Quote: Originally posted by PigletandTigger on 28/4/2011Second post - what really works for us is a "bag of bags", when you empty things, all the bags go into this so that all bags are in one place. We used to spend aaaggggeeeessss wandering round looking for sleeping bag stuff sacks, SIM bags etc. Now all the "bedroom bags" go inside one of the bedroom bags and that goes into the main tent bag with all the other bags so there is only one place to look for bags.
We do that and like you say it saves a lot of time looking for bags.
Another vote for this method from me. Hard stuff in one bag, soft stuff in the other.
It always takes us longer to pack away then to set up. Usual time to clear up is around 3 hours, but last year we left camp a day early, so we took all day to pack up.
I HATE PACKING AWAY
------------- were caravaning but now tenting and now back to a caravan
I like to sort out the kitchen and put that away the night before. Just leave the stove on the grass to get the kettle on first thing, and pack away all food stuffs. I also get the cloths separated and packed into clean and dirty bags. We don't like to rush putting away the big items as I like to make sure the airbeds are completely dry before taking them down and also the sleeping bags need to air for a while.
------------- *** A lie can run round the world before the truth has got its boots on***
i've always done a "bring everyting type of camp"(glamping) ie:microwave,tv,a couple of heaters,a miniture oven and so on,it takes me a good 3-4 hours to set up,and for some reason when im going home it seems to take all day to pack up everything,i ached from head to foot after my last camp so this time im going to try light,just the basics ie;tent,sleeping bag,single ring burner and a small camp bed (instead of my queensize deluxe blow up bed) oh and i bought a smaller tent and a smaller chair,just got to see how i get on with it now.im hopeing i wont ache as much and hope to slice my setting up and taking down time.
We have two sets of the plastic drawers (Asda £15).
The first set contains all our 'kitchen' stuff for a longer camp inc small frying pan, suitcase hob, pan set, bowls, plates etc. This is accompmanied by a black 'folding' crate which contains all the rest of the smaller bits - lighting, heater, electric kettle/extension lead, Outwell lamp. These are great as they are packed/unpacked only as and when bits are needed and just carried in to the car on leaving day.
For shorter trips we use the second set of drawers which replaces all the above - drawers contain all cooking/lighting bits) (inc poundland lamps for short trips) - just then tent/sleeping bags/sims/clothes bag to carry in/out. The drawers are also used as a makeshift table (lifted in and out of tent as required) so again reduces the setting up/down time of erecting/de-erecting tent furniture.
In addition to the above we have a small cool bag which has all the useable/consumable essentials for every trip eg: washing up liquid, wipes, spare gas, salt/pepper, bin bags, kitchen cloths, tea/coffee etc - this is checked at the end of every trip and replaced ready for the next if necessary.
i've always done a "bring everyting type of camp"(glamping) ie:microwave,tv,a couple of heaters,a miniture oven and so on,it takes me a good 3-4 hours to set up,and for some reason when im going home it seems to take all day to pack up everything,i ached from head to foot after my last camp so this time im going to try light,just the basics ie;tent,sleeping bag,single ring burner and a small camp bed (instead of my queensize deluxe blow up bed) oh and i bought a smaller tent and a smaller chair,just got to see how i get on with it now.im hopeing i wont ache as much and hope to slice my setting up and taking down time.
well i had a trial run today of the "new,smaller set up" and guess what.....45 minutes to set up everything (including the new tent) and 45 minutes to pack it all away again. RESULT!!!
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: packing up?
and that's what matters
