Basics for first time campers - advice needed from veterans under canvas!

[puddle]

We're really going to do it this year - we're going to buy a tent ad go camping. My plan is to go away for short periods - a couple of nights only - although if we love it we may end up doing a week somewhere.

Can all you camping experts tell me what I will need as a basic starter pack. We have NOTHING, not even a tent - so any tent recommendations would be good, best blow up matresses etc etc etc.....

Any ideas for campsites too - we are in Brighton so looking at a two hour drive max.

I did do a thread on this last year (we decided dd wasn't quite old enough in the end) but can't find it in the archives, so apologies if you have already given me advice.

Thanks in advance.

have a look on UKcampsite.co.uk. they have IIRC a whole section on trailer tents. If not , post and ask for advice, they are a nice bunch

Thanks for the Tip MB.

Ooh can I join the camping clique?

Last summer we spent 500 squid on camping gear - the full works - and had 3 weekends camping - it was fab!

We've been invited to go with some friends the last weekend in April - am a bit nervous regarding the chances of it totally pissing down, and also regarding how much stuff we will need to take for dd (6months).

Dont know if anyone's said this already but the disposable bbq's are great and dont forget to take 2 bricks to stand it on so you dont scorch the grass. Sit round it after cooking to keep warm whilst drinking wine!

and don't forget to have some marshmallows to toast as the embers are dying!

Oh How I Love Camping!

(Off in a tin tent next week)

we bought the outwell colorado 4 (5 person tent) - its a frame tent, quite tall, and v spacious living room - not difficult to put up, but takes 2 people - harder than the dome tents.

Bumbleweed, with time you may find it possible to put it up on your own. We have the same tent but the 8. Dh can now put it up on his own! We do both share the chore, but if the kids are antsy he can manage on his own.

Great tents aren't they??? I love the head room inthe sleeping areas as i am mildly claustrophobic

martian, he might have to manage alone this year if I'm looking after dd!

how do you keep a baby warm when camping? her normal baby sleeping bags wont be enough because her arms will get cold I think.

This I can't help you with , since mine are now 6 and 9! Have a look at UKcampsite.co.uk.....they have covered this in the past.

In general for keeping everyone warm, you need insulation under as well as over you. Layeres are more warming than single sleeping bags etc, so take some extra rugs etc in case it gets chilly.

Hi Puddle

By coincidence I have been going through "the stuff that we never use cupboard!" today and have decided to clear out the..........

CAMPING STUFF!!!!!!!!!!!!

MAybe you would like to buy some of it from me - Ill go and have a look at what there is..........

Puddle I have got

A snugpak sleeping bag - 12 years old but nothing wrong with it
A cheap but fine sleeping bag
A sleeping bag liner - keeps the bag clean iyswim
A plastic water bottle
A tiny chopping board - fab for campsite chopping of veg - or so the kids can help you!
Two white metal plates
Two white metal mugs
A camping saucepan set - all fits together really neatly, totally fab

Its very unlikely that I will be going camping in the next five years (I havent been for 7 years!) So I would be pleased to pass it on.

Name your price :o Or alternatively feel free to ignore my blatant attempt to sell it too you!!!!!!!!

20% off at \link{http://www.blacks.co.uk/blacks.storefront/default.aspx\blacks} online if you spend over £75 ubtil 17th April.

We bought a camping Gas Barbeque and a collapsible charcoal BBQ. They are both fab & save on the disposables as can keep going as long as you want them to. (We have also used the charcoal one to put wood in & make an off-ground camp fire to sit round where camp fires not allowed.)

We also got a \link{http://www.worldofmotorhomes.com/main_pages/cat_detail.php?advertiser_id=652&ad_id=741&cat_id=3&listing_id=2\citronella Clearlite lamp} that never gets too hot to hold & is spill proof if knocked over - fab for when kids are around. Also repels insects.

\link{http://www.tents-direct.co.uk/show_tent.php?productid=752\This is our tent - in a sale}. VERY easy to put up & the living area has plenty of room for table + chairs + other junk if stuck in in wet weather. We use one pod for luggage, we have one & kids share one. DD took it to a youth camp & 12 did share it but were squashed!

Actually, one of the best things we use are the collapsible crates that you can get in supermarkets. Use them to store dishes, transport to washing up area etc, transport food (tins etc) & collapse when no longer needed.

for keeping a baby warm, I used fleece top under her normal sleeping bag then tucked the whole thing inside the cosytoes from the pushchair.

good idea hovely i will keep fleecey tops out of the loft - was just about to put winter stuff away!