Summer camping tips for newbies

School’s out for summer so this gives you the chance to try camping for a change. Camping is a cheap way to enjoy a family holiday, if you are planning a budget break this year a few nights under canvas could be the answer you are looking for.  

Where do you start with a camping trip though?

If you are serious about getting into camping and think you’ll use a tent on more than one occasion, can we make the following recommendations?

1. Buy a trusty tent

Choose a tent that best suits your needs. Work out how many people will be sleeping in the tent, the amount of living space you require inside and how easy the canvas is going to be to erect.

At the budget end of the scale a pop up tent is one of the easiest options to erect, most of the other options require the assembly of poles. Look for quick-pitch options to keep things as simple as possible and remember to buy a rubber hammer to knock the spikes into the ground.

2. Buy camping gear

Once you buy a tent it’s time to think about how you are going to fill it. We suggest you buy the following items...

·         Sleeping bags – one per person

·         Airbeds – doubles or singles to cater for all campers

·         Pump or compressor – To blow the beds up

·         Stove – To cook on

·         Pans – To cook with

·         Camping kettle – To make a brew with

·         Melamine plates/cups – To eat and drink from

·         Basic cutlery – To eat with

·         Folding table and chairs – For comfort when eating

·         Torches and lanterns – To see where you are going at night

·         Matches – To light stoves or gas lanterns.

·         Water carrier – Saves going backwards and forwards to the tap

These are the basics of a decent camping package. To save money, look for pre-owned equipment sold through sites like eBay, buy the basics cheaply and you can add to them later on.

3. Check out site facilities

Never book a campsite on a whim. Carefully look at the facilities they have to offer and always read the reviews. Things to look for are the standard of the ablutions, whether there’s a shop on site, do they provide good washing-up facilities and are the play facilities any good if you are taking kids camping with you?

It never does any harm to explore the facilities of a campsite online before you make a booking and it could save disappointment when you arrive.

4. Take a selection of clothes with you

The weather is unpredictable in the UK to say the least so pack for all eventualities when you go camping. Shorts and t-shirts are fine during the summer, but there can be a nip in the air early morning on campsites so a thin jumper or cardigan might be welcome if you’re an early riser.

Pack plenty of waterproofs too. The British climate is prone to showers so a kagool is a cool and essential item of kit.

One last thing....

Happy camping! 

Article Posted: 21/07/2014 08:29:32