Pod Camping makes camping easy...
An
exhibitor that caught my attention at this years's NEC Outdoor Show was that
of "PodCamping", a unique, hassle-free camping experience. PodCamping,
the brainchild of Stephen Chai and Nicola Watson who live in Wiltshire, is
a new and unique experience that gives outdoor enthusiasts, holiday makers
and festival goers more time to enjoy their activities – and you stay
in spacious, stylish and superbly-equipped tents, tipis and yurts. In
fact it was the tipi display that was attracting a great deal of attention;
alternative camping is receiving a lot of interest at the present time.
So what is the PodCamping concept and how does it work? PodCamping makes
camping easy. There’s no need to worry about buying all the gear, then
carrying it, searching for a pitch and then trying to put it up in the dark
- everything is provided, including setting-up, so that the moment you arrive
on site your fully furnished ‘Pod’ is ready and waiting.
The concept apparently captured the imaginations of thousands of visitors
to the Outdoor Show, all eager to enjoy every minute of their break by PodCamping – so
much so that the company are now hard at work increasing the capacity of
the website www.podcamping.com to
cope with the demand.
Stephen
and Nicola first had the idea when on a camping holiday last year. “We
went away for a short weekend break to Glastonbury last May,” Stephen
said. “After we had arrived we spent an hour and a half putting the
tent up and sorting out all the equipment so we couldn’t relax till
late. Then on Sunday we had to spend our time rushing around to pack up and
stuff everything into the car, and it was starting to rain. We were totally
stressed out – and then of course when we got back we had to unload
and dry everything before repacking it in the garage and loft.
We thought – wouldn’t the experience be so much better if someone else had set the tent up, so it was ready and waiting for us?” So Stephen and Nicola came up with the PodCamping concept.
The ‘Pods’ come
in four sizes to suit the number in the party – ranging from the DuoPod
for two to the TeamPod size for larger groups. Tipi’s and yurts are
also available. Each comes fully furnished with all the necessary kitchen,
bedroom and general equipment, including a mini-fridge, two-ring gas cooker,
pans and utensils. All you need to bring is a sleeping bag.
And you don’t need to waste any time setting up or clearing away the
camping equipment, because it’s all done for you. “There’s
something amazing about camping,” said Nicola. “It’s the
freedom and fresh air. It is an escape – you’re not bound by
four walls. You can look out from a tent at the sea and the fields.”
“PodCamping makes this opportunity easy for people who have never been camping and don’t have all the kit, for those who’ve tried it once and want to try it again, for festival goers and groups of young adults, and for experienced campers who may have friends who want to give camping a try.” PodCamping is great for individuals, groups and corporate customers taking part in activity holidays, as well as people taking a weekend or short break, when the setting up and clearing away time takes up a bigger proportion of precious holiday time. Stephen said: “There are lots of hostels for people who want to learn a new activity, such as canoeing or riding, but often their accommodation is limited. We’ll be working with these centres, putting up our fully-equipped ‘Pods’ which visitors can use.” “We will also provide for people getting together for an activity break. Perhaps you want to go mountain biking with your friends, but can’t carry all the equipment – with PodCamping it’s all waiting for you.”
PodCamping will be available at a range of activity centres, starting with
a dozen sites along the M4 corridor and building up over the 2007 season
to around 50 sites across the South West. Centre activities will include
rock climbing and caving in Somerset, fishing and mountain biking in Wiltshire.
