New to camping: equipment?

[wonderwoo]

Morning. Have searched but most of the threads are quite old. We are new to camping and need to buy some.basic equipment on a budget (I want to make the right choices so we don't have to buy again when we realise it's not great).

We have a tent, sleeping bags, lanterns, torches and camping chairs.

We need to buy matresses/air beds... what would you recommend? We don't have much space in the car.

What kind of stove is best?

Anything else that is essential?

Thank you!

Mallet for pegs

Self inflating mats are heaps better than air beds, but ideally you'd want one that's 7.5cm for you. The kids will be fine on 5cm ones. They are slightly more expensive though.

We have this stove m.gooutdoors.co.uk/hi-gear-bbq-notebook-grill-p322094 for meals. Works fine to cook on directly (like a BBQ) or to heat a pot on. We also have a very cheap single gas stove which we use for the kettle (for tea)

I'd say other than those, you do have the essential kit, but I personally would also get some camping crockery because it can't smash.

We also always bring a tarp and a couple of poles and guy ropes so that we can make a small awning over the entry door to the tent (when using the tent which doesn't have an awning). Might be worth considering. It's not a must have, but we find it very helpful when doing shoes or so that we can open the tent door while it's raining.

Just to note about that stove, it folds up slightly bigger than an A4 folder, and can also be used as a site-friendly fire pit for keeping warm in the evenings or roasting marshmallows. Other than our tent, it's my favourite bit of camping kit.

Brilliant thank you spanner just the kind of advice I am looking for. Will check out those bits later.

If you can afford Thermarest selfinflating mattresses, buy them We bought ours about ten years ago, still going strong (ok we had to patch one last year but it's fine). Dh had a terrible back problem and the Thermarest made it possible to keep going on holiday.

In relation to the tarp idea, is it possible to buy a tool to reinforce holes with metal rings? Can't even think what to search for.

gallic I haven't found one but you can get elastic hoops to attach to them. It allows them to have a little give when it's windy and stops the holes from ripping.

Couple of pop up garden bins are very useful and cheap. Chucking shoes / as a bin / as laundry bin / wellie storage.

Doormat & crocs for everyone to keep mud out of tent.

We love our Cadac safari chef (BBQ / frying pan / big pan eg for pasta etc gas stove) as it's so versatile but not cheap I'm afraid - £90 plus gas & adapter.

Disposable plates / bowls / cutlery to save hassle of washing up!!

We need 2 picnic tables - 1 for 'kitchen' and 1 for eating / drinks / games but depends how much of a permanent set up you want and how much space you have.

Camping microfibre towels and drawstring bag for toiletries

Other tips:
Look under your boot liner - there is usually tonnes of space for cramming smaller / sqyashable items in around your spare wheel.

I usually manage to unload 3 plastic boxes of camping paraphernalia into the boot / door pockets / under seats etc.

Packing cubes (Amazon) have revolutionised how we pack clothes for camping and other holidays. Small, squashy squares which are very easy to 'tetris' pack in the car. Kids have 2 small Ines ( colour coded) and we have 2 big ones. Super fast to unpack too.

We've only gone twice but definitely have the bug already!!

Airbeds - we have never paid big money on airbeds but I got a great tip on here to buy 2 singles instead of a double. Much more comfortable, on the double if DH rolled over I'd wake up from bed "bouncing". Airbed each, kingsize fitted sheet over the top, much better sleep... sleep is VERY Important when camping 😂

Thanks for all these great tips. Much appreciated.

If you don't have much room in the car then SIMs may not be the best option, they can take up a lot of room (esp the really think ones).

I've always used airbeds, and while SIMs are often warmer, airbeds are fine as long as you put blankets under and have a good sleeping bag.

Agree with two singles as well.

Just about to order packing cubes, id forgotten about them :)

@gallicgirl

You can get a tarp kit/eyelet punch if you want to make holes.

Or you can buy Clingons - Look at this on eBay www.ebay.co.uk/itm/272050297182

Tarps are tricky and you need tall enough poles (king poles) and more guy ropes that you think you need, but there are some good ideas on YouTube

I know you've already said you have limited car space but... I am totally evangelical about the Fishing Bed Chairs. They are the most lovely comfy things I have ever slept on in a tent in a field!

Going back to your own queries OP - you can shove a lot of sleeping stuff under the children on the back seats of the car. Remove the booster seats, make layers of sleeping bags etc, then put booster seats back in. Children will now be much higher up. This means they can see more out of the windows, which improves the game of I Spy..