under canvas - advice please

Syman

I am looking into the possibility of camping as a family "hobby".

i am living in tied accomodation so the need to get away at the weekend is quite important.

I have looked into the range of static caravans available but these can work out quite expensive, even if you hire them out when you are not using them. (though i have not discounted this idea yet so advice in this area is also welcome)

so, what is the bare minimum i need to get started, as i can add to our kit as time goes by. I do not have a budget in mind at the moment, but i am basically tight and want the best value for money.

we are a family of four me, the wife and the kids of 13 & 6.

topmum

Having been camping for the last 8 years with 2 kids now 11 and 15 the bare minimum I would go for is:

. Tent
. Blow up air beds
. sleeping bags
. 4 chairs
. Table
. small stove

That will keep you warm and comfy (I firmly believe you dont have to rough it when camping lol)

This could be brought down even more by bringing the duvets from your bed at home instead of sleeping bags. A small gas stove is around £10 and is great for making a hot drink at night. Just bring a saucepan from home to heat things up. No need for a special camping one.

I recommend a trip to somewhere like GoOutdoors where most of this can be bought very reasonably. Or alternatively check the for sale section in your local newspaper.

We bought the bare minimum when we frst went camping as we were unsure if we would like it and consoled ourselves that we could just sell it if we hated it. 8 years later and most of Europe covered we were so glad we did it

fudgem

We started tent camping pretty much like topmum, but there are just the two of us. Are you intending to eat meals out? because unless you are one small stove to cook for four of you isn't much, and one with two hobs doesn't cost a lot more.

Although we started simply, we are now in the luxury end with electric hook up, fridge etc., (still in a tent) but are still very happy campers

Actiongirl_2

I recommend a trip to somewhere like GoOutdoors where most of this can be bought very reasonably. Or alternatively check the for sale section in your local newspaper.

We bought the bare minimum when we frst went camping as we were unsure if we would like it and consoled ourselves that we could just sell it if we hated it. 8 years later and most of Europe covered we were so glad we did it [/QUOTE]


We find Decathlon a lot cheaper for the camping basics. Ours have lasted three years and are still going very strong.

I hope you enjoy it. We love our weekends away!

Syman

i have seen 4 man tents in tesco for £30 ish. it may do as a "tester"
In fact tesco have a lot of cheapish bits and pieces to check out.


but i think i would rather a six man as No1 son is nearly 6' tall (at 13 :eek:)

thanks to all for the tips so far

any good sites down south? sussex area ?

saubryn

I used to love camping, and it can be done very cheaply. Instead of airbeds, though, I would recommend the folding ones if you can afford them and have space to carry them. Combine them with the insulated roll up mats and you have a much warmer, less damp feeling bed.

Thats just my opinion - it may not be relevant if you're mostly camping in warmer climates.

sooty&sweep

Hi

There is a website called https://www.ukcampsite.co.uk that will give you all the help & advice you need to start camping.

Also recommendations on good campsites etc.

Jen

Mike_J

Have a look at https://www.ukcampsite.co.uk. Loads of useful advice from friendly people.

See you there

(sooty and sweep posted whilst i was typing. two people cant be wrong)

sooty&sweep

Hi again,

Just noted that you're looking at a tent from Tesco's. The thing to check is the Hydrostatic Head HH this will tell you how waterproof it is. The general recommendation I've heard is aim for a minimum of 2000 HH for this country.
I looked at the tents in Tescos last year so may be different that the ones in this year and there was no mention so HH was probably not high. The quality doesn't tend to be good and thats why they are cheap but I haven't seen these ones so could be doing them an injustice. Also be careful about ebay you'll see lots of tents but if it isn't a reputable manufacturer then probably rubbish.

Definately go for something bigger than a four berth, when they say four they generally mean four very small people you will also need some space for storage.

Definately worth going to have a look at a selection of tents up at a camping shop but once you've identified what you like check on line because generally cheaper to buy over the internet.

Enjoy your camping

Guy_Montag

My family went on camping holidays until I was about 13. After a few years my folks upgraded to a large family tent, but in the early years they used two - a four man tent for them & a two man tent for my sis & me. There was plenty of room in their tent for playing games & eating (if it was too wet outside), but they had some privacy & a decent night's sleep.

scrumymummy

We started camping last year and picked up loads of bits at boot sales & ebay. This is a good time of year for a bargain as the camping season hasn't started yet.
Is there anyay you could borrow a tent just for a trial for your 1st time as you may hate it (although I doubt it cos its fab!)