As a newbie, I am confused with the huge array of equipment available. I'm trying to narrow down what I really need to make a success of this camping lark! Any suggestions for the following products please?
Best stove
Best self inflating mat
Best sleeping bag
Best lantern
Best torch
Best heater
Any other essential categories I have missed? Thanks
I didn't add table and chairs to the list, because I have been lucky enough for some to be given to me. A fridge full of beer and wine in a tent sounds good!
Best Sleeping Bag: either The Navigator or the TSB depending on whether you want mummy or envelope style, both by Snugpak.
For a lantern, if you have small kids get an LED battery lantern like the LED Storm Lantern which would be safer than a gas lantern. However, gas lanterns are cheaper to run and are a little brighter.
Quote: Originally posted by blaze591 on 04/5/2009
Best not get a self inflating mat if you want to get any sleep....
That depends on which you buy! We bought two Robens Adventure matresses last year and they have to be one of the best camping accessories i've ever bought! The Fat Airics are supposed to be pretty good too.
Quote: Originally posted by blaze591 on 04/5/2009Best not get a self inflating mat if you want to get any sleep....
That depends on which you buy! We bought two Robens Adventure matresses last year and they have to be one of the best camping accessories i've ever bought! The Fat Airics are supposed to be pretty good too.
That's very true, I suppose it's a matter of taste. We have a Outwell double self inflating mattress, bought on good recommendation, that led to some of the worst nights sleep we have ever had. It was replaced with an Outwell Excellent King Size airbed that is just brilliant.
Any 'Best of' list is always going to be personal.
For example, this comment from blaze951
"Best not get a self inflating mat if you want to get any sleep"
I could not disagree more with.
I've used a Thermarest, self inflating mattress for the past 16 years. Love it. Never have any problems sleeping on it, even use it at home occasionally .. just because.
Also don't believe anyone can tell you what the best sleeping bag is. It depends on many factors and even then all anyone can do is make a suggestion.
Therefore, best sleeping bag? The one that allows you a good nights sleep.
Best stove? I own over 25 different stoves, all liquid fuelled, using paraffin, petrol or alcohol. Depending on different factors I'll chose the stove best suited.
I'll also never recommend a gas stove to anyone. Personal choice again.
Best lantern? Similar to stoves, I own and use a choice/combination of 5 different lanterns, again all liquid fuelled. The wife has a small CampingGaz jobby, but I prefer paraffin lanterns.
Best heater? Never used one, but have bought a 2nd hand one earlier this year, and yes, you've guessed it, runs on paraffin! still need to collect that from the UK ... hmmmm???
The only essentials I think that are needed for a successful camping experience are:
accommodation, i.e. tent.
sleeping equipment, bag & mattress
and cooking gear.
After that, most things can be done without, although some things are very useful to have with you when camping.
Ooops, sorry. One more essential. An open mind!
Quote: Originally posted by Ian/Karen on 05/5/2009
Best advice i would give. Get rid of your tent and buy a caravan lol then you wont have any problems at all
Ian
I'd have a problem, I'd have to pull it like one of those strongmen because I don't drive.
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Topic: Best Essential Equipment
