Top tips for camping virgin (with someone I rather fancy)

[Incipit]

Haven't ever been proper camping, and now going this weekend, for 6 nights. The friend I was to share a tent with has had to pull out, but she's lending me her gear. I still want to go because it's with a friendship group which includes a man I've been lusting over and have had very few opportunities to spend time with. So I don't want to look a complete incapable eejit. specially as I've got to drop DC off for their far more exciting holiday with my parents first, so will be arriving way later than everyone else.

I'm collecting the tent etc this evening and will practice putting it up. What else can I do in advance?

The weather forecast is for 23 degrees most days, but thunderstorms some days. Usually I pack light for holidays but I'm guessing I need plenty of layers and getting things dry will be difficult? Does it get chilly at night? Do people go to the showers/toilets in a dressing gown or a coat?

Basically any top tips will be gratefully received, and don't assume anything is too basic to need to be stated

@Shakepineapple

First of all check the facilities where you are going. Look up whether they have any particular Covid requirements. Do you have electricity? If you can put your tent up on your own that's great, but honestly it might be tricky. As long as you know roughly what you have to do to get it up I'd feel no shame in pitching up and having a bit of a laugh about the fact you're a camping virgin. I'm sure someone will pitch in an help you. Work out in advance if you can whether the site is one that has delineated pitches or is just a field where you can pitch up where you like. If the latter, you need to ensure you give enough space next to the tent next to you. (Noise travels v easily in a tent). Then as per the previous posters. I'd never walk back in a towel myself but just whatever you feel comfortable in. Flip flops and plenty of plastic bags. Know how to use your camping stove if you're taking one, don't use it inside your tent. Get a list off the internet of stuff you need. And have fun!!

I have the choice of two tents. A larger one with separate sleeping compartment which I can't get up on my own (but have laid out on the grass and figured out what I'd need to do, and folded up again). Or a pop up one which I've got up but can't for the like of me figure out how to pop back down Friend is looking for instructions as she can't remember. Great fucking start...

Practical suggestions - microfibre or lightweight towel so will dry def not a big heavy one.

Nice travel mug for tea and coffee

Also - to add to the "ambience" solar powered fairy lights. Small speaker for music.

You do not want a crappy small pop up tent for 6 nights with potential rain!! Take the big one and ask for help.

I wouldn't take a suitcase camping! Fully expecting people to wade in and say they always do, but just feels totally wrong to me.

Depending how remote you will be from a supermarket, I always take a small medical kit. Ibuprofen, paracetamol, plasters, allergy tablets etc. Condoms/pill? Don't forget that tents have absolutely NO noise filters and even just rolling over at night, the whole camp can hear you!

Also take some lip protection like a chapstick. The last time I camped (glastonbury many years back), my lips were incredibly dry. Likely the sun and alcohol!

You're a woman after my own heart @DeepNorthFarmGardening

And thanks, @Toolateplanting - I shall try!

My golden camping rules

1. Camp hair, don't care: You're camping, a scruffy bun is fine.

2. You can never have too much alcohol

3. Don't get cold. Put your pyjamas on early and stick joggers on over the top.

4. There will be no sexy times happening in the tent...especially not when you're with the children!

5. Take the biggest mug you can fund for coffee/tea in the morning. You won't regret it.

Have fun. Do the washing up with him. saunter past with a tea towel, and say "you wash, I'll dry, come on!"

Meant to say do check that the tent has all the bits you expect to put it up. A friend borrowed a tent which she brought along to a festival. On arrival though, she realised that all the poles were missing! She literally slept in the flat tent over her like a sleeping bag!!!

whatever you pack in (I’d not take a suitcase either but actually why not if it fits in your tent) pack everything in plastic bags inside. I do one for pants/socks, one for t shirts , one for night wear etc. Everything just seems to get a bit damp, and also if tent has any small leaks your stuff will still remain dry.

Hope you have fun OP. I'm sure you will.

Take layers for the evenings - those camping chairs are not very insulating so you will get cold sitting for long periods. Long sleeve top, hoody, coat. Definitely take a knitted hat if you have one. Cosy warm socks to sleep in are my top tip.

Lots of good tips here already. Agree that a supply of snacks will make you v popular and (sorry to generalise but) men like to be useful and will be super keen to help with your tent if you're not confident so don't worry about that part. Don't forget the pump for your air bed!

Maybe its just me but I get really cold at night in a tent, even though I love camping. My advice is to take even more layers than you think you'll need, just in case. And an eye mask, 5am turns up and somehow the sun is magnified in a tent 😅

Other tips from me (we are camping this weekend):

Take the bigger tent - you end up taking more stuff than you think and porches or living areas are fab for storage or sitting if it’s raining.
Early summer mornings and tent fabric = a very early wake up so take an eye mask if you want to sleep in.
Don’t forget a bottle opener and tin opener - even if you don’t need them someone else will.
Shoes off at the tent door - it’s only a little thing but you won’t be picking grass out of your stuff in four days time.
Plenty of matches and firefighters if you have access to a fire pit. Burning bay leaves or sage keeps the midges away.
If you’re car camping rather than wild camping I’d take a proper towel.
Sweats and a hoodie are great at the end of the day if it’s chilly.
Take a folding chair - lots of sitting around means a numb bum.
No need for a double air bed - me and the other half just scooch our air beds together if we snuggle.

And have a great time!

@Mountaingoatling

Bless you. In these circumstances I'd play up thr novice factor to the max. I camp loads and men love to "rescue you" (I don't need it!).

Take three times more clothes than you think. Hair bobbles. Torch. Flip flops for shower. Trainers. Obvs walking gear. Some pyjama type wear. Midge spray atm if anywhere near water. Battery pack. Adopt a laid back attitude rather than trying to 'ace' camping.

And deffo work the 'novice' thing of you like him and suspect he likes you back.

Also snacks...pulling out cool snacks always goes well.

Great advice, thank you. I shall try to let loose a bit and not feel pathetic when I need a bit of help. And tempt him closer with cool snacks

I'm certain I like him and think he likes me.

@MrsRLynde

-Head lamp. -Make sure you can make a cup of tea and have a biscuit, whilst sitting somewhere comfortable. -Washing up bowl/liquid/kitchen towel. -Keep an iron separation between clean/dirty dry/wet things. -Watch your fluid intake at night. -Expect to feel very cold at 3am (have another layer handy).

• See PP's point about noise carrying .

Some good tips, thanks. Have made note about noise

If sexy times occur, be warned, every squeak of the air bed can be heard by your neighbours!

I cross my fingers for you! Would be a beautiful start to a relationship!

@Reviewingthesituation - clothes peg and eye mask now on list, thanks!

Eyelashes / eyebrows done and embrace the messy / sexy hair so you can do effortless beauty in the morning 😉

Pyjamas, sweatshirt to put on over the top. Woolly hat for star gazing / drinking at night. Toiletry bag and flip flops for going to the loos / showers.

Mints / breath freshener so you can be ready for contact in the morning.

Plenty of good advice here:

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/andotheridiots.wordpress.com/2016/06/01/family-camping-tips/amp/

@CiaoForNiao

I'd definitely play up the camping virgin angle and use it to flirt.

Take condoms. And be warned... sex when camping is "in tents."
Ba boom tish.

Also be warned, everyone can hear you. We once spent a memorable weekend hearing our "neighbours" at it all day and night. Sharing the washing up area the next morning was interesting

Much as I'm gagging for it, I don't want new-partner sex in a tent within hearing of mutual friends. So I was going to not take condoms so I absolutely couldn't shag him. But maybe I should, just in case I get drunk and stupid... Arrgh, don't know.

Brilliant @SweatyBetty20, thanks!

Loo roll, head torch, ear plugs.

Just remembered a good one for possible romantic times if the night is clear - a stargazing app! I use Skyview Lite - just point it at the sky and it shows you what all the stars are, where the ISS is etc, it’s ace.

@DyingDeclaration

Practical suggestions - microfibre or lightweight towel so will dry def not a big heavy one.

Nice travel mug for tea and coffee

Also - to add to the "ambience" solar powered fairy lights. Small speaker for music.

I'll have to buy a microfibre. I could take my guitar or is that too naff?

@Orangedaisy

You do not want a crappy small pop up tent for 6 nights with potential rain!! Take the big one and ask for help.

Friend says to do that too. Only problem is that I might arrive so late it's dark. I guess I need to grit my teeth and ask for help.