If you're thinking about going on your first camping trip then my advice is simple - don't spend too much on camping gear until you're sure you're going to like it. Camping can be a costly business, so I've put together the essentials that you're going to need to buy to make the experience a great one.
The Tent.
The tent is your most expensive item by far, so if you're not confident you're going to like camping I'd try and borrow one first. For this article, let's assume you're confident. Firstly, if there's four of you then don't go for a four person tent, it won't be big enough especially if you're going to put four chunky air beds in there (which I also recommend). If you can afford it, upgrade to a five or six person tent. That way there'll be plenty of room for your air beds and any other camping gear that you take along. The issue of tent waterproofing is not that big a deal. Anything over 1500mmHH is waterproof enough for most summer climates.
Choosing a sleeping bag
A two season sleeping bag will get most people through the summer months. If the bag has a temperature rating make sure its 'Lower Comfort Zone' is round about +10 degrees C. Like I said, this applies to most people but if you're the type of person who wears bed socks and a night cap in July I would consider upgrading to a three season sleeping bag or a bag with a lower comfort zone closer to zero degrees C. Take an extra blanket just in case.
Buying Air Beds
If you want your kids to have a decent night's sleep go for the air beds. Foam mats are good for a bit of insulation but they're not very comfy. Three hours sleep will not add to the camping experience. Buy a pump, four beds and a six person tent. Basic air beds are pretty cheap so it's worth it.
Stove
Keep the cooking easy to begin with. I would recommend a single burner canister type stove that burns butane or propane. The gas is cheap and available at most camping gear shops. Take a pan and a frying pan from your kitchen and cook pasta or beans or any meat you like to eat burnt. Everything taste great in the fresh air.
Other camping gear
The rest of the camping gear you can steal from your house. From the kitchen grab some pans, knives and forks, mugs, spatula and plates, those cheap plastic ones from the back of the cupboard will do fine. Take your washing up bowl and washing up liquid. From the bedroom, grab some pillows and a spare blanket. In the bathroom get soap and your toothbrush. Stuff some warm clothes in a bag and you're ready to go. Enjoy your trip.
The Tent.
The tent is your most expensive item by far, so if you're not confident you're going to like camping I'd try and borrow one first. For this article, let's assume you're confident. Firstly, if there's four of you then don't go for a four person tent, it won't be big enough especially if you're going to put four chunky air beds in there (which I also recommend). If you can afford it, upgrade to a five or six person tent. That way there'll be plenty of room for your air beds and any other camping gear that you take along. The issue of tent waterproofing is not that big a deal. Anything over 1500mmHH is waterproof enough for most summer climates.
Choosing a sleeping bag
A two season sleeping bag will get most people through the summer months. If the bag has a temperature rating make sure its 'Lower Comfort Zone' is round about +10 degrees C. Like I said, this applies to most people but if you're the type of person who wears bed socks and a night cap in July I would consider upgrading to a three season sleeping bag or a bag with a lower comfort zone closer to zero degrees C. Take an extra blanket just in case.
Buying Air Beds
If you want your kids to have a decent night's sleep go for the air beds. Foam mats are good for a bit of insulation but they're not very comfy. Three hours sleep will not add to the camping experience. Buy a pump, four beds and a six person tent. Basic air beds are pretty cheap so it's worth it.
Stove
Keep the cooking easy to begin with. I would recommend a single burner canister type stove that burns butane or propane. The gas is cheap and available at most camping gear shops. Take a pan and a frying pan from your kitchen and cook pasta or beans or any meat you like to eat burnt. Everything taste great in the fresh air.
Other camping gear
The rest of the camping gear you can steal from your house. From the kitchen grab some pans, knives and forks, mugs, spatula and plates, those cheap plastic ones from the back of the cupboard will do fine. Take your washing up bowl and washing up liquid. From the bedroom, grab some pillows and a spare blanket. In the bathroom get soap and your toothbrush. Stuff some warm clothes in a bag and you're ready to go. Enjoy your trip.
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If you'd like to learn some more about buying a family tent or camping gear on the whole, then these sites are useful.
