Well according to the BBC website (link) we can expect to actually have a Summer here in the UK this year. The last couple of years have been a wash out with torrential rain fall and even floods. Well it looks like the weather folk are predicting that this Summer will have average rainfall or maybe even less than average with temperatures peaking around the 30 degrees mark.
That's great news for the Festival goers, Outdoor enthusiasts and people looking to save themselves some money by taking their summer holiday right here at home on one of the literally thousands of campsites spread across the UK.
There are some fantastic deals on Tents and Camping Equipment to be found at the moment, with many stores taking full advantage of the fact that more people are introducing themselves to camping this year because of the credit crunch.
One trend you may notice when you put a little research into what Tents are worth a look is that many hardened campers will stick loyally to a brand that they are comfortable with. There are some cheap Outwell tents available on offer (usually previous seasons models) but in reality the tents have risen in price quite a bit over the last year.
Tents are like anything else you may purchase; what is right for one person may not be right for another. New tent brands may not have the reputation but that doesn't mean the tents aren't worth the gamble. So look around when buying a tent this summer, buy the right tent for you, not the right tent for the masses.
And for all of you people heading for festivals this Summer time and are looking for cheap tents for less than £15 but wondering if you will wake up with soggy clothes? Well single skin tents should get the job done if the weather remains warm, however you will need a thicker sleeping bag. If you've made an investment and gone double skin then you will be fine with a cheap sleeping bag to sleep in.
I think we can all agree that this year is a year that many new people will turn to camping and many will realize what they have been missing out on and the money that can be saved by staying in Britain in the great outdoors.
That's all for now
Brandon
Thursday 30 April 2009
Friday 17 April 2009
Pop Up Tent Guide
Over the past few years Pop up Tents have become increasingly more popular among new campers. Does this take out the whole 'point' of camping? Not at all!
Festivals whether music, car, art or anything you can think of have introduced people who aren't much for the great outdoors to weekends of camping. The pop up tent has reduced embarrassment of not being able to put together a complex tent when you have no experience in the matter.
Pop up tents are marketed on the fact that they can spring to life in under a minute and all the user has to do is throw it out, and peg it down. Ideal right? These tents started as simple 2 man tents but over the last few years have grown to 3 man tents, 4 man tents and even some family tents have become the popular pop up variety giving more people the confidence to GO Outdoors.
Words you may have heard when searching for Pop up Tents:
Quick Pitch - This is Gelert's own take on the Pop up Tent but does exactly the same job.
Pitch and Go - Hi Gear one of the newer tent manufacturers on the market call their Pop up Tents, Pitch and Go tents but they essentially serve the same purpose.
So if you are looking for a tent for the summer months, or just for camping out on the back garden then small Pop up Tents are ideal.
A common mistake is to think that these pop up tents aren't up to a camping holiday away. The larger pop up tents will do the job just as well as a standard tunnel or dome tent though space is limited as you would expect from a smaller tent.
Most tent brands are now bringing out their own versions of the classic pop up tent so shop around and you're likely to find one that will fit your needs just right.
That's all for now
Brandon
Festivals whether music, car, art or anything you can think of have introduced people who aren't much for the great outdoors to weekends of camping. The pop up tent has reduced embarrassment of not being able to put together a complex tent when you have no experience in the matter.
Pop up tents are marketed on the fact that they can spring to life in under a minute and all the user has to do is throw it out, and peg it down. Ideal right? These tents started as simple 2 man tents but over the last few years have grown to 3 man tents, 4 man tents and even some family tents have become the popular pop up variety giving more people the confidence to GO Outdoors.
Words you may have heard when searching for Pop up Tents:
Quick Pitch - This is Gelert's own take on the Pop up Tent but does exactly the same job.
Pitch and Go - Hi Gear one of the newer tent manufacturers on the market call their Pop up Tents, Pitch and Go tents but they essentially serve the same purpose.
So if you are looking for a tent for the summer months, or just for camping out on the back garden then small Pop up Tents are ideal.
A common mistake is to think that these pop up tents aren't up to a camping holiday away. The larger pop up tents will do the job just as well as a standard tunnel or dome tent though space is limited as you would expect from a smaller tent.
Most tent brands are now bringing out their own versions of the classic pop up tent so shop around and you're likely to find one that will fit your needs just right.
That's all for now
Brandon
Thursday 9 April 2009
Holiday in the UK this Year
So with the current economic state as it is and more and more people feeling the pinch on their purses or wallets going abroad this year isn't looking like a feasible option for a lot of families.
A family holiday is something everyone needs, just to take that break from work and just get away from the stress and strains of home life and have a good time. This is why more and more families are turning to camping holidays this year. Whether choosing to stay in Britain or hitch a ferry over to near by France a camping holiday can be a cheap alternative and a lot of fun for the whole family.
The camping industry has already taken a notable rise with new families popping into stores to get some advice on a purchase for their first family tent. Helpful advice is out there and the Internet is a great place to pick up some good reviews of family tents.
Names you will notice get consistently good reviews are tent brands like Outwell and Vango. Outwell make some very durable family tents with plenty of living space for the whole family. Most Vango and Outwell customers are more than happy to gush to you about how their tent is a great holiday accommodation and rather than paying for that accommodation every year they bought one tent which lasted a few years. Money saving at it's best.
Another brand that have appeared on the scene just this year is the recently re-ignited Hi Gear brand, that have brought out a range of festival and family tents ideal for any kind of camper. Pop up Tents for the inexperienced, some aesthetically pleasing family tents which are of a high quality and for tents made in the same factories as Outwell and Vango you can see some of the same sort of craftsmanship in the seams.
You may have noticed a lot of these big name brands have upped their prices this year but you can still pick up some fantastic tent deals; so be sure to compare prices before purchasing.
So remember when thinking about your holidays this summer, why not try your hand at camping? It's cheaper in the long run and it may just save you that bit of cash that you could spend elsewhere. Don't let the credit crunch get you down this year - take that holiday break and relax.
That's all for now
Brandon
A family holiday is something everyone needs, just to take that break from work and just get away from the stress and strains of home life and have a good time. This is why more and more families are turning to camping holidays this year. Whether choosing to stay in Britain or hitch a ferry over to near by France a camping holiday can be a cheap alternative and a lot of fun for the whole family.
The camping industry has already taken a notable rise with new families popping into stores to get some advice on a purchase for their first family tent. Helpful advice is out there and the Internet is a great place to pick up some good reviews of family tents.
Names you will notice get consistently good reviews are tent brands like Outwell and Vango. Outwell make some very durable family tents with plenty of living space for the whole family. Most Vango and Outwell customers are more than happy to gush to you about how their tent is a great holiday accommodation and rather than paying for that accommodation every year they bought one tent which lasted a few years. Money saving at it's best.
Another brand that have appeared on the scene just this year is the recently re-ignited Hi Gear brand, that have brought out a range of festival and family tents ideal for any kind of camper. Pop up Tents for the inexperienced, some aesthetically pleasing family tents which are of a high quality and for tents made in the same factories as Outwell and Vango you can see some of the same sort of craftsmanship in the seams.
You may have noticed a lot of these big name brands have upped their prices this year but you can still pick up some fantastic tent deals; so be sure to compare prices before purchasing.
So remember when thinking about your holidays this summer, why not try your hand at camping? It's cheaper in the long run and it may just save you that bit of cash that you could spend elsewhere. Don't let the credit crunch get you down this year - take that holiday break and relax.
That's all for now
Brandon
Thursday 26 February 2009
Music Festival Hints and Tips 2009!
Forums throughout the Internet are littered with thousands of comments of rumors and wishlist's, money is being saved for the most expensive year of tickets yet - yep, it must be heading toward Festival season once more.
Most major festivals are finalizing with their big name headliners, creating their own hype while leaving their fans guessing as to who is coming to rock their weekends this year. With news of bands reuniting and some bands returning to the UK for the first time in years there is as always a lot of excitement in the air in regard to the UK music festival scene.
Those of you sat back thinking that the price of the festival tickets has really took a steep turn upward this year should look back to last year and see how many festival goers chose to buy cheap tents and leave them behind rather than take them home. This is not only littering at it's peak causing festival heads to hire MORE clean up staff to clean up your mess but it is also really quite bad for the environment.
Tents are not that expensive, you wouldn't book your ticket on a whim, you'd think about it, are they the bands you like? is it a festival you can get too? Think of the same sort of questions when buying a tent. If you don't like putting a tent up then there are a large range of pop up tents that you can throw and the job is done for you. For those taking large groups of people why not club together and buy a family tent? This not only creates a party atmosphere right off the bat but also it gives you and your friends one tent to put up between all of you. Easy! If you don't want to see the festival ticket price's rise next year then don't give the festival owners any reason to do so. Clean up your own mess.
Also this year Gas Stoves are strictly banned from all festival sites. This does not mean you won't have anything to cook on because there are some cooking appliances you can take.
- Trangia Stoves - These are powered by Methylated spirits, not Gas.
- Fuel Blocks - Some are quite slow to cook, but perfectly festival legal
- Disposable BBQ's - These are becoming more and more popular among festival goers. At least you know what the burger you cook yourself is made out of!
Year after year you see more people struggle with hold alls, bin liners and anything else filled with their gear for the festival. This only inspires you to leave things behind. Pick up a camping rucksack, they aren't that expensive and they are durable enough to keep using year after year. Don't look for a quick fix, invest in something you want to use again. Not only does this afford you more space and better use of it, it also means you are more likely to take your things home.
If you do head for the festivals this year then be sure to check out the GO Outdoors Festival Guide for up to date news, line ups, information and of course a one stop shop for all your Festival Equipment.
GO Outdoors Festival Guide
That's all for now!
Brandon
Most major festivals are finalizing with their big name headliners, creating their own hype while leaving their fans guessing as to who is coming to rock their weekends this year. With news of bands reuniting and some bands returning to the UK for the first time in years there is as always a lot of excitement in the air in regard to the UK music festival scene.
Those of you sat back thinking that the price of the festival tickets has really took a steep turn upward this year should look back to last year and see how many festival goers chose to buy cheap tents and leave them behind rather than take them home. This is not only littering at it's peak causing festival heads to hire MORE clean up staff to clean up your mess but it is also really quite bad for the environment.
Tents are not that expensive, you wouldn't book your ticket on a whim, you'd think about it, are they the bands you like? is it a festival you can get too? Think of the same sort of questions when buying a tent. If you don't like putting a tent up then there are a large range of pop up tents that you can throw and the job is done for you. For those taking large groups of people why not club together and buy a family tent? This not only creates a party atmosphere right off the bat but also it gives you and your friends one tent to put up between all of you. Easy! If you don't want to see the festival ticket price's rise next year then don't give the festival owners any reason to do so. Clean up your own mess.
Also this year Gas Stoves are strictly banned from all festival sites. This does not mean you won't have anything to cook on because there are some cooking appliances you can take.
- Trangia Stoves - These are powered by Methylated spirits, not Gas.
- Fuel Blocks - Some are quite slow to cook, but perfectly festival legal
- Disposable BBQ's - These are becoming more and more popular among festival goers. At least you know what the burger you cook yourself is made out of!
Year after year you see more people struggle with hold alls, bin liners and anything else filled with their gear for the festival. This only inspires you to leave things behind. Pick up a camping rucksack, they aren't that expensive and they are durable enough to keep using year after year. Don't look for a quick fix, invest in something you want to use again. Not only does this afford you more space and better use of it, it also means you are more likely to take your things home.
If you do head for the festivals this year then be sure to check out the GO Outdoors Festival Guide for up to date news, line ups, information and of course a one stop shop for all your Festival Equipment.
GO Outdoors Festival Guide
That's all for now!
Brandon
Friday 13 February 2009
Handy Tent Guide
Hints and tips for Tents
With the countries financial issues this year more and more people are expected to stay in England rather than head abroad. This could mean that you take the family on a camping holiday to one of the hundreds of Campsites over the United Kingdom, or maybe you're just a first time festival goer and you've just realized you have to come to grips with your tent now that you've spent all that money on a ticket.
So below you'll find some helpful hints for pitching and caring for your tent.
Before Your Trip
With the countries financial issues this year more and more people are expected to stay in England rather than head abroad. This could mean that you take the family on a camping holiday to one of the hundreds of Campsites over the United Kingdom, or maybe you're just a first time festival goer and you've just realized you have to come to grips with your tent now that you've spent all that money on a ticket.
So below you'll find some helpful hints for pitching and caring for your tent.
Before Your Trip
- It is advised to have a few practice's pitching your tent if you haven't before. This will allow you to familiarize you with the tent and to check if the tent has come with any major defects or has any pieces missing.
When Pitching
- If the tent pole jams when being threaded into it's sleeve it is likely one of the metal joints will have snagged on the material, check for where it is caught and release it.
- If the zips on the tent become difficult to close then move the tent pegs to ease the strain of the fabric.
- In warm temperatures the fly sheet will tighten, loosen the guy lines to prevent over-stressing the material.
Condensation
- Condensation is commonly mistaken for a leak in the tent but this is not the case.
- To minimise condensation roll up all storm flaps unless needed.
- Shake or wipe any moisture from the fly sheet, don't worry this will not impair the waterproofing.
Pole Care and Repair
- Start from the centre when folding poles, this will prevent excess strain and bending.
- If your shockcord fails it is possibble to still pitch. Replacement shockcords are available from most stores.
- Replacement pole sections for most tents areavailable from most GO Outdoors stores.
And possibly the worst bit about any camping trip is the prospect of getting the tent back in the small bag it came in. Well for most tents if you follow these simply rules you should be able to do just that.
- Fold the inner & outer into a long thin shape the width of the tent bag
- Roll the tent around the poles to help out the air
- The tent should now fit snuggly inside the bag
If you are staying in Britian or heading for a festival this year then don't forget GO Outdoors stocks a variety of different tents for different occasions. Pop up tents, Back packing tents, Family tents are all available online and in store.
Thanks
Brandon
Friday 6 February 2009
How To Pack Your Rucksack
'So what is the best way to pack your backpack?'
It's always best to find out how to pack your rucksack before you head on out travelling, camping or even to a festival for the weekend. A well packed rucksack can be the difference between shoulder ache and comfort in travel. It could also save those embarrassing moments where you realize something you need in a hurry is actually half way down your pack and you're left rummaging around with a slightly red face.
When you pack your rucksack i believe there are four important aspects to keep in mind to spread the weight and keep you comfortable for the duration of your chosen activity.
1) Always pack the rucksack with all storage areas open - This enables the bag to extend to its full capacity so you know exactly how much room you have to use.
2) Pack the weight evenly on each side - This is for your own comfort, spread the weight evenly over both shoulders to make carrying easier.
3) Pack tightly with as fewer gaps as possible - This gives you more space and allows you to pack much more as well as helping with weight distribution.
4) Try to avoid fixing items to the outside of the pack - Sleeping mats and walking poles are exceptions here. This again helps with weight distribution and makes the pack more comfortable to carry.
Below is a diagram to show where certain types of items should be packed within the rucksack for ease of access when you need them in the event it starts to rain or you need a quick snack etc.
Find your travelling/Camping essentials at any GO Outdoors store or online at http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk
Hopefully this is of help!
Thanks for reading
Brandon
It's always best to find out how to pack your rucksack before you head on out travelling, camping or even to a festival for the weekend. A well packed rucksack can be the difference between shoulder ache and comfort in travel. It could also save those embarrassing moments where you realize something you need in a hurry is actually half way down your pack and you're left rummaging around with a slightly red face.
When you pack your rucksack i believe there are four important aspects to keep in mind to spread the weight and keep you comfortable for the duration of your chosen activity.
1) Always pack the rucksack with all storage areas open - This enables the bag to extend to its full capacity so you know exactly how much room you have to use.
2) Pack the weight evenly on each side - This is for your own comfort, spread the weight evenly over both shoulders to make carrying easier.
3) Pack tightly with as fewer gaps as possible - This gives you more space and allows you to pack much more as well as helping with weight distribution.
4) Try to avoid fixing items to the outside of the pack - Sleeping mats and walking poles are exceptions here. This again helps with weight distribution and makes the pack more comfortable to carry.
Below is a diagram to show where certain types of items should be packed within the rucksack for ease of access when you need them in the event it starts to rain or you need a quick snack etc.
Find your travelling/Camping essentials at any GO Outdoors store or online at http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk
Hopefully this is of help!
Thanks for reading
Brandon
Friday 30 January 2009
Rucksack Buying Guide - Volume 4 The Climbing Pack
If you're planning a Mountaineering expedition heading up into the cold of the mountain tops then you need a pack that will house all of your survival kit to make sure that you're ready for anything. Climbing packs are the avid Mountaineers choice and come with some special features to suit.
The Climbing Pack:
A climbing pack usually has a supportive structure construction to help keep the pack rigid while you are out climbing routes. These packs are usually equipped with a variety of harnesses to keep the pack attached to your back at all times while gear loops are attached for your rack.
Climbing packs are generally taller than most other packs to increase stability as well as having compression straps to pack down waterproof jackets, sleeping bags and hardwear to help utilize space efficiently.
1) Removable Waist Belt - For those Mountaineers or climbers that find that conventional hip belts restrict the freedom of movement or access then the removable hip belt on a climbing pack usually comes in handy.
2) Gear Loops - These are unique to climbing or mountaineering rucksacks. Heavy duty loops on the hip belt or shoulder strap which allows you to secure climbing gear for easy access.
3) Ice Axe Attachment - A loop or loops at the base of the bag which fasten higher up that allow ice axes to be securely and safely attached.
Other features to look out for:
Crampon Pouch -This can be a toughened flap or pouch located on the front of the pack which allows crampons to be secured without any damage to your rucksack.
Rope Compressor - This simple loop with quick release clip usually located under the rucksack lid which allows a rope to be securely fixed and yet easily accessible.
Haul Loops - Similar to a carry handle on the back of your pack, The haul loop is located on the front. These two loops used in conjunction allow the rucksack to be easily pulled up a climb where it would be too heavy on your back.
Adjustable Lid Height - This allows the rucksack to be filled maximally but with more protection for the contents from the elements.
View Our Range of Climbing Packs - Click Here
Hopefully this will be of use to somebody, obviously for more advice you can ask any sales assistant in store.
Brandon
The Climbing Pack:
A climbing pack usually has a supportive structure construction to help keep the pack rigid while you are out climbing routes. These packs are usually equipped with a variety of harnesses to keep the pack attached to your back at all times while gear loops are attached for your rack.
Climbing packs are generally taller than most other packs to increase stability as well as having compression straps to pack down waterproof jackets, sleeping bags and hardwear to help utilize space efficiently.
1) Removable Waist Belt - For those Mountaineers or climbers that find that conventional hip belts restrict the freedom of movement or access then the removable hip belt on a climbing pack usually comes in handy.
2) Gear Loops - These are unique to climbing or mountaineering rucksacks. Heavy duty loops on the hip belt or shoulder strap which allows you to secure climbing gear for easy access.
3) Ice Axe Attachment - A loop or loops at the base of the bag which fasten higher up that allow ice axes to be securely and safely attached.
Other features to look out for:
Crampon Pouch -This can be a toughened flap or pouch located on the front of the pack which allows crampons to be secured without any damage to your rucksack.
Rope Compressor - This simple loop with quick release clip usually located under the rucksack lid which allows a rope to be securely fixed and yet easily accessible.
Haul Loops - Similar to a carry handle on the back of your pack, The haul loop is located on the front. These two loops used in conjunction allow the rucksack to be easily pulled up a climb where it would be too heavy on your back.
Adjustable Lid Height - This allows the rucksack to be filled maximally but with more protection for the contents from the elements.
View Our Range of Climbing Packs - Click Here
Hopefully this will be of use to somebody, obviously for more advice you can ask any sales assistant in store.
Brandon
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