your top 5 camping items...

[thisisyesterday]

what five things could you not do without? or, do you lust after?

i've already been brainwashed into a dutch oven... does anyone use one?? if so i'd love some recipes

but what else do i reeeeeeeeeeally need?

I should add, that I am not a camping virgin, we camped all the time when i was little, and we've camped a few times over the last few years but we seem to need to take everything we own with us and I am looking to replace certain things with more user-friendly (smaller) alternatives

and I also just want to peruse camping websites

Thanks Sal, I didn't think so. Am vaguely in a non buying sense looking at alternative cooking equipment for the six week trip as the stove plus gas bicycle plus the Cobb (we HAVE to take the Cobb) is quite a lot of stuff.

Gas bicycle????

Oh you crazy auto correct you.

Gas bottle.

Slubber that is fantastic thanks!

No, I wouldn't use that for anything other than a one-person trip, even if I had it. Someone on here said they do use it, might see if I can find it. Still, I wouldn't do it.

Was a bit concerned for a minute there. Had these visions of you passing with rocket speed the poor unsuspecting locals. Being responsible for the highest heart attack record in recent times. Oh, that and the dodgy collection of men you're taking with.

So what is this Dutch Oven? I too only know the farting definition.

My wishlist is made up of two things:
1/ a decent lantern. I've yet to find one I like.
2/ EVERYTHING on the soulpad website!

1. Hot water bottle
2. Large amounts of wine .
3. DH who enjoys putting up tent/sorting out camping stoves etc etc etc (does have some uses ).

I seriously wouldn't bother with a dutch oven - much too much faffing about. Think - simple, one frying pan type meals.

Ogre, Dutch oven

I'm lusting after one. I understand what you're saying, Ragwort, but it's a completely different kind of meal. So yes, for an overnight trip, wouldn't make sense, but on a cold dark night, a nice warm stew or soup would be brilliant. And that smell of freshly baked bread in the morning, eaten with thick butter and a dab of jam. Hmm. Good childhood memories.

bell tent
thermarest
real pillow
flip flops for shower
very warm bed socks

those are my camping essentials

OH BLOODY HELL!
Why did I open this thread!
Ok. My list now consists of:
1/ a decent lantern.
2/ everything on the soulpad website.
3/ everything on the Dutch Oven website!
THANKS A BUNCH!

Cobb
Wellies
Thermals
Good book
iPhone with Winnie the pooh and gruffalo downloaded onto it for Ds (can I have a 5b) iPhone chargers please!)

Hahahaha Saggyoldclothcatpuss!

Oh yes SeaShells, I forgot about technology - I know it's cheating and I know it defies the point of back-to-basics woodland camping that we usually do, but Ipad with movie on perfect for early mornings when we just want to snuggle back under duvet and ds has decided that the sun has "woken up".

Its the only way I can avoid waking the whole campsite at 5am!!

I'd also sneak a scuttlebug in to my list :)

so... do you find insulated cups really useful, seen them mentioned a few times now. have never felt a need for them myself.... i drink my tea/coffee far to quickly it would appear

cafetiere a good idea tho, i hate having to have shit tea/coffee when camping and really there is no need for it

real pillows we already take.

any suggestions for a GOOD lantern? like, one i can play cards by?

so anyway, my list of things I need to buy right now is:

dutch oven
good lantern
cups
coolbox (still)

Thisisyesterday-I've started a lantern thread as I need advice too. It's being ignored

We have a great carry case full of clipped in cutlery, BBQ tools and SHARP knives. It also has a chopping board fitted into the outside of the case. I stuff extra teaspoons, wooden spoons a firelighter & bottle opener in it & it is great.

Decent Camping chairs.

A Wok

Kitchen stand (as previously mentioned)

Self inflating mats (We have Aldi ones, but would fancy a Dozer!)

Mulled Wine is great for cold evenings, and Baileys is good for the coffee

Millways - where did you get the carry case? . I just knew I shouldn't click on this thread!

Mulled wine is a GENIUS suggestion Milliways.

Oh I would LOVE a DH who enjoyed putting up tents and faffing around. Mine is useless. I tend to go camping with just my DD's and we have more fun that way! My five items would be:

Comfy chair
Nice lanterns for making it look pretty in the evenings!
Battery operated fairy lights (ditto - but make good night lights inside the tent)
Those fold up crate things for packing/storing anything from food to kitchen stuff to clothes, DD's have one each at the foot of their airbeds for all their own stuff
My kampa khazi!

Cobb
Sharp knife and cutting board
WINE
My new Kindle that I love inordinately
Warm sleeping bags
Self inflating mattress
Comfy chairs and a table

Bugger thats 6 and I haven't included a tent.

Ogre - we got it from a local shop that has now been taken over by a Motorhome dealership. We went recently to get something and was very dissapointed that they had so little equipment left :(

It is like the one in this link but you have to scroll down to where it says "BBQ Cutlery set"

Bread board with built in knife
corkscrew
crocs
teapot
gas light

1sr 2 are essentiual for France, last 3 essential for life.

Howdy Batteryhuman! How are things with you? where are you heading off to his year so we can come and drink all your wine again!

i am thinking of just buying the cheap Ikea cutlery set which is £1.62, and then finding some kind of case to carry all that kind of crap in...