Standing camp kitlist

FSC HOME PAGE

CAMPER'S REFERENCE
About Camp
New Campers
Preparing for Camp
Standing Camp kitlist
Mobile Camps

Please make sure your child is well prepared for all conditions. The kit list below is a distillation of our experience and is hopefully a helpful guide to help you and your camper to ensure they are appropriately equipped at camp

A PDF version of kitlist is available in the download section.

General Notes

Reasonably priced equipment is available from several high street camping shops – it is not necessary to invest in the best or most expensive equipment for camp, but do make sure that what you buy is fit for purpose. Very cheap discount equipment often does not stand up to the rigours of camp life and may leave your camper cold, wet and unhappy.

Loss of equipment and packing

A distressing amount of personal equipment is lost at camp. There are a few simple strategies to prevent this:
a) Labelling – all clothing and equipment should be indelibly labelled with the camper’s name
b) All campers should be involved in their packing. A surprising number of items are lost because the camper did not know that they brought them in the first place, or did not know where they were packed.
c) Efficient packing. Please make sure that your camper’s equipment is packed inside no more than 3 bags – multiple items increase the chance of loss, and items strapped or tied on to the top of bags are at risk of coming off and being lost. In addition to a rucsac, a canvas bag, kitbag, or zipped holdall is good for remaining luggage. Line all luggage with waterproof sacks.

Under Tens

Our experience at camp convinces us that the under tens need extra underwear, socks and two pairs of pyjamas. Waterproofs should be large enough for the tops to fit comfortably over several layers, and the bottoms to fit over Wellingtons.

 

Note 1: Rainwear

Every camper should have a complete set of rainwear. Several types of garment are suitable for camp, but the essential features of them all are that they are completely waterproof, and that headwear and waterproof trousers are included. If possible test your camper’s waterproofs under the shower or garden hose (but remember if you selected badly you may not be able to return them to the shop after this!)

Suitable types of rainwear include those made from;
a) PVC – This is tough, suitable for young children, and completely waterproof if heavier and a bit bulkier.
b) Proofed nylon. Check that the proofing is waterproof eg neoprene lining, and that the seams are taped to ensure they are waterproof.
c) Breathable “Gore-Tex” or similar garments are also suitable if fully waterproof, but bear in mind they are more expensive and should be 3 layer (rather than 2) so that they stand up to the harsh treatment they may receive at camp.
d) Rubberised fabric or oilskins are tough and waterproof, but heavier.

AVOID: Light weight nylon cagoules with chemically treated seams – they will leak after anything more than a shower; “Barbour” or other similar waxed jackets – they are not waterproof in sustained wet conditions and are expensive.

Note 2: Footwear

Even at standing camps we do a lot of rough walking, so footwear must be comfortable. Leather walking boots are ideal as they provide ankle support, good foot protection, and have good grip in most conditions. For younger children, sturdy trainers with a good grip may be adequate. As it is often wet underfoot, Wellingtons are recommended for all campers and are ESSENTIAL for the under 10s – make sure they are big enough to accommodate thick socks, and that they tuck inside your waterproof trousers.

In addition, campers may wish to have some lighter footwear for wearing around camp eg light trainers, plimsolls, sandals or similar.

All footwear must be well walked-in before camp.

Note 3: Trousers and Shirt/Top

Jeans are tough but terrible to wear when wet, so bring a variety of types of trousers.

At least one light top should be long sleeved with a collar to protect against the sun by day, and insects by night.

Clothing that can be worn in many layers is much more flexible, and allows adjustment to the weather and conditions better

Note 4: Tent

FSC holds a limited supply of small tents which we can lend to campers at standing camps. Those who continue to camp will want to get a tent of their own.

Tents should be fully waterproof, and should have 2 layers – an inner and a flysheet. Single layer nylon tents will not withstand heavy rain and are unsuitable. An entrance porch is useful for removal and storage of wet clothing and boots under shelter. Tents should be suitable for at least 2 people but also remember that they may need to be carried on hike or mobile camps. Both A frame (less common now, and more costly), and dome tents are suitable subject to the previous conditions. When choosing a tent, make sure it is both stable and waterproof in windy conditions (if the flysheet and inner tent can touch in the wind, it will leak). If flexible poles are used, alloy are stronger than fibreglass, but will increase the cost.

Please make sure your camper is able to pitch their own tent before sending them to camp with it.

Note 5: Groundsheet

A separate groundsheet is useful for sleeping out and sitting on.

Note 6: Sleeping Bag

Synthetic (eg ‘Hollowfill’) sleeping bags are recommended for most campers as they retain much of their effectiveness when damp, are easier to clean, and are less costly. However, some older more experienced campers may prefer down bags which are warmer for the weight, and pack smaller, although they require more care. Sleeping bags are rated by warmth as 1-5 seasons, and we recommend 3 seasons or above for general camp use.

We recommend that all sleeping bags should be used with sheet linings – either cotton or fleece (avoid synthetic linings as they are less comfortable and offer little extra insulation). The use of an insulating mat between the sleeping bag and the groundsheet will add significantly to warmth of the sleeper. Camp beds and lilos are bulky and unsuitable for camp. We recommend that two sleeping bags be used at Easter and autumn
camps. All bedding should be packed into a thick polythene bag or sack.

Note 7: Rucsac

Most importantly, a rucsac should fit the owner comfortably, and be able carry the essentials depending on age, namely sleeping bag, spare clothes, waterproofs, eating things, and some food and water on hike. Rucsacs are graded by capacity, and as a rough guide, consider 35-40 litres for smaller children and 50-65 litres for larger ones. It is worth testing a rucsac fully loaded before camp, preferably when trying it in the shop, and always line it with a waterproof liner – rubble sacks are a cheap and effective solution.

Many campers will not be able to pack all their equipment in a single rucscac. See the general notes above concerning additional luggage.

Note 8: Torch

Good lightweight torches are widely available. Torches will need to be carried on hike so don't bring a massive searchlight, and remember the spare batteries.

Note 9: Penknife

A simple penknife or single-bladed folding knife is useful. Extra gadgets on a penknife will increase the price more than the usefulness. A lanyard, chain, or length of string is strongly recommended for attaching the knife to a belt as a safeguard against loss. Pack your knife in your rucsac for the escort journey – it will not be needed and is liable to be lost.