First time campers

foreverskint

:j Hi all,
Having realised that nothing is in budget for a late u.k holiday, we decided today to go camping and have bought a second hand tent, and booked our pitch.
However, we need to get some other equipment, and would really appreciate tips on basic camping necessities, and some cheap suppliers.
This is the first time I have been camping in 25 years, and previously it was all festivals, and now its all kids, so any advice, hints and tips would be welcome.
]ThanksX

elvis_bloggs

A groundsheet and a cooker come in handy, also a large soft plastic water bottle (like a bag with a tap) it saves on trips to the water point. If you have a blow up mattress then don't fill it right up with air, just enough to keep you off the ground....the list is endless.....gas container with adaptor if needed, it's a safety thing, extra small canisters of gas for lighting if you are not using batteries....pans that one handle fits all...there's no end to it.

skr80ab

my two top tips: use quilts and not sleeping bags - much comfier! take chairs to sit on - essential rather than floor.

budgetflyer

Dont go crazy buying all the gear b4 you do your 1st trip. You might hate it and never do it again. Cook on a disposible barbie, cost you around £2 each. Lie on quilts instead of buying airbeds. If you like it buy the gear for next time.

Jay-Jay_4

Have a look here

It starts off about tents but then turns into a more general camping discussion.

pandas66

Give everyone a torch, invaluable.

crankup

Check out https://www.ukcampsite.co.uk for a very busy forum with v helpful users.

Check out yer local ALdi and Lidl for deals on cheap camping kit. If you get the camping bug and want some better kit then try https://www.wildday.co.uk (5% cashback on greasypalm)

Becles

essential - a bucket to use at night in case your pitch is a long way from the toilet block
Have a look in the second hand section of your local paper or ad listing papers. As a youngster, we bought many things second hand, including the tent, and gradually upgraded to better things when they wore out.

If you are staying in the UK, take wellies and waterproofs. Sites can get quite muddy if the weather is bad. Take an old towel to stand dirty wellies on and drip wet clothes over.

Have a look in the charity shops for thick blankets. Put them on the floor for warmth in the bedroom areas, and as "carpet" in the living areas if you want to sit on the floor.

Pink.

There are lots of hints and tips on camping on this thread. I hope you have a lovely time.

Pink