Wife has some concerns re camping
Discussion
Within the context of camping, the best thing we ever did was sell the tent and buy a caravan. We have 3 kids though which amplifies any hardships.
Out of the several camping trips we tried only 1 was a pleasant experience. We seem to attract torrential and persistent rain.
The misery of having to pack up all your gear in the cold and wet after the worst night's sleep of your life is up there with some sort of SAS endurance exercise.
Out of the several camping trips we tried only 1 was a pleasant experience. We seem to attract torrential and persistent rain.
The misery of having to pack up all your gear in the cold and wet after the worst night's sleep of your life is up there with some sort of SAS endurance exercise.
A decent tent and equipment makes the difference between camping just because its a thing you feel obliged to do with the kids to keep the missus happy and a holiday that everyone looking forward to go, several times a year.
We spent good money (c. £1200 I think it was) on an Outwell Concorde L Smart Air Polycotton tent back in 2014. Yes, expensive, but when you compare that to a single week in a cottage in Cornwall peak season, it's excellent value. We've had at least 20 holidays in ours so far. (By Holidays, I mean solid 5-8 day trips away), but it still looks like new and everything works as it should.
With the right gear, it genuinely doesn't feel like 'camping' in the true damp/miserable/cold sense, that most people associate with camping in the UK. We've had some horrendous weather in various corners of the country and never packed up early or regretted going. We've built up our gear over the years, and things that make things bearable are:
OK - it's still not for everyone - and there are downsides. The biggest for me being the logistics & effort. The above kit (plus all the ancillaries) fills a 1.5m x 1m Daxara trailer with ABS High Top and Roof Box mounted on top. It also takes me a good couple of hours to a pack properly, and a decent chunk of time to set up / strike camp, and results in a decent workout - but I quite enjoy it and its getting easier as the boys grow up - but I am happy to put the effort in if it means 2 or 3 family holidays in the UK, rather than one or none. Not to mention being closer to nature and the sound of rain (or better still a storm) over the tent when your sat in the warm and dry with a glass of wine and some (quiet) music or playing cards etc is magic. Each to their own I guess.
PS: You won't be allowed a generator on any sort of decent self respecting campsite.
PSS: Don't cheap out with your campsite. Trust me, unless you heading away for a rough and ready wild type affair with your mates or older kids, you'll be glad of the rules and wardens keeping things in check.
We spent good money (c. £1200 I think it was) on an Outwell Concorde L Smart Air Polycotton tent back in 2014. Yes, expensive, but when you compare that to a single week in a cottage in Cornwall peak season, it's excellent value. We've had at least 20 holidays in ours so far. (By Holidays, I mean solid 5-8 day trips away), but it still looks like new and everything works as it should.
With the right gear, it genuinely doesn't feel like 'camping' in the true damp/miserable/cold sense, that most people associate with camping in the UK. We've had some horrendous weather in various corners of the country and never packed up early or regretted going. We've built up our gear over the years, and things that make things bearable are:
- Decent quality tent. Inflatable is the way forward, as is Polycotton. Outwell have everything sewn up (clever storage, roll down blinds, quality zips etc).
- Electric hook up - powers the coolbox, devices, LED lighting and whatever else you need
- Fold out camp beds & SIMs - keeps you warmer, more comfortable, easier to get in and out of and gives storage underneath
- Proper bedding - sheets, duvets and pillows
- Carpet - again keeps you warm and makes things feel a little less (Outwell for example do made to measure carpet for each tent shape/size)
- Powered coolbox - milk, butter, meats, beer, wine will keep as if they were at home.
- Heater - we use ours all year round, as even warm summers in the UK can have damp mornings, and there is nothing worse than damp clothes / bedding / chairs
OK - it's still not for everyone - and there are downsides. The biggest for me being the logistics & effort. The above kit (plus all the ancillaries) fills a 1.5m x 1m Daxara trailer with ABS High Top and Roof Box mounted on top. It also takes me a good couple of hours to a pack properly, and a decent chunk of time to set up / strike camp, and results in a decent workout - but I quite enjoy it and its getting easier as the boys grow up - but I am happy to put the effort in if it means 2 or 3 family holidays in the UK, rather than one or none. Not to mention being closer to nature and the sound of rain (or better still a storm) over the tent when your sat in the warm and dry with a glass of wine and some (quiet) music or playing cards etc is magic. Each to their own I guess.
PS: You won't be allowed a generator on any sort of decent self respecting campsite.
PSS: Don't cheap out with your campsite. Trust me, unless you heading away for a rough and ready wild type affair with your mates or older kids, you'll be glad of the rules and wardens keeping things in check.
Edited by MattyD803 on Tuesday 16th February 09:16
We camped/campervanned/caravanned last year as much as we could between lockdowns due to the great weather.
As seasoned campers we noticed a lot of Benidorm types with absolutely no regard for camp site etiquette, so cutting across pitches, scrotey kids, music blaring etc.
For a very early morning slash -
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00M42BID0/ref=cm_sw_r...
And get a good air bed, I’m too old to sleep on a cold floor, it kills my back -
https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15900941/coleman-extr...
As seasoned campers we noticed a lot of Benidorm types with absolutely no regard for camp site etiquette, so cutting across pitches, scrotey kids, music blaring etc.
For a very early morning slash -
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00M42BID0/ref=cm_sw_r...
And get a good air bed, I’m too old to sleep on a cold floor, it kills my back -
https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15900941/coleman-extr...
We have a 2019 Kampa Studland 8 air pro classic.
We have the added canopy and the vestibule.
Chieftain kitchen
Carpet
Led lighting
Campingaz gas stove + coal bbq too
For Xmas wife got me a mesh fire pit so will try that out this season.
Last year we had in total nearly 60 nights in the tent. Including 60mph winds and the year before it was 45-65mph winds for 18 hours with driving rain - this tent is extremely tough. You can see the quality control vids online where they test it at 100mph and also the denier drop so much water on it in one hour to prove it’s waterproof.
Our friends were so impressed they bought the same /Burgen 6 as they don’t need 8 capacity.
We have the added canopy and the vestibule.
Chieftain kitchen
Carpet
Led lighting
Campingaz gas stove + coal bbq too
For Xmas wife got me a mesh fire pit so will try that out this season.
Last year we had in total nearly 60 nights in the tent. Including 60mph winds and the year before it was 45-65mph winds for 18 hours with driving rain - this tent is extremely tough. You can see the quality control vids online where they test it at 100mph and also the denier drop so much water on it in one hour to prove it’s waterproof.
Our friends were so impressed they bought the same /Burgen 6 as they don’t need 8 capacity.
https://www.attwoolls.co.uk/kampa-dometic-studland...
This is our basic tent + canopy + vestibule + wind cheaters
This is our basic tent + canopy + vestibule + wind cheaters
I think if I were you I would make your first camping experiences very nice for the Mrs so that she gets used to camping. Then you can try and push the boundaries so to speak, after a couple of trips.
Therefore I'd recommend a good, scenic campsite with electric hook ups, shower and toilet block and near some interesting places to drive to to visit. Maybe near food takeaway/delivery places or with an on site resto, to reduce the cooking burden for the odd night?
Loads of good advice in this thread from seasoned campers regarding creature comforts. From reading these threads though, it appears that your first and best attention should be given to having a comfortable nights sleep!
Therefore I'd recommend a good, scenic campsite with electric hook ups, shower and toilet block and near some interesting places to drive to to visit. Maybe near food takeaway/delivery places or with an on site resto, to reduce the cooking burden for the odd night?
Loads of good advice in this thread from seasoned campers regarding creature comforts. From reading these threads though, it appears that your first and best attention should be given to having a comfortable nights sleep!
dave_s13 said:
It is worth bearing in mind though that the cost of a decent setup won't be far off a caravan.
Obviously you need a suitable car to tow the thing and somewhere to store it. But it's worth thinking about.
Adding together our lot of camping kit it’s c£3.5k. Already paid for itself many times over. Obviously you need a suitable car to tow the thing and somewhere to store it. But it's worth thinking about.
As a family of 5 a caravan isn’t viable - also storage of caravan too a PITA.
dave_s13 said:
It is worth bearing in mind though that the cost of a decent setup won't be far off a caravan.
Obviously you need a suitable car to tow the thing and somewhere to store it. But it's worth thinking about.
I'm not convinced the costs will be that close, will they? Buying a brand new top spec Outwell air beam tent plus alot of those bits listed above, you'd be at £3k all in maybe, and then no ongoing storage costs? (You wouldn't need everything brand new or available on your first outing anyway, borrow bits and pieces too, so probably much less).Obviously you need a suitable car to tow the thing and somewhere to store it. But it's worth thinking about.
I've never been remotely interest in Caravans or their costs, but I'd assume you'd be in for at least £6-10k for a second hand caravan? Plus the ongoing costs. Plus you need the awning / wind break / chairs / maintenance / insurances / tow car.
And I think camping is a conscious choice. You don't camp because you can't 'afford' a caravan. The idea of towing a big chunk of fibreglass 100 miles in Friday evening traffic to then sit inside a plastic box on velour sofas watching TV, popping out to occasionally empty the toilet tank has never remotely appealed....
Edited by MattyD803 on Tuesday 16th February 11:22
I’ve found when we camp speaking to other campers is great they may have some different kit /upgrades so you can then look to buy them for next time.
I thought the LED lights in a tent was a joke/farce. But then discovered the fact that lights with batteries are firstly costly in batteries big for storage and most importantly take up more room in the car. LEDs can turn your tent into daylight meaning board games cards reading late cooking or early season / late season is better.
I thought the LED lights in a tent was a joke/farce. But then discovered the fact that lights with batteries are firstly costly in batteries big for storage and most importantly take up more room in the car. LEDs can turn your tent into daylight meaning board games cards reading late cooking or early season / late season is better.
Welshbeef said:
For Xmas wife got me a mesh fire pit so will try that out this season.
Folding one? Absolutely brilliant. No damage to the ground at all, one of these has got me through lockdown this winter each week for mtb woodland beer n fire evenings.Non-campfire sites still won't allow though. We got warned last year for continuing a BBQ with a couple of logs
richardxjr said:
Folding one? Absolutely brilliant. No damage to the ground at all, one of these has got me through lockdown this winter each week for mtb woodland beer n fire evenings.
Non-campfire sites still won't allow though. We got warned last year for continuing a BBQ with a couple of logs
Folding yes and it rolls up so no issue to take. Non-campfire sites still won't allow though. We got warned last year for continuing a BBQ with a couple of logs
Going to give it a trial run soon
Simes205 said:
On the continent you’ll see, home fridges, microwaves, induction jobs, desktop fans. Last summer I saw a portable air conditioner in a tent!
Continent Or anywhere my wife will camp ! We have induction hobs , proper home fridge , electric kettle and electric blankets , duvet , weber jumbo joe ... she also follows the French approach of setting up camp for the season - we take over the pitch and i visit when not working
One site we used for a few years caught onto the fridge etc. approach and now rents them out ( spending out of season buying up old ones from ebay )
If your wife is reluctant then you really have to sell it to her but you don’t want to be spending thousands on kit that you’ll use once as she’s not sold on it.
Have you tried looking at glamping? You can rent these ‘pod’ type things which are set up for you and come with furnishings to make things comfy but is still under canvas and are usually on sites where you have good facilities. Short list a few sites you like the look of and then hit the reviews and you’ll get an idea on what toilets and showers are like as it’s the first thing people will complain about but generally most established sites will be fine and in this COVID era, cleaning will be even more robust.
If your missus enjoys it, then you can start buying your own gear but I would buy a tent that’s far bigger than what you think you need. It’s nice to have room to move about in especially if the weather is a bit crap.
Have you tried looking at glamping? You can rent these ‘pod’ type things which are set up for you and come with furnishings to make things comfy but is still under canvas and are usually on sites where you have good facilities. Short list a few sites you like the look of and then hit the reviews and you’ll get an idea on what toilets and showers are like as it’s the first thing people will complain about but generally most established sites will be fine and in this COVID era, cleaning will be even more robust.
If your missus enjoys it, then you can start buying your own gear but I would buy a tent that’s far bigger than what you think you need. It’s nice to have room to move about in especially if the weather is a bit crap.
How long are you planning on going for?
What time of year?
Camping with wet weather is no fun whereas camping when dry and lovely weather is great
Camping with friends too is great
Camping is also extremely cheap - A few years ago we (5) with the big tent camped for 13 nights £210 August 2019. Compared to our usual jaunt overseas that would usually be £7-10k say no more.
What time of year?
Camping with wet weather is no fun whereas camping when dry and lovely weather is great
Camping with friends too is great
Camping is also extremely cheap - A few years ago we (5) with the big tent camped for 13 nights £210 August 2019. Compared to our usual jaunt overseas that would usually be £7-10k say no more.
MattyD803 said:
I'm not convinced the costs will be that close, will they? Buying a brand new top spec Outwell air beam tent plus alot of those bits listed above, you'd be at £3k all in maybe, and then no ongoing storage costs? (You wouldn't need everything brand new or available on your first outing anyway, borrow bits and pieces too, so probably much less).
I've never been remotely interest in Caravans or their costs, but I'd assume you'd be in for at least £6-10k for a second hand caravan? Plus the ongoing costs. Plus you need the awning / wind break / chairs / maintenance / insurances / tow car.
And I think camping is a conscious choice. You don't camp because you can't 'afford' a caravan. The idea of towing a big chunk of fibreglass 100 miles in Friday evening traffic to then sit inside a plastic box on velour sofas watching TV, popping out to occasionally empty the toilet tank has never remotely appealed....
Our 5 berth swift was £4k plus £250 for a 2nd hand awning and another £100 or so for a new water barrel, hose and plumbing kit.I've never been remotely interest in Caravans or their costs, but I'd assume you'd be in for at least £6-10k for a second hand caravan? Plus the ongoing costs. Plus you need the awning / wind break / chairs / maintenance / insurances / tow car.
And I think camping is a conscious choice. You don't camp because you can't 'afford' a caravan. The idea of towing a big chunk of fibreglass 100 miles in Friday evening traffic to then sit inside a plastic box on velour sofas watching TV, popping out to occasionally empty the toilet tank has never remotely appealed....
Edited by MattyD803 on Tuesday 16th February 11:22
We can just about fit it on the drive but appreciate not everyone can, storage round here is about £450/year.
Thing with a van is it won't depreciate as much as your camping gear.
I'm not saying you must go buy a caravan, in fact don't as it reduces availability. But if you enjoy camping in a tent, you'll probably enjoy caravanning even more. Just saying!
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