Kitting up the Kids

[Front Room Woodlander]

To long we have prevaricated when we should have been kitting up.
Alas finance is as tight as a ducks bum. So you experienced out doors types what kit for 4 kids do you recomend for low cost or worth the expense.?

Any spare kit greatly appreciated.

 

[andythecelt]

I take all the kids away every summer no matter the weather. I've got a lot of my family car camping kit at charity shops and car boots. Over the winter I've found 3 air beds for £8, a better twin burner and grill for under a tenner and a pop up tent for the oldest for a tenner since he's old enough to need a little privacy now. For family car camping you don't need a lot of posh kit, for example just take your bedding from home. We have a huge 4 bedroom Outwell tent with a lounge bigger than the one in our house now but for years we used a cheapo 3 room one from a car boot. It survived some pretty serious weather, If a storm was forecast we covered it with a massive cheap builder's type tarp and lashed it down with bungees to hefty pegs. It had the added bonus of making it darker in the tent so the baby would sleep later too.

 

[silvergirl]

Tesco fleeces are good value and quick(ish) drying.
Lidl do a good range of thermals every year.
I browse charity shops for any old wool jumpers etc and lightweight trousers.
and ebay can be good for waterproofs, but you have to know what you are looking for.

Blacks do cheap(ish) kids sleeping bags that are proper mummy style ones with stuff sack, which are hadyier than the big bulky things you get else where.
Any closed cell mat is fine for sleeping on. We got a cheap on from Aldi when the kids were young and cut it in half (they're only short). But now they have our spare self inflating mats which are less bulky as we don't tend to car camp!

How old are your kids? I could always see what old stuff I have lying around.

 

[Nat]

Tesco, Asda kids fleeces are good and cheap, same as waterproofs in that fit int heir own wee bags.
FRW nip over to The Range up near Monks Cross fella, quite alot of decent kids gear dirt cheap. My eldest who is 5 has her own Highlander 10l daysack rucksack and personal kit.
It's just a case of spending a while trogging round all the different shops where you live - and i can give you a list seeing as i know where you live

 

[Front Room Woodlander]

Kids are 13 yrs girl, 7 & 6 boys and 3 girl.
Was wondering what stove to service six mouths when camping?

Any second hand kit any one not using / wants rid of just let me know.

 

[Front Room Woodlander]

Also been looking at a tent to replace my aging dome.
The eldest child likes the look of the Vango Tepee in pink. Anyone had any experience, reccomendations?