Camping is an activity enjoyed by people in all age and social groups. It is relatively inexpensive and provides many happy hours enjoying nature. There are a myriad of potential activities involved in camping including sight-seeing, cycling, river rafting, rock climbing, hiking, cooking outdoors, and simply sitting around enjoying a camp fire, to name but a few. Many kinds of equipment are needed when camping, including tents, trailers, sleeping bags, cooking pots, and so forth. Reliable camping equipment is essential when planning an outdoor trip. Finding the best need not be expensive. Here are some quick, money-saving tips and advice that may help you to find the right equipment without breaking the bank.

Saving on Second-Hand Camping Equipment
Sporting goods stores have many sales during the quiet season. You will also find lots of good quality camping equipment for sale here at classifieds. Regardless of your budget, there is plenty of good quality second-hand equipment available. Some camping equipment is always in high demand. For example, a used trailer may cost little less than a new one! Second hand prices vary from �500 up to �5,000 depending on the make, model, age, and condition of the trailer

Whether you buy new camping equipment or second-hand, you need to do some research.

Camping Equipment Advice and Tips
Tents
If you use your tent for backpacking, purchase a second stuff sack so that your inner tent can be packed separately from the flysheet. This allows the tent to be packed away more quickly, and in wet weather allows the dry inner to be separated from the wet flysheet. Tents come in all shapes and sizes from single-person tunnel tents to family frame tents. Buy one that is the right size for your group. Before buying, make sure you know how to set it up.

Flysheets
All flysheets will eventually degrade as a result of exposure to UV light. To minimise damage, a tent that was packed away in a cool, dark place when not in use is a good buy. Some nylon flysheets come with taped seams. Those that do not will need a proprietary sealant applied to all major seams in order to prevent water from penetrating. Tent flysheets can be 're-proofed' to extend their useful life. Consult your local camping equipment retailer for advice on the most appropriate sealant or reproofing agent for a second-hand tent flysheet.

Ground Sheets
Ensure that all groundsheet seams are sealed. Groundsheets are expensive to replace if ripped so consider using a piece of plastic sheeting or a dedicated nylon sheet that matches the shape of the floor under your tent. On rough ground, put a foam mat under the groundsheet. In cold weather a piece of thin foam, cut to fit the inside of the tent, creates a warm carpet.

Tent Poles
Used tent poles should have been separated, wiped down with a clean cloth and dried before storing. The tips of shock-corded poles are usually removable so that the cord can be shortened or replaced if it loses elasticity. Carry a short length of metal piping of the right diameter to tape over a section of pole if one gets broken. Spray the ends of metal poles (and door zips) with a silicone-based spray.

Trailer Tents
If you are buying a trailer tent, make that the tow hitch on your vehicle will pull it. The snatch/brake cable and lights should work. The tyres should have adequate tread and be correctly inflated.

Tents
If the tent you are buying is mildewed, do not purchase it. All tents should be dried thoroughly before storing to prevent mildew. Do not use detergents to clean a tent; plain water and a brush should remove most dirt. Always take time to practice pitching a new tent at home, before you leave -- in fair weather -- and foul -- and at night! Pack a small quantity of strong adhesive or duct tape for repairs.

Sleeping Bags
There are three main types of sleeping bag insulation: natural (down or down and feather) synthetic fibres, and fibre-pile. Bags that have stored in the stuff sack will have a shorter, useful life. Try to buy second-hand bags that were stored in loose cotton bags or hung up in wardrobes or laid flat under a bed.

Down Bags need to be cleaned carefully. For this reason many manufacturers recommend the services of a specialist down cleaning company. If you wish to hand-clean your used bag, contact the manufacturer for advice.

Synthetic Bags may be cleaned in a large washing machine using a small amount of mild soap powder or soap flakes (not detergent). Rinse the bag several times and tumble dry on a very low heat. Air and dry thoroughly before storing.

Fibre-pile Bags are fairly easy to clean. You can wash them in the same way as a fleece jacket. After drying, gently comb or brush the fibre-pile so that it fluffs up.

Important: NEVER dry-clean any sleeping bag! The chemicals involved in dry cleaning may damage the bag, and the fumes are poisonous.

A child can use an adult-sized sleeping bag by half turning the bag inside out or by tying off the bag with a belt at a point a few inches below where the child�s feet reach. As the child grows, the belt can be moved down, making the bag larger.

Stoves
The best advice for purchasing camping stoves is to buy new ones or at least to be very, very careful in buying second-hand ones. Follow this advice for either type:

1. There is a �strip, clean & assemble' procedure for your stove. Learn it and carry the maintenance kit with you.

2. Always cook in a well-ventilated area and avoid cooking in confined spaces, such as tents or cabins.

3. Keep stoves away from flammable materials such as clothing, sleeping bags, and tents. Children should never use stoves.

4. Never leave a stove unattended or within reach of children.

5. A leaking stove can explode, catch fire or give off carbon monoxide. Check that all washers and connectors are in good condition.

6. Don�t over-pressurise fuel tanks. Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding releasing pressure before re-filling.

7. Don�t buy a stove that is damaged, dented, or broken. Make the seller demonstrate it for you.

8. All fuels are highly flammable. Keep all fuels away from naked flames until you are ready to light the burner. Solid fuels may give off toxic fumes. Only use outdoors in well-ventilated areas. Methylated spirits are sometimes sold as clear, rather than purple, fuel, making it almost impossible to see the flames. Ensure that the stove is properly extinguished before refilling the burner. Petrol & paraffin can easily taint clothing and equipment. Take time to evaporate when spilled, and clean-up before re-lighting. Fuel quality can be extremely variable so make sure that the fuel line and jets / burners in your stove can be easily dismantled and cleaned.

Refillable gas cylinders (such as those found on caravans) should only be refilled by a qualified gas supplier. Never use a gas cylinder or cartridge on its side.

Rucksacks
Rucksacks or backpacks are the best way to carry what you need when hiking. Modern rucksacks are made of tough and waterproof nylon or polyester fabric and lightweight alloy frames. They come in a number of types to fit men, women, or children. Try on the rucksack, with a load, to see if it fits and is comfortable before buying. The straps should distribute the weight evenly across the back. The straps should also be adjustable.
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04 November 2008
Tent for sale - Vango atoll 600 large tent..
vango atoll 600, large/family tent for sale. very good condition. this tent has served us well, genuine reason for sale (more kids and need more room!) specifications: · sleeps: 6 · season: 2 season · weight: 29. 30kg · doors: 2 . .
£150
L11
20 October 2008
CONWAY FOLDING CAMPER..
Conway tardis jaco,6 berth folding camper exelent condition ,full awning,sink fridge,hob electrics three way all working,matching upolstary and curtians,no faults in canvas. view any time or can send photos if requierd. £1200. 0n0.
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