Novice camper seeks advice on what gear needed for introductory overnight

[Earlybird]

Hello - need some advice from knowledgeable campers please.

I did a bit of camping as a child/young adult, but have never camped out for more than a couple of nights - so not a complete novice, but far from experienced.

DD and I are due to go camping in about a month (so not dead of winter) for just one night as part of her scouting experience.

I have been told I will need to bring:
sleeping bags (one each for me and dd)
Tent
sleeping mats (if desired)

Scout leader will deal with all food/cooking and any other issues.

I don't want to invest in 'super expensive professional camping gear', however I don't want cheap rubbish either as I hope that dd will use this equipment for future trips (which we may do more of if we have fun).

So - can someone please recommend some basic getting-started camping equipment for us?

I've been online and must confess I already feel a bit confused about sleeping bags - do I want rectangular or mummy shaped? What filling? Do I need a ground mat? Other 'cushion'? Pillows (inflatable, or something else)?

I'd be hugely grateful for any pointers (also did a quick scan of the archives, but if all this has been covered in a previous thread, a link would be hugely helpful).

We do alot of camping and me and the kids have cheaper sleeping bag then dh not sure how that happened!!!! but it def pays as I am always freezing while he snores away! so would def rec good sleep bag, go outdoors have regular sales.i'd get all season one with a hood. I'd also recommend hot water bottles, my kids hate getting into cold nightwear/sleep bags but i like one too but i go to bed in long sleeved top plus hoodie long trousers and socks
We always used airbeds but forgot them last time and bought mats instead and we all slept better prob cos sleeping on a double airbed with hubby is like sleeping with shamu as everytime he moves so do i!!! Also we take our pillows from home as inflateable ones not comfy.
Have fun

I'd say self inflating mats are better than air beds too... in fact, they are the business. Big variety in price - look for thickest you can get, unless space when rolled up is going to be an issue. I have a Dozer from Alpkit, which is more comfy than my bed at home - honest!

Go to the market and buy a couple of meters of cheap fleece. This makes and inexpensive but toasty sleeping bag liner. And definitely take a ground mat, you don't want your body attempting to heat the ground underneath as well as you! (and if you are anything like me get some simple facial wipes and a small pot of moisturiser, it's so much nicer having a clean face )

Basics in my books for this time of the year:

• Dozer (I have Fat Airic, prev version to Dozer)

• Good sleeping bag (I'm still working on that, currently takes down duvet, but schlepp to move about). I hate mummy sleeping bags, hate that I can't move about properly. I'm looking for a 3/4 season square one. Take a pillow. I forgot ours once, it was horrible.

• Hot water bottle

• Marshmallows

Are you allowed wine on a Guide weekend?

Wine is definitely essential.

Oh I second wine, it is impossible to camp sober over the age of 15!

Great tip about the wine - I hadn't thought of that important (maybe essential) item! I'll check with the organisers - if the girls can have marshmallows to roast, why can't the adults have a fireside treat too?

So - am I correct in thinking I want a tent that is bigger than a 'crawl in' type? Someone told me I'd be wise to get a 3 or 4 person tent for me and dd, so there is a bit of extra room for our gear inside. Do you agree? And does it matter if the tent has 1 or 2 entrance 'doors'?

If it's only for the two of you, what about this Quechua pop-up tent? We have the base full (so not for sleeping, for use as day tent), and it is really easy to pitch and fold away. Literally minutes.

Then, if you like it, you could go for something more expensive should you wish, but in the meantime you will have an easy, well-reviewed tent.

I'd go for a tent with attached ground sheet, if it rains does not matter where you are pitched you stay dry, it keeps out the drafts and bugs!

Def go for bigger than a crawl in that would drive me mad, esp if you get yr own time and weather bit cack as i take it your camping in cos de del england!

There's nothing worse than going camping and getting cold and wet! We got very wet and nobody had wellies or raincoats or waterproof trousers. Luckily it wasn't cold.

Waterproof clothes, wellies, spare jumpers and trousers, warm socks. It's so good to know that you can go singing in the rain!

Definitely a self-inflating mat. Ours are the thinner ones (3cm?) and I have just slept OK on them at 7+ months pg.
3/4 season sleeping bag.
Pillow.
wellies
Put PJs on under your clothes when it starts to get cold in the evening. Saves much shivering later.
Torch.
Wooly hat and sleeping socks
Are they providing cutlery/plates?
I have cheap microfibre towel off e-bay. They feel/look like they would never work but DH and I can both use one small one to dry ourselves.
Chocolate.
Wine
Waterproofs.

It's not too long a list if you not cooking.

Thanks so much for all this advice. It is very helpful. There are so many things to consider, and many would only occur to experienced campers.

I found out today about 2 places where I can rent a tent - they have varying sizes available and is quite inexpensive. Wondering if that might be best for our first trip - rather than making a significant investment straight away.

Don't think I fancy the thought of renting sleeping bags though.........

If you're anywhere near South Wales you can borrow one of my tents! I have a 3 man dome tent and a much bigger 6 man (but have the option to only use one bedroom making it a 4 man). Both are very easy to put up.