Camping for a novice!

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Barlow

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I've just booked onto a training camp where I will be staying overnight for 3 nights. I am going to be sleeping in my 3.5t box. I will be sleeping in the swept out horse area. I have never camped in my life! A friend is lending me their campcot and I have a sleeping bag but what other essentials do I need? Are there any handy gadgets/lifesavers that you would recommend or any creature comforts that you can't live without?
Thanks so much!
 
Camping lights!!! You can get them with hooks so can hang in strategic places. Wind up ones are okay, but I find battery ones easier and just take a supply of fresh ones in case.

Waterproof ground sheet to put over the floor, it will never be clean enough otherwise and you'll either have to sleep with shoes on, or sacrifice socks.

Don't underestimate how cold it will be. I've decided that sleeping in the back of the 3.5t box is colder than camping as there is a certain amount of latent heat in the ground (even in winter), where as the floor of the box, even on a camp bed just gets colder and colder. I have 2 cheap duvets (from a supermarket) that stay permanently in the box (although took them out over Easter when I needed them the most!) as I find that I need both about 2 hours into trying to sleep (even with a decent sleeping bag), and I'm normally a hot person.

Hat, gloves and very warm socks. Long johns and plenty of layers. Lots and lots of socks, nothing worse than wet feet.

Roll of rubbish bags means you can segregate stuff to sort when you get home. If you think you will get them mixed up, take different colours.

My friend has invested in a Thetford portapotty thing that she takes for her 3.5te that she keeps in the grooms bit overnight, but moves it to the horse area during the day, but she always has hubby so no room to keep in horse area all the time. Have to admit, I've been lucky to either park near enough to the toilets, or not needed the toilet so not given this any thought.

If there are showers, might seem overkill but either take enough towels, or invest in camping towels that dry quickly otherwise you will be trying to dry towels each day. I also have a stock of big body wipes that are designed for festivals and tough mudders etc. so if the showers are poor, you can at least feel a bit fresher.

Lots of baby wipes.

If charging your phone is likely to be hit an miss, invest in power packs and make sure charged up before you go.

There are others, but still recovering from camping over the Easter period and shuddering at the thought :D
 
Good advice from NLP. Camping stove, and keep leftover hot water in a thermos overnight so you can quickly make a restorative cuppa in the morning to help you defrost. It's surprisingly cold I agree, I take horse rugs that are back from the cleaners to help insulate things a bit without getting stuff from the house too grotty!

Oh. and wine. Lots of wine.
 
Baby wipes, a decent torch and lots of layers would be my advice - don't underestimate how cold it can get. Also lots of spare clothes in case you get soaked and some shoes that are easy to slip on if you need to pop out for a wee in the night.

I'm guessing you get food as part of the camp and won't be needing to cook?
 
Another tip to those above:
Fix a strip of velcro horizontally over the top of each window.
Fix opposing piece of velcro onto a bit of old curtain (charity shops are great) or even old clothing.
When parked up for sleeping, pop 'curtains' on. Great if you are a person who wakes at 1st light, or if parked by a big camp/car park light.

Hot water bottle - even if filled from hot tap on campsite - best shoved into sleeping bag at least 10 mins before getting in.
 
The Fuzzy Furry said:
Am short, so no probs with that :D ...
(and I don't compete now, so even easier as just changing boots/bp etc :) )
Click to expand...

it's when you're parked up right next to a huge HGV, and their windows are peeping right into yours...and you've got the wrong undies on for riding and have to strip off ;) I did laugh at the curtains when I bought my box as they're all sewn beautifully (and there are cushions to match!!) but the previous owner was clearly on to something :p and I'm grateful for them now!
 
I have heavily tinted glass, so decided as long as I was in darker light than outside, I was okay :D

TBH, I think the incessant squeaking of the foot pump for the bed was more of a nuisance for my neighbours that seeing me starkers :D

Another thing I have though of! Cussons (sp.) mousse bodywash stuff - comes out as a gel but foams up. I use this for hair and body, saves on having to trek many bottles to the showers, especially as there is never enough space to hang/put stuff. I then keep that in the box, with a tube of past and a pack of cheapy toothbrushes so never worry if I forget something.
 
Random tip: Use an 'under bed box' to put all the bits and bobs in as a nightstand. Things I put in it are:
First Aid, Duck Tape, Cable Ties, Baby Wipes, Loo Roll. Power pack etc.

This means it is all in one place, it is easy to move, easy to access the stuff as they are relatively shallow, easy to use as a table/nightstnd etc and you can fit all those essentials in. I keep one in my cupboard ready to roll out for any camping.
 
The key to staying warm overnight is to have an insulating mat underneath you - whether you sleep on a cot or on the floor, in a tent or box. The cot may have a mattress on it, but neither a duvet underneath nor a thin foam mattress will insulate enough. I have a metal folding cot with mattress on top, which is quite comfortable. I always put an inflatable insulating camping mat on top to keep the heat in from underneath. Makes a huge difference.
Also, bring wellies/muck boots. Even in summer, the grass in the morning can be dewy, and you don't want to start your day with damp boots and socks! Better to have properly waterproof boots along.

Wine makes a better evening drink than beer/cider - less volume, lower likelihood of needing to nip out to the loo in the middle of the night!

Bring sunscreen and a hat with visor (e.g. a cap), and consider bringing over trousers (ski trousers, rain gear...) in case it gets wet or isn't that warm. If you'll end up standing/sitting around much of the day watching, having something warm on over the legs can make a big difference.
 
I was going to mention using an insulated camping mat too, otherwise you will be cold underneath even in a sleeping bag. I go camping quite a bit and use a self inflating camping mat, keeps me cosy.
 
We regularly used to "camp" in our 3.5 ton up to five nights away. It was pretty cold, even in August. If you can fashion something to go inside over the ramp area it may help, we were surprised at the amount of damp and cold came through and it's not nice waking up with wet feet! Those magnetic lights were great as you could just stick them around inside. We fit a surprising amount of stuff in the cab behind the drivers seat, sheets to put on the floor, camping chairs, extra coats and had a basket under the passenger seats where tins of food and drinks lived.
 
Brilliant, thank you all so much - there are some really good hints and tips here.

I think my best bet is to fashion some curtains or buy some blackout paper, find an inner tent and an offcut of carpet and a camping mat, buy a couple of cheap and cheerful duvets and make sure I have enough led lights. And lots of blankets/layers!

Toilets showers and hot food all provided so should be ok on that front.
 
Auslander said:
One of these - they're lovely and warm, and you can take the feet off. Means you stay warm, but your feet fit into boots/crocs if you need a loo run in the middle of the night. You will be a figure of fun if you get spotted, but you'll be warm.
http://www.sleepingbagsoutlet.co.uk...Tbo_xTuSVRqGZAtgOw10ZV808y_tpttkv8BoCvInw_wcB
Click to expand...

Don't you have to take it off to go to the loo though? If you have a sleeping bag with a double ended zip, all you have to do is open the bottom, poke your feet out, into slippers/shoes and then when you get to the loo pull it up while still keeping your body warm.
 
Auslander said:
One of these - they're lovely and warm, and you can take the feet off. Means you stay warm, but your feet fit into boots/crocs if you need a loo run in the middle of the night. You will be a figure of fun if you get spotted, but you'll be warm.
http://www.sleepingbagsoutlet.co.uk...Tbo_xTuSVRqGZAtgOw10ZV808y_tpttkv8BoCvInw_wcB
Click to expand...

I bought one of these for my sister who hates camping but had promised the kids she would go. I think it's a brilliant idea, she wasn't quite so keen.

Don't forget loo roll, doesn't matter whether it's provided always take it with you because you can guarantee when you have queued for ages and it's your turn there won't be any left.
 
Nugget La Poneh said:
Camping lights!!! You can get them with hooks so can hang in strategic places and get some expedition denali bowstrings here https://www.prolinebowstrings.com/s...ion-custom-compound-bow-string-cable-package/. Wind up ones are okay, but I find battery ones easier and just take a supply of fresh ones in case.

Waterproof ground sheet to put over the floor, it will never be clean enough otherwise and you'll either have to sleep with shoes on, or sacrifice socks.

Don't underestimate how cold it will be. I've decided that sleeping in the back of the 3.5t box is colder than camping as there is a certain amount of latent heat in the ground (even in winter), where as the floor of the box, even on a camp bed just gets colder and colder. I have 2 cheap duvets (from a supermarket) that stay permanently in the box (although took them out over Easter when I needed them the most!) as I find that I need both about 2 hours into trying to sleep (even with a decent sleeping bag), and I'm normally a hot person.

Hat, gloves and very warm socks. Long johns and plenty of layers. Lots and lots of socks, nothing worse than wet feet.

Roll of rubbish bags means you can segregate stuff to sort when you get home. If you think you will get them mixed up, take different colours.

My friend has invested in a Thetford portapotty thing that she takes for her 3.5te that she keeps in the grooms bit overnight, but moves it to the horse area during the day, but she always has hubby so no room to keep in horse area all the time. Have to admit, I've been lucky to either park near enough to the toilets, or not needed the toilet so not given this any thought.

If there are showers, might seem overkill but either take enough towels, or invest in camping towels that dry quickly otherwise you will be trying to dry towels each day. I also have a stock of big body wipes that are designed for festivals and tough mudders etc. so if the showers are poor, you can at least feel a bit fresher.

Lots of baby wipes.

If charging your phone is likely to be hit an miss, invest in power packs and make sure charged up before you go.

There are others, but still recovering from camping over the Easter period and shuddering at the thought :D
Click to expand...

Great idea for a water proof ground sheet. you have obviously done this before. Also assume it will be freezing over night. always. no matter what you pack you will be too cold- that's how it always is.
 
Definitely camping lights. Don't get the wind-up ones and get a decent torch. Also a portable heater, if possible. And don't use your car battery for anything unless you really have to. Seen loads of people push starting cars with flat batteries at camp sites.
 
Clothes will get damp if left out overnight - so pack away into a bag. Putting cold, damp clothes on after a cold, damp night isn't fun. I decided a few years ago I was too old for camping after having to sleep in thermals and a woolly hat.

A little mirror is handy for checking you don't look too rough in the morning (that might just be me!)
 
Anti histamines if you're at all 'hayfeverish'!
I got through quite a few at my first camp last year 🤣
 
Jo1987 said:
Anti histamines if you're at all 'hayfeverish'!
I got through quite a few at my first camp last year 🤣
Click to expand...

Oh god yes. First time I stayed in my lorry I woke up to find I'd obviously scratched one eye in the night and it was swollen shut.. had to do BD area festival test with one eye. Strange experience!
 
Great tip about the antihistamines-I don't normally suffer but wouldn't want to chance it! Box already has a mirror in the tack area at the back so at least I won't be wandering around looking like a scarecrow!!
With the portable heater-what would I need to power that? A camping hookup converter with a normal three pin plug on one end? Would that be able to power a little oil filled heater? I am a wimp so this sounds like a great idea!
 
Ok I've camped in a rover 100 and wild camped loads in a tent, yes it can get cold, was Baltic in the rover, i found my old heavy weight rug over the sleeping bag worked wonders (cleaned of course).
Head torches are great!
Camping stoves for food and hot water are really good if you can't build a fire.
Thermarest mattresses are good, very thin so store well and are insulating.
Husband never goes camping without paracord as it's so useful.
We also take fold up camp chairs if we're close to the car.
Sure you'll have a great time op, just take your thick socks :-)
 
Don't forget your hot water bottle!
Oh and take your bra to bed with you!!! That was perhaps the worst thing about camping at Broomies earlier in April - I had a nasty surprise when I put it on, cold and damp in the morning 😂
 
I recently camped in the back of my single trailer, it was great! I just need to better block out the draughts and it'll be spot on next time! So, this is how I did it:

First of all, gave the trailer a really thorough clean, jays fluid, power washer etc etc, well my husband did this bit!

Washing line tied around the inside of the trailer at the highest points and across the middle of the roof. From there, hang/peg big fleece blankets and bed throws to create a wee den. It really helps cut down on condensation and damp.

On the floor, picnic rugs, a runner rug and a doormat.

A good sized campbed with a couple of good thick blankets to sleep on top of, a sleeping bag to go in with a duvet and further blankets on top.

Two hot water bottles.

Battery powered fairy lights. :)

A wee table to put phones on etc.

I had EHU so also a wee radiator.

I'll happily do it again, folk had offered spaces on their lorries, but I like my own space and was happy in my den!
 
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