Camping equipment - total novice

angeldaisy

Hi not sure if this is the right place??

I am thinking of starting camping with my family, we have a young son of 5. we travel to the uk a lot and also would like to spend more time travelling around ireland. Of course now like a lot of people we are on a tight budget.

my questions are, what kind of tent would be the best and the easiest to put up and take down. more importantly what kind of equipment would we need?
The last time we tried camping (as a couple), we ended up forgetting almost everything we needed, so spent the night in agony and freezing:o
I need to be more organised if we are to try it again, so would appreciate any help and advice.
Thanks

DubOnHoliday

Firstly find a tent you can rely on. I've always trusted Vango tents and am currently looking at this for my next purchase http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_7?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=vango+icarus+500&x=0&y=0&sprefix=vango+i

keenan110

The three most important things to have are a good tent, sleeping bags and ground mats.

darrenon

just started camping myself with my wife, and young daughter who loves it.

we got a loan of halfords family tent pack, have found it to be great so far. been out for 3 weekend so 7 nights altogether.

its only 140 at the moment with a full set of accessories

also a cook set for half price when you buy tent.

its been great fun so far.

daisy100

Hiya,

mvself and my boyfriend were actually looking on-line at this offer on Halfords website and were wondering what the tent was like, it looks like a great deal especially with the half price cooking set.
We are camping novices, and are hoping to head off next month with our dog, maybe down around west cork or kerry. any suggestions on places or things to look out for when booking a campsite ?
Thanks.

Tabnabs

In a similar position myself and after a bit of rooting around the net I found this site to be well priced and happy to ship to Ireland for a good rate.
http://www.outdoormegastore.co.uk/

I also found a wealth of information at http://www.thecampingforum.co.uk/forum/

And finally, great tent reviews here at http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/tents/

Beware the Halfords deals, they seem to be poor quality tents for a tempting price.

SNAKEDOC

Here is my sollution to all camping novice questions. now bare in mind this will not apply to all people and some might say there is no need for it but how and ever. first off go and buy your tent bring the kids and the wife and see what tent suits you. preferably with seperate rooms and a living compartment. get al your tools you think you need and want. next step go home. pitch your tent in the garden if you have one this is what i was talking about not everybody has one. gather the family and camp in the garden. have a pen and paper next to you and when you have all accessories in your camp start writing them down. then to lighten the load tick items off the list as unnecessary. this way you have a dry run with the whole group and you are at the house if you forget anything and when the real trip comes around you are prepared. the 7 p rule. proper planning and preperation prevents piss poor preformance

irishlostboy

dont forget the bog role, sunblock and first aid kit. also lots extra choclate.
+1 on dry running everything near to home so you know how everything works.
stay dry, warm, illuminated and well fed. have fun.