This is the perfect time of year for the novice camper to take their first camping holiday, as the weather can usually be relied upon to be dry but not too hot. For the first time camper, however, it can be daunting – what do you take? Do you really need to take everything but the kitchen sink, or is it wise to take that too? Here is our essential camping equipment list for your first trip, broken down into useful areas.
Camping equipment
As an absolute minimum for your first few camping trips, you will need a tent with tent pegs and a mallet, a sleeping mat or camp bed and sleeping bag, a torch and toilet roll. Basic as this seems, it really is the minimum you need to go away with. Of course, you can include other things to make life more comfortable around the tent such as a camping table and chairs and perhaps some extra blankets for chillier evenings and nights.
Cookware and tableware for camping
Unless you are planning to eat out every day for your breakfast, midday meal and evening meal, you will need equipment to allow you to prepare and cook basic meals, and to make a drink. A portable gas stove is ideal and we offer a single burner gas stove, a gas hob with two rings and a gas hob with grill, but don’t forget the gas cartridges and matches! Add in some cooking utensils, a kettle and water container, plus plates and glasses and you’re almost there! At the end of the day, a bowl, dishwashing soap, sponge and tea towel will help you wash everything up ready for the next day.
Health and Safety Equipment
In addition to any regular medication that members of the holiday party need to bring (with extras), a first aid kit is an absolute must-have. Always have sunscreen and insect repellent too and hand sanitiser is a good idea if you’re out and about a lot.
For a back to basics, get away from it all camping holiday, the above covers essentials you will need. However, for many of us, a holiday should include some of life’s luxuries too and the following will help to make your holiday a little more special.
Entertainment equipment
While away your evenings around the campfire, or rainy days where you can’t get out and about far, with a selection of traditional family games, in compact, travel sizes. When the sun shines and you can head out for a picnic day at the beach, we have a wide choice of picnic products as well as kites and air toys to keep everyone occupied and active.
As you find your camping feet, and you take more breaks under canvas, you will learn what equipment suits your family. Our blog has lots of helpful articles, including campfire recipe ideas and summer holiday checklists amongst many and, of course, our friendly staff is on hand to help! Simply call us on 01754 871152, email in at sales@becingoldmell.co.uk or visit us in store.
