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Camping

Our UK Camping forum has all the information you need on finding the right equipment for your tent or caravan.

We're off to Carfest next weekend and are camping newbies. Would anybody be kind enough to check my list?

101 replies

TheSkiingGardener · 18/08/2012 21:05

I think I've gone through various checklists and hope I've thought of stuff we need. If you have any advice or comments they would be gratefully received. It's me, DH and DS (2.2) DH and I haven't camped since 1998, so I'm counting us as newbies, certainly with a toddler in tow

Tent
Tent pegs
Mallet
Peg extractor
Airbeds
Sleeping bags
Pillows
Camping chairs
Camping table
Windbreak
Power station and airpump
Torches and lanterns
Stuff to sleep in
Cooker
Gas bottle
Connection kit
Frying pan
Tongs or spatula
Kettle
Saucepan
Plates, cups, bowls, cutlery
Milk bottles and drinking bottles for DS
Chopping boards and knives
Can opener
Gas lighter for cooker
Tea and coffee
Salt and pepper
Travel mugs
Collapsible bowl
Washing up brush/liquid
Tea towel
First aid kit
Storage bags
Bin bags
Wellies
Waterproofs
Towels
Coats
Toys/games/crayons
Fire bucket
Batteries x lots
Water carriers
Suncream
Sun hats

OP posts:
TheSkiingGardener · 23/08/2012 05:21

HopeForever. I've added the kitchen roll to the list, but your list of uses seems a very pessimistic view of camping! I'm hoping we don't have to do much mopping or sick-catching!

I love the trolleys, but how on earth are you going to fit everything in your car to get you there if you have one of those in the boot!

OP posts:
TheSkiingGardener · 23/08/2012 07:00

I think a MN secret sign would be a good idea.

Also, if any of you enter the Cakes vs Pies pavilion, can you give an extra big cheer for Great Grandma Enas Fruit Cake please. Am about to get baking!

OP posts:
TeamEdward · 23/08/2012 08:15

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

mrspink27 · 23/08/2012 08:22

There must be a way of identifying other MNers.... We are going and will be in the Greenfields bit with the DDs. Wondering how we are going to transport the 2 tonnes of stuff we have planned to take (and that's without a tent or any food, clothes or extras.....) eek!

whatthewhatthebleep · 23/08/2012 09:10

Why don't you all take a red T-Towel with you...it could be pegged onto your tent, visible somewhere and you could I.d each other that way.....just need to take a walk around the camping area's to locate each other....

or whatever other colour you all agree on!

TheSkiingGardener · 23/08/2012 09:21

We're in the DIY camping areas, and looking at the map all the glam pets are way over the other side.

Love the cooking workshops on offer, there's loads to do. I think we should be subversive and offer a flavoured vodka making workshop. Slogan, "get trollied the MN way!"

OP posts:
TeamEdward · 23/08/2012 09:22

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

TheSkiingGardener · 23/08/2012 09:27

Or rustling Pom Bear packets!

OP posts:
shopalot · 23/08/2012 09:36

We are in greenfields too but don't have a red towel. I do have a pink camping towel though (as they were reduced.....but dh and ds's are not overly impressed!) so look for the boys and man with the baby pink towel and smile!!!!!!!

DowagersHump · 23/08/2012 09:37

Oh - another tip. Freeze a pint of milk and a carton of juice. If you put those in your coolbox as well as freezer blocks, stuff will stay cold pretty much all weekend

shopalot · 23/08/2012 09:46

Mrspink- looking at the map the car park is quite close on the greenfields campsite. I know what you mean, we seem to have loads. But then again, have packed a box of red wine!!!!!!!

shopalot · 23/08/2012 09:47

Good tip dowagers. Off to freeze some milk.....

whatthewhatthebleep · 23/08/2012 10:03

semi-skimmed milk is freezeable....not full cream

TheSkiingGardener · 23/08/2012 10:14

Milk heading for freezer now. Although it looks as though we have a shop on the campsite as well as food outlets, so hopefully they will have such basics. Got to make sure DS has his nightly milk or there will be trouble (and a very sad boy)

OP posts:
DowagersHump · 23/08/2012 10:34

Sorry - should have said that I take a pint of unfrozen milk as well as the frozen one.

I cannot cope without a cup of tea in the mornings :o

mrspink27 · 23/08/2012 15:15

Might have to get a pink t towel when I do the shop later... DH already getting stressed out beyond belief over what to take and what to leave behind... was supposed to be a nice weekend away for his birthday and turning into a bickering fest between him and I already!!!

shopalot · 23/08/2012 16:36

Oh dear mrs pink. Fortunately I have a very unstressed husband when it comes to what to take. He is working long hours so hasn't a clue what we have in the pile to take (or what I have bought for the trip for that matter!) however that does mean if we forget anything it is entirely down to me.

Went out for a shop today and now have glosticks and a small blue camping hand towel!!!!! Also the two youngest of the dc insisted on buying fleece onesies in Primark!!! So I'll be the one with a cat and a dragon as children!!! Having said that i have told them they are strictly for bedtime or emergency cold weather layers. Very excited now. Just hope the rain stays away.

TeamEdward · 23/08/2012 17:15

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

TheSkiingGardener · 23/08/2012 17:46

Ok, will take a red checked Tea towel for flapping.

There's no bickering in this house, DH and DS are sent out tomorrow morning while I pack the car and DH has been told to pack his own clothes. Saves a lot of hassle as he tries to actually pack the kitchen sink and a cupboard full of unessentials.

OP posts:
shopalot · 23/08/2012 18:26

I don't have a red t towel. They are in my Christmas box in the loft.....

shopalot · 23/08/2012 18:29

But I do have red bunting........homemade bunting. Will that do?

Geeklette · 23/08/2012 18:39

Not going, but it sounds like a lot of fun!

DP and I are hardened campers, normally taking our vintage landrover away most winters for a freezing cold camping experience.

I would add to your list the following:

cigarette lighter charger with universal fittings (phone/stereo/camera)

Lots and lots and lots (cannot be understated) of tin foil - perfect for roasting spuds by the fire, keeping things hot, keeping things cool, wrapping things up to go away with, wrapping around dirty spatulas, the list is endless)

Not sure what the water situation will be like where you are, but we have always found a 5 litre container of fresh drinking quality water to be invaluable, even if it is just to brush your teeth/rinse with afterwards in the morning to avoid queues at the water stands

Take more than one tea towel - it will be used for a multitude of helpfulnesses and when you come to dry your dishes it will be dirty/sodden/useless

Bottle opener, otherwise guaranteed you won't be able to find a bottle with a screwtop.

Biiiiiig roll of bin bags or similar - you will need them for covering things when the rain starts, for throwing rubbish into, for sitting on (fab, especially if you blow a little air into them first for cushioning/warmth), keeping your clothes in (tents get amazingly damp with people sleeping in them and them being air tight and all)

Think that's all for now, you did a pretty comprehensive list to start with Grin

shopalot · 23/08/2012 18:44

Thanks geeklette. Adding more to my pile....!

mrspink27 · 23/08/2012 19:26

Ooh Team Edward... we are on the South Coast to... DH worrying about gas bottles now... and has spent most of the afternoon trying to decide on and source a gas bottle and new stove... What do you guys all have?

shopalot · 23/08/2012 20:03

No gas bottles here. We aren't taking anything to cook on, just snacks etc. will buy coffee and food Blush