article on buying a new tent is by no means exhaustive but is meant as a starting place by which you can get an idea of what features and requirements you have for a tent. Once you’ve read this article, if you have any questions or need some more advice simply leave a comment below or if you are looking for more detailed advice visit our camping tent advice section.

• Choosing a Family Tent
• Which is the best tent for you?
• Summer Family Camping Tips!

With the school (summer) holidays now upon us, it is that time of year we’ve all be waiting for, the family holiday. This year, as with the previous few, has seen a massive decrease in foreign holiday bookings, meaning that more and more people are staying in the UK for their family holidays. However, as with all things camping holidays take a lot of preparation - you’ve already found a camp site and booked your pitch… you’ve planned what attractions and walks you may do together… it’s now time to pack up and get on the road.

• Summer Family Camping Tips!
• Choosing a Family Tent
• Which is the best tent for you?

When hiking, camping and climbing it is always great to see some wildlife. Birds can often be heard or seen out in the countryside. Keeping an eye out for birds can add another dimension to your outdoor experience. If you are going to do some birdwatching there is some additional equipment that you could take with you. The gear that you will need will depend upon the nature of your trip:

• What time of year will you be going?
• What are anticipated weather conditions?
• What is duration of trip?
• Where will you sleep overnight?

• Which Mid-layer Fleece is best?
• Pembrokeshire: Best UK Coast Path
• What Outdoor Gear Do You Need to Take Up Ben Nevis?

What is a Rucksack Cover?

They are usually made from lightweight, waterproof, ripstop fabric and are secured around your rucksack with elasticated drawcord. When not in use they can be packed away into their own little stuff sack.

Trekmates Backpack Covers are available in small, medium and large to fit different sizes of rucksacks. Small fits 20-45 litre rucksacks, medium fits 45-65 litre rucksacks and large fits 65+ litre rucksacks.

Do I Need a Rucksack Cover?

The purpose of rucksack / Backpack covers is to protect your rucksack from the rain, but are they really necessary?

• Lowe Alpine Travel Trekker Pro 70 + 17 Review
• Do I need a Groundsheet Protector?
• Lightwave Fastpack Rucksack Review

Bicycle Touring is an exciting, healthy way to spend your free time, either on your own, with friends or even your family! In my previous article An Introduction to Bicyle Touring the main forms of touring were defined. For most Cycle Tours the gear needed will essentially the same, although it will depend upon how much each individual cyclist is prepared to carry, what they view as essential items, what level of comfort is required, what terrain and distance the tour will cover and whether there are any support vehicles to carry equipment.

• Bicycle Touring – An Introduction
• Clothing For Your Bike Tour
• Where do the MSR Hubbas get their name?

Today more and more people are looking for ways to lighten their backpack and go ultralight. It makes the walking easier, lets you cover more miles and can make things a lot more fun. But what are the best ways to save weight and become more lightweight.  I’ve put together a short summary of some of the best tips for becoming a lightweight backpacker.

Want to be more lightweight than this? Source - Flickr - Mrfrosted

• Outdoor and camping advice is our thing…
• Are you a heavyweight, lightweight or ultralight?
• Cumulus test results and reviews…Ultralight 200

Since the bike was invented, people have been using them to tour the world. You may ask what has bicycle touring got to do with CheapTents.com, well, touring and camping are very similar especially the equipment used.

Bicycle Touring

This short post is an introduction to a pass time enjoyed by millions around the world, but if you thought that it was just a case of stapping your tent to your bike and cycling into the sunset then think again, cycle touring requires planning and preparation. This can be done independently, by groups of cyclists or commercial holiday companies, there are many questions to consider such as;

• Cycle Touring, A Guide To Essential Sleeping Gear
• Clothing For Your Bike Tour
• Guide to Buying a Tent

Now that summer is fast approaching so are the dreaded midges, which have to be one of the most annoying creatures on this planet.  While they’re hardly dangerous, they can be annoying and leave you with a few nasty bite marks.

Midge close up: source imarsman - flickr

The term Midge doesn’t refer to a specific insect it is a general term for very small (about 3mm) flies. There are about 40 midge species in the UK but very few which bite humans. The most common of these biting midges is the Culicoides Impunctatus or the infamous highland midge.

• How to Avoid Blisters
• Scottish Natural Heritage Provides Eco-Camping Tips
• SPF, UPF and UV Protective Clothing

The latest Irish bouldering guide was released last week and contains 115 pages, packed full with almost 1500 problems and about 200 maps and topos.

The latest Irish bouldering guide contains 1500 problems, 200 maps and topos. Source: Geograph. © Copyright Richard Smith and licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence.

This guide is intended to be reasonably definitive but just because something has been climbed doesn’t mean it is worth documenting so I haven’t detailed every variation, elimate, lowball sitstart or squeezed in micro line. From a personal point of view I attach the highest value to logical, independent lines with good moves and good landings and every problem that fits this criteria is described. Though I welcome other opinions on omissions and inclusions.

• New Bouldering Wall Announced for Manchester
• Introduction to Bouldering – accessible Climbing across the UK
• Walking Northern Ireland Route Planner Review

With everyone pinching pennies due to the current economic situation more and more people are looking staying at home this year and enjoying a holiday.  Camping is the perfect option, it’s cheap, fun and lets you see the landscape in a different way, but what should you look for when choosing a family tent.

Tent Weight

Normally with tents you want the lightest possible. With a family tent this is not really an issue as you will most likely be able to drive right up to the campsite and simply lift the tent out.  It might be worth considering the weight if you know that you might have to carry the tent for short distances, but it’s definitely not a major consideration.

• Guide to Buying a Tent
• Which is the best tent for you?
• Cycle Touring, A Guide To Essential Sleeping Gear