Camping Travel Store Blog

We made it in good time to Knutsford just off the M6, and managed to meet the people interested in viewing the Karstens. We pitched a 350 with the Comfort / Front Wall and Rain Awning, which seemed to fit perfectly in the wooded area we were located to. Having shown the tent, we proceeded to spend the night and after a hearty home cooked pub meal, we tucked up for the night. It seemed strange sleeping in the 350; as we are used to four of us in the 300, the 350 seemed cavanas. The site is mainly static caravans, but the grass area we were on which was near to the toilets and water tap allowed for around 6 pitches. Although not really my kind of site, it was fit for purpose and very well run.

Been quite a busy time recently, and now we have just completed a stay of 2 days at the Blackmore CCC Site, to attend a photoshoot for the Camping & Caravanning Club Magazine. After a bit of a drive down, and arriving around 9.30pm in pitch black with the rain lashing down, we managed to pitch up in about 10 minutes and settle our heads down pretty quickly. We awoke to a glorious morning at about 5am as we were pitched on Crows row, and boy can they make a racket. After a basic breakfast, we met the CCC Team who were their testing their long-term tents at the other end of the field. Candy Evans and her team could not have been more welcoming. It was also great to meet Clive Garrett of Camping Magazine, who popped by for the goings on. Unfortunately, the bad weather delayed the photo shoot by a day. But eventually we pitched it and hopefully we will see the results in their magazine in the near future. As I type, we are just packing to leave for South Manchester for a further night ...

We recently visited the British Show at Royal Windsor, and were blessed with good weather. We took the who family and met some friends there. The first thing that I thought was great, was that it was dog friendly, so the new family addition could tag along as well, and all the owners seemed to all be in very good control of their animals. There was lots to see and do for all ages, and although the queues could be quite lenghty , there was lots going on around. The camping section, was slightly cramped and unfortunately, this is how I felt about the whole set up. I also felt that the layout would have been somewhat better. We were trying to display the Karsten's at this show, but decided against it in the end, and I must say that I am pleased that we made the right decision. It was great to visit, but quite a few of the exhibitors felt as though there was limited passing traffic due to the layout design. We'll just have to see if it improves next year!

We have now taken stock of the Human Comfort Range of Camping Products from Holland, and are gearing up for their sales in the UK. Danny Hazewindus from Karsten personally delivered the stock to us with the help of his son Mike and enjoyed staying a couple of days with our Family. We managed a whistle stop visit to Cambridge on the Saturday where we were given a lesson in the difference between polyester and nylon, and a flying visit to London's Southbank and Picadilly Circus on the Sunday before they departed for the Hook of Holland Ferry the same evening. A great time was had by all, and they have threatened to come back!!!

Well, despite the cold and us sleeping in the Human Comfort tent, we did manage to get the flagship Karsten out for it's first official pitch. I much prefer to see a tent actually pitched as opposed to a library picture. The awnings are not fully pegged out, so the material would be more taught. The zip-in groundsheet was much easier to handle and fit than I was expecting and really does give it an element of luxury. All in all, it was a great weekend and as you can see, we managed to get the Karsten Carp Tent up as well!

We have just had instructions to add the following: 2006 Karsten 300 for sales in the Staffordshire Area For further details, please click HERE

Well, the BBC weather forcast did not disappoint - minus 4 at 8pm as my daughter and I settled down for the night. The Marne tent, was easy to pitch using 3 poles and the fly and inner pitched together in about 5 minutes. I was really impressed with the tent. The two windows and the front let in good light, there was excellent ventilation throughout, and no condensation in the morning. The tent is described as a 'Technical Cotton' (polycotton) but is much softer to the touch than the main stream polycottons available on the market. The front porch has it's own ground sheet and the rear storage does not, but allows for other 'dirty' equipment to be stowed away. Both the doors from the inner tent have the fly net integrated and the rain porch to the front is a great little addition. We used the Human-Comfort self inflating air mats with optional foam topper and cover as well as Human Comfort sleeping bags (both to be reviewed soon). I have to admit it was really toas...