1st time camping what do I need?

Upsy_Daisy

Going camping next week with partner and two kids under the age of 5 going to Galway as we are catching up with family down there.

We have a 10 man tent probably too big but thats all we have at the moment, have 2 airbeds, sleeping bags and lights what other absolute essentials do you recommend.

Also we'll be pitching in a campsite can anyone recommend any of the sites in Galway/Salthill areas.

fenris

forget the sleeping bags for the kids - try bringing their own duvet and pillows - keep it familiar if they have not been camping before.
Wetwipes - lots of!
small torches for the kids - they don't get a worried by the dark if they have their own lights, and don't forget the longer they stay awake playing with them, the more likely you are to get a lie in past dawn.

From my experience a 10 man tent sounds about right for 2 under fives!

Carawaystick

bring pillowcases - stuff their clothing in to make pillows.
bring a gas stove. to cook simple meals on.

bring lots of food - stuff that takes a while to prepare will kill time. like cuppa soup; hot chocolate and marshmallows; pancake batter premixed; cooked spuds to fry; etc.
ready to eat food will just be eaten immediately, but something that needs a bit of waiting/preperation will get the children more involved and they shouldn't mind the time passing too much.

il gatto

Seeing as you're probably camping near your car with a tent that size, I'd suggest folding chairs and camp table. I'd also suggest a sleep mask. Works wonders if you don't want to wake up at a sparrow's f@rt.
I sometimes wear ear plugs, but probably not a good idea with young children to listen out for.
Bring a bundle of paracord or stout twine. Bring spare tent pegs. Bring a mallet for putting down pegs. Bring a small first aid kit. Bring toilet paper.

docmol

if you're going out to buy torches get the led ones. I know they were selling them in the texaco just before Enniskerry for €10 (with batteries and pouch) but I am sure they are readily available. They seem to last forever and there is nothing worse than no light at night. +1 to the wetwipes! I always bring a foam gardeners kneeling pad (I walk not drive, it's very light in weight) because it has so many uses (seat/chopping board/fan for starting fire etc) INSECT REPELLANT + SUN SCREEN!

smblott

Don't forget a bucket or something similar that can be used to avoid a trip to the toilet block in the middle of the night.

Cookie_Monster

Don't forget a few relaxation beers for when the kids (finally) go to bed:D

Upsy_Daisy

Cheers everyone not sure what we've let ourselves in for.

Mighty_Mouse

http://www.livefortheoutdoors.com/Gear-Reviews/Search-Results/Tents/1-Features-for-Tents-landing-page/Basic-backpacking-gear-checklist/

Cookie_Monster

How'd it go so???

Upsy_Daisy

1st time camping what do I need?

A holiday after it:D

The weather couldn't have been any worse woke up in 3 inches of water on the 2nd morning so that put an end to that, but the kids had a great time.

mckildare

Ah the joys of camping Lesson learned, dont go to the west, ever :pac:

Donny5

Upsy_Daisy wrote: »

1st time camping what do I need?

A holiday after it:D

The weather couldn't have been any worse woke up in 3 inches of water on the 2nd morning so that put an end to that, but the kids had a great time.

WIll you try it again? Camping gets better everytime you do it!