A Bit of Decadence

[durulz]

OK, here's a question.
What's the most decadent bit of kit you carry? By decadent, I don't mean most expensive, I mean the most luxurious, most (un)necessary, most self-indulgent. Yes, self-indulgent is it.
I'll give you an example. My most decadent bit of kit is an inflatable mattress. But it's not one of those self-inflating ones (too thin!) or even a hiker's mattress. No. It's a full-size (well, single-sized) navy blue, flocked-on-top, bought in Tesco for £7.99 camping mattress. And bloody comfy it is too! Oh yes, I know it's bigger and heavier than equivalents. Oh yes, I've tried other things. Fact is though, I get a smashing night's sleep on it and that extra weight/size pays dividends when it comes to a night's kip.
So, what's your most decadent bit of kit?

[gregorach]

Don't always carry it, but that would probably be the stove-top espresso pot... Whisky doesn't count, it's an essential.

[PJMCBear]

I don't think I camp with anything that's in that criteria

Nope, nothing . It's time to look for something I think .

Actually, after a few more post have been added, some of the things do come into the criteria - chair, paraffin lantern, leather bags (a-la Wayland), my little kettle when out on my own, aluminium roll top table on ocassion and wind up radio. Not that these go out with me every time or very often. Damn, that means I can't have a bit of retail therapy.

[durulz]

We took a Sara Lea 'Fruits of the Forest' pavlova with us once as well. I love pavlova.

[andy_e]

I'd count the two folding camp chairs I took along to the Loch Chon meet as a bit of a luxury.

[Wayland]

Most of the kit I take to meet ups would fall into the luxury category I think.

In general though I guess it would be the leather bags I tend to pack everything in.



They aren't necessary but they do add to my enjoyment of the kit.

[Mastino]

A silver (plated) spoon. it's heavy, decadent but I justify myself with the antibacterial properties of silver . If you go out, go out in stile!

[DoctorSpoon]

Campervan

[rik_uk3]

Nothing wrong with folding chairs so long as your not backpacking; They are a great invention on offer at Wilkinson's just now, green two for £10. When I eventually get to buy my big tent, I'm getting a couple of camp beds, and a roll up aluminium table. Due to my knee(s) being shot, I need to take care and a little luxury is called for

Decadence at the moment would be taking more stoves than I need, but then, what's the point of a collection if you never get to use them?

What was decadent a few years ago, are just nice little add ons these days, wind up radio, MP3 player spring to mind.

[pentrekeeper]

My great big shiny (well it was when it was new) Zebra tea pot, ah I just love a good cup of freshly made tea.


Bought it of evilbay for £3.10p from a shop in Bournemiouth - bargain.

[featherstick]

Don't always carry it, but that would probably be the stove-top espresso pot... Whisky doesn't count, it's an essential.

Ditto.

The looks from other campers as you drink your freshly-brewed coffee....

[Wallenstein]

Mine would also be a campbed / airbed (plus pump!).

A good night's sleep makes all the difference, and when car camping there's no weight issue.

I also have a lovely double-burner gas stove for use in the big tent - pork chops in cider, with saute potatoes and fresh greens is a great way to finish the day, better than a beanfeast anyway!

NB. this is when camping for fell-walking, rather than escaping to the woods

[ehedwr]

Gotta be my Roberts Personal Digital Radio and iPod Speakers. Got totaly fed up of listenening to Russel bleeding Brand on the radio on a Saturday night so I went digital. We now have Planet Rock!

[Hoodoo]

I would be lost without my camp chair. It also doubles as a sleeping pad under my legs.

[spamel]

Hmm. Probably my Uco Lantern. Be honest, there isn't really a need for it at this time of year, and in winter a torch would suffice or the milk carton windshield that Wayland makes at meets. It just adds a bit of nostalgic I don't know what to the whole deal, old style candle in a nice brass and glass container, you can't beat it.

[Tengu]

My SDs loaded with Anime....

"And on this tiny card I have a 300 foot tall GIANT ROBOT....."

(oh, and the laptop to run them.....)

[w00dsmoke]

I don't count anything really unecessary if it enhances your experience and quality of your time outdoors, unless this ofcourse imacts on others enjoyment too. For example, I do find stereos awul and would gladly shoot the idiots who bring them out to wild places.

I too find an airbed a necessity due to spinal injury, it's not a luxury, it's a need. My luxury would be my coleman lamp and petrol stove, both unecessary, but both just make it that bit cosier on a winters camp, or my lumix cam, telescope, bivi boots, kelly kettle...the list goes on!

[EdS]

travelling cocktail cabinet and mixology equipment.

[Bogman10]

Solar heated shower , more then 3 knives, at least 2 axes, at least 2 stoves, a cast iron dutch oven ( or 2 ) , and if going with 4 or more people, either my 50 centimeter nonstick skillet or my 50cm Cast iron "BEAST" skillet!! ( THIS ONLY APPLIES WHEN TRUCK CAMPING ).
The Fry pan is priceless for making breakfast for a crowd!
I would need 10 Sherpas if walking lol.

[fishy1]

A £2.50 tarp to save time making shelters so I don't need to use many pine branches.

[Chance]

Although I've spent more on other redundant frivolities, I'm most embarassed by my folding spork.
(which I've surreptitiously just used for lunch at work)

[Grooveski]

Camera and MP3 player.

In my defense I don't carry a watch or phone.....
...which I suppose could be a damn sight more useful in a push than a camera and mp3 player - that's maybe not such a good defense.

[mazeman]

OK, It's a full-size (well, single-sized) navy blue, flocked-on-top, bought in Tesco for £7.99 camping mattress. And bloody comfy it is too! Oh yes, I know it's bigger and heavier than equivalents. Oh yes, I've tried other things. Fact is though, I get a smashing night's sleep on it and that extra weight/size pays dividends when it comes to a night's kip.

Surely this is not decadence, merely common sense! Saves talking a canoe, doesn't it?

[dave mint]

decadent piece of kit???? i suppose that would have to be my girlfriends make up bag and her EDIT camera with 4 extra AA bateries. and the raincoat she always refuses to bring cos "the weather looks fine". . 3 days we went hiking the other week and all she brings is this 20liter pack that wouldnt fit a primary schoolkids books in. I draw the line at heeled shoes. She wore shoes with about 1 inch heels once and they broke on the first day and so she was going barefoot and moaning and i was so pissed off I just said "shut the EDIT up". Ruined the entire trip.

EDIT: Watch your language please Dave, TT

[ANDYRAF]

For me it would be the radio, as I'm addicted to Classic FM, and earphones so it isn't to loud for others.

[Ogden]

My Kenzo Deodorant.

[John Fenna]

My bakestone/girdle, chair basket of "maybes" etc when not traveling far.
Spare socks and undies when going light weight!

[Graham_S]

my Kuska.
Things just taste better from it.

[Man of Tanith]

most decadent thing i take with me is probably twinnings assam tea bags but as a certain sticky on this site says survival is all about a good cup of tea!
regards
Sam

[Wayland]

My bakestone/girdle, chair basket of "maybes" etc when not traveling far.
Spare socks and undies when going light weight!

I'm not surprised your undies are an indulgence if you've got a girdle made from bakestones.