The Camping Forum

[crawfordanton]

Hi, I am interested in camping, have a friend who's been doing it for about 2 years and I intend to join him in the next months. my only worry is the gear I need? anyone got any ideas what I should be getting, mainly clothes wise, we'll get equipment together, for a camping trip in scotland? (reasonably harsh weather)

[pjmerrell]

to the forum, I'm a relative beginner so won't be able to offer advice but there are lots of people hehe with great experience and knowledge.

[nutgone]

Hi, & a very warm to the forum.

Not exactly sure what to say. When are you planning your trip to Scotland? Clothes wise, camping is generally a case of preparing for all eventualities, but not taking too much. If it's winter then you'll want some thermals. Layers is always good, as you can add or remove them as required.

Mostly it's all common sense, don't take anything too smart or dressy, as it will undoubtedly get ruined. Footwear is quite important as well. If you're a fan of white trainers, forget it. It's good though, you can dress scruffy & get away with it, or you can get all the latest "trendy" gear & still impress those around you. All depends on what you're after, I suppose.

All my advice is very generic, as I tend to dress the same for everything (just generally scruffy, that's me ). I'm sure if you can be a bit more specific, someone else will be along with some more detailed information.

Above all, enjoy it. You're on holiday!

[Rob-merlin1973]

Hi
Welcome to the forum

In all honesty its just .... layers and waterproofs and good boots.

As long as you are warm and dry it does not need to be the most fashionable or pricey gear as long as it does the job. There are some good waterproof sets and jumpers in the Matalan sale at th moment ....worth a look

[crawfordanton]

thanks, I think I'm slightly intimidated by my mates gear, he has all these fleeces, body warmer, different jackets and things. I don't want to turn up for a a big hike (I think there would be a good 5-10 miles walking involved) in my jeans and a jumper and freeze to death. I have the footwear thing covered I think, it was more the clothes.

am I right in thinking fleece, shell jacket and trousers are the sort of basics that will get me by? I do have some thermal base layers I wear when it's cold as a t-shirt.

thanks very much though.

oh any recommendations on a sleeping bag? that's one thing I would be prepared to pay a bit for.

[Wayne]

Hi and a warm welcome to the forum.

My advice is DON'T turn up in jeans. They chaff and I don;t think there that windproof, also once there wet they stay pretty much wet all the time and are impossible to walk in.

My walking trousers are comfy and I have slept in them a few times, they tend to repel rain too rather than hold water but they are not the expensive waterproof walking trousers. If you do intend to sleep in your trousers then a decent pair of gaiters will help.

[nutgone]

Blimey, I think I've only got jeans in my wardrobe!

You can tell I don't do much walking!

Still, I think they're not that bad, unless it rains heavy. I've always worn them myself, even back when I did do some walking, but with long-johns in the winter.

Still, better to have the right kit, I suppose.

[3goglamping]

Hi there and welcome to the forum

I think you have almost answered your own question there. You would be prepared to pay for a decent sleeping bag, so basically you get what you pay for.
I can't comment on sleeping bags for hiking. We have Vango Wilderness double sleeping bags, which are amazing. Very comfortable and have a decent lining that you don't get tangled up in when you want to turn over.
We started off with £7 ones from Morrisons after thinking we could comfortably sleep in July with just a thin blanket!!
They were cheap and cheerful.
Shop around, look at size, density and seasons. I think you're better off buying one to cover all seasons as you can always unzip, or sleep on-top or underneath it.

Hope you enjoy your trips.

[Wayne]

Blimey, I think I've only got jeans in my wardrobe!

You can tell I don't do much walking!

Still, I think they're not that bad, unless it rains heavy. I've always worn them myself, even back when I did do some walking, but with long-johns in the winter.

Still, better to have the right kit, I suppose.

I'm sat in a pair of walking trousers now, there a pair of North Face that I have had for years, they have been patched in the nether regions a few times and are ready for a bit more sewing, but they are so comfy I have to check I'm wearing trousers sometimes. If they get wet, which often they do then they are dry in 5 to 10 mins. Whilst I have jeans and love jeans, I love good quality walkers.