camping for 2 weeks in France. I am after the definitive list of everything you couldn't live without....

[fothergill]

Two girls under 6, we have a great little stove and a little table for it and that's it really. My dp loves camping - I have only been twice. His idea of comfort and my idea are slightly different.
What could you not live without please??!

and...what is the best sleeping mat in your opinion - there are so many to chose from - I think the criteria is that it shouldn't take up too much space.

Well, we have Alpkit Fat Airics (now replaced by Dozers), and they're very comfortable. However, slept on a thinner Thermarest last weekend and it was just as good, so now in two minds. The latter would take up less space, so good for packing. More expensive though. If budget would stretch to it, I'd say Thermarest.

Self inflating mats provide better insulation against ground cold btw, so better than air mattresses imo. Have to admit that I use a combo when space not an issue though. [princess]

We got dozers for us and aldi self-inflating for the DS. Boxes good for putting all your stuff in and being card tables etc.
erm. We are going to get a tarp this year to cook under (rainy Vendée last year).

I have a spreadsheet somewhere, as do others I think - but I THINK mine is in French so no good to you, sorry!

Where are you going?

The collapsing fold flat crates are good for clothes & toys. B&Q had them at 4 for £10 this week (in orange and lack but I'm not that worried about colour co-ordinating my tent stuff)

Self inflating mates we have from Costco. About £20 each inc vat. They were in stock at the reading store last weekend.

Sleeping bags - dh & I have the generation Muscovy XML sleeping post which are lovely. £35 ish from thesleepingbagshop.com - they are getting new stock in the next couple of weeks.

Cheap fleecy blankets and a pop up laundry bin from Primark.

Decathlon Does a good table / stool set for £50

Lighting - with electric we have a plug in awning light that we got from wilkinson. Non ehu we use some of the UFO style lighs, a camping gas lantern and head torches.

Gelert Muscovy xl not generation

I have a spider diagram master camping packing list if that would be any help. PM me your email address if you'd like it and I'll send it to you.

It's no wilderness camping list as it includes iPhone charger and EHU :)

thanks for the replies, I feel weak in the face of the decisions of when and where. Yet massively excited at glimpses of hot pine trees. Think we are going to camping de l'ocean in sumac sur mer. Collapsible boxes now on the list. Laundry bin Primark. YES! 5ofus, I may yet be pm'ing (never pm'd before...)

We found the Costco mats to be really good and cheap!
Another really usefull item are the plastic trugs, the ones with 2handles that I think you can get fron b&q and the like. They are stackable so take up less room in the car. We have one for toys, that sits between the kids in the car when travelling, and use the others for washing up, water play for kids by tent, keeping wine cold, dirty laundry etc.
Oh and don't forget a fire bucket.
Have a fantastic time, we love gong to France.

Blow-up bed for you and DP, self-inflating mats for girls
table and chairs (we had one of those blue ones with attached stools when the DC were small)
2 camping chairs for you and DP
stacking pots/pans
washing up bowl
Freezer bag/chilly bin and ice blocks (they let you stick them in their freezers for free)

Trugs - another fab suggestion. So pleased I asked!