Camping Essentials for Beginners
A Checklist for holiday planners
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Before there can be any decision-making over what accessories you need for your camping trip, first we must find the main item; Your home away from home, your base for the ultimate vacation — the tent itself. This item depends entirely on the size of your party, the amount of space you require, and how convenient you need your tent to be.
A firm favorite for couples or those with smaller families, is this Coleman Tent Octagon, 6 man tent. The interior reminds me of a tipi with there being one main room only instead of splitting off a separate bedroom. This means a larger living area to relax in, after a hard day of making memories. Whilst this tent is considered reasonably priced, easy to set up, and spacious, its unique selling point is its ability to offer panoramic views, which means you have the opportunity to look over every inch of your holiday destination, should the opportunity arise.
Of course there a million and one options to choose from. For those looking to solo camp, a 2 man tent does the same job for less money. However, if your more for comfort and convenience then you may be tempted to opt for a larger space, Something that provides partition or perhaps a tent that provide air technology such as the COLEMAN Valdes Deluxe 6 XL Air BlackOut Bedroom Family Tent allowing for a single person pitch up or at least an option that creates less arguing when setting up. That reminds me… Trial run your tent assembling skills so that it doesn’t come between you and your loved one. Seriously.
Cooking
Most Camp sites will have a limited amount of electrical hook-ups for tents or may not provide any at all. For that reason, the best element for cooking are gas options. Campingaz has many items to chose from, the best in my opinion however is the double stove and grill. This item has all the basics you need, a stove and a grill. A perfect option for those needing somewhere to boil a kettle, grill some toast and fry an egg (or to cook your preffered meal) all at the same time.
There are other options for you and your party, such as Campingaz’s Party Grill, that offers a wok, grill, griddle and stove top. Despite there being an option to use only one cooking element at time, (For example, the griddle can not be used at the same time as the stove), it does however offer everything that is needed for your camping experiences and it takes up much less room.
For those looking for something a little special, then perhaps a portable pizza oven is for you. Whilst it may not be a camping essential, it’s definitely a product that will bring joy. A little on the more costly side, but who doesn't like pizza, you’ll certainly get your moneys worth out of this one
It is also essential that if you are looking for a portable cooker, be it for sole travellers or large families, remember to pack spare gas canisters. The best way to enjoy that food, is to sit back and relax in your camp chairs surrounding a fire, but the next best thing that is probably more realistic especially for those with larger parties is to opt for a folding dining table. To save space and to have one less thing to worry about, then a folding table with seating is your best option.
Food Storage should be your next cooking priority. Some campsites will not have electrical hook ups for electrical cool boxes, so in this instance you either have the option to use a standard cool box with ice (although this may be inconvenient if there are no stores with readily available ice) or portbale options that allow charging in your vehicle. If you do have electrical hook ups or means of charging, then the F40C4TMP Compressor Fridge 12v,Car Refrigerators 28L,Camping Fridge is the clear winner to keep perishables safe to consume.
Lets not forget the cooking accesories. Speaking from someone from the United Kingdom, I cannot go one day without a good cuppa, so a durable stove top kettle is a must. To keep water, hotter for longer and to avoid wasting gas, then a thermal carafe will save you a small fortune. Speaking of insulation, thermal mugs should be added to your list, unless you prefer to drink cold tea. *side eyes*.
Now, there is nothing wrong with wanting to eat dinner off of actual dishes, it might be best that we opt for an unbreakable options such as the 48pcs Unbreakable Dinnerware Sets for 4 People. Whilst paper plates are convenient, we prefer to reuse than waste on this site, plus camping dinnerware means being able to reuse for your next trip — again saving money.
Then you’ll need Camping Cooking Utensils and light weight pots and pans to cook your meals, and a food saving must, are food covers to stop those pesky little insects from contaminating your meal.
There may be facilities at your site that will allow for cleaning dishes, if this is the case, then a portable washing up bowl is also a great essential. Allowing you to wash your reusables near your tent or allowing to transport your dishes to the provided dinnerware cleaning stations.
Its also importable to be able to have drinking water readily available. Camp sites will usually have drinking water station for you to utilise, so ensure you pack drinking water storage systems, Portable and collapsible water storage jugs with large capacity are perfect for this.
Whilst Storage cupboards are not considered essential, It makes for an easier setup to have somewhere to set up your cooking facilities as well as somewhere to store food, this TANGZON Folding Camping Kitchen Table does the job perfectly.
Sleeping
Air mattresses are best for those looking to sleep on larger and more comfortable surfaces. The OlarHike Inflatable Air Mattress, Air Bed with Built-in Electric Pump, makes for an easy camping experience. If your looking for comfort and something easy to set up, this is a winner. Coming in at standard bed sizes, these are also perfect for children. However, saying that, the most comfortable and space saving for the smaller person are canvas beds, that offer rise from the ground floor, such as the Eurohike Utah 4 Leg Camp Bed or to save even more space, then it might be worth investing in camping bunk beds.
Next you’ll need a sleeping bag. Youll want something that is adaptable to weather, especially if your looking to camp in British weather, (where heat waves are followed by the bitter cold and over cast), such as the Coolzon Sleeping Bag Adults 3–4 Season warm and winter weather. Or Why not share your sleeping bag with your nearest and dearest or have yourself a sleeping bag that gives you more space, and opt for a double sleeping bag.
Miscellaneous
Its a good idea to surround your tent with fairy lights or clear visible items to ensure you can spot your tent from all others. For inside lighting then it’s best to use a light that doesnt require as much power. Camping lanterns are perfect to hang up in the centre of your tent and act like normal house lighting. For little fingers or those who need a smaller night light, then why not opt for touchpad lights. Tents are pretty good at insulating, but for those who require a bit more heat, then don’t forget to pack your hot water bottles.
Most camp grounds will have bathroom facilites, to shower and use the toilet but if those are not easy to come by then a portable loo may be a necessity, but good rated campsites will have these, although there are options available online. Also, showering facilities should be made available for use, but it might be worth investing in portable showering systems to remove unwanted dirt from feet such as the Dr.Prepare Camping Shower.
Don't forget to pack your camping chairs for relaxation, a single canvas chair will offer comfort such as the SUNMER Set of 2 Folding Camping Chairs, which are light weight, easy to fold and include drinks holder and side pocket or why not opt for inflatable sofas to make your space more homely, such as this corner sofa!
Portable camp fires are a nice camping touch but please check out the rules and regulations for your camp site. This portable fire pit is easy to use and requires no set up. If you are wanting to use fire pits on your camping vacation then please remember to pack fire extinguishers. I don’t think I’ll need to explain why. Also, first aid kits - I hope you don’t need them, but its better to be safe than sorry.
Don’t forget your portable charging stations for your phones and tablets. Lastly, don’t forget to pack your seasonal clothes, and toiletries and I hope you have a brilliant time!!