Camping Virgin - what do I really need ?

YORKSHIRELASS

I agree that a good tent is important, in fact I would go for better quality over size to begin with.

Dont underestimate how cold it can get at night, even in summer. I would never camp with just a duvet and personally I think sleeping bags are one of the most important pieces of kit. Being cold at night can ruin your trip.

I think the Halfords package looks good. Our first tent was something very similar and these styles of tent are easy to put up. Hope you have a good time!

kittykat100

Cruiksl wrote: »

Lol - apart from tent and sleeping bags, what do I really need to go camping ?

Would be really grateful for advice.

A hotel nearby

sooty&sweep

Hi

When I camp I always put a rug or blanket underneath the airbed and I then put a fleece blanket over the airbed and the sleep on to of that in a sleeping bag. If you've not got decent insulation underneathe you the cold earth underneath literally sucks the warmth out of you.

If you're camping with little ones the fleece PJ all in ones are brilliant as mine never stay in a sleeping bag.

Jen

Mankysteve

mutley74 wrote: »

last year i went camping for my first ever time.
If you plan to do this a few times buy a DECENT Tent. i am glad i bought a very good brand from Vango on offer at Go outdoors with a high hydrostatic rating of 3000 (higher the better) (kept us dry during a night of heavy rain).
You can buy most other things from Asda etc at reasonable price. I bought a simple stove, used pans from home. Kept food simple to ready made noodles, rice, soup, beans etc.

Buy plenty of good lamps and lights that are rechargeable, even one that has a manual recharger.
try a local campsite first so you can get to learn the ropes easily and work out what you need and dont need.
have fun

My recommendation would be to not buy something like that. You'll soon find better gear and want to buy better so start off that way. Get decent tent and sleeping bags to begin, you'll have a better happier time. Buy once.

beedeedee

Quick Tip: When you pack up the car - don't use suitcases.

Use soft sided bags and you will get so much more in, and a few smaller bags are better than one or two large ones. It's much easier to pack the car by squeezing bags into the gaps between the tent and camping equipment.

cubegame

Don't forget to put your tent up as soon as you get it so you have a practice run in good conditions. Use this as an opportunity to treat it with a waterproofing solution as well.

socks_uk

Our local pound shop sells 'emergency shelters' which I bought 2 of. The first I put underneath the airbed to stop the cold coming through the airbed and the second we pulled over us if we got chilly at night. You can even fold up the top one and take it with you if you go walking - just in case of emergency!
Worked well and for just £2!

completelybroke

if you have a roof box do not do my husbands trick and forget the roof box key!!

beedeedee

completelybroke wrote: »

if you have a roof box do not do my husbands trick and forget the roof box key!!

Ha! We once got to Brittany and realised DH had not packed the poles...........!

sheffmum_2

My additions to the above lists are ............ thick bedsocks !! plus we always take our own pillows for a bit of extra comfort !