Camping. I need help.

[RatherBeMutton]

I've managed to sign up to a thing where I'll be walking a lot and camping for two nights in a field with lots of other people.

I'll borrow a tent but beyond that I am totally clueless. What do I need /need to know? Flip flops for the shower block is about all I can think of.

I really, really, need help. Please send tips before I book a hotel (wuss).

You need something comfy to sleep on - a self inflating mat (SIM) is best, and a warm sleeping bag.
A torch and extra batteries.
A stove (plus gas canister), pan, mug and dish, cutlery.
A chair.

That's the absolute minimum you need. You could add a cool box, extra blankets, cushions, picnic table, fairy lights etc etc if you want more of a glamping experience.

Do you need to carry your tent/gear? That makes a huge difference.

Thank you! What about those blow up mattresses always on sale from tesco? Will that do?

No carrying! Will arrive in a car.

I've camped with those of you have a pump to blow them up with? Some pumps into your car charger thingy. Who are you going with? They might have loads of gear they're happy to share with you. No point buying a stove if they're happy to cook together.

But things you definitely need - warm stuff to sleep in. Fleecy jammies or a onesie with a decent sleeping bag.

God that was barely literate - sorry!

Airbeds are ok , but I find them quite cold to sleep on and not that comfy. They always seem to deflate slightly overnight too. I have a 7.5 cm vango SIM which is really warm and comfy but they are not cheap, if you are only using it for a couple of nights.

Ok, assuming that you don't need to carry everything...

Practice putting up the tent. Ideally a couple of times
Blow up beds are cheap no will be fine. If you can borrow a SiM even better
Take a sleeping bag, pillow and a fleece or blanket to chuck over just in case
Comfy clothes for the evening including warm socks
First aid kit including blister plasters and antiseptic if you have been walking all day
Sets of clothes in plastic bags so you know that whatever happens you will have dry clothes

You need a self inflating mattress or blow up camp bed. A decent sleeping bag and pillow. Couple of torches and a free standing lantern (battery powered) so you will have a hands free light in the tent.
Practise putting up and taking down your tent a few times before your trip - so your sure you know how to do it and that you have all the correct bits to go with it, putting it away is often the trickiest part!
Get a decent pack back - a proper hiking one that you clip your tent/sleeping bag etc into. Spread the weight inside.
Get a good pair of proper waking boots and make sure you wear them in properly before your trip so you are comfy and don’t end up with blisters on your trip.
Take plenty pairs of proper hiking socks.
Insect repellent is a must.

Oh god I loathe being cold. Fleece jammies sound fabulous.

Insect stuff an excellent point. And lamp/pillows - would never have thought.

Can you lock tents at night?

And a chair! I am scribbling a list...

Oh yes - good insect repellent is essential. Smidge is really good or deet based ones. Avon skin so soft doesn't work for me.

Ear plugs and an eye shade are useful too - campsites can be quite noisy at night and some tents are really bright inside when the sun comes up early in the morning, like 4.30am at this time of year.

The plastic backed picnic blankets make a good carpet (and insulating layer) under an air mattress and are fairly cheap to buy from Go Outdoors etc.
For the shower... flip flops are good, put all of your wash stuff including towels in a big shopping bag so you can hang it off the shower door and not risk it landing in a puddle of water
A good travel cup/flask is ideal if you can make your cuppa the night before and have it ready for the morning

Don’t lock your tent! If someone wants to get in all they have to do is slash the sides open!!! 😁

No! Don't lock your tent... the door is your only escape route.

Take an empty lemon bottle for night time wees

About locking tents- if you feel you need to lock your tent I wouldn't go. Do you trust the other people?

Flask has been promoted to top of list. This is so useful.

I can't think of shower blocks without having some kind of fit. Do you usually have to pay for them?

I take a duvet as well as my sleeping bag as I only go by car. A blanket or rug on the tent floor, under the mat (or airbed or whatever), and another one on top keeps the ground cold out, and a hat to wear in bed is a good idea if the weather's anything less than summery.
I love camping but I hate being cold!

"slash the sides open"

Invest in a she-wee so you can do a wee in your tent if you need to in the middle of the night, a life saver especially if the weather is shit and you don’t want to put all your gear on and go wandering around trying to find the toilets! Take loo roll and wet wipes 👍

Keep thinking of more...

Travel Johns (from Amazon) also good for night time wees.

Take matches and citronella candles if you will be sitting out.

I would invest in a good camping chair, you'll be glad of it after a day of walking and can use it afterwards.

Lots of wet wipes.

It's a bit like a small festival, I suppose. I was thinking about locking whilst I'm in it. Asleep. On my own.
Can lock valuables in car.

Sorry - I just meant that locking a tent is totally pointless, it’s so easy to get into a tent by slashing the sides open, a thief would just do that it there was a lock on the zip! Not trying to worry you!!

Ha! Now, a shewee I have already!

You really don't need to worry about locking a tent!