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Quote: Originally posted by Merry on 12/6/2009

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Quote: Originally posted by fran1000 on 12/6/2009

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I split my stuff into cool days and hot days, so shorts, sandals and short-sleeved tops are in one, trousers, socks, shoes and long-sleeved tops, plus a jumper, in the other......

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I'm liking this idea a lot!

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You're easily impressed, Merry!  I even segregate my underwear - black in one pocket of the bag, white in the other. That's a bit OCD really, isn't it? I can't buy any of that nude coloured underwear, I'd have to buy a new holdall with 3 pockets, or relocate the socks, and that would be the end of civilisation as we know it.

Ugh this post has become unbearably patronising

I think we should remember that just because people are newbies does not mean that they are devoid of brains

When I started camping I read posts on here about various cooking equipment, sleeping arrangements, tent set ups etc etc and I was grateful for that advice, then I did a bit more research and found what is best for me.  I didn't rush out and buy anything just because someone on here mentioned it, I am actually responsible for my own purchases and can make my own decisions. 

If I read a post on here daying 'you NEED a cupboard' I would want to know why, what would I use it for, can I fit in it my car, how much does it weigh, do I have room for it in my tent, do I want one etc etc

What gauls me is the way people criticize others for having what they choose in their tents

If you are happy with your lot then why worry about what others have

I don't criticize other peoples choice of tent, set up etc etc - it may not be what I would like but I wouldn't be rude about their choices

We all have different needs and wants and I think this forum is great at showing everyone the full range of camping equipment that is available

Whether people choose to purchase anything is totally down to them and their needs/wants 

  Was it something I said ?  

Quote: Originally posted by PigletandTigger on 13/6/2009

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but our set up time is very quick, c. 45 minutes in total, including fridge working on gas, beds made and sun canopy up.

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This I need to know about, because I can't get mine under one hour no matter how hard I try or how much I press gang the kids. Lists and pictures!!!!!

OMG. This is getting too painful to read guys. You're just going in circles. Can we all please lighten up & enjoy camping?? -whatever way you want to enjoy it? We are all human being with individual differences, different likes & dislikes, as you all said to each his own, now can we all just leave it at that have a group hug & respect each others decision or opinion?

Sorry ...

Now I'm hiding ..

Quote: Originally posted by sinoka on 13/6/2009 now can we all just leave it at that have a group hug & respect each others decision or opinion?

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Quote: Originally posted by fran1000 on 12/6/2009

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I think I'll get one of those big steamer trunks, that opens out and has drawers and cupboards and everything in it. That way I can transport everything already in its place, and just wheel it in when the tent is up.

Of course, it would require its own trailer.......

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I don't think there is a 'best way' for anything to do with camping, just a 'best way for me'. I also reckon all comments on this thread are equally valid, also equally as persuasive (and that, possibly, is why it is important to consider all thoughts on the matter, as Piglet has said).

I'll hold my hands up and admit I have bought stuff which sounds good on these boards (including certain tents, TBH! ), only to find it doesn't work for us. Is there any other way of doing things, honestly? We all take the bits of advice we deem most relevant, then find our own way.

We've had the whole caboodle, tall wardrobes, low larders, hanging larders, long sideboards, the lot. I found them a faff to put together and take apart again, so streamlined a bit and started using holdalls (so everyone had their own) and plastic drawers (so everything could stay in), which basically worked better for us. That said, we still do have one of the long low cupboards (like the one in Valbarley's profile pic) because it fits the Biscaya perfectly and is useful as a table top, as well as for storage, so that is a bit of a compromise.

Do I wish I'd missed out the plethora of cupboards stage? Nope, because I initially fancied them and then decided I didn't like or need them all. I kept the one which works for us.

So, I'd advise any newbie reading these threads to base their spending on what they feel is right for them at the time and, if it doesn't work out as well as you'd hoped, move on and try another way suggested on here, maybe. That's also part of the fun of it all, don't you think?