True pokey i may not like it but im gonna give it a bl**dy good try. I was advised to look for stuff at this time of year cos its cheaper apparently. Got a wedding to save for so a proper holiday is out of the question, camping seems like a great way of getting away and frankly i need to do something different and get out of my comfort zone and im fit and active so im gonna go for it.....can't sell the idea t my better half unfortunately lol. Didn't realise Halfords did camping gear, thanks for the tip:-)
I second one of those suitcase stoves, great as a start up option. Take a cheapo small frying pan and saucepan from home. It'll give you a feel for what you'll need if you decide to Carry on Camping!
The Thermos idea is a good one, especially if you've the one burner. A Thermos lidded mug is also great.
Don't forget a small washing up bowl!
A flat surface is pretty useful for cooking. If we're going on a longer family break we'll take the cook tent, kitchen stand, tables etc. For v. basic family camping then a metal tray is a useful addition whilst cooking. Give you a clean and flat area to put that jar or spatula.
Camping is fantastic and I really hope your OH gives this a go.
What have you got so far and when have you thought about going? Will you be using a car?
The list can be endless but even though your first trip may be a little lacking or you may feel somewhat deprived don't be downhearted. It's a learning curve. How much info do you need though? Do you want a comprehensive list?
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In a word.....nothing! Managing to put a list of stuff together from what people on here have suggested. If i start getting stuff now theres at least 6 months to spread the cost of everyhting.
Yeah i will use a car and be using a car. Usually we park the car up somewhere and go hiking with a small backpack. Theres so many great places....thought about starting somewhere close to home such as the north Norfolk Coast. And yeah i know im gonna get things wrong at first.
And if i really decide its not my thing then theres several people at work who go camping and i can offer them the gear so it won't be wasted. If you have a comprehensive list Pokey id be glad to see it.
No one has mentionrd a decent light. Neccessary for getting undressed for bed and getting around at night in badly lit sites. You can pick tem up from a little as £6.
I shall set up a list of goodies that I have but I have a feeling it'll be so big that I wont be able to print it.
This may take some time.
In the mean time, have fun shopping and enjoy the campsite searches.
Don't forget that there is a forum on here to meet up with other campers and you may find some local folk that could help you and may even offer to take you camping. I know if you were a local brummie I'd have dragged you out camping by now!
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I've done a quick list off the top of my head. not all of the things will be essential depending on where you go camping, if you want a camp fire, if you've got good facilities etc and the list certainly isn't complete. Everyone has their own style of camping and their priorities will be different to mine. If anyone can add or modify this list please feel free, it'll be good to set up a comprehensive selection. What I will say is don't be afraid to take as much as you can fit into your car. If you don't use it it doesn't matter.
CLOTHES
T SHIRTS
TROUSERS - LIGHT WEIGHT FAST DRYING (EG: PETER STORMS)
SOCKS - THIN AND THICK
PANTS
FLEECE
WATERPROOF JACKET
WATERPROOF TROUSERS
WALKING/HEAVY DUTY BOOTS
SOMETHING TO SLEEP IN - PJ'S/JOGGING BOTTOMS/LOOSE FITTING TOP
WARM HAT
LONG SLEEVED TOP - LOOSE FITTING TO FIT T SHIRT UNDERNEATH
TOWEL
GLOVES
TIGHTS/THERMALS
SUN GLASSES
SOFT SHOES/CLEAN SOCKS TO USE IN TENT
LAYERS WORK BETTER THAN ONE THICK JUMPER
EQUIPMENT
TENT
COMFY MAT/AIRBED
SLEEPING BAG/DUVET
BLANKET
PILLOW
EXTRA PEGS
TORCHES/LAMPS/HEAD TORCH
RUCKSACK
WATERPROOF BAG LINER
BATTERIES
DUCK TAPE (FOR REPAIRS)
TOILET ROLL
ANTI BACTERIAL GEL
FIRST AID ITEMS
(PLASTERS,PAINKILLERS,ANTI DIARRHEA TABS,ETC)
WATER BOTTLE FOR HIKING
MALLET
BIVVY BAG
SPARE POLES IF POSS
COOKING
STOVE
GAS
SAUCEPANS
CUTLERY
PLATES
TINNED FOOD
SNACKS
DRINKS
WATER-LITRES OF IT
WASHING UP STUFF
TEA TOWEL
TIN OPENER
UHT MILK
CHOPPING BOARD
RUBBISH BAGS
HANDY WIPES
SHOWER THINGS
TOOTH BRUSH/PASTE
SELF HEATING MEALS FOR EMERGENCY
FLASK
CUPS
COOL BOX FOR FRESH FOOD
COFFEE,TEA,SUGAR IF NEC
DEODORANT (PLEASE!)
SUN CREAM
INSECT REPELLANT
WATER PURIFYING TABS/WATER FILTER
YOUR CHOICE OF FOOD
EXTRAS
FIRE LIGHTER NOT ESSENTIAL-BUT CAN BE FUN FOR CAMPFIRES
LIGHTING BLOCKS FOR CAMP FIRE/BBQ
CIGARETTE LIGHTER/WATERPROOF MATCHES
SAW
KNIFE
STRING/TWINE
BBQ AND EXTRAS
FOLDING CHAIRS
FOLDING TABLE
MAPS
PHONE + CAR CHARGER
ENTERTAINMENT/MAGS,PUZZLES,RADIO
MIRROR/WHISTLE FOR EMERGENCY ALERT
SHOVEL (FOR WILD CAMPING YOU KNOW WHAT)
WATCH
COMPASS
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Well I've started off with the most important piece of equipment.....the tent! Remembered your advice Pokey and its a cheap but good tent....the Hi Gear Ion 3 and i ordered the groundsheet of ebay too.
*lIstens to everyone groan and roll their eyes*......."why on earth did he order that one?" lol
Yeh!!!!! Welcome to camping steddiguy. Now don't forget to practice pitching it before you go to the big outdoors that way you can familiarize with it and make sure it's all in one piece. Also pay attention to how it's folded in the carry bag, it'll help to practice packing it away too otherwise it'll never fit in the bag again!
My OH has just said, don't forget to never cook in your tent, I know some people do but I would never suggest this for beginners.
The tent looks good. Should be easy to pitch and functional in light weather, everything else could stay in your car so shouldn't be too cramped inside. Just remember try not to wear your boots inside, where you sleep.
I'm all excited to see how you get on.
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Had a look at the weather forecast on the bbc website and if it arrives this week i might be able to have a go at pitching it in the garden......if i do i'll post pics:-)
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Camping gear for a beginner
