Gelert are one of the most recognised camping brands in the UK. According to their website they've sold over a 100 million tents, sleeping bags and rucksacks since 1975. I've been using Gelert products for about 20 years now and I still think they provide the best value for money of any camping manufacture. No one can write an article about Gelert without mentioning why the company is called Gelert, and this is just an excuse to retell the famous 'Legend of Gelert.'
The company started business in a small town in Wales called Beddgelert which is the home of Gelert's Grave. Gelert was Prince Llewelyn's favourite dog. One day Llewelyn went hunting, but for some reason couldn't find his faithful hound, so he went alone. When he got back from his hunt, Gelert ran out from the palace to meet him. He was covered in blood. Llewelyn panicked and went to find his son. The boy's cot was empty and the sheets covered in blood. The prince withdrew his sword and plunged it into Gelert's side, thinking the dog had killed his heir to the throne. The dog's final yelp was answered by the cry of a child. Llewelyn searched the palace and found the boy unarmed next to the body of a savage wolf that Gelert had slain. The prince never smiled again.
That always gets me choked up that story. Anyway it's a great name now that you know the background.
The one thing I admire about the company Gelert, other than the legend, is the fact that the business has always remained close to its roots in North Wales. That is until last year. Business founders Alastair and Jane Langdon left the company last year and the business has now moved to Cheshire. Although this has affected the local community it will probably be better for the business in the long term. It's a long road down the coast to Porthmadog.
Gelert are well known for their festival classic - the Quick Pitch tent. They also sell one of the cheapest lightweight hiking tents around, the Solo Tent. Their Tryfan sleeping bags are probably the best value for money you can buy.
The company might not be as legendary as Gelert, the dog, but it has achieved a lot for a business that began in a small village in Wales.
The company started business in a small town in Wales called Beddgelert which is the home of Gelert's Grave. Gelert was Prince Llewelyn's favourite dog. One day Llewelyn went hunting, but for some reason couldn't find his faithful hound, so he went alone. When he got back from his hunt, Gelert ran out from the palace to meet him. He was covered in blood. Llewelyn panicked and went to find his son. The boy's cot was empty and the sheets covered in blood. The prince withdrew his sword and plunged it into Gelert's side, thinking the dog had killed his heir to the throne. The dog's final yelp was answered by the cry of a child. Llewelyn searched the palace and found the boy unarmed next to the body of a savage wolf that Gelert had slain. The prince never smiled again.
That always gets me choked up that story. Anyway it's a great name now that you know the background.
The one thing I admire about the company Gelert, other than the legend, is the fact that the business has always remained close to its roots in North Wales. That is until last year. Business founders Alastair and Jane Langdon left the company last year and the business has now moved to Cheshire. Although this has affected the local community it will probably be better for the business in the long term. It's a long road down the coast to Porthmadog.
Gelert are well known for their festival classic - the Quick Pitch tent. They also sell one of the cheapest lightweight hiking tents around, the Solo Tent. Their Tryfan sleeping bags are probably the best value for money you can buy.
The company might not be as legendary as Gelert, the dog, but it has achieved a lot for a business that began in a small village in Wales.
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If you need more help, take a glance at these web pages for more information on Gelert camping gear and to see some useful Gelert tent reviews.
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