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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.

Original poster

Camping for a whole week! What non essentials do I need?

42 replies

Mrsmulder · 07/02/2016 22:39

We are on the verge of booking a camping trip for 7 nights. I have never done more than 2 before so am stressing about my comfort! I need to be warm so am thinking about buying a gas heater. We will also probably go for electric pitch. We have the essentials and a decent size tent but I am thinking of maybe taking a slow cooker for food. Is that possible? And also what other luxury items do you think are worth paying for? We are saving by staying in a tent rather than a caravan and plan to camp quite a bit over the summer so have a bit of spare cash for more camping stuff

OP posts:
inmyheadimthequeen · 07/02/2016 22:44

Do NOT use a gas heater in a tent, it's dangerous. Same goes for barbecues, keep them outside at all times. Spend instead on thick mat rolls and decent sleeping bags or extra fleeces. If you have the room, pack foldup beds. And wine, lots of wine Grin

stargirl1701 · 07/02/2016 22:45

Decent SIMs make all the difference.

Greengager · 07/02/2016 22:46

Moon chair. Much better than a week on a deckchair

Fishcake72 · 07/02/2016 22:47

Electric hookup - kettle, toaster, laptop and DVDs for when it pours with rain! Lots of wine!

mulberrybag · 07/02/2016 22:48

Baby wipes, fairy lights, dustpan and brush and shit loads of wine

AuditAngel · 07/02/2016 22:49

Thermals, wine, electric hook up, lap top and dvd's, fan heater

Original poster
Mrsmulder · 07/02/2016 22:50

Oh god, I don't even know what sims are?

Wine goes without saying tho Grin

Can't i use the gas heater with the door open? Maybe it would be better to get an electric one or a fire put type thing for outside?

OP posts:
Blu · 07/02/2016 22:50

What time of year? Summer?

I would not have a gas heater in a tent for reasons of fire and CO .

Personally I would go to a site that allows fires and sit out by the fire. Wear a fleece and warm socks and don't get your clothes damp.

You should be OK in summer as long as you are well insulated from the ground at night .

Comfy chair , storage, think through your 2 day trips and what is the hardest work / most inconvenient thing, and make that your priority for better kit. That's why I said storage. I don't have a proper kitchen or storage set up and it drives me mad having everything on the ground and all over the place, after a bit.

Stinkyfeet · 07/02/2016 22:50

Campbeds
Fridge
Electric kettle
Portaloo
Fan heater

I camp quite happily for 2 weeks with that lot!

KeepOnPlodding · 07/02/2016 22:52

One of these? SmileSmileSmile

Camping for a whole week! What non essentials do I need?
Original poster
Mrsmulder · 07/02/2016 22:52

End of May is the plan. It's a proper site with all the amenities so I am sure it's survivable! I just want it to feel like a holiday

OP posts:
KeepOnPlodding · 07/02/2016 22:55

Oh, and sounds silly but I want a 'proper' mug for my coffee (not a tiny plastic camping mug) and the best instant coffee I can find.

Tactfulcactus · 07/02/2016 22:56

Hot water bottle. Hot chocolate and brandy. Fridge.

Original poster
Mrsmulder · 07/02/2016 23:02

Thanks everyone will make a list! Can you get a compact fridge? My car has it's limits! Feel like I will end up taking my whole house Grin

Has anyone used a slow cooker in a tent?

OP posts:
Wolfiefan · 07/02/2016 23:05

Watch you don't blow a fuse! Eg we take a camping kettle so as not to knock out the power.

Plateofcrumbs · 07/02/2016 23:06

No to gas heaters in tents!

I would definitely invest in storage. It's the mess that makes camping painful.

Stinkyfeet · 07/02/2016 23:09

Trailer

Haven't used a slow cooker camping but can't see any reason why not to. We always BBQ or eat in the pub. Always camp close to a pub!

shutupandshop · 07/02/2016 23:11

A hotelGrin

Original poster
Mrsmulder · 07/02/2016 23:11

Great, will look into storage. Electric kettle is also a good idea, waiting for half an hour for a cuppa isn't fun!

Maybe we could BBQ and then use the BBQ for heat later on?

OP posts:
Stinkyfeet · 07/02/2016 23:14

DO NOT TAKE THE BBQ INTO THE TENT FOR WARMTH.

IT COULD KILL YOU.

Wolfiefan · 07/02/2016 23:15

Can't BBQ inside!!
To stay warm. Layer of insulation under mat (or SIM or whatever) between that and sleeping bag and over sleeping bag.
Get changed into PJs before it gets colder. Layers over the top. Take a fleece and hat and layers of socks. Thermals if proper freezing. You can always remove layers. Blankets to snuggle in and put over sleeping bag.
Decent sleeping bag. Check comfort rating of temp. Summer ones no good for all but the warmest August nights.

Dungandbother · 07/02/2016 23:16

Plastic boxes for food. Like big stackable ones. And extra ones to turn over for side tables.

Think Ants and food. Got to have sealed storage for food.

Lots of sealable freezer bags.
Pegs
Insulated coffee mug - your coffee goes cold quick.
Tea towels
Good scrubbing sponge
Washing up bowl
Wellies. Waterproofs

Yes slow cooker. Great idea. Spag, chilli, whole chicken (dry) with bread.

Airbeds. As long as you are off the floor and have winter duvets you should be ok. Bobble Hats. At night if it's cold.

Book a food delivery to the campsite. Love having Ocado pitch up to my pitch Grin

Bar of soap in an old pair of tights. So kids (are they coming) can wash hands easily at the water tap.

And a 5litre water bottle. You need water and don't want to walk back and fro all day.

SinisterBumFacedCat · 07/02/2016 23:18

A hat to wear in bed.

We took a small microwave last time. Brilliant!

Also "back door shoes" for keeping just outside the tent.

Storage is a must.

Original poster
Mrsmulder · 07/02/2016 23:20

Great advice, thanks.

Wasn't going to take the BBQ inside! Meant for sitting out at night, looking at stars and drinking wine

OP posts: