ecAmp Shhhh! – a secret site
Top barbecue recipe
Tent first aid
Kathryn Whelan tells us about a superb small campsite just outside of Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. Let’s keep it to ourselves, eh?
Josh ‘Guyrope Gourmet’ Sutton supplies a tasty trout recipe that’s perfect for a delicious leisurely meal in the sun
Outdoor living is great but no matter how good your tent accidents happen. We help you prepare for emergencies
Read more on page 4
Read more on page 5
Read more on pages 8-9
ecAmp Magazine
e e-cAmp magazine August 2013
ecAmp magazine ecAmp Magazine
INNOVATIVE FAMILY CAMPING
ecAmp Magazine ecAmp magazine Star factoR 2
Loving her Louisiana
BBC broadcaster, writer, voice over artist, comedienne, Penny Haslam talks about her fairy tale romance with Outwell. Page 6-7
editor’s welcome
content 3 Meet the fans We meet Lesley and Rob Amour
3 Open Air John Traynor takes us on an off-beat ramble through an outdoor writer’s camping life
4 Site reviews
clive garreTt
Our very own Outwell camper
We let you in on a top secret site that you have to experience
5 Cooking with Outwell
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y wife, Tricia, and I have just returned from what has arguably been the best camp we’ve enjoyed for a long time. The reason has to be the hard work and imagination that has gone into the campsite where we stayed. After all, you expect a great time when camping with Outwell fans, but sometimes campsites lean a tad too far towards commercialism without considering why people camp. Lesley and Neil Pollington at The Secret Garden near Wisbech have created a little paradise of small intimate pitches – many fully serviced. Top facilities will complete the picture for many but I particularly like the onsite production of superb beer and Gloucester Old Spot sausages that are not only available from the site shop but were also showcased during a free Saturday afternoon barbecue. Can you ask for more? I will not go into the site in too much detail for you can read Kathryn Whelan’s report later in the magazine, but I mention it now as an example of what a good campsite can do to attract trade. And attract trade they do
Trout delight from Guyrope Gourmet – the site is fully booked every weekend well into the present season. So, the question remains – why do we not see more sites like this? The obvious answer lies in the investment. However, the Pollingtons have managed to integrate other businesses into the camping experience to enrich on site life. And much of this foresight is down to actually understanding a camper’s needs and desires rather than focusing on a holiday production line where character is lost to efficiency and maximisation of profits. Of course, imagination and a happy face helps and it was great to see the couple around the site, chatting with campers and offering a tipple or two at the barbecue. Fair play to them and they’ll be seeing us again soon. And that’s money in the pocket. Happy camping! Cheers Clive Garrett Editor
6 Fairy tale romance BBC broadcaster, Penny Haslam, tells us about her Goldilocks experience with tents until she found her Outwell
8 Technical feature Helpfull suggestions for carrying our emergency repairs and creating a first aid kit for your tent
9 Q&A of the month Condensation explored
10 Image of the month Your pics tell a story
10 Competition Your chance to win a great and unique prize!
Editorial Issue: August 2013 Editor Clive Garrett editorial@outwell.com Publisher Lotte Simonsen los@oase-outdoors.dk Design Nancy Benfeldt Please note, email addresses are for editorial use only – product related emails should be sent to info@outwell.com Copyright © 2013 Oase Outdoors ApS. All Rights Reserved. Use of information, content and images only by written approval from the editor or publisher. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of Oase Outdoors. Every care is taken to ensure that the content of this magazine is accurate, but we assume no responsibility for any affect from errors or omissions. While every care is taken with unsolicited material submitted for publication we cannot be responsible for loss or damage.
Our clean, quiet neighbours at Secret Garden 2 e-cAmp magazine August 2013
meet the fans
open air
On the fence Not something you can accuse Sheffield’s Rob and Lesley Amour of being when it comes to our keen campers and Outwell – they find our favourite camping brand ticks all the boxes! We’ve now camped with them a number of times and know that they are knowledgeable and canny when it comes to choice of kit – research and an understanding of how gear matches needs are key.
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amping’s great! So says the Amours. “It gets you away from the city and hubbub of normal life, removes everyday distractions and allows you to spend quality time together as a family.” Sentiments we all share. Lesley was a bit reticent about camping but Rob persisted and our camping couple looked at any number of brands before they settled on Outwell. They consider the tents to be well designed and constructed – somewhere you’re happy to spend time in bad weather. Lesley is now sold on camping and Outwell, adding: “It’s evident that the brand has a continuous research policy to cater for every camper’s needs.”
The Oakland XL currently owned by the Amours is a popular family tent in our DeLuxe Collection. It is prized for ease of pitching, versatility and size. Although the side extension has not been produced for a couple of years current models enjoy Front Awning and Front Extension options for when more space is required for those longer family holidays.
Their current tent is an Oakland XL five-berth and, with two children, they add a side and front extension to met varying needs. This versatile tent provides the perfect base from which to explore the countryside – especially out of the way National trust properties. Lesley says: “I also think it is as important for kids to unwind as it is adults. And camping provides that opportunity – the freedom to explore and learn from the outdoors. We always return in good spirits and it’s great that we can do this as a family.” The couple’s choice of favourite campsites reflects this belief. While they are still on the lookout for the perfect site but a few have come very close.
Rob says: “The Thetford Club site has some nice facilities and is in a nice quiet location where the kids learnt to ride their bikes. Nantcol is in a stunning location, has good facilities and a stream that the kids really enjoy. And then there’s the Secret Garden… a difficult call.” When asked about their favourite gear Rob immediately says his trailer – apparently Lesley does not travel light. However, the Lakeview double sleeping bag took Lesley’s vote – sheer bliss. And their advice to newbies? Buy slow. Get advice. Start with basics and use the camping time to learn what’s needed not wanted. And always pack your gear away dry!
Oakland XL
John Traynor with an outdoor writer’s ramble through camping life. Follow John on Twitter @jtopenair
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pontaneity. A simple word but a huge concept. It’s hard to be spontaneous with a young family but pre-planning helps – sounds crazy but it’s the foundation for taking off when time and weather allow. The parallel for me is barbecues. Rather than wait for an accurate weather forecast and then rush around buying prerequisites, plans are made well in advance. There’s BBQ grub in the freezer, the barbecue is clean and I have the charcoal and firelighters. We can swing into action at a moment’s notice when the sun shines. Similarly, the tent and camping gear is sorted and repacked after any jaunt. We know everything is ready for the off and, with a chilli or spag bol always in the freezer, the first night’s food is sorted. A key task is to ensure that lanterns and torches are charged or have batteries with plenty of life in them. Lighting problems were eased this year by the arrival of an Outwell Kuma Tent Light which is a real boon when we have an electric hook-up. A clear idea of how to pack ensures time and energy aren’t wasted trying to jam stuff in the boot. It means it need only take 30 minutes from deciding to go to be on the road with pitch reserved. My son used to scoff at my forward planning but shifted his view when faced with packing his first car – a Mini – for a camping trip. He soon gave in and asked for help. That night, after visiting three sites before finding a pitch he stopped scoffing about my apparent OCD. My smugness is balanced by my knack of leaving key items behind despite the ubiquitous checklists. In my defence, those items were usually ‘borrowed’ by others without my knowledge. Honest.
August 2013 e-cAmp magazine 3
Site reviews
Cheers all! Left: Large yet intimate pitches Top: Barbecue area features a shelter and the microbrewery Above: Many pitches are fully serviced and you even get a fire pit!
This month, a few of us took off for a camping weekend of site-produced beer and sausages and found one of the best venues any of us have visited in a long while. Kathryn Whelan reports on The Secret Garden, Wisbech The site e visited The Secret Garden Touring Park for the real ale from its own microbrewery. Things looked good when the owners, Lesley and Neil, provided a welcome as warm as the superb advice was helpful. The level pitches are a good size and many fully serviced with their own fire pit and fire bucket, too. The first five are surrounded by mature shrubs that provide plenty of shade. The remaining pitches are fairly new and the planting around the EH-U pitches is not yet fully grown, having a more open feel. The facilities block has three large wet rooms, each with a toilet, sink and shower. A free hairdryer is provided. There is also one separate toilet and a utility room with sink, washer and dryer. A table tennis table, a couple of chairs, a television, books and information leaflets complete the picture. A communal barbecue is situated next to the sheltered area next to the microbrewery.
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The Secret Garden Touring Park Mile Tree Lane Wisbech Cambridgeshire PE13 4TR Web: thesecretgardentouringpark.co.uk Tel: 01945 585044 Facilities • 15 pitches • Chemical disposal points • Disabled facilities 4 e-cAmp magazine August 2013
Along with firkins of beer, the site shop also sells sausages, bacon and burgers sourced from its own Gloucester Old Spot pigs. WiFi is currently flaky but will eventually include live feeds from webcams in bird boxes around the site. Planting has also been planned to encourage a wide variety of wildlife for the close-to-nature experience. The area The Secret Garden is approximately two miles from Wisbech where you can find shops, pubs and restaurants. If you want to leave the car behind, it’s quite an easy walk along two quiet lanes. There are many great places to visit within an easy drive of the site that is conveniently located near the A47. • Burn off you kids’ energy at Play2Day – an indoor soft play area with ten-pin bowling and laser tag that’s a ten minute drive away. • Peckover House – a National Trust property standing in two acres of stunning garden. • • • • • • •
Washing-up facilities Barbecue area Children’s play equipment WiFi Site shop sells basics, wood, local produce, cider and beer Camping pod Brewery
Tourism Information Web: wisbechinfo.org.uk Tel: 01945 464058
• Thetford Forest – a lovely forest with plenty of walking and cycling trails, play areas and a Go Ape course. • Elgoods Brewery – even more local real ales from this Wisbech brewery. • Wisbech and Fenland Museum is one of the oldest museums in the UK– find it in Museum Square, Wisbech. • You are approximately an hour away from superb beaches. Try Hunstanton where you can also visit the Sea Life Sanctuary. • Try Kings Lynn for the shops. Eating out Visit The Wheel Inn in Wisbech St Mary for an excellent carvery, although booking is recommended here, particularly on Sundays. Continue out of the village towards Guyhirn and you’ll find The Chequers Inn. Both of these pubs close on a Monday. For curry lovers, try the Alishan in Wisbech, a particular favourite of the site owners. Eat local Visit Worzals Farm Shop for great quality locally produced food, drinks and other top deli products. It also features a coffee shop and restaurant and a brasserie is set to open soon. A market is held in Wisbech on Thursdays and Saturdays. Did you know? Wisbech Georgian North and South Brinks streets were a location for the BBC TV period drama, David Copperfield.
guyrope gourmet
A-maizing meal This was a recipe I rustled up while camping in the redwoods in California. I was planning on proposing to my then girlfriend when we got to the coast. I was pulling out all the stops in trying to impress, hoping for an affirmative answer! I cooked it on the grill over the open fire that every American campsite seems to have. It works well on a barbeque
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Cookbook news
ire up the barbie! Carefully peel off a couple of leaves from each of the corn cobs, making sure that there is still enough leaf left to cover the yellow kernels. Put the corn on the barbecue to cook, turning as necessary to ensure even cooking. Stuff each trout with a bay leaf, half the sliced garlic, a knob of butter, half the thyme and a good wedge of lemon. Apply a good sprinkle of sea salt and a generous grind of black pepper to the outside of the fish. Wrap the trout in the two leaves from the corn and pin closed using the wooden tooth picks as mini tent pegs! Place on the BBQ and cook for about ten minutes on each side. Spread a knob of butter over the cooked corn on the cob, enjoy with the stuffed trout, together with the knowledge that if you cook this dish for your squeeze and then ask them to marry you, they will more than likely say yes!
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o: erves tw nts – S Ingredie leaves s with rn cobb o c h s re ✓ Two f d ut attache tted tro an and gu le c ✓ Two ves y leaves rlic clo wo ba ✓T sliced ga d n a d le ee h thyme ✓ Two p fresxxx unch of er ✓ Large b of butt e knobs wo larg ✓T er mon ck pepp alf a le ✓H s ound bla gr d n h a t o pick oden to ea salt ✓S o w ll a of sm ✓ Couple
The stuffed trout wrapped in maize leaves recipe is taken from the new Guyrope Gourmet cookbook, published by Punk Publishing with our support. And you can support the author by purchasing your signed copy from the Guyrope Gourmet website here. We would love to hear from all budding Guyrope Gourmets and share your recipes The background photo and above: It may be a with other Outwell campers in e-cAmp magazine – just send them with a few images simple dish but little beats British asparagus to editorial@outwell.com served up with something light and fresh for a campsite snack on a sunny day! Treat yourself... August 2013 e-cAmp magazine 5
meet the fans
A fairy story ending BBC broadcaster, writer, Camping magazine contributor, voice over artist, Weight Watchers ambassador, sometimes comedienne… it’s amazing that Penny Haslam ever finds the time to go camping. But, along with her husband, journalist and cameraman Steve Blears, she wants her family to enjoy her passion for our great pastime to the full and considers Outwell is the perfect partner when it comes to ensuring they get best camping experience possible. Penny takes some out to tell us about her favourite tent of all, an Outwell Louisiana 5P…
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’ve been a happy camper for nearly five years now and have tried a variety of tents over that time. And, a bit like Goldilocks tasting bowls of porridge, it’s been an interesting and sometimes frustrating journey. Our first tent was borrowed, but it was too wobbly and tall. The second one I bought, but it was much too small. The third tent had to be bigger, but it was just too draughty. And then along came a tent that was so perfect we are still telling its story long after we packed it away. Actually the tale of our new Outwell Louisiana 5P is more like a glowing report, so let’s start extolling its virtues at the very beginning. First off, we had the non-ideal scenario of failing to carry out the essential pre-holiday test-run. I think this is crucial before heading out with a brand new tent to check there’s no damage, nothing missing and to practice putting it up. I find it eradicates the embarrassment of floundering around with pegs and whatnot as darkness approaches on your first night on the campsite. But time was not our friend that week, so we nervously removed the sturdy wheelie bag from the back of the car. I was also nervous about the size of it – three bedrooms, a ‘dressing room area’ or rear hallway, a large sitting area, a panoramic front area (or vestibule as it became known) – I’d never known such spacious accommodation. But straight away it was easy peasy. Outwell has made it so simple. The poles are all the same, the pegs are colour coded, the instructions are straightforward and we had it nailed (or pegged) within 45 minutes. Next time, it’ll be half that.
As for the size, I discovered for the first time in my life that it really doesn’t matter – the same effort is required putting up a small tent as a big one. Outwell’s superb features of this tent became apparent as the weekend unfolded. It has got cable tidies, zipper cord ties, fluorescent guy ropes and zips, ground height windows in the bedrooms, ventilation flaps that stay open while keeping out the rain, an actual bar from which to hang clothes or dry out damp towels, an integrated ground sheet (no draughts or bugs), doors everywhere, and it’s even got tinted windows – not for VIP campers, but to keep out the scorching sun during the day and make it a bit more private while keeping the views. This tent was perfect for Goldilocks AND the three bears – the kids had their own roomy sleeping pods across the hall from the larger double. And, given we’re a family prone to serious night time wriggling, the absence of contact between the wobbly walls of a tent was a major advantage in parents getting a good night’s sleep. Now I’m a picky person, but I cannot find fault with this tent, so I would very much like to shake the hand of the person who designed our Outwell Louisiana 5P because they have frankly thought of everything. In fact, I want them to become my new best friend forever because having spent a long weekend admiring their work I imagine an Outwell designer would make a really great pal. They would always be there for you, be practical, creative, inventive, strong, comfortable, a tower of strength in a storm, with a dry coat and a calm word. Good looking too. What’s not to like?
Right: Penny Haslam gets to grips with her new Louisiana 5P Below: Penny normally pitches a new tent for the first time at home to avoid embarassments and to check for damage or missing parts. No choice this time – Steve and Penny were commited to pitching their new tent out in the field while on holiday. Come ‘wine’ o’clock and they’re still smiling so – result! The kids enjoyed it too…
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August 2013 e-cAmp magazine 7
Technical features
Field repairs Y
our tent is subjected to a fair bit of abuse over the camping season and, while designed and built to withstand the rigours of family life outdoors, problems can arise. Best follow the old Scout’s motto and ‘Be prepared’ by creating your very own tent first aid kit and learning the skills to use it… McNett (manufacturers of Tenacious Tape) and Storm (specialists in waterproofing outdoor gear) to match their tapes and patches. REPAIR KIT One roll of tape; tube of glue Sealing seams It is rare for a sealed seam of a synthetic tent, or a correctly prepared polycotton/cotton seam, to leak and little can be done to stop it until the weather improves except use the above tape to stem the worse of the drips. If available, a tarp, plastic sheet or groundsheet can be slung up outside over the affected area to protect it from the worse of the weather and minimise water entry. When the tent is dry spray the outside of the seam with a waterproofing spray and seal inside using a seam sealant (or a latexbased adhesive like Copydex if none available). Dry thoroughly before packing away – worth dusting the set glue with talc to ensure fully dry before packing away. REPAIR KIT Small tube of seam sealer and small can of waterproofing spray, like Outwell Seam Guard and Water Guard
Above: Major problem fixed. Here, we’re lashing a fractured pole to provide flexible strength and stop splintering, then covering the damaged area in tape to protect the pole sleeves and repair
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here is nothing better than camping when it comes to enjoying a relaxing holiday in the countryside. And, at Outwell, we do all we can to ensure that your camping gear will enhance the experience. But, let’s face it, no matter how good your equipment Mother Nature can be a fickle partner and even the most skilled camper will sometimes have an accident that damages their tent. Happily, few accidents are terminal and repairs can be carried out in situ if you have the right essentials to hand. Rips and punctures Stormy conditions make repairs hard to effect in the field – but not impossible. Speed is of the essence and strong, waterproof tapes that stretch to counter movement – like Gorilla Tape or Tenacious Tape– really come into their own. Just slap over the damaged area and, unless the tent’s structural integrity has been badly affected, it should last until a permanent repair can be done at home. Groundsheets can also be treated with tape. Tent repair glues are also available from
A pole clip punctured the flysheet when packed away. We covered the outside with tape and then smoothed a blob of tent repair glue over the hole from the inside. It cured in minutes and we then ‘thumbed’ on a little talc to ensure completely dry before removing tape to leave a perfect hardly-visible patch 8 e-cAmp magazine August 2013
Pole position Fractured fibreglass poles can be repaired using lashing cord (available from online chandlers) and, if necessary, splinting the damaged area with, say, a tent peg (saw off the hook end first) and wrapping with the trusty tape. It may not look good but it will work until you get a replacement pole section. Damaged ferrules can also be treated this way or use a skewer tent peg inserted Ring ‘n’ Pin style to connect the pole sections. You may be lucky to have access to spare poles of the right diameter, like one of our Do it yourself kits. These may need cutting to length or even two used together to replace a missing section so consider doing this at home prior to any emergency. Measure and wrap tape around the area to cut to prevent the saw from slipping and stop splintering. Saw through, periodically rotate the pole to stop splinters. Rub down sharp edges with Wet & Dry, trying not to breathe in the dust. A broken shock cord does not affect the integrity of the tent but just makes pitching harder. If it breaks either leave until you get home or re-thread on site. Spare cord is available from most big DIY stores.
BEFORE
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Hot tips Time to share those tips that you find help improve camping life! Each month we publish a few from our postbag so drop us a line to editorial@outwell. com and help spread the knowledge...
PROBLEM
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Put a blanket underneath your airbed for extra warmth. It does make a difference! Louise Kent Stockton-on-Tees
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I took some empty jars with us when we went camping and my twins spent the weekend collecting different bugs – kept them entertained all weekend. Kim Plant Bridgnorth
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Always take a pair of flip flops (right) with you to shower in just in case the showers are horrid – past experience! Kim Sly Wragby
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Don’t forget to take condiments – salt, pepper, herbs, ketchup etc. This will save you a fortune. Rachel Bedrock Nottingham
...SOLVED!
The above damage can be repaired with tape like the Tenacious variety (pictured right)
Keep your ‘First Aid’ kit in a plastic box with a bright coloured lid so it can be quickly found in an emergency (pictured right) REPAIR KIT Depending on size, one or two spare pole sections for main pole; junior hacksaw; Wet & Dry paper Guys pegged A few meters of cord will take care of any guylines that break and provide some supplementary guys if needed. Clingons are a simple, fast and effective way to add an eyelet to fabric if extra guy points are required, or eyelets break, or a tarp needs rigging. A little elasticated cord can be cut to size and used to replace pegging loops. REPAIR KIT 5m cord; four Clingons and 50cm elasticated cord Tools for the job A good multitool, knife and a small hacksaw will take care of most DIY repair jobs. And keep a head torch handy for handsfree work at night – regularly check to make sure the batteries remain sound. All the above items have numerous other uses around your pitch and you’ll find your ‘First Aid Kit’ for gear will grow with time as you find other useful items, like an Outwell Field Repair Kit, and gain skills to make more complicated repairs in the field. I store mine in a medium size plastic box that has a high visibility lid so I can quickly locate it in an emergency. Let’s hope it’s never used! 4 AFTER
q&a of the month Dear Outwell
During a storm we had water in our tent but cannot find any damage… ideas? Bettina Damm via Facebook Hi Bettina, s your tent is made from polyester this is most certainly condensation. No matter how good the ventilation in such tents the inside air will soon become saturated as water vapour expelled by your body and from sources like kettles, builds up. Remember, the air is already highly saturated for the outside humidity has reached a point where it is raining – it just cannot hold any more vapour so it rapidly turns to water. Condensation will often appear when there is a temperature differential. This is why it will appear on groundsheets, bottom of sleeping mats, outers and windows – they are where the heat of the inside of the tent meets to outside cold. As the hot air cools it cannot hold as much water vapour so it condenses onto the surface. As the fabric moves, condensation forms larger drops and will often trickle down seams, giving the impression that a seam is leaking. In certain conditions, wind-driven fabric may also flick condensation into the air to form a light mist. To combat condensation do not cook or boil water in your tent. Although you cannot stop each camper releasing around .5L of body water vapour overnight you can vent the tent well and wipe off excess with a microfibre towel to alleviate the problem.
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August 2013 e-cAmp magazine 9
image of the month
Summer lovin’
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ne thing is very clear when trawling all the superb pics posted on our Facebook page and those of our fan clubs is that you love your tents and that many, like Petra McLean (pic 1) are following good camping practice by pitching them at home before taking them out in the field. I particularly like William Andrews’ Indian Lake that he picked up (pic 2) – such excitement! There have been some stunning images of sunsets, too, like this one taken by Glyn Roberts from his New Forest pitch (pic 3). We all know that family camping is for kids and we love to see the little ones enjoying themselves like Charlie Gill’s youngest, Bodhi (pic 4). Of course, some kids are a tad older and Hank Waddingham’s choice of the new Outwell Camping Club Notts campsite bar hints at an inner child. Hank says: “Cut backs world, like Outwell stalwart Svein Holmboe have forced us to downsize!” and family enjoying al fresco dining (pic 6), We’ve seen plenty of pics from all over the but my fave is from Carina Pereira with son in Argentina – note dad still pitching the tent! Superior experience We always love to see your camping pics so We recently purchased the please post them on Facebook or email them Bahia 7 and would like to say to me, Clive Garrett, at editorial@outwell.com what a fantastic tent this is! – you could see them chosen as an e-cAmp Image of the Month. Remember to tell us the Lisa Martin via Facebook story that lies behind your pic…
VIP Competition Final exciting opportunity to win a sneak preview of our 2014 products and meet the team when you join us for the day at our special trade-only event this September! Deadline 14 August
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he winners of month’s very special competition will get a VIP pass to our unique Kenilworth trade-only event on 8 September to see all our 2014 tent collections and latest accessories. Join us for the day and meet Outwell Guy and get your limited edition Guyrope Gourmet cookbook signed by the author, Josh Sutton, while he cooks you up a tasty dish or two. And that’s not all. The lucky winners will also get two-nights camping at Dodwell
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Park (dodwellpark.co.uk) – a superb small family-run campsite in Shakespeare country. Arrive Friday night and spend Saturday exploring Stratford, Warwick and Leamington. Then strike camp Sunday in time to be at the main event. Itinerary will be confirmed nearer the date. For a chance to win this superb and unique prize just visit the competition page on our website for details. The winners will be notified by email as soon as possible after the close date.
The e-cAmp Image of the Month