Hey! I’m James – a hobbyist camper and hiker, born and raised in Scotland.
I started this website out of a desire to reconnect to nature and have since involved my long-time friend, Fraser.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve enjoyed escaping to the outdoors. This first started through family camping trips but, in an attempt to find some freedom, quickly turned into adventure camps.
These adventure camps were brilliant for my former teenage self. They had climbing, abseiling, kayaking, survival tips and culminated in the ultimate survival experience – being left with two friends on a remote, uninhabited island in the Scottish Hebrides with nothing but a sleeping bag, a bivvy and a couple of tools.
You can see a picture of me a few days before one of these survival experiences, desperately needing a haircut and with no idea I would soon be hunting for a cave for shelter and foraging for thistles to create possibly the most unappetising soup possible.
However, I’ve things have changed. I moved to the city, I went to university, I got a job and I’ve changed a lot as an individual.
Long gone are my days of wrapping myself in a bivvy to keep out the torrential rain, of covering myself with skin so soft to keep out the particularly annoying Midge (an industry secret) and of waking up only to find out that my tent was very much not waterproof.
This website encapsulates my attempt to reconnect with nature but doing so in a way that doesn’t leave me sodden and miserable. Equipment has come a long way since I was eating thistle soup, and being outdoors no longer needs to be uncomfortable.
Getting out on the roads all day on your bike is one of the ultimate ways to see the world! The freedom, the speed, and the flexibility are all part of the big attractions of bike road trips. Camping gives you the freedom to sleep where the road takes you but what is the best …
Not everyone who goes camping wants to sleep on the ground and this is where tent cots come in. They have all the benefits of a cot and a tent all in one bundle. Perfect for those who love to camp and want a quick simple setup for a comfortable night’s sleep off the ground …
If you’re camping with an SUV, you should use the best SUV tent. But, how can you know which one works well for your situation? When comparing SUV tents, you need to ensure they’re compatible with your vehicle and that they offer the same ruggedness and practicality of a regular tent. For example, what if …
Choosing top camping gear means picking the best brands. The best Eureka tents can help you and your family stay comfortable during your adventure. Eureka is a highly respected company that makes some excellent tents for backpacking, car camping, and more. Since Eureka offers so many tent options, we’re devoting this entire article to the …
Typically, when picking a tent, you want something weatherproof. But, the best insulated tent can also help you stay warm. If you’re planning on camping in cold weather, an insulated tent can protect you from the elements. In addition to having the standard tent materials and protective layers, insulated tents have air pockets to trap …
Camping in a minivan can be a lot of fun, but can also feel cramped and crowded. Fortunately, we have the top minivan tents to help. These tents allow you to use your vehicle at the campsite while having plenty of room for you and your family to move around. Best of all, most van …
Do you want to camp full-time? You need a tent that can stand up to the weather all year long without buckling or breaking. While most camping tents are not up to the challenge, we’ve compiled a list of the best tents to live in permanently. These models are spacious and accommodating and, most importantly, …
Do you and your family love the outdoors? The outdoors can be VERY FUN, but it can BE A DISASTER if not done right. Without the right type of tent, your cozy outdoor experience might leave you with a sore back, itchy bug bites, sweat, and discomfort. Read on to find out what the best …
Camping is even better when you can bring your furry friend along, which is why we’re reviewing the best tent for camping with dogs. Whether you have a massive Tibetan Mastiff or a tiny terrier, these tents will make Fido feel more than welcome. Better yet, these models also offer convenience for cleaning and maintenance, …
So you want to take camping to a whole new level and try hiking and trekking for a week or so. It’s a great idea and you’ll have lots of fun and learn a heap of things about yourself – BUT it’s very different from car camping. You’ll need to ditch lots of stuff that …
Your truck can be a reliable tool for camping, with a decent storage capacity and excellent terrain performance. But can it double as a tent? More and more people are trying out truck bed tents as an alternative to regular tents. So, are truck tents worth it at all? Well, if you’re into Overlanding, you’ll …
Backpacking – getting into the great outdoors with everything you need to eat, drink, sleep in, shelter under, and survive with! Sounds like a hell of an adventure! But being a bit of a newbie to these sorts of things, you’re not 100% sure what you will need to stay happy, healthy, dry, blister-free, and …
A tent that pops promptly into shape! You must have come across one while shopping for a tent. We love it because it’s a cheap bargain compared to other tent types. Not only that, but it’s convenient and makes for a terrific on-the-spot shelter. Yet, many campers often wonder: are pop up tents good? Is …
When camping in the spring and summer, it pays to have the best tent with screen room. Screen rooms allow you and your children to enjoy the weather without the threat of bugs and other pests. Plus, having a full-sized screen room allows for better airflow so that you don’t overheat during the day or …
Upon returning home from a tiring camping trip, it’s tempting to leave your gear in your backpack and deal with proper storage at a later time. However, leaving your equipment in your pack for more than a day isn’t a good idea. You’re not only risking rust, mold, and damage; you’re also potentially housing creepy …
Huddling around a campfire with your friends, feeling the warmth fill your soul, and laughing your hearts out—these memories don’t come by easily. You’ll want to plan your camping trip carefully, so you can sit back and have some fun without worrying about anything. By following our steps on how to plan a camping trip …
Whenever you pack for a camping trip, you should always be prepared for bad weather situations. Unfortunately, one of these situations could be rainfall. While rain can be soothing to you, it might not be the case for your tent. The solution? A tarp. Not only will it protect you from the rain, but also …
If you want to amp up your outdoor camping experience, get yourself a screen house tent. Like regular tents, a screen house shelters you from the rain, shades you from the sun, and protects your belongings. But It’s more than just that. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about screen house …
As fun as camping can be, the preparations leading up to the trip can be hectic. This is especially true if you’re yet to choose a tent. The material of your tent is, by far, one of the most crucial features you’ll need to decide on as it affects your comfort, protection, time, and pretty …
Setting up a tent is a crucial skill when it comes to camping. The time to use guy lines is after you’re done pitching your tent and you’re looking to add the finishing touches to the tent’s structure. The thing is, not all campers understand what guy lines are and how they can benefit the …
If you’re looking for a lightweight and portable backpacking solution, you need the best bivy sack. Since it’s not feasible to lug around a massive tent wherever you go, you need something more compact. Bivy sacks come in different shapes and sizes, and terms are often thrown around interchangeably. We’ve split the bivies into three …
The forecast is for rain and you’re planning your first camping trip. Can you still go? Should you still go? You don’t want to go to all the trouble of packing, getting there, setting up, and having a miserable time. So what do you do? You prepare for a camping trip in the rain! We’ve …
If you’re new to camping, you may be wondering what a truck tent is. A truck tent is exactly what it sounds like – a tent that attaches to your truck! This can be a brilliant option if you want the freedom to camp in multiple spots. So what is a truck tent, when should …
One of the challenges of camping is bringing the luxuries of home living out into the wilderness. Fortunately, camping gear today is much more refined than in years past, so it’s easier than ever to stay comfortable outdoors. For example, the best shower tent allows you and your family to keep clean while maintaining privacy. …
If you’re new to camping, the term “bathtub floor” may be unfamiliar to you – but it could be your next best friend. Bathtub floors can prevent water from leaking into your tent and getting everything inside wet. So what is a tent bathtub floor, and do you need one? Let’s find out! Related: Looking …
Pyramid tents are becoming more and more popular among backpackers. But what are they? And when to use a pyramid tent? In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about pyramid tents! So keep reading to learn more! Related: Looking to head out camping this summer? Check out our favorite hot weather …
When most people think about camping, the first image that comes to mind is a tent. Tents come in all shapes and sizes, but one of the most popular types is the cabin tent. So what is a cabin tent? As the name suggests, cabin tents are designed to resemble cabins, with more space and …
We all know that the last thing we want to do upon our return from an adventure is to tend to our equipment. After all, it’s much easier to either leave them in the basement or stuff them anywhere out of sight. However, camping equipment doesn’t come cheap, and keeping them in a good condition …
An A-Frame Tent is a camping tent that gets its name from its distinctive shape. These tents are tall and narrow, with triangular shaped roofs. A-frame tents used to be a camping staple. But A-frame tents have fallen out of fashion. So what is an a frame tent and when should you use it? Related: …
Dome tents are one of the most popular types of tents on the market. But what is a dome tent, exactly? And when should you use one? Let’s find out! Related: Are you looking for a new tent that provides plenty of space? Check out our 10 person tent reviews. What is a dome tent? …
There are many ways you can wash your tent. One popular method is to use your washing machine. Some people believe that this way of cleaning is quick and easy, but it can also be incredibly damaging to the tent. Almost all tents are not designed to go into the washing machine. So can you …
When you buy a Coleman tent, you are making an investment. Tents are not cheap, and you want to be sure to get the most out of your purchase. In order to do that, you need to know how to properly care for and maintain your Coleman tent. That’s why we’ve put together the top …
Are you thinking about investing in a cabin tent? If so, you’re definitely not alone. Cabin tents are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason – they offer a lot of advantages over traditional camping tents. But before you decide to buy a cabin tent, it’s important to understand the pros and cons. In this …
Do you have trouble sleeping outdoors? Then, try a blackout tent and see the difference it makes in your ability to sleep while camping. Fortunately, tent manufacturers have you covered (literally) with these models that can help block sunlight and enable you to get all the rest you need for your adventure. We’re going to …
Camping does not mean losing all your city comforts like electricity. Instead, you might consider carrying a portable generator that will allow you to access electricity. But you also need a few electrician skills, and this is where an E-port comes in handy. So what is an e port? An E-port is a feature on …
Winter camping can be a lot of fun, but it’s also a challenge to stay warm at night. Even with the best sleeping bags and blankets, the frigid winter air can creep in like a ghost. Fortunately, there’s a way around this problem – you can buy the best winter tent with a stove jack. …
Kelty tents are well known for their durability and excellent value for money. But not all of these tents are created equal. We’ve reviewed every Kelty tent for its camping and backpacking performance. Whether you’re looking for something for family camping or backpacking, we’ve found the best Kelty tents for you. If you’re in a …
So you’re sick of staying indoors and are willing to brave the cold to catch a glimpse of the scenic winter landscapes. But you’re looking at your current tent and you know it just won’t quite cut it in winter. We’ve reviewed dozens of four season tents based on tried and tested criteria. If you’re …
Although camping is an excellent way to reconnect with nature and unplug from the stresses of modern life, it does come with several significant challenges. One of the biggest obstacles to overcome is a lack of centralized heat. Unfortunately, when camping in the fall or winter, staying warm is a constant struggle. Fortunately, we’re here …
You may ask yourself “what is a pup tent?” Well, a pup tent is a simple tent, and if you are in the military, you probably wouldn’t be asking what it is or where it came from. But, if you don’t know, read on to find out more about this ancient innovation. Pup Tent Explained Also …
One essential ingredient for camping is having a high-quality tent. Without this piece, you’ll wind up literally sleeping under the stars, meaning that you’re exposed to the cold and the elements. Fortunately, modern tents use various materials to make them both durable and weather-resistant. The best tent fabric will help protect you from the elements. …
Don’t you want a tent that takes an eternity to put together? Come on, it’s all part of the fun! No? You want something that sets up in SECONDS, which is why you’re reading our review of the best pop up tent! We’ve looked at dozens of pop up tents available in Australia to discover …
Welcome to our review of the best waterproof tent for heavy rain! When I was a teenager I made the naive assumption of assuming that all tents are waterproof. After all – surely it’s the most basic requirement? Fast forward to a night on a stormy island in the Scottish Hebrides with me sitting huddled …
Guy ropes, guy lines, “guying a tent”. You keep hearing these phrases, but what is a guy line? A guy line is a rope or cord used to tie down a tarp or tent flap. It is an essential part of setting up a tent because it keeps the tent stable and anchored. Guy lines …
If people sat outside and looked at the stars each night, I’ll bet they’d live a lot differently. Or so says Calvin from Calvin and Hobbes – and I think he’s onto something. There’s nothing quite like lying comfortably in your tent and staring up at the wonderful expanse of the universe. But often, our …
Welcome to our review of the best tent with an AC port! We’ve looked at HUNDREDS of tents to bring you the best warm weather camping tents going. These tents go further than simply having ac ports, they’re also top summer performers with plenty of ventilation and family friendly features. If you’re in a rush, …
Are you thinking of picking up a tent soon but don’t want to get one with poles that breaks too soon? One of the most common problems of tent durability are the choice of tent pole materials. Weight, price, strength, maintenance – what do these have to do with the aluminum vs fiberglass tent pole …
Are you looking to buy a tent but don’t know what a freestanding tent or a non-freestanding tent is? We’ve got you covered. In this article we’ll cover what is a freestanding tent and how does it compare to a non-freestanding tent. Read on to find which one is the better purchase for you. What …
Fed up with faffing around with tent poles and guylines but not sure if an instant tent is for you? Read on to find out what the benefits of an instant tent are, and what hidden drawbacks you might find only after you’ve bought one. What is an instant tent? Instant tents are tents that …
Do you love the idea of camping but hate having to faff around with setting up a tent? A pop up tent may be for you. Simply throw the tent on the ground and it explodes into a fully formed tent. But before you buy a pop up tent, make sure you fully understand their …