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Topic: Family camping starter bundle?

Bobogib

13/3/2021 at 1:32pm
Location: Northumberland
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Is there any online shops that do a 'starter bundle'?

You always see tent bundle offers, but never equipment.

We are wanting to get back into camping this year now our younger children are a bit older, but only have a tent.

Short of going into a camping shop when they re-open, is there anywhere I can get an essentials bundle?

Bramston

13/3/2021 at 2:24pm
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My cycle/hike camping bundle is very different to my car camping bundle which is very different to that of Deborah Turner who enjoys the luxuries of life and has promised me a glass of chilled white wine from her wine chiller while she explains all her excellent and expensive equipment, in detail.
There's no end to what you can take camping; from home or from camping specialists, it depends on your pocket, your mode of transport and your expectations.
If something is wrong replace it, if something is right treasure it and tell me all about it over a glass of chilled or warm white wine on a fine summer's evening as the sun dips into the sea.

I'm building up a trolley camping bundle, all my kit stashed on trollies in the car, for campsites where there is no car access to the pitch and everything has to be walked in.

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dk168

13/3/2021 at 3:00pm
Location: Devizes Wiltshire
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I am guessing they are not common as everyone's "essential" kit is very different based on his/her needs and wants.

I would advise coming up with a list of what you are after, and then approach independent shops to ask if they would do a deal for you.

Camperite Camping Shop in Colchester is one such retailer that I would recommend.

I have never bought anything from there, however, I know the owner personally and he is very helpful and knowledgeable on all things camping related.

DK

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Monty15

13/3/2021 at 3:38pm
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I doubt that if you do find a 'kit' it will be complete enough to just pack in car with tent and go camping!

Caravans often come with a 'Starter Kit' of water barrel, waste water container, step etc., BUT it's only the main items, all the 'little' bits like the pipe to connect waste water outlet to waste tank etc. will likely not be included. So the 'kit' may be an economic saving on buying individual bits, but it's not actually complete or useable until supplemented!

A good knowledgeable camping shop (probably NOT one of the chain stores!) may give you guidance in building your own kit, and if you hint/ask nicely, they may even give you a discount for bulk purchase!

No two people have the same expectations from camping, so it's difficult for us to guide you too much, it rapidly turns into a long question and answer session which gets very messy on a forum such as this! Don't be too put off by that, feel free to ask opinions if you give us a little guidance on what your camping aspirations are.

Bobogib

14/3/2021 at 7:20am
Location: Northumberland
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Apologies, didn't mean to open a can of worms.

My wife and I used to camp quite a lot. I had a classic mini so we used to do the show circuit every summer.

We've since had 4 kids and just want to start enjoying what the UK has to offer with them. I find trawling through website quickly becomes frustrating. Hence why I was hoping I could find somewhere that I could go in and get something to sleep on/in, something to cook on and something to eat off etc, without the potential for getting to the site and realising we've not bought something.

I'll start looking for camping stores near me. Unfortunately where I live currently (High Wycombe) has a Millets and a Decathlon, that's it. So if anyone can recommend some good shops around Bucks that I can travel too once we are allowed, I'd be very grateful.

Mucker1884

14/3/2021 at 7:54am
Location: Derby.
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I strongly suspect, once the borders and airports become free-flowing again, EBay will be overrun with camping starter bundles, with kits/tents etc "used just once"!

You'll be spoilt for choice!

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2024: 38 nights thus far...
2023: 47 nights
2022: 40 nights
2021: 30 nights
2020: Just 24 nights
2019: A personal best 50 nights
2018: Just the 30 nights
2017: 34 nights
2016: 32 nights
2015: 38 nights
2014: 34 nights
2013: 36 nights
From July 2012: 23 nights

Mucker1884

14/3/2021 at 8:00am
Location: Derby.
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All joking aside, there is this list below.

A lot may be struck off, as not needed. A lot may be taken straight from home, be that initially to start with, or long term.

Whatever's left is what you need to start shopping for.

Again, it won't be perfect for every camper/family, but without scrutinising it, I suspect there's not much missing from that list.

Worth a look?

Camping Check List...

-------------
2024: 38 nights thus far...
2023: 47 nights
2022: 40 nights
2021: 30 nights
2020: Just 24 nights
2019: A personal best 50 nights
2018: Just the 30 nights
2017: 34 nights
2016: 32 nights
2015: 38 nights
2014: 34 nights
2013: 36 nights
From July 2012: 23 nights

Bobogib

14/3/2021 at 11:49am
Location: Northumberland
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Thanks Mucker,

Will print that out. What we can take from home we will. Don't want to spend loads if the kids don't enjoy it.

gari

14/3/2021 at 2:35pm
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Halfords used to do a family tent pack which included tent, air beds, lights and sleeping bags but that was a few years back.

But they do have an essentials list
https://www.halfords.com/camping/advice/the-essential-family-camping-equipment-list.html

You might be better waiting to see what comes up on Ebay - there will be people who tried camping last year and found it wasn't for them or perhaps are changing to a caravan.

Aldi/Lidl regularly do sleeping bags and sims (sometimes tents) and the 28th March is caravanning special buy day at Aldi (they haven't publicised yet what they are selling but there will probably be some relevant stuff on there).

You haven't mentioned what vehicle you have. A tent large enough for six, plus the other camping gear, plus clothing etc will take up a lot of space - you might want to think about a roof box.

Post last edited on 14/03/2021 14:40:30

Bobogib

14/3/2021 at 8:02pm
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Quote:
You haven't mentioned what vehicle you have. A tent large enough for six, plus the other camping gear, plus clothing etc will take up a lot of space - you might want to think about a roof box.

Post last edited on 14/03/2021 14:40:30

I have a Seat Alhambra, with a 500l plus roof box. 4 kids ranging from 11 down to 3 seem to have a lot of stuff.

Mick S.

14/3/2021 at 9:23pm
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Can you not just trawl ebay and pick off all the gear you need for a 'bundle', and make your own?

lidds0

via mobile 20/3/2021 at 11:12am
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Quote: Originally posted by dk168 on 13/3/2021
I am guessing they are not common as everyone's "essential" kit is very different based on his/her needs and wants.

DK

My thoughts exactly!

It would be nigh-on impossible for any manufacturer to predict what might be considered 'essential' by families, since families themselves vary so tremendously.

Deciding on which kit to buy us half the fun, surely?

When the OP decides which items are 'essential' to them, just post again on here for recommendations in each category and I'm sure there will be lots of replies. It's also worth doing a search of old threads, to see what's previously been recommended in the equipment section.

Best of luck with it!

chatterdog

20/3/2021 at 1:32pm
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with 4 children most important for camping or caravaning is WELLIES that way no matter what once the rain stops (it invariably rains when on holiday at some time) the kids can go out and run off excess steam while keeping their feet dry

After that it would depend on what sort of campers you will be, some need ehu with their pitch for all the electic stuff they take others manage just fine without using traditional gas cookers,kettles etc melemine plates,bowls,cups is a godsend doesnt break when dropped or knocked over and is light

Bramston

20/3/2021 at 1:49pm
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I've always really hated wellies. As a kid I was tall and skinny and hated how they flopped about on my feet, I really loathed the ring of sore skin around my calves where the tops of the wellies rubbed. I'll happily camp with you but I'm not wearing wellies.

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dk168

20/3/2021 at 9:20pm
Location: Devizes Wiltshire
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Quote: Originally posted by Bramston on 20/3/2021
I've always really hated wellies. As a kid I was tall and skinny and hated how they flopped about on my feet, I really loathed the ring of sore skin around my calves where the tops of the wellies rubbed. I'll happily camp with you but I'm not wearing wellies.

I hated wellies as I had to wear them at school on Sundays after church for a walk in muddy tracks before lunch.

Crocs are great, and I wear them all year round, and with SealSkinz waterproof socks for added warmth in the colder months.

DK

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