camping newbie - what do you recommend?
Discussion
Hi,
I am taking the plunge and taking 2 daughters camping this summer. I will start off with a few weekend trips, and hopefully extend for a longer period once I gain more experiencee. I used this checklist https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/expert-advice/camping... to guage the essential/ nice to have items.
Spent this afternoon at Go Outdoors, and I saw this 5 men Coleman tunnel tent today which I liked as it has a vertical entrance, an outside and inside porch (sealed groundsheet) section, blackout rooms, and decent number of pockets. Is this a decent choice, or is there a better alternative for a similar price range?
https://www.blacks.co.uk/16232033/coleman-mosedale...
Before I start buying loads of random crap, it would be useful to hear from the more experienced campers what accessories you recommend (or avoid) which has served you well in your trips? Please keep to a sensible price wherever possible as my budget is not unlimited! (Note. all the stuffs has to fit into a Octavia saloon + a roofbox)
Thanks.
I am taking the plunge and taking 2 daughters camping this summer. I will start off with a few weekend trips, and hopefully extend for a longer period once I gain more experiencee. I used this checklist https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/expert-advice/camping... to guage the essential/ nice to have items.
Spent this afternoon at Go Outdoors, and I saw this 5 men Coleman tunnel tent today which I liked as it has a vertical entrance, an outside and inside porch (sealed groundsheet) section, blackout rooms, and decent number of pockets. Is this a decent choice, or is there a better alternative for a similar price range?
https://www.blacks.co.uk/16232033/coleman-mosedale...
Before I start buying loads of random crap, it would be useful to hear from the more experienced campers what accessories you recommend (or avoid) which has served you well in your trips? Please keep to a sensible price wherever possible as my budget is not unlimited! (Note. all the stuffs has to fit into a Octavia saloon + a roofbox)
Thanks.
Buy a tent of size (number in your party + 1 at least) for space and comfort. If you're not going to get an electric hookup, get ice packs and a cool bag. Look for campsites with freezer facilities to allow you to freeze your packs.
You don't have to have camping cookware and cutlery but they will save space and weight. You can get by with roll-mats and sleeping bags if space is tight. Inflatable mattresses are more comfy. Don't forget some sort of large water container. A 5 litre bottle of mineral water from a supermarket will do fine. You can always chuck the container after you're done.
Take several torches and a lantern that can be hung from the top of the tent.
First evening meal can be prepared at home and then stuffed into tupperware type boxes to be reheated onsite.
A dustpan and brush to sweep out the tent before you pack it away again.
You don't have to have camping cookware and cutlery but they will save space and weight. You can get by with roll-mats and sleeping bags if space is tight. Inflatable mattresses are more comfy. Don't forget some sort of large water container. A 5 litre bottle of mineral water from a supermarket will do fine. You can always chuck the container after you're done.
Take several torches and a lantern that can be hung from the top of the tent.
First evening meal can be prepared at home and then stuffed into tupperware type boxes to be reheated onsite.
A dustpan and brush to sweep out the tent before you pack it away again.
Edited by Aunty Pasty on Sunday 28th May 17:58
Edited by Aunty Pasty on Sunday 28th May 18:30
Definitely some of this:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bear_spray#:~:text...
(obviously depending on where you’re camping)
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bear_spray#:~:text...
(obviously depending on where you’re camping)
2 fold up tables. One for food prep one for eating/drinking/playing cards etc
If you want a stove a 2 burner fold out briefcase style is best in my experience.
Get 2 gas bottles for it though. One full and one to use/return.
Theres nothing worse than running out of gas half way through dinner.
When it comes to ice blocks put them in plastic bags with your surname on it in sharpie.
Then you can carry them to and from the onsite freezer easily.
You want 2 sets of ice blocks. One to freeze and one in the coolbox and switch them over each morning and evening.
If you want a stove a 2 burner fold out briefcase style is best in my experience.
Get 2 gas bottles for it though. One full and one to use/return.
Theres nothing worse than running out of gas half way through dinner.
When it comes to ice blocks put them in plastic bags with your surname on it in sharpie.
Then you can carry them to and from the onsite freezer easily.
You want 2 sets of ice blocks. One to freeze and one in the coolbox and switch them over each morning and evening.
After years (and years) of trying various combinations of sleeping systems, the best setup I’ve come across is the Decathlon inflatable bed bases with a Self Inflating Mattress on top. The wife and I use two side by side (they have buckles to clip them together) with a double SIM held on with the bungee webbing straps. Their own SIM is well regarded and competitively priced.
They inflate to 6-7 psi using the same sort of technology as the airbeam tents, so the bed base is approx ten times more rigid that a normal inflatable mattress by itself. Your SIM is then suspended on fairly standard bed slats. It’s super comfy, you have the all important air gap underneath (so you stay warm) and the hollow space in the bed base is a god send for stuffing all the various empty stowage sacks that all your tables, chairs, sleeping bags and everything else comes in.
Get yourself a decent sleeping bag, but don’t break the bank. You can spend a fortune on down sleeping bags that keep you warm in sub-zero temps and squashes down to the size of a melon, but you’re going in a car so size and weight don’t really matter. You generally can’t go wrong with Vango - it’s decently priced and above average quality, I find. A good 2/3 season bag will do you well. They do well priced junior sleeping bags too.
They inflate to 6-7 psi using the same sort of technology as the airbeam tents, so the bed base is approx ten times more rigid that a normal inflatable mattress by itself. Your SIM is then suspended on fairly standard bed slats. It’s super comfy, you have the all important air gap underneath (so you stay warm) and the hollow space in the bed base is a god send for stuffing all the various empty stowage sacks that all your tables, chairs, sleeping bags and everything else comes in.
Get yourself a decent sleeping bag, but don’t break the bank. You can spend a fortune on down sleeping bags that keep you warm in sub-zero temps and squashes down to the size of a melon, but you’re going in a car so size and weight don’t really matter. You generally can’t go wrong with Vango - it’s decently priced and above average quality, I find. A good 2/3 season bag will do you well. They do well priced junior sleeping bags too.
Looking at it a different way - what are you going to do on the trip? You need to plan your kit around your itinerary.
Tent wise - tough choice. My wife always wants to take our big 5 person tent with standing head room, porch, lounge etc. It's great for a week but heavy, and flaps around in the wind.
If we're going away for a weekend as a family I prefer our 4 person tent which I can put up on my own if necessary, and is a bit more storm proof. I think it's a vango beta 450xl.
As previously suggested, we quite often pre-cook for a Friday (eg chilli which just needs warming, add quick cook rice), simple breakfast (cereal, porridge pots, or bacon sandwich at a push) to keep the cooking simple. Might go for fish and chips on the Second night. If you minimise perishables (ie keep to bacon rather than burgers) and use filtered milk, you can get away without ice packs - ive got a small insulated bag and just keep it out of the sun.
Decent sleeping bags (vango 3 season stuff is fine), and lots of warm layers are a must even in the summer. Also folding chairs help keep bums off damp grass.
Tables are useful, but i quite often camp light without. A pack of cards, uno, and some maps of the area to help plan exploring depending on their age.
Also think about a first aid kit (I use a "life adventure camping first aid kit"which is quite comprehensive, with paracetemol, ibriprofen, Piriton and anthisan added, along with a small roll of duct tape.)
Also a decent penknife - I've got a" camper" swiss army which has got useful stuff without being stupid.
Marshmallows and hot chocolate also useful for fluffy bunnies / keeping spirits up if it rains
Tent wise - tough choice. My wife always wants to take our big 5 person tent with standing head room, porch, lounge etc. It's great for a week but heavy, and flaps around in the wind.
If we're going away for a weekend as a family I prefer our 4 person tent which I can put up on my own if necessary, and is a bit more storm proof. I think it's a vango beta 450xl.
As previously suggested, we quite often pre-cook for a Friday (eg chilli which just needs warming, add quick cook rice), simple breakfast (cereal, porridge pots, or bacon sandwich at a push) to keep the cooking simple. Might go for fish and chips on the Second night. If you minimise perishables (ie keep to bacon rather than burgers) and use filtered milk, you can get away without ice packs - ive got a small insulated bag and just keep it out of the sun.
Decent sleeping bags (vango 3 season stuff is fine), and lots of warm layers are a must even in the summer. Also folding chairs help keep bums off damp grass.
Tables are useful, but i quite often camp light without. A pack of cards, uno, and some maps of the area to help plan exploring depending on their age.
Also think about a first aid kit (I use a "life adventure camping first aid kit"which is quite comprehensive, with paracetemol, ibriprofen, Piriton and anthisan added, along with a small roll of duct tape.)
Also a decent penknife - I've got a" camper" swiss army which has got useful stuff without being stupid.
Marshmallows and hot chocolate also useful for fluffy bunnies / keeping spirits up if it rains
Edited by Mave on Saturday 3rd June 23:21
sherman said:
six wheels said:
I haven’t been camping with my son yet, so based on learnings from camping with friends: bedding. Normal bedding. Duvets, pillows etc. and a very good sleeping mat(s).
Self inflating mats are actually very good. The best sleeping pad I've ever used. Bit big/heavy for carrying when hiking, but for car camping they are excellent.
We've gone back to standard domestic bedding; the temperature in a tent changes massively during the night and it's far easier to regulate your temperature with a duvet than it is with a sleeping bag... (no fumbling for the zip...) it's also easier to exit from for a midnight wee.
We use a duvet over the (high) airbed, held in place with a fitted sheet under us, with another duvet in its cover over us conventionally. The duvet under gives a more comfortable feel to the airbed and allows the absorption of sweat (if you've seen the damp on a flocked airbed in the morning, this method will be a revelation).
You could argue that kids like the novelty of a sleeping bag, but it soon wears off for the reasons listed, and the comfort of sleeping on familiar fabrics endures. Cheaper too, as you doubtless already have the duvets.
We use a duvet over the (high) airbed, held in place with a fitted sheet under us, with another duvet in its cover over us conventionally. The duvet under gives a more comfortable feel to the airbed and allows the absorption of sweat (if you've seen the damp on a flocked airbed in the morning, this method will be a revelation).
You could argue that kids like the novelty of a sleeping bag, but it soon wears off for the reasons listed, and the comfort of sleeping on familiar fabrics endures. Cheaper too, as you doubtless already have the duvets.
Some good advice above.
I always prefer to take an electric hook up if possible - electric kettle first thing is a godsend and of course you can take some super noodle type food for lunches. Your kids may have things that need charging too and a small electric light is great. I have a small electric hob too which was cheap - don't bother with small fridges, a decent cool box will do a weekend.
The advice to take something easy to heat up is good for the first night (bolognaise/chilli etc).
I use those folding camp beds with a self inflating air mattress on top and kids sleep well.
Two tables as noted above are a good idea.
The tent you linked above looks good for 1 adult and two kids and this time of year you'll notice the black out rooms, although eye shades work,
I always prefer to take an electric hook up if possible - electric kettle first thing is a godsend and of course you can take some super noodle type food for lunches. Your kids may have things that need charging too and a small electric light is great. I have a small electric hob too which was cheap - don't bother with small fridges, a decent cool box will do a weekend.
The advice to take something easy to heat up is good for the first night (bolognaise/chilli etc).
I use those folding camp beds with a self inflating air mattress on top and kids sleep well.
Two tables as noted above are a good idea.
The tent you linked above looks good for 1 adult and two kids and this time of year you'll notice the black out rooms, although eye shades work,
Having been camping for many years now with my own young family, I would strongly suggest going down the Electric Hook Up route. I know it's not considered 'true camping' (who cares), but it's pretty much the norm on most campsites now and it has many benefits. The key ones for us are:
1) Powered cool box (fridge) - essential for milk, butter, meats and arriving with cold beers! (They also run on 12v whilst travelling).
2) Small diddy heater - essential for driving off over night damp and keeping things cosy in the evening, particular during British 'Summers'
3) Charging devices - this really doesn't need any explanation.
4) Blowing up / topping up air beds
I simply wouldn't camp without it now, not with the kids at least.
1) Powered cool box (fridge) - essential for milk, butter, meats and arriving with cold beers! (They also run on 12v whilst travelling).
2) Small diddy heater - essential for driving off over night damp and keeping things cosy in the evening, particular during British 'Summers'
3) Charging devices - this really doesn't need any explanation.
4) Blowing up / topping up air beds
I simply wouldn't camp without it now, not with the kids at least.
You would be better off buying a decent Outwell tent secondhand than that Coleman.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/275883519577?hash=item4...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/275883519577?hash=item4...
Agree, maybe not that though.
Having had an 8 man Norfolk, the bags are enormous being a cotton tent. I think there's little chance of getting that, the kids and all the rest in the boot/roofbox - or we just pack heavy for 2........we ended up with a trailer behind the 5 series estate.
Having had an 8 man Norfolk, the bags are enormous being a cotton tent. I think there's little chance of getting that, the kids and all the rest in the boot/roofbox - or we just pack heavy for 2........we ended up with a trailer behind the 5 series estate.
Lots of excellent feedbacks, thank you!
Since I started my thread, I have actually bought a tent (ordered Tue and received this Sat direct from the Danish company!)
https://www.outletcamping.com/en-gb/ecommerce-gbp/...
Not an UK high street name (owned by the same parent company who also own Outwell and Robens) but they offer a value intro to camping (or a cheap write off if we don't like it!). Footprint is an extra £26 so all for sub £170 delivered to my doorsteps!
Well, I am committed now. Just need to buy the other essential kits and then find a suitable campsite to visit over the summer break!
Mave said:
Looking at it a different way - what are you going to do on the trip? You need to plan your kit around your itinerary.
This is an excellent point. For this summer, I plan to do 2 trips over 2 nights, and if all ok, a further 2 trips over 4 nights. To be brutally honest, I don't see myself as a hardcore camper so I won't be going crazy over the camping kit for now. I will camp cook, but I also intend to eat at local pubs/restaurants too for convenience sake!Since I started my thread, I have actually bought a tent (ordered Tue and received this Sat direct from the Danish company!)
https://www.outletcamping.com/en-gb/ecommerce-gbp/...
Not an UK high street name (owned by the same parent company who also own Outwell and Robens) but they offer a value intro to camping (or a cheap write off if we don't like it!). Footprint is an extra £26 so all for sub £170 delivered to my doorsteps!
timbob said:
After years (and years) of trying various combinations of sleeping systems, the best setup I’ve come across is the Decathlon inflatable bed bases with a Self Inflating Mattress on top. The wife and I use two side by side (they have buckles to clip them together) with a double SIM held on with the bungee webbing straps. Their own SIM is well regarded and competitively priced.
.
Been reading up / researching on various FB camping groups, and SIM forms the basis of a good bed set-up including interlocking foam mats + picnic blankets with foil cover + covering SIM with fleece blankets (luckily, I have all these already so just the SIM to buy!). With this set-up, I may even try using normal duvet as I find sleeping bags restrictive. .
Well, I am committed now. Just need to buy the other essential kits and then find a suitable campsite to visit over the summer break!
rustyuk said:
Apologies, yes linked to the worlds biggest tent. Bear Lake would probably fit better!
The outwell classic collection are really good I have a wolf lake7 and a trout lake4.Both have withstood 50mph plus gales hardly moving and minimal noise being polycotton.
Yes heavy but the benefits are worth it.
Not that tent. Any illusions you have of sitting and cooking under a canopy will soon go when the wind and rain are lashing in. You want that sort of size but with a zipped/ closed front. Get your cooking stuff in there and if it is raining you can at least cook in the dry.
I’m also a big fan of steel poles for large family tents as everything can snap. Air beams are great but the pack sizes are massive and they are stupid money. Plus follow enough tent forums and people have no end of bother with leaking valves and beams.
I’m also a big fan of steel poles for large family tents as everything can snap. Air beams are great but the pack sizes are massive and they are stupid money. Plus follow enough tent forums and people have no end of bother with leaking valves and beams.
magpie215 said:
The outwell classic collection are really good I have a wolf lake7 and a trout lake4.
Both have withstood 50mph plus gales hardly moving and minimal noise being polycotton.
Yes heavy but the benefits are worth it.
Agree, it's quite a big unit, much like myself Both have withstood 50mph plus gales hardly moving and minimal noise being polycotton.
Yes heavy but the benefits are worth it.
It had a lot of use over the years in the UK, Le Man's, Spa etc. Moved it on about 5 years ago. The missus decided she no longer wanted to do a week in it, so we have a smaller tent for the odd weekend.
Edited by bigdom on Wednesday 7th June 10:44
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