Message Forums

Hi CraigyD.

               You make a good point, which for the few who view camping as an act of madness, ie most of my work collegues!, fail to realise is that the intial high investment of all your camping gear will after a year or two right itself of, when you consider what you would have spent say on renting a static, or package holidays etc, even after factoring in pitch charges etc. one of my mates at work went to the Vendee in France for two weeks  in July, it was with Eurocamp/Keycamp, OK he was in a big posh static, and the ferry was included, but the cost was close on £1900, since talking to me he is considering Camping, as he could go to the same site at the same time and even including the cost of his tent and kit it would still work out cheaper, he agrees more effort is required, but isn't that part of the fun of camping. this were I think camping wins over say caravans or motorhomes, not quite as easy to justify the investment with those, although given time I can see myself owning an Eriba Troll c/w awning although at 19K, I will be sticking with the tent for quite some time to come!.

Quote: Originally posted by Francais on 22/2/2009

---

               You make a good point, which for the few who view camping as an act of madness, ie most of my work collegues!, fail to realise is that the intial high investment of all your camping gear will after a year or two right itself ....

---

Well yes, but only if a) people stick with camping and b) they buy the right stuff for them in the first place. It may well be possible to put a tick in both those boxes but the experience of most people who post on here is that b) in particular rarely happens.

Its also worth remembering before venturing too far down the 'all home comforts' line that generally speaking the more stuff you take the less you go, and ultimately the less enjoyment you get from camping.

OTOH, if a family normally spends a £1.5 K on holidays for a year, then spending £1K on kit and £500 on site fees and travel, say, then if they tried the camping for a year and then binned the lot they wouldn't have spent any more money than usual.

I guess it comes down to whether you are brave/foolhardy enough to gamble £1.5K in this way!

Tesco direct have the small aluminium roll up tables on offer for £9.99.They are normally about £20 , and also they have gas lanterns £5.75, normally about £15.

Wilkinsons for UFO lights £3.99, do a search in equipment section for these, everyone loved them.

Crockery, poundland has some great melamine stuff, cutlery, utensils  and pans take from home.

I bought loads from this place last year when I started up from scratch again

 sleeping bags, I have the sunncamp super kingsize ones on page 2 and they really are very warm. single gelert airbeds under £6.

they also have double burner cookers with lid  for £22, or suitcase style fom under £10. You don't ned to have one with a grill if you get a fold  flat toaster like this

kettle £4,

 kampa khazi £14.50

ask at your local tip /recycling center/scrap metal yard for a gas bottle.

CraigyD,

Try to avoid falling into the camping shop trap for accessories, eg as far as dishes etc are concerned you can pick up cheap melamine dishes in Asda and the like once they start to get their picnic stuff in,  Same with lights and things we used lanterns last year but they are heavy and awkward for packing so plan on getting some of the UFO lights this year (£3 from Asda). Poundshop is also good for picking things up, we got cutlery sets last year, Go Outdoors where wanting  £5 for same thing! A good idea is to keep a look out on here and you will soon find where all the bargains are also use the search facility at the top to see what is recommended. Pots & pans take some from home or else you can get a cheap set from Asda/Ikea etc

Jubilee TBA-
July - Blue Dolphin

My son and girlfriend are on a really tight budget.

We bought them a tent for christmas, but they have got loads of stuff from charity shops,ie pans, cutlery, and two lovely chairs.

Good idea for the frst time camper, just in case you hate it!

Also, every year OH leaves something in the washing up area and it dissapears!

Hence we have odd amounts of things, and now non matching crockery!.

Big tent, all the accesories ,   2 teenage girls, I think you'll need a trailer and a roofbox lol

I use a transit van.

Quote: Originally posted by CraigyD on 22/2/2009

---

.

Just out of curiosity, what cars do you lot drive? I have a 08 5 door Clio and gonna be pushed for room? Anybody else have a similar car and do you use a trailer or a roof box? I know this year we have arranged for the 3 ladies to travel via train and me and my son will go in the car, pitch tent then pick up the ladies etc. Same on return, just in reverse.

---

 We have a little fiat punto and 1 teenage son and we manage without a roofbox or trailor but only because we limit ourselves.

Instead of 3 chairs, sleeping bags etc you will have 5 so I fear you will struggle.

We use a suitcase stove, single burners, cadac, suitcase bbq etc. In other words, no large cooking unit and big gas bottles. If you do then they will take alot more room than what we use.

Also teenage girls + clothes = much space needed so hopefully they will take their stuff on the train with them :)

IMHO you are going to need a roofbox

Good luck and happy camping :)

Angie

Firstly i would get a trailer, as its much easier, although that and the towbar will increase your outgoings it will be worth it.

Regarding the tent, i would get it now. Ive just bought a 2008 outwell mini 6 that was £200 off the new 2009 model price, and if the economy continues to be bad camping is going to be on the up. Going abroad in july/aug with the Euro/Dollar is madness now (we have done it every year but this year - no way) so a lot are going to be buying tents???? that just my personal outlook, have a look about for a good price on a 2008 model. I got mine a few weeks back but i know ive got it and can start planning, and i always look at it as if you see it and like it, and the price is right - get it.

Worst comes you can flog it on ebay and recover most of your outlay anyway.

Regarding the "right" equipment, i made the mistake of going cheap and buying crap cheapo stuff and then hated every second. Last year i bought some better stuff and now with the outwell i realise if i had bought that in the first place i would have enjoyed it a lot more. lesson learnt, going cheapo is fine, but spending a bit more on what is your comfort can make the trip enjoyable over misery. Although plates and cookware - buy cheapo from asda/tesco etc, no point in paying extra just because it is in a camping shop, or a pretty colour!!!

Just my 2p worth.