I've got the bessport two man and I'm pretty happy with it so far. The seams on the doors are a little wonky but I just popped some seam sealer on it. I managed to find it in dark green as well. Really roomy and light for A two man. You can get a footprint for £15 as well.
Thanks for the info! I'm yet to find an unhappy person with a Bessport or Forceatt. Yes, they're never going to be Hillebergs or MSR's, but they are great value for money.
I’ve seen a lot of Vango stuff that’s exactly the same as the stuff on AliExpress- my guess is they just print their name and logo on the stuff you can buy at a 3rd of the price. I like that MSR doppelgänger tent. Might get that 👍🏻
I don't use AliExpress myself (I prefer to use Ebay and Amazon) but I know lots of people who do and they get some great bargains. I believe they now do a money back guarantee too?
Backpacking UK AliExpress is great - if you aren’t in a hurry to get your stuff. Amazon are on their own - had 3 deliveries today and a food shop we ordered at 3:30pm today. Morrison’s delivered it. No wonder Bezos is so Rich lol. Great video though and looking forward to Episode 2
Some good recommendations - your friend would be better buying the cook set on Ebay though. You can get the same one with the green handles but including a stove, cutlery and a mug for £13.99 (seller name: engerator)
Sick vid might be good to look on AliExpress too sometimes it takes a while to come but I’ve got a great back pack, Matt, stove and titanium cooking pot off there for next to nothing
I've used my bessport tent on 4 wild camp trips so far, in heavy downpour and heavy winds over 35mph plus I've been at a height of over 700m all four times and it has survived. Quite impressed considering the price. Does flex in winds as it's quite tall.
The UL80 is a great mat and a great price the only thing is the R value it’s not a winter pad but as long as ya know that it’s really good. And the BRS stove is a winner all day.
I agree with you regarding buying a name-brand water filter like Sawyer over a no-name Chinese knockoff. However, I don't get the thing with carrying one when you can just boil the water. I used some very dodgy water sources since I was in the engineers and we just filter through a t-shirt or towel then boil. 2 minutes rolling boil, 3-4 if really sketchy and works fine. Of course that uses fuel but you get to use your super cheap stove and cook set plus you know 100% your filter screen isn't cracked.
@@BackpackingUK You boil up and decant into a water bottle the night before, allowing it to cool. You haven;t had a warm drink till you hit your canteen on a 44C day in the bush and figure you might as well toss in a tea bag!
Nice work Andy, looked at both of those tents more than once but I have far toooo many!..I bought a cheap stove/pot combo from Amazon about 16quid & I'm using it more than my other much more expensive gear 👍🏻. Red light on the headtorch is a must for me it gets used the most .. what's the pack size on that 4 season bag 😬....👍🏻
Cheap tents are so good now. Me and my mate use our Naturehike tents the most and they are excellent. I know what you mean about the bag sizes, some of these 4 season bags are huge!
@@BackpackingUK love the naturhike kit! & it's still cheap enough to take the sewing machine to (I like to modify gear😁) in 99% of situations they are all you will ever need!. ... looking forward to part 2 👍🏻
With tips and some borrowed stuff, could be heavier, but if you're friend likes it, besides being heavier your friend can start invest slowly in better or light weighter stuff. I do not know budget of your friend, but do know 10, 20 years ago everyone had much heavier back pack.
Cheaper gear is often slightly heavier, lower quality and less durable. However, there are exceptions to the rule and there is some great gear out there, you just need to find it. These choices would make some ideal first purchases that he can later upgrade if he wishes too.
Some intriguing selections there Andy - I'll deffo follow up on one or two of them! I don't want to take away from what you say here, but just a quick word on Amazon reviews which you have used as part of your selection criteria - be very careful, especially if it is an essentially niche item from an unknown brand or "knock-off" design and is highly rated with several thousand 4 to 5 star reviews. It's well known that these reviews can be bought or produced in "review farms". For critical kit such as a water filter you give great advice in sticking with genuine, well known makers and for the less critical stuff a punt can pay off.
I didn’t realise that. I might have to take the reviews with a pinch of salt then. Some of these I had feedback from people already though so I know they are good buys. Thanks for the heads up 👍
@@BackpackingUK Pleasure. Sure, there can be genuine reviews in amongst the 'manufactured' ones and just because the reviews are fake it doesn't automatically mean that the piece of kit is no good of course - I've taken plenty of punts that have paid off. The other trick to watch for (more on EBay than Amazon) is a very cheap item with very high postal costs. This is done because if you want a refund you will only get the item cost back, NOT the horrendous postage cost. Looking forward to Part 2!
Most of this I’ve got, friends have got, subs have got or my viewers have got. The only items that I’m guessing a bit at are the sleeping bags. That’s being honest. However, if Amazon says ‘#1 seller’ or ‘Amazon’s Choice’ then I have no reason to doubt them.
@@BackpackingUK Fair enough, I just hate it when people recommend gear that they haven't actually used, and when I say used i mean for more than just one trip. I dont know if you watch Garath and Zoe channel but they are one of the best for new comers as they use equipment over long period before giving their opinion and recommendation.
Got to be careful with the top selling product reviews on Amazon a lot of the reviews are fake or manipulated and a lot of the brands are Amazon’s own or owned by Amazon under another name that been rebranded off Alixpress they then push these brands and make a small fortune with out you knowing.
I'm a bit late for recommendation, but I see no purpose of buying first aid kit. You can make better one at your home and only put stuff that you need. Pre-made kits will add unnecessary weight and expense. Also re-powerbanks, buy Anker instead. They a bit more money but super reliable and good power banks that even our pilots/cabin crew use my airline. Powerbank is not only for camping, but you can take it with you anywhere and charge pretty much anything you need on the go. You will find yourself using it daily instead sitting in your electronics bag. And another advice I can give to those looking to get camping gear on a budget - go to charity shops. Don't be scared that some stuff is used(normally staff do not take bad condition gear and it is disinfected). You can find brand new/barely used branded gear for very low money. Especially go early spring when people clean their houses. But don't waste your time in carboot sales, they are awful nowadays lol
Just started watching so whats wrong with Ebay and Ali Express? I use Ebay way more than Amazon, then there is Decathlon probably the best budget camping store there is and he can view the items, forget Amazon
There's nothing wrong with either. I've got 2,500+ feedback on eBay and I've been using it for 20+ years. I purchased my Naturehike Cloud Peak 2 from AliExpress too!
Nice one Andy,lots of useful links there for budget kit ,thanks for sharing👍
No problem 👍
Another great video Andy. I use Karrimors Karrimat for my sleeping mats.
Thanks for sharing 👍
I've got the bessport two man and I'm pretty happy with it so far. The seams on the doors are a little wonky but I just popped some seam sealer on it. I managed to find it in dark green as well. Really roomy and light for A two man. You can get a footprint for £15 as well.
Thanks for the info! I'm yet to find an unhappy person with a Bessport or Forceatt. Yes, they're never going to be Hillebergs or MSR's, but they are great value for money.
Great video mate - I've got the everbeam head torch and I love it! 👍
I really like the head torch, bargain!
Great video mate , loads of helpful tips and advice , really found it useful thanks a lot
No problem 👍
nice one Andy, i bought the Everbeam head torch and it is really really good, very bright and the motion senor is really good
Thanks for sharing. If mine ever breaks I'll buy one!
I’ve seen a lot of Vango stuff that’s exactly the same as the stuff on AliExpress- my guess is they just print their name and logo on the stuff you can buy at a 3rd of the price. I like that MSR doppelgänger tent. Might get that 👍🏻
I don't use AliExpress myself (I prefer to use Ebay and Amazon) but I know lots of people who do and they get some great bargains. I believe they now do a money back guarantee too?
Backpacking UK AliExpress is great - if you aren’t in a hurry to get your stuff. Amazon are on their own - had 3 deliveries today and a food shop we ordered at 3:30pm today. Morrison’s delivered it. No wonder Bezos is so Rich lol. Great video though and looking forward to Episode 2
Some good recommendations - your friend would be better buying the cook set on Ebay though. You can get the same one with the green handles but including a stove, cutlery and a mug for £13.99 (seller name: engerator)
Great, thanks for sharing 👍
Thanks for sharing that, it's a brilliant price for UK stock.👍
Thanks Andy for another top video
No worries 👍
No bullcrap all facts. Great vid again
Cheers 👍
Really good channel ,thankyou so much for shareing.
Thanks Debs 👍
@@BackpackingUK Your more than welcome,i hope more people find your amazing channel.
Sick vid might be good to look on AliExpress too sometimes it takes a while to come but I’ve got a great back pack, Matt, stove and titanium cooking pot off there for next to nothing
More and more people keep mentioning AliExpress. I’ll have to take a look 👀
I got the trekology set. Pillow and mattress. Good value for money.
And that exact headlamp.
Both great purchases 👍
Awsome video mate some bargains In there
Thanks, more to come too!
I've used my bessport tent on 4 wild camp trips so far, in heavy downpour and heavy winds over 35mph plus I've been at a height of over 700m all four times and it has survived. Quite impressed considering the price. Does flex in winds as it's quite tall.
Thanks for sharing 👍
The UL80 is a great mat and a great price the only thing is the R value it’s not a winter pad but as long as ya know that it’s really good. And the BRS stove is a winner all day.
It’s difficult finding budget mats with R values. However, I’m not sure if that’s simply because they haven’t been tested?
It’s amazing how little you need to spend on gear. Good stuff man.
You definitely don’t need to spend a fortune, and to be honest, the kit is nearly as good for a fraction of the price.
I agree with you regarding buying a name-brand water filter like Sawyer over a no-name Chinese knockoff. However, I don't get the thing with carrying one when you can just boil the water. I used some very dodgy water sources since I was in the engineers and we just filter through a t-shirt or towel then boil. 2 minutes rolling boil, 3-4 if really sketchy and works fine. Of course that uses fuel but you get to use your super cheap stove and cook set plus you know 100% your filter screen isn't cracked.
It depends if you want a cold drink. The last thing I want to do on a hot day is drink warm / hot water.
@@BackpackingUK You boil up and decant into a water bottle the night before, allowing it to cool. You haven;t had a warm drink till you hit your canteen on a 44C day in the bush and figure you might as well toss in a tea bag!
😂😂😂
Nice work Andy, looked at both of those tents more than once but I have far toooo many!..I bought a cheap stove/pot combo from Amazon about 16quid & I'm using it more than my other much more expensive gear 👍🏻. Red light on the headtorch is a must for me it gets used the most .. what's the pack size on that 4 season bag 😬....👍🏻
Cheap tents are so good now. Me and my mate use our Naturehike tents the most and they are excellent. I know what you mean about the bag sizes, some of these 4 season bags are huge!
@@BackpackingUK love the naturhike kit! & it's still cheap enough to take the sewing machine to (I like to modify gear😁) in 99% of situations they are all you will ever need!. ... looking forward to part 2 👍🏻
A very well thought out video with loads of great recommendations!
Cheers Thomas 👍
With tips and some borrowed stuff, could be heavier, but if you're friend likes it, besides being heavier your friend can start invest slowly in better or light weighter stuff. I do not know budget of your friend, but do know 10, 20 years ago everyone had much heavier back pack.
Cheaper gear is often slightly heavier, lower quality and less durable. However, there are exceptions to the rule and there is some great gear out there, you just need to find it. These choices would make some ideal first purchases that he can later upgrade if he wishes too.
Some intriguing selections there Andy - I'll deffo follow up on one or two of them!
I don't want to take away from what you say here, but just a quick word on Amazon reviews which you have used as part of your selection criteria - be very careful, especially if it is an essentially niche item from an unknown brand or "knock-off" design and is highly rated with several thousand 4 to 5 star reviews. It's well known that these reviews can be bought or produced in "review farms". For critical kit such as a water filter you give great advice in sticking with genuine, well known makers and for the less critical stuff a punt can pay off.
I didn’t realise that. I might have to take the reviews with a pinch of salt then. Some of these I had feedback from people already though so I know they are good buys. Thanks for the heads up 👍
@@BackpackingUK Pleasure. Sure, there can be genuine reviews in amongst the 'manufactured' ones and just because the reviews are fake it doesn't automatically mean that the piece of kit is no good of course - I've taken plenty of punts that have paid off. The other trick to watch for (more on EBay than Amazon) is a very cheap item with very high postal costs. This is done because if you want a refund you will only get the item cost back, NOT the horrendous postage cost. Looking forward to Part 2!
Should look at the bessport 1.5 tent and it’s on sale now
Thanks for the heads up 👍
He should try the oex bobcat 1
Wait for my next video 😉
Hi! Have you tried the forceatt 2 p tent?
No, but it looks really good and people who have it really rate it!
@@BackpackingUK I think I am going to buy it to tent with the kids in spring, maybe I make a review :)
Some great information thanks very much keep up the videos :)
Thanks 👍
Have you used all this kit your recommending. No 1 best seller means nothing and reviews are often falsified.
Most of this I’ve got, friends have got, subs have got or my viewers have got. The only items that I’m guessing a bit at are the sleeping bags. That’s being honest. However, if Amazon says ‘#1 seller’ or ‘Amazon’s Choice’ then I have no reason to doubt them.
@@BackpackingUK Fair enough, I just hate it when people recommend gear that they haven't actually used, and when I say used i mean for more than just one trip. I dont know if you watch Garath and Zoe channel but they are one of the best for new comers as they use equipment over long period before giving their opinion and recommendation.
Got to be careful with the top selling product reviews on Amazon a lot of the reviews are fake or manipulated and a lot of the brands are Amazon’s own or owned by Amazon under another name that been rebranded off Alixpress they then push these brands and make a small fortune with out you knowing.
I'm a bit late for recommendation, but I see no purpose of buying first aid kit. You can make better one at your home and only put stuff that you need. Pre-made kits will add unnecessary weight and expense.
Also re-powerbanks, buy Anker instead. They a bit more money but super reliable and good power banks that even our pilots/cabin crew use my airline. Powerbank is not only for camping, but you can take it with you anywhere and charge pretty much anything you need on the go. You will find yourself using it daily instead sitting in your electronics bag.
And another advice I can give to those looking to get camping gear on a budget - go to charity shops. Don't be scared that some stuff is used(normally staff do not take bad condition gear and it is disinfected). You can find brand new/barely used branded gear for very low money. Especially go early spring when people clean their houses. But don't waste your time in carboot sales, they are awful nowadays lol
I wouldn't buy that 1 man tent for wild camping in light of the recent reports of wild camping clap downs. It'll stand out like a sore thumb.
It's available in different colours. Like I said, I personally prefer grey or green 👍
Tarp and bivi.
Me and my mates prefer tents ⛺️ A bit of luxury and comfort.
Just started watching so whats wrong with Ebay and Ali Express? I use Ebay way more than Amazon, then there is Decathlon probably the best budget camping store there is and he can view the items, forget Amazon
There's nothing wrong with either. I've got 2,500+ feedback on eBay and I've been using it for 20+ years. I purchased my Naturehike Cloud Peak 2 from AliExpress too!
@@BackpackingUK thank for the reply, fair enough 👍 nice review anyway