OK I've got the bug! I travel by car on my own but may well do some walking camping (on foot between sites) next year.
I'm starting with a Gelert Rocky 2 tent - fine size and weight wise but could do with more ventilation and guylines. Will probably upgrade it next year (suggestions??)
I've been borrowing a self inflating mattress and have bought a £20 3 season sleeping bag from Argos (but it takes up far too much room so may well change that next year too!).
I've bought the tiniest possible bluet (sp?) stove and I'm using a saucepan from my cupboard. I also have a lantern that I've borrowed
What other essentials would you recommend? I'm a bit of a novice (well, other than going on camping holidays with parents 25 or so years ago anyway!) but want to go every other weekend or so during season, probably into October if possible. I don't need luxury but dryness and warmth while asleep, and ability to heat food/water are important!
If you're camping anywhere there might be bugs, a midge/mosquito head net is pretty handy, though it does make you look like you're about to raid a post office!
I'd suggest you get a headtorch and forget the lantern.
Snugpak do a range of reasonably priced lighter weight/smaller pack size sleepingbags.
A basic mess tin from any camping shop would be lighterweight for cooking in and eating out of than a pan from home. http://www.oswaldbailey.co.uk/eshop.asp?wci=product&wce=53500601&desc=MESS+TIN+2+PIECE+MILITARY+STYLE
But, as you say, the priorities are a decent tent which you know will keep you dry (will you want any space to sit inside as well?) and a sleeping bag to keep you warm. MT
------------- Tackling life the Western District way
I bought a small microfibre towel. Its very light and has its own little ventilated bag and it is amazingly absorbent! Towels are quite heavy and very bulky, so I think this would be an ideal addition to your kit if you are travelling light. I got mine at a car boot sale (where we get most of our kit including our new tent - see gallery) but I am sure they must be avaliable elsewhere easily.
get a thermos flask for when you boil some water for a cuppa and save the rest for later when you want a drink but dont wanna mess about boiling again. Try it it is such a good fuel and time saver, also if you wake up there might be some hot water for a morning drink to get you going.
And the most important item of all..........a ration pack tin opener(assuming they are still around) and get a stainless steel or aluminium bowl for all your food needs, they are good for meals/soup/cuppa`s/shaving/washing/digging(sand). can ya tell I was in the army?
Hi mspeekay.
The two items that you should not do on a budget is your tent and sleeping bag, these really must be the best you can afford for backpacking. You must remember that when you have a vehicle and your tent gives way you can run for the car and a good quality sleeping bag that will pack small and light and also keep you warm will cost a minimum of £100. as for tents Vango are your best bet on a budget the best probably Terra Nova but expensive.
The towel recommended by latecamper is also first class.
Regards
Rex
------------- "Be the person your dog thinks you are" (BM)
Quote: Originally posted by rexgrant on 25/7/2008
a good quality sleeping bag that will pack small and light and also keep you warm will cost a minimum of £100. ....
Quote: Originally posted by rexgrant on 25/7/2008 a good quality sleeping bag that will pack small and light and also keep you warm will cost a minimum of £100. ....
Hi MT.
Well they do look good value for a three season lightweight As we say we learn something new every day on this forum
Thank you MT.
Regards
Rex.
PS another Cabanon Tango on ebay buy it now £75 and the boss as stoped me again
------------- "Be the person your dog thinks you are" (BM)
If you intend to do quite a bit of backpacking every gram saved is a blessing. Choose a light sleeping bag. I recently bought an S10 from decathalon it is fine for late spring/summer & early autumn and not expensive. Pack some extra layers of clothing (thermals) to wear if it gets chilly early 7 late in the season. A small LED headtorch gives good light & is light. Get a good rucksack about 65 litre with plenty of adjustment it makes carrying the weight easier. As others have said Vango lightwieght tents are good. Start with the basic and each year upgrade a little. The main point is to keep the backpacking weight down.
You'll find a lot of experienced backpacking campers on www.outdoorsmagic.com forum - it does seem that Vango tents are great value for money. Blacks new technical tents look good and are even cheaper. Coleman backpacking tents are alos okay, as are Decathlon/Quechua. Again Vango make reasonable lightweight sleeping bags - I disagree that only the tent and the bag are important - a good sleeping mat means a lighter bag is possible - alpkit.com do great mats and bags (though only down bags, no synthetic, not a problem if you can keep it dry, and more felxible in its range of temps) as well as a cheap and very good headtorch. free fast delivery as well.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Essential kit for lone camper on a budget
