As a family we are going to start camping next year. We've decided on a tent (we think) but between now and next may we are going to start buying bits that we need so that we don't have a huge bill just before we go. What essentials do we need for camping so i can compile a list. I think to start with we will do 2-3 nights at a time.
Currently we have
* a single gas cooker (one with those gas cannisters!)
* 2 x ready beds for kids with a 3 season sleeping bag as extra
* 2 x thermorests + sleeping bags
* a kettle / fold up saucepans
* 2 stools and 2 kiddy chairs (with the drinks holder)
* a water container
I think that's it. We now though have 3 kids so will have to get a few extras of the above so we can all eat and sleep.
Please can you tell me what extra things i will need. I don't want to go and not have essentials and that will put me off for future trips.
One man's essential is another man's extravagance! A lot depends on how much space your tent will have and what level of comfort you prefer!
My essentials are tent, sleeping stuff, chairs, single burner stove, kettle and pans, other kitchenware obviously, Kampa Khazi for night time wees - especially with small kids, and a table for preparing food, eating off etc. That covers what we take for short breaks. Longer breaks means we like a higher level of comfort and will take EHU, electrical appliances like stove, kettle, coolbox, chargers for phones and DS, an extra table so we are not forever having to shift the table from kitchen to outside and so on.
First get just the bare minimum to get you started. After the first camp then you will know what you need. There is great danger to your wallet if you get what you think you need before you find out what you actually need.
Use the checklist to cover the basics
Remember everything needs to be transported what looks OK on it's own becomes a nightmare when piled up in the middle of the living room prior to packing
Get your tent first before the VAT goes up, don't wait around for next years models as they don't change much from year to year - but now is the time!
Next important to your tent is your bed.
After that you've got basic cooking and somewhere to sit. You are better to gather slowly, as you find you need or want things from seeing others on a campsite.
I would say a comfortable seat is a must. How comfortable are the stools you mention?
Also, you never said you had a table? Even if it's a low one, you will need something to get your water container off the ground & somewhere to prepare your food.
I personally wouldn't bother with camping specific cookware, it's way over priced. You can get some good, small sized stuff from Ikea, poundstretcher & the Tesco value range.
Don't forget the tin opener!
Oh yes, I bought all my stuff in the spring, to return to camping after a 5 year break, the only thing I bought too much of was drinking vessels. The rest I was pretty much spot on. It's surprising how cheap you can get a lot of this stuff, if you shop around. (ie, not necessarily camping shops!) I will soon be doing my own list of equipment, including where I got everything & roughly how much it cost, on my blog. (I keep promising to do it, & it will happen this week)
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Topic: Essential camping stuff
