Now that you've convinced the family to go camping with you, you're next step is to make sure they have a great time without it costing a fortune. Here is a basic inventory of the camping gear you are going to need to buy to make your first trip a success.
Buying a Tent.
Borrow one. That's my advice if you want to go cheap, phone a friend and take it out for the weekend. If you don't want to risk a stinky tent and would prefer your own then this is what I recommend - buy one bigger than you need. I know this isn't exactly a money saving tip but I have a good reason for this. If you're a family of four, for example, you will not fit comfortably into a four person tent and have a good night's sleep. Why is this? In my opinion, to get a good night's sleep while camping you're going to need air beds. Four air beds will not squeeze into a four person tent, that is the basic facts. If you can, go bigger, get a five or a six person tent and I guarantee you'll enjoy the experience much better. If you enjoy it, you'll go back and then you'll be getting your money's worth out of the tent.
Buying Sleeping Bags
There are a lot of sleeping bags on the market but if you're a summer camper this simplifies things a little for you. A two season sleeping bag should have enough insulation to cover most conditions between May and August. Most of these bags have a lower temperature rating of around 7 degrees C. Admittedly temperatures can plummet even during the summer so if you're going to use one of these sleeping bags I would take some thermals and some thick socks along just to be sure. Some people are cold even in their beds at home, if you're one of those people then maybe go for the three season bag.
Air Beds or Foam Mats?
If you want your kids to have a decent night's sleep go for the air beds. Foam mats are good for a bit of insulation but they're not very comfy. Three hours sleep will not add to the camping experience. Buy a pump, four beds and a six person tent. Basic air beds are pretty cheap so it's worth it.
Stove
Let's not try anything fancy here, keep the cooking simple on your first trip. Foldable BBQs are great for burning meat in the evening, but not so great in the morning when the kids are starving. I would recommend a single burner stove that takes butane gas canisters. They are quick and very easy to use, the gas is low-cost and readily available. Take a few one pan recipes with you and grab a pot and a frying pan from the kitchen and that's all you need.
Other camping gear
The above items are all you need to buy, the remainder of the camping gear you already own. Get pans, plates, knives, forks, mugs, wooden spoons from the kitchen, together with the washing up bowl and some detergent. Upstairs, take pillows and blankets and soap and towels, throw warm clothes in a rucksack and that's it. Don't forget your toothbrush and have a great weekend.
Buying a Tent.
Borrow one. That's my advice if you want to go cheap, phone a friend and take it out for the weekend. If you don't want to risk a stinky tent and would prefer your own then this is what I recommend - buy one bigger than you need. I know this isn't exactly a money saving tip but I have a good reason for this. If you're a family of four, for example, you will not fit comfortably into a four person tent and have a good night's sleep. Why is this? In my opinion, to get a good night's sleep while camping you're going to need air beds. Four air beds will not squeeze into a four person tent, that is the basic facts. If you can, go bigger, get a five or a six person tent and I guarantee you'll enjoy the experience much better. If you enjoy it, you'll go back and then you'll be getting your money's worth out of the tent.
Buying Sleeping Bags
There are a lot of sleeping bags on the market but if you're a summer camper this simplifies things a little for you. A two season sleeping bag should have enough insulation to cover most conditions between May and August. Most of these bags have a lower temperature rating of around 7 degrees C. Admittedly temperatures can plummet even during the summer so if you're going to use one of these sleeping bags I would take some thermals and some thick socks along just to be sure. Some people are cold even in their beds at home, if you're one of those people then maybe go for the three season bag.
Air Beds or Foam Mats?
If you want your kids to have a decent night's sleep go for the air beds. Foam mats are good for a bit of insulation but they're not very comfy. Three hours sleep will not add to the camping experience. Buy a pump, four beds and a six person tent. Basic air beds are pretty cheap so it's worth it.
Stove
Let's not try anything fancy here, keep the cooking simple on your first trip. Foldable BBQs are great for burning meat in the evening, but not so great in the morning when the kids are starving. I would recommend a single burner stove that takes butane gas canisters. They are quick and very easy to use, the gas is low-cost and readily available. Take a few one pan recipes with you and grab a pot and a frying pan from the kitchen and that's all you need.
Other camping gear
The above items are all you need to buy, the remainder of the camping gear you already own. Get pans, plates, knives, forks, mugs, wooden spoons from the kitchen, together with the washing up bowl and some detergent. Upstairs, take pillows and blankets and soap and towels, throw warm clothes in a rucksack and that's it. Don't forget your toothbrush and have a great weekend.
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It can be a pain finding product information online, but if you're interested in buying a rucksack or finding out more info on camping gear in general, then these sites should help.
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