Thursday 20 November 2014

Choosing a tent for camping

Family camping

Tents for family camping come in all shapes and sizes. The right one for you will not necessarily be the right one for someone else. Hence, the wide variety of tents being available for sale.

Enjoy camping in the great outdoors

What size of tent to choose?

Tents are sold as two man, four man, six man and so on. However, this is the maximum number of adults that you can fit into the tent for sleeping in close company with no personal gear. This rating is only useful to know the floor space of the tent and not really a true representation of the number of people that could comfortably use the tent for camping.

Don't be uncomfortably cramped in a tent. Divide the advertised rating by two, and you will have the real sleeping capacity of the tent. Therefore, most four man tents are really only comfortable for two adults, or perhaps two adults and two very small children.

For comfortable camping you should plan a minimum of 30 square feet of floor space per person. The floor space could be even higher for longer camping trips, unless reducing weight is important.

The actual length and width of the tent is also very important. If you are quite tall, you will need a space of at least seven feet in order to fit well and not be crammed against the sides of the tent. You will need at least two and one half feet in width just for sleeping. This equates to only 17.5 square feet. A two man tent might only measure five by seven feet.

By adding space for clothing, and space to stand up without climbing over your companion, this will make camping more comfortable and enjoying. For two people, consider at least 8 foot by 8 foot floor space as a minimum, divided by the 2 campers that is only 32 square feet per camper.

A ten by ten foot tent is ideal for two adults for camping. This will be enough space for a double air mattress, plus space for rucksacks and other camping gear.

Children can fit snugly in smaller tents. Older children will probably want to sleep in a separate tent. Parents can enjoy the privacy provided with children in their own tent. A five by seven foot tent is adequate for children.

Be careful with larger, more adventurous tents as there are some other considerations. It will be more difficult to find a level area which is large enough to set up the tent. You will need an area as level as possible. Larger tents can be quite heavy. This may not be a problem for transportation in a car, but consider the loading and unloading of the car. Lastly, do you really want everyone to sleep, and dress, in the same tent. Privacy can be an issue in larger tents, even with private compartments.

The maximum internal height is very important for your comfort. For most of your camping trips, they will be more enjoyable with a tent that is tall enough to stand up in. A six to seven foot peak height is necessary for adults, and a four foot peak is about right for children. Remember, the tent slopes downward at a sharp angle, so the actual area where you can stand up will be quite small. There will be greater spaces for standing in tents with taller peaks.
Shape of tent

Tents come in four basic shapes: A-frame, umbrella, geodesic (dome), and wall. The A-frame is the common pup tent shape, but can also be quite large. The umbrella is a very commonly used family camping tent, as it has lots of standing room, with large windows. The geodesic comes in many different shapes, but all of them look like combinations of connected triangles. The wall tent is like an A-frame tent, but will have many more poles to create a larger space with vertical side walls and a sloping roof.

Tents with square or rectangular floor shapes are more efficient when laying out camping gear and blowup beds. It is not always possible to have a square floor or rectangular. Geodesic dome tents may have a nearly round floor space which may be less efficient use of space.

Tent Poles


Tent poles are generally made from aluminium or fibreglass. Most tents have poles that are linked together with an elastic shock cord or springs which is of great assistance to making life simpler when setting up the tent. Be careful with tent poles as they can bend (some are supposed to) or break. Many manufacturers of tents provide emergency repair kits for mending poles and patching holes.

Tent Fabric

In the past tents were generally made of canvas and waterproofed with starch. Most tents these days are made of nylon. Coated nylon is used for waterproofing. Nylon mesh is used for inner walls. No-see-um mesh is used for the window screens. Better quality tents use thicker fabric and rip-stop fabric. The waterproof level is measured in hydrostatic head, 3000 will be much more waterproof than 1000.

Seams

The seams of a tent should be reinforced with nylon tape. The tape will usually be stitched onto each seam, this will make the seam much stronger and more waterproof. The seams on a nylon tent need to be waterproofed with a seam sealer. There should be a bottle of seam sealer supplied with your new tent. Before setting out on a camping trip it is advisable to put up your tent in your garden and apply the sealer. Let the sealer dry out completely before packing away the tent. This will also ensure that the tent is complete and you will be familiar with the setup for a less stress when putting up the tent on a camping trip.

Weather Considerations

The weather will have different demands on the tent. Windy areas will require sturdy poles, stakes and anchor ropes. The wind stress on the tent can be reduced by careful positioning of the tent and use of wind breakers. Geodesic tents give protection in the wind, their igloo like shape reduces the effect of the wind and the poles provide great strength and stability. A tent must be capable of keeping the rain out and provide enough room to be comfortable whilst being in shelter.

Your outer layer of the tent should be completely waterproof and reach down to the ground. This will keep out the rain even if it is quite windy. The outer part should protrude over the doorway to keep out the rain.

The floor area of the tent should be much heavier than the walls, completely waterproof and coated with nylon. This flooring should extend over the entire area of the tent and turn up to the sides for about six inches. This type of floor will keep out any water that comes in under the tent sides of the tent and stops water entering from under the flooring.

A special mountaineering tent is needed if camping in the snow. However, a three season tent with good features will suit most people. The most important features of a tent will be the rain cover that fully covers the top and sides. It will also have an interior layer made from an open mesh fabric to allow water vapour and air to pass through it.

The tent size may also be a consideration if you plan to camp in cool weather. Your body heat will keep a small tent much warmer that a larger count. Some campers will use a tent heater in their large tent. However, heaters are not safe in small tents due the the closeness of the tent walls. For safety, do not ever bring a barbecue into a tent for heat as this could result in carbon monoxide poisoning.

How much to pay for a tent

In general, the more expensive tents are made with more robust fabric, sturdier poles, and better stitching. These tents will be able to withstand stronger winds and heavier rainfall and will last much longer. Not everyone will need this strength and durability of a good tent. Some people will use cheap tents as something disposable, whilst others may opt for expensive tents which can be used for many years. For occasional camping in good weather, a cheap tent may in some circumstances be the better option.

Most people starting out camping are likely to opt for inexpensive camping gear, this is a good idea to see if you are suited to the camping lifestyle. It is best to try-out camping in good weather on a regular camp site and practice putting up the tent at home before your camp trip. You can upgrade your tent at a later date if camping is for you. Remember that you can recover some of the cost of new camping equipment by selling your old  gear on the Camping NI classifieds website.

Thursday 18 September 2014

Camper hire on causeway coast

http://ni-camping.co.uk/index.php/directory/camping-hire


Create your perfect holiday with Causeway Campers. Volkswagen Camper Vans and Motorhome rental from the Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland!
If you’re looking for a easy-going and stylish holiday Causeway Campers offer a range of modern 2, 4 & 6 berth vans and a classic style VW Type 2 Campervan if you fancy taking life at a slower pace. We can help you create a bespoke itinerary so you will enjoy the holiday of a life time, with an adventure around every corner.
Based in Portrush, Northern Ireland, the centre of the Causeway Coast and with 5 pickup locations, in Portrush, Belfast both City Airport and Belfast International, Londonderry/Derry and Dublin International Airport.

Our Fleet of Camper Vans

VW T5 - Sleeps 2 - Travels 4

VW T5 - Sleeps 2 - Travels 4

This van has everything you need in a modern camper. The water system is a cold pump system. The efficient Smev stainless two burner hob and sink with lids mean making the bacon sarnies in the morning a breeze. A comfortable rock and roll bed with memory foam mattress and cream leather. The bed also has two three point seat belts. Carpeted and insulated throughout to make things snug and warm at night, you can even plug in a heater to one of the 2 240v sockets on those cooler evenings with mains hock up or use the on-board petrol heater. The flooring is tough non slip from Altro so no worries with wet feet after a surf. There is a Waeco CR40 compressor fridge with freezer compartment.

VW T2 - Sleeps 4 - Travels 4

VW T2 - Sleeps 4 - Travels 4

A brand new 2012 Brazilian camper with original, timeless design. The interior offers a gas hob, sink, fridge/freezer and storage, hand-built interior, modern seating and a choice of customisation levels. The elevated 'pop top' roof provides a double bed platform complete with mattress suitable for children.You will be the envy of others on the road in this excellent head-turning campervan.

VW T5 - Sleeps 4 - Travels 4

VW T5 - Sleeps 4 - Travels 4

This van has everything you need in a modern camper. The water system is a cold pump system. The efficient Smev stainless two burner hob and sink with lids mean making the bacon sarnies in the morning a breeze. A comfortable rock and roll bed with memory foam mattress and cream leather. The bed also has two three point seat belts. Carpeted and insulated throughout to make things snug and warm at night, you can even plug in a heater to one of the 2 240v sockets on those cooler evenings with mains hock up or use the on-board Diesel heater. The flooring is tough non slip from Altro so no worries with wet feet after a surf. There is a Waeco CR40 compressor fridge with freezer compartment.

Motorhome 6 berth

Motorhome 6 berth

If your looking to sleep a few more people with comfort and style, why not try one of our 6 berth Motorhomes. This will include sleeping and traveling for 6, bathroom, shower, full galley kitchen, dining area. All the extras you would expect are provide to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

 Van Features

  • Smev 2 burner gas hob
  • Gas Hob, kettle, pot & pans, crockery, cutlery, etc
  • Camping Gas
  • Waeco CR40 compressor fridge
  • On board fresh water tank 35L Sink with pumped cold water
  • 12v LED lighting
  • 2nd leisure battery 110ah with split charge
  • 12v cigar socket in rear
  • Rock and roll bed with memory foam mattress
  • Ample storage
  • Interior table
  • Bonus power management system for 240v and battery charging
  • 4 240v plug sockets
  • Fully carpeted and insulated with recycled plastic
  • Sound system – Radio with media port for Ipods etc
  • Side window/s
  • Petrol/Diesel heater system
  • Drinking water
  • Campsite electric hook-up facility
  • Blankets & throws in the colder months
  • Maps & Guides
  • Travel Games
  • Fully Comprehensive Insurance for one driver aged 25-70
  • AA Breakdown Assistance
  • Vehicle demonstration on collection
  • Out of hours collection


Camper Conversions


Causeway Camper Conversions
Interoir of Camper Conversion
If you are looking for a campervan, why not get Causeway Campers to custom build a van to your specification and budget.  Chat with Causeway Campers and they can make your dream come true.
Causeway Campers can discuss the best options available to you, and the possible costs for your conversion. All work and installations will be carried out at Causeway Campers premises, by their experienced staff.
Look at the local workmanship within Causeway Campers already converted rental fleet. You can try before you buy, with a weekend rental so you know what you want before your conversion is started. Terms & Conditions apply.


Causeway Coast

Giants Causeway

Giants Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway is steeped in myth and legend. Some say it was carved from the coast by the mighty giant, Finn McCool who left behind an ancient home full of folklore. Look out for clues of the existence of the mighty giant, Finn McCool – including Giant’s Boot, The Wishing Chair, The Camel, Giant’s Granny and The Organ. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of Finn’s Scottish opponent, Benandonner’s homeland of Scotland.

Dunluce Castle

Dunluce Castle

The coast of Antrim in Northern Ireland is a rocky, rugged and desolate place and on one of the stacks that juts into the Atlantic on the Causeway coast stand the ruins of Dunluce Castle.

Built in the 16th Century for the MacDonnell family (although the outer walls are said to have been built for the MacQuillans in the 14th Century), the Castle was initially accessible by a drawbridge. Now you'll find a permanent structure that takes you to the Scottish-style gatehouse on the outcrop. This is actually on top of a cave which was once used as an underground harbour. There is a path leading down to the harbour so you can have a peek, but be careful if the sea is rough. Guest apartments and stables were built on the mainland, and the ruined outer walls of these are still in place today.

Old Bushmills Distillery

Old Bushmills Distillery

Bushmills Irish Whiskey is made at Ireland’s oldest working distillery in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The brand portfolio includes five award-winning whiskeys: Bushmills, Black Bush, Bushmills 10 year Malt, 16 year Malt and 21 year Malt. Bushmills is the only distillery in Ireland to make triple-distilled malt whiskey. This is at the heart of all Bushmills whiskeys and creates a unique combination of smoothness and richness.

Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge

Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge

Carrick-a-Rede is a rocky island connected to the cliffs by a rope bridge.

Take the exhilarating rope bridge to Carrick-a-Rede island and enjoy a truly clifftop experience. This 30-metre deep and 20-metre wide chasm is traversed by a rope bridge traditionally erected by salmon fishermen.