View Full Version : Stuff I might take when going camping
I think this could be filed under "the less you know the more you carry" but I have been
having a lovely time playing around on the internet looking for things to take camping.
Probably won't take everything listed but I might find room for this miniature kitchen sink (http://www.ktminiatures.com/sink.jpg).
General stuff
University of Exeter - Geological fieldwork equipment recommendations
http://www.uec.ac.uk/csm/course-pages/undergraduate/geology/fieldwork-equipment.htm
Safariquip
http://www.safariquip.co.uk/
Travelling Light
http://www.travellinglight.co.uk/
Rucksack (borrowed 45L)
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/0195568/Trail/C%24cip%3D50353.Sports%2Band%2 Bleisure%3EC%24cip%3D50354.Cam ping%2Band%2Bcaravaning%3EC%24 cip%3D50358.Rucksacks%2Band%2B daysacs.htm
Sleeping bag - borrowed
http://www.military-kit.co.uk/index.php?cPath=66
http://www.military-kit.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=66&products_id=321&osCsid=b1a7d12220b173b9c309fc6 3a3d5377f (lightweight 1-2 season)
http://www.strikeforcesupplies.co.uk/stock.php?page=bigpic&item=3002
Sleeping mats - bought from Alpkit (Regular Airic)
Mat comparison - http://www.alpkit.com/airic/compare/
Thermalite (not Thermarest) compact:
http://www.strikeforcesupplies.co.uk/stock.php?page=bigpic&item=3008
http://www.strikeforcesupplies.co.uk/stock.php?page=bigpic&item=20102
Tent - borrowed, though tempted by this but my friend Joe recommended
against single skin tents
http://www.winwood-outdoor.co.uk/acatalog/Gelert_Tents.html
Bedroll - looks very cosy, couldn't justify it though
http://www.duluthpack.com/product_detail.aspx?product=Be droll/Campers%20Roll
Image enlarged: http://www.duluthpack.com/product_images/b200.jpg
Got confused between bashas, tarps and hootchies
http://www.proadventure.co.uk/acatalog/Shelter_-_Bushcraft_Shelters_.html
Poncho - for inclement weather
http://www.ecamo.co.uk/product/webtex-british-dpm-poncho-webtex/403.html?osCsid=ee8113dd7e059a bebdfcf70892af6b76
http://www.military-kit.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=121&products_id=71
bought from Argos for a fiver
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/0190680/Trail/C%24cip%3D50353.Sports%2Band%2 Bleisure%3EC%24cip%3D50354.Cam ping%2Band%2Bcaravaning%3EC%24 cip%3D50367.Outdoor%2Bclothing .htm
Midge / mosquito headnet - have a bee veil but it's not very compact
http://www.strikeforcesupplies.co.uk/stock.php?page=bigpic&item=20057
http://www.stormoutdoors.co.uk/product/56.html
Lifesystems Mosquito net - http://www.wildtrak.com/product.asp?ID=116
http://www.cave-crag.co.uk/ProductDetails/mcs/productID/1744/groupID/47/categoryID/153/v/d2728eda-54fb-4bc5-820f-c1f2a1c11564
Headtorch
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3409907/Trail/C%24cip%3D50353.Sports%2Band%2 Bleisure%3EC%24cip%3D50354.Cam ping%2Band%2Bcaravaning%3EC%24 cip%3D50359.Camping%2Blights%2 C%2Blamps%2Band%2Btorches.htm
Windup headtorch - http://www.travellinglight.co.uk/index.html?target=p_1883.html&lang=en-gb
Windup torch - http://www.travellinglight.co.uk/index.html?target=p_1882.html&lang=en-gb
Bought - one from Alpkit for a fiver
http://www.alpkit.com/shop/cart.php?target=product&product_id=16150&category_id=253
Insect repellent
http://www.safariquip.co.uk/acatalog/Insect_Repellent.html
Nordic Summer - http://www.raymears.com/shop_item_desc.cfm?id=284&itemType=Skin%20Care
Biodegradable soap
Googled biodegradable soap site:uk
http://images.google.co.uk/images?svnum=10&um=1&hl=en&q=Biodegradable+soap+site%3Auk
http://www.safariquip.co.uk/cgi-bin/sh000001.pl?REFPAGE=http%3a%2f %2fwww%2esafariquip%2eco%2euk% 2facatalog%2fMore_Travel_Acces sories%2ehtml&WD=soap&PN=LifeMarque%2ehtml%23a1_21LI FSOAP00#a1_21LIFSOAP00
http://www.gear-zone.co.uk/eshop/Lifeventure-All-Purpose-Soap.html
http://www.lifeventure.co.uk/htm/washgear/soaps.htm
Teehee - http://www.mckinstriewilde.co.uk/work/packaging/black_palm.html
Stainless steel mug
http://www.combatservicesupport.co.uk/show_product.asp?pid=4179
http://www.exarmy.co.uk/shop/product.php?xProd=145&xSec=34&jssCart=3b3526ff0efe6409f2553e 2f7718daac
http://www.raymears.com/shop_item_desc.cfm?id=86&itemType=Accessories
Tempted by nifty plastic foldable cups
http://www.strikeforcesupplies.co.uk/stock.php?page=bigpic&item=2012
Teflon coated crusader mug
http://www.strikeforcesupplies.co.uk/stock.php?page=bigpic&item=2005
Ooooh pretty - http://www.surplusandoutdoors.com/ishop/877/shopscr2361.html
Water bottles - might just go with an old coke bottle
http://www.raymears.com/shop_item_desc.cfm?id=82&itemType=Accessories
Issue 58 pattern water bottle
http://www.strikeforcesupplies.co.uk/stock.php?page=bigpic&item=2001
Chairs - might get a bit teased about this
http://www.genuinearmysurplus.co.uk/pages/products/detail/rowid=36
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3406412/Trail/C%24cip%3D50353.Sports%2Band%2 Bleisure%3EC%24cip%3D50354.Cam ping%2Band%2Bcaravaning%3EC%24 cip%3D50362.Camping%2Bfolding% 2Bchairs%2Band%2Btables.htm
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3400360/Trail/C%24cip%3D50353.Sports%2Band%2 Bleisure%3EC%24cip%3D50354.Cam ping%2Band%2Bcaravaning%3EC%24 cip%3D50362.Camping%2Bfolding% 2Bchairs%2Band%2Btables.htm
Waterproof notebook
40 pages
http://www.caving-supplies.co.uk/cgi-bin/psProdDet.cgi/65060
50 pages
http://www.raymears.com/shop_item_desc.cfm?id=439&itemType=Accessories
Notebook advice from Exeter university:
http://www.uec.ac.uk/csm/course-pages/undergraduate/geology/fieldwork-equipment.htm
Stuff I thought was cool but don't really need
Camp shower with heat seeking vinyl
http://www.strikeforcesupplies.co.uk/stock.php?page=bigpic&item=3013
Jetboil
http://www.jetboil.com/
Volcano kettle (scroll down)
http://www.safariquip.co.uk/acatalog/More_Travel_Accessories.html
Jo
janiepopps
03-06-2007, 13:17
Wow, can I come camping with you please Jodie!
:D
Yes, apparently I might be in the market for someone to carry everything :D
janiepopps
03-06-2007, 13:22
Ha ha ha!
Your faithful Sherpa
j :lmao:
Heard that before somewhere Jodie?!! ;)
Yes :D
None of this 'just a knife and your wits' business for me.
EDIT: Haven't even thought about which books to bring along too.
I don't think I've ever seen quite such an organised person before!!
Here's some comments below, they're only my comments and no doubt other people will add their's!
General stuff
University of Exeter - Geological fieldwork equipment recommendations
http://www.uec.ac.uk/csm/course-page...-equipment.htm
Sarafiquip
http://www.safariquip.co.uk/
Travelling Light - This is what you need to be thinking!!
http://www.travellinglight.co.uk/
Rucksack (borrowed 45L) - Have a look at an ex-army bergen, much cheaper, stronger and more adaptable...
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Produc...%2Bdaysacs.htm
Sleeping bag - borrowed
http://www.military-kit.co.uk/index.php?cPath=66
http://www.military-kit.co.uk/produc...09fc63a3d5377f (lightweight 1-2 season)
http://www.strikeforcesupplies.co.uk. ..gpic&item=3002
Sleeping mats - bought from Alpkit (Regular Airic)
Mat comparison - http://www.alpkit.com/airic/compare/
Thermalite (not Thermarest) compact:
http://www.strikeforcesupplies.co.uk. ..gpic&item=3008
http://www.strikeforcesupplies.co.uk. ..pic&item=20102
Tent - borrowed, though tempted by this but my friend Joe recommended
against single skin tents - Listen to Joe...
http://www.winwood-outdoor.co.uk/aca...ert_Tents.html
Bedroll - looks very cosy, couldn't justify it though
http://www.duluthpack.com/product_de...Campers%20Roll
Image enlarged: http://www.duluthpack.com/product_images/b200.jpg
Got confused between bashas, tarps and hootchies
http://www.proadventure.co.uk/acatal...Shelters_.html
Poncho - for inclement weather - so long as you don't mind the brambles having a go in it too
http://www.ecamo.co.uk/product/webte...fcf70892af6b76
http://www.military-kit.co.uk/produc...products_id=71
bought from Argos for a fiver
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Produc...2Bclothing.htm
Midge / mosquito headnet - have a bee veil but it's not very compact
http://www.strikeforcesupplies.co.uk. ..pic&item=20057
http://www.stormoutdoors.co.uk/product/56.html
Lifesystems Mosquito net - http://www.wildtrak.com/product.asp?ID=116 - Just bought one, lets hope it works
http://www.cave-crag.co.uk/ProductDe...f-c1f2a1c11564
Headtorch
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Produc...%2Btorches.htm
Windup headtorch - http://www.travellinglight.co.uk/ind...tml&lang=en-gb
Windup torch - http://www.travellinglight.co.uk/ind...tml&lang=en-gb
Bought - one from Alpkit for a fiver - That's a great buy!
http://www.alpkit.com/shop/cart.php?...egory_ id=253
Insect repellent
http://www.safariquip.co.uk/acatalog...Repellent.html
Nordic Summer - http://www.raymears.com/shop_item_de...pe=Skin%20Care - Just bought some, we'll see how it does against midges. Also got some Jungle Formula Extra Strength
Biodegradable soap - Lifeventure is good stuff
Googled biodegradable soap site:uk
http://images.google.co.uk/images?sv...ap+si te%3Auk
http://www.safariquip.co.uk/cgi-bin/...a1_21LIFSOAP00
http://www.gear-zone.co.uk/eshop/Lif...pose-Soap.html
http://www.lifeventure.co.uk/htm/washgear/soaps.htm
Teehee - http://www.mckinstriewilde.co.uk/wor...lack_palm.html - Ooh got to get me some of that fancy stuff!!
Stainless steel mug - You know what to do...
http://www.combatservicesupport.co.u. ..t.asp?pid=4179
http://www.exarmy.co.uk/shop/product...553e2f7718daac
http://www.raymears.com/shop_item_de...pe=Accessories
Tempted by nifty plastic foldable cups
http://www.strikeforcesupplies.co.uk. ..gpic&item=2012
Teflon coated crusader mug
http://www.strikeforcesupplies.co.uk. ..gpic&item=2005
Ooooh pretty - http://www.surplusandoutdoors.com/is...opscr2361.html
Water bottles - might just go with an old coke bottle
http://www.raymears.com/shop_item_de...pe=Accessories
Issue 58 pattern water bottle - If you get this and the stainless 58 mug the bottle will sit inside the mug taking up less space, which might help you get your chair in...:rolleyes:
http://www.strikeforcesupplies.co.uk. ..gpic&item=2001
Chairs - might get a bit teased about this - see above ;)
http://www.genuinearmysurplus.co.uk/...etail/rowid=36
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Produc...d%2Btables.htm
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Produc...d%2Btables.htm
Waterproof notebook - Yep good idea, you'll be learning alot
40 pages
http://www.caving-supplies.co.uk/cgi...dDet.cgi/65060
50 pages
http://www.raymears.com/shop_item_de...pe=Accessories
Notebook advice from Exeter university:
http://www.uec.ac.uk/csm/course-page...-equipment.htm
Stuff I thought was cool but don't really need
Camp shower with heat seeking vinyl
http://www.strikeforcesupplies.co.uk. ..gpic&item=3013
Jetboil
http://www.jetboil.com/
Volcano kettle (scroll down)
http://www.safariquip.co.uk/acatalog...cessories.html
Don't forget earplugs too, because if it's tipping it down rain on a tent makes one helluva racket!! Plus there's always the badgers and hedgehogs snuffling around the tent...
I have plenty of those - use them for going to gigs.
Ta for your other comments too :)
janiepopps
03-06-2007, 14:18
"Don't forget earplugs too, because if it's tipping it down rain on a tent makes one helluva racket!! Plus there's always the badgers and hedgehogs snuffling around the tent..."
Or some dude doing a Billy Connelly impression until the wee small hours.........:rolleyes: :D
j
Don't do that! I was just getting over the nightmares!!! :p
Risclean
03-06-2007, 14:36
You might find this (http://www.gonegardening.com/xq/ASP/dept_id.401/pf_id.401065/referer./qx/gg_shop/product.htm) useful :)
Sorry, had to giggle at that one....!:o
You forgot;
small cloth bag of some description to put soft items in to use as pillow. (you may make your own)
lightweight security blanket (I use a big square of tartan plaid, unfortunatley not my tartan)
fishermans jacket or other multipocket vest (for carrying everything and looking confused over)
wet wipes
Blimey - that is very organised. I can't believe you've done so much research.
My process goes something like - grab bergan, walk round attic selecting essentials and also a couple of things to try out. I guarantee (and I think I'm on pretty firm ground here) that you will use about 1/2 of what you take!
However, this is probably the best way to find out what those items are!
Let us know what you actually found most useful.
Risclean - that's a fine looking barrow but what do they mean when they say it's ideal
for equestrian purposes?!
Tengu - definitely need wet wipes! If I've room (admittedly unlikely) I'm hoping to take
a normal pillow on the recommendation of my friend Lena, however it may just have
to be things stuffed in a cotton bag - I have the very thing, it is what my duvet cover
arrived in.
MikeyP - if I get home in one piece again I will let you know what worked for me. I
fully expect not to use most of it - but the selecting and buying of unnecessary items
is all part of the fun :D
is all part of the fun
And that is nearlly what it is all about!!!
tinderbox
03-06-2007, 20:23
No need to spend a fortune on biodegradable soap. Tesco Pure soap at 24p a bar does the job just fine, Asda do one too.
gore tex socks in case your boots get wet/lfail
if anything going to get ya down it's wet feet
i only live about 90 mins away
am there in 4 days:D
but it's raining now:(
I might get that Tesco soap for the home but for being away I prefer a liquid,
decantable sort of thing. Certainly not cheap though is it.
Might be fun to try making some soap from scratch some time, not sure where
I'd start though.
-Switch-
03-06-2007, 22:32
I might get that Tesco soap for the home but for being away I prefer a liquid,
decantable sort of thing. Certainly not cheap though is it.
Might be fun to try making some soap from scratch some time, not sure where
I'd start though.
''To make soap, first we render fat...'' :cool:
-Switch-
03-06-2007, 22:35
By the way Jodie, all that luxury and no knife? Or anything to cook with?
Or will you be phoning for a pizza? ;)
You forget the little trowel for digging a hole to poop in.
http://v-g.me.uk/WildCamp/WildCampToilet.htm
When I say camping I mean that I'm going on the Plantlore course at Woodsmoke and
we're not meant to bring cutting tools as far as I'm aware. I think the cooking might be
a group effort and I'm sure that there will be something sorted out for latrines :)
That's a good website though Zammo.
I'm extremely excited though a tiny bit nervous as it's been a while since I've slept in
anything other than comfortable beds :D
Twoflower
04-06-2007, 09:29
I'm extremely excited though a tiny bit nervous as it's been a while since I've slept in
anything other than comfortable beds :D
Just think of it as a music festival without the music, the thousands of other people and the £5 hotdogs and you'll be fine :)
Haha, it does occur on the same weekend as Glastonbury actually. I miss the tempura!
HI Jodie,
I just can't not post this link To*********************** aid you in your attempts to keep your pack free for something useful. :why: :D
janiepopps
04-06-2007, 16:34
How on earth did you EVER end up on that site decorum????
I dread to think what you googled :lmao:
j ;)
Would you believe I was on a Magical Mystery Tour?
Scots_Charles_River
04-06-2007, 17:09
Stainless Mugs - I have burnt lips a few times with them.
Foldable plasticup - better than above and a cool function design.
I use it when teaching design.
Waterproof Notepad - ideal for when navigating - write down bearings and grid refs.
Camp Shower (soldier shower) - really work well and reasonable pressure. Especially left on rocks or a car roof.
Nick
Stainless Mugs - I have burnt lips a few times with them.
Foldable plasticup - better than above and a cool function design.
I use it when teaching design.
I have to say I disagree, yes you can burn your lips, but there are ways to avoid that!
Plastic mugs are a bugger to clean in the field with a stainless one all you need is some grass it doesn't work with a plastic one, you can't stick one in the embers to heat up your tea or make new tea. You can even put some noodles in them for dinner (58 type anyway). They are just far more versatile. Ok so they don't look as good, but I for one can live with the shame!! :)
Now, where's my commission....:o :lmao:
I love my stainless steel mug.
I quite like this stainless steel mug (http://www.wedogardening.co.uk/product_list.php?product_typeI D=24).
decorum - I have some flip flops... :o
O K burnt lips get a foot ball mouth piece cut one end off put in warm water do not boil or it be goon just till it gets soft. Them mold it on you cup let cool. When you need to use it put on cup after you pore hot water in don't leave on and heat water at same time it melt
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d52/oops62/th_lipguard.jpg (http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d52/oops62/lipguard.jpg)
Harmonica
04-06-2007, 21:37
Hi Jodie,
I'm on the plantlore course too and have recently been on the Axe Workshop with Woodsmoke - top tip is to make sure you will be warm enough at night as we were all freezing two weeks ago. I ended up sleeping in my Swandri wool shirt and i'm pretty sure i wasn't the only one.
Don't worry about cooking as its all sorted by the instructors and you won't need a chair as there are loads of logs to sit on round the fire.
See you soon. :)
silvergirl
04-06-2007, 21:41
I got a very cheap stainless steel mug out the local hardware store(2.99 I think).
Its not double walled so you can stick it right on the fire / on your stove to heat water / milk/ tea etc. But yes watch your lips
Pillow is a nice idea if you really have room, I never do:rolleyes: .
I never take a chair, though I know plenty do. When i'm camping with a group I usually recommend getting catering sized buckets. They are about the right height to sit on and provide water tight storage, bakeries are a good source.
Buckets - now that is a blooming good idea!
decorum - I have some flip flops... :o
Could also be used for the occasions when a plaster isn't quite big enough. Bet there'd be a few funny looks and sideways glances at A & E though. :D
Don't worry about cooking as its all sorted by the instructors and you won't need a chair as there are loads of logs to sit on round the fire.
See you soon. :)
Just spotted this :) Thanks for the advice - I am trying to pack for freezing rain and
boiling sun so I've got sunglasses, sunblock and a sunhat alongside woolly jumpers
and an umbrella. Shame I've no excuse to bring a bucket though...
Might bring my gloves and a warm hat for nighttime too!
This rucksack of yours is getting bigger by the day...
You are going to the gym doing weight training aren't you?
Scots_Charles_River
05-06-2007, 21:22
That's a good website though Zammo.
It is and it's the first Via Ferrata in the UK, on the Fife Coastal Path, not
the english lakes one.:cool:
Nick
I'm about to google to find out what a via ferrata is as i've no idea. It sounds like
a railway - I'm sure I saw a programme recently where the phrase was mentioned...
Hope youve got a Transit you can borrow from someone Jodie :D
So long as you have fun it doesnt matter what you take ;)
fredcraft
05-06-2007, 21:35
Very ressourceful post Jodie !
As I am myself preparing for a camping trip in july, this came in right on time :cool:
The image that comes in my mind when I read "via ferreta" is a saddled race ferret :twak: Very curious what links your mind can come up with when it hears an unknown word/expression :confused: :slap:
TheGreenMan
06-06-2007, 19:39
Jo, you’re priceless, and someone to be treasured here. I haven’t laughed so much for quite a while. Thank you. :D
Cheers,
Paul.
Heh, thank you :o :)
Today I bought a stainless steel mug for £1.99 from the hardware shop across
the road from where I work, which was rather convenient. Only 16 days to go!
TheGreenMan
06-06-2007, 22:02
I'm counting the days with you, Jo :)
Best regards,
Paul.
Well two days to go and I've practised putting up the tent (Eurohike DART, 3-person) in
the garden and left it up overnight to see how it fared. It did fine although it seems to be
an earwig magnet :eek: - they are my least favourite creepy crawlie.
Having done this I can see exactly why the tarps and hammock combo is so popular!
I've shelved the chair idea - the bookies were right, no room in the rucksack and I've
got my arms pencilled in for carrying the tent and the sleeping bag so no spare hands
either.
Jo :)
hammock and tarp is the way to go, those pesty earwigs.
Twoflower
21-06-2007, 11:18
Try strapping the tent and bag to the back of your rucksack, that will leave your arms free for carrying your chair :)
janiepopps
21-06-2007, 11:34
Hey Jo, good luck hun. I think I can safely say we are all dying to hear how you get on! :D
When you get back and unpack take a note of the things you used loads and those you didnt even get out of your bag, I promise you'll be amazed how little you actually need.
Have fun!
j
PS Ignore the earwigs, they are actually quite cute if you can teach your brain to look at them a different way!
Harmonica
21-06-2007, 20:47
I cant wait to see the person behind the mountain of kit tomorrow - it will be great!!
Thanks everyone!
Pretty much straight after Woodsmoke I'm off to Orkney so if I'm a bit quiet it's just cos
I've nipped off to Scotland, but I'll try and post an update in between :)
TheGreenMan
22-06-2007, 16:21
...I think I can safely say we are all dying to hear how you get on! :D
Ain’t that the truth!
Bon Voyage, Jo :)
All the best,
Paul.
Pretty much straight after Woodsmoke I'm off to Orkney so if I'm a bit quiet it's just cos
I've nipped off to Scotland, but I'll try and post an update in between :)
More to follow when I get back from Scotland at the weekend but I had a great time and
wrote a little about it on post 26, here:
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18388
A clip on mug!
http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/christmas/stocking-fillers/carabiner-mug/index.html
Admittedly it's metallic, not plastic (reduces lip burning) but it's very pretty and clippy.
Someone had one at the second Woodsmoke weekend I was on (Trailbreaker).
Scots_Charles_River
09-12-2007, 20:07
I have to say I disagree, yes you can burn your lips, but there are ways to avoid that!
Plastic mugs are a bugger to clean in the field with a stainless one all you need is some grass it doesn't work with a plastic one, you can't stick one in the embers to heat up your tea or make new tea. :
Why is a plastic cup harder to clean than a stainless one ?
The swedish mil. use them so I think they are better as well.
Nick
I prefer a plastic one myself (I took both to try them out) and found that the metal
one is either ambient temperature (cold) or boiling hot (with tea in it) whereas the
plastic one was a bit easier in use.
Then again these high tech ones with double layer might get around that.
The double layer ones are really good, hot inside safe to hold outside.
O K burnt lips get a foot ball mouth piece cut one end off put in warm water do not boil or it be goon just till it gets soft. Them mold it on you cup let cool. When you need to use it put on cup after you pore hot water in don't leave on and heat water at same time it melt
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d52/oops62/th_lipguard.jpg (http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d52/oops62/lipguard.jpg)
Just seen this http://www.thecowellfamily.com/hikewales/2007/02/no-more-burnt-lips.html
Using those silicon "inspirational" wrist band things around the mug rim.
It might be time for me to resurrect this post and see if I can prune my packing list
for Woodsmoke this year :p
Actually I doubt it :)
bikething
06-07-2008, 11:31
don't forget to add sewing / repair kits ;)
I've just come back from a brilliant time at Woodsmoke - I have definitely got a bit better
at this being outside malarkey (still a long way to go!) and managed to organise myself
quite well on the packing front. Discovered that stuff sacks are not the same thing as
dry bags and had a slightly damp first night with pillow and sleeping bag but still had a
fairly comfortable night as all of my clothes were super dry as I bagged everything before
putting it in the rucksack. If only this attention to detail had spread to the bags clipped
TO the rucksack ;)
I got to meet Matthew P from here and he's still up there helping out at the Woodlander
which is running at the moment! Yasmin and I were hugely impressed with the
instructors Matt and Steve and the assistant instructors Ant, and Matthew. They ran a
really good, well-paced course and taught, helped and encouraged as needed. Utterly
brilliant :D
I managed to point and split a stick (for trout ponassing) myself which surprised me, and
I even recognised some plants! I've also made my own margarine-spreading knife, which
will come in very useful. Also I laughed loads - great bonhomie and campire banter
and I felt really quite chilled, almost like an old hand hehe. Still don't like skittering down
slidey muddy bits and am far too fearful of snapping my bones if I land awkwardly - I am
exactly the same at Charing Cross station when they put the 'floor wet' signs up, and
that's on the flat! Managed to get embarrassingly lost both on the way to the loo and on
the way back from it yet survived with my humour intact. I had a whistle with me this time
which had the positive psychological effect of reminding me that if I was REALLY lost I
could make some noise - but I really wasn't very far away from the main road, just a bit
gormless.
Bags weren't too heavy - despite the fact that I managed to pack three hats (I have fallen
in love with my Jungle Type 2 (http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=32047) hat which I got from a vintage shop - it made me less
fearful of getting my head pranged with overhanging things - hat = good idea!) as I did
pay a bit of attention to what I did and didn't use last time.
On Sunday night my friend Yasmin and I were staying in a hotel in Windermere and I
had my roll mat, sleeping bag and pillow out drying in my room. When we got back from
a rather nice dinner I noticed the balcony at the back of my room (a sort of chalet style
affair) and put two and two together - so last night I slept outside my own hotel room
until the crows got a bit chatty at six in the morning (had no tarp above me to stop me
taking a direct hit) and woke me up.
Anyway, this is what I took - I think this covers the main stuff but probably doesn't do
justice to the numerous sandwich bags and other plastic bags / ziplock type things
that I also had for emergencies.
A tent (outer bit, lining, tent poles, tent pegs, spare large groundsheet and carry bag)
A very comfy warm (borrowed) sleeping bag in a stuff sack (failed to add a bin liner!)
My real pillow in a stuff sack (again, no bin liner)
Small groundsheet for the front 'porch' of the tent
Sunglasses (didn't use, but did today when in Windermere)
Ecoguard insect repellent - this smells lovely by the way!
Camera for recording stages of shelter building, tinder igniting and bits of moss I liked.
One-size-fits-all plastic kagoule / pac-a-mac (didn't use... might have though... :rolleyes:)
Torch (hand held)
Head torch (I like both a hand held and a head held in case one fails)
Cutlery
Plastic plate
Plastic bowl
Plastic mug
Balti dish (metal) - I didn't use this but someone had forgotten to pack a plate and I was
happy to lend it to them.
Liquid soap (did not use, used Wet Ones or whatever they're called)
Clock - I don't use a watch and didn't want to rely on keeping my mobile phone on
A small clear map case thingy I got with Countryfile magazine! It's fab, it hangs round my
neck and I could keep my notepad and pencil in there along with some plasters in case
I nicked myself with cutting tools.
Notepad and propellor pencil with spare leads (no sharpening!)
Trainers (did not use)
Flip flops (a godsend, worked well with my spare mini groundsheet - like a staging post
between the outside of the tent where boots are needed and the inside where they
aren't)
Plastic box with batteries in it - I might split this into two so that I can actually have
spare batteries ON me when the torch gives out rather than having to pootle back to
the tent and find them (delighted that I had extra torch!).
Towel
Umbrella (did not use - had great hat!)
Wool hat for wearing at night
Sun hat (did not use, but should have used it today in Windermere)
Fabulous rain hat - lived in it.
Very thin scarf thing for wrapping round my nose at night.
Rain jacket (very light, has hood, pretty good)
Day bag
Gardening gloves (did actually use these a bit for gathering bits of the forest floor during
shelter building)
Waterproof trousers (did not use, but glad to have them as a comfort blanket!)
Mozzie net (did not use but should have while gutting fish as the flies were interested)
Warm leggings as pyjama bottoms
Clothing (trousers / t-shirts / underwear)
Spare black bin liners and other little bags.
Little drawstring bags from washing powder packs - used one to keep my tick removal
kit together. Used them more to separate things but you can hang them in trees and
(very small) things might dry in them...
Empty diet coke bottle as water bottle
Whistle
Money / keys / mp3 player (used on train home!)
Wash bag - I suppose I should edit this later and say what was in that too!
First Aid Kit - ditto :)
Things I wish I'd had - something like a fruiterer's / market stall holder's apron bag thing
to drop stuff into when I was putting the tent up. I kept putting things down and then
having to go back and find them again - and it was raining a bit! Or a white plastic bag
that's very visible and only drop things in that... I realised that I should have extracted
the torch before I started putting the tent up!
I also discovered that a day bag can soon become an unprepared evening bag if you
don't go back to the tent and collect the torch during daylight hours, so I might keep one
in there! I kept plasters with me at all times.
Also even though I packed really well and had a list of where everything was I learned
that it's quite handy to memorise where things are. It might be taking things a bit far to
practise getting things out of my rucksack, in a dark room, but I suppose it helps to
know where everything is a bit better.
I suppose I should go to bed in a bit, work beckons :)
Matthew.Passmore
19-07-2008, 19:17
Hey Joe,
Glad you had a good weekend, you did really well, Ive just got back from the woodlander and had my first shower in 10 days :)
hope to see you on another course soon :)
Matt.