Camping

**Odessa** · 22-08-2007 21:07

Hello,

What are your tips for camping for a long weekend? DH and are I looking to camp in a national park next month and are pretty green when it comes to camping, what should I take?

Also, does anyone have any recommendations for a decent but inexpensive tent?

TIA

**Roxy** · 22-08-2007 21:48

Originally Posted by Odessa

what should I take?

Lots of courage??

Sorry - I don't *do* camping, unless you count a hotel with less than 3 stars camping (and I try not to stay in those either!)

... hope someone that does helps you out with info soon!

**draught** · 22-08-2007 22:07

I love camping and am a huge list person......so will make one up off the top of my head.......

First of all for tents - shops like Anaconda have a great range of inexpensive tents these days - they seem to get cheaper everytime I see them.

You will need comfortable sleeping mats/mattresses (I love our self inflating foam core queensize camping mattress - luxury in the wild!) sheets, blankets, pillows.

You will need a gas stove or burner, unless there is a fire area and a good supply of wood. Cooking pots, esky, food.
A light - gas or a good electric lantern.
Toilet paper!! (and a small trowel if there aren't toilets provided).
Drinking water.
Detergent, a bucket and teatowel.
Insect repellent
First aid kit
A towel and face washer and soap (good for a freshen up even if you don't have a shower)

Chairs and a table (a card table is a good cheap alternative to a camping table)

Wine.
A book.
Cards.
More wine.
Wine glasses and a bottle opener for the wine!

Hmmmmm.....that is my initial list - if /I have any brilliant ideas overnight I will try to post more!

**Odessa** · 22-08-2007 22:17

Wow, thanks Draught! Looking forward to more suggestions

**pumpernickel** · 22-08-2007 23:46

I have an absolutely huge list if you'd like a copy?

We are seasoned campers so bear that in mind when you read it as we have everything

I don't know how to attach a file here so if you pm me with your email addy I can forward it to you.

**Pippi Longstocking** · 23-08-2007 06:09

Oh look, Draught's list is really all that you need. Add "good beer" and you're set!

I looooove camping too. It's my favourite. I am far more comfortable camping in the wild than I am in a luxury resort - it's the bogan in me, I'm sure!

Can opener. Don't forget the can opener. It is traditional to take a can opener camping even if you don't take cans. It's just the done thing, ok?!

**draught** · 23-08-2007 07:57

Of course you could always take plates, cutlery, mugs, coffee and tea and sugar......and practical stuff like that too.

And Guv'nor is right - good beer is an essential.

And some plastic bags for carrying all your rubbish out in.

Meal suggestions - for two nights, if you aren't experienced campers then I would suggest some sausages/steak for a barbie for the first night, then a frozen casserole or bolognaise that you can heat up as it will have defrosted by the second night.
Don't forget bacon and eggs for breakfast - sleeping in the outdoors makes you hungry!!

Hmmmm.....a hammer or mallet is good for tent pegs in hard ground, a dustpan and brush is good to get dirt and sand out of the tent (and therefore out of your bed) and an extra tarp and ropes is good for providing shelter in addition to the tent - whether from rain or shine.

**poshBecks** · 23-08-2007 08:02

Gosh camping sounds like a lot of work!!

Iguess if you love it, it's worth it

Have fun!!

**Pippi Longstocking** · 23-08-2007 08:03

Originally Posted by draught

Meal suggestions - for two nights, if you aren't experienced campers then I would suggest some sausages/steak for a barbie for the first night, then a frozen casserole or bolognaise that you can heat up as it will have defrosted by the second night.
Don't forget bacon and eggs for breakfast - sleeping in the outdoors makes you hungry!!

We always make what my kids refer to as "camp fire soup". They all love it but if I cook it at home on the stove, they refuse to eat it.

Basically, you chuck a pile of chopped veges (potato, carrot, turnips for my favourite Irishman, peas, beans etc), a can* of three bean mix, some tinned* tomatoes and herbs, salt and pepper into a pot and let it cook on the coals until it is all thick and cooked. It's yummy with damper

*See what I'm sayin' about the can opener??!!

**Odessa** · 30-08-2007 17:42

Wee, only a few more sleeps until we go camping! I bought a new tent, a Coleman Overlander 4cv (on sale at Kangaroo Tent City!) and a couple of sleeping bags. I'm glad I didn't get any cold weather gear, with the warm turn the weather has taken this week! Spring has well and truly sprung.

I also bought a camp stove (butane), a Dolphin torch, some tarps, a billy, first aid kit...friends we are travelling with shall bring some gear too that we don't have.

Excited!