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

[The Nal]

27 minutes ago, Ayrshire Chris said:

After decades of resisting and telling Mrs c it’s not for me, I’ve just bought a bum bag for the festival 

[Robjbrear]

Apologies if this is the wrong topic.

 

The wife and I are looking for a new tent for this years festival, along with using it for general camping. 

 

We've looked at some tents and the two we are torn between are the Eurohike Rydal 500 (£145) and Quencha Arpenaz 4.1 F&B (£199) as they are both very similar in size. 

 

Any advise on either of these two tents or recommendations for other similar tents would be great! 

[clasher]

47 minutes ago, Robjbrear said:

Apologies if this is the wrong topic.

 

The wife and I are looking for a new tent for this years festival, along with using it for general camping. 

 

We've looked at some tents and the two we are torn between are the Eurohike Rydal 500 (£145) and Quencha Arpenaz 4.1 F&B (£199) as they are both very similar in size. 

 

Any advise on either of these two tents or recommendations for other similar tents would be great! 

 

Once you go Fresh&Black, you never go back. 

[Ayrshire Chris]

1 hour ago, Robjbrear said:

Apologies if this is the wrong topic.

 

The wife and I are looking for a new tent for this years festival, along with using it for general camping. 

 

We've looked at some tents and the two we are torn between are the Eurohike Rydal 500 (£145) and Quencha Arpenaz 4.1 F&B (£199) as they are both very similar in size. 

 

Any advice on either of these two tents or recommendations for other similar tents would be great! 

For us the general camping and festival camping were so different we decided on a tent for each. General camping, which we do a lot of, we got a eurohike air tent. Far too heavy to cart to a festival so we got a f and b for that. Don’t need the same level of comfort and space for a festival that you need for a week or two camping in the Lake District! 
then again for recent glastos we’ve done Worthy View! 

[Skelts]

3 hours ago, Robjbrear said:

Apologies if this is the wrong topic.

 

The wife and I are looking for a new tent for this years festival, along with using it for general camping. 

 

We've looked at some tents and the two we are torn between are the Eurohike Rydal 500 (£145) and Quencha Arpenaz 4.1 F&B (£199) as they are both very similar in size. 

 

Any advise on either of these two tents or recommendations for other similar tents would be great! 

I have an Arpenaz 4.1 and can’t fault it. It’s a game changer in the heat and early morning sunshine of festival season. 

[Ayrshire Chris]

Wandering  about go outdoors on Sunday morning I overheard a couple talking about what tent for Glastonbury. They were looking at a 4 person air tent but seemed uncertain. Just said to them that we’d been many times and they were happy for a bit of help as it’s their first time. They were looking to buy chairs, camp beds , cooker, etc.! 

We explained to them the trek from the car parks and the need to keep it  to a bare minimum. I really don’t think they believed how far it was to cart so much unnecessary gear. Got them to check out a f and b on line before deciding and have a look at torts Glasto guide. Actually didn’t think anyone could still be so unaware of the enormity of the festival . Anyway they seemed really grateful for the advice and we chatted for a  while .about all aspects of the festival. 
sorry go outdoors for losing you some sales

[SimonsGlasto]

Long time lurker on this site so seeing I’m checking for updates daily on here thought about time I sorted an account out. First Glastonbury since 2019 so the buzz is at extreme levels. Have just dug out the camping chairs and they have seen better days. Does anyone have any recommendations or know of any deals on camping chairs please? Don’t worry I’m not part of the pyramid stage chair crew 😉 just would like something comfortable for mornings around the tent. Thanks 

[StoneCircle]

27 minutes ago, SimonsGlasto said:

Long time lurker on this site so seeing I’m checking for updates daily on here thought about time I sorted an account out. First Glastonbury since 2019 so the buzz is at extreme levels. Have just dug out the camping chairs and they have seen better days. Does anyone have any recommendations or know of any deals on camping chairs please? Don’t worry I’m not part of the pyramid stage chair crew 😉 just would like something comfortable for mornings around the tent. Thanks 

 

Welcome to eFestivals! Having had many foldable chairs that have limited lifespans, we bought some Helinox Chairs in 2016 (I won tickets so we spent the ticket money on them) and have never looked back. They are small when packed as the frames are like collapsible tent poles and lightweight. However they are also ridiculously expensive.

 

There are lots of copies of these on the market now, some are so low to the ground that I doubt I would get up again. These look a good deal, they are a decent make and the height looks good. And if you decide to take them to a stage just make sure you don't go any further forwards than the sound desk has always been my rule! 😊

 

https://www.trespass.com/roost-folding-camping-chair?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=shopping_feed&utm_content=free_google_shopping_clicks&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwktO_BhBrEiwAV70jXlchrNn4oWA_jeBqVs33HHPE1hk49yXcRo12DW-3uLaAOtYQhRQ19BoCalMQAvD_BwE#color_code=Olive&size_legacy=Each

[SimonsGlasto]

57 minutes ago, StoneCircle said:

 

Welcome to eFestivals! Having had many foldable chairs that have limited lifespans, we bought some Helinox Chairs in 2016 (I won tickets so we spent the ticket money on them) and have never looked back. They are small when packed as the frames are like collapsible tent poles and lightweight. However they are also ridiculously expensive.

 

There are lots of copies of these on the market now, some are so low to the ground that I doubt I would get up again. These look a good deal, they are a decent make and the height looks good. And if you decide to take them to a stage just make sure you don't go any further forwards than the sound desk has always been my rule! 😊

 

https://www.trespass.com/roost-folding-camping-chair?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=shopping_feed&utm_content=free_google_shopping_clicks&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwktO_BhBrEiwAV70jXlchrNn4oWA_jeBqVs33HHPE1hk49yXcRo12DW-3uLaAOtYQhRQ19BoCalMQAvD_BwE#color_code=Olive&size_legacy=Each

This looks a brilliant recommendation thank you and I can see why you’ve sent me a cheaper version after comparing the 2 🤣 pretty certain I’ll be ordering the one in the link 

[thewomble]

14 hours ago, StoneCircle said:

 

Welcome to eFestivals! Having had many foldable chairs that have limited lifespans, we bought some Helinox Chairs in 2016 (I won tickets so we spent the ticket money on them) and have never looked back. They are small when packed as the frames are like collapsible tent poles and lightweight. However they are also ridiculously expensive.

 

There are lots of copies of these on the market now, some are so low to the ground that I doubt I would get up again. These look a good deal, they are a decent make and the height looks good. And if you decide to take them to a stage just make sure you don't go any further forwards than the sound desk has always been my rule! 😊

 

https://www.trespass.com/roost-folding-camping-chair?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=shopping_feed&utm_content=free_google_shopping_clicks&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwktO_BhBrEiwAV70jXlchrNn4oWA_jeBqVs33HHPE1hk49yXcRo12DW-3uLaAOtYQhRQ19BoCalMQAvD_BwE#color_code=Olive&size_legacy=Each

Never seen these chairs before that collapse so small, look ideal thanks for sharing! Probably didn't need a new chair this year but might get something like this for ease of carrying. Will get plenty use out of it anyway and could keep it in the car for when I'm out and about with the dogs

[kerplunk]

Well chuffed to have found a near identical replacement for my 'perfect' festival bag that I'd toted for years and was stolen from under my nose by a low down filthy dog at Shambala last year. 

 

And only 23 quid - bargain

 

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00K7YIYAM/ref=pe_114660031_1119740851_fb_remail_prodpg?th=1&psc=1

 

Pint cup not included

 

Head torch also replaced - now I just need to replace the small powerbank, and bucket hat...

[Looother]

43 minutes ago, kerplunk said:

Well chuffed to have found a near identical replacement for my 'perfect' festival bag that I'd toted for years and was stolen from under my nose by a low down filthy dog at Shambala last year. 

 

And only 23 quid - bargain

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00K7YIYAM/ref=pe_114660031_1119740851_fb_remail_prodpg?th=1&psc=1

 

Pint cup not included

 

Head torch also replaced - now I just need to replace the small powerbank, and bucket hat...

 

At first glance it looks quite bulky. What are the qualities that makes it perfect, do you think?

[StoneCircle]

4 hours ago, thewomble said:

Never seen these chairs before that collapse so small, look ideal thanks for sharing! Probably didn't need a new chair this year but might get something like this for ease of carrying. Will get plenty use out of it anyway and could keep it in the car for when I'm out and about with the dogs

 

They are so much easier to take anywhere, I used to hate people banging into me when carrying the usual festival chair on my shoulder. We are caravanners so they come in handy for any visitors. We also keep a couple of recliners in there for us. 

[joeruss]

Following everyone's recommendations, will be upgrading our tent this year to the Arpenaz F&B 4 man tent

 

Anyone know if you can fit one of those big blow up double beds inside it? Could really do without sleeping on a thin roll mat..

 

Edited April 9, 2025 by joeruss

[kerplunk]

1 hour ago, Looother said:

 

At first glance it looks quite bulky. What are the qualities that makes it perfect, do you think?

 

 

This could get quite nerdy 😄

 

It's a shoulder bag which I prefer to backpacks - for access without taking it off, moving through crowds it's more controllable. Big enough for my SLR with zooom lens in main compartment (or a few cans with camera carried seperately). 35mm prime lens in side zipped compartment. Sun/reading glasses in top zipped compartment. Large front main flap with adjustable buckle - great for holding garments with; I'm nipping back to the tent dear - oh could you bring me my jacket/wooly jumper/fleacey blanket please muel.  There's a zipped pouch at the back that holds an A5 program nicely. Ooodles of small compartments (and pouches within compartments) for small sundries. Last but not least - very handy cup/can holder!

 

A couple of action shots of the old one 😉

 

😉

 

Show Reply

Edited April 9, 2025 by kerplunk

[Metal Monkey]

2 hours ago, joeruss said:

Following everyone's recommendations, will be upgrading our tent this year to the Arpenaz F&B 4 man tent

 

Anyone know if you can fit one of those big blow up double beds inside it? Could really do without sleeping on a thin roll mat..

 

I’ve got the air version, it can just fit a double SIM and 2 singles.

[Crazyfool01]

dont forget to click the links in the thread and purchase from there  .... I think @eFestivals will get commission from them to support the site and it wont cost you a penny more 

[Metal Monkey]

2 hours ago, joeruss said:

Following everyone's recommendations, will be upgrading our tent this year to the Arpenaz F&B 4 man tent

 

Anyone know if you can fit one of those big blow up double beds inside it? Could really do without sleeping on a thin roll mat..

 

I’ve got the air version, it can just fit a double SIM and 2 singles.

[Looother]

5 hours ago, kerplunk said:

 

 

This could get quite nerdy 😄

 

It's a shoulder bag which I prefer to backpacks - for access without taking it off, moving through crowds it's more controllable. Big enough for my SLR with zooom lens in main compartment (or a few cans with camera carried seperately). 35mm prime lens in side zipped compartment. Sun/reading glasses in top zipped compartment. Large front main flap with adjustable buckle - great for holding garments with; I'm nipping back to the tent dear - oh could you bring me my jacket/wooly jumper/fleacey blanket please muel.  There's a zipped pouch at the back that holds an A5 program nicely. Ooodles of small compartments (and pouches within compartments) for small sundries. Last but not least - very handy cup/can holder!

 

A couple of action shots of the old one 😉

😉

 

Show Repl

 

Thanks. I've got a backpack which has many great features (waterproof, folds to next to nothing if it's not needed) but certainly isn't unimprovable. Always in search of perfection!

[Barneym]

Not strictly camping but any recommendations for a neck pillow, the ones you use on a coach or a plane, I need a new one and there are too many options. I’m 6ft3 so always find getting comfortable on the coach very difficult so anything that can help me get a bit of extra sleep is well worth it 

[Littlechef87]

Think I've been influenced to buy a F&B tent - was hoping I'd get one more year out of my tent but there was a little bit of leakage on the last morning of End of the Road last year and I've decided it's probably not worth the risk. So wondering, do Decathlon usually do discounts that are worth holding out for, or should I just get it ordered? 

[Crazyfool01]

59 minutes ago, Littlechef87 said:

Think I've been influenced to buy a F&B tent - was hoping I'd get one more year out of my tent but there was a little bit of leakage on the last morning of End of the Road last year and I've decided it's probably not worth the risk. So wondering, do Decathlon usually do discounts that are worth holding out for, or should I just get it ordered? 

I’d say the discounts would be most likely to be end of season and not beginning .  

[The Nal]

Apparently only 50 quid

 

https://oapss.com/products/temp--portable-inflatable-house

 

 

 

[sedra]

3 hours ago, Littlechef87 said:

Think I've been influenced to buy a F&B tent - was hoping I'd get one more year out of my tent but there was a little bit of leakage on the last morning of End of the Road last year and I've decided it's probably not worth the risk. So wondering, do Decathlon usually do discounts that are worth holding out for, or should I just get it ordered? 

They do a discount for Blue light card holders. They also sell pre-loved tents cheaper - there were a few fresh and black available in my local store. They buy back tents so re-condition them and sell a bit cheaper. A 3 person new one is £100. 

[Doohickey]

 

1 hour ago, sedra said:

They also sell pre-loved tents cheaper - there were a few fresh and black available in my local store. 

Decathlon also list the "second life" tents they currently have in stock on their website:

 

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/shop-in-shop/second-life-products/f-commercial-product-nature_tent

 

Only a couple of f&b at the moment though.