The camping essentials - I've found a bargain which you all need to know about thread...

[eastynh]

On 26/04/2016 at 8:48 AM, siblin said:

I have a vango pop 300 dlx.  Double skinned pop up, 3 man with a porch (so suitable for 1 or 2 people.

 

Cheers mate, will have a ganders :-)

[Kneale]

Bought a double airbed for £7.50 available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sports-Bestway-Comfort-Quest-Flocked-Double/dp/B00F0B5IV0/ref=pd_sim_200_4?ie=UTF8&dpID=41RqDxk4qtL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=7JN2VB1KE96MG5TXBF01

and Tesco http://www.tesco.com/direct/bestway-blue-flocked-double-air-bed/538-8132.prd?pageLevel=&skuId=538-8132

Slept on a foam mat at the IoW Festival last year, and was going to do the same this year, but went to Go Outdoors at the weekend and lay down on one of the air beds and it was a revelation

[davefrompompey]

Can anyone recommend a cheap (sub-50 quid), waterproof* 2-man tent? My only experience of a popup tent was an absolute nightmare of cold wet miserableness at bestival a couple of years ago and I don't want to go through that again!

*not that it's going to rain at Glastonbury, but I'll be using it for other festivals too...

[Drabod]

43 minutes ago, davefrompompey said:

Can anyone recommend a cheap (sub-50 quid), waterproof* 2-man tent? My only experience of a popup tent was an absolute nightmare of cold wet miserableness at bestival a couple of years ago and I don't want to go through that again!

*not that it's going to rain at Glastonbury, but I'll be using it for other festivals too...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vango-Talas-Two-Person-Two-Poled-Tunnel/dp/B00H5IPL18/ref=sr_1_3?s=camping-hiking&ie=UTF8&qid=1461922511&sr=1-3&keywords=vango

I swear by Vango to keep me dry, and this looks like a bargain.

[sophlamb]

On ‎28‎/‎04‎/‎2016 at 11:03 AM, Kneale said:

Bought a double airbed for £7.50 available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sports-Bestway-Comfort-Quest-Flocked-Double/dp/B00F0B5IV0/ref=pd_sim_200_4?ie=UTF8&dpID=41RqDxk4qtL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=7JN2VB1KE96MG5TXBF01

and Tesco http://www.tesco.com/direct/bestway-blue-flocked-double-air-bed/538-8132.prd?pageLevel=&skuId=538-8132

Slept on a foam mat at the IoW Festival last year, and was going to do the same this year, but went to Go Outdoors at the weekend and lay down on one of the air beds and it was a revelation

This is great - thanks for sharing! Have been looking for a cheap double airbed so I might have to snap one of these up

[Stooonami]

On 4/27/2016 at 7:12 AM, Kellg80 said:

S hooks can get them in pound shops. 

No need.

 

Just hook the latch bit tyhrough the loop of your bag in the toilets.

[ghostdancer1]

this looks quite good for making toast on a stove and has great reviews. the triangle wire ones have very mixed reviews.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001GABJW6/ref=wl_mb_recs_2_title

 

[grumpyhack]

I used one of these toasters for years.

The great thing is that you can do five slices of toast at once (four round the sides and one on top).

Toast can really transform camping eating.  Toast and pate or toast and marmalade beats plain bread any day.

[ghostdancer1]

was looking at them but lots of reviews saying that they were shit and didn't work, basically only warmed up the bread...

2.5 stars:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Yellowstone-4-Slice-Camping-Toaster/dp/B0037CF6BQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Highlander-Slice-Folding-Toaster-Silver/dp/B003ERUF5G/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8

https://www.amazon.co.uk/FOLDING-TOASTER-CAMPING-FISHING-COOKER/dp/B00GSS21JQ/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8

1.5:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Redwood-Leisure-Folding-Camping-Toaster/dp/B004TVN9KY/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8

Edited May 1, 2016 by ghostdancer1

[grumpyhack]

1 hour ago, ghostdancer1 said:

was looking at them but lots of reviews saying that they were shit and didn't work, basically only warmed up the bread...

2.5 stars:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Yellowstone-4-Slice-Camping-Toaster/dp/B0037CF6BQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Highlander-Slice-Folding-Toaster-Silver/dp/B003ERUF5G/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8

https://www.amazon.co.uk/FOLDING-TOASTER-CAMPING-FISHING-COOKER/dp/B00GSS21JQ/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8

1.5:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Redwood-Leisure-Folding-Camping-Toaster/dp/B004TVN9KY/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8

Used one for years and had a veritable toast factory going producing excellent toast. I think maybe the trick is the slice on the top to make a lid, concentrates the heat.

[joelovesleeds!]

On 26 April 2016 at 0:39 PM, FolkMeRight said:

Sports Direct are doing some gel insoles for £8.99 to pop inside the wellies/boots.

http://www.sportsdirect.com/dunlop-gel-insole-mens-750268?colcode=75026890

I picked some up yesterday and tried them in wellies. The difference is amazing!

 

Thought these looked good so found some on eBay. Half the price but feedback is still really good for them:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UK-High-Quality-New-Orthotic-Arch-Support-Massaging-Gel-Silicon-Insoles-/200910190486?var=&hash=item2ec72e3796:m:m24v4QsUPCULjIHbVKnRuVw

Several days in wellies (hope not! ) can make life really hard so these seem a good idea

[Charm]

51 minutes ago, joelovesleeds! said:

Thought these looked good so found some on eBay. Half the price but feedback is still really good for them:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UK-High-Quality-New-Orthotic-Arch-Support-Massaging-Gel-Silicon-Insoles-/200910190486?var=&hash=item2ec72e3796:m:m24v4QsUPCULjIHbVKnRuVw

Several days in wellies (hope not! ) can make life really hard so these seem a good idea

I got some of these last year but they made my wellies too tight, was really disappointed as they felt lovely and squishy. 
Charm x

[SG87]

Went to Decathlon and got an air bed, pump, a wee fold up pillow, a bag and a drinks holder. Came to less than £25. Cracking shop. 

[Kneale]

On 08/03/2016 at 10:54 PM, dexydexy said:

a friend reliably informs me these can be useful http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SNUFF-BOTTLE-SPOON-DISPENSER-BULLET-SNIFF-SNORT-SNORTING-HOOTER-1-GRAM-/111351152854 

Bought some of these today

[verrymerry]

On 11/04/2016 at 1:06 PM, BrighterNow said:

Can anyone recommend a women's waterproof jacket?  (Not that it's going to rain, of course...)  I've got a cheap showerproof poncho thing, but want something that will be able to cope with heavy rain.  The ones I've seen are either very expensive or have reviews saying they're not actually rain-proof!  So any recommendations would be great.

 

On 15/04/2016 at 8:17 PM, shoptildrop said:

I buy ponchos from Decathlon, cover everything and cope with nearly all weather conditions!! the only time felt a bit wet was during downpour during Kodaline in 2014

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/forclaz-100-hiking-poncho-blue-id_8084715.html

I got this a couple of years ago and it's probably the best festival purchase I've made, definitely kept me drier (even at Kodaline!) than my much more expensive "waterproof" coat.  I'm 5'2 and bought a childs one because the adults would have dragged in the mud

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/purple-glenarm-100-poncho-id_8154950.html

 

On 23/04/2016 at 10:13 AM, Charm said:

Mr Charm brushed his teeth with Sambuca last year, he was not very happy and supposedly it was my fault. 
Charm x

I tipped most of my partners vodka away to steal the bottle before realising that 'water' shouldn't smell like that...  He was obviously thrilled

Edited May 1, 2016 by verrymerry

[Peroni]

On 11 April 2016 at 2:30 PM, Spindles said:

Those bog standard poundshop ponchos do a good job of keeping the water off and fold down into the size of a couple of hankies.  I'd never go back now I'm converted.

Same for me... I had one in my Bag for emergencies... Always thought it would do just to get me back to lock up / tent for studier poncho.  Then I used it!! Revelation.... Keeps everything dry underneath now I'm using bum bag and as I get cold quickly I actually like the warmth they provide... Due to being not breathable

[donthaveacoolname]

Where can I get one of these?

 

http://www.outsideonline.com/2071126/mancan-personal-keg?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=facebookpost

[LondonTom]

On 4/26/2016 at 0:39 PM, FolkMeRight said:

Sports Direct are doing some gel insoles for £8.99 to pop inside the wellies/boots.

http://www.sportsdirect.com/dunlop-gel-insole-mens-750268?colcode=75026890

I picked some up yesterday and tried them in wellies. The difference is amazing!

 

Oh awesome cheers, i mean to get a pair every year and always forget. This year just maybe!!

15 hours ago, verrymerry said:

 

I got this a couple of years ago and it's probably the best festival purchase I've made, definitely kept me drier (even at Kodaline!) than my much more expensive "waterproof" coat.  I'm 5'2 and bought a childs one because the adults would have dragged in the mud

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/purple-glenarm-100-poncho-id_8154950.html

 

Dutch Army Ponchos are also the way to go (I suppose any will do) at Surplus stores, kept me super dry the last few years but they are bit bulky to fold up! (Never quite got the hang of it, given how flat it came!)

[verrymerry]

1 hour ago, LondonTom said:

Dutch Army Ponchos are also the way to go (I suppose any will do) at Surplus stores, kept me super dry the last few years but they are bit bulky to fold up! (Never quite got the hang of it, given how flat it came!)

Actually any army surplus stuff seems to be good, my boyfriend didn't bring any waterproofs in 2007 (I know...) and he bought a jacket from Joe Bananas and it was brilliant, albeit a little big.  Someone over in "What have you done to get ready..." recommended me some army boots, I think I'm about to buy everything I can find haha

[zico martin]

now we've got a 'taller' tent, we need to get a decent/ light breakfast table - any suggestions?

[JanieM28]

16 hours ago, zico martin said:

now we've got a 'taller' tent, we need to get a decent/ light breakfast table - any suggestions?

We borrowed this from our neighbour the first year and liked it so much we bought one for ourselves for our awning.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Outsunny-Aluminum-Camping-Foldable-Portable/dp/B019MM4MCI/ref=sr_1_8?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1462364254&sr=1-8&keywords=foldable+camping+tables

Make sure you put the security pins in at each end. And, while it's very sturdy, I wouldn't advise it being used by, um, lots of very overweight people!

 

[GoonerRob]

17 hours ago, zico martin said:

now we've got a 'taller' tent, we need to get a decent/ light breakfast table - any suggestions?

Sit on the floor.... it's camping!

[blackred]

What are you going to be doing at these tables?

[JanieM28]

3 hours ago, GoonerRob said:

Sit on the floor.... it's camping!

I once quizzed a senior logistics Army officer in the middle of a desert about why his camp was so spotless when all the others I'd seen were all higgledy-piggedly and messy. 

He said: "Any fool can be uncomfortable!" His troops were among the most cheerful and happy that I encountered that week.

[SteveTLizard]

21 hours ago, zico martin said:

now we've got a 'taller' tent, we need to get a decent/ light breakfast table - any suggestions?

Oh yes indeed, always handy having a "breakfast table" as a flat surface in ones tent, good work sir 

We have a very neat little one that has fold out legs and fold away surface, similar to this: -

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/331667168058?limghlpsr=true&hlpv=2&ops=true&viphx=1&hlpht=true&lpid=122&chn=ps&googleloc=1006886&poi=&campaignid=207297426&device=c&adgroupid=13585920426&rlsatarget=pla-146652024786&adtype=pla&crdt=0&ff3=1&ff11=ICEP3.0.0-L&ff12=67&ff13=80&ff14=122&ff19=0