What's your best camping tip? (LIST OF TIPS NOW ADDED!)

WLM21

If you think there will be midges where you are camping, buy some Avon Skin So Soft (soft & fresh) which is supposed to be a great insect repellent

MrsWassire

Pretty sure if I had roof bars on the car I would've thought of the roof box idea already.

Good point re: the bucket, will pop it just outside the tent!

And thanks for the reminder re: skin so soft. Shouldn't be too many midges here on the east coast but that's something I can use anyway so might buy some.

Ms_Chocaholic

No need to pop the bucket in the tent, this sounds strange but works fantastically well. Put a good strong bin liner in the bin and into that put cat litter (the wood version, I think, I don't have a cat so not sure which one - even though we have used it before), it soaks up the contents and there's no worry if it's knocked over. I just put a couple of big handfuls in to start with and you can add a bit more if need be.


ETA: The cat litter also adds a bit of weight to the bucket so even less chance of it being knocked off when you are trying to perch yourself on it.

wallbash

Best tip ....... stay dry , easy to get warm but if you get wet , tough to dry out. Pack twice the number of socks you think you will need.

MrsWassire

What an excellent idea, kitty litter! Must absorb the smell as well? (of pee at least!)

Definitely will try to stay dry.

newnhak

Hi

We have been camping for 4 years as a single mum. My tips are

picnic blankets for the floor - the ones with the plastic backing and the fleecy top are best. They arem much cheaper than a tent carpet and makes it nice and warm on your feet when you get up in the morning.

Get an easy tent to put up - A vango icarus or that type is good. I can put this up on my own. Needs someone to help hold it when it is windy but that is about it.

Also I recommend these on tesco - single ring stove - cheapest on the market at the moment.
http://www.tesco.com/direct/campingaz-camp-bistro/200-3031.prd?skuId=200-3031&pageLevel=

I have bought two to replace my camping gaz stove (now selling on ebay!) as they are much easier to deal with than a stove and a gas bottle.

And finally out of all the lights I have bought this, in my opinon, is the best
http://www.peak-outdoors.co.uk/camping/lanterns-lighting/kampa-dazzle-remote-control-camping-awning-led-tent-light.html
Really bright and has a remote so you can switch off when after you've got into bed! I have one of these,some of the smaller led lights, a small led lantern for the table in the tent and some headtorches I got free on freecycle.

vicki+1

we recently went camping with some friends who go a lot.
One of the things they did which i though was a good idea was to have spare clothes in plastic boxes kept in the car. organised into a plastic box for each person. so that if it rained they were all set with warm, dry clothes.

socks_uk

We put an 'emergency shelter' under our airbed to prevent the cold rising up through. I bought 2 from the pound shop and they are the same as the metallic 'blankets' that marathon runners wrap around themselves after a race. We also have one that we opened out to go over our sleeping bags but as I don't know how old your children are I can't suggest you do that due to Heath & Safety (but we were very toasty!)

Happy Camping!

DCFC79

This thread might have some tips, from last year but its still relevant.

DCFC79

socks_uk wrote: »

We put an 'emergency shelter' under our airbed to prevent the cold rising up through. I bought 2 from the pound shop and they are the same as the metallic 'blankets' that marathon runners wrap around themselves after a race. We also have one that we opened out to go over our sleeping bags but as I don't know how old your children are I can't suggest you do that due to Heath & Safety (but we were very toasty!)

Happy Camping!

Might have to get some of them emergency shelters