Camping experts - help please!

[cupidsabsolutepsyche]

We're going to Wychwood festival this year - went last year but were a bit rookie in preparations and, whilst it was fantastic, and DD discovered her love of camping, it was very very cold at night.

Any advice on the best way to keep warm that doesn't involve 8 layers of clothes and blankets?!

I quickly realised that duvets are not warmest so will be seeking out new sleeping bags - any recommendations for suitable for 3yo DD?

Really any recs for essential stuff would be amazing, so I don't fall into the trap of buying cheap and then something breaking (headlight, I'm looking at you).

Thank you

[MyNameIsInigoMontoya]

I take a hot water bottle with me now, fab for warming up the sleeping bag! Also tons of blankets. You need to make sure you have enough insulation under you too, not just on top, to stop the cold coming through from the ground.

I still wear tons of layers as well though

[Wolfiefan]

Don't buy pretty character type sleeping bags. Look at the comfort rating (in deg centigrade). (Just got a 4 season one for DS!)
If you sleep on inflatable mats put a roll may underneath and a blanket under your sleeping bag.
Put PJs on before it gets really cold so you aren't going to bed freezing.

[spinnergeologist]

some people think of them as glamping but i would get air beds and put them on blankets. It reduces the cold massively. Also sleeping bag liners. Silk ones are best but expensive. Synthetic ones are nearly as good and easier to clean. You will be surprised at how much heat the little layer keeps in. Also hats and sleeping bags that contract above your shoulders to minimise heat loss (mummy bags are best but take getting used to). Don't be tempted by heaters, they really are not safe in tents. Then there is good old sardines, I used to find the novelty of being snuggled between my parents great when I was little. Try playing something silly like i spy while lying in the bags so the warm up before you really want to sleep.

[cupidsabsolutepsyche]

some great tips, thanks so much.

the insulation underneath is a big thing, i did put a blanket underneath air beds last year but i think more layers are required!

think I will invest in 4-season sleeping bags for us both - sardines may work but will be just the two of us in our tent. Hopefully we can take air beds again via DGPs car as we will be travelling by train so need to keep everything as small and light as possible.

Sleeping bag liners a fantastic idea, will be looking into those.

I think I just didn't realise how cold it would be at night so that in itself is good preparation for this year

[orangefusion]

I second hot water bottles. Take more than you need. One for each bed and one to cuddle whist sitting around. Make sure they're covered ones not just bare rubber. Pop one in the bed at dusk and your bed will be toasty warm when you get in it.

[ZaraW]

Silicone ear plugs, I can't cope with other campers who snore! I personally prefer cotton liners I find silk too sweaty but that's personal preference.