Camping Gear

[milly143]

We're camping at Silverstone for a couple of nights in June and it looks like we are going to have to buy all the gear so I'm after some tips as I have never been camping before.

Tents - is there anything specifici I should be looking for when buying one? Is a two man tent really comfortable for two people or would a 4 man tent be better? Not really wanting to spend more then about £50.00

Air Beds - Are the double air beds comfortable? Do they stay pumped up?

........ No idea what else we'll need! Any tips?

[The-HouseHusband]

Two man tents are fine for short stays if you can keep most of your kit in the boot of the car otherwise go for a larger four man tent, if you look on argos or amazon they usually have good deals going on.

Single air beds tend to be better than doubles unless you want to be particularly close to your partner, dont forget you will also need sleeping bags, torches and maybe a small stove for making a brew in the morning.

[jackthehat]

Unless you are near 'the facilities', you'll need a bucket.........or just don't drink anything after 7pm....:o)

[milly143]

Oh yeah, can't face the day without a cuppa first thing in the morning. Good point.

Will check out both sites to see what deals they have on tents. Thanks

When it comes to sleeping bags, is it better to use a sleeping bag for a certain reason or would a duvet each be ok? It might be a bit of a thick question but I'm just trying to keep costs to a minimum.

[The-HouseHusband]

Forgot to mention if you do go down the cooking route you will also need pans, plates, water container, coolbox, etc

The list is endless depending on how independent and how comfortable you want to be.

I think all the kit i have acquired over the years helping out on scout camps and weekends away must have cost me a few grand!!!

[ChuckFickens]

Halfords are pretty good for tents too.

[jackthehat]

Sleeping bags are warmer, definitely.

[NICKYLOU1978]

I am no expert, but have stayed in a 2 man tent with my partner for 5 nights and although cosy, would not do it again.I would recommend a 4 man tent. And as for air beds, The ones I have used were hopeless. You can buy roll upmats to sleep on with are compact for travelling and fab...depending on how long u are going for.Definitely get a mini camping stove, even if just one ring.It was a god send for me, just to be able to have a coffee or tea in the mornings......Camping is meant to be fun, so u don't need luxuries.Just the basics, mates, sleping bags, mini stove, a lamp/light and you shall be fine .I personally buy all my camping gear from Argos as they have packages with the contents you need,and the seperate items are cheaper than found at campin retailers. You could also try www.gumtree.com for your area.I have noticed , many people are giving away camping items in the freebies section and if not are often selling them...I hope this was some kind of help...Have a lovely time x

[ChuckFickens]

Although in June a Duvet would probably be OK.

A cheap kit deal may be your best option.

http://www.halfords.c..._-1_categoryId_236906

[ummmm]

We got a 4 man tent and I still found it really small.

I would buy two single airbeds...

[milly143]

A bucket! lol.

We haven't picked the campsite yet but I think the ones on our shortlis all have facilities. They better bloody have anyway.

Oh god, I can see this list getting huge. I'm a home comforts kind of girl.

[chelle7272]

Yes I agree with Nockylou about Argos, We got a great package with them of a tent, double and 2 single sleeping bags, double and 2 single airbeds and some other bits and pieces, for pretty much the price of the tent elsewhere. I know you may not want as much as that, but I'm sure they have other deals.

[milly143]

Oh god, sorry. I keep missing answers being posted while I'm typing replies.

Thanks all for the suggestions. Given me quite a lot to go on and places to look already so I'll spend the morning looking at all your suggestions. Thanks for the advice, been a huge help already.

[jackthehat]

Agreed, chuck..........but as a committed camper, I learned early on not to try and second guess quite what the British weather is going to be like..........especially in the summer !! :o)

Single airbeds are a sensible idea.............so is the bucket !! :D

[Sqad]

Tents, sleeping bags, air beds,small stove..........a "bucket".....sounds idyllic ;-)

[ummmm]

It's not idyllic....It's horrible. I hated every minute of it....I'm really a hotel sort of girl but as the don't have hotels near the main stage in Glastonbury I'll have to stick with a tent..

[LDC134]

I'd definitely recommend a bucket (!) or we have a medical 'john' plastic thing which is perfect. I would also support the tent package concept - B&Q also do something where you get tent, 2 roll up mats and 2 sleeping bags.
One other tip - if you take sugar in tea, start collecting sugar sachets from diners / MacDonalds etc - you definitely don't want to take a bag of sugar (ants love to invade it) or if you are a coffee drinker, try nescafe new 3 in 1 sachets - they aren't as good as proper coffee, but a real saver instead of taking sugar and milk.

[heathfield]

One of the first rules for sleeping out-doors...to stay warm, have as many bedclothes under you as over you. In this respect, a sleeping bag is better that a duvet.

[scotman]

Just received an email from GoOutdoors with some offers on camping equipment. If there is one near you it might we worth a visit or check web site.

[boxtops]

Sleeping bags zip up - definitely better than crawly things from outside getting under your duvet....

[ubasses]

I do not do camping but Go Outdoors it very good and they will probably have some tents set up for you to look at along with all the other equipment needed. Our local one has some excellent staff who know their stuff.