Will a camping mat suffice?

[missyoung]

Hey : )

Me and my little 3 year old are off camping this year... we've been with my ex before, but this is our first time just the two of us. I'm sure you don't envy poor me on a train with a rucksack carrying tent/bags/stove/clothes etc!!

I should learn to drive.

Anyway - I don't think I have room to carry an airbed too. Do you think camping mats will suffice just for a few days or is she likely to be too cold?

Thanks!

[nannynick]

Should be fine. I used to camp with Bubble Wrap underneath. That works just as well as camping mats actually!

[gigglewitch]

Camping mats were foine for me and the 2 dses a fortnight ago, they are 5 & 8. What we do though is take on of those fold-up picnic blankets which are waterproof on one side and 'blanket' on the other, and put that on the tent groundsheet, it makes good insulation.
I think warm clothes, sleeping bag, and fleecy blanket are more important than an airbed. Mine wore p-j's, then jog suit, then obv sleeping bag and fleecy blanket on top.
Enjoy your trip!

[gigglewitch]

foine? is that local speak for fine

[Mummyisamonster]

Hi missyoung, depends on when/where you go really.
In summer it might be ok, though it does get very cold at night in a tent unless you're somewhere really warm...I used a ready bed for my little ones, an inflatable bed & sleeping bag all in one. Packs up very small.

I'd take an extra fleecy blanket just in case.

Good luck, sounds great!

[missyoung]

Thank you ladies!

I think I'm just gonna have to try and fit a nice blanket in the rucksack too then... Although bubble wrap sounds like a good idea!

I'm running out of room in the bag already. Maybe the towel will get left behind and we'll be totally au naturale!

I've got her a sleeping bag liner too so should be ok... you know what it's like though, I'm just worrying, I'm sure it'll be fine!

We're going to Shell Island at the start of June, and hoping to find somewhere in Scotland for July. Both by the coast which is why I'm thinking the wind might provide a right chill.

[Mummyisamonster]

ooh, am envious, have heard Shell Island is awesome! Enjoy, enjoy

[gigglewitch]

missY, get the fold-up ones - it looks like a bag, get your dd to carry it

[Overmydeadbody]

DS and I go camping a lot, via public transport, and so have the same space limits as you. We make do with just sleeping bags so a roll mat would be luxurious to us!

If you have sleeping bag liners and warm pjs, socks and a hat incase it is very cold you should be fine.

I'd recommend taking a few pairs of leggings/tights for your lo, regardless of whether it's a boy or girl, as they are small and light so take up little room but make a huge difference under pyjamas a
on cold nights or under trousers if the days are cold too.

And if you have any, take a warm pair of tights for the same reason.

[missyoung]

Giggle, it's gonna be enough of an arguament to get her to walk anywhere let alone carry anything, the lazy devil!

Tights are a fab idea! Thank you

Just been looking on megabus.com actually, you've probably already heard of it if you're a public transport user, check it out if not - not sure where you are but just as an example I can get return train from Birmingham to Edinburgh for a tenner!

Do you find it tricky to find sites on a bus / train route? Any recommendations?

[schmu]

re warmth- thermal vests are smaller than blankets!