This year we are having our first proper 2 week camping holiday. That's me, my wife and two small girls 5 and 3.
We had a trial run a couple of weekends ago and have decided to buy a new tent. Our 9 year old 3 man ridge tent was one of a kind at the campsite and a little cosy for 4. Tents have moved on quite a bit I see.
What other equipment would you recommend to make the stay more comfy? We have sleeping bags and 4 chairs.
Is there something you would never leave home without?
Self inflating mattresses are they any good?
We've never cooked at a campsite before (always electing for a pub in our younger days). What's the key to making it stress free? Washing up bowls? 2 cookers? Salad? How do you stop kids playing with fire?
Do you sedate the youngest child or let them stay up singing, jumping and poking until you all reach exhaustion? I take it that wears off.
Electric hook up cable, fan heater, and electric coolbox (or small fridge). The heater takes the chill of in the morning, and the coolbox means fresh milk without having to worry about freezing icepacks every day.
Cookings not a problem - small 2 burner gas hob and grill plus a BBQ is plenty. Kids always have too much to do without worrying about the cooking area.
We mange with a 2 burner stove with a little grill for 3 of us. EHU is useful if you can afford it. Key to cooking with kids about is for one person to play whilst other cooks. And rotisserie chicken. We then swap for washing up. My son has always helped with that. We have loads of the IKEA plastic stacking boxes. They are great to transport gear, then once away we use them for toy boxes, clothes, shoes & the washing up bowl. When we had a tent we used rubberised canvas airbeds. Get a 12V pump to inflate them. The flock covered PVC ones are not strong enough to last. A folding suitcase picnic table is really useful, but they are not very strong. Accept you'll have to fix bits that fall off. We are on number 3 in 5 years. The Holiday Inn does an excellent breakfast & has lovely beds when you get flooded!
Don't get rid of your 3 man ridge tent just yet. If it's a canvas tent, you'll still be able to enjoy it when your girls are grown and no longer want to go camping with their parents.
EHU is handy ... but NOT an essential.
I would suggest that the first and most important aspect of camping is to ensure a good nights sleep. So, do some research, chose with care and spend what you have to, to ensure that your sleep is restful.
After that, food.
Again, research and spend what it takes.
After a good sleep and a hearty breakfast, you're ready to face whatever the day might present you.
Regarding cooking, gas is not the only option. Personally I hate it and the waste in empty canisters that it produces.
The Coleman, liquid fuelled, 2 ring stoves are proven and well recommended. Consider ASPEN 4T as a suitable fuel for cooking, (or better still a paraffin cooker ala Primus The Best IMHO).
After sleep and food, some form of light for those evenings sitting around chatting and enjoying a glass or cuppa. Again, electricity is not necessary, there are many options.
Most everything else is personal choice and you'll only get an idea for this by going camping and finding out what you need or don't, as the case may be.
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: Essential equipment for a newbie
