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Camping!

66 replies

starsdontburn · 22/08/2021 17:18

Hi all
Going camping for the first time this week and have no idea what to take. We obviously have basics like tent and blow up mattresses but does anyone have any fantastic tips and tricks to make it go smoothly?! We're heading to go outdoors in the morning so can pick up anything recommended! Thanks so much

Children are 4 and 1!

OP posts:
Doyoumind · 22/08/2021 17:22

Inflatable mattresses can actually get really cold. Better to buy SIMs if you are planning to become camping regulars. If not, make sure you have blankets over them and under you to reduce the cold.

Get comfy camping chairs and decent lights.

What are you planning to do about meals/cooking?

Aroundtheworldin80moves · 22/08/2021 17:26

Wine.

Dont use onesies for sleeping, especially the 4yo. Really impractical for night time wees. Fleecy pj's are good though.

Croc style shoes for 4yo. Hat with a torch on it.

Did I mention wine?

Accidentgirlfriend · 22/08/2021 17:30

Umbrella , warm pjs , waterproofs . I went camping last month for the first time and it was so cold and wet I hated it . I didn’t take many warm clothes coz I didn’t realise how cold it would be .

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BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 22/08/2021 17:31

If you will be cooking at your tent (as opposed to going out to places for food), make a Kitchen Box. Big tub with a lid with all the cooking items which can be left outside the tent. In it:-
Camping stove (plus extra gas)
Plastic plates and bowls
4x cutlery
Saucepan and frying pan
Washing up bowl
Spatula and tongs
Mugs

We keep small Tupperware tubs of coffee and teabags in our kitchen box, plus a small bottle of dish soap, a lighter, a sponge for dishes, a tea towel, and a couple of carrier bags to use as a bin.

We take camping chairs and a folding table (highly recommend visiting Decathlon for these).

Inside the tent - something to sleep on (SIM or air bed or camp bed). Pillows (take from home, the inflatable ones are shite). We use duvets as I hate sleeping bags. Worth chucking an empty hot water bottle in to fill at bedtime if cold. We use a large blue IKEA bag for our clothing. We all wear Crocs the whole time as if it rains you wont get trainers wet (wellies would do). Torch (x2) for inside tent after dark/walking to loo.

Zippy freezer bag for milk/meats etc.
Packets of dry pasta and a few jar sauces for dinner, some barbeque foods if theres permission for a fire.

What are you doing for the 1yo bed? Do you have room for a travel cot?

Applesandpears23 · 22/08/2021 17:34

Make sure you have a torch the 4 year old enjoys holding. Once it gets dark it is much easier to see them if they run off with a torch.

crivit · 22/08/2021 17:35

Camping towels rather than regular ones. Dry a lot quicker and pack a lot smaller.

If coffee is important to you I recommend an aeropress.

DinosApple · 22/08/2021 17:38

All in one waterproofs for kids.
Booze.
Roll mats to go under air beds.
Blankets for floor and over the beds.
Camping chairs for adults.
Picnic blanket for kids.
Crocs/flip flops for all as quick footwear for showers/toilets.
Decent pillows for adults.
More booze.
Carton juice with straws. Biscuits. Chocolate will melt.
We used to take glow sticks for the kids, plus torches.

Beamur · 22/08/2021 17:39

Air beds can be really cold. I have a super thick SIM which is great. DD has a thinner SIM which I put a foam roll up underneath in case it deflates and it stops the cold from below.
I like to use a sleeping bag liner. Feels much warmer.
Take a buff/hat/fingerless mits if the forecast is cool. Layers keep you warmer.
Get a cardboard box by the door for shoes etc to keep the inside of the tent clean.
A small dustpan and brush is useful..

lachy · 22/08/2021 17:41

You will need:

Layers. All the layers. Don't get cold.
A thermal mug, squash for the kids and their water bottles.
Decide what you're going to do food wise. We generally do a chili on the first night, bbq 2nd night, pasta 3rd night.

My DD is always starving when we're camping, so lots of fruit, belvita biscuits etc.
Patience, patience and more patience
Eye masks, Ear plugs and hot water bottle.

Have fun!

Beamur · 22/08/2021 17:41

Coffee - you can also get these great mugs that are like mini cafetieres.

MrsBobDylan · 22/08/2021 17:49

Sleeping bags for kids - don't take their duvets as kids are awful for kicking covers off and they will wake up freezing.

Even if the four year old is dry at night, pop them in a pull up in case of accidents.

The accordion boot storage bags are brilliant (Halfords do them for a tenner). You can have one as a kitchen store and uses their others for clothes etc. If you don't heed my advice, you will find yourself searching through a myriad of bags every time you can't find the sodding torch.

You have been warned Grin

MyMushroomsInATimeSlip · 22/08/2021 17:49

Cool box with ice packs to keep milk etc cold for the first night. Extra ice packs if the camp site has a freezer to swap ice packs. If not, frozen milk will last a couple of days.

Flip flops/sliders for wearing in the shower

Bucket/porta toilet for night time wees

Camping kettle

MyMushroomsInATimeSlip · 22/08/2021 17:50

Camping lantern to hang in the tent in the evening

MrsBobDylan · 22/08/2021 17:53

Also, buy two very cheap pop up laundry bag, use one for laundry and the other with a bin bag bin for rubbish.

Oh and don't expect your kids to actually use the bin. Ever. My eldest is 13 and has been camping since he was five. He still can't use a bloody bin Angry

Beamur · 22/08/2021 17:57

Take frozen pre cooked food for the first night if you're eating on site, something like chilli. Take milk frozen and it helps keep everything else cold.

Becles · 22/08/2021 18:32

It gets very cold at night, no matter how warm the days. Take a sleeping bag and duvets, with a beanie.

Something for night time wees

Layers and layers for clothing

starsdontburn · 22/08/2021 18:48

Oh god haven't even considered night time wees 😫

Not sure about food yet, have about 50 bags of crisps so far!

OP posts:
BrozTito · 22/08/2021 18:50

Head torch. Never forget it.

Cheeeeislifenow · 22/08/2021 18:50

Pack a plastic box for each person, that contains all clothes,p, j, ec fr clothes, it means clothes will stay dry even if I rains.

stilldumdedumming · 22/08/2021 18:59

Keep your head, feet, ankles, hands and wrists warm. This is key. You will then be warm enough to relax and enjoy. Batteries for your torches/ lanterns!

midgemagneto · 22/08/2021 18:59

Has anyone mentioned wearing your hat in bed?

stilldumdedumming · 22/08/2021 19:00

Oh yes and defo take first nights dinner already cooked.

Nicolan5254 · 22/08/2021 19:06

Also a mini first aid kit and calpol. You never know with the kiddies. One min they’re fine and then next ill 🤒

We are off next week.
Tent, camping chairs, folding table, cooler box & freezer blocks, lantern/head torch (home bargains do panda and other animal ones for the kiddies) bucket for night time wees, wash bowl, tea towel, washing up liquid. Cutlery & utensils if needed. Warm pj’s and socks. I always take my own pillows and take extra fleece blankets (even if day time is chilly)
Colouring books & pens, football, kite (anything kids enjoy playing)

Beer are a must 😀

Twospaniels · 22/08/2021 19:08

Insect repellent!!!!!

First aid kit

Wine

Wine

Gin

Gin

Wine
Wine

Nicolan5254 · 22/08/2021 19:08

Forgot to say toilet roll aswell 😀