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Don't forget a tea towel.  Mugs, plates etc.  If you do decide you like it, have a camping tin opener, corkscrew etc. etc. packed in a container so you don't have to remember to pack the ones out of the kitchen.  Loo roll in case the campsite runs out, Raid can be handy.  If you like toast, you can get a folding toast maker to fit on a gas ring.  A folding table is nice to have.  A folding washing up bowl is good, but any one will do on your first trip. Camp near a shop!

Timmy....let's face it...you are honestly asking the wrong people.....

We keep inventing different ways to obtain even more kit...for goodness sake...one of the other posts is even discussing portable generators, and someone else discussing portable air con!!!

Relax, enjoy what you've got and make do without what you haven't...we've all been there (tin and bottle openers are necessities though!). The telling part will be if you enjoy the experience or not. Not having the latest hydraulic bed or a self inlating cooker will not matter one jot.

I hope you have a great time.

Nick

PS Bendy trug buckets are excellent for all manner of things as previously stated.

Here's our massive list of things, but no-doubt I'll buy more  (copy & pasted, so excuse format):

• Tent & Mallet & Spare pegs                                                                         
• Padlocks (for tent door)                                                                
• Ready Beds and battery operated pump                                       
• Pillows            
• Wool/Fleece Blankets (for lining bottom of sleeping bags & to go on top when cold)                                                                       
• Kitchen & Regulator, Kitchen Stand & Gas (don't need windbreak as have a porch)                 
• Gas Heater & Gas Canisters                     
• Collapsable Picnic Table & Adults Chairs                        
• Remote Control Lantern (hangs in centre of tent & has been invaluable for night-time toilet trips etc.)
• Small Lanterns x2       
• Water Drum                                                                            
• Kettle, Saucepan & Frying pan                                                                                      
• Laundry Basket/Storage Box (for taking washing-up/washing/storing things etc)
• Tin opener, Bottle opener, Knife, Spoon & Spatula for cooking
• Cool Box & blocks                              
• Potty/Bucket
• Lighter
• Screwdrivers & Batteries (we always take spares)
• Dustpan & Brush
• Kids games/toys
• First Aid kit & Paracetamol etc.
• Charged Laptop (enough for one film for kids on rainy days)
• Kitchen sink.....no...ok only joking about that one but me might as well take it!!!

Hi Cumbrian Camper,

I note that you are visiting Parc de Fierbois in August. We stayed there as kids in 1975 and I would love to hear how you get on. Back then it was called St. Catherine de Fierbois. It had/has a fabulous lake..I should imagine that there's a lot more besides the lake now!

We're at http://www.vacansoleil.co.uk/campinginfo.php?land=uk&RLCO=2026000&pagina=1 between the 14th July and 4th August. Our first time on a larger site...but mainly going for the surf.

Hope you have a great time

Nick

Quote: Originally posted by clairemac9 on 21/6/2007

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wow a fold up washing up bowl fab where will i get one

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lol - be afraid - be very afraid - we started with a tent and enough equipment that all fitted into the boot of a car, then.....

Kit grew so big we had a tow bar fitted and brought a trailor, bought more stuff, then... 

Bought a large roofbox, had it fitted bought more stuff, then....

Realised kids were in danger on getting DVT on our final camping under canvas trip (boot packed, trailor packed, roof box packed) as they were sandwiched between bedding, washing up bowl, essential food supplies etc so we have now bought a motorhome

Do you see how it happens!!!!!!

All joking aside the bit of kit I could not have lived without was a small waterproof gazebo that we put up in front of the tent. Expanded the evening living space and kept cooker etc dry if it rained. Tesco do one for about £15

Happy 1st camping trip

Quote: Originally posted by angie68 on 21/6/2007

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lol - be afraid - be very afraid - we started with a tent and enough equipment that all fitted into the boot of a car, then.....

Kit grew so big we had a tow bar fitted and brought a trailor, bought more stuff, then... 

Bought a large roofbox, had it fitted bought more stuff, then....

Realised kids were in danger on getting DVT on our final camping under canvas trip (boot packed, trailor packed, roof box packed) as they were sandwiched between bedding, washing up bowl, essential food supplies etc so we have now bought a motorhome

Do you see how it happens!!!!!!

All joking aside the bit of kit I could not have lived without was a small waterproof gazebo that we put up in front of the tent. Expanded the evening living space and kept cooker etc dry if it rained. Tesco do one for about £15

Happy 1st camping trip

 

 

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Please please do a search (using the icon at the top of this page), entering keyword 'gazebo' , before getting one of these for camping trips.

Got that, thanks! Kfs, plates, bottle opener, corkscrew, wellies, and so'wester, also.

The list is endless, even thought about clean undies!!!!!!!    

You'll need a kite for when it's windy and a frisby for when it's not.

A book to read when it's raining and sunscreen for when it's not.

A tool kit with all the mending and fixing tapes, tie wraps and bits of string, screwdrivers and sharp knife.

Spares of everything you've got, just in case something gets lost or broken.

Bottles of beer and a welcome sign if you want to make friends. Loads of windbreaks to build baracades if you dont.

Most important...

...a note pad and pencil to make notes of everything you'll need for the next trip.

... a sense of humour  - for when you discover that your partner hasn't packed something important because they thought you did!!!!!! (this normally makes it your fault).

When we go away we always have a list of things we didn't need and a list of things we wished we'd taken.... but it's always the case if you don't take it you wish you had and if you do take it you don't need it!

Part of the fun is making do without the things you forget and realising that they don't really matter or finding an ingenious alternative. 

Just go and have a good time.

Al

Quote: Originally posted by msmith570 on 20/6/2007

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• Padlocks (for tent door)                                                                

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have you read this thread  oops.. you have and posted about sensibly locking up bikes while you are out!!!!

i am thinking of the fire escape issue.

what i hadn't thought of but will do in future, having read the security thread, is to keep a penknife by the bed in case i need to escape quickly.  Even without padlocks, zips aren't quick to undo in the middle of the night and a peg never comes out when you want it to!