Just got back from our first ever family camp, and thought I'd share a few of the things we think worked really well for us!
1. Coleman comfort double air bed ... me and my OH were dreading sleeping on an air bed, and we BOTH slept really well on this, we were very impressed!
2. Gelert sleeping pod sleeping bags ... standard ones for the girls, XL for me and OH, really warm, and spacious, none of the restrictions of other sleeping bags, all thought they were fab!
3. Microfibre towels ... worked a treat, took up hardly any space, dried quickly.
4. Royal 'bench' with padded seat .. soooo much sturdier than stools, really comfortable, great height ... easily sat 2 per stool, and we happily sat on them for a couple of hours playing cards one night
5. This Ikea hanging storage unit, http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/00193386/ was perfect for all those bits and pieces that we didn't quite know where to put, ie sun cream, first aid bits, hair brushes, pegs, foil and clingfilm, etc so helped keep the tent tidy
6. Mobicool W35 .. easy to move around, really quiet, kept everything lovely and cool
7. EYE MASKS! To help us sleep past dawn ... it gets light really early when you're sleeping in a tent!
.... could go on, but these were probably the things we thought worked particularly well for us!
And thankfully, only a couple of additions needed for our next camp, namely a couple of boot tidies for our girls bedrooms, more microfibre towels to act as beach towels, and vacu bags to shrink the space our blankets and pillows take in the car! ... oh, and ear plugs to block out the sound of the lashing rain !!
------------- The Kale Family Campers
Test 1st camp - June, Witterings
August - 1 week in 'sunny' Croyde at Ruda
August - bank holiday weekend, Boarhunt, Hampshire
We've just bought a Coleman comfort double air bed, we previously had single beds but tried one out at a friends and loved it. I hadn't thought of the hanging storage set, will be looking to get one before our next camp.
We are trying out our new Kampa tent in two weeks, can't wait.
Looks like you've done well for a first time. I'm hoping we're as happy, when we finally get away. Glad you're happy with the ikea storage doodah..... we got one, along with the matching wardrobe. We've even gone as far as to get a lightweight folding hanging rail type thing, to hang them both off!! Admittedly, I had to take the hack saw to it, but it's now tent height, and bagged up ready to go!
Having spent a couple of nights in the garden, after our first test pitch, I whole heartedly agree re the ear plugs. Luckily, thats the sort of thing I can get on the company account, so we now have a carrier bag full! LOL.
I really am getting desperate to get away now..... I think I'm going stir crazy!
We've been waiting for a weekend to test out all our gear since April!
... saw a potential spell of good weather this weekend and went for it!
... was very windy (good test of our pitching and striking skills, and girls had to lie on tent to stop it blowing away when we were packing up!) ... and lashed down with rain at night (tested waterproofness of tent!) ... but was sunny during day and for striking, so we were happy campers!
We LOVED it ... and can't wait to go again!
------------- The Kale Family Campers
Test 1st camp - June, Witterings
August - 1 week in 'sunny' Croyde at Ruda
August - bank holiday weekend, Boarhunt, Hampshire
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: First Camp - what worked well!
