Camping!

[starsdontburn]

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!

Just remembered something that improved my camping experience - when dh and I ditched the double sleeping bag and got a single each. Sharing a sleeping bag is so much harder than sharing a duvet!
Also check your air beds before going - we've just had a fairly uncomfortable 2 nights after discovering a puncture in ours.

Double sleeping bags are awful if you have to share them. Divine solo!
Almost looking forward to it 😂

a hot water bottle helps as well, we sed to use a nappy bucket with a lid for the kids at night as someone will knock it over

Oodie - warm and practical
Corkscrew - for the wine
Camping chairs
Fit bit - have hit 10000 steps every day when camping.
When slightly older pitch next to playground so you can supervise from your tent!

Wine
Large plastic bags for wet and muddy clothes
In the evening, put on your PJs early and layer over the top so you go to be warm
More wine
Definitely crocs or flip flops for shower

Battery powered gadget for inflating the beds.
They will soften and need a boost and you don't wanna be dragging out to the car to do that.

Solar string lights to light your tent in the dark. Makes it cosy too.

It's gross but: midnight wees:

Get a small bucket or similar, we have one with a loo seat and lid from Amazon called 'Branq'. Bin bag and a handful of wood pellet kitty litter in the bag. No smell, no leaks and you just tie it up and chuck in the normal bins in the morning.

No way I am shepherding small people to the loos in the dark with torches!

Don't forget games to play (dobble kids is good at the age your dc are) and activity books for keeping the dc busy when the rain is too heavy.

A lantern for lighting the tent can be better than a torch.

Check whether your campsite needs coins for the showers in advance.

How was the trip??

Is it a new tent? If so, try and have a test erection(!) in your garden or somewhere, so you know exactly how it goes.

Lots of almost divorces have happened trying to put up tents.

Zombie thread!!

What's a SIM in this context?

Self inflating mattress.

Hot water bottle is a must, it’s really difficult to get warm in bed if you are cold when you get in. Inflatable mattress or bed roll. Central hanging light, and string lights for inside and fairy lights for outside, makes it easier to find. Something to wee in, with a lid, I always need a pee when camping and by the time I’ve struggled out of bed I’m desperate so no way I’m off outside. Board games and cards, some of our children’s and grandchildren’s favourite memories are camping board games.