We did it! We had our first family backyard camping this past weekend. Well, before any of the outdoor enthusiasts said anything, you have to know that we (especially Mr. Rojo) are not outdoor type family. We don’t like hot and humid weather. We don’t like bugs. We love technology and gadget. We don’t like roughing it. So for us, to step outside our own comfort zone and sleep outside in a tent is really big deal. So I just want to post about what are things we bought in order to make this camping more enjoyable.
This will be more so for families who are looking to try something new, who don’t have any experience like us. Also this is not a complete list to allow you to go camping just yet. Just think of this as a dress rehearsal for your camping. We ate at home, shower and play inside (since it was hot in the evening) before we headed down to our tent. This list will get you started on enjoying family time outdoor in your backyard.
- Family Tent: We have a great advice from several of our friends to buy the biggest tent you can afford. For a family of 4, we opt for Coleman Concept 8-Person 14′ x 9′ Tent. Another tip is to buy the cheapest we can find. So Coleman tent seems to be a good choice for us.
- Air Mattresses: Another great tip from our friend. Get the most comfortable mattress you can find. We are car camping so we don’t have to worry about getting the lightest sleeping pad. We already have one air mattress but we will need another one for the kids. We chose Coleman Queen Sized Air Bed because it was on sale and it’s just a few dollars more expensive than Full-size. It’s always good to have enough space at night.
- Sleeping Bags: We can’t sleep without sleeping bag. We are not sure which one to get since there are so many types for different climate. But I know that we are just starting out and we won’t be doing any extreme camping. So we opt for the middle of the range temperature (40 degree). I figure if we will camp in a colder weather, we might just pack more sweaters and blankets.
- Tarp: Why tarp? Well, I couldn’t even find a footprint for our tent and tarp is probably cheaper. We bought tarp that a bit bigger than our tent size which I think it’s a really good idea. It will allow you to get in and out of the tent without tracking the dirt inside.
- Air Pump: We picked up Coleman Rechargeable Air Pump for our air mattresses because it doesn’t come with it. We could have gotten the air mattress that has the built-in pump but it will cost more. Plus we can use this air pump with another air mattress that we already have.
- Lantern: Since we know that we will always camp where there is electrical outlet at the campsite, we chose Coleman Rugged Rechargeable Lantern so that we don’t have to worry about the fuel or battery. This lantern has pretty good lighting and also has nightlight feature.
- Kids’ flashlight: There must be some incentive for the kids to make camping fun. And I don’t think it can be any cheaper or easier toy than a flashlight. We picked Coleman Kid’s Companion Flashlight and Lantern from Walmart. It’s more than just a flashlight. They can pull it out to make it a lantern or use it as nightlight. Perfect for their midnight dance.
Stay tune for our post on tips we learn from our first sleeping in a tent experience!
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
One of the things we always carry with us, whether it is backyard or a day away, is a little handheld broom and dust pan. No matter how tired we are, we clean the tent out before we pack it back up because packing it up and then unpacking it to clean at home stinks!
Great list. Camping is overwhelming if you’ve never done it (esp. with kids!), but you have the right idea. Practice makes perfect.
@Jen: That’s a great tip. I will make sure to get one and put it on our camping box. :)
@Caroline: Yeah! I’m glad we did the practice run. Even it was just went out and slept in a tent, it helped us and the kids to be more familiar with process. Now they are looking forward for a real camping trip.
Oh my gosh, that looks like so much fun!
Thanks for all the tips! I can’t wait to see the next post…
You all are BRAVE! I freak out if I run out of TP in the bathroom or don’t have wi-fi for more than 10 minutes.
My husband loves camping. Perhaps one day I’ll muster up the courage (and enough gadgets) to go :)
Amy, what a great post on a great idea! My husband and I camp frequently. Since we have 16 nephews and 1 niece, every Thanksgiving is spent at my Dad’s camping with all of them. It’s in the backyard, but we pull out all the stops for them and they love it. It’s become tradition and nothing could make me happier. Teaching children to camp is great life lesson, and something they’ll likely continue with their own children.
Good for you! Way to go. Also a great list of things to make sure to have. I hope you enjoy more evenings out doors with the family!
I wish we had a backyard. Summer camping is so much fun for a child and it encourages imagination and a desire for adventure!
We did this over Memorial Day. I was dragging my feet at first, but soon changed my tune when I saw my kids having such a blast! Nice post!
Great list! We are actually going to try out camping in our back yard this very weekend!
{ 6 trackbacks }