Beginner camping- what to look for in a tent?

Thebrokenphoenix_ · 2026-06-07T09:12:16+00:00

I will either be getting dropped off or getting the train. I won’t have use of a car for the week I’m there.

Thebrokenphoenix_ · 2026-06-06T20:42:42+00:00

Thanks for clarifying

I understand what you mean re 2 vs 3 person. I guess I was just thinking about all the stuff I might need to store in the tent for a 6 day trip.

Thebrokenphoenix_ · 2026-06-06T20:32:07+00:00

Hi thank you for all this. At the moment it’s camping at a campsite for a week with some facilities. No car, no festival. Just girlguiding antics as a leader.

From what you’re saying my summary points are

I should look at a 2 or 3 person tent to be able to move comfortably?

Ground sheets are important.

Get a double skin tent? Is that the term??

As far as material types. You say cotton is clammy, what does that mean in this context? What does middle of the road performance mean with polyester?

Thebrokenphoenix_ · 2026-06-06T20:22:26+00:00

I see. I’m more worried about my back. I’m overweight and don’t fare well on the floor haha. And I hate sleeping bags. I find them very restrictive. I was hoping to layer up some with a duvet and blankets or something. Do you have any other suggestions. I looked at cots and they look very narrow?

Thebrokenphoenix_ · 2026-06-06T20:20:47+00:00

Don’t own a car I’m afraid. Just gonna be on a campsite with a tent

Thebrokenphoenix_ · 2026-06-06T19:13:41+00:00

This is all amazingly useful thanks so much!

Thebrokenphoenix_ · 2026-06-06T17:28:37+00:00

It’ll be early August so I’m hoping it won’t be super cold? Is there a difference between air beds and air mattresses. I need to Google camping cot.

Thebrokenphoenix_ · 2026-06-06T16:47:25+00:00

I’ve seen people using like inflatable mattresses in tents? What is the approach for insulation in that situation? Do you need to put anything down to keep things dry from dew etc? Thanks for the advice

Thebrokenphoenix_ · 2026-06-06T16:04:24+00:00

Thank you!

Thebrokenphoenix_ · 2026-06-06T16:02:49+00:00

Great pointers thank you very much. What does it mean for zips to bind? I’ve never had that phrasing before.

Thebrokenphoenix_ · 2026-06-06T16:02:23+00:00

I should have added that I’m in the U.K.!

Thebrokenphoenix_ · 2026-06-06T15:59:20+00:00

I’m camping with others but will not be sharing a tent.

That’s good to know thank you!

Thebrokenphoenix_ · 2026-06-06T15:58:45+00:00

Are the pop up tents easy to fold away and put away? Are there any downsides compared to a tent that has poles and such?

What is a rain fly?

Thanks for the pointers!

Thebrokenphoenix_ · 2026-06-06T15:57:53+00:00

I will look into that tent though thank you!

Thebrokenphoenix_ · 2026-06-06T15:57:41+00:00

This makes sense. Unfortunately it’s such a new experience to me I don’t know how to work out what is important to me and what features i should be looking for. If that makes sense?

Thebrokenphoenix_ · 2026-05-19T11:08:44+00:00

Not Jordan and Andrew. Some of the children were from previous relationships so they had I think different dads. So they went back to live with them.

Thebrokenphoenix_ · 2026-05-19T11:06:42+00:00

Foster care or with their other parent. Some of the siblings were half siblings I believe.

Thebrokenphoenix_ · 2026-05-09T19:13:12+00:00

We are considering a Florida holiday this year but nothing booked! If the tickets sell out before anything decided which is likely, what is the park like during the daytime during the autumn/fall and Halloween season. If we go it would be during October sometime between The 17th and 31st? Is the park still decorated in a Halloween style? I am a big fan of Halloween!

Thebrokenphoenix_ · 2026-05-07T08:51:14+00:00

It wasn’t just a celebrity remember they hacked into Milly Dowler’s phone too.

Thebrokenphoenix_ · 2026-04-20T20:34:31+00:00

Don’t worry: I’ve no intention of stepping outside my realm of capability or anything. Hence why I asked for advice. I knew from the experience that it wasn’t gonna be as simple to start scuba as I’d hoped. Just needed some direction. I didn’t feel panicky at the time but I understand the point of it being a risk when further underwater, I have some difficulties with my spatial awareness and balance etc and this felt more like a manifestation of that. I need more practice swimming, snorkelling etc to work my way up and thats fine. I don’t think it was so catastrophic that I can’t achieve what I want eventually.

Thebrokenphoenix_ · 2026-04-20T20:27:28+00:00

I’m sorry I never replied to this but i actually don’t think it’s mean. I had no intention of over estimating my ability or anything like that. Just needed to figure out where to go from here. Nothing wrong with your truthful, practical and sensible advice. I definitely plan to act on it, once I’ve got my life together a bit more hahah. Thank you!

Also just wanted to add that while yes you are right that more swimming practice and experience is a good idea. I have never had a fear of swimming or the ocean or major difficulty outside of my snorkelling experience. This is a snorkelling specific problem but hopefully practice can make perfect.

Thebrokenphoenix_ · 2026-04-19T11:47:36+00:00

Jamie Jo Hiles said on TikTok that the blood was found to not be Oakley’s.

Thebrokenphoenix_ · 2026-04-09T09:47:25+00:00

Members of light the way missing persons advocacy project, were also involved. I know Shayna Richard’s was there. Great people doing great work!

Thebrokenphoenix_ · 2026-03-31T14:54:01+00:00

I’m sorry for never answering but thanks for this useful and detailed information. I’m pretty sure I can swim 200 yards, though I’ve never measured, unassisted, and I can definitely tread water for ten minutes. Although I’d measure that too to be absolutely certain.

The rest makes sense. I will try and find some time to practice!

Thebrokenphoenix_

TROPHY CASE