PaulaT wrote:Camping in the rain isn't so bad. I've done it lots of times. It's actually a bit of an occupational hazard when touring Ireland Avoid tents which pitch inner first. There's plenty of affordable tents which pitch inner and outer together and can be erected in a few minutes but at a minimum go for a tent which pitches outer first. Take cuppa-soups. I discovered their efficacy on my 1st ever cycle camping tour of a rainy Peak District. First thing I do once the tent is up is get all the panniers inside and make myself a cuppa-soup. There's something about them that rallies you after a day in the saddle in a way that tea or coffee don't. A few years ago I came across a video by wilderness and survival expert Paul Kirtley in which he also recommends cuppa-soups so it's not my imagination
Good tip. Recently came across Mug Shots Tho haven't used camping. Quite nice. Some of them have bits of noodles in them i think.
PaulaT wrote:Camping in the rain isn't so bad. I've done it lots of times. It's actually a bit of an occupational hazard when touring Ireland Avoid tents which pitch inner first. There's plenty of affordable tents which pitch inner and outer together and can be erected in a few minutes but at a minimum go for a tent which pitches outer first. Take cuppa-soups. I discovered their efficacy on my 1st ever cycle camping tour of a rainy Peak District. First thing I do once the tent is up is get all the panniers inside and make myself a cuppa-soup. There's something about them that rallies you after a day in the saddle in a way that tea or coffee don't. A few years ago I came across a video by wilderness and survival expert Paul Kirtley in which he also recommends cuppa-soups so it's not my imagination
Good tip. Recently came across Mug Shots Tho haven't used camping. Quite nice. Some of them have bits of noodles in them i think.
I always have a mug of tea, it can be nearing 40 degrees C and I'll still have a nice hot mug of tea on the go whilst getting things pitched. However, the OP is eating in pubs and restaurants so probably has no stove which rules out a brew of any kind (other than purchased) on arrival.
In benign weather I have a cuppa before I erect the tent. In adverse weather, I await a break or get the tent up asap - inner and outer go up together. When leaving I pack everything except my stove and cup and when all is done I have a cuppa.
Almost anywhere in Scotland I would not contemplate a tarp due to midges. A tent which can be sealed up will help to keep most of them out. Often any wind drops in the evening and then they appear quite suddenly to make life outside a misery.
whoof wrote:I always have a mug of tea, it can be nearing 40 degrees C and I'll still have a nice hot mug of tea on the go whilst getting things pitched. However, the OP is eating in pubs and restaurants so probably has no stove which rules out a brew of any kind (other than purchased) on arrival.
Oldjohnw wrote:In benign weather I have a cuppa before I erect the tent. In adverse weather, I await a break or get the tent up asap - inner and outer go up together. When leaving I pack everything except my stove and cup and when all is done I have a cuppa.
Even if I were eating out I'd want to be able to make hot drinks.
whoof wrote:I always have a mug of tea, it can be nearing 40 degrees C and I'll still have a nice hot mug of tea on the go whilst getting things pitched. However, the OP is eating in pubs and restaurants so probably has no stove which rules out a brew of any kind (other than purchased) on arrival.
Oldjohnw wrote:In benign weather I have a cuppa before I erect the tent. In adverse weather, I await a break or get the tent up asap - inner and outer go up together. When leaving I pack everything except my stove and cup and when all is done I have a cuppa.
Even if I were eating out I'd want to be able to make hot drinks.
Jonathan
Exactly. I have my stove and pot and mug always accessible so I can have a brew at any time.
Avoid tents which pitch inner first. There's plenty of affordable tents which pitch inner and outer together and can be erected in a few minutes but at a minimum go for a tent which pitches outer first. Take cuppa-soups. I discovered their efficacy on my 1st ever cycle camping tour of a rainy Peak District. First thing I do once the tent is up is get all the panniers inside and make myself a cuppa-soup. There's something about them that rallies you after a day in the saddle in a way that tea or coffee don't. A few years ago I came across a video by wilderness and survival expert Paul Kirtley in which he also recommends cuppa-soups so it's not my imagination
