It's hard to pick the best one, but since I started camping I've bought several things that have made a big difference for me.
The first is the JetBoil. Enough hot water for two big travel mugs of tea and coffee in 2 minutes dead. When you brave the cold on a chilly morning, reducing the time to that first cuppa is worth every penny. At one event I watched someone set up their small stove, carefully measure the water for two cups, and set it boiling. Being cocky I sauntered round the back of the car, grabbed the JetBoil, and wandered back and set it up, glugged in as much water as it would hold, and set it going. Despite starting 2 minutes later, it was ready far in advance of the kettle, despite me secretly wondering what was taking so long because it was the tail end of the gas canister!
The second is my Cadac Carri Chef. I confess to not having stretched it's capabilities, but it's still been wonderful for grilling dinner, not to mention some excellent breakfasts.
The combination of a Vango XL 3 season sleeping bag and Thermarest DreamTime XL mattress have lead to warm comfortable nights anywhere I've deigned to sleep.
Home made alloy grill stand to lift the grill tray (reduced toasting time to a few minutes from almost never)
Home made handbrake handle extension. OH can now put on the brake without banging her nose on the steering wheel. It's not that I mind the £50 for a shop bought one, I just like a challenge
Coleman comfort double airbed (£14.99 in camperlands)- had mine 5 years now, it never needs topping up even during a fortnight away and is perfect for whatever is wrong with my back!
Coleman dual fuel twin burner stove (£50 from an independent camping shop 14 years ago) - small, light, sturdy, lights no matter what the weather, controllable and quick.
'Anti-gravity' chair £40 from asda about 4 or 5 years ago, quite light and compact and again perfect for my back!
And another cadac devotee here -I love my safari chef
It's so hard to pick one thing,
I suppose it would have to be between the following 3 items
* My home made solar fridge
* My 2nd hand Coleman 424 dual fuel double burner stove or
* My £35 Regatta 4 man tent from Argos, that everyone slated but which never let me down once during my intensive 5 week tour of France, in ALL weathers, this summer.
I have GOT to sort my sleeping arrangements out though! The Readybed was good while it lasted, but after about 2-3weeks it let me down in a big way!
a little fan heater bought from Argos in Worcester in 1997.We had some appalling weather at the C&C Club site at Blackmore(3 days solid rain) so went and got it for £10.Its still going strong.
And our Coleman 3 way camping fridge,got that in 1995 and wouldn't be without it,also still going strong.
Brilliant in warm weather for keeping stuff cold.
------------- Sue & Phil
--------------------- I Love My AeroBed
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: Your best bit of kit?
