I got fed up of sleeping in fields. I think the rainy 2009 Singlespeeds at Drumlanrig did it for me, So I got a bongo. amazing vehicle. although, I'm trading up and [url= http://www.scribd.com/doc/202168583/Bongo-for-Sale ]it's for sale[/url].
Carpet for the tent has been my best camping purchase. Warms it on the feet and can soak up a little condensation. Elec hookup and a beer fridge (not just beer mind!).
I've never felt the need for an electric hookup and have been family camping for a good few years, can see the attraction of a heater but a tv and fridge etc totally unnecessary imo.
One top camping tip (for blokes only sorry) is take a plastic 2L milk bottle with you as a night time toilet, saves trips to camp toilet in the middle of the night, big enough to get your willie in (it's murder trying to use a soft drinks bottle for the same function!) A must if you like a few beers when camping!
A decent folding table and campchairs are vital.
If no kids get the tent & mattress up then nip inside for some quick holiday nookie, then put the kettle on. Love camping in the lakes, sipping post coital coffee while admiring the view, marvellous.
Also cuddling up to your partner while the rain is hammering down is a magical experience you only get camping.
Some sort of old used jug is useful for a piss in the middle of the night, a jug is easier for the ladies to get it into. The wife might say 'aghh that's disgusting' but after one night of trapsing to the loo in the rain with umbrella she'll be pissing in a jug like the rest of us.
We have a 4 person tent for us and the dog - big enough to stand up in and sit in comfortably if it's raining, and we can fit the dog's travel bed in it so he settles for the night. We have a van so easy to transport our gear.
We take camping chairs and blankets, a camping table (easy to prep food on) our gas stove or a portable BBQ. In summer we will wild camp, but other times of the year we usually go to campsites where there is at least the option of a hot shower and somewhere warm to sit and have a cuppa or a pint.
A decent tent lamp or two is a godsend! Means we can snuggle down and read, or play a game inside the tent if the weather is foul.
Thanks all. Slowly building up the kit but thanks for all the tips.
(puts 2ltr milk bottle on the list but will keep it a secrete why from the Mrs!)
[quote=jekkyl ]Some sort of old used jug is useful for a piss in the middle of the night, a jug is easier for the ladies to get it into. The wife might say 'aghh that's disgusting' but after one night of trapsing to the loo in the rain with umbrella she'll be pissing in a jug like the rest of us.
50 years of camping and I've never wanted/needed a bottle or jug in the tent. As a result I've seen some amazing star-filled skies, meteors, the Northern Lights and all sort of wild creatures.
If you're going down the electric hookup path then a small electric kettle.
We do all the cooking on a single burner briefcase style stove (breakfast) and a BBQ (Weber smoky Joe), plus BBQ needed for toasting marshmallow.
Assuming you have kids, coloring pens and paper, and playing cards.
Stomp rocket as well. Not just for the kids :O)