Try gear before you buy

A new gear rental firm offers campers a hire purpose

Contented Camping hires out good quality tents and accompanying camping equipment from the leading brand names in the camping world - brands like Vango, Coleman and Outwell.  It offers models which are particularly easy to pitch – none of the tents should take more than 20 minutes to put up – so it aims to make the first camping trip out as hassle-free as possible.

 “First-timer families conscious of wasting money on the cheap tent deals on the high street are after camping products offering quality, comfort and security especially if travelling with little ones," says founder, Emma Cosby. 

"Getting started in camping with even half-decent equipment is likely to cost around £500 – if you’ve never been before, you are really going to think twice about that kind of outlay.  Also there is the issue of storage space – you need a sizeable loft or garage to store all the camping gear which may not be feasible where you live and may not feel worthwhile for a once or twice a year trip”.

The hire company offers a range of tents from 2-man to 8-man, so could appeal for one-off hikers venturing off on an expedition, right through to large groups looking for an economical way to take a break - don't forget that most campgrounds charge per pitch, so clubbing together to hire a giant tent may work out cheaper than just taking four small ones. 

Prices for a tent for a long weekend (up to 5 nights) for a family of four start at £29 plus delivery, and in general the hire prices offered for a period of 7-13 days equate to no more than 25% of the purchase price of the items, 

See www.contentedcamping.co.uk or call on 0845 519 4364 for more details.