Jules. Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 Since everybody did a great job helping Chelsea with her concert pack ideas I thought I'd ask all you expert campers what I need to take with me on Saturday for a weeks' camping with Ethan in Keswick. We have a 4-man tent , sleeping bags, camping mats, chairs, hot water bottle, flip flops for the showers, & if need be if the weather is totally vile we can fold the back seats up in the Picasso & sleep in that! We are catered for on the site, & so won't need to cook ( why do you think I booked this campsite!) I have written myself a list of things that I think will be handy already, & would like you to add to it! Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 Hi Jules, I have a list that I keep on the computer, so every year I just print it out and pack everything on it! Just make sure you update it as you think of things! After the first couple of times without, I now always take pillows (proper ones, not those piffling little camping ones) They make so much difference to your comfort levels! Torch or lamp. We take a large Thermos water carrier, even if you are being catered for you will want some water for drinking and ad hoc washing of children. Do you have a small camping gaz stove and kettle so you can make hot drinks when you want? Most of mine is geared towards cooking but if I think of anything else I'll come back Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tessa the Duchess Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 I would add a small first aid kit, plasters, savlon, pain killers etc., Also a small mirror to hang in the tent and a small washing line, pegs and washing liquid. A couple of Citronella candles to keep the insects away at night? A small dustpan and brush is quite useful as the tent inevitably gets a bit dirty with stuff from outside being trodden in. I love the 'idea' of camping Hope the weather is kind to you. Tessa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina C Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 A Tub Trug - for apple bobbing, water fights etc or cleaning shoes in! Bug/bird/star book, binoculars. Head torches are good for reading in bed. Our latest top tip is walkie talkies. Layla can go off with a friend as long as she takes walkie talkie - then we can find out what she is up to or call her back when we need her. Children love walkie talkies! This is a fun book with lots of ideas for games http://www.amazon.co.uk/Happy-Campers-Kat-Heyes/dp/0747586667/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1216805548&sr=8-1 Example - camping pinata You need a box, sticky tape and some rope. Get children to fill box with grass, leaves etc than add some sweets, stickers, treats. Tie on rope and sling over a tree branch with someone ready to alter the height. Send children on another mission to find a big stick each. Take it it turns to don blindfold and bash. Clean up afterwards! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 I would add a small first aid kit, plasters, savlon, pain killers etc., Also a small mirror to hang in the tent and a small washing line, pegs and washing liquid. A couple of Citronella candles to keep the insects away at night? A small dustpan and brush is quite useful as the tent inevitably gets a bit dirty with stuff from outside being trodden in. I love the 'idea' of camping Hope the weather is kind to you. Tessa but handle with extreme care - children - candles - small amount of space - tent.... not always a good idea... phil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helen&Lee Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 I find bin bags an essential - for wet clothes, something to sit on when its damp etc. Wet wipes, torches, flask. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoid Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 Insect repellent! Camera, portable dvd player, smoke alarm like this one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yorkshire Pudding Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 Wellies - legs get very wet on trips to the loo across dewy morning grass. Newspaper - spread under camping mat for an extra layer of insulation between you and the ground. Dominoes, cards and other games that pack small. Sweeties to play for (instead of money - somehow my sister always won the lot!). Binoculars for star/bird spotting. Bucket for rinsing, washing, collecting things in. small but powerful water pistols for whole-site waterfighting (always when I was a kid). Have a good time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mutrix Farmers Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 I find a blanket quite useful as sometimes the nights get a bit chilly and you need the extra layer. A picnic blanket (the sort with the waterproof backing) under the sleeping mats makes it feel a bit more cosy. Mallet for banging in tent pegs Camp table and everything else the others have already suggested. Like Snowy I have a list on the computer, but I always seem to add something extra every year - this year it's fridge and electric hook up!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 lots of the people that were camped near us in tents had windbreaks and/or gazebos, so they could still sit outside in the wind/drizzle. scrabble or chess? books warm clothes, a fleece type jacket and definitely a waterproof one! LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 Ian just said Argos have got 50% off camping equipment at the moment, a fold up table that you can carry in a bag is great. We got this one from millets. The top sort of concertinas up and it all fits into a drawstring bag. http://www.millets.co.uk/Aluminium-Table---Small/product/093410.aspx?searchbreadcrumbs=table this is it in use http://www.liverpoolpoet.talktalk.net/denn7.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 crocs wellies! Windbreaks are good to put round the front of the tent for privacy. Sun gas stove & some gas cans, small whistling kettle, tea, coffee or those packs of cups with hot chocolate in. Collect some mini cartons of milk from your supermarket cafe , plus sugars & sauces! Some sort of bags for any rubbish! folding chairs. phone charger for the car! Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tessa the Duchess Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 Blimey Jules, you are going to need a trailer to tow all the suggestions, bet you wish you hadn't asked Tessa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basset Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 A football. Ethan will instantly make loads of friends at the campsite if he has a football! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules. Posted July 23, 2008 Author Share Posted July 23, 2008 Thanks for all the suggestions- they are great. I have taken all of them on board, tis a good job my car has a big boot! Before Ethan & I set up camp we have to drop Alexander off at his camp at Brathwaite, so we'll have his sleeping gear & clothes to fit in, not to mention the buggy for Ethan! We are so excited. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 23, 2008 Share Posted July 23, 2008 Collect some mini cartons of milk from your supermarket cafe , plus sugars & sauces! for 'collect' read 'pinch'! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 Oy! Perhaps buy a cuppa first then sort of take 4 milks instead of one! Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 A woollen or fleece hat, if you wear a hat in bed it keeps you so much warmer on a cold night. Warm fleeces for the evening it is suprising how chilly it can be even in high summer. A good story for you to read to him, we love snuggling up in the tent with a good book at night Good suncream is amust when you are outdoors all day. Have a great time, it is a lovely way to relax and spend some special time with your children Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 Flip flops or similar/something to wear to the shower block/in the showers Tin foil (to cover food from flies etc you could cook baked potatoes in foil etc) Dustpan and brush (to sweep grass out tent) Blankets washing up bowl, dishcloth, tea towels, washing up liquid bin bags wet wipes - multipurpose for wiping people and spills! torch extra tent pegs a box/crate or similar - something to keep your food in corkscrew and tin opener. ice blocks A bucket - essential IMO has multi purpose uses! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina C Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 I did not read your post properly - I thought it was the whole family Oh well, Ethan may be a bit young for camping pinata but may come in handy in future years... Defintiely agree with the football. Layla takes a huge beach ball and becomes very popular as she has the biggest ball on the campsite The inflatable hammer is strangely popular too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whittlewitch Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 I would agree with just about everything, but would also add kitchen roll, multiple uses - not that its going to rain - but if it does you might need it to mop the floor. Have a great week, we are off in the tent too, but down to Cornwall. So you should be fine, heat wave in the north , torrential rain in the south west!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 Have a great week, we are off in the tent too, but down to Cornwall. So you should be fine, heat wave in the north , torrential rain in the south west!!! When are you going? we've been basking in sunshine here for a week or so, friend just came back from Polzeath and lovely down there too (swimming in sea/blue skies etc) so I hope our weather holds for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperwife Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 what about a pack of cards? kitchen roll, wet ones, cool box, extra blankets. I think im just repeating what everyone else has said hope you have a fab time cathy x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 what about a pack of cards? x oh yes, i forgot that!!!! we sat outside in the evening with our citronella candles, a bottle of wine, playing gin rummy I wish we'd taken our boules set but next time we will! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whittlewitch Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 Have a great week, we are off in the tent too, but down to Cornwall. So you should be fine, heat wave in the north , torrential rain in the south west!!! When are you going? we've been basking in sunshine here for a week or so, friend just came back from Polzeath and lovely down there too (swimming in sea/blue skies etc) so I hope our weather holds for you. Tomorrow!!! Going to Padstow so fingers crossed. x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
