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).

If you hate being cold, take a hot water bottle.
I never camp without one, proper wuss.

Set up your tent next to the other people your going with for safety. Tie a bell or a rattle into the zip of the inner sleeping compartment so it will wake you up should anyone try to get in.

YES to chair and hot water bottle. Or two.

I'd borrow/buy your own little camping stove. Waiting for other people, so you can have your first/last cuppa is not good.

One of those electric tennis racket looking bug zappers. You can buy them from the £1 shop, I always take one when camping as weird flying insects seem to always congregate inside me tent.

Another great tip I read here was to put your pyjamas on under your other clothes once the temperature starts to drop. It means that you don't have to strip off to go to bed, your pjs are already warm!

Book the hotel😉!

I will do this. Hot water for water bottles and flask and morning coffee essential. Can I just get a cheap one?

Wet wipes and dry hair shampoo.
Definitely agree with a SIM rather than blow up, so much warmer.
A chair
Disposable plates
Your favourite mug
Warm socks

The list could be endless but if there are more seasoned campers there they will have things like a stove/kettle.

Yes, blow-up mattress would be fine. If you're going in a car, then you'll be able to take plenty of blankets, warm clothes, etc. It will get cold at night and there is nothing worse than being cold in a tent. At the very least take your bobble hat and gloves!

Oh puffycat. You understand.

Go outdoors have 15% off all camping gear and tents until the 16th. They're not always the cheapest but everything you will need is under one roof.

Get yourself down primark for fleece blankets and fleecy pyjamas and/or onesies. Unless you have loads of cash, in which case go to a camping shop.

GLOVES??!

Ha, thank you.

YY to bug zapper. Will give me something to do whilst shivering and waiting for the tent-slasher.

You will enjoy it! I don't want to camp anywhere for two weeks but for a couple of nights there is something very lovely about all the fresh air, being outdoors and easy food.

And when you sit down in the evening there is nothing to do. Read a book, have a glass of wine, watch the world go by, do nothing.

Have you never slept in a tent mutton ? You might love it, I do!

You make it sound idyllic, RC. I shall do that envisioning (?) technique and focus on all that healthy mountain air.

And not the tent-slasher(s) and bugs and cold and shower blocks.

You’ll be fine! If it’s a festival type thing you’ll have a few drinks, some food, chat away into the wee hours with your camp mates!

Not since childhood, Bastard. And that was sometime ago.

Yes, W. Am thinking that lots of alcohol is an answer.

But - oh god - the nighttime loo visits.

Get a couple of those fleece picnic rugs with waterproof backing, and line the floor of your tent with them. If you're sleeping on an air bed, it'll stop the coldness coming up from the ground. You'll have an extra layer of insulation and it's nice and cosy on your tootsies.

You need really warm clothes to sleep in, like a tracksuit instead of pjs. It gets incredibly cold at night in a tent.

Another suggestion is a bucket with a lid and some cat litter or a disposable nappy in the bottom for night-time wees. Honestly, no need to leave your tent in the middle of the night!

Pull ups and a tracksuit it is.

HOT!

A blow up/air mattress will be fine for a couple of nights (may need to top up with air each day). But, as PPs have said, they can get cold so do take an extra blanket or two as an extra insulation layer UNDER you. I learnt my lesson after spending a cold summer night on an air bed with just a sleeping bag. They really do suck the heat out from under you :( A cosy layer or two between you and the top of the mattress makes all the difference.

No need whatsoever to lock the tent. I would be more frightened of not being able to get out in a hurry than of anyone trying to get in. When I camp I even make sure I have a small penknife to hand inside the tent so I can quickly slash my way OUT in an emergency (fire etc).

My top is to take a few extra carrier bans and bin bags. They always seem to come in handy.

Camping obviously isn’t as luxurious as a bed and en suite in a hotel but it can be a lovely experience and you can always have a good scrub when you get home. I love camping (for a night or two!) and always find I sleep soundly. Must be all the wine fresh air.
Please don’t chicken out and book a room. I really hope you have a fab time and please do come back and let us how you get on!