Camping for beginners
Discussion
As per others, electric hook-up or take some usb power banks. A power inverter to plug into your car can be of some use to power or charge certain things. Ok if using the car daily!
Coolbox and ice blocks - or fridge if your transport has room and electric hook-up is available. Essential unless you're going to eat/drink out all the time. Twice as many ice blocks than you think you need if site has a freezer so you can refreeze some whilst always having some fresh ones in the box.
On the subject of drink, consider spirits as opposed to beer as reduces the need to pee as often.
Torches and lanterns, preferably usb rechargeable. 1 torch per person as they often go missing when you need one.
If you go for an airbed, go for the really thick ones. All air beds deflate overnight due to lower air temperature and probably some leaks.
Take an old door mat/carpet off cut and dust pan a brush
Consider a wind breaker to create your secluded garden area. Great if the sun's out but chilly wind.
Length of rope and pegs for a washing/drying line
Insect repellent/bite relief/first aid kit
Washing up bowl, liquid, sponge and tea towel.
Most importantly, choose a site with good facilities (hot showers, washing up sinks, shop, cafe etc) otherwise your Mrs may never want to go camping ever again.
Coolbox and ice blocks - or fridge if your transport has room and electric hook-up is available. Essential unless you're going to eat/drink out all the time. Twice as many ice blocks than you think you need if site has a freezer so you can refreeze some whilst always having some fresh ones in the box.
On the subject of drink, consider spirits as opposed to beer as reduces the need to pee as often.
Torches and lanterns, preferably usb rechargeable. 1 torch per person as they often go missing when you need one.
If you go for an airbed, go for the really thick ones. All air beds deflate overnight due to lower air temperature and probably some leaks.
Take an old door mat/carpet off cut and dust pan a brush
Consider a wind breaker to create your secluded garden area. Great if the sun's out but chilly wind.
Length of rope and pegs for a washing/drying line
Insect repellent/bite relief/first aid kit
Washing up bowl, liquid, sponge and tea towel.
Most importantly, choose a site with good facilities (hot showers, washing up sinks, shop, cafe etc) otherwise your Mrs may never want to go camping ever again.
Tent: as big as you can go for, with standing room. Get one that has a porch over one of the exit/entry doors, so you can come and go in the rain without letting water into the tent when you open the door. The Berghaus 6 seems to tick all those boxes, a wise choice, so you are off to a good start.
A porch extension is useful, allowing you to sit out under cover, or leave wet things under cover, but outside of the main living space.
Sleeping: As thick a SIM as you can afford. We have an Outwell Dreamcatcher, it is magnificent. We take pillows and a duvet for home comfort (am assuming you are car camping).
Electric Hook Up makes life a lot easier. We have a Halfords electric coolbox that we power off that, it is really good.
A decent gas stove for cooking is useful, but you don't have to go overboard. I can knock up an entire family meal on our Trangia, which is a piece of design genius. We have the optional gas burner which makes it a lot quicker.
https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/p/trangia-trangia-...
Decent folding chairs for when you are sat around camp. Cheapo ones always break, so invest in something of decent quality.
Windbreak: can make things a lot more comfortable. We have one from Blue Diamond Products which (importantly) comes with steel tipped poles. Lots of UK sites have very, very hard ground due to constantly being driven on, but I'm yet to be defeated by this and a trusty lump hammer.
https://www.camping-intl.com/products/accessories/...
Decent sized water carriers (with tap) so you are not constantly having to go for refills. We have a couple of 20L jobs like this.https://www.zoro.co.uk/shop/hand-tools/oil-and-fluid-handling/jerry-can-water-container-food-grade-plastic-with-tap-20ltr
A couple of small folding tables are always very useful.
Enjoy, family camping is great with all the right gear, can be miserable without it.
A porch extension is useful, allowing you to sit out under cover, or leave wet things under cover, but outside of the main living space.
Sleeping: As thick a SIM as you can afford. We have an Outwell Dreamcatcher, it is magnificent. We take pillows and a duvet for home comfort (am assuming you are car camping).
Electric Hook Up makes life a lot easier. We have a Halfords electric coolbox that we power off that, it is really good.
A decent gas stove for cooking is useful, but you don't have to go overboard. I can knock up an entire family meal on our Trangia, which is a piece of design genius. We have the optional gas burner which makes it a lot quicker.
https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/p/trangia-trangia-...
Decent folding chairs for when you are sat around camp. Cheapo ones always break, so invest in something of decent quality.
Windbreak: can make things a lot more comfortable. We have one from Blue Diamond Products which (importantly) comes with steel tipped poles. Lots of UK sites have very, very hard ground due to constantly being driven on, but I'm yet to be defeated by this and a trusty lump hammer.
https://www.camping-intl.com/products/accessories/...
Decent sized water carriers (with tap) so you are not constantly having to go for refills. We have a couple of 20L jobs like this.https://www.zoro.co.uk/shop/hand-tools/oil-and-fluid-handling/jerry-can-water-container-food-grade-plastic-with-tap-20ltr
A couple of small folding tables are always very useful.
Enjoy, family camping is great with all the right gear, can be miserable without it.
Edited by PurpleTurtle on Tuesday 16th February 23:00
I'd say fold out bed with SIM. Keeps the cold off your back and they're comfortable to sleep on. sleeping bag (not a worm bag as you're not lightweight camping) or duvet.
If your tent doesn't have a carpet, buy a breathable groundsheet off eBay. They're comfortable on the feet and keeps the cold at bay. Cheaper than a carpet.
For camp stove, in addition to your Cadac buy a £10 canister stove, the ones that you see in carry boxes. Cheap as chips but ideal for cooking on. Do as good a job as any expensive one. Means you'll have 2 burners to work from with the Cadac also.
You could take a travel kettle to save your gas if you're boiling a lot of water. You could take a small electric heater if you're stretching out the seasons use or its particularly cold or damp. Not too big though as you're limited on amps. Missus would take a blanket on an evening. If staying on electric, a cooler from the likes of Waeco is excellent. If you're going down a non electric route, look to pre chill cans of beer/cider and use them to keep food cool alongside a couple of ice packs. Consider pre freezing meat so it takes long to fully defrost.
In addition to a collapsible water carrier id say take a 5L bottle of water from the supermarket. When it's empty you can refill and the container is tasteless. Ideal for drinking water. So many of the bought containers leave a plastic taste in the water.
Collapsible bucket is good for carrying pots, food prep or washing up.
Take some ambient lighting, but something that you can actually see with if required.
Buy a map of the area you're going to, you'd be surprised what you might find just walking from the site.
If your tent doesn't have a carpet, buy a breathable groundsheet off eBay. They're comfortable on the feet and keeps the cold at bay. Cheaper than a carpet.
For camp stove, in addition to your Cadac buy a £10 canister stove, the ones that you see in carry boxes. Cheap as chips but ideal for cooking on. Do as good a job as any expensive one. Means you'll have 2 burners to work from with the Cadac also.
You could take a travel kettle to save your gas if you're boiling a lot of water. You could take a small electric heater if you're stretching out the seasons use or its particularly cold or damp. Not too big though as you're limited on amps. Missus would take a blanket on an evening. If staying on electric, a cooler from the likes of Waeco is excellent. If you're going down a non electric route, look to pre chill cans of beer/cider and use them to keep food cool alongside a couple of ice packs. Consider pre freezing meat so it takes long to fully defrost.
In addition to a collapsible water carrier id say take a 5L bottle of water from the supermarket. When it's empty you can refill and the container is tasteless. Ideal for drinking water. So many of the bought containers leave a plastic taste in the water.
Collapsible bucket is good for carrying pots, food prep or washing up.
Take some ambient lighting, but something that you can actually see with if required.
Buy a map of the area you're going to, you'd be surprised what you might find just walking from the site.
Portapotti.
Then, in no particular order:
Make sure all lights are LED obviously.
Duvets, one under (makes a huge difference on an airbed) and one over, kids only need one double, folded like a calzone.
Ditch the 'bent coat hanger' tent pegs and buy better ones that look like an 8" nail with a little crossbar. They will go into any ground, no matter what.
Take a proper claw hammer (I've lost count of the times I've lent it out to newbies), not only will it drive the above in, but also pull them out with ease.
Roll of duct tape.
Corkscrew...
Wet wipes.
You will want to add to/ update your kit, year on year (or trip by trip!) in order to make the experience better. Having used a 3-way fridge for years, we bought a portable compressor fridge last year; lighter, uses far far less power than a 12v electric cooler, no gas paraphernalia or ventilation worries either, should have made the leap years ago. The importance of cold beer, cider and beer, ice for the G&T, and worry-free fresh food and milk should not be underestimated... they used to be hideously expensive but now cheaper (Chinese?) ones are available... check out eg 'Dellonda' (no connection),
Our purchase this year will be solar panels to top up the leisure battery that powers our fridge and 2000 LEDs
Then, in no particular order:
Make sure all lights are LED obviously.
Duvets, one under (makes a huge difference on an airbed) and one over, kids only need one double, folded like a calzone.
Ditch the 'bent coat hanger' tent pegs and buy better ones that look like an 8" nail with a little crossbar. They will go into any ground, no matter what.
Take a proper claw hammer (I've lost count of the times I've lent it out to newbies), not only will it drive the above in, but also pull them out with ease.
Roll of duct tape.
Corkscrew...
Wet wipes.
You will want to add to/ update your kit, year on year (or trip by trip!) in order to make the experience better. Having used a 3-way fridge for years, we bought a portable compressor fridge last year; lighter, uses far far less power than a 12v electric cooler, no gas paraphernalia or ventilation worries either, should have made the leap years ago. The importance of cold beer, cider and beer, ice for the G&T, and worry-free fresh food and milk should not be underestimated... they used to be hideously expensive but now cheaper (Chinese?) ones are available... check out eg 'Dellonda' (no connection),
Our purchase this year will be solar panels to top up the leisure battery that powers our fridge and 2000 LEDs
Edited by TwinKam on Friday 19th February 19:49
ComStrike said:
Really appreciate all the help
I've now purchased a things, still need to decide on sleeping bags, camping pots & lighting
Managed to get a matching Berghaus Windstop.
Roll on the lockdown finishing
Nice one!I've now purchased a things, still need to decide on sleeping bags, camping pots & lighting
Managed to get a matching Berghaus Windstop.
Roll on the lockdown finishing
I’ve been camping all my life and for the last 16 years with my girlfriend now wife and kids.
Years ago with mates we used to go camping and be completely unprepared remembering illegal substances but forgetting essentials like cutlery etc.
We started making a list a things we need to bring next time. Over time it got a bit comical for example we used to meet up and bring things like potato masher, egg slicer juicer but it got us thinking.
Overtime this list with some things removed became the list of things to take!!
Here it is now for a family of 4 camping for 4 weeks in the south of France 6 berth air beam tent , no clothes or toiletries, entertainment etc.
Lots of things are now in boxes which just get picked up ready to in the car.
Tent
Pump
Footprint
Carpet
Footprint pegs
Tent pegs plus new ones
New Mattress
Lily mattress
Sleeping bag
Mattress pump
Henry mattress
Henry sleeping bag
Lightweight blanket
Lily sleeping bag
Sheets / duvet cover
Table and chairs
Kitchen unit
2 chairs
Lily's chairs
Henrys chair
Cooker, regulator and gas,
Fridge
Euro mains lead and adaptors
Lamps
Torches
Cooking equipment
Cutlery plates inc. kids
Towels x6
Beach towels
Straps and string
Mallet
Kite
Washing up bowl/ blue box
Travel pillows plus new one!
Tea towels
Tools! At least the Gerber!
Small bowls for kids and cutlery
Parasol plus spike
Electric pump
Beach tent
Batteries
Collapsible colander
Euro adaptors
Tarp / sunshade and all poles / string
Power lead and 4 way block
Car battery charger
Citronella candles
Picnic blanket
Simes205 said:
ComStrike said:
Really appreciate all the help
I've now purchased a things, still need to decide on sleeping bags, camping pots & lighting
Managed to get a matching Berghaus Windstop.
Roll on the lockdown finishing
Nice one!I've now purchased a things, still need to decide on sleeping bags, camping pots & lighting
Managed to get a matching Berghaus Windstop.
Roll on the lockdown finishing
I’ve been camping all my life and for the last 16 years with my girlfriend now wife and kids.
Years ago with mates we used to go camping and be completely unprepared remembering illegal substances but forgetting essentials like cutlery etc.
We started making a list a things we need to bring next time. Over time it got a bit comical for example we used to meet up and bring things like potato masher, egg slicer juicer but it got us thinking.
Overtime this list with some things removed became the list of things to take!!
Here it is now for a family of 4 camping for 4 weeks in the south of France 6 berth air beam tent , no clothes or toiletries, entertainment etc.
Lots of things are now in boxes which just get picked up ready to in the car.
Tent
Pump
Footprint
Carpet
Footprint pegs
Tent pegs plus new ones
New Mattress
Lily mattress
Sleeping bag
Mattress pump
Henry mattress
Henry sleeping bag
Lightweight blanket
Lily sleeping bag
Sheets / duvet cover
Table and chairs
Kitchen unit
2 chairs
Lily's chairs
Henrys chair
Cooker, regulator and gas,
Fridge
Euro mains lead and adaptors
Lamps
Torches
Cooking equipment
Cutlery plates inc. kids
Towels x6
Beach towels
Straps and string
Mallet
Kite
Washing up bowl/ blue box
Travel pillows plus new one!
Tea towels
Tools! At least the Gerber!
Small bowls for kids and cutlery
Parasol plus spike
Electric pump
Beach tent
Batteries
Collapsible colander
Euro adaptors
Tarp / sunshade and all poles / string
Power lead and 4 way block
Car battery charger
Citronella candles
Picnic blanket
Simes205 said:
Nice one!
I’ve been camping all my life and for the last 16 years with my girlfriend now wife and kids.
Years ago with mates we used to go camping and be completely unprepared remembering illegal substances but forgetting essentials like cutlery etc.
We started making a list a things we need to bring next time. Over time it got a bit comical for example we used to meet up and bring things like potato masher, egg slicer juicer but it got us thinking.
Overtime this list with some things removed became the list of things to take!!
Here it is now for a family of 4 camping for 4 weeks in the south of France 6 berth air beam tent , no clothes or toiletries, entertainment etc.
Lots of things are now in boxes which just get picked up ready to in the car.
Tent
Pump
Footprint
Carpet
Footprint pegs
Tent pegs plus new ones
New Mattress
Lily mattress
Sleeping bag
Mattress pump
Henry mattress
Henry sleeping bag
Lightweight blanket
Lily sleeping bag
Sheets / duvet cover
Table and chairs
Kitchen unit
2 chairs
Lily's chairs
Henrys chair
Cooker, regulator and gas,
Fridge
Euro mains lead and adaptors
Lamps
Torches
Cooking equipment
Cutlery plates inc. kids
Towels x6
Beach towels
Straps and string
Mallet
Kite
Washing up bowl/ blue box
Travel pillows plus new one!
Tea towels
Tools! At least the Gerber!
Small bowls for kids and cutlery
Parasol plus spike
Electric pump
Beach tent
Batteries
Collapsible colander
Euro adaptors
Tarp / sunshade and all poles / string
Power lead and 4 way block
Car battery charger
Citronella candles
Picnic blanket
Excellent post, pretty much mirrors what we take. I’ve been camping all my life and for the last 16 years with my girlfriend now wife and kids.
Years ago with mates we used to go camping and be completely unprepared remembering illegal substances but forgetting essentials like cutlery etc.
We started making a list a things we need to bring next time. Over time it got a bit comical for example we used to meet up and bring things like potato masher, egg slicer juicer but it got us thinking.
Overtime this list with some things removed became the list of things to take!!
Here it is now for a family of 4 camping for 4 weeks in the south of France 6 berth air beam tent , no clothes or toiletries, entertainment etc.
Lots of things are now in boxes which just get picked up ready to in the car.
Tent
Pump
Footprint
Carpet
Footprint pegs
Tent pegs plus new ones
New Mattress
Lily mattress
Sleeping bag
Mattress pump
Henry mattress
Henry sleeping bag
Lightweight blanket
Lily sleeping bag
Sheets / duvet cover
Table and chairs
Kitchen unit
2 chairs
Lily's chairs
Henrys chair
Cooker, regulator and gas,
Fridge
Euro mains lead and adaptors
Lamps
Torches
Cooking equipment
Cutlery plates inc. kids
Towels x6
Beach towels
Straps and string
Mallet
Kite
Washing up bowl/ blue box
Travel pillows plus new one!
Tea towels
Tools! At least the Gerber!
Small bowls for kids and cutlery
Parasol plus spike
Electric pump
Beach tent
Batteries
Collapsible colander
Euro adaptors
Tarp / sunshade and all poles / string
Power lead and 4 way block
Car battery charger
Citronella candles
Picnic blanket
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