well i am going on my camping trip next weekend and hubby can not go due to work commitments, so going on my own with 3 kids. yipeee
sure he has done this purposely. anyway need some advice on wether i need a camp kitchen utility tent , what are the best lanterns and looking at mats instead of air beds which i have read a lot of your comments. but not sure which thickness is best. and anything else that yoy may think i will need.
thanks again claire
these will all be used alot hopefully planning plenty of camping trips.
hi clare, i camp regularly with my 3 kids aged 5, 7 and 8 1/2, i have the outwell self inflating mats for the kids and the vango one for myself, find them much warmer and comfy then air beds, as for a utility tent if its just for the weekend then i would just manage in the porch of the tent, if you are lacking space then maybe the utility tent would be useful.i don't use lanterns, if you have ehu i take a lamp from home and use a wilkinsons ufo light which cost me 2.99 2 years ago and still the same batteries, i persume you have camped alone with kids before, if not make sure you give them little jobs to do to help you pitch, all of mine follow me around with a mallet and tent pegs, i also make sure there is food at the ready so take a packed lunch, go and enjoy the freedom camping brings.
I always end up taking an odd collection of torches and lanterns. We have one proper battery lantern to hang up or give general light. Then I make sure each child has their own torch. Makes it a bit fun for them. I did get some child sized head torches that they love.
I also make sure there's a couple of emergency torches or LED lights around (cheapo B&Q things), eg one by the door side pocket by inner tent. You can never find the one you want for that nighttime wee
I find that a head torch is best for reading.
Not an expert on mats. My 4 & 7 year old seem perfectly happy with the Outwell kids self inflating mats, they don't seem bothered by any more thickness. If I were buying for a 6 year old + I'd be tempted to go for an adult size. My rising 8 fits his but it's probably his last season on it.
I have an Alpkit Fataric, not sure how thick that is.
A few games like cards and top trumps are good in tents.
For a first time, especially as you're on your own, bringing out a silly treat near night time can be useful. Like glo stix,
this sort of thing I've raided the party bag section in Tesco many a time. In the summer they've often done the economy finger kites. Or if you have a BBQ going then toasted marshmellows.
Lots of snacks and WINE
Whiskey and medised for the kids
Some sort of emergency wee bucket is good when you're on your own. When camping on my own sometimes I've never needed it. Other times, when far from the toilet block of cold, it's been
I'm with thomsonmum3 regarding the utility tent. I'd probably try and manage without for a first weekend and see how you feel. Unless the forecast was for torrential rain. Keep the food simple so you're not out for 2 hours at a time with a potato ricer and garlic grater
I say that knowing I wouldn't be without mine for many a family camping trip. It's just that once you've been you'll have more of an idea if you can manage without, or what size you want. Is it just for cooking? More of a kitchen？ Actually you want somewhere to sit or a walk in wardrobe?
Keep it simple. Minimal kit for a start. You don't want to spend hours dragging things in and out the car and setting kit up. You'll have enough on your hands with the tent. Cook outside, on the ground. Simple and minimal!
I find it's a lot easier going without my Hubby actually as he wants Proper Meals, while the kids and I are quite happy with picnics and grazing food. Also you tend to go more at the kids' pace rather than a more adult one, which can do your head in after a while, but not for just a weekend.
At 5, 8 and 11 they're old enough to do quite a lot, btw, so don't let them go with the idea that they don't have to pitch in and help. The elder ones can help with pitching the tent and do the washing up, for example, and they can all carry sleeping bags and mats etc into their own pods and unpack them.
Basic £10-£15 self inflating mats are fine for kids. It's only us heavier and creakier adults that need the posh ones, or airbeds.
Brief comment about the chilled wine being vital. I do wish people would think twice before making comments like this. If you're the sole adult in charge of kids in a place like a campsite it's more important you have a clear head than say in the familiar surroundings of your home with kids safely in bed. One glass yes, but you have to stay on the right side of being able to drive just in case. Same as if you have two adults...one has to be sober enough at all times to do this but at least you can take turns!
As well as a lantern of some sort, I heartily recommend an LED headlamp torch. They're invaluable if you need to do anything that requires two hands and illumination, and brilliant for reading by.
Ours have 12 LEDs, but you can have just 4 or 8 on, and they were around a fiver each in a builders' merchant.
I have been very intrested in reading this thread as last year my friend and I took our kids camping on our own and we really enjoyed it, and I can see that we are not the only ones.
We did not go to far from home so if we needed the men they could be there quite quickly. I am sure we will be doing it again this year in the 6 weeks to keep them entertained. Oh and of course we had the wine chilled for when we arrived too xxxx
------------- Life is not always a bed of roses, but we can try make it one!
I personally would not recommend a wind up lantern or torch,although they are handy for emergencies.I have found,once wound,they light power drops about 50 - 60 % after 5 minutes.
------------- Boris Karloff: '' now will you give me my chalk!? ''
My Tents:
Eureka K2 XT
Terra Nova Solar 2
Outwell Jersey S Pop Up Tent
Hennessy Hammock Explorer Deluxe.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: equipment help!!!
