Thursday 31 March 2016

Condensation in Inflatable Tents & How To Avoid It


Has My Tent Leaked!

Inflatable tents have become massively popular over the last couple of years with ranges available from all the leading brands including Vango, Outwell, Coleman and Kampa. Their quick, one man pitching coupled with quality fabrics and large living areas make them the obvious choice for larger groups and families. Their air pole structure is more reliable than fibreglass poles, and you certainly aren't in danger of forgetting your poles and spending the night in the car!

All of the tents we sell are subject to vigorous weather testing by their manufacturers and most are rated far more waterproof than anything the English weather can throw at them. However, one issue of note with inflatable beamed tents is that unless the tent is adequately ventilated, condensation can form on the air beams, drip down and form puddles at their bases. Condensation can be an issue in any under ventilated tent but because the air in the beams is isolated from the air around it, it cools at a slower rate forming water droplets and exasabating the problem. 

One person on their own in a tent overnight can produce up to a pint of water in condensation, so imagine how much a family could produce. 
Say you've got a family of five in the same tent, that's five pints of water without taking in to account wet shoes, coats, dogs and even the air itself.

A six man tent, without anyone in it, can hold as much as one more pint of water just in the air inside it. So, before we even start with the weather, there is the potential for a lot of condensation. All of the air, combined with heaters, people and dogs creates a warm, humid environment inside the tent.



Even at the height of the summer in Cornwall, night time temperatures can get down to as low as eleven degrees, making the outside air and the outer fabric of the tent pretty chilly. When the hot air inside the tent hits the cold fabric, condensation occurs rapidly, creating those pools of water which are so often the cause for panic.

All of the manufacturers try to ensure their are plenty of mesh panels and ventilation points throughout their tents as the circulation of air removes damp moist air and can prevent condensation completely. It is important to note that unless vents and panels are open this circulation can not take place and in humid or damp conditions condensation will form.

Here is a set of guidelines for keeping levels of condensation to a minimum (although sometimes it is inevitable):

  • The first thing to look at to prevent condensation is whether the tent has an inner to it - and if it does, make sure that there isn't anything leaning on it or causing it to push against the outside layer of fabric, else the condensation will seep through.

  • Make sure all the vents in the tent are open, and even keep the doors open a little bit if it isn't too cold. Keep the vents unblocked by bags and people as this will allow the air to flow through the tent much more freely.

  • Definitely do not cook inside!!! This is a huge no-no, even if it's chucking down outside and you need to eat - find a restaurant. Not only can this contribute hugely towards condensation, the levels of carbon monoxide that smoke from cooking gives off can be lethal. Definitely no cooking in tents please.

  • Store wet things outside. Wellies, coats and towels will all hold moisture that you don't want in your tent. Tarps, awnings and hubs are all available at a reasonable price, and these will provide shelter for all your gear while keeping them out of the tent itself.

  • Turn your heaters off! Invest in a good sleeping bag and some warm jumpers, and leave the heaters at home. The warm air holds more moisture, so creates much more water vapour. The warmer the tent is, the more evaporation and perspiration will occur as well, adding to the amount of water in the air.

  • Where you pitch your tent is also crucial to the amount of condensation in your tent. Obviously you don't want to search out the most exposed spot available else you'll be blown away before your holiday is up, but do try to pitch it in a light breeze. This will further help the air exchange through the vents in the tent. Also try not to pitch too close to a source of water - for obvious reasons, the nearer to water you are, the more moisture will be in the air.

And finally,
  • Take extra towels!! The best way to deal with condensation once it's happened is to lightly brush the inside of the tent with a towel - so make sure you've got some extras handy just in case. If you're a bit space conscious and don't want to fill your car up with towels, we have some microfibre ones that will do the job just as well but pack down much much smaller

Hopefully this information will enable you to have a much more enjoyable holiday, but more than that, it should've set your mind at ease if you've been contemplating buying an air tent and a friend or relative has told you that they leak. Actually leakages in the air tents are super rare - they are all made out of top quality materials and undergo rigorous quality control!

A lot of this information was helpfully supplied by Vango, and we have included their video further explaining the problems that might occur and how to combat them.



To view our full range of pole tents and air tents, visit our website, and if you have any questions, queries or concerns, please don't hesitate to give us a ring on 01872 270213.

Kampa Air Tents 2016

Kampa Air Tents 2016


Founded in Essex in 2006, Kampa are now leading suppliers to an international market of outdoor leisure, with innovative design and great quality. They pride themselves as a company only selling to specialist, independent retailers, who can give knowledgeable advice and great service.


All of the 'Classic Air' tents are made from a durable, weatherproof polycotton flysheet, giving a canvas-like feel and appearance, while all the other Air tents are made from a sturdy 150 denier flysheet, which is light but will also keep the rain out!

Classic Air Range

Studland 8


New for 2016, the Studland 8 Classic Air has 4 separate sleeping compartments, sleeping area and window vents to increase air flow, and paired with the breathable polycotton flysheet, the Studland won't be stuffy and hot, with condensation dripping down the windows every morning, perfect for a family who will utilise all 4 bedrooms. The tent has 3 sleeping compartments at the back, with one at the front, allowing plenty of space for guests or even parents who just need a bit of a rest! With a side door featuring a canopy and a mesh panel, a variable position to roll away the front door and several optional extras, this tent offers maximum flexibility from all aspects. The Studland 8 also has windows with integrated blinds and storage pockets for them.



With the Studland, Kampa also provide a manual pump and storm tie down kit, making sure as soon as you buy this tent you're ready to go, despite the weather!

Standing at a huge 220cm tall, the Studland Classic means you won't be getting that dreaded back ache that is so common on camping holidays, giving you no excuse not to go exploring with the family on your own terms - a tent pitch is a lot cheaper than a hotel! With the Studland 8 and its incredibly quick pitch times due to the air beam structure - you'll hardly be able to tell the difference!
If the Classic Studland 8 is stretching your budget just that bit too far, check out the Studland 8 Air, with a standard Kampa flysheet.

Croyde 6


The Croyde 6 was unbelievably popular last year, mainly because of its size and robust, no nonsense build. That's why, this year, Kampa have released 3 separate versions of the Croyde, the Classic Air, the Air, and the Standard. As with all the tents in the Classic Air range, the Croyde features the incredibly strong Weathershield Airflow polycotton, giving all campers piece of mind in all weathers. As with many of the Kampa tents, the inner tent is totally separate from the flysheet, making sure that on set up and take down you don't have to battle with what is, effectively, 2 tents! The fully sewn-in groundsheet makes your life even easier, which is what the Air tents are all about. Again, the Croyde as the Studland has an extremely quick pitch time that can be done with just one person if need be.

Obviously the Croyde has a bedroom less than the Studland, but sleeping 6 people, it's still a monster! The removal of this bedroom and the 10cm less height than the Studland means that if space and weight is important, the Croyde is a better option, weighing nearly 10kg less than the Studland, and with a smaller pack size.

The Croyde also comes with the manual pump and storm tie down kit, and there are optional extras of a footprint and living area carpet, making the tent feel even more like a home away from home.


AirFrame Tents

Studland 8




Identical to the Classic Studland, this huge 8 man tent features all the same dimensions, vents, air frame and configuration as its heavier sibling. The only difference (and it is a major one), is the flysheet. While the Classic Studland is made from a breatheable, Weathershield Airflow polycotton, this one is made from a regular, 150 denier, high quality nylon material. While not as robust as the polycotton, the nylon fabric of the Studland AIR is still heavy duty, and will be very resistant against general wear and tear. The difference in fabric also means once it is packed up, the Studland AIR is a huge 9kg less than the Classic version, which obviously mirrors the difference in quality of the materials, but also makes it much more convenient for families where the weight is the issue. There is also the matter of price, and although the official prices haven't been released yet, the Studland AIR is likely to be a considerable amount cheaper, making it much more appealing for families on a slightly smaller budget, but with the need for a large, reliable tent!





Identical to its Classic version bar the flysheet, the Croyde has been improved with new sleeping area vents, making the tents circulation much more effective, and featuring the external inflation points that are available with all the Kampa Air tents this season. The 150D fabric and size of tent make it desirable for any size family, especially those on a slightly smaller budget. A family of 6 will fit comfortably in the Croyde 6, a family of 4 will find it roomy and organised, and for a family of two with some occasional guests, the Croyde is heaven! Again it comes with the storm straps and pump, and gives you the option to add on a footprint and living area carpet, allowing you to make your tent feel more like home. The Croyde's ability to have two separate living areas or one huge one means this tent can be tailored to your needs, whatever the size of your family!


Hayling 6 AIR


Last season, the Hayling 6 with standard poles was unbelievably popular. With extremely robust material, plenty of windows and a large, roomy footprint, it's no wonder Kampa have taken the Hayling and run with it.

The air pole structure gives the tent more stability by bypassing flimsy fibreglass poles and replacing them with strong, canvas material encasing pressurized air. The Hayling has all the standard features, such as the sewn-in groundsheet, 6000mm hydrostatic head, and front, rear and sleeping area vent, minimising condensation. The Hayling 6 also gives you the option to convert the side door into a canopy, and further increases it's flexibility by giving you the option to add on a front vestibule, giving the tent an extra 110cm. With one large, 6 person bedroom at the back of the tent, the Hayling is perfect for a group of friends, and with the ability to zip it in half creating 2, 3 person bedrooms, it is also practical without being cramped - space is a huge feature of this tent!


Brean 4 AIR




The smallest of the AIR range that we will be stocking at Penrose Outdoors, the Brean 4 is perfect for small families, couples, or a small group of friends. If a tent to you is just somewhere you will be sleeping, and space isn't an issue, the Brean 4 is perfect. With the ease of having the air poles, but without paying for a lot of space that you wouldn't necessarily use, the Brean is great for festivals and long weekends away. With the massive 6000mm hydrostatic head and heavy duty flysheet, the Brean will keep you dry and comfortable, and with several air vents, the Brean 4 won't suffer as much as many other tents from condensation. The built in canopy supported by an aluminium pole means that the front door to the tent becomes a wet weather entrance, protecting the front of the tent. This tent is brilliant value for money, at around the £400 mark (prices T.B.C) for a tent that is extremely resistant to the elements and can be put up in a matter of minutes - with only one person if need be. Keep your eye on our website for this one - it will be sure to sell out quickly!!


Penrose Outdoors will also be stocking the Croyde 8, Croyde 6, Watergate 8 and Hayling 6 as normal tents (a.k.a without the air pole technology, just normal fibreglass poles), and they will all be available on our website as soon as we have them in, however they all have very similar features to their air frame counterparts.



Tuesday 29 March 2016

5 of the most awe-inspiring treks around the world?

There is no doubt that hiking and trekking is an acquired taste,with many people viewing walking as dull and tiring or they simply don't have time (especially the case with small children). However, hiking can be one of the most rewarding and satisfying forms of exercise, with hundreds of walks around the globe offering such fabulous views and scenery that any notion of the fact that you are exercising is forgotten. Hikes do not have to be huge. long, multiple day affairs either. Granted, some of the more iconic walks are better fully completed, but many are divided up into sections that are perfectly do-able in a day, making them perfect for a change to your everyday holiday lifestyle. 
Complied here are some of the most famous trails around the world that will add variety, indescribable beauty and mind-boggling history, and that must be added to and then crossed off  your bucket list. 


The Camino de Santiago, English Way - 45 miles

Copyright: www.penguintravel.com
Spain's most famous pilgrimage way features many different routes (some of which start in France!), all leading to the third most religious city in the world, Santiago, and it's cathedral. Although the route can be as long as 500 miles, the English way means you get the ferry to A Coruña, reducing the trek to just over 45 miles spread over around 3 days. As this route is under 100km, you don't get the 'compostela' - a traditional certificate of accomplishment given to pilgrims at the end - but you will get the satisfaction and the views over the Spanish coast. Of course you don't have to be religious to do this walk, it is open to everyone and is a brilliant trail with tons of history behind it, with pilgrims making this trip since the medieval ages.  
Copyright: www.internationaltravellermag.com
If you are a really hardcore trekker and are looking for a bigger challenge, why not start in England, get the ferry across to St Malo, get to Mont Saint Michel and continue your route down through France. Obviously you will need a lot more time for this one, but crossing two countries on a path that hundreds of years old is something that is a lifetime achievement. 
There are many ridiculously cheap hostels to stay in along the way - we're talking less than six euros a night, that often don't need to be booked (although better to be safe than sorry). It is such a famous route that if you feel you may have gotten yourself lost, there will always be a local to put you back en route, although with all the scallop shell markers leading you along the way, this is unlikely!
Although this isn't the longest walk in the world, it is advisable to pack for all weather - check out our travel section which will provide you with everything you need!


The Inca Trail - 26 miles

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The Inca Trail had to be on this list. Whether you are interested in hiking or not, this world famous trek to Machu Picchu is something you've heard of. This short trail can be completed in just five days, although there is a three day route as well, and although this seems like a long time for just 26 miles, don't be fooled. The Inca Trail reaches heights of 13,800 feet above sea level, so this isn't for beginners, or for just filling up some time on your holiday, but is an astonishing trail none the less. You will pass several ruins that are reminders of collapsed civilisations, with the Inca tribe dating back to the early thirteenth century. 
Copyright: www.perutrek.biz
Theirs was the largest empire in pre-Colombian America, before being conquered by the Spanish in the late sixteenth century, and there are so many remnants of this along your way. Paired with fabulous views over the Andes and rich, green scenery with their rare animal inhabitants, this trail is one that any outdoor enthusiast needs to experience.
Due to the altitude, age and erosion of this path, walking poles and some good boots with strong ankle support are a must - our recommendation would be the hugely popular trekking boot, the Meindl Borneo 2.



The Lantau Trail - 44 miles

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This circular walk just a short ferry ride from Hong Kong is divided into 12 sections, allowing you to choose how far you want to go - some of the sections are a mere one and a half miles. With excellent facilities all along the trail, this walk can be totally tailor made for your needs, whether you're on Lantau Island for a day trip from Hong Kong or you're after a long, varied hike, The Lantau Trail suits everyone. The facilities make it possible to take kids, and with waymarkers every 500 meters there is no danger of getting lost if you choose not to take a guide with you. 
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This means you can enjoy the stunning views over the island and it's natural landscape stress free - what feels like a million miles away from the noise and clamour of Hong Kong. Alongside the beaches, hills and gardens, you will experience temples, fishing villages, and the breathtaking Tian Tan - or the 'Big Buddha' as it's come to be known! Although it is nowhere near as historic as the previous trails, as it was only developed in 1983, it doesn't lack character or charm - this walk really is stunning, especially on a clear day, when you can see for miles.
With this walk being such a family friendly one, with the option to tailor it to whatever age children you have, it is useful to invest in a child carrier backpack which will mean you can walk a bit further even if your little one can't! Check out our range of baby carriers here!

Tongariro Alpine Crossing - 11 miles

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This eerie landscape full of sulphur pools and craters is one of the most popular day walks in the world due to it's astounding natural beauty and the fact that it is the filming location for Lord of the Ring's very own Mount Doom! New Zealand is known for its incredible landscapes and this walk, set in one of the national parks, does not disappoint. Although there are two steep, tricky climbs and the weather can be unpredictable, it is worth it to experience views like nowhere else in the world - thoroughly breathtaking. Due to it's short length, this day walk is not particularly tricky but 11 miles is still a long way for little or unstable legs, so unless you are a fairly fit, prepared and confident walker you might want to think twice about this one. It takes around 7 or 8 hours, so although it is one of the shorter walks featured on here, it is not simply an afternoon stroll.
Copyright: www.taupodebretts.co.nz
If you are travelling in New Zealand, an avid Lord of the Rings fan, or simply enjoy taking in one sublime view after another, this short walk will suit you down to the ground! Due to this walk being arguably one of the most amazing day walks in the world, it is, understandably, very popular - so do expect company, although there are several side tracks to take if you want to have a bit of a more solitary hike, and there are plenty of local guides to show you them. The unpredictable weather on the crossing means it is advisable to pack waterproofs that can pack up nice and small and fit in a normal day bag - our suggestions would be the Berghaus Stormcloud and the Rab Fuse over trousers (both available in men's and women's sizes). 




Bryce Canyon, Utah - 1 mile +

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America's canyons always have been and always will be areas of astonishing views and a reminder of just how bizarre yet powerful our world can be. Bryce Canyon has many different trails running through it, many of which are day or even afternoon hikes, however there are many campsites dotted around which are open for your convenience - as long as the bears aren't around! It is tricky to believe your own eyes in the canyon, with one of the most popular trails even being called the Fairyland Loop, and the mazes of sandstone spires twisting up into the sky. These magical spires - or rococo hoodoos - create a breathtaking surrounding and often much needed shade during the walks throughout, which can be as easy or as difficult as you like, some even allowing pets on them!
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To make the most of the hoodoos, you can walk the 6 and a half miles around them, taking in the sheer brilliance of nature's own architecture while you weave your way through the forest of the Bryce canyon! These trails can be suited to anyone - old or young, fit or not, but they all involve steep climbs back out of the canyon which is wise to bear in mind. As Bryce Canyon is a national park, there is a huge network of facilities and safety warnings in place, with lightening being a constant threat, especially during summer storms. If you hear thunder, the lightening that comes with it is only ten miles away so make sure to get under cover - due to all of the facilities you can be sure a building to take shelter in is never far away!
Although there are plenty of facilities, with the weather being fairly changeable it is advisable to take a day sack, where you can store waterproofs, food and drink and anything else you'll need just in case! Have a look at our range of day packs here



At Penrose Outdoors we stock everything you'll need to take on any of these walks - from our wide range of travel kit, hiking boots, men's and women's clothing and anything else hiking related that you can possibly think of!