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Going camping for 1st time in our Aztec Sala 4 in Wasdale for 5 nights with partner, 15 yr old daughter and Border Collie.  Major problem is my VW Golf Cabriolet.  Does anyone have tips or guidance (please don't say to change my car as I cannot afford to do this until next year!)

Is this tent easy to put up? We do intend to have a trial run in the local park.

Good idea to have a trial run in the park first.  Should be pretty straight forward to put up being a tunnel tent.  As to not having much space in the car just don't pack too much.  If you don't think you'll use it don't take it.  Try not to pack the car with rigid stuff, soft sided bags instead of cases etc fit in better.

Have a good trip

First time we ever went camping I packed WAY too much stuff and didn't use half of it!

Essential things to take would be:
* the tent (my friend once left hers behind!)
* something to sleep on and in (we use sleeping bags as they pack down smaller than duvets and inflatable mattresses)
* clothes, towel and wash bag (rucksacks are great as you can squash them down better than a suitcase)
* cutlery, plates and cups per person
* can opener (the one thing I forgot on our first trip!) and cork screw
* camping stove
* 2 saucepans and a frying pan
* collapsable water carrier
* enough food for the first night (packet pasta and rice are popular and easy)
* bottle of wine

After that (and assuming space allows) you can then add a few extras in like:
* EHU
* heater (I'm a wuss and hate being cold!)
* camp kitchen
* BBQ
* TV (not something we take but I know a lot of people do!)
* fridge
* table and chairs
* more wine

washing up liquid and dish towel, towels and shower gel and other toiletries, we always take baby wipes for cleaning our hands during the day without having to rush to the loos, a light of some sort - the LED ones in Morrisons are really great and well worth £3!

Dont worry about tent - have a practice - you will get the tent up even if you get help from fellow campers !!

Good sleeping bags and warm clothes for the evenings.

Bottle opener !!

Enjoy !!

A nappy bucket unless you want to hike at midnight to the loo or a porta potti if you have the room  oh and a torch to see where the bucket is lol