Hi everyone, this is my first proper post, and the first of many simple and naive questions.
So we finally went camping proper this weekend. We had to rush and buy a tent without any reading around as we'd been let down by a friend at 24 hours short notice, but I think we did right there and bought a Vango Kura 600. After being there I think we must have missed several items so I wanted to know what everyone's most essential items were.
We had (prepare to laugh) Bought new
Tent
2x stoves (spare cannisters)
Sleeping bags each
Blow up beds each
Kelly Kettle (that was like a birthday present for me and I never used it, we never bought a proper kettle either!!!) We cobbled together
pans from the house
Big bottles of water
toilet roll (there was some on the site)
kitchen towels
food
washing up bowl and liquid
Blankets for the floor
Hammer for the tent pegs (used feet)
What I thought we needed
Proper clothing to keep warm (Long Johns?)
A light (Should it be wind up)
A heater
More little games for the family
Seats
Proper cooking set
Knife + (Multi tool set)
I'm sure there's more but as yet we need to build up to getting it right, packing lightly and planning a little more. Though to be truthful this occasion was a wedding of a friend at a VW festival.
Well it seems to me that you have most things covered. In the 'Features/Tips' section there is a really comprehensive list of all equipment you should need, have a look you may find it useful.
Re a light - should it be wind up - I suggest getting a high power battery powered LED lantern eg Silverpoint SL707, you will be disappointed at the lack of light and lack of battery life on old-fashioned battery lanterns and it's a bit dodgy to use gas powered lanterns inside the tent. Or use a wind up one which will also suffer from lack of power and you'll be forever winding. You can spend lots of money (like I have) buying lantern after lantern until you get the right one, as it's annoying when you can't see properly at night. The Silverpoint is my No1 essential bit of kit!
Haha, thanks. You know I'm guilty of posting before looking. My wife does many forums (baby wearing, pregnancy UK, tortoise ones) and is very ofay with the workings, I on the other hand for all my geeky goodness am a forum noob.
I did find that list after and am already constructing my next packing list.
Is there anything on there that you wouldn't be without?
Maybe it was because I was all new and unprepared but I sort of thought it was cold when I was trying to get to sleep and a few hours before. However when I went to the toilet about 1am it wasn't too bad at all.
What do you think of long johns? Or am I over reacting?
Long Johns? Why not? Whatever you need to keep warm and comfortable. Nothing worse than feeling cold. I usually put in a lightweight fleecy tracksuit which can be worn in evening or in sleeping bag.
------------- Mavis
It is easier to smile than frown so share a smile every day