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Single parent. First time camper. Help!

7 replies

Amibeingdaft81 · 06/06/2019 13:48

Works really appreciate your guidance re what to buy.

Sorted for a tent but really keen on bedding recs please. Small tent to nothing big

Thanks so much

OP posts:
bwydda · 06/06/2019 14:47

We take duvets - laid over the seats. I find it far far nicer and more comfortable.

Folding chairs, a ball, cards, and a colouring book are all essentials for us, as is, controversially , electric (kettle, toaster maker, phone charger and lamp)

Don't take bubbles- they break tents:)

Amibeingdaft81 · 06/06/2019 15:51

Thank you!

Any Rec for a self inflatable mat?

OP posts:
TreacherousPissFlap · 06/06/2019 17:28

ami if you look for the camping topic you will be inundated with suggestions- nothing they like more than a good request for camping advice Grin

Interested in this thread?

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BlueSkiesLies · 06/06/2019 17:51

Are you going in a car? Just get normal cheap inflatable air mattresses but take a blanket to go between you and the bed as the air is cold.

If you’re hiking or carrying everything off a train or something it’s a toss up between weight and comfort and price.

Personally we take a memory foam mattress and duvets but that is quite deluxe!

PomBearWithAnOFRS · 06/06/2019 18:06

Sleeping bags and hot water bottles. Stick a hottie in the foot of the sleeping bags and you'll be lovely and toasty.
Onesies to wear to sleep in too. Tents are draughty buggers cos of the importance of ventilation. Don't forget pillows/cushions too.
How are you cooking? Over a proper fire or on a camping stove?
How old are your DCs?
No 4 son and I love camping Grin I am going on my own for three nights next week too.
I am a positive mine of helpful information Grin honestly...

MitziK · 06/06/2019 18:53

It does depend upon where you are going and what the facilities are like (if you have any, that is).

Single inflatable air mattresses and the foot pump to go with them.

Some very warm socks, woolly hats, gloves, a hoodie and jogging bottoms, quick dry vest and soft shorts for sleeping in. An oversized waterproof that zips up the front. Wrap the sleeping clothes up in a plastic bag every morning so that, even if it rains and the tent leaks during the day, you have dry, warm things for night time.

A three season sleeping bag and a cheap fleece blanket each.

Gaffer tape and thick bin bags - ideal for emergency tent repairs.

A powerful LED torch that you can clip to your belt loops/is always to hand.

Tick removing tool. (And if you get bitten, make a GP appointment for the day after you get home - many treat preemptively now for tick borne diseases). Longsleeved tops and socks big enough to tuck your trousers into them keep the little bitey bastards out, as well. Always take outside clothes off before getting into bed and put them in a separate bag outside the main part of the tent in case any of the fuckers have hitched a lift.

Bug bite cream (Waspeze?) and mozzie repellent.

Sunblock. Sunglasses. Sunhat. Paracetamol. Antihistamines.

Toothbrush, toothpaste, brush, hairbands, small bottle of unperfumed soap/shower gel for washing hands, hair, body, etc, a couple of flannels.

Sanitary protection. Even if you're not due on, as you don't want to be in the middle of a field and find out that you've come on early.

A fully charged powerbank for your phone, spare charging lead and plug/adapter if you have access to electricity.

Once you've got those things packed, it depends upon whether you are driving there - if you are, you can faff about with all the other nonessential stuff.

Practice putting the tent up and taking it back down again. The pop up ones are easy when you know how to do them, but potential comedy gold when you don't. If you need tent pegs, buy a packet of spare ones, a large bottle of water for moistening the ground to help get them in if it's been dry and a mallet for knocking them in (stamping on them bends more than you'd like). Take your time putting it up - rushing leads to mistakes like snapping poles glares at DP for doing that on the test run and you can make sure that there isn't an essential bit missing, such as a top piece that keeps the water out glares in the direction of Black's for not putting that bit in the bag last summer. Take time to make sure that what you're pitching on isn't sloped (you won't want to be sliding down the tent at night), doesn't have an ants' nest, sharp stones or is too close to water/the toilets/shower block/the exit to ever get any sleep.

We do it regularly - as long as you are warm, dry, uneaten by insects and aren't feeling every single little lump and bump underneath you, it's fine. But you might be shocked at how cold 4.30am is even on the hottest days, even when it doesn't rain.

RhubarbTea · 06/06/2019 18:59

I absolutely hate air mattresses with a passion so would never recommend, but self inflating mats are a different kettle of fish. Usually between 2 and 10cm thick, with a valve at one end and a layer of foam inside. They are magical. Warm and also comfy. These are what you need. They also pack down fairly small. To inflate you open the valve and leave them, then blow into valve after a while until it almost puffs up, close and presto. Comfy well insulated mattress.
Mine is from Mountain Equipment and still going strong after years of use.

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