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Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: tunnie on 25 September 2008, 20:33:46

Title: European Camping store?
Post by: tunnie on 25 September 2008, 20:33:46
When traveling in Europe last year, i came across a massive campaing / hiking outdoor type store, turns it out was a chain, loads of them around France. But i cannot remember the name for the life of me, it was a bit like Ikea, but full of outdoor type stuff...

Would anyone happen to know the name?

Millets have pissed me around, they canceled my order cause they said it was not in stock, but its still listed on their website 3 days later! And the idiot at customer services was blowing down the mic on purpose.

Title: Re: European Camping store?
Post by: TheBoy on 25 September 2008, 21:07:30
Outdoors - Abingdon Road Oxford (Chain)
Blacks  - Kingston, MK, near Costco
Caravans International - Tiddington, between Thame and Oxford
Camping shop down A41, near Thame turn, just outside Bicester
Title: Re: European Camping store?
Post by: tunnie on 25 September 2008, 21:12:40
i could do with a trip to Costco...

fancy a run there tomorrow in mine?
Title: Re: European Camping store?
Post by: TheBoy on 25 September 2008, 21:16:52
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i could do with a trip to Costco...

fancy a run there tomorrow in mine?
Working at home til 5pm, then a member coming round for a while, so wouldn't get there untiil 7ish - too late tbh...
Title: Re: European Camping store?
Post by: tunnie on 25 September 2008, 21:22:13
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i could do with a trip to Costco...

fancy a run there tomorrow in mine?
Working at home til 5pm, then a member coming round for a while, so wouldn't get there untiil 7ish - too late tbh...

Sorry i am talking 'dangle berries', i meant Saturday?

I am popping to the dealer first thing... might even pop past WIM.
Title: Re: European Camping store?
Post by: ians on 25 September 2008, 21:38:10
what are you after?
Title: Re: European Camping store?
Post by: tunnie on 25 September 2008, 21:40:54
3-4 Berth tent... one with separate bedrooms (2) would be nice...
Title: Re: European Camping store?
Post by: ians on 25 September 2008, 21:53:01
Cotswold Camping is the main chain around here.  Field and Trek might be worth trying too, or Blacks, or YHA shops if there is one near you.   Most of them will knock 10% off if you're a member of something (haven't tried OOF though ;D)
Title: Re: European Camping store?
Post by: Vamps on 25 September 2008, 21:55:45
Try Halfords, they were doing a package for £100 earlier in the year. :)
Title: Re: European Camping store?
Post by: Andyswad on 25 September 2008, 22:26:08
Tents have really come down in price recently but you do get what you pay for, some cheap tents can be ok for summer use only check the ratings, the more expensive ones have better poles and material on the actual tent and the ground sheet.

Check the weight, I'm a biker it's important to us, also how easy it is to put up and take down, may not sound important but it is if it's raining, also is it one fit ie built in ground sheets or do you have to put up a inner and then outer tent?

As with most things pay your money and take your choice, how long will you use and keep it?

Mine? fully geodesic and will stand a force ten gale and can sit in 6'' of water and i'll not get wet inside, no need but I'm a poseur  8-)
Title: Re: European Camping store?
Post by: Vamps on 25 September 2008, 22:29:44
Fully agree. :y
Title: Re: European Camping store?
Post by: Kevin Wood on 25 September 2008, 22:33:51
Coleman Ridgeline 4 does the job. As seen at the lakes - but you weren't there. ::)

Easy to put up. Not bad quality for the price. Has stood some pretty rough summer weather without a hitch. Got it from Towsure http://www.towsure.com/.

Kevin
Title: Re: European Camping store?
Post by: tunnie on 25 September 2008, 22:34:03
plan to keep it for a while and do more trips to Holland. Tesco actually has some nice ones, will go past a local store on Saturday when i pop to WIM.
Title: Re: European Camping store?
Post by: tunnie on 25 September 2008, 22:35:25
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Coleman Ridgeline 4 does the job. As seen at the lakes - but you weren't there. ::)

Easy to put up. Not bad quality for the price. Has stood some pretty rough summer weather without a hitch. Got it from Towsure http://www.towsure.com/.

Kevin

That looks perfect, 2 bedrooms too. Going with a mate, but we are not that friendly!  ;D  ;)
Title: Re: European Camping store?
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 25 September 2008, 22:38:02
The way the financial situation is going I reckon a lot of us my need to start considering buying camping equipment!! :'( :'( :'( :( :(
Title: Re: European Camping store?
Post by: Andyswad on 25 September 2008, 22:42:05
try eBay, stupid as it sounds they can be very good deals once you filter out the crap, a lot of shops are selling off ex display models they have just taken down and put them on there to clear them ready for new stock next year,

Spend as much as you can afford, the big names, eg Vango, Coleman, Gelert, Force Ten, Conway, North Face etc are the best and you can find review's on Google.
Title: Re: European Camping store?
Post by: Jimbob on 26 September 2008, 07:10:43
wasnt decathlon was it?
Title: Re: European Camping store?
Post by: Andyswad on 26 September 2008, 07:26:50
No, Decathlon is not a proper camping shop
Title: Re: European Camping store?
Post by: Jimbob on 26 September 2008, 07:50:18
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No, Decathlon is not a proper camping shop


correct, all outdoor sports, but they are uk and europe wide.


Title: Re: European Camping store?
Post by: TheBoy on 26 September 2008, 08:56:05
As said earlier, check for Halfrauds. No idea how good they are, but they do 4-6 man which is going to be minimum size you want for 2 beds.

Oh, and don't expect much trade discount...
Title: Re: European Camping store?
Post by: tunnie on 26 September 2008, 09:17:34
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No, Decathlon is not a proper camping shop


correct, all outdoor sports, but they are uk and europe wide.



10 million brownie points to Jimbob!

I knew as soon as i saw the name i would know it!

yes thats it, came across one of their stores in Belgium, was very impressed with the range.
Title: Re: European Camping store?
Post by: TheBoy on 26 September 2008, 09:29:57
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No, Decathlon is not a proper camping shop


correct, all outdoor sports, but they are uk and europe wide.



10 million brownie points to Jimbob!

I knew as soon as i saw the name i would know it!

yes thats it, came across one of their stores in Belgium, was very impressed with the range.
Thought they were a bike shop  :-/
Title: Re: European Camping store?
Post by: tunnie on 26 September 2008, 09:31:22
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No, Decathlon is not a proper camping shop


correct, all outdoor sports, but they are uk and europe wide.



10 million brownie points to Jimbob!

I knew as soon as i saw the name i would know it!

yes thats it, came across one of their stores in Belgium, was very impressed with the range.
Thought they were a bike shop  :-/

nope...

http://www.decathlon.co.uk
Title: Re: European Camping store?
Post by: Jimbob on 26 September 2008, 09:31:55
They sell EVERYTHING sports related, and often quite cheap.

my brother in law introduced me to one just off the Motorway near stockport (opposite the pyramid)
Title: Re: European Camping store?
Post by: Andy B on 26 September 2008, 09:39:42
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....
my brother in law introduced me to one just off the Motorway near stockport (opposite the pyramid)

Which is where I got a wet suit for No 1 daughter. I think she wore it twice!  :-?
Title: Re: European Camping store?
Post by: Jimbob on 26 September 2008, 09:57:25
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my brother in law introduced me to one just off the Motorway near stockport (opposite the pyramid)

Which is where I got a wet suit for No 1 daughter. I think she wore it twice!  :-?

Least they are cheap enough there ;)
Title: Re: European Camping store?
Post by: Andy B on 26 September 2008, 10:22:05
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...
Least they are cheap enough there ;)

S'pose so. IIRC she eventually sold it to a mate, I never saw any of the procedes though.  :-?  ;)  ;)
Title: Re: European Camping store?
Post by: Martin_1962 on 26 September 2008, 15:21:41
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The way the financial situation is going I reckon a lot of us my need to start considering buying camping equipment!! :'( :'( :'( :( :(


Can't afford to sell the caravan - holidays are so much cheaper than B&B, hotels, or rented cottages
Title: Re: European Camping store?
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 26 September 2008, 16:10:32
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The way the financial situation is going I reckon a lot of us my need to start considering buying camping equipment!! :'( :'( :'( :( :(


Can't afford to sell the caravan - holidays are so much cheaper than B&B, hotels, or rented cottages

So I understand Martin and although my comment was really meant in jest, camping / caravaning is becoming increasingly attractive to me!!

In fact I have recently spent a lovely week in one in Blackpool ( at the Haven site) ; surprisingly, to me, it was very comfortable and cosy! :y :y :y :y
Title: Re: European Camping store?
Post by: TheBoy on 26 September 2008, 16:34:56
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The way the financial situation is going I reckon a lot of us my need to start considering buying camping equipment!! :'( :'( :'( :( :(


Can't afford to sell the caravan - holidays are so much cheaper than B&B, hotels, or rented cottages

So I understand Martin and although my comment was really meant in jest, camping / caravaning is becoming increasingly attractive to me!!

In fact I have recently spent a lovely week in one in Blackpool ( at the Haven site) ; surprisingly, to me, it was very comfortable and cosy! :y :y :y :y
Static vans are OK - but if going in cold weather, ensure you get own with heating in bedrooms ;D

Pikey wagons. No. Can't see any enjoyment there. Much rather use a decent tent, and do the camping thing properly.
Title: Re: European Camping store?
Post by: tunnie on 26 September 2008, 17:13:41
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The way the financial situation is going I reckon a lot of us my need to start considering buying camping equipment!! :'( :'( :'( :( :(


Can't afford to sell the caravan - holidays are so much cheaper than B&B, hotels, or rented cottages

So I understand Martin and although my comment was really meant in jest, camping / caravaning is becoming increasingly attractive to me!!

In fact I have recently spent a lovely week in one in Blackpool ( at the Haven site) ; surprisingly, to me, it was very comfortable and cosy! :y :y :y :y
Static vans are OK - but if going in cold weather, ensure you get own with heating in bedrooms ;D

Pikey wagons. No. Can't see any enjoyment there. Much rather use a decent tent, and do the camping thing properly.

I don't mind static ones either, you get to your destination much faster, and use less fuel...

Once in Belgium it was chucking it down, could not be bothered to put the tent up, so rented this 'cabin' is was bascially a glorifed shed, but it had 4 seperate beds, and a cooker and fridge. Cost us 35EUR a night all in for 3 of us! (same price for up to 4)

Also on the recommendation of Mr Kevin Wood, i purchased the tent he suggested for £79.99.

(http://www.carrynowtcamping.co.uk/images/TentInfoPic2.jpg)

 :)
Title: Re: European Camping store?
Post by: TheBoy on 26 September 2008, 17:15:18
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The way the financial situation is going I reckon a lot of us my need to start considering buying camping equipment!! :'( :'( :'( :( :(


Can't afford to sell the caravan - holidays are so much cheaper than B&B, hotels, or rented cottages

So I understand Martin and although my comment was really meant in jest, camping / caravaning is becoming increasingly attractive to me!!

In fact I have recently spent a lovely week in one in Blackpool ( at the Haven site) ; surprisingly, to me, it was very comfortable and cosy! :y :y :y :y
Static vans are OK - but if going in cold weather, ensure you get own with heating in bedrooms ;D

Pikey wagons. No. Can't see any enjoyment there. Much rather use a decent tent, and do the camping thing properly.

I don't mind static ones either, you get to your destination much faster, and use less fuel...

Also on the recommendation of Mr Kevin Wood, i purchased the tent he suggested for £79.99.

(http://www.carrynowtcamping.co.uk/images/TentInfoPic2.jpg)

 :)
LOL, I know you said you were saving for somewhere to live, but..... ;D

:y
Title: Re: European Camping store?
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 26 September 2008, 17:58:46
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The way the financial situation is going I reckon a lot of us my need to start considering buying camping equipment!! :'( :'( :'( :( :(


Can't afford to sell the caravan - holidays are so much cheaper than B&B, hotels, or rented cottages

So I understand Martin and although my comment was really meant in jest, camping / caravaning is becoming increasingly attractive to me!!

In fact I have recently spent a lovely week in one in Blackpool ( at the Haven site) ; surprisingly, to me, it was very comfortable and cosy! :y :y :y :y
Static vans are OK - but if going in cold weather, ensure you get own with heating in bedrooms ;D

Pikey wagons. No. Can't see any enjoyment there. Much rather use a decent tent, and do the camping thing properly.

In the one we were in we had them in every bedroom TB, and a lovely 3 element gas fire in the 'lounge', and didn't we need it some days and nights!!!  :y :y :y I was pleasantly surprised how efficient the heaters were! :D :D ;)
Title: Re: European Camping store?
Post by: TheBoy on 26 September 2008, 18:19:34
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The way the financial situation is going I reckon a lot of us my need to start considering buying camping equipment!! :'( :'( :'( :( :(


Can't afford to sell the caravan - holidays are so much cheaper than B&B, hotels, or rented cottages

So I understand Martin and although my comment was really meant in jest, camping / caravaning is becoming increasingly attractive to me!!

In fact I have recently spent a lovely week in one in Blackpool ( at the Haven site) ; surprisingly, to me, it was very comfortable and cosy! :y :y :y :y
Static vans are OK - but if going in cold weather, ensure you get own with heating in bedrooms ;D

Pikey wagons. No. Can't see any enjoyment there. Much rather use a decent tent, and do the camping thing properly.

In the one we were in we had them in every bedroom TB, and a lovely 3 element gas fire in the 'lounge', and didn't we need it some days and nights!!!  :y :y :y I was pleasantly surprised how efficient the heaters were! :D :D ;)
The Haven I went to in March (Lakes one, not far from one you used), had a leccy fan heater in bedrooms - not massively effective, but certainly kept chill off.  Annoyingly, had to press a button every 8hrs, else they turned off.

Main living area was heated with gas fire though, so lovely and warm within minutes.


Was a bit chilly in March (first week park opened), so heating essential.