Message Forums

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!

Thanks

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

One of the small folding windshields to put round your cooker to stop all the heat blowing away! http://www.oswaldbailey.co.uk/eshop.asp?wci=product&wce=53104201&desc=ALUMINIUM+FOLDING+WINDSHIELD

A lightweight trek towel.

Perhaps a fold-flat chair? http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-1428744-10475506?url=http://www.outdoormegastore.co.uk/acatalog/Outwell_Portable_Beach_Chair.html

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

Quote: Originally posted by Bex27 on 25/7/2008

---

Good bag to carry it all in!

---

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. ....

---

Hello well why dont you put your location on your profile, who knows maybe some on here local to you. Also your age.

I have a post asking if any folk local to northwest fancy meeting up as singles, first time campers etc.

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=30&TopicID=151972&PagePosition=1&get=last#2403479

Quote: Originally posted by Merry on 25/7/2008

---

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 Rex, I don't think that's quite right. Snugpak sleeping bags are excellent and cost a lot less than that http://www.outdoorgb.com/c/snugpak_outdoor_sleeping_bags/?gclid=CNmOm-6a25QCFRKS1QodmjXUlA    MT

---

---

 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.

Les d