Got a tent: What else is it we need?
Posted BY Ian under camping-advice
In response to the Comment from Alex on May 20 ...
A tent provides shelter but even a great one wouldn't be sufficient for a camping trip. You will also need to consider:
Sleeping
It will rarely be warm enough to sleep without some form of insulation. Sleeping bags are the preferred option. The selection of these is beyond the scope of this site but look for ratings. 4 season is for year round use, anything less is only for the warmer months.Your sleeping body loses much of its head from the head (hence why good sleeping bags have a hood) and to the ground. You can insulate yourself by using any form of sleeping mat. These come in three main varieties:
- closed-cell foam (the ones that you see rolled up). Cheap but effective
- self inflating mats. These are thicker, more comfortable and warmer - and also quite a bit more expensive
- inflatable mattresses. These are large and bulky so really only suitable for touring, but are about as good as you are going to get for camping. Double mattresses do mean that you will move when your partner moves but that just takes a bit of getting used to.
Cooking
If you plan on eating in local cafes and restaurants then you can dispense with cooking gear. Otherwise you need at least some form of making heat and some pots and pans. Don't forget plates to eat off etc. Best plan your meals in advance and think what you will need - and change the meal if anything seems to require too much. Storing your food should not be a problem for the short term but if you are going for more than two nights it would be worth considering a cool-box for dairy products, beer and other essentials.Washing
Most campsites will offer washing facilities for your dishes (which you should always use) and also a shower hut or similar for you. The latter often requires tokens, not so much to make money but to prevent abuse. It isn't that hot water costs so much but there are lots of campers and one person shouldn't hog the shower for hours on end.Seats and tables
You don't really need seats and tables. Try to choose a spot where these become unnecessary. If you like to sit down for family dinners then it would be worth taking a folding table and some stools that stack, or folding chairs.Lighting
It will get dark at night, and without street lights that can seem extremely dark, especially for children who have grown up in a built up area. Take plenty of different sources of lighting so that you need not keep moving the one source.Clothing
You should be able to get away with using your regular clothes around the campsite. However, once in the countryside you are likely to be tempted to take a few hikes around. Good on you! Be prepared by taking strong and comfortable footwear and some decent protection from the elements. Consider the sun as well as the rain. It could happen.Entertainment
Don' forget that you are going away to enjoy yourselves. Without TV, DVD etc, you will have to resort to old-fashioned entertainment: that's why some people choose to camp. Think about a kite, football, Frisbee, playing cards, Jenga etc. Take some activities for outside and some for evenings and rainy days. Take swimming stuff even if you aren't sure you'll use them.The countryside is a great place for children to learn and you can take some relevant books and equipment for photography or drawing.