CheapTents.com Outdoor Gear Blog

You’ll be pleased to hear we are passing on the VAT price reductions!!!!!

We are now charging 15% VAT on all our camping equipment and outdoor clothing…
…when you place your items in your shopping cart the correct price will be calculated using 15% VAT.

There are some pages on our website that still show the old prices. Please bear with us while we update our website. The correct, lower prices with 15% VAT are shown on our “view all” pages. Thank you for your patience.

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Live for the Outdoors (LFTO) wrote a serious, advisory post following an article in Trail Magazine about reasons that should make you think about turning back before reaching the summit.  Whether you are a walker, mountaineer, mountain biker, skier, runner or other, these reasons are certainly worth considering:

1. Bad Weather - snow, rain, cold and wind can all come in severe doses, so make sure your prepared but sometimes preparation isn’t enough, so know your limits!
2. Weather Hazards - associated consequences from bad weather such as rockfalls and lightning
3. Avalanche Risk - make sure you check local avalanche reports right up to the point that you depart, and on an ongoing basis if at all possible.
4. Fatigue - tiredness can put a real strain on your senses, your alertness and obviously your ability to continue safely.
5. Hunger - food and drink is your body’s fuel to continue safely and can affect your physical performance, rationale and ability to think quickly.  Remember to account for enough food and drink reserves to return you back again.

LFTO

Avalanche Warning. Source: Flickr, Joe Shlabotnik

Although, we thought there must be more reasons to turn back as there are so many influencing factors on a successful climb, run or ride…or are we just being soft?

1. Injury - some people like to bag summits a little too recklessly, some injuries worsen if not cared for (think of the last time you continued to walk with a sprained ankle, and consider the bruising and swelling that continued to grow from not resting it properly).
2. Illness / Conditions / Vulnerability - without the suitably warm outdoor gear, such as a fleece or insulated jacket, it could very well mean that you become susceptible to cold and wet conditions which might bring on hypothermia.   Illness can overcome your body fast if you’re tired - a common cold can really effect your progress and make you even more vulnerable…be careful.
3. Without the right outdoor gear - that mac that you screwed into your pack might be OK for the odd shower but torrential rain and gale force winds are dealt with far better by a waterproof mountain jacket.  Another example could be needing crampons for more technical, snowbound climbs up hill-faces…
4. Broken gear or equipment - if you took the right gear, but broke it by accident, maybe it’s time to return back if you cannot fix it in any sort of semi-permanent way.  A broken tent pole for instance could cause a very unpleasant nights sleep under the stars if you don’t repair it or replace it sufficiently for the weather conditions.
5. Unsure of your route - you might have made it so far but inexperience or lack of clarity in the mapping might mean that it would be safer to return before you get lost.
6. Closed routes - similar to the point above, if you cannot follow the route that you intended then it’s worth considering returning or at the very least let people know that you will be changing your route.  For this reason it is often advised that you have a primary and secondary route that you share with someone who is not going with an estimated time of return (ETR).
7. The route is beyond your abilities - it might be that you set-off thinking that your route is within your technical and physical capabilities, but things may have changed or maybe your research was not comprehensive enough?
8. Broken-communication lines - there are some places people only like to venture when they know that they have support at a form of base-camp, or Without communication lines (mobile phones, satellite phone communications, etc) it can leave you alone and without the right support if the worst was to happen.
9. Make progress to the abilities of your weakest member - check around with your hiking, running or riding mates to see if each of the above are are all in check and there’s no reason to consider turning back.  it might that you’re OK, but what about others?

Any others reasons for turning back?  Your mum calls and says that dinner’s ready, or that you forgot your hairbrush…?  Share your ideas with others…

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I like Nikwax.  I really do.  I think it is really good value stuff, especially when you consider the value of the outdoor clothing and equipment it protects.

Every so often we like to do a little write-up about the manufacturers of outdoor equipment, simply to show you why we choose to sell the one’s that we do.  And this time, lucky Nikwax has hit the limelight.

Nikwax for Protecting your Gear and Outdoor Clothing

Nikwax helps ensure that your clothing continues to do what it was supposed to well after you bought it. Over time, and wear and tear,

Nikwax Direct

The item I like the most from the range of Nikwax Gear Care products is the Nikwax TX Direct Spray or Nikwax Wash-in.  There are a load of other gear care produts in the shape of wax, sprays, lofters, proofers, etc, etc, but these are the most used by me.

Like most, I’m a big fan of breathable waterproof jackets - got a couple for different outdoor sports - mountain biking, running and general/other use. I think this works best, but I have to say, it’s my mountain bike jacket that get’s put through the worst of it.  The biggest test is the abrasion from the dirt that sprays-up I find…this kind of abrasion can do some serious damage and reduces the water repellancy of my jacket.

How Nikwax Works

OK, the techy geeks are going to love this, hold on to your hats!  Here’s a bit of blurb on how Nikwax was developed and why it works:

Many years ago, Nick Brown the inventor of Nikwax, developed and patented the Nikwax TX.10i water-repellent elastomer. The TX.10i elastomer was based on EVA, the same material found in the flexible soles of footwear. The patent also involved altering the molecular structure of mineral wax which is typically brittle. This strengthens the molecule making it very elastic and resilient. This TX.10i polymer was the primary active ingredient in all Nikwax footwear and fabric treatments.

Nikwax treatments coat fabric and leather fibres with a network of elastic TX.10i water-repellent molecules. They bond to anything that is not water-repellent, but leave the spaces between fibres open and breathable. Nikwax treatments can flex and move with the fabric and leather fibres. That is why Nikwax treatments can withstand several washings and remain whereas the competitors must be re-applied after each wash.

The TX.10i elastomer adds tear strength to fabrics as well. Enhanced tear resistance is achieved through lubrication of the fabric which allows the fibres to slide easily over one another. the treatments also coat the fibres with the elastic polymer that is resilient and allows the fibres to flex a limited amount and return to their original position. This reduces the stress at the intersection of the fibres adding tear strength to the fabric.In 2004-5, Nikwax introduced a new and improved active elastomer. The culmination of several years research, these new class of formulations bring better value for money due to increased number of doses from one bottle and an even more durable finish. Unlike fluorocarbon products, you do not need to heat garments to activate the waterproofing treatment. This new class of formulations is being carried across the range so watch out for even greater performance from Nikwax in the future.

Now, I’m not a Scientist, but that makes Nikwax one tough cookie.

More reasons to love Nikwax

• As proofers go they are amongst the best in their field
• Safer to the environment so ticks lots of eco-boxes too
• Easy to use, just a few instructions - even I can follow them!

Nikwax’s environmental stance:

If Nikwax were manufacturing petroleum-based or aerosol products, there would be an additional 500 tons of organic solvents and propellant gases evaporated into the atmosphere. Nikwax’s commitment to WaterBased emulsions does a lot to reduce global warming and ozone depletion. The so-called ozone friendly solvents and propellants used in aerosols are very powerful greenhouse gases. Weight for weight, petroleum solvents contribute far more to global warming than carbon dioxide.

In addition, Nikwax improves the performance and extends the life of outdoor clothing, footwear and equipment, thereby reducing the consumption of materials and energy that would be needed to replace these items. Fewer things in land-fills too!

Nikwax also doesn’t use fluorocarbons either, and as some research has suggested that they are persistent chemicals (i.e. they do not break-down in the foodchain), then we think that this is a good thing.

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You may remember, a while ago we wrote this fun quiz asking whether you are serious about reducing the weight of your backpack, when out running, walking, climbing or riding, asking: are you a lightweight?

Ultralight Specialists

Years and years of working in the outdoor industry, has led us into our very own niche…one that we proudly can say that we are probably the biggest and best and doing what we do: selling the lightest gear at reduced prices, throughout the year. No seasonal discounting for us - low prices all year!

One of the best things about working here is that I am exposed to so much outdoor gear, that all you outdoor junkies out there would be drooling over!!  Better yet, is that all the ultralight and lightweight gear around me is by some of the best and most trusted brands in the industry.  It’s quite a privilege, I must say!

Outdoor Sports

Outdoor sports across the board can benefit from lightweight and ultralight equipment.  Many of whom need their gear with them in case the weather changes, or, because they are en route to their next camping site.  However few people consider the weight of the gear they are going to be putting into their backpack and carrying with them.  If you’re into any of the following outdoor activities / sports, maybe you should consider lightweight gear as your next replacement:

• Mountain Biking / Cross Country Cycling / Commuting
• Mountain Marathons / Adventure Running / Trail Running / Fell Running
• Walking / Hiking / Backpacking / Travel
• Climbing / Mountaineering / Orienteering / Expeditions

Not just tents!

Our specialist area has always tents, it’s even in our title.  I must say though, that we are certainly no longer just tents, and are well beyond being so, with a range of outdoor sports gear to make a life-times worth of Christmas wishlists!

But if you are looking for a lightweight tent, maybe you should be looking at the ultralight tents too.

Lighter than lightweight gear

Lightweight camping, travel and outdoor sports need the same capabilities that you would expect from ‘normal’ weight gear but trimmed down / cut down / hack-sawed down, to be that perfect weight.  No excess, no extras, no frills, no cosmetics, just pure functionality.  For this reason we’ve provided a range of ultralight gear advice for those seeking to reduce the weight of their rucksack or backpack.

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Berghaus Short Sleeve Tech T came 1st in Country Walking magazine’s test of baselayers / active outdoor t-shirts.

Baselayers and Thermalwear

Your baselayer is one of the most underestimated items of gear.  You should read more about  the importance of baselayers, but the generally you need to make sure they are part of your gear list, in addition to a thermal / fleece mid-layer or insulated layer and a shell / waterproofs.

Berghaus Tech-T Baselayer Product Specification

Argentium is an engineered polyester fabric exclusive to Berghaus.  Argentium offers permanent moisture management and wicking properties through the use of a denier gradient knit structure and channeled yarns.

Berghaus Tech T Baselayer T-Shirt

Interestingly, Argentium has permanent odour resist properties through the use of a silver ion technology. The knitted fabric structure in these tees has been body mapped to maximise air flow, hence creating the breathability quality we see.

• Permanent moisture management and wicking properties.
• Permanent odour resistant properties through the use of a silver ion technology.
• Permanent UV blocking properties (SPF>30).
• Argentium is an engineered polyester fabric exclusive to Berghaus.
• Weight: 185g.
• RRP: £20.

Here’s Country Walking’s review of the Tech-T’s performance…

COMFORT & FIT 8/10

Perfect cut and length, but I’d have preferred slightly longer sleeves.  The polyester fabric felt great next to the skin.

PERFORMANCE 10/10

Dealt with perspiration and dried as well as any, but with less noticeable odour after use than the runners-up.  Appealing sporty yet casual looks.

VERDICT 18/20

About as good as a crew neck synthetic T-shirt can be and at an excellent price to boot!

…looks like it’s a winner!  You can find a range of reduced baselayers and thermals in the outdoor shop.

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We love discounting gear and providing excellent customer service - that’s why people come back!  Here’s a few more for you to take a look at…

Needing winter gear? Getting wet?  Wanting a bargain?

Check out the camping gear sale and discounts on clothing and gear…along with extra discounts on waterproof clothing!

There’s nothing better than getting a bargain!

Want to hear about special offers?

If you like hearing about special offers, outdoor industry news and getting interviews with some of the most inspiring outdoor athletes around, why not subscribe to our RSS feed for daily updates or bookmark the site by pressing Ctrl and D on your keyboard.

Feedback and Ideas

We love to hear from our visitors, whether it’s a review of some gear you’ve just bought, a subject you think we should be covering or simply hearing your views via the comments box of each blog post.  Always feel free to contact us which will help us to continue to provide the great service we think you guys deserve!

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Granger’s has partnered with Oxfam to promote the recycling of outdoor clothing and equipment through the Fabric4Life campaign.

Oxfam’s Fabric4Life Campaign

Whether a recreational or professional outdoor sports/activity enthusiast, everyone has an old mac or ten tucked in there cupboard not being used. Simply take any old fleece or waterproof garments into any Oxfam high street shop for it to be recycled.

It’s especially great, as something that does not hold much value to one person, hold’s a great deal to another.  Fabric4Life thereore has a great chance of raising a great deal of funds for Oxfam.  Do you have any fleeces, or waterproof jacket or trousers that you no longer use?

Brand Director, Don Gladstone, at Granger’s states:

People regularly replace outdoor gear, often because they think their old garments don’t work as they used to…However they can’t bring themselves to throw out old kit so perfectly good garments get left in the cupboard. This new initiative combines sustainability with raising money for charity. Cleaning and re-proofing with Granger’s restores garments to ‘as-new’ performance, extending their useful life, while providing an income stream for Oxfam.

About Granger’s

Granger’s specialise in waterproofing, cleaning  and protecting outdoor clothing and gear.

Established in 1937, Granger’s claim to have become the first company to produce environment-friendly water-based waterproofing. Their principle of producing ecologically sound, high performance treatments continues to this day.

About Oxfam

According to an Oxfam survey, 99% of British people have heard of Oxfam but here is what their 3 main goals are:

1. Oxfam campaigns hard, putting pressure on leaders for real lasting change to reduce poverty around the world.
2. Poor people can take control, solve their own problems, and rely on themselves – with the right support. Oxfam funds long-term devlopment worldwide to fight poverty.
3. Oxfam provides emergency relief for those who need it most.  Oxfam save lives, swiftly delivers aid, support and protection; in addition to helping people prepare for future crises.

The new campaign will be backed by specialist outdoor industry press, and we hope that other bloggers and people with media clout will follow this lead and help make this campaign a success.

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Women’s and men’s waterproof jackets winter stock is now available in the outdoor shop with at least 10% OFF!

Highlights include, the Gore-Tex Berghaus Temperance jacket (as seen in the image), especially great for seriously active people including climbers, skiers and snowboarders.

Another jacket to take a look at is the 3-in-1 Sprayway Griffin jacket, using their infamous HydroDry fabric and a zip-in fleece, to create a  great value longer-length jacket for mountain use…And just £90!

For more outdoor clothes, take a peak in the online shop!

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Insulated Jackets

Insulated clothing is designed to keep you warm. Simple. Down jackets are one great way of doing this, and are often considered as the ultimate means to stay warm whilst out enjoying the great outdoors.

How do insulated jackets keep you warm?

Insulated jackets help keep you warm by storing air that has been warmed by your body in the insulation in the jacket.  The transfer of heat is important when choosing an insulated jacket, because there are three forms to consider: radiation, conduction and convection.

• Convection: hot air rises so keep you collar closed and wear a scarf / neck gaiter to keep the heat from escaping.  The more trapped air in your jacket or gilet, the warmer you will be.
• Radiation: your body radiates heat so make the most of it by wearing layers and insulated clothing to keep it close-by.
• Conduction: heat passes through substances by heating surrounding molecules, so the less conductive the better to reduce the heat exchange.  A great example of conduction is when a cold spoon is placed in a shallow bowl of soup. After a short while, the end of the immersed spoon warms to the touch through convection.

Outdoor Clothing: Down Insulated Jacket

Down or Synthetic Insulation?

Benefits of Down Jackets

The main benefit of down is that it’s warmth:weight ration is amazing.  it simply is.  Compared to synthetic insulating options, down is seen as the best option for keeping you warm at the least weight.

Disadvantages of Down Jackets

The biggest disadvantage of a insulated down jacket is that when it gets wet it loses it’s insulating qualities - a down jacket is particularly vulnerable to moisture, loosing it’s loft and of course the warm air it holds.  Synthetic insulated jackets are far more resilient to wet conditions, will keep you warm but may be marginally warmer.  Weigh this up before you buy an insulated jacket!

Choosing an Insulated Jacket

When you come to choose an insulated jacket, you’ll see that there are a great deal of products to choose from, depending on the season.  Winter is typically the best time to buy a insulated jacket as this is when the manufacturers make them most readily available.

Because of the wide range of insulated jackets available, you’ll need to narrow the search down some how, so here’s a list of a few pointers to help you on your way…

• Fill Power: The volume in cubic inches to which 30g of down will expand when it takes in air.
• Fill Volume: The measure of how much the total of all the down in a particular insulated jacket will expand.  The greater the fill volume, the warmer the insulated jacket.
• Outer-layer: If the jacket is down then it helps if the outer-layer is water-repellent to keep the loft of the down - saturated down is a less insulating.
• Down or Synthetic? What most important, weight:warmth or wetness:warmth?
• Jacket or Gilet? Many down and synthetic jackets now come in two different options, with and without sleeves, or gilets.  These are great for active people who want the freedom of movement in their arms.

If you have any more queries or comments, make a comment below or visit the help section on the main website for more information.

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