need to get a new tent. Make and/or model that you would recommend? DH was used to serious survival type camping from his early days in scouts and adventurers in UK but don't think we will need anything that can survive gale force winds or sub zero temps like he did. Saw one (think it was called a Huntsman) which had 3 bedrooms and central area which looked okay as was thinking one room for DS, one for us and another to stash stuff away leaving central area free if we wanted?

- air bed type matress or self inflating number from Dune or similar manufacturer? From pre kid (and I think even marriage) time we got an enormous one that was self inflating but seriously it literally needs its own trailer to be taken anywhere so we need to downside - I think it might even had been a queen! Air bed matresses I was concerned if there was any stones etc they could puncture. The self inflating numbers still seem to be quiet big. Would you recommend a double for DH and I or two singles or just go the matress.

- Any essential items you think are a must have?

Will have to go through camping stuff in garage to work out what we have since last time we camped - 6 years ago I'd say - and what still works lol!


Really looking forward to it. Will be fun and loving the idea of introducing it to DS and his friends. Want to make sure they don't grow up to be just "city" kids.


Cheers
I thought that till last weekend.. We went away.. Was expecting a storm, but we had strong winds all night.. The tent was blowing in on us all night.. 2 nearby campers even packed up and went home in the middle of the night, haha..

I am joining this thread.. We took DD (5 in a few weeks) and DS (just turned 3) for their first camping trip last week, and they loved it, despite the gale forced winds.. We are in the market for a new tent as ours has done a few desert trips with dh and his mates, and is a tad small for the whole family.. DH and my brother are going to transfer our trailer into a camping kitchen and storage for the tent and stuff over the christmas break.

Wisywyg - we have a mazda 3 (so similar size to corolla) that we tow a trailer with no hassles. And while we are doing civilized camping (campgrounds on sealed routes), we will continue to use it.. We do have access to a 4x4, but for just getting away for the weekend with the kids, it isn't worth the extra fuel, IMO..