Backpack camping abroad - any tips?

[Sittininafield]

Me and 2 young teens. Public transport, Scandinavia. We’ve done lots of car camping and walking and I did lots of backpacking pre kids, so I’ve got a bit of an idea (ie buy decent kit and travel light!). But never done it with kids - any tips or recommend products appreciated!

I’ve bought a very lightweight tent, but wondering if the Trangia is too bulky, but one of those tiny gas burners be too tricky/limiting?

What would you be using the stove for? Cooking or just tea etc? Whichever stove you take, investigate you can get the type of gas you need where you are going. No kids specific advice for you, but I have loads of experience of travelling extremely light. Main thing is to take a SMALL bag! Bare essentials clothing, all lightweight, stuff that is quickdry - just rinse anything that needs washing in the sink and then can easily dry. I have a Lush shampoo bar in one of their tins - last ages and used for hands, body and hair. "Travel towels" are much smaller than normal ones. Merino wool tshirts etc - can wear for much longer in between washing (don't smell).

Thank you mrsrobin. I hadn’t heard about merino before, looks useful. Stove would be for cooking supper - pasta and sauce type of things. When you say small - how small? I was thinking 65l? Do you mean smaller? Bags will have to go in hold anyway because of the tent poles and knife.

I would be looking at 40 - 45 litre! But I hate carrying large bags. Or maybe a 45 litre with an expandable bit. Don't forget, you don't have to have an actual rucksack just because you are "backpacking" - there are a lot of great holdall type bags around (look at Osprey - expensive but great). Also look at Deuter bags. Holdalls are much easier to live out of - some have rucksack straps too. If you go to Cotswolds they will help - you do really need bags that "fit" properly - so the weight is on your hips rather than your shoulders. Packing cubes are really great to organise your stuff - so much easier - get really lightweight ones.
Flip flops are essential! And I take toe socks so I can wear them at night on the campsite to go to the bathroom. They usually stay outside the tent at night.
Stove wise I would look at the Jetboil (or cheaper versions) and a decent size lightweight pan (with a flux ring) to go with it. They boil so quick and you can pack socks and small clothing inside. These are som much better than the Trangia but obviously that would do the job. You need a wooden spoon! And some sporks for eating dinner with! Oh and head torches.

40 to 45 - that is hardcore! How do you fit everything in? I don’t think I can! DCs are doing DofE so already have 65 litre osprey. I’ve got a 25 year old (how?!) berghaus rucksack hold-all like you describe but it is heavy even when empty🤣. Can you cook a meal for 3 on a jet boil? Or are they more for boiling water?

My clothing choice whilst away is very slim! In all my holiday photos I seem to be wearing the same! I would rather rinse items out than carry more. The 65 litre Ospreys will be fine - but remember, they don't have to be full! I wouldn't take the Berghaus if it is heavy before you start. If I was you, I would have a look at bags in Cotswolds, Go Outdoors etc, then try to get one 2nd hand if you are trying to spend less. Cooking on a Jetboil - they come with the large cup to boil water in/make meals for one - but if you get a saucepan like 1.5 to 2l to use on it you should be able to make some dinners for 3. I make couscous in a separate bowl (collapsable) by just adding water and putting a tea towel over to soak in, or serve with nice fresh bread. I don't pasta dinners as the pan is not big enough. Alpkit (a great company) do a cheaper version of Jetboil and there are lots of flux ring pans around. A "flux ring" speeds up the cooking process a lot, meaning you use less gas. For ideas you could look at Ultralight Outdoorgear.

If you are camping in Denmark, many sites have a campers kitchen which is free to use. They vary, but have hotplates/gas, some have a kettle/microwave. You will still need plates etc and an emergency stove, but it might mean you don't have to take as much gas.

Great tips, thank you! We are thinking 1 short sleeve tshirt, 1 long, 1 button short, 2 jumpers, 1 trousers, 1 skirt/shorts, 1 leggings for clothes. Light weight down jacket, waterproof shell. Does that sound sensible? We wear the same clothes all the time anyway 🤣. How chilly are the evenings - thinking of cold feet!?

2 jumpers would become 1. In fact I would be taking a fleece not a jumper. Plus some underwear! My favourite thing which is really useful is a down gilet. I also have a down jacket but the gilet comes in really handy and packs v small. You don't really need it tho. I have merino wool base layers - which I would wear in bed with socks too if v cold. I presume you have an insulated sleeping mat and a sleeping bag (down)? I am always cold and have a sleeping bag sheet that packs v small and light but does add extra warmth. I don't know where you are going but best to investigate night temperatures to see what you are up against.