When I was a kid my parents had a four man ridge, a bluett, sleeping bags, torches and karrimats. No tables, no chairs, nothing else. I was mainly a backpacker until I married and now I feel a bit of a wimp with all the crap I have accumulated.
This weekend the chairs got soaked and we spent most of our time reclining on Sims. So, as a starter, I'd say get a tent
Good sleeping bags
Good Sims
A stove
Torches and lantern
Then go out and see if you like it. If you do then the rest of the stuff will come.
My parents took us camping with a ridge tent, the beds, a picnic blanket for seating and a backpacking stove! We had one chair, nicknamed the 'Geriatric Chair' which of course Dad got first dibs on. We toured France like that, toured lots of places actually and I don't remember once complaining I had no chair. But of course memories play tricks and I don't ever remember it raining either and I'm sure it must have done.
Bear in mind combined weight/size of everything you buy in relation to what your car can carry - with a view you may be adding more camping gear in future.
It's important to do a test test pack of all your stuff in the car before going to make sure it all fits.. We had to make to make an emergency trip to Halfords for a car roof box on the day of our first family camping trip.
Other items I'd recommend:
Tent footprint .. protects underside of tent and keeps it clean... (make sure the edges of the footprint are concealed under the tent - if edges are exposed it will allow rain to seep between the tent and the footprint)
If you haven't already got one, I'd recommend getting the tent carpet for your tent. Even though not essential it makes tent more homely and comfortable.
------------- Aug 2017 St Martins Campsite, Scilly
Jul 2017 Trewan Hall, Cornwall
Jun 2017 Higher Kestle Farm, Cornwall
Mar 2017 Pitch Perfect camping Bath
Aug 2016 Brittany/Normandy:-
La Ferme Croas Men (near Morlaix)
Le Ranolien (Ploumanac'h)
Le Bois Courdrais (Cugen)
Chateau de Montfreville (Montfreville)
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: what basics i need for camping
