It's been a little while (20years with DofE) since I did any backpacking but I'm keen to get back to it. I get a couple of weekends away without the family a year and want to make the most of them. So far I've been car camping then walking from my base.
So, I have a pocket rocket and a couple of lightweight pans for cooking, a down sleeping bag, small SIM...and nothing else yet.
What would you suggest I get? I'm not too scared of cost being a proper grown up now but don't want to break the bank if I don't have to.
What would you suggest tent wise? I've looked at DD Travel/Frontline hammock, Wild Country Hoolie 2ETC, Marmot Grid Plus and Vaude Terra.
I'd also quite like a chair! Any other suggestions of what to take? I'm quite small' but hardy! I think the last time hiked I carried around a 2st pack.
Well... the DD tarp & hammock setup is the more versatile option and for places short on trees the tarps do a neat origami trick to become a basic tent with the aid of a pole.
Ultimately it depends on where & when you plan going, what kind of comfort level you want etc but perhaps most important of all be mindful of your fitness level. Especially if it's been a while since you hoofed it any distance with a load on your back.
I should add that Ii've been carrying children around in a backpack for the last 5 years! It didn't occur to me that I might have actually been training for a while.
Comfort levels run to being warm and having somewhere to sit that's not the floor.
Well I'm a bit of peasant and just use four sticks or water filled beer cans from the bin as I don't drink with a cooling rack but Grilliput do a nice collapsible one.
------------- It may seem like a good idea but never open a bean tin with an axe
Chair I would recommend is Helinox. I have a chair one but I think they do others now. I must point out that I don't backpack. It was purchased to go in a hold bag for car camping abroad. We can get tent,2 down bags,2 thermarests, 2 chairs, trangia etc in holdall.
Whether you want to carry a chair is up to you!! 😊
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: Starting out (again)
and just use four sticks or water filled beer cans from the bin as I don't drink with a cooling rack but Grilliput do a nice collapsible one.
