1st Time Camper! :)

[Clairey19]

Hello,
I'm going camping down wales on the 10th September for jut the 1 night as I have no idea if I'm going to like it or not.

I have no idea what I need to take apart from a tent, could someone please advise what the basics are? thank you! xx

[MrsCyklisten]

Hi Clairey, Well start with sleeping - here you need tent, sleeping mat or air mattress, sleeping bag, a small pillow if you wish, and a torch or headlamp.
Then what you need for eating (if not eating out) Plate, breakfast bowl, knife, spoon, fork, mug - some kind of stove, kettle/pans, water bottle/jerrycan, a coolbox or insulated bag for your cold food items including cool elements, most camp sites have freezers where you can re-freeze cool-elements - Then you need your favourite tea/coffee/soups etc as well as the food you choose.
And for clothing; be sure to include rain gear, a warm jumper for evening, as well as toilettries and towel. Some camp sites do not supply toilet paper, so it is a good idea to have at least some tissues for a start until the shops are open, just in case. I always take wet wipes with me - they are great for a lot of things - also garbage bags - remember never to leave garbage anywhere.
Hope that gives you an idea - it always depends on the way you are going i.e. by car, by bike or train.... weight is an issueif you have to carry everything.
Have a great trip :0)
Cheers,
Lise

[Clairey19]

thank you very much!
was so worried that i'd forget something really important! x

[Ding Dang Doo]

Hi Clairey,

Mrs C seems to have covered most of the bases! I would recommend checking out the website, and look for reviews of the campsite you have selected, it may just highlight something you may have forgotten.

Also, don't forget, you are only going for one night, so what's the worse that can happen? It may mean that you have to improvise for one night if you forget something. As long as you are warm and you have eaten something you will be fine.

The main thing is to enjoy yourself!

Have fun, and please let us know how you get on.

ATB

Pete

[DaveS]

Hi Clairey,

Mrs C seems to have covered most of the bases! I would recommend checking out the website, and look for reviews of the campsite you have selected, it may just highlight something you may have forgotten.

Also, don't forget, you are only going for one night, so what's the worse that can happen? It may mean that you have to improvise for one night if you forget something. As long as you are warm and you have eaten something you will be fine.

The main thing is to enjoy yourself!

Have fun, and please let us know how you get on.

ATB

Pete

Yep well said that man.

We tend to use a tick list now to ensure that we have everything... it's normally someone else's fault if we forget anything.

[hank roberts]

Hi Guys, I just thought I'd introduce myself to you being new to this forum. I'm nuts about camping and fishing and I am coming over to Europe soon to try my luck here. Where in the UK are the best places for camping and fishing?

[Clairey19]

Hi Guys!
Just wanted to say thank you to you all for getting back to me!

the day started out a bit worrying, we got half way to Wales and realised we had left the tent behind, nightmare!! so had to end up buying a new one! haha!

We all made it through the day and night and the only other thing we forgot was the poles to put up some tarpaulin incase it rained but the couple that were next to us lent us some, as well as making us a cup of tea in the morning, (even gave us some choccy biscuits to dunk in! lol)
they were so helpful, and kind of took it upon themselves to look after us once they realised we had no idea what we were doing!

can officially say I had a great time and I can't wait to go again.
thank you all once again for your help! xx

[Ding Dang Doo]

Leaving the tent behind must be everyone's worse fear... Think a check list is required for next time... Taking it that there will be a next time... ;-)

Glad you had a good time though... Friendly bunch those campers... Mostly...

Pete

[ngovgroup]

Wow, it is really nice to hear that you enjoy your camp, I hope I read your thread before Sept 14, so that I can give advice too.