Camping Guide - Your Questions Answered
We've provided the following answers to the most common questions we're asked at Active Camping.
How waterproof are tents?
The material used to make the outer skin of a tent rarely lets in water under normal use. Tents carry a hydrostatic head rating (HH) quoted in millimetres. A hydrostatic head rating of approximately 1000mm should see you dry in a light shower. If you want to be sure of staying dry in wind-driven rain then go for a tent with a rating of 2000 plus. The higher the HH rating the greater water resistance the tent will have. View our range of Camping Tents and Festival Tents.
Will condensation be a problem?
Condensation is caused by the moisture from the inside of the tent meeting the cooler outside air. If the tent does not have sufficient ventilation, then the moisture hits the tent material and condenses. The answer is good ventilation via mesh panels or a tent with two layers - a double skin. Mesh panels will allow moisture out (and stop the biting bugs in), a tent with a waterproof flysheet and a breathable inner tent (double skin) will keep condensation away from the inside of the tent. View our range of Camping Tents and Festival Tents.
Where do I put my muddy kit?
It either goes in the tent or stays outside. If you’re going to bring it inside, make sure you have ample plastic bags or preferably sealable stuff sacs. A tent with a flysheet often provides a ‘porch’ area that gives space to store muddy wellieboots and bags outside the sleeping area.
Top Tip: Knock some poles or sticks into the ground just outside the front of the tent and pop your festival wellies on them. This will prevent them getting wet if it rains at night.
How warm will my sleeping bag be?
Sleeping bag manufacturers issue ratings as a guide to a sleeping bags performance. You should use these as a guide to try and help decide which sleeping bags are likely to give you the performance you want in the conditions you are likely to experience.
The comfort rating – is based on the highest outside temperature at which an average adult is deemed to be able to have a comfortable night’s sleep.
The limit rating - is based on the lowest outside temperature at which an average adult is deemed to be able to have a comfortable night’s sleep
The extreme rating is a survival only rating for an average adult. This is an extreme survival rating only and it is not advisable to rely on this rating for general use.
View our range of Camping Sleeping Bags and Festival Sleeping Bags
What's the best way to cook?
Think about how what you're likely to cook, and how often. If it's boiling water for a cuppa or a Pot Noodle then you'll only need a small gas burner. Be careful, some festivals do not allow gas canisters on site. If you want to experience the classic camp barbeque without messing around with a flimsy disposable pack, try the Grilliput Barbecue. Whatever you do, check your festival's rules and regulations to see what they allow or prohibit.
How should I carry all my stuff?
Think about this carefully. It's silly just to pack all your stuff into a variety of bags and throw them in the car. Once you get to the festival you’ll probably realise that you can’t easily carry them! The best way to carry your stuff is in a large rucksack, this will leave your hands free for additional kit. Alternatively you could go for two decent size cargo bags, one in each hand of equal weight to keep you balanced, and your daysac containing your valuables and essentials on your back.
What essentials should I have?
There are some things you can’t do without, things it's good to have and other things that might just come in handy. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
You'll almost certainly need:
Good to have:
Might be Handy:
- Folding Chairs
- Foldaway Table
- Blanket or travel rug with waterproof backing
- Sun hat/cap
