Sleep is the most important thing! (Especially when you mention adding small children to the equation). Think about what makes you comfy at night- I hate mummy sleeping bags, but others would hate the weight of all the bedding i sleep under when camping. I find sleeping in a 'hoodie' sweatshirt very comfortable and eliminates the gap between duvet and hat! Remember that if you are sleeping on the floor the amount of insulation you have under you is crucial.
I'm loving reading your must have items so thanks for the replies. Crocs seem popular so may need to look at investing, I tend to live in my fitflops then just wear cheap flipflops for showering.
We have narrowed the tent search down to an Outwell Bear Lake 6 (just a pity the canopy doesn't go to floor) or a Kampa Holkham 6 which we haven't seen yet).
As soon as we sell our Adria 542uk we can spent some cash!
We are not minimalist caravanners. Everything goes. I even keep a couple of plant pot trays in the van. We always buy a flower plant as soon as we get on site (if we stay for a week or more) and give it to someone as a gift when we leave. (I always keep the trays, for next time though .)
I would really miss my Khyam windbreak with roof. It's brilliant for cooking in bad weather (I won't cook in the tent - too scared of it catching fire).
But the priorities are definitely keeping warm and dry, so a good tent, beds and sleeping bags/quilts are top priority imo. I use earplugs too, and a sleeping mask if I wake early and it's starting to get light. This looks particualrly attractive if it's been a cold night and I also have my balaclava on........
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: Which camping items could you not live...
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