A Guide to the Great Outdoors

A Dry British Summer?

gooutdoorsuk — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:40:52 +0000

Well according to the BBC website (link) we can expect to actually have a Summer here in the UK this year. The last couple of years have been a wash out with torrential rain fall and even floods. Well it looks like the weather folk are predicting that this Summer will have average rainfall or maybe even less than average with temperatures peaking around the 30 degrees mark.

That’s great news for the Festival goers, Outdoor enthusiasts and people looking to save themselves some money by taking their summer holiday right here at home on one of the literally thousands of campsites spread across the UK.

There are some fantastic deals on Tents and Camping Equipment to be found at the moment, with many stores taking full advantage of the fact that more people are introducing themselves to camping this year because of the credit crunch.

One trend you may notice when you put a little research into what Tents are worth a look is that many hardened campers will stick loyally to a brand that they are comfortable with. There are some cheap Outwell tents available on offer (usually previous seasons models) but in reality the tents have risen in price quite a bit over the last year.

Tents are like anything else you may purchase; what is right for one person may not be right for another. New tent brands may not have the reputation but that doesn’t mean the tents aren’t worth the gamble. So look around when buying a tent this summer, buy the right tent for you, not the right tent for the masses.

And for all of you people heading for festivals this Summer time and are looking for cheap tents for less than £15 but wondering if you will wake up with soggy clothes? Well single skin tents should get the job done if the weather remains warm, however you will need a thicker sleeping bag. If you’ve made an investment and gone double skin then you will be fine with a cheap sleeping bag to sleep in.

I think we can all agree that this year is a year that many new people will turn to camping and many will realize what they have been missing out on and the money that can be saved by staying in Britain in the great outdoors.

That’s all for now

Brandon

Pop Up Tents Guide

gooutdoorsuk — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:05:03 +0000

Over the past few years Pop up Tents have become increasingly more popular among new campers. Does this take out the whole ‘point’ of camping? Not at all!

Festivals whether music, car, art or anything you can think of have introduced people who aren’t much for the great outdoors to weekends of camping. The pop up tent has reduced embarrassment of not being able to put together a complex tent when you have no experience in the matter.

Pop up tents are marketed on the fact that they can spring to life in under a minute and all the user has to do is throw it out, and peg it down. Ideal right? These tents started as simple 2 man tents but over the last few years have grown to 3 man tents, 4 man tents and even some family tents have become the popular pop up variety giving more people the confidence to GO Outdoors.

Words you may have heard when searching for Pop up Tents:

Quick Pitch – This is Gelert’s own take on the Pop up Tent but does exactly the same job.

Pitch and Go – Hi Gear one of the newer tent manufacturers on the market call their Pop up Tents, Pitch and Go tents but they essentially serve the same purpose.

So if you are looking for a tent for the summer months, or just for camping out on the back garden then small Pop up Tents are ideal.

A common mistake is to think that these pop up tents aren’t up to a camping holiday away. The larger pop up tents will do the job just as well as a standard tunnel or dome tent though space is limited as you would expect from a smaller tent.

Most tent brands are now bringing out their own versions of the classic pop up tent so shop around and you’re likely to find one that will fit your needs just right.

That’s all for now

Brandon

Where will you Holiday this Year?

gooutdoorsuk — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 11:37:34 +0000

So with the current economic state as it is and more and more people feeling the pinch on their purses or wallets going abroad this year isn’t looking like a feasible option for a lot of families.

A family holiday is something everyone needs, just to take that break from work and just get away from the stress and strains of home life and have a good time. This is why more and more families are turning to camping holidays this year. Whether choosing to stay in Britain or hitch a ferry over to near by France a camping holiday can be a cheap alternative and a lot of fun for the whole family.

The camping industry has already taken a notable rise with new families popping into stores to get some advice on a purchase for their first family tent. Helpful advice is out there and the Internet is a great place to pick up some good reviews of family tents.

Names you will notice get consistently good reviews are tent brands like Outwell and Vango. Outwell make some very durable family tents with plenty of living space for the whole family. Most Vango and Outwell customers are more than happy to gush to you about how their tent is a great holiday accommodation and rather than paying for that accommodation every year they bought one tent which lasted a few years. Money saving at it’s best.

Another brand that have appeared on the scene just this year is the recently re-ignited Hi Gear brand, that have brought out a range of festival and family tents ideal for any kind of camper. Pop up Tents for the inexperienced, some aesthetically pleasing family tents which are of a high quality and for tents made in the same factories as Outwell and Vango you can see some of the same sort of craftsmanship in the seams.

You may have noticed a lot of these big name brands have upped their prices this year but you can still pick up some fantastic tent deals; so be sure to compare prices before purchasing.

So remember when thinking about your holidays this summer, why not try your hand at camping? It’s cheaper in the long run and it may just save you that bit of cash that you could spend elsewhere. Don’t let the credit crunch get you down this year – take that holiday break and relax.

That’s all for now

Brandon

UK Festival Hints and Tips 2009

gooutdoorsuk — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 11:37:58 +0000

Forums throughout the Internet are littered with thousands of comments of rumors and wishlist’s, money is being saved for the most expensive year of tickets yet – yep, it must be heading toward Festival season once more.

Most major festivals are finalizing with their big name headliners, creating their own hype while leaving their fans guessing as to who is coming to rock their weekends this year. With news of bands reuniting and some bands returning to the UK for the first time in years there is as always a lot of excitement in the air in regard to the UK music festival scene.

Those of you sat back thinking that the price of the festival tickets has really took a steep turn upward this year should look back to last year and see how many festival goers chose to buy cheap tents and leave them behind rather than take them home. This is not only littering at it’s peak causing festival heads to hire MORE clean up staff to clean up your mess but it is also really quite bad for theenvironment.

Tents are not that expensive, you wouldn’t book your ticket on a whim, you’d think about it, are they the bands you like? is it a festival you can get too? Think of the same sort of questions when buying a tent. If you don’t like putting a tent up then there are a large range of pop up tents that you can throw and the job is done for you. For those taking large groups of people why not club together and buy a family tent? This not only creates a party atmosphere right off the bat but also it gives you and your friends one tent to put up between all of you. Easy! If you don’t want to see the festival ticket price’s rise next year then don’t give the festival owners any reason to do so. Clean up your own mess.

Also this year Gas Stoves are strictly banned from all festival sites. This does not mean you won’t have anything to cook on because there are some cooking appliances you can take.

- Trangia Stoves – These are powered by Methylated spirits, not Gas.

- Fuel Blocks – Some are quite slow to cook, but perfectly festival legal

- Disposable BBQ’s – These are becoming more and more popular among festival goers. At least you know what the burger you cook yourself is made out of!

Year after year you see more people struggle with hold alls, bin liners and anything else filled with their gear for the festival. This only inspires you to leave things behind. Pick up a camping rucksack, they aren’t that expensive and they are durable enough to keep using year after year. Don’t look for a quick fix, invest in something you want to use again. Not only does this afford you more space and better use of it, it also means you are more likely to take your things home.

If you do head for the festivals this year then be sure to check out the GO Outdoors Festival Guide for up to date news, line ups, information and of course a one stop shop for all your Festival Equipment.

GO Outdoors Festival Guide

That’s all for now!

Brandon

Handy Tent Guide

gooutdoorsuk — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 14:57:30 +0000

Hints and tips for Tents

With the countries financial issues this year more and more people are expected to stay in England rather than head abroad. This could mean that you take the family on a camping holiday to one of the hundreds of Campsites over the United Kingdom, or maybe you’re just a first time festival goer and you’ve just realized you have to come to grips with your tent now that you’ve spent all that money on a ticket.

So below you’ll find some helpful hints for pitching and caring for your tent.

Before Your Trip

It is advised to have a few practice’s pitching your tent if you haven’t before. This will allow you to familiarize you with the tent and to check if the tent has come with any major defects or has any pieces missing.

When Pitching

If the tent pole jams when being threaded into it’s sleeve it is likely one of the metal joints will have snagged on the material, check for where it is caught and release it.
If the zips on the tent become difficult to close then move the tent pegs to ease the strain of the fabric.
In warm temperatures the fly sheet will tighten, loosen the guy lines to prevent over-stressing the material.

Condensation

Condensation is commonly mistaken for a leak in the tent but this is not the case.
To minimise condensation roll up all storm flaps unless needed.
Shake or wipe any moisture from the fly sheet, don’t worry this will not impair the waterproofing.

Pole Care and Repair

Start from the centre when folding poles, this will prevent excess strain and bending.
If your shockcord fails it is possibble to still pitch. Replacement shockcords are available from most stores.
Replacement pole sections for most tents areavailable from most GO Outdoors stores.

And possibly the worst bit about any camping trip is the prospect of getting the tent back in the small bag it came in. Well for most tents if you follow these simply rules you should be able to do just that.

Fold the inner & outer into a long thin shape the width of the tent bag
Roll the tent around the poles to help out the air
The tent should now fit snuggly inside the bag

If you are staying in Britian or heading for a festival this year then don’t forget GO Outdoors stocks a variety of different tents for different occasions. Pop up tents, Back packing tents, Family tents are all available online and in store.

Thanks

Brandon

Tips on Packing Your Backpack

gooutdoorsuk — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 15:46:27 +0000

‘So what is the best way to pack your backpack?’

It’s always best to find out how to pack your rucksack before you head on out travelling, camping or even to a festival for the weekend. A well packed rucksack can be the difference between shoulder ache and comfort in travel. It could also save those embarrassing moments where you realize something you need in a hurry is actually half way down your pack and you’re left rummaging around with a slightly red face.

When you pack your rucksack i believe there are four important aspects to keep in mind to spread the weight and keep you comfortable for the duration of your chosen activity.

1) Always pack the rucksack with all storage areas open – This enables the bag to extend to its full capacity so you know exactly how much room you have to use.

2) Pack the weight evenly on each side – This is for your own comfort, spread the weight evenly over both shoulders to make carrying easier.

3) Pack tightly with as fewer gaps as possible – This gives you more space and allows you to pack much more as well as helping with weight distribution.

4) Try to avoid fixing items to the outside of the pack – Sleeping mats and walking poles are exceptions here. This again helps with weight distribution and makes the pack more comfortable to carry.

Below is a diagram to show where certain types of items should be packed within the rucksack for ease of access when you need them in the event it starts to rain or you need a quick snack etc.

Find your travelling/Camping essentials at any GO Outdoors store or online at http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk

Hopefully this is of help!

Thanks for reading

Brandon

Rucksack Buying Guide – Volume 4 The Climbing Pack

gooutdoorsuk — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:08:20 +0000

If you’re planning a Mountaineering expedition heading up into the cold of the mountain tops then you need a pack that will house all of your survival kit to make sure that you’re ready for anything. Climbing packs are the avid Mountaineers choice and come with some special features to suit.

The Climbing Pack:

A climbing pack usually has a supportive structure construction to help keep the pack rigid while you are out climbing routes. These packs are usually equipped with a variety of harnesses to keep the pack attached to your back at all times while gear loops are attached for your rack.

Climbing packs are generally taller than most other packs to increase stability as well as having compression straps to pack down waterproof jackets, sleeping bags and hardwear to help utilize space efficiently.

1) Removable Waist Belt – For those Mountaineers or climbers that find that conventional hip belts restrict the freedom of movement or access then the removable hip belt on a climbing pack usually comes in handy.

2) Gear Loops – These are unique to climbing or mountaineering rucksacks. Heavy duty loops on the hip belt or shoulder strap which allows you to secure climbing gear for easy access.

3) Ice Axe Attachment – A loop or loops at the base of the bag which fasten higher up that allow ice axes to be securely and safely attached.

Other features to look out for:

Crampon Pouch -This can be a toughened flap or pouch located on the front of the pack which allows crampons to be secured without any damage to your rucksack.

Rope Compressor – This simple loop with quick release clip usually located under the rucksack lid which allows a rope to be securely fixed and yet easily accessible.

Haul Loops – Similar to a carry handle on the back of your pack, The haul loop is located on the front. These two loops used in conjunction allow the rucksack to be easily pulled up a climb where it would be too heavy on your back.

Adjustable Lid Height – This allows the rucksack to be filled maximally but with more protection for the contents from the elements.

View Our Range of Climbing Packs – Click Here

Hopefully this will be of use to somebody, obviously for more advice you can ask any sales assistant in store.

Brandon

GO Outdoors to Create New Jobs Over Two Years

gooutdoorsuk — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 15:21:24 +0000

NEWS: GO Outdoors To Create 1000 New Retail Jobs in Two Years

GO Outdoors – the UK’s fastest growing outdoor retailer (www.gooutdoors.co.uk) – has revealed plans to create 1000 new retail jobs over the next two years starting with three new stores in West Yorkshire, the North East and the South East.

By June 2009, GO Outdoors will have opened a total of five new stores since the £18 million refinancing package set up with Bank of Scotland Corporate in Spring 2008. And the planned expansion targets a total of 30 stores by 2011.

Sheffield-based GO Outdoors will invest a total of £5 million in these three new store openings creating more than 150 new jobs in the process. The outdoor retailer’s new expansion plans follow on from another two new successful store openings in the past three months in Wolverhampton and Bristol creating a further 80 new jobs.

GO Outdoors is now on target to operate 14 stores by the end of June – each store selling more than 20,000 big-brand price-guaranteed outdoor products.

John Graham, GO Outdoors managing director, said,

“We have big plans for GO Outdoors. And our next three stores in West Yorkshire, the North East and South East are an important part of those plans. The refinancing agreement with Bank of Scotland Corporate means we can now pursue a rapid controlled expansion plan.

“GO Outdoors actively seeks low-rent off-pitch locations and the money we save is passed on to our customers. That’s why we guarantee to beat any price on any stock item sold by any of our competitors. The guarantee includes the biggest outdoor brands. It’s not a promise we make lightly – but GO Outdoors customers know that if they buy from us they won’t find it cheaper anywhere else.

“And it’s not just about price. We have built a team who are passionate about the outdoors lifestyle and we encourage their enthusiasm when they advise customers – experts and novices alike.

“We are transforming the UK outdoor retail experience by opening the Whatever our customers need, we have thousands of products at guaranteed best prices perfect for everything from walking the dog to conquering K2; from camping in the lakes to cycling to work; from riding down mountain paths to going on a safari; and, from climbing the Three Peaks to fishing in Scotland.”

In 2007 GO Outdoors opened Scotland’s largest outdoor retail outlet in Coatbridge – more than 70,000 square feet of retail space.

And in October 2008 GO Outdoors Bristol became the South West’s first themed 43,000 square feet outdoor superstore featuring a six-metre-high family-friendly climbing wall. In a break with traditional outdoor store layouts, customers enter the new store via a walk-through on a hand-made timber path. The themed area also features more than 4.5 tonnes of limestone fashioned into a hand-built dry-stone wall plus TV and demonstration areas for the different products.

David Hunt, director of commercial banking for Bank of Scotland Corporate in Sheffield, is a firm supporter of GO Outdoors’ philosophy and business model.

David said,

“This company is a fantastic example of a retail business that identified a niche and has stuck firmly to a winning formula through a combination of sound business practice linked to an entrepreneurial spirit. We had no hesitation in backing the business plan and the experienced management team that created it and everyone concerned is already seeing the benefits of the refinancing package”.

Stephen Ingram (partner in Ingram Forrest Corporate Finance) initially acted for the management team when GO Outdoors was the subject of a buy in management buy out in 1998. He was subsequently retained as financial advisor to the company and advised on the transfer of GO’s business to Bank of Scotland.

Stephen said,

“The term facility put in place for GO by Bank of Scotland was very well structured to support the company’s expansion plans. The robustness of the facility – as well as GO’s business model – is clearly evidenced by the current rate of new store openings.”

Rucksack Buying Guide Volume 3 – The Travel Pack

gooutdoorsuk — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 11:20:34 +0000

Backpacking is increasingly popular, because after all there is a world out there and it’s begging to be seen by anyone who is willing to take the time to do it.

The Travel Pack

The travel pack is the perfect option for round the world travel, inter-city travel or where ever you plan to go. these travel backs should always come with a large front access zip which gives you quick and easy access to your belongings for where ever you may stop.

Another nice feature to look out for is the use of concealed pockets for your documentation. Keeping passports and travel documents safe is a must when on your travels.

A lot of travel sacks also come with a detachable daypack which means you can put the big part in a locker and head out to the tourist attractions with only the essentials that you need.

1) Front Opening – This is the key feature on travel packs because it gives you wide, easy access to all of your belongings making it easy to get to whatever it is you need at that moment in time. Front openings are also available on some trekking backpacks.

2) Detachable Day Bag – A good feature on travel packs is the detachable day sack. These small volume bags 15-25 litres can be kept can be attached to the main bag when travelling and detached at your destination for short excursions

For a full list Travel Packs available from GO Outdoors Click here

Being prepared for your travels is very important and there are many products on the market to make your time on the road s easy as possible. So make sure that you pick up everything you need at home before you head on out because it becomes harder to find these products the further out there you get. At GO Outdoors we have a full range of travel equipment and travel accessories to make it easy for you.

Happy Travelling

Brandon

Rucksack Buying Guide Volume 2 – The Backpack

gooutdoorsuk — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 10:03:28 +0000

Following on from a previous post on a guide to what to look out for when buying a pack for whatever the occasion, this volume will cover the Backpack which is the most commonly used type of pack and the one that people very often can get wrong.

The Backpack
Backpacks are the packs that have a multitude of uses. They come in handy for camping trips, festivals, weekends away when you need to fit a lot of living equipment into a small space. They are designed to carry heavier loads than a daypack.

Many backpacks have all the features of a daypack but with a little more padding to cater for the additional weight and longer trips, extra pockets and extra fixing points to hold more gear. Most have an internal structure and have an adjustable back system to make sure that the pack stays flush to your back and keeps you comfortable.

Some features to look for when buying a backpack:

1) Bellows Side Pockets – These are an alternative to fixed side pockets. These collapsible pockets give fast useful access or extra storage when used but can be packed away to help keep your bag compact.

2) Padded Hip Belt – As you increase the weight of your backpack the percentage of the weight that is carried on the hips should increase to help keep your back in the best possible condition. Large or small backpacks made to carry heavy loads should be equipped with a suitably padded waist belt.

3) Expansion Section – An extra section of material around the opening of the rucksack allows you to ‘overfill’ the top of your pack adding extra storage space.

4) Base Opening & Additional Fixing Points – More common on larger packs. These zipped openings give the user easy access to the bottom of the rucksack where you would likely store your sleeping bag or items you don’t use during the day. The extra attachment points allow allow the fixing of all kinds of equipment to the outside of your pack e.g. Trekking Poles, Ice axes or maybe a camp chair if heading to a festival.

Adjustable Back System – These are usually applicable to larger backpacks, they allow the distance between the shoulder straps and hip belt to be changed (increased or decreased) to suit people of different heights, making the fit more comfortable for the person wearing the pack.

A lot of manufacturers have built their own adjustable back systems but the general principle remains the same throughout – which is: “It Allows the shoulder straps to be moved up or down to accommodate longer or shorter backs”

A full range of Backpacks available from GO Outdoors can be found at this link: GO Outdoors Rucksacks

These feature a variety of popular brands including Berghaus and Lowe Alpine

The next blog will be volume 3 in this series and will feature the travel pack.

Hopefully this is of help

Brandon