Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => The Knowledge => Camping It Up => Topic started by: jogler on 04 September, 2010, 10:10:14 am

Title: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jogler on 04 September, 2010, 10:10:14 am
We will be buying some reproofing stuff for a cotton tent.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Jon P on 04 September, 2010, 12:52:35 pm
Not today, but earlier in the week I bought a Snugpak Stratosphere bivi (http://www.nomadtravel.co.uk/catalog/view/snugpak-stratosphere-bivi) - weighs 1.3kg as is but a lot less with lightweight pegs instead of steel girders supplied with, it's totally waterproof with 2 short flexipoles to give a "mini-tent" for the head area, thus in rain you could read in peace or even tend a stove outside the bivi instead of just furling the bag round your head.  Will be really useful for muni camping, stopping over at the office and at (near) airports, the latter in view of hand baggage restrictions and on taking tent pegs through security (!!)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: rogerzilla on 04 September, 2010, 03:52:14 pm
This week I have bought some cheap gas canisters, a washing line, some saucepans and a Victorinox Waiter Swiss army knife, which has everything I need on it.

Total outlay about £27, of which the knife was more than half.

I went into Cotswold Outdoor this morning but didn't buy anything.  They're havin' a larf.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Ray 6701 on 04 September, 2010, 03:57:30 pm
I bought a 25 litre rucksack yesterday.  AR 25L Classic Small (http://backpackinglight.co.uk/product49.asp?PageID=97)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Pedaldog. on 04 September, 2010, 08:14:00 pm
I bought a tube of seam sealant today to do my Jack Wolfskin tents with. Apparently they need it from new and I have only pitched them once in the front garden, dry weather.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Pippa on 05 September, 2010, 08:48:36 pm
The first item on my list. I've ordered a tent. A Blacks Octane 3 one.

So now just the sleeping bag, mat and stove to get. And then I'll be all set.

Oh yeah, and a bike to carry it all on  :D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: peliroja on 05 September, 2010, 09:05:01 pm
The first item on my list. I've ordered a tent. A Blacks Octane 3 one.

So now just the sleeping bag, mat and stove to get. And then I'll be all set.

Oh yeah, and a bike to carry it all on  :D
Good choice, Pippa!
Now you'll need the Alpkit bag, Exped mat, Jetboil, Long Haul Trucker... ;)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: toekneep on 06 September, 2010, 08:33:03 am
I treated us to new 3mm foam underlay for the tent. The old stuff wasn't quite long enough and was falling apart anyway. Although it is bulky to carry it make the tent really cosy with no cold spots anywhere.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Mike J on 06 September, 2010, 09:12:28 am
Yes, had to buy a new airbed (2nd one in last couple of months  :-[).

First one got a puncture, 2nd one was so thin I can feel all the ground.  So now we are on to the third.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: rogerzilla on 07 September, 2010, 07:17:39 pm
A Coleman F1 Lite backpacking gas lantern.  £22 from Marshall Leisure rather than £36 at Go Outdoors.  Very small and light, has about the light output of a 60W mains lamp (lights up the garage no problem).  Not really supposed to be used inside a tent because of the CO and fire risk, but people do, not least for the warmth.

There's something marvellously steampunk about gas mantles  :)

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Tewdric on 07 September, 2010, 07:25:34 pm
I spotted an unused Army issue goretex bivvy bag on 't bay and snapped it up for 30 notes.  My present example is now 20 years old and showing it's age, although still working fine.  I'll most likely bivvy/tarp it at the camping weekend.
 
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: rogerzilla on 07 September, 2010, 07:28:46 pm
You're not coming in my tent when the killer wowbadgers start gathering  :P
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 07 September, 2010, 07:35:11 pm
My Exped Air Pillow arrived in the post at lunchtime.  Thanks Alan (Bikepacker)  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Tewdric on 08 September, 2010, 06:18:28 am
You're not coming in my tent when the killer wowbadgers start gathering  :P

They won't find me, I'll look like Ray Mears on a stealth mission!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 08 September, 2010, 07:20:54 am
Careful. You might look too much like a hedge to a drunken camper at 2am
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: microphonie on 08 September, 2010, 07:08:19 pm
Not today but over the last fortnight:

 Robens Cosy Dreamer  (http://www.allweathers.co.uk/robens-cosy-dreamer-2010-5036-p.asp) tent.

Plenty good enough for what I need as an occasional camper.

 Alpkit Wedge  (http://www.alpkit.com/shop/cart.php?target=product&product_id=16535&category_id=289) sleeping mat.

Impressed with the mat: I've got a bit of a dodgy back & its 5cm tickness at the torso gave enough support. It could do with a less slippy surface though - my sleeping bag slid around quite a bit each time I moved. Might be a bit bulky for bike camping though.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: L CC on 08 September, 2010, 08:30:32 pm
I acquired a stove from Ibrahim. No drunks to rob for meths on the mean streets of rural suffolk so it'll be the weekend before I get to Ray Mears it in the clearing.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 08 September, 2010, 09:05:28 pm
Some Delta pegs
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Deano on 08 September, 2010, 10:42:34 pm
A couple of travel toothbrushes - at 49p each, good grief.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Jaded on 08 September, 2010, 11:03:46 pm
I got a free tube of toothpaste from the dentist. It is ideal for camping being about 1/3rd the normal length.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: rower40 on 09 September, 2010, 01:58:54 pm
I realised my sleeping bag and airbed were a) huge, b) heavy, and c) extremely old.  I've just been to M*ll*ts where I bought smaller, lighter and phenomenally cheap replacements.  Feel free to sneer at me for dropping off the bottom of the quality spectrum - these items are barely one-season, let alone 2 or 4.

Toyed with the idea of buying a gas burner and some cooking weapons (pots, cutlery etc), but I remembered just in time - I can't cook.  Indoors or outdoors.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Oscar's dad on 09 September, 2010, 02:04:56 pm
I've always had a soft spot for Millets.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: The Mechanic on 09 September, 2010, 02:58:16 pm
I've always had a soft spot for Millets.

So has my budgie
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: rogerzilla on 09 September, 2010, 06:21:31 pm
Sort of.  I bought The Mother Of All Teapots in gleaming stainless steel, for £2.49 from a charity shop.  I am on brew-up duty for the last FNRttS of the year.  I think it holds 2 litres.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: unipaul on 09 September, 2010, 08:45:57 pm
A Vango Banshee 200 to replace an old Pheonix Plighter that has gone on to tent heaven.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 22 September, 2010, 04:29:29 pm
One of those sleeping bag extensions for my Snugpak Softie 9 Hawk so that when I'm on my own I can have a bigger bag for one and feel less constrained!  :thumbsup:   I suppose I could just leave it on anyway even when for two's so that there's a tad more room.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: JenM on 05 October, 2010, 01:53:36 pm
An enormous box has been delivered.  Oh the excitement.....2 sleeping bags from Alpkit - one 3 season and one 4 season.  Roll on the winter!
.....and one of their Gourdon Drybags in Chilli
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Martin on 05 October, 2010, 11:16:30 pm
a Gelert Solo (the zip went on the mythical Argos one; typically just after they sold out of new ones)

no idea how or if it will fit in the SQR
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: cycleman on 07 October, 2010, 07:12:35 pm
yes a folding knife fork and spoon from blacks in high wycombe . a nice 24mile ride is nice sunshine  :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 07 October, 2010, 08:45:25 pm
Just ordered a  Titanium Spork - backpacking cutlery - tableware  (http://www.snowpeak.com/tableware/cutlery/titanium-original-spork-sct-004.html) and a set of  Carry On Chopsticks - backpacking cutlery - tableware  (http://www.snowpeak.com/tableware/cutlery/original-carry-on-chopsticks-sct-103.html) from REI, along with a few other goodies. I'm rather tempted by the  Trek Titanium Bowl - bowls & plates - tableware  (http://www.snowpeak.com/tableware/bowls-plates/trek-titanium-bowl-stw-003t.html), but fiscal prudence won out over my lust for shiny toys (for a short while, anyway).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 07 October, 2010, 08:48:40 pm
Oh I miss REI...

(sorry, back to the topic ;D)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 07 October, 2010, 09:54:14 pm
Some titanium goodness from Alpkit arrived this morning...  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Charlotte on 07 October, 2010, 10:02:57 pm
I'm rather tempted by the  Trek Titanium Bowl - bowls & plates - tableware  (http://www.snowpeak.com/tableware/bowls-plates/trek-titanium-bowl-stw-003t.html), but fiscal prudence won out over my lust for shiny toys (for a short while, anyway).

I have one of those.  It are wuverly  :smug:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Jon P on 07 October, 2010, 10:08:24 pm
"it compliments the tableware set"

I have visions of a Viz-style spoof speech bubble saying to the tableware set "you're looking wuberly today"
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Speshact on 25 November, 2010, 11:27:10 pm
I've just bought a Robens tarp, 4m x4m, with three extendable poles, for a tenner on eBay.
Tarp (http://www.outdoormegastore.co.uk/acatalog/Robens_Tarp_4x4_M_.html)

The plan is to ditch the family tent in favour of two backpacking tents and the tarp. I think we'll need to have alternative poles to replace the Robens extendable ones as, when collapsed, they aren't short enough to fit on a rack or in a pannier.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: JT on 25 November, 2010, 11:44:48 pm
An Alpkit Pipedream 400 down sleeping bag.

No excuse now not to go on some early/late season S24O's.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 26 November, 2010, 12:57:58 am
Were you on the waiting list?
There aren't any Pipedreams listed on the Alpkit website. Will they get that far, or were they all sold in advance?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: JT on 26 November, 2010, 06:29:06 am
Yes I was on the waiting list and they sent out secret links last night.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jogler on 26 November, 2010, 07:59:43 am
now they will have to kill you JT :o
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: JT on 26 November, 2010, 09:00:25 am
now they will have to kill you JT :o

Only if I pass the links on to people outwith the list. :-X
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jogler on 26 November, 2010, 09:14:03 am
but when"they" tell you a secret the penalty is always DETH :(
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mike on 26 November, 2010, 11:45:55 am
Finally found a 1-person tent that was big enough for me.. the power lizard/terra nova types are too damn small for someone of my belly size & height, but I found this one Tamarack Outdoors Helsport Ringstind Light (http://www.tamarackgroup.co.uk/acatalog/Helsport_Ringstind_Light.html) is about a foot longer and six inches higher.  It's supposed to be a bit more robust too.

and the shop just called and offered me the 2-person version for the same price as the 1-person because they were out of stock of the 1 person...  ;D

will report back with pics when it gets here!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 11 December, 2010, 07:46:37 pm
Mike that is serious dosh better be worth it....
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Deano on 11 December, 2010, 09:26:42 pm
I'm not sure I'd fancy sleeping in something called the Ringsting.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andygates on 17 December, 2010, 12:49:51 pm
One Opinel No. 8 Carbone, and a replacement waist-strap clip for the daysack.

(Yay proper shops)

Now to get a proper patina on this knife.  I need cheese, WD-40, teabags and some green sticks. :thumbsup:

The Carbone = carbon steel, not stainless.  It takes a silly edge (and loses it too, but recovers it easily).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: onb on 08 January, 2011, 11:00:54 am
A down mat a waterproof bag and a folding stove .The plan is taking shape. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 08 January, 2011, 06:57:21 pm
Received a footprint for the Nallo 2 GT from George Fisher - very good and friendly service :). All ready for the early birds camping - hope it isn't rained off :D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: epa611 on 08 January, 2011, 07:19:25 pm
2x MSR Ti mugs

Need to buy a new replacement bottom section for one of my Leki poles as fell this afternoon and broke it (loads of snow covered ice to negotiate today :( )
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: rogerzilla on 09 January, 2011, 11:25:57 am
We got some stuff for Christmas, which I got round to looking at yesterday:

- 2 burner stove with grill*
- Double sleeping bag
- Inflatable double mattress

We were borrowing this stuff last season.

*I'd be quite happy cooking everything on my single burner Coleman 550B, but lighting up isn't a job for the faint-hearted - you can see why this guy uses a Very Long Match:


    YouTube
        - Coleman Exponent Multi-fuel
   (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EBeOr27WpI&feature=related)



Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: The Mechanic on 09 January, 2011, 05:13:58 pm
Funny you shold ask that.

Santa brought me a Trangia 27-8, Roban Downlight 500 sleeping bag, silk liner.  I have since bought a fuel bottle, Lifeventure Ti mug, Ti spork (on way from t'bay).  This is all to go with my Wild Country Duolite tourer tent and Exped downmat 7.  Just need to get rid of the snow now and we (read "me") are off.  Tally Ho!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 21 January, 2011, 08:05:36 pm
Some toys, flint, trangia fuel bottle, lightweight towel,  spork, and kfs (£1!)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andygates on 21 January, 2011, 08:44:19 pm
Got a USB mini to micro adapter.  Which doesn't sound like camping gear, but means I can power my droid on the road. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 22 January, 2011, 01:50:13 am
My Rivendell Mountain Works "Mariposa" day pack arrived today. Not sure if it counts as camping gear, but the pack is just about big enough for an overnight trip if I pack carefully and use a summer-weight down sleeping bag. It also promises to be a good back for a day of rock climbing.
RIVENDELL MOUNTAIN WORKS - The Packs - New Packs - Mariposa (http://rivendellmountainworks.com/mariposa.html)

Cycling note: Grant Peterson chose the name "Rivendell Bicycle Works" as a tribute to the original "Rivendell Mountain Works", since he claimed to be influenced by their design philosophy.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Mike J on 22 January, 2011, 04:41:07 pm
Bought a new softshell jacket in the sales (for boat use mainly though).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Quisling on 22 January, 2011, 04:51:42 pm
A spork (green)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 22 January, 2011, 08:17:17 pm
I am beginning to wonder how anyone actually moves on a bike fully loaded for camping.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 22 January, 2011, 08:21:25 pm
Slowly.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 22 January, 2011, 09:15:40 pm
Bought some mess tins (not exactly military quality but they will do), an inflatable pillow,  a set of waterproof over trousers I will never use, and  an old fashioned widget for calculating distances from maps.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Furious on 22 January, 2011, 09:32:12 pm
I am beginning to wonder how anyone actually moves on a bike fully loaded for camping.

There's one of these for every occasion...
(http://www.yehudamoon.com/images/strips/2008-03-17.gif)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 22 January, 2011, 10:13:34 pm
Slowly.

Except when going down hill.

(http://peter.chesspod.com/gallery/d/9483-2/DSC05784.JPG)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 22 January, 2011, 10:24:51 pm
YMMV, but I find camping gear does more to wreck the aerodynamics than the weight makes up for on the descents.  Probably my fault for having Altura panniers, though.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 23 January, 2011, 09:21:58 am
Well, you only need to go fast enough to reach the cafe for lunch and the campsite before they close, so it's fine :). And if you know the site, you don't even have to worry about the latter. (I've arrived at 12.30 am before!)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 23 January, 2011, 10:55:04 pm
That works best if you can get your tent up in five minutes in the dark.





And you can :-*
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 29 January, 2011, 08:03:02 pm
Bag liner (well its not exciting I know, but Rome wasn't built in a day) might buy a beginner tent tomorrow (like a kid in a sweet shop) nearly bought a MTB today a Trek hardtail bargain but SWMBO would have gone mad...... chuckle. Seriously wondering whether to get one of those Galaxies at SPA whilst they are going cheap having looked at renovation pricing.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 06 February, 2011, 08:34:41 pm
Bought a tent Coleman Bedrock for first foray into cycle camping we will see........


    YouTube
        - Coleman Bedrock 2 - [url=http://www.simplyhike.co.uk]
   Camping equipment, camping gear, hiking gear | Simply Hike UK
 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuTvjEKGWq0)
  [/url]
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 06 February, 2011, 10:28:37 pm
Ooh, new tent :thumbsup:

Have fun :D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 06 February, 2011, 10:32:28 pm
I'm on the lookout for a new tent. We want a Hilleberg Nallo 3 GT. Not at all cheap, and there are some available for about £680. I'm hoping to find one at a discount or on Ebay.

Mrs. Wow and I already have the Vango Spirit 2, but we want just a little more space.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 06 February, 2011, 10:40:42 pm
I'm on the lookout for a new tent. We want a Hilleberg Nallo 3 GT. Not at all cheap, and there are some available for about £680. I'm hoping to find one at a discount or on Ebay.

Mrs. Wow and I already have the Vango Spirit 2, but we want just a little more space.
They don't come up on ebay very often, sadly. And when they do, they often go for a sum that makes little sense when you could get one from a shop with a guarantee for not much more. :-\
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 06 February, 2011, 10:43:38 pm
I'm on the lookout for a new tent. We want a Hilleberg Nallo 3 GT. Not at all cheap, and there are some available for about £680. I'm hoping to find one at a discount or on Ebay.

Mrs. Wow and I already have the Vango Spirit 2, but we want just a little more space.
They don't come up on ebay very often, sadly. And when they do, they often go for a sum that makes little sense when you could get one from a shop with a guarantee for not much more. :-\

That's what I thought. I won't need it until May, so I'll sit it out for a bit.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 07 February, 2011, 05:16:11 pm
Crikey I would have to be very convinced of the merits of camping before that level of expenditure. If I take to it would be time to get something better e.g.Terra Nova Competition  but light as they are they knock out around the £300 mark which is quite expensive thinks.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 07 February, 2011, 05:50:09 pm
If you keep an eye out, and have the financial reserves for an unanticipated expenditure there are bargains to be had- eg F&T had some Laser Comps for £140 some time in the middle of last year.
The thing is to have decided beforehand what you would get at what price - these offers don't generally last very long.
You could also sign up to an outdoor forum or two and keep an eye on the for sale sections.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Oscar's dad on 07 February, 2011, 08:25:50 pm
Field & Trek in Chelmsford had some tent bargains.  I was in there on Saturday.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andygates on 07 February, 2011, 08:29:05 pm
Spork++.

A replacement Snow Peak titanium spork for the one taken by the earwigs at Dunwich.  I still love the simplicity and solidity of the thing.  LMF are dire, some of the others too thin of stock, the others too fussy.  Zen spork good.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: YahudaMoon on 28 March, 2011, 09:21:56 pm
Considering I have no money I have just purchased a Snugpack Softie 6 sleeping bag @ a cost of £80 +

I have loads of sleeping bags knocking about the place (£15 ones)

Question is am I mad ?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: thing1 on 28 March, 2011, 10:42:09 pm
Opps, not quite today, but a week ago Saturday we were in Snow and Rock getting some essential skiing gear, and noticed they had a Hilldeberg Rajd shelter going for half price (and it was a competitive £260 when full price. Just a shame it didn't qualify for our 10% discount too!) so we're now just looking for an opportunity to use it  :)

That is, once we've ensured we can successfully improvise some poles.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: bloomers100 on 01 April, 2011, 07:46:32 pm
This week I bought a Eurohike backpacker from Millets for £30 for this summers foray into cyclopubcamping. All based on Rogerzillas recommendation, so if it goes wrong I'll blame him from the B and B.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jogler on 01 April, 2011, 09:46:38 pm
I resisted  O:-) the temptation to order a Snugpak Hooped Bivvi
 :-\
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 02 April, 2011, 08:15:09 pm
Couple of waterproof stuff sacks from Tesco they are a decent size £8
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 02 April, 2011, 08:38:14 pm
Today a new bag, pole and some runners for the Nallo 2 arrived from the marvelous Alpenstock.  :thumbsup: Really helpful and super-dooper service :D.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 04 April, 2011, 03:53:13 pm
A forkoon from wiggle.

Stupid name. It's a spork. I'm an australian (sort of), and I shall call it a spork.

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 04 April, 2011, 03:55:07 pm
Today a new bag, pole and some runners for the Nallo 2 arrived from the marvelous Alpenstock.  :thumbsup: Really helpful and super-dooper service :D.

Alpenstock are fabulous.   Both our Hillebergs have come from them.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 06 April, 2011, 11:12:40 am
I have titanium, for the first time ever! (spork)

I wonder if the carabiner hooky thing is strong enough to lever off beer bottle caps?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 06 April, 2011, 11:59:54 am
I am checking out light weight camping stuff, for possible post-dunrun campage this summer. I am going to attempt to put together a whole camping set up weighting less than 5kg including the panniers.

I am lusting after this tent
   Buy Online - The definitive single person tent for lightweight travel. Updated for 2011 with a smaller pack size and improved venting.
 (http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/Brand/Terra_Nova/Tents/Laser_Photon_1_Tent.html?view=specification) at 720g  :o

Thermarest Z Lite mat at 410g (are these comfy enough to get some decent sleep on??)

Vango Ultralight 200 sleeping bag at 900g

Primus ultralight titanium gas stove 69g (dunno what the little gas cyclinder will weight)

Titanium spork ... already have  ;D

Snowpeak titanium Trek 900 cookware set 175g

Total weight of the above 2.3kg  ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 06 April, 2011, 12:02:22 pm
Sleeping bag seems a bit heavy. Can't you make do with a bin liner and a warm companion?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: marcusjb on 06 April, 2011, 12:06:02 pm
I am checking out light weight camping stuff, for possible post-dunrun campage this summer. I am going to attempt to put together a whole camping set up weighting less than 5kg including the panniers.

I am lusting after this tent
   Buy Online - The definitive single person tent for lightweight travel. Updated for 2011 with a smaller pack size and improved venting.
 (http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/Brand/Terra_Nova/Tents/Laser_Photon_1_Tent.html?view=specification) at 720g  :o

Thermarest Z Lite mat at 410g (are these comfy enough to get some decent sleep on??)

Vango Ultralight 200 sleeping bag at 900g

Primus ultralight titanium gas stove 69g (dunno what the little gas cyclinder will weight)

Titanium spork ... already have  ;D

Snowpeak titanium Trek 900 cookware set 175g

Total weight of the above 2.3kg  ;D


Nice setup - one concern I have with the Z-lite is the pack size as it concertinas away and never goes shorter than the 51cm of it's unpacked width.  May not be a problem at all, but worth bearing in mind.  It has advantages over Prolite and so on, in that punctures are not a problem, but a Prolite regular is only about 50g heavier (and is amazingly comfy).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 06 April, 2011, 12:15:03 pm
I am checking out light weight camping stuff, for possible post-dunrun campage this summer. I am going to attempt to put together a whole camping set up weighting less than 5kg including the panniers.

I am lusting after this tent
   Buy Online - The definitive single person tent for lightweight travel. Updated for 2011 with a smaller pack size and improved venting.
 (http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/Brand/Terra_Nova/Tents/Laser_Photon_1_Tent.html?view=specification) at 720g  :o

Thermarest Z Lite mat at 410g (are these comfy enough to get some decent sleep on??)

Vango Ultralight 200 sleeping bag at 900g

Primus ultralight titanium gas stove 69g (dunno what the little gas cyclinder will weight)

Titanium spork ... already have  ;D

Snowpeak titanium Trek 900 cookware set 175g

Total weight of the above 2.3kg  ;D


Nice setup - one concern I have with the Z-lite is the pack size as it concertinas away and never goes shorter than the 51cm of it's unpacked width.  May not be a problem at all, but worth bearing in mind.  It has advantages over Prolite and so on, in that punctures are not a problem, but a Prolite regular is only about 50g heavier (and is amazingly comfy).

This is a good point. The Z-Lite sounded good in reviews for sitting on round a camp fire etc. because it can't puncture or melt, but tbh sleeping comfort is probably a higher priority. I will take a look at the Prolite  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: marcusjb on 06 April, 2011, 12:25:35 pm
Packing down to a 51cm long tube may not be a great challenge mind - can be carried on top of rack etc.

I haven't sat on (or slept) on the Z-lite, so can not comment on it's comfort.

Of course, if you want really light, you can look at the Neo (I think), but it does look very fragile indeed. 

But I don't think you can go wrong with a Prolite - I've had mine a number of years (they have updated a few bits of the design since then).  Touch wood, no punctures with it and it is very comfy on all surfaces.  Pack size is very sensible (easy to fit in a pannier etc.).

On the bag - it's very light and very good value - but has the disadvantage most synthetic filled bags have (they do have some good advantages as well, so I'm not bashing synthetic!) in that the pack size is again large.  Down bags are pricey, but the pack size is amazing.

It might be better to redistribute how you spend your money and look at a lower cost tent, but a down bag?  You might be able to end up at about the same weight, but with a smaller sleeping bag pack (easier to get into pannier).  Worth playing around with.



Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Tewdric on 06 April, 2011, 12:30:53 pm
I am checking out light weight camping stuff, for possible post-dunrun campage this summer. I am going to attempt to put together a whole camping set up weighting less than 5kg including the panniers.

I am lusting after this tent
   Buy Online - The definitive single person tent for lightweight travel. Updated for 2011 with a smaller pack size and improved venting.
 (http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/Brand/Terra_Nova/Tents/Laser_Photon_1_Tent.html?view=specification) at 720g  :o

Thermarest Z Lite mat at 410g (are these comfy enough to get some decent sleep on??)

Vango Ultralight 200 sleeping bag at 900g

Primus ultralight titanium gas stove 69g (dunno what the little gas cyclinder will weight)

Titanium spork ... already have  ;D

Snowpeak titanium Trek 900 cookware set 175g

Total weight of the above 2.3kg  ;D


Snugpak sleeping bags are worth checking out - they seemed to be the best lightweight ones when I bought mine.  A Jetboil stove might fit your needs too - they are so efficient you don't need to carry as much gas, which saves weight in itself.  You don't need a seperate mug or pan either.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 06 April, 2011, 12:40:49 pm
I am checking out light weight camping stuff, for possible post-dunrun campage this summer. I am going to attempt to put together a whole camping set up weighting less than 5kg including the panniers.

I am lusting after this tent
   Buy Online - The definitive single person tent for lightweight travel. Updated for 2011 with a smaller pack size and improved venting.
 (http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/Brand/Terra_Nova/Tents/Laser_Photon_1_Tent.html?view=specification) at 720g  :o

Thermarest Z Lite mat at 410g (are these comfy enough to get some decent sleep on??)

Vango Ultralight 200 sleeping bag at 900g

Primus ultralight titanium gas stove 69g (dunno what the little gas cyclinder will weight)

Titanium spork ... already have  ;D

Snowpeak titanium Trek 900 cookware set 175g

Total weight of the above 2.3kg  ;D


Snugpak sleeping bags are worth checking out - they seemed to be the best lightweight ones when I bought mine.  A Jetboil stove might fit your needs too - they are so efficient you don't need to carry as much gas, which saves weight in itself.  You don't need a seperate mug or pan either.

Thanks, they certainly seem to go down to a very small pack size  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: PH on 06 April, 2011, 05:07:34 pm
The nice folks at Terra Nova talked my out of buying a competition tent.  They're very honest about the compromises made to get down to those weights, why they're worth it if you're in a fell race and what extra I'd get for the extra weight of one of their superlight range.  
I spent a not so small fortune reducing my camping kit from 18kg to 12, only to find that for me it made no difference.  The time I did the Dun Run with full camping load was quicker than the other two.  Though it might be different if there was a mountain range if Suffolk.  This is just a personal experience, I know others who say they notice every gram.  Just might be worth a bit of experimentation before you splurge the cash.
If you are gram counting there's always the Balloon Bed ;D
balloonbed light mattress bed that packs small (http://www.balloonbed.com/)

Or a bit more seriously, I think the Alpkit Numo would be a good compromise between weight and comfort, 500g £40

 Outdoor Gear Shop - Alpkit
 (http://www.alpkit.com/shop/cart.php?target=product&product_id=16557&category_id=253)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: tatanab on 06 April, 2011, 05:39:36 pm
I'e been cycle camping about 15 years and find that I am not too bothered about weight but more interested in pack size i.e. bulk.

Tent - Hilleberg Unna - 2 kg
Sleeping bag - RAB Quantum 400 down - 900gm
Mat - Thermarest Prolite 4 regular - 460gm
Cooking stuff - a folding gas stove that goes inside a small pan.  Titanium mug, fork and spoon.  Gas bottle.  Not a lot of bulk or weight.
Camping pillow case

Total weight, including bag, 5.5 kg which includes a few bits (some emergency rations, maybe odd maps etc) and that is with a tent that gives me lots of space and head room.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 06 April, 2011, 06:08:38 pm
I am not too bothered about weight but more interested in pack size i.e. bulk.

I find this too. I think the extra weight is worth it for comfort - e.g. I can't sleep on a thermarest as all the ones that are reaonable thick are far too bulky and heavy, so I use a exped downmat or synmat. The tea tastes odd in my titanium pan/mug so we usually carry ordinary vango pans. I feel the cold so (when I was on my own) I use/d a sleeping bag rated to -18 comfort in winter and one rated to -12 in summer. I could get a much lighter or cheaper one but I wouldn't sleep so where's the fun in that? :( We use a Hilleberg Nallo 2GT because the extra space is worth the weight over the Nallo 2 that I used on my own and that TGL now uses.

Having said that, there are a lot of things that I have decided that I don't need over the years. (A towel for a weekend camp, a stool, that sort of thing).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: TimO on 06 April, 2011, 08:01:09 pm
Opps, not quite today, but a week ago Saturday we were in Snow and Rock getting some essential skiing gear, and noticed they had a Hilldeberg Rajd shelter going for half price (and it was a competitive £260 when full price. Just a shame it didn't qualify for our 10% discount too!) so we're now just looking for an opportunity to use it  :)

That is, once we've ensured we can successfully improvise some poles.

I reckon you could improvise support at one end using a bicycle.  If you run a cord out from the tent/shelter over the bike (and preferably secured to it for extra rigidity), and then down and pegged into the ground.

I'd make the cord long enough that if the bike fell over, it wouldn't puncture the tent, and you'd probably need a good strong tent peg, but if you had one other support (like a tree or fence) this could work.

You could probably support it solely using two bicycle, but I'm assuming that you may be on the Tandem, in which case that wouldn't be an option.


As regards the Laser Photon, it's not only a very lightweight tent, it's also very compact, which is as much the reason that I use it for cycle camping.  Compared to the weight of you and the bike, the camping luggage isn't all that heavier than my "normal" cycling luggage.

Laser Photons, and the variations on this theme (Laser Ultra, Laser Competition etc) seem to have been pretty common on several of the YACF camping events that I've been on.  The one issue I have with mine, is that there is a reasonably large mesh panel, that can't be covered, so I wouldn't want to use it in very cold weather, since it would let too much of the heat you'd expect to build up, escape.  Aside from that, I do OK with it.  It's not exactly spacious, and it's not ideal for sitting inside of, but I find most tents difficult to sit in, and not hit my head on the roof, so that's not a biggee!

I'll use my Ultra Quasar when I'm camping out the back of the car, but it's quite a bit heavier than the Laser Photon, and a lot bulkier, so pretty much has to be strapped on top of the rack, whereas the Laser will fit inside a pannier, including it's poles, and still leave room for other stuff.  The Quasar would fill an entire pannier, and I'd still need to strap the poles somewhere else.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: TimO on 06 April, 2011, 08:17:08 pm
I got some Tritium light tags yesterday (aka Betalights), which are rather impressively neat.  I've got one on my keys, and I think I'll put the other one on the tents zip, to aid finding it in a dark campsite.

They aren't the brightest things in the world, but the fact that they'll operate continuously for a decade is rather cool (although I suspect they'll be getting a bit dim by that point).

After all the above tent discussions, I'm now lusting after a Hilleberg Soulo. ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Luke on 06 April, 2011, 08:46:17 pm

...

As regards the Laser Photon, it's not only a very lightweight tent, it's also very compact, which is as much the reason that I use it for cycle camping.  Compared to the weight of you and the bike, the camping luggage isn't all that heavier than my "normal" cycling luggage.

Laser Photons, and the variations on this theme (Laser Ultra, Laser Competition etc) seem to have been pretty common on several of the YACF camping events that I've been on.  The one issue I have with mine, is that there is a reasonably large mesh panel, that can't be covered, so I wouldn't want to use it in very cold weather, since it would let too much of the heat you'd expect to build up, escape.  Aside from that, I do OK with it.  It's not exactly spacious, and it's not ideal for sitting inside of, but I find most tents difficult to sit in, and not hit my head on the roof, so that's not a biggee!

I'll use my Ultra Quasar when I'm camping out the back of the car, but it's quite a bit heavier than the Laser Photon, and a lot bulkier, so pretty much has to be strapped on top of the rack, whereas the Laser will fit inside a pannier, including it's poles, and still leave room for other stuff.  The Quasar would fill an entire pannier, and I'd still need to strap the poles somewhere else.

The mesh panel in the Laser competition can be covered.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 06 April, 2011, 08:51:14 pm
The reason I am so bothered about minimising weight isn't so much me cycling with it, but I am planning to do this on my Sabbath September ti audax bike that isn't a touring bike, although does have rack mounts and a 36 spoke rear wheel so should be fine for a light load. I have no plans to buy a touring bike at this point but would like the option of doing some very lightweight or credit card touring :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: PH on 06 April, 2011, 09:17:19 pm
We all set our own criteria, but you shouldn't have any concerns about you bike being able to carry a reasonable amount of camping gear.  If you have any doubts a phone call to Sabbath should dispel them.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 06 April, 2011, 09:43:23 pm
The reason I am so bothered about minimising weight isn't so much me cycling with it, but I am planning to do this on my Sabbath September ti audax bike that isn't a touring bike, although does have rack mounts and a 36 spoke rear wheel so should be fine for a light load. I have no plans to buy a touring bike at this point but would like the option of doing some very lightweight or credit card touring :)
But you are a wee slip. Think about the difference in weight between you and the other riders who might be out on a Sabbath September and you will see that you can carry pretty much what you like up to about 50 kgs :D.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: cycleman on 06 April, 2011, 09:54:55 pm
maybe a trailer might work. for occasional touring it will not effect the bike and there are some good ones about :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: YahudaMoon on 06 April, 2011, 10:03:05 pm
Mmm sounds like the Sabbath is a audax bike and not a touring bike. Ain't touring bikes built stronger for more weight ?

So what is the difference anyway between a audax/touring bike frame/bike ?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 06 April, 2011, 10:08:02 pm
Audax bikes are just what used to be called fast tourers.  generally now, they have dual pivot brakes rather than cantilevers, but that shouldn't make much difference.  I suppose they aren't designed to be as stable under load as a full tourer, but I reckon most would be good for a couple of panniers, saddlebag, tent and barbag, if not front panniers.

I'd use an audax bike for touring, without hesitation.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 06 April, 2011, 10:11:12 pm
The reason I am so bothered about minimising weight isn't so much me cycling with it, but I am planning to do this on my Sabbath September ti audax bike that isn't a touring bike, although does have rack mounts and a 36 spoke rear wheel so should be fine for a light load. I have no plans to buy a touring bike at this point but would like the option of doing some very lightweight or credit card touring :)
But you are a wee slip. Think about the difference in weight between you and the other riders who might be out on a Sabbath September and you will see that you can carry pretty much what you like up to about 50 kgs :D.

Yeah I guess this does give me a bit of extra weight to play with, if the Sabbath is designed to be fine for someone 80kg then me plus 25kg of gear should in theory also be fine  ;D

I like the idea of getting stupidly lightweight gear though, just because I can  ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: PH on 06 April, 2011, 10:25:20 pm
Here you go, from the September page on the Sabbath website;
Fitted with M5 pannier mounts which allow you to carry loads of upto 25kg, so the bike is just as useful for your commute to work as it is on a 200km audax.

25kg :hand:
I'm not suggesting that, but another three or four kg on your original list would buy you a lot of extra comfort, space and durability.

Quote
I like the idea of getting stupidly lightweight gear though, just because I can
Well yeah, there is that ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Tewdric on 06 April, 2011, 10:49:41 pm
I like the idea of getting stupidly lightweight gear though, just because I can  ;D

Jetboils are also available in titanium!  :D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 06 April, 2011, 10:51:53 pm
I like the idea of getting stupidly lightweight gear though, just because I can  ;D

Jetboils are also available in titanium!  :D

Awesome and it's only 260g  :D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: thing1 on 07 April, 2011, 11:15:57 am
The reason I am so bothered about minimising weight isn't so much me cycling with it, but I am planning to do this on my Sabbath September ti audax bike that isn't a touring bike, although does have rack mounts and a 36 spoke rear wheel so should be fine for a light load. I have no plans to buy a touring bike at this point but would like the option of doing some very lightweight or credit card touring :)

Well for credit card touring I think you'll be fine: once you remove the tent, sleeping bag, mat, stove, dried food and cookware it should be fairly easy to get the remainder in a wee saddlebag  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Deano on 07 April, 2011, 04:05:14 pm
A solar light for 78p from Wilko.  Worth a punt at that price, even if it does turn out to be useless.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Speshact on 08 April, 2011, 10:31:54 am
A solar light for 78p from Wilko.  Worth a punt at that price, even if it does turn out to be useless.
Does it only work when the sun's shining on it?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Deano on 08 April, 2011, 10:33:27 am
I don't think it's quite that useless ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: tiermat on 11 April, 2011, 02:32:56 pm
From the local Tesco, a 4 man (HA!) dome tent and a double and a single air bed.

They will only be used for Car camping, and inparticular for when we go to DeerShed in July.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Deano on 12 April, 2011, 05:29:45 pm
Whoops, I seem to have just bought a Honey Stove from backpackinglight.  Can't imagine how that happened.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Gus on 12 April, 2011, 06:17:57 pm
Whoops, I seem to have just bought a Honey Stove from backpackinglight.  Can't imagine how that happened.

What  ??? You too, the  same thing  happended to me !!
I have just Bought an Osprey Exos 46  backpack on discount  :smug:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: TimO on 12 April, 2011, 07:57:29 pm
I also bought some random odds and sods from Backpackinglight, although not the Honey Stove, interesting though that is.

It did include a lightweight gas stove, and some feet for the gas canister, various storage containers, a candle lantern and some cord.

This managed to qualify for free shipping, which should be worrying!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Deano on 12 April, 2011, 09:15:53 pm
Whoops, I seem to have just bought a Honey Stove from backpackinglight.  Can't imagine how that happened.

What  ??? You too, the  same thing  happended to me !!
I have just Bought an Osprey Exos 46  backpack on discount  :smug:

I'll start a thread once it arrives :D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: TimO on 12 April, 2011, 09:33:36 pm
Whoops, I seem to have just bought a Honey Stove from backpackinglight.  Can't imagine how that happened.
What  ??? You too, the  same thing  happended to me !!
I have just Bought an Osprey Exos 46  backpack on discount  :smug:
I'll start a thread once it arrives :D

I liked the look of it, but wonder if most campsites would view it as essentially an open fire, and not be very keen on it.  You obviously can use it with a Trangia or Hexamine tablets, but that seems to kind of defeat the point of the stove.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Deano on 12 April, 2011, 10:07:15 pm
I plan to use it while wild camping, as it's a bit more subtle than an open fire - and obviously being able to use with other fuels is a boon, as it makes it very versatile. 

I've experimented a bit with hobo stoves, but this should do away with the faff of finding a suitable pot, or of carrying something so bulky around.  The honey stove packs up real small.  The gadgetiness is part of the fun, too ;D

I'll almost certainly carry another stove anyway - s'pose that reduces the lightweightness, but I imagine it being very useful when you run out of meths and the chandlery in Lochinver shuts at noon on a Saturday...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 12 April, 2011, 10:23:17 pm
Whoops, I seem to have just bought a Honey Stove from backpackinglight.  Can't imagine how that happened.
What  ??? You too, the  same thing  happended to me !!
I have just Bought an Osprey Exos 46  backpack on discount  :smug:
I'll start a thread once it arrives :D

I liked the look of it, but wonder if most campsites would view it as essentially an open fire, and not be very keen on it.  You obviously can use it with a Trangia or Hexamine tablets, but that seems to kind of defeat the point of the stove.

I think you'd get away with it on all sites that allow barbeques. It's not on the ground, burning the grass, is it?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: TimO on 12 April, 2011, 11:17:48 pm
... The gadgetiness is part of the fun, too ;D ...

I can certainly see that, I watched the video, and was quite impressed by the way it goes together, and can be used. :thumbsup:

I think you'd get away with it on all sites that allow barbeques. It's not on the ground, burning the grass, is it?

Well, it's not far off.  Depending on whether you put it on something or not, it could get very hot under the stove.  Their video suggests using a couple of tin foil pie dishes flattened out and underneath it, which I guess would also help reflect the heat back up.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andygates on 12 April, 2011, 11:41:09 pm
... The gadgetiness is part of the fun, too ;D ...

I can certainly see that, I watched the video, and was quite impressed by the way it goes together, and can be used. :thumbsup:

"This is a multi-configuration item"

EeeeEEEeeeeEEEEeee!   ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 13 April, 2011, 09:22:20 am
A pie plate might help,  but I use a plumber's mat* under my stove anyway, which would certainly help.


* Not a plumber's mate.  That would be unfair and uncomfortable for the poor fellow.  Besides, the stove might tip over.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Deano on 13 April, 2011, 10:15:58 am
It's an excuse to buy some pies too!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: CrinklyLion on 13 April, 2011, 10:38:19 am
Who needs excuses?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Deano on 13 April, 2011, 02:31:46 pm
Pies Pie tins purchased.  I do hope they're not too small, otherwise I might have to buy some bigger pies pie tins.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 13 April, 2011, 02:35:06 pm
I read that as tie pins, and was confused. :-[
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 13 April, 2011, 07:35:00 pm
Went into Blacks for a mirror of all things. Suggested Superdrug mmmm.......
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dan_K on 13 April, 2011, 08:29:23 pm
My first ever Spork.
Landmark moment in my life? I think so.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: dasmoth on 13 April, 2011, 08:30:05 pm
My first ever Spork.

You'll never forget your first time.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andygates on 13 April, 2011, 08:52:02 pm
My first ever Spork.

You'll never forget your first tine.

FTFY
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 13 April, 2011, 09:02:19 pm
I dunno.  The memory of mine a bit misty.  A sort of fog on the tine, if you like.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 13 April, 2011, 09:10:53 pm
An Outwell pop up tent. May get it's first use over the May bank holiday.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: YahudaMoon on 13 April, 2011, 09:22:39 pm
Ive totaly gone camping bonkers. I have loads of stuff that I could have used though I wanna do some loooonnggg solo rides this year.
So purchased over the last week is

Sony ICFS22 personal radio. (Lost my old one)
Terra Nova Laser Comp new smaller pack size for 2011
Terra Nova ground Sheet
Thermarest Prolite Small
Snugpack Kestral Softie 6
Snow Peak Spork (no idea why ?)

All I need know is a canister of propane/butane mix for the stove and Im done

Reason for all this is my other stuff was way two heavy. I even sold my old Altura pannier bags for some lightweight Carradice Kendals.

I was gonna ditch the stove and live on Ginsters pasties though I know Id miss it. All I need now is to put it all into pratice.
Bring it on.




Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andygates on 13 April, 2011, 10:12:05 pm
Even living on pasties, the stove gets service for that essential morning brew.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 14 April, 2011, 01:35:30 am
It's not actually....oh, never mind.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: thing1 on 14 April, 2011, 10:32:56 am
Snow Peak Spork (no idea why ?)

They're great for shorter trips, but we found after 2 months away we had to go shopping for new irons.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_neuAIETW-cU/TX2NbS_kBCI/AAAAAAAABJ0/i5pBTNrXASg/s400/DSCF1999.JPG) (https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/a93MJRdnJOhaYvEfA0xNFw?feat=directlink)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Deano on 14 April, 2011, 11:35:13 pm
My Vargo titanium spork is coming up to three years old and hasn't shattered yet :smug:

Honey stove arrived today, the usual excellent service from backpackinglight: free pack of Skittles and a thoughtful handwritten note. 
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: TimO on 16 April, 2011, 11:17:11 am
I got my BackPackingLight order today (delayed because of picking up the parcel from a neighbour).  Lots of goodies, although I now need to buy a slightly larger gas cannister, to fit inside the cookset!

It turns out that the squeezy tubes that I bought, are actually a set of two, and since I bought several, I know have enough for a lifetime of use. ;D

The night light lamp and neoprene cover are also very neat, as is the simple tripod arrangement to put on the bottom of gas cannisters, to make the stove more stable.

I also got a packet of Skittles (nom nom nom), and a CD-ROM of some TheOutdoorsStation.co.uk videos, which was mildly amusing to watch, and I'd possibly buy some of the products, after watching that, if I needed those sort of things.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: TimO on 16 April, 2011, 05:17:42 pm
I just tried out my new Crux Weekend HE Cook System, and it boiled a cup of water in less than a minute, which is pretty good. :thumbsup: :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: PH on 17 April, 2011, 12:43:33 pm
I bought a sewing machine, not strictly camping kit, but there's a few things I'd like that are either not available or I think I could make better/cheaper.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: interzen on 17 April, 2011, 12:57:03 pm
I was planning to buy an Alpkit Rig7 tarp, but it now appears that they've managed to sell six months worth of stock in less than two weeks after some magazines said rather nice things about them. Arsebiscuits!

In the end, I bought myself a new cookset and a couple of Platypus water carriers and kept myself amused by reading the pages of the "Great Falls Tribune" which were used as packing material for my White Box stove :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 18 April, 2011, 08:39:21 pm
Bought a bog standard hi gear ripstop ground sheet.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 20 April, 2011, 03:13:27 pm
Opinel saw, 2nd-hand for £13.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: JT on 20 April, 2011, 03:17:51 pm
Got a GoSystems gas adaptor for my Trangia from SportsDirect for £20.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: TimO on 20 April, 2011, 07:07:25 pm
I made a shopping raid on Clas Ohlson today, and amongst other things bought one of the cheap spirit stove kits.

It's OK, but a bit bulky for I guess what's supposed to be a compact cooking set.  The burner looks very cheap, I've never seen a Trangia burner close enough to make the comparison, but this one appears to be as cheap as you could make a spirit burner, probably comparable to a home made coke can one, only you can screw a lid on this one.

The suacepans/bowls are OK, but a little too wide, and not that deep, compared to most cooksets.  The lid is slightly ramped, so it'll fit either saucepan, but consequently is compromised as a flat plate or frying pan.

The handle appears to be almost identical to a Trangia one, so is a useful spare.

I also bought some cheap LED torches.  One of those is a windup one, which I've left on, so I can see how easily it can be charged up.  It's probably useful as a "wandering around campsite" torch, since my Exposure bike lights are often far too bright for this purpose.

I got a heap of cheap accessory Karabinas, £3-99 for 30, which should last me for the indefinite future!

Whilst I was near Blacks, I popped in there, and bought a gas cannister for my real stove!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dan_K on 23 April, 2011, 04:49:07 pm
Bought a 2" second IIII pop up tent from Decathlon today. Ideal for our overnight stops on the way to the alps.
Saves pitching the 6 person Sprayway (and potential arguments!)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Oscar's dad on 24 April, 2011, 12:10:52 pm
Bought a 2" second IIII pop up tent from Decathlon today. Ideal for our overnight stops on the way to the alps.
Saves pitching the 6 person Sprayway (and potential arguments!)

This is why we bought Decathlon Pop Ups.  Practice folding them up before you go unless you want to provide a great deal of amusement for other campers.  I have watched people struggle for 30 minutes or more.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: JT on 25 April, 2011, 06:50:38 pm
Bought my first bit of camping titanium - a mug.

And some gas, and lots of pegs for our big car camping tent after this morning when all the plastic ones supplied with the tent came out of the ground as bent as.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Deano on 25 April, 2011, 10:50:01 pm
Camping gas, plus some solid fuel.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 26 April, 2011, 12:51:41 am
Bought my first bit of camping titanium - a mug.

And some gas, and lots of pegs for our big car camping tent after this morning when all the plastic ones supplied with the tent came out of the ground as bent as.

Congrats! Now you need a ti spork to go with it!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 29 April, 2011, 11:00:16 pm
I have started my camping shopping, and have just ordered a Numo inflatable mat, 2 dry sacks, 2 orbiter pouches and a Gamma fandango head torch from Alpkit.

I'm still deciding on which sleeping bag to get, since I want one that will go down really small aswell as being light, and I would quite like it not to be mummy shaped because I like to kick about some in the night after a long ride  ;D

The tent is probably going to be the Laser Photon 1 at 790g fully packed.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Karla on 29 April, 2011, 11:05:11 pm
After leaving my original on a train last year, I've bought my second Snugpak Travelpak lite (http://www.backpacking-lite.co.uk/reviews/snugpak-travelpak-lite-review.html).  Feline, these summer bags are very small and light and are excellent quality.  They're mummy bags but you should still look at them.  After all, extra kick space means extra pack size.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 29 April, 2011, 11:13:59 pm
After leaving my original on a train last year, I've bought my second Snugpak Travelpak lite (http://www.backpacking-lite.co.uk/reviews/snugpak-travelpak-lite-review.html).  Feline, these summer bags are very small and light and are excellent quality.  They're mummy bags but you should still look at them.  After all, extra kick space means extra pack size.

Ah cheers, I have been looking at this one which is I think pretty similar. I will go compare pack sizes, since that will be the primary deciding factor in the end I think!
Sleeping Bags - Outdoor -  (http://www.snugpak.com/index.php?MenuID=160-119&ItemID=153)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: JT on 01 May, 2011, 08:03:12 am
The Trangia is a bit big for S24O's so yesterday I got an MSR Pocket Rocket.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Aidan on 01 May, 2011, 08:06:11 am
Got some 100g gas canisters yesterday  for the Jetboil that I got for my birthday. Whoosh !!!! its good :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Regulator on 02 May, 2011, 03:30:50 pm
I spent a couple of happy hours in the Decathlon shop in Carhaix last week.  Unfortunately, Mr R was with me, so I was only able to get away with buying a new day rucksack (to replace the one he lost) and a windproof top...

...but he did like the look of a couple of the tents...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: slugwash on 02 May, 2011, 08:12:46 pm
Feline, the Snugpak Travelpak Lite is actually quite roomy for a mummy bag. It also has a built-in mosquito net  :thumbsup:  I used mine out on Dartmoor last weekend with neither tent nor bivvy bag and survived to send this post....

Got mine here for around £25.Bargain...
Snugpak Travelpak LITE  Sleeping Bag Packs TINY SMALL | eBay UK (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Snugpak-Travelpak-LITE-Sleeping-Bag-Packs-TINY-SMALL-/350459514137?pt=UK_SportingGoods_SleepingBags_SM&hash=item519903cd19)

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5064/5653577626_84f01157a4_z.jpg)

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5223/5656354985_89208b03b3_z.jpg)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Tewdric on 02 May, 2011, 08:14:20 pm
Got some 100g gas canisters yesterday  for the Jetboil that I got for my birthday. Whoosh !!!! its good :thumbsup:

Ace aren't they!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 02 May, 2011, 08:15:34 pm
Feline, the Snugpak Travelpak Lite is actually quite roomy for a mummy bag. It also has a built-in mosquito net :-)  I used mine out on Dartmoor last weekend with neither tent nor bivvy bag and survived to send this post....

Got mine here for around £25.Bargain...


Awesome, that is a very good price too :)
Your camping stylee might be a bit more minimalist than I was intending but it looks to be a great bag!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 02 May, 2011, 08:16:37 pm
Got some 100g gas canisters yesterday  for the Jetboil that I got for my birthday. Whoosh !!!! its good :thumbsup:

Ace aren't they!  :thumbsup:

I am about to order the Ti version, I am slightly struggling to justify the stupidly extra expense of this but I might always regret it if I don't go the whole hog!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Aidan on 02 May, 2011, 08:19:47 pm
Got some 100g gas canisters yesterday  for the Jetboil that I got for my birthday. Whoosh !!!! its good :thumbsup:

Ace aren't they!  :thumbsup:

Yep,  :thumbsup:  once you've got used to lighting them.  I havent many hairs on the  back of my left thumb now ;D

I think I'll invest in the coffee press for it too
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Regulator on 03 May, 2011, 10:42:50 am
Got some 100g gas canisters yesterday  for the Jetboil that I got for my birthday. Whoosh !!!! its good :thumbsup:

Ace aren't they!  :thumbsup:

Yep,  :thumbsup:  once you've got used to lighting them.  I havent many hairs on the  back of my left thumb now ;D

I think I'll invest in the coffee press for it too

I have the coffee press - those who were at Mildenhall last year will confirm that it got (and stood up to) heavy use.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 03 May, 2011, 02:18:40 pm
Yes.   ::-)

The evil lovely Julian lent us her Exped Downmat over the weekend, with somewhat inevitable consequences...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Oscar's dad on 03 May, 2011, 02:37:40 pm
Yes.   ::-)

The evil lovely Julian lent us her Exped Downmat over the weekend, with somewhat inevitable consequences...

They are reassuringly expensive!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 03 May, 2011, 02:38:39 pm
They are reassuringly expensive!

Working shoulders are, however, priceless.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 03 May, 2011, 02:43:40 pm
And ladyhips definitely benefit, I am assured.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: TimO on 03 May, 2011, 02:54:00 pm
After three days sleeping on an "OK" Thermarest, my back is telling me that anything which makes sleeping more comfortable is a good idea!

<fx: sounds of back creaking>
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 03 May, 2011, 02:56:21 pm
And ladyhips definitely benefit, I am assured.

God yes!  While, given enough pressure, my Alpkit Airic will allow me to lie on my side (and therefore sleep, rather than lie back and admire the insect life trapped in the tent inner) without hips completely bottoming out, it isn't a particularly comfortable proposition.  The Downmat actually *works* and is both smaller and lighter.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 03 May, 2011, 02:58:37 pm
Butterfly has used her google-fu to unearth a wider Exped mat than the DLX, which is slightly inadequate for two people.

Money may have to change hands...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: TimO on 03 May, 2011, 03:03:14 pm
Thermarest used to do a kit which would join two "normal" rectangular Thermarests together.  It was basically two giant figure of eight elastic bands, but with the modern non-rectangular Thermarests, it probably wouldn't work anyway.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 03 May, 2011, 03:05:53 pm
We had the rather better Exped kit to join the Downmats 7 & 9 that Butterfly had.  Works OK if you don't ever cuddle in the night, when you fall into the gap.  Besides, we don't need two mats' width...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: barakta on 03 May, 2011, 09:14:49 pm
They are reassuringly expensive!

Working shoulders are, however, priceless.

*click* *snappety* we're likely to need two and I hear TimO has some genius pillow which you're going to RTFI for me?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 03 May, 2011, 09:21:51 pm
Butterfly has used her google-fu to unearth a wider Exped mat than the DLX, ...

What is it called please?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 03 May, 2011, 09:23:26 pm
Crapity crap I found a really good deal on the titinium jetboil and the site declined my card  :facepalm:
Never mind, my shockly massive monthly payment in full goes through tomorrow so I can start hammering the card again  ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: TimO on 03 May, 2011, 09:37:58 pm
*click* *snappety* we're likely to need two and I hear TimO has some genius pillow which you're going to RTFI for me?

The pillow I use is the Ajungilak one (as mentioned on Woolly's website (http://www.woollypigs.com/2009/11/ajungilak-air-pillow-from-mammut/)), but there was an entire thread (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=26825.0) about this a while back.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 03 May, 2011, 09:44:16 pm
Butterfly has used her google-fu to unearth a wider Exped mat than the DLX, which is slightly inadequate for two people.

Money may have to change hands...

Oh do tell where she found such a thing? Starting to think mine and Rob's combo of Airic & Black's thermarest copy pushed together in a haphazard fashion could do with an upgrade... My hips were rather sore after this weekend... :-\
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 03 May, 2011, 09:49:17 pm
The pillow I use is the Ajungilak one (as mentioned on Woolly's website (http://www.woollypigs.com/2009/11/ajungilak-air-pillow-from-mammut/)), but there was an entire thread (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=26825.0) about this a while back.

That's the badger.

*obtains one*
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 03 May, 2011, 09:49:36 pm
*click* *snappety* we're likely to need two and I hear TimO has some genius pillow which you're going to RTFI for me?

The pillow I use is the Ajungilak one (as mentioned on Woolly's website (http://www.woollypigs.com/2009/11/ajungilak-air-pillow-from-mammut/)), but there was an entire thread (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=26825.0) about this a while back.

We have the Ajungilaks.  'Pute' they are called.  Obviously they don't sell many in France ;D  Very good, if a tad wide.  Pack really small, and don't have the drawbacks of previous inflatable pillows.  Very good design all round, in fact, though I tend to use a Thermarest stuffsack with my clothes in it.  Smooth & cool one side, fleecy & warm the other.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 03 May, 2011, 09:52:43 pm
We've got Ajungilak pillows but we bought along an Exped pillow to test at the NTRWCW.   Mlle PB prefers it to an Ajungilak and it packs smaller too.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: TimO on 03 May, 2011, 10:20:44 pm
I noticed that Alpkit suggest using one of their larger Padded Cell (http://www.alpkit.com/shop/cart.php?target=product&product_id=16562&category_id=250) bags, inside out, as a Pillow, which seems like a reasonable suggestion.  At £7 it's also fairly cheap.

(http://www.alpkit.com/images/shop/details/paddedcells/pillowweb.jpg)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 04 May, 2011, 12:42:37 pm
My alpkit order has arrived  :thumbsup:

The Numo mattress is very lovely and tiny.
I now have a selection of drysacks, one of which I am going to use to stash some extra clothing in for my 300 on Saturday. Looking at the weather forecast it might be needed too!
The head torch looks good, I will wait until dark to try it out properly.

The waterproof zippy pouch things for keeping valuables together in look great. I am planning to use one for phone, money, brevet card and keys in the side pocket of my Barley. They have a neck strap so it will be easy to grab it out of there to go into controls and things. It is big enough that when it has the stuff in it cannot possibly fall out of the pocket either, I sometimes worry about this happening since the barley's pockets don't zip and the lid isn't a very tight fit, although I have never actually lost anything from in there even on bumpy descents.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Manotea on 04 May, 2011, 02:27:59 pm
I used my new thermorest inflatable pillow last weekend. Not cheap but 'works'. Infinately better than the Trekmate pillow which is cheap and doesn't.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 04 May, 2011, 02:43:24 pm
I've bought one of those kits to hold two Expeds together.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jane on 05 May, 2011, 07:48:44 pm
I have just received a Java Press in the post. Some of you know that I  travel very light but proper coffee is something I am prepared to pack a little extra for.It's a very neat little package and as the mug part packs inside, it's not that much extra weight and space above a bag of instant. I also got a set of folding titanium cutlery that was on special offer with Alpkit. The spork I will send to my daughter.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: rogerzilla on 05 May, 2011, 08:26:28 pm
Yes, although not cycle camping stuff.

- Campingaz 907 butane cylinder (very cheap from Go Outdoors)
- Gas regulator
- 10l jerrycan for water
- 12V air pump for the mattress
- Gert rechargeable fluorescent light

This was Mrs Z's birthday present  :)

Mine is to be a camping table and two chairs.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: TimO on 05 May, 2011, 08:52:56 pm
I bought various odds and sods from Alpkit, mostly some accessory cord, various bags, and some cutlery.

I also bought a 10L jerrycan (albeit a plastic one) from Millets, although that's for the office, to limit how many journeys we have to make to the drinking water tap for water to fill the kettle!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dan_K on 08 May, 2011, 09:03:03 am
Got one of these trangia knock-offs from ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/PHOENIX-camping-Alcohol-stove-Spirit-set-x1-/120713426376?_trksid=p4340.m263&_trkparms=algo%3DDLSL%252BSIC%26its%3DI%26itu%3DUCI%252BIA%252BUA%252BFICS%252BUFI%252BDDSIC%26otn%3D8%26pmod%3D120640162128%252B120640162128%26po%3D%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D9000975984662289643#ht_2185wt_874 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/PHOENIX-camping-Alcohol-stove-Spirit-set-x1-/120713426376?_trksid=p4340.m263&_trkparms=algo%3DDLSL%252BSIC%26its%3DI%26itu%3DUCI%252BIA%252BUA%252BFICS%252BUFI%252BDDSIC%26otn%3D8%26pmod%3D120640162128%252B120640162128%26po%3D%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D9000975984662289643#ht_2185wt_874)

Offered £9 inc delivery (which they accepted). Like the look of the folding stand that keeps the burner off the ground. Simmer ring seems to be a good design too.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: rogerzilla on 08 May, 2011, 10:12:48 am
On the subject of stoves, I finally managed to get a 1 litre kettle boiling in 5 minutes with the Coleman stove  :thumbsup:  Claimed time is 4min 36sec but I suspect they started with US room temperature water of 24 deg C, not around 18 deg C like mine.

Unfortunately to achieve this time I had to do it in the garage - a breeze can easily extend the time to 9 or 10 minutes, even with a windshield.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 08 May, 2011, 11:37:51 am
On the subject of stoves, I finally managed to get a 1 litre kettle boiling in 5 minutes with the Coleman stove  :thumbsup:  Claimed time is 4min 36sec but I suspect they started with US room temperature water of 24 deg C, not around 18 deg C like mine.

Unfortunately to achieve this time I had to do it in the garage - a breeze can easily extend the time to 9 or 10 minutes, even with a windshield.

That's OK, it gives the rest of us chance to catch up with you at the top of Smalldean Lane  :D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: rogerzilla on 08 May, 2011, 04:19:35 pm
The titanium stove* isn't all that bad really, once I realised the flame could be turned up to Saturn V level.


*about £12 from eBay, HiGear Blaze.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 08 May, 2011, 04:31:39 pm
The titanium stove* isn't all that bad really, once I realised the flame could be turned up to Saturn V level.


*about £12 from eBay, HiGear Blaze.

I will soon have my mitts on a titanium Jetboil, sadly not at quite such a competetive price. I might have to bring it on the next FNRttS and see if it lives up to it's rapid boil claims!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: peliroja on 08 May, 2011, 04:49:57 pm
Can anyone recommend a nice light camping mug which makes sipping tea a pleasure rather than a mouthful of plasticky-yuckiness?  ??? Preferably, we'd like two which can stack, one inside the other.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 08 May, 2011, 08:07:09 pm
I've sold a tent today, will take delivery of another tomorrow and have bought the footprint for the latter from Taunton Leisure, with the 10% voucher I received for buying the tent in the first place. We've also bought Mrs. Wow a Vango Venom 300 sleeping bag and silk liner, for our forthcoming tour of Denmark.

Peli, we use well-made plastic mugs which clip together, from long-since dead Thermos flasks. We tried stainless steel, but they are useless for tea because they conduct the heat so well that they burn your lip, and the tea gets cold too quickly.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: rogerzilla on 08 May, 2011, 08:12:11 pm
I have an enamelled metal mug from Halfrauds.  It works well enough.

On the subject of titanium cookware, you should be aware that boiling times are longer than with aluminium because its thermal conductivity is not as good (actually, it's woeful; about 1/10 that of aluminium, although Ti pots can be thinner gauge which claws back some of the difference).  This obviously means more fuel is wasted.  When it comes to lightweight camp cookware it's hard to beat a cheap aluminium set unless you believe the Alzheimer's scare stories (and think that using alu camping pots for a handful of days a year would make any difference if the stories were true).  Stainless steel is right out for cycle camping because of the weight.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: TimO on 08 May, 2011, 08:40:25 pm
The implication of what Roger has said, is that Ti would make for better mugs, since it would be a better insulator than Aluminium.

I seem to recall that I've seen totally metal mugs which have a Thermos type insulating body, but I can't Google for anything like that, only impractically large mugs, not really designed for the lightweight camper.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 08 May, 2011, 09:26:48 pm
The Jetboil is designed to be uber tiny and lightweight and you drink your tea/eat your food out of the actual container it heats. It looks to be suitable for one person really, which suits me since there's one of me. " jet-boil stoves " (http://www.maps-warehouse.co.uk/jet-boil-front.html)

If I was after a mug I would want this one Snow Peak Titanium Single Mug 450ml from Taunton Leisure Ltd (http://www.tauntonleisure.com/snow-peak-titanium-single-mug-450ml/p1776)
but they don't look like they would be stackable.

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: peliroja on 08 May, 2011, 09:46:47 pm
Thanks all.

We currently use a Jetboil and a couple of metal cups with plastic rims which taste  :sick: And the tea cools down too quickly.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: TimO on 08 May, 2011, 09:48:21 pm
If I was after a mug I would want this one Snow Peak Titanium Single Mug 450ml from Taunton Leisure Ltd (http://www.tauntonleisure.com/snow-peak-titanium-single-mug-450ml/p1776)
but they don't look like they would be stackable.

Snowpeak also do Double-Walled mugs, which supposedly don't get hot and burn your hands, and which presumably also keep the tea warmer longer (if the outside isn't hot, it won't loose heat as fast via radiation and conduction).

They don't look stackable, and whilst theoretically Ti shouldn't taste, the reviews suggest that whatever alloy they're using does leave some taste. :(
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 08 May, 2011, 10:25:26 pm
Can anyone recommend a nice light camping mug which makes sipping tea a pleasure rather than a mouthful of plasticky-yuckiness?  ??? Preferably, we'd like two which can stack, one inside the other.
I suggest these Lexan cups (http://www.outdoorgear.co.uk/eshop.asp?wci=product&wce=53705501)

Lexan is OK, taste wise.
To stack, you need a tapering mug without a full loop handle. The normal mugs are bigger, but won't stack.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 09 May, 2011, 02:53:34 am
Can anyone recommend a nice light camping mug which makes sipping tea a pleasure rather than a mouthful of plasticky-yuckiness?  ??? Preferably, we'd like two which can stack, one inside the other.

This one won't stack, but it should insulate the tea better than a single wall mug:
 Ti Double 220 Mug FH - cups & mugs - tableware  (http://www.snowpeak.com/tableware/cups-mugs/ti-double-220-mug-fh-mg-051fh.html)

I've got one and I'm quite happy with it.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 09 May, 2011, 11:35:32 am
My Laser Photon 1 tent has arrived *happy dance*
It came in an infeasibly small packet that the delivery driver nearly managed to put through my letter box  ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 09 May, 2011, 11:38:00 am
My Nallo 3GT has arrived but I've got to go for a blood test and then do some work* so I won't be able to pay with it or a while.






*play games with children
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Charlotte on 09 May, 2011, 11:41:45 am
Can anyone recommend a nice light camping mug which makes sipping tea a pleasure rather than a mouthful of plasticky-yuckiness?  ??? Preferably, we'd like two which can stack, one inside the other.

I have the MSR Ti mug.  Admittedly it was something of an extravagance, but it weighs virtually nothing and doesn't make tea taste of anything other than tea.

Unless you've dropped it in something vile first, of course...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 09 May, 2011, 11:42:44 am
My Nallo 3GT has arrived but I've got to go for a blood test and then do some work* so I won't be able to pay with it or a while.

*play games with children

Surely the kids would love to put a tent up with you? ;)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 09 May, 2011, 11:44:30 am
Can anyone recommend a nice light camping mug which makes sipping tea a pleasure rather than a mouthful of plasticky-yuckiness?  ??? Preferably, we'd like two which can stack, one inside the other.

I have the MSR Ti mug.  Admittedly it was something of an extravagance, but it weighs virtually nothing and doesn't make tea taste of anything other than tea.

Unless you've dropped it in something vile first, of course...

I don't know what brand Butterfly's Ti mug is, but it does taste.  Not bad, exactly, but it gives a slightly metallic flavour to tea :(
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 09 May, 2011, 11:49:06 am
Can anyone recommend a nice light camping mug which makes sipping tea a pleasure rather than a mouthful of plasticky-yuckiness?  ??? Preferably, we'd like two which can stack, one inside the other.

I have the MSR Ti mug.  Admittedly it was something of an extravagance, but it weighs virtually nothing and doesn't make tea taste of anything other than tea.

Unless you've dropped it in something vile first, of course...

I don't know what brand Butterfly's Ti mug is, but it does taste.  Not bad, exactly, but it gives a slightly metallic flavour to tea :(

It is entirely possible that some peoples taste buds are more sensitive to the metal alloys mixed in the Ti than others. It sounds like peli may be pretty sensitive to things taste wise.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 09 May, 2011, 11:49:18 am
My Laser Photon 1 tent has arrived *happy dance*
It came in an infeasibly small packet that the delivery driver nearly managed to put through my letter box  ;D

I trust you've put it up already?  I know I wouldn't have resisted ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: TimO on 09 May, 2011, 01:09:33 pm
My Laser Photon 1 tent has arrived *happy dance*
It came in an infeasibly small packet that the delivery driver nearly managed to put through my letter box  ;D

I know I was amazed at how small the package was, and I still am.  The stuff sac feels positively cavernous, so it's always easy to get the tent back in!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 09 May, 2011, 02:28:13 pm
I'm now the proud owner of a Downmat.  I hadn't realised quite how much smaller it packed compared to Regular Airic, given the relatively small weight difference.  That's a definite win.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 09 May, 2011, 02:42:54 pm
Sleep well and have beautiful dreams. :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 09 May, 2011, 03:53:06 pm
My Laser Photon 1 tent has arrived *happy dance*
It came in an infeasibly small packet that the delivery driver nearly managed to put through my letter box  ;D

I trust you've put it up already?  I know I wouldn't have resisted ;D

I actually haven't yet, mostly because I have a completely dysfunctional right hand at the moment (half of it is numb with pins and needles, I can't even hold a knife or fork in it!) after Saturday's audax riding with only a front brake down Ian H's local mountain (Ok it was more of a hill but it felt like a mountain at the time). As soon as I have enough use of it back to grip anything I will try out my camping gear in the garden :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Regulator on 09 May, 2011, 03:59:50 pm
Mr R has decided he quite likes car camping... but that we need a new tent.  One that you can stand up in and which has a covered seating area.   :thumbsup:

Now I just have to stop him buying any old tat off the interweb because it's cheap and he thinks it looks nice...  :-\
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 09 May, 2011, 04:05:18 pm
A spot of fettling of Priscilla's hitch should suffice ;)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: JT on 09 May, 2011, 04:23:20 pm
Mr R has decided he quite likes car camping... but that we need a new tent.  One that you can stand up in and which has a covered seating area.   :thumbsup:

Now I just have to stop him buying any old tat off the interweb because it's cheap and he thinks it looks nice...  :-\

I can recommend the Outwell Arizona L for such purposes. Nice big bedroom, decent living space with an awning option.

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: epa611 on 09 May, 2011, 06:25:52 pm
Mr R has decided he quite likes car camping... but that we need a new tent.  One that you can stand up in and which has a covered seating area.   :thumbsup:

Now I just have to stop him buying any old tat off the interweb because it's cheap and he thinks it looks nice...  :-\

Plenty of Cabanon Aruba's (http://www.tentes.cabanon.com/index.php/collection/tentes-confort/aruba-tent-comfort-range-tents-cabanon.html?cat=15) on Ebay - should get a decent one for about £150.  Cotton tent, so warm and waterproof in winter and cool in summer. 

Checkout the UKCampsite forum (http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/) for advice :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 09 May, 2011, 06:41:13 pm
Yay, my Exped inflatable pillow has also arrived  :thumbsup:

It's little sac is tiny and it's incredibly light.
I very nearly have a complete camping set up!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 09 May, 2011, 06:51:39 pm
Exped pillow is very good. I prefer it to the Ajungilak which I've used in the past.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 09 May, 2011, 06:55:15 pm
Ah, that's a point, the Ajungilak arrived while I was away, and gets the barakta cuddle of approval.

Rumours of it being a complete bastard to get back into the stuff sack weren't exaggerated, though, were they?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 09 May, 2011, 07:08:19 pm
Nope, it's a pain!  Fold in 3 and then roll tightly.   The fluffy cover is nice, but I found the plug on mine to be a bit unreliable. The 2 x one way valves on the Exped (inflate/deflate) are a better design.

Both beat realising that you've been using the chamois of your rancid cycling shorts as a pillow though.... :sick:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 09 May, 2011, 07:16:01 pm
My dog is now seriously in the dog house. She managed to get hold of my lovely new Exped pillow in its little package and thought it was a dog toy. She has chomped the edge of one of the valves and slobbered on it  >:(
I've just rinsed off the slobber and will have to check if the valve is still operational when it's dry. If not then my collie owes me £20, what a bitch!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 09 May, 2011, 08:29:16 pm
http://travellingtwo.com/resources/exped-downmat-synmat-review#more (http://travellingtwo.com/resources/exped-downmat-synmat-review#more) Exped Downmat & Synmat reviewed.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: alexb on 09 May, 2011, 08:58:05 pm
They don't nest, but don't taste at all, can be used to make tea from loose leaves, or coffee from filter coffee, are light, insulated and cheap. Also spotted in Avatar!
Culinaire One Cup Cafetiere : Coffee : Drinks : Kitchenware (http://www.lawsonshop.co.uk/productinfo.php?pid=1580)
I paid about £5 for mine, shop around.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dan_K on 16 May, 2011, 08:20:52 am
Purchased an Easy Camp canopy/shelter so we don't have to struggle with a gazebo for additional space when we pitch our Khyam Winnipeg.
Also got a Cadac Safari Deluxe which should compliment our double burner/grill nicely for some BBQ/Wokking action.......

Saw the new Vango airbeam tents in the flesh too. Very impressed to say the least. Thought that it would be a bit of a gimmick and the beams would have the strength of a paddling pool but they seem very strong and easy to pitch. It took 6 pumps to fully inflate 1 of the 3 beams and it can be pitched "in one" without separating the inner which means a 4/6 person tent can easily be up within 5-10 minutes. The air beam feels very similar to the material used on a bouncy castle.
I'm going to watch very closely over the next 12 months with how they do in the field and am seriously considering replacing our 2 bigger tents with the Infinity 400 and extension (especially when the prices drop!)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 16 May, 2011, 06:38:56 pm
My dog is now seriously in the dog house. She managed to get hold of my lovely new Exped pillow in its little package and thought it was a dog toy. She has chomped the edge of one of the valves and slobbered on it  >:(
I've just rinsed off the slobber and will have to check if the valve is still operational when it's dry. If not then my collie owes me £20, what a bitch!

I now have another Exped pillow, and also an elastic camping washing line and a really nice Sea-to-Summit silk sleeping bag liner. I even bought some insect repellent.
I think I am now ready for my very first cycle-camping expedition!

First though I will pick the dog crap up off the lawn, mow it and practice putting up my new tent in the garden  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 16 May, 2011, 06:49:56 pm
I now have another Exped pillow, and also an elastic camping washing line and a really nice Sea-to-Summit silk sleeping bag liner. I even bought some insect repellent.

Dog repellent would seem to be more useful...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 16 May, 2011, 07:05:35 pm
I now have another Exped pillow, and also an elastic camping washing line and a really nice Sea-to-Summit silk sleeping bag liner. I even bought some insect repellent.

Dog repellent would seem to be more useful...

Yeah, the dogs will not be invited on my camping trip, I expect as well as chewing up my stuff they would walk straight through the flimsy walls of my 700g tent!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dan_K on 16 May, 2011, 08:47:03 pm
Sort of a camping purchase - membership to the c&c club ready for a family trip to pevensey for half term. Can't wait!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 16 May, 2011, 08:48:09 pm
Have you joined the ALC section? :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dan_K on 16 May, 2011, 10:08:00 pm
Have you joined the ALC section? :)

Nope. Should I have? What do you get for the membership?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 16 May, 2011, 10:12:37 pm
Yes, you should have ;)

You get to go camping with us and a load of other lovely and interesting people. :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Jon P on 17 May, 2011, 11:18:12 am
A 'retrospective' recommendation:- I got a .8l Thermos food flask for £15 last Xmas; having done a couple of backpacking trips with it it's proved invaluable, and along with a couple of cooking pans it's all you need in the kitchen.

Fill it up before setting off and it will last till lunchtime (I hate having to drink freezing cold water when you're trying to digest food).  Then as soon as you stop, get the stove on and fill it up again, immediately bringing more water to the boil along with the rice or whatever, then switch off and get your camp set up, having a hot drink from the flask while the food stews.  Then when you've finished cooking, fill the flask again with a nighttime beverage for later, using the second pan.

And last but not least (for men, anyway), avoid nighttime hassle - .8l is enough capacity for any skinful, quick slosh outside the tent, zip up and back to sleep.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 17 May, 2011, 01:09:58 pm
A 'retrospective' recommendation:- I got a .8l Thermos food flask for £15 last Xmas; having done a couple of backpacking trips with it it's proved invaluable, and along with a couple of cooking pans it's all you need in the kitchen.

Fill it up before setting off and it will last till lunchtime (I hate having to drink freezing cold water when you're trying to digest food).  Then as soon as you stop, get the stove on and fill it up again, immediately bringing more water to the boil along with the rice or whatever, then switch off and get your camp set up, having a hot drink from the flask while the food stews.  Then when you've finished cooking, fill the flask again with a nighttime beverage for later, using the second pan.

And last but not least (for men, anyway), avoid nighttime hassle - .8l is enough capacity for any skinful, quick slosh outside the tent, zip up and back to sleep.

 :o You don't really drink out of and piss into the same container do you?  :o :sick:

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Jon P on 17 May, 2011, 04:25:28 pm
Whyever not - of course it gets rinsed out, but don't forget some people even DRINK their own pee!

I challenge any bloke on this forum to deny they've never done something similar in an emergency ...


A 'retrospective' recommendation:- I got a .8l Thermos food flask for £15 last Xmas; having done a couple of backpacking trips with it it's proved invaluable, and along with a couple of cooking pans it's all you need in the kitchen.

Fill it up before setting off and it will last till lunchtime (I hate having to drink freezing cold water when you're trying to digest food).  Then as soon as you stop, get the stove on and fill it up again, immediately bringing more water to the boil along with the rice or whatever, then switch off and get your camp set up, having a hot drink from the flask while the food stews.  Then when you've finished cooking, fill the flask again with a nighttime beverage for later, using the second pan.

And last but not least (for men, anyway), avoid nighttime hassle - .8l is enough capacity for any skinful, quick slosh outside the tent, zip up and back to sleep.

 :o You don't really drink out of and piss into the same container do you?  :o :sick:


Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Manotea on 17 May, 2011, 04:34:53 pm
Whyever not - of course it gets rinsed out, but don't forget some people even DRINK their own pee!

I challenge any bloke on this forum to deny they've never done something similar in an emergency ...


I read an account once of some escaped WWII POWs lost in the jungle in the Far East who, in extremis, drank their own pee. I didn't get the impression it was a taste worth acquiring. As for the other matter, 'I'd take that bet'.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 17 May, 2011, 04:53:00 pm
I would need to be pretty close to DETH by dehydration before I would drink from a vessel that had previously contained piss  :hand:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jogler on 17 May, 2011, 07:06:35 pm
I would need to be pretty close to DETH by dehydration before I would drink from a vessel that had previously contained piss  :hand:

If ever we meet remind me to tell you about an incident involving baked beans on a camping trip may many moons ago :demon:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mike on 17 May, 2011, 07:30:43 pm
I was in town on the bike without a bag and Mrs Mike sent me a text asking me to get some stuff, I spotted this in the window of the outdoorsy shop:

a backpack that looks like this:
(http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a19/mikes99mail/temp/IMG_0270.jpg)

that packs down into this:
(http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a19/mikes99mail/temp/IMG_0271.jpg)

:D How cool is that??
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 17 May, 2011, 07:52:57 pm
We now have three bags like that - an Onya Backpack, an Onya side bag, a Sea to Summit, which is better because the straps are more comfortable.  Oh - and we won another in a raffle at the ALC AGM, which I carry round in my Super C, and used for the shopping today.  Vert very handy to have :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: turista on 17 May, 2011, 08:24:28 pm
I've bought an Alpkit Skyhigh 800 short. My first ever down bag. Looks the biz but I have yet to camp in it. Also bought a base mat to replace my (coughs) 18 year old thermarest which seemed to have given up the ghost and which I seem to recall having bought second hand from a classified ad in Camping Magazine in those far off pre internet days!
Now all I need to do is go for a little trip!
Mike that backpack looks pretty useful - for the food shop or for carrying my filled up water thingy when looking for "discrete" places to camp at the end of the day.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 17 May, 2011, 08:26:54 pm
Yep Mike it is uber cool  :D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Jon P on 18 May, 2011, 01:27:05 pm
I would need to be pretty close to DETH by dehydration before I would drink from a vessel that had previously contained piss  :hand:

I can respect that - and this is my own personal kit of course, nobody else comes into contact with it.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 19 May, 2011, 02:14:54 pm
Saw one at a decent price, so by the power of JFDI, I should soon be the proud owner of a proper sleeping bag:

http://www.mountain-equipment.co.uk/the_gear/down_sleeping_bags/dreamcatcher/wmns_dreamcatcher_650_-6°c---423/ (http://www.mountain-equipment.co.uk/the_gear/down_sleeping_bags/dreamcatcher/wmns_dreamcatcher_650_-6°c---423/)


Obviously I'm not thrilled about the colour, but the measurements suggest that the magic expanding knee section should solve the lower back pain problem I usually get with mummy bags.  It should also be decently warm and, with any luck, pack down to less than 90% of the volume of an Altura Orkney (which is just as well, as I've switched to somewhat smaller Ortliebs).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jogler on 19 May, 2011, 02:21:57 pm
I've heard several postive comments about Dreamcatchers.Not heard anything negative at all about them
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 19 May, 2011, 02:22:21 pm
Which one did you get? It just went to the page for all dreamcatchers. They don't seem to do goth sleeping bags in sensible shades...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 19 May, 2011, 02:42:28 pm
Which one did you get? It just went to the page for all dreamcatchers.

Link fixed.  The women's 650.  I don't need the extra height, so decided that the extra weight/bulk of the smaller men's 650 wasn't worth it purely for a hideous shade of orange over a hideous pastel blue.  And I *do* get cold feet.


Quote
They don't seem to do goth sleeping bags in sensible shades...

It's okay.  It'll be dark.  Mostly.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jogler on 19 May, 2011, 02:56:19 pm
The inside of your eyelids help to make the world dark :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 19 May, 2011, 04:16:22 pm
Which one did you get? It just went to the page for all dreamcatchers.

Link fixed.  The women's 650.  I don't need the extra height, so decided that the extra weight/bulk of the smaller men's 650 wasn't worth it purely for a hideous shade of orange over a hideous pastel blue.  And I *do* get cold feet.


Quote
They don't seem to do goth sleeping bags in sensible shades...

It's okay.  It'll be dark.  Mostly.

That looks nice. It's certainly better than the one that is the colour of breast fed baby poo... ::-)
or the mauve one so that you can tell it's for girls :sick:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 19 May, 2011, 11:02:34 pm
I actually quite like the mauve.  But I suspect that's an artefact of my defective colour vision rendering it more tasteful than it actually is (a problem I used to suffer from all the time in my youth).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mike on 20 May, 2011, 07:01:46 am
the dreamcatcher is absolutely brilliant, I've got a 450 and love it!  Having the stretchy bit means I actually sleep rather than just squirm about trying to get comfy, and the lining is lovely (not like my old Deuter which I have to use a liner for cos it feels horrid)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 20 May, 2011, 02:15:53 pm
It arrived earlier.  Initial impressions:

Height is exactly right.

Knee-stretchy bit does *exactly* what it says on the tin, I can spread my knees almost as wide as they will go, so there's effectively no restriction on leg movement.  The elasticated baffles take up the slack remarkably well, so it should stay equally warm regardless of leg position.

The foot-shaped bit is foot-shaped, and combined with the knee baffles makes the bag look like alarmingly like the ovipositor of some sort of giant alien insect.  Moreso with someone inside it.

The zips are in two sections, so you can stick your feet out without the whole lot unzipping in the night.

The colour is less bright (and therefore less embarrassing) than it appears online.  It really doesn't look that bad.

It's obviously significantly warmer than my synthetic bag, though there's only one way to find out how much...

Down sleeping bags are astoundingly compressible, why didn't anyone tell me?  In its stuff sack, it easily fits in a Back Roller alongside a Downmat with plenty of room for some tent poles and other stuff.

The stuff sack is fleece-lined, for use as a pillow  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: bloomers100 on 20 May, 2011, 08:09:45 pm
Snugpak travelpak lite arrived today. I am surprised how roomy it is, I am 6'2" and 14 and a bit stone and there is plenty of room. I'll report back after this weeks tour.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 21 May, 2011, 10:06:35 pm
Today I collected a parcel that my neighbour had taken in for us. It was actually 2 parcels, containing a Blacks Good Companion Major and an extended fly sheet for it. We put it up this evening and it is totally lovely.  :D It is bigger than I expected and in fabulous condition for a 30+ year old tent. I am very excited 8)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 21 May, 2011, 10:12:16 pm
Ooooooooooooooooh! :thumbsup: :D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 27 May, 2011, 03:18:25 pm
Saw one at a decent price, so by the power of JFDI, I should soon be the proud owner of a proper sleeping bag:

http://www.mountain-equipment.co.uk/the_gear/down_sleeping_bags/dreamcatcher/wmns_dreamcatcher_650_-6°c---423/ (http://www.mountain-equipment.co.uk/the_gear/down_sleeping_bags/dreamcatcher/wmns_dreamcatcher_650_-6°c---423/)

I should probably add the barakta review:

Quote from: barakta, last night
It looks a bit like an alien life form...   But it's made of warm!   And it's got a hearing aid pocket!  How much were they again?

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: plum on 29 May, 2011, 10:21:34 am
I've been looking for ages for a cheap and cheerful 3 man tunnel tent, hoping that the Vango Beta 350 for example would come right down in price. Today I noticed that Blacks and Millets have got in stock the older Vango Milano 350 for 60 quid delivered. Got great reviews in 2009 when it was new at £110, then was replaced I think by the Beta.

Is a great price for something to stick in the car for a couple of weeks camping as a single or a couple, loads of room for the money. I have a T2 Ultralight for actual cycle touring, but this 3 man tent has masses of storage space.

Millets Vango Milano 350 Tent (http://www.millets.co.uk/product/096508.html)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Tewdric on 29 May, 2011, 12:17:06 pm
I bought a Multimat to replace my ageing Thermarest.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andygates on 29 May, 2011, 06:26:38 pm
Oops, an Osprey Talon 33 daysack to replace my trusty Lowe Alpine Contour Event 35 - which had zipper-teeth worn smooth and photodegraded rip-easy fabric. 

New bag tested on the moors already.  Very comfy, very adjustable, a little bit of a faff to get in and out of, and quite long in the body.  Full of win and ginger caek. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: plum on 02 June, 2011, 10:28:49 am
Got my new tent delivered yesterday and stuck it up in the garden to make sure all the bits are there etc and it looks ok. Cheap and cheerful in terms of build quality but looks like easily 60 quid's worth. Meanwhile it has grown to something like three times the capacity of the bag it came in. No amount of folding, kneeling, stamping on it, tying it up with the crap little bits of ribbon it was originally tied with or shouting the names of ladies underparts at it will encourage it back into its container. It's half in half out with the zip about one third done up and the pole and peg bags sitting enviously on the conservatory table wondering when they'll get their go.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: gordon taylor on 04 June, 2011, 12:15:35 pm
I've ordered a Vango Spirit 300+.

My Vango Spirit 200+ is my most wonderful treasured possession, but we need something a bit bigger for our Mull and Islay holiday in August.

Yippee!!!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 04 June, 2011, 01:31:49 pm
Just collected a Vango Banshee 300 from the post office that Parcelfarce deposited it at (via the delivery office where royal mail were holding another package - got to love the joined-up thinking).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 04 June, 2011, 02:24:47 pm
We have all been here.......


Meanwhile it has grown to something like three times the capacity of the bag it came in. No amount of folding, kneeling, stamping on it, tying it up with the crap little bits of ribbon it was originally tied with or shouting the names of ladies underparts at it will encourage it back into its container. It's half in half out with the zip about one third done up and the pole and peg bags sitting enviously on the conservatory table wondering when they'll get their go.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 04 June, 2011, 10:16:30 pm
plum, the supplied bags are never big enough.  Get a reasonably sized stuffsack and use that instead.  Even if you do manage to get your tent back in a holdall-style bag, there's always the chance that the zip will go... :-\
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: TimO on 04 June, 2011, 10:23:47 pm
Funnily enough, that's not true with my Laser Photon, which has a bag at least twice the size it needs to be, even with the entire tent, pegs, poles, and even a footprint in the bag.

It is a stupidly lightweight tent however.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jogler on 05 June, 2011, 04:55:24 am
Funnily enough, that's not true with my Laser Photon,Vaude Lightweight Mk II which has a bag at least twice the size it needs to be, even with the entire tent, pegs, poles, and even a footprint in the bag.

It is a stupidly lightweight tent however.

jogler version
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Arch on 05 June, 2011, 10:42:59 am
plum, the supplied bags are never big enough.  Get a reasonably sized stuffsack and use that instead.  Even if you do manage to get your tent back in a holdall-style bag, there's always the chance that the zip will go... :-\

I've often stuggled with getting stuff back in bags (or in the case of my mat, rolled up tightly enough for the built in straps). And then, lo! and behold, this last time, everything went in sweet as a nut, even the tent with the big porch attached. Mind you, having two pairs of hands helped there, one to hold the bag together and the other to zip.

Of course, then I assume I've left something out....
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 05 June, 2011, 10:58:04 am
Even quality manufacturers have a different approaches.   Hilleberg provide a bag so big that you could probably use it as a bivvi in an emergency whereas Terra Nova seem to have adopted the interference fit approach.   

Having a bag which is bigger allows for those emergency stuff it in moments when you're racing to avoid the next downpour or you've overslept and you might miss the only ferry of the day/week!  :)   Personally I'd buy a bigger stuffsac or drybag to make life easier. 
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 05 June, 2011, 12:56:21 pm
I've gravitated to not bothering with bagging the tent (other than the poles and pegs, which need containment).  Outer goes at the bottom of the "damp stuff" pannier.  Inner rolled groundsheet-out on top of that, then folding stool, drybags of clothing or whatever on top of that.  It's one less thing to faff about with, especially in the rain.

I suppose if you're doing the two-panniers-and-tent-across-the-top thing you need the bag, though.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: PH on 05 June, 2011, 01:03:37 pm
The TN Solar bag is twice the size needed, too big to be practical, the tent lives in it at home but it's never been on tour.  The tent goes in or on top of the pannier/s, and the poles warped in the ground sheet protector on top of the rack.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Oscar's dad on 05 June, 2011, 02:49:14 pm

Funnily enough, that's not true with my Laser Photonlightweight Decathlon tents, which has a bag at least twice the size it needs to be, even with the entire tent, pegs, poles, and even a footprint in the baghave bags big enough for the tent, poles and pegs plus bottles of wine or beer.  The compression straps keep everything in place and guard against zip failure.


The OD version  :smug:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: plum on 05 June, 2011, 03:10:03 pm
Yeah there's loads of room in my T2-UL bag for the tent and stuff to spare.

Just going to have to practise my origami skills with the new one, seems pointless buying a really cheap tent then spoiling it by spending money on a new bag to put it in.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: tiermat on 07 June, 2011, 11:40:57 am
Just been to town (main reason was to get some watch batteries fitted, but had time to waste).

So a quick trip to Wilkos (for a micro USB cable, which they did not have) bagged me:
3* self inflating sleep mats
3* micro pillows
3* space blankets
A mallet and peg puller (for when car camping)

All for the princely sum of £60.

I would have picked up 3 fleecy sleeping bag liners for ~£6 each, but didn't have any more space to carry them :(
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: dasmoth on 08 June, 2011, 03:04:50 pm
Travel towels and a spare torch.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Jaded on 11 June, 2011, 05:45:14 pm
We've just bought various folding chairs and a warm sleeping bag for Mrs J in preparation for our expedition next weekend!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: The Mechanic on 13 June, 2011, 08:53:42 am
Just bought a small three legged folding stool.  Getting to old and creaky for swatting on the ground.  Also bought a space blanket on Sunday for future contingency use after being frozen to death on the CTC 100 mile ride on Saturday.  I was so cold I had to get the train back to Aberdeen from Montrose.  Hence my 100 miler turned into a 75 miler, all in the rain.  Who said it was summer?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: PaulR on 15 June, 2011, 10:09:34 am
Gelert solo tent to stick on the back of the bike, particularly with Watlington in mind.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: peevafred on 15 June, 2011, 04:59:00 pm
Today I collected a parcel that my neighbour had taken in for us. It was actually 2 parcels, containing a Blacks Good Companion Major and an extended fly sheet for it. We put it up this evening and it is totally lovely.  :D It is bigger than I expected and in fabulous condition for a 30+ year old tent. I am very excited 8)
[/quote
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we had a Blacks Good Companions Major 42 years ago it cost £25 we couldn't afford the extended fly for a few years. It was the best tent we have ever had. It was made of 3oz Egyption cotton . When the children came along and we started taking them cycle camping we split the tent up between us all and it was fine. I finally gave it the to a friend for his scouts. I didn't know that they still made them, mind you it was Blacks of Greenock then.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 15 June, 2011, 09:23:06 pm
They don't still make them. Mine is 40 years old and came from ebay :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: LindaG on 16 June, 2011, 10:15:01 pm
A new stove, Downmat sleeping mats, and a new sleeping bag for me.  With the insurance money for my dead Pompino.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: longers on 18 June, 2011, 03:42:49 pm
Two little folding stools, end of stock and being sold off for £1 each.
A thingy for putting on the bottom of gas canisters to make them wider and more stable.
A self inflating mat going cheap in T K Maxx plus a bright pink Mini Maglite which will make excellent presents.

I don't know if all T K Maxx's stock similar things at the same time but there was quite a bit of camping gear in this one (Oldham).
Plenty of mats, sleeping bag liners, stuff sacks, dry bags, travel towels etc etc.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 18 June, 2011, 08:24:34 pm
I always seem to miss the uber bargains at TKMax  :'(
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 20 June, 2011, 01:08:37 pm
Spare tent pegs of the Hilleberg Y variety and a large version of the Exped pillow which I think is even better than the Ajungilak pillows that we already have.   
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: GrahamG on 23 June, 2011, 10:34:57 am
Just had my 1.3kg MSR Microzoid tiny 1 man tent arrive - officially the audaxing tent for PBP and accommodation for rides further afield.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 23 June, 2011, 11:43:56 am
I have a kelly kettle, 2.5pint variety. Now I need to work out some way of strapping it to outside of saddlebag (and hence take on Sat night ride, if I go).

2nd-hand swap for a gb hatchet.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: LindaG on 23 June, 2011, 04:00:25 pm
Yes, a small backpacking tent. 

Don't tell Crusty.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 23 June, 2011, 04:03:45 pm
why, are you planning on leaving him behind?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: LindaG on 23 June, 2011, 04:08:08 pm
yes
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Arch on 26 June, 2011, 10:03:27 am
Well, it was yesterday now. A 3/4 Alpkit sleeping mat. Packs so much smaller than my current old roll up self inflating one, and I couldn't feel my hip bone when lying on it.

Having seen the head torches on the ride last night, I'll be back at the stand again today....
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Deano on 26 June, 2011, 12:18:24 pm
A bivvy bag (jogler made me get it!), a spork, and a stuffsack from the Alpkit stand.

I nearly bought the titanium mug as well. 
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: interzen on 26 June, 2011, 12:22:37 pm
A bivvy bag (jogler made me get it!), a spork, and a stuffsack from the Alpkit stand.

I nearly bought the titanium mug as well. 
You won't regret the bivvy bag - I bought a Hunka XL (on account of being a fat bastard) a while ago and it's the absolute business. I'm still considering titanium mugs and the like ...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 26 June, 2011, 09:40:29 pm
Three headtorches from Alpkit.  That looks like a good unit.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: PH on 26 June, 2011, 09:48:44 pm
Alpkit seemed to have had a fair bit of our money, it was nice to see them back again.  I picked up a couple of stuff sacks and some Y pegs.  I was also tempted by a Ti mug to go with he Ti spork from the last time they were there.  I also bought the Ti folding chopsticks, as a present for someone who has everything, they are superbly ridiculous, though they said they'd sold well.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 27 June, 2011, 06:34:05 pm
Just ordered a couple of replacement o-rings and a webbing strap for my Trangia, which were damaged during a weekend of progressive Trangia incompetence.

Top tip: If the valve on the trangia fuel bottle doesn't appear to be doing anything, especially if the contents have been warmed so as to be under some pressure, don't peer into the outlet with your remaing eye.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Speshact on 27 June, 2011, 09:12:25 pm
No, but some camper has got home (from Glasto I bet) and put their Quechua pop up tent for three people out in the street. It lay there for two hours so now we've picked it up - about £65 new. A light smattering of mud at the entrance otherwise perfect. Well, it won't fit in a pannier.... but otherwise...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 27 June, 2011, 09:31:39 pm
Umm, I don't suppose it was out to air/dry out was it?

Which reminds me, I haven't had a chance to dry my tent after my camping trip as it's been mega windy, bet it stinks by now.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Speshact on 27 June, 2011, 09:43:40 pm
Umm, I don't suppose it was out to air/dry out was it?

Nope, in its bag on the pavement, sitting in a location in that 'please can someone give this object a home' kind of way.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Arch on 27 June, 2011, 09:47:01 pm
Not today, but over the weekend I acquired an Alpkit 3/4 mat, a headtorch (bought for me by MFWHTBAB) and a Ti Spork. 

The only other places I bought anything were the saddlebag sale and the food wagons!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Regulator on 28 June, 2011, 01:54:22 pm
At York I acquired a new tent (a Berghaus Peak 2.1) and some titanium cutlery...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: CrinklyLion on 28 June, 2011, 02:01:51 pm
I managed to avoid any spending on camping (or indeed bike) STUFF, by simple virtue of taking two small people with me:
a) they got bored very quickly in the trade tents and needed to be taken elsewhere before inappropriate behaviour (or frivolous spending) could take place
b) we chose to buy said small people fish'n'chips from the van resulting in a significant slimming of the wallet
c) I indulged said smalls in a go on the bouncy castles, thus depleting to near-zero the contents of the wallet
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 28 June, 2011, 06:29:35 pm
Umm, I don't suppose it was out to air/dry out was it?

Nope, in its bag on the pavement, sitting in a location in that 'please can someone give this object a home' kind of way.

Fair enough. To be fair I thought that'd be the case, was just a thought.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 28 June, 2011, 09:36:55 pm
At York I acquired a new tent (a Berghaus Peak 2.1) and some titanium cutlery...


And other half said? ......... ::-)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: alecstilleyedye on 28 June, 2011, 10:28:05 pm
had a vango airbeam infinity 800 arrive today and i've ordered the additional canopy on instruction of shmbo.

vango diabolo 600 now on ebay (same user name as here)…
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Regulator on 29 June, 2011, 07:28:41 am
At York I acquired a new tent (a Berghaus Peak 2.1) and some titanium cutlery...


And other half said? ......... ::-)

I think I managed to get it past him without noticing....  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 29 June, 2011, 09:52:18 am
Is it your plan to buy a new tent every time you go camping?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dan_K on 29 June, 2011, 12:34:28 pm
Is it your plan to buy a new tent every time you go camping?

Works for me. 3 annual family camping trips and 3 tents. We now have one for every duration, location and situation!
Will be interested to see how you get on with the Vango Airbeam as that's on the list for next year!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: alecstilleyedye on 29 June, 2011, 02:47:37 pm
Is it your plan to buy a new tent every time you go camping?

Works for me. 3 annual family camping trips and 3 tents. We now have one for every duration, location and situation!
Will be interested to see how you get on with the Vango Airbeam as that's on the list for next year!
we've just got an 8 man airbeam and it goes up in minutes with little effort for anyone acquainted with using a track pump. not used it in anger yet, but looking forward to it…
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dan_K on 29 June, 2011, 03:41:17 pm
Is it your plan to buy a new tent every time you go camping?

Works for me. 3 annual family camping trips and 3 tents. We now have one for every duration, location and situation!
Will be interested to see how you get on with the Vango Airbeam as that's on the list for next year!
we've just got an 8 man airbeam and it goes up in minutes with little effort for anyone acquainted with using a track pump. not used it in anger yet, but looking forward to it…

Can't wait for the full field report!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Arch on 29 June, 2011, 07:10:16 pm
Is it your plan to buy a new tent every time you go camping?

Maybe he has to, as he's never learned how to strike camp and pack it back into the bag.

I'll nip past the racecourse and see if there's one still up...  ;)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 29 June, 2011, 07:14:37 pm
Just ordered a couple of replacement o-rings and a webbing strap for my Trangia, which were damaged during a weekend of progressive Trangia incompetence.

These arrived today and my Trangia is now fully armed and operational.   :demon:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 29 June, 2011, 07:43:10 pm
My 12 year old Trangia 27 is a trusty companion, battered & stained though it is.

I keep looking at the 27-1 HA with something close to lust though, it's smooth and shiny and sexy... :P

(http://www.trangia.se/core/images/49/150271(1).jpg)

But they don't import it to the UK, so I will remain faithful.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: alecstilleyedye on 29 June, 2011, 08:17:17 pm
i'll probably get slated in here for saying so, but we got some tent carpet today, and a carabiner to allow us to hang anything from the central loop…
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 29 June, 2011, 08:27:50 pm
i'll probably get slated in here for saying so, but we got some tent carpet today, and a carabiner to allow us to hang anything from the central loop…

Tent carpet ??  :o
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 29 June, 2011, 08:29:57 pm
i'll probably get slated in here for saying so, but we got some tent carpet today, and a carabiner to allow us to hang anything from the central loop…

Tent carpet ??  :o

Well that laminate stuff looks so tacky...... ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Arch on 29 June, 2011, 08:32:19 pm
i'll probably get slated in here for saying so, but we got some tent carpet today, and a carabiner to allow us to hang anything from the central loop…

Tent carpet ??  :o

I'm imagining a fine Bedouin type Persian rug...

I reckoned that was what Jogler and Marj needed in their caravan awning, to complete the luxury.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jogler on 29 June, 2011, 08:54:39 pm
we do have an eco-friendly breathable awning carpet but decided to rough it on this occassion & left it in the garage
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: alecstilleyedye on 30 June, 2011, 11:12:01 am
i'll probably get slated in here for saying so, but we got some tent carpet today, and a carabiner to allow us to hang anything from the central loop…

Tent carpet ??  :o
it's more of a large picnic rug, but i guess the marketing people thought carpet was more sellable…
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Charlotte on 30 June, 2011, 11:53:08 am
Alec - these days, the really stylish glampers are going with laminate downstairs and luxuriant loose rugs and cushions upstairs...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MercuryKev on 30 June, 2011, 12:00:41 pm
I took delivery of an Alpkit Numo sleeping mat today.  It came recommended by a couple of folk as  supremely comfortable and light weight (500g) -  first impressions seem to confirm this. All for £40.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Ariadne on 30 June, 2011, 12:03:37 pm
ooh, I've been tempted to get one of them, too. But given that I slept soundly and snored my way right through the night in Comrie, it's hard to argue that I need one!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: dasmoth on 30 June, 2011, 12:04:04 pm
Alec - these days, the really stylish glampers are going with laminate downstairs and luxuriant loose rugs and cushions upstairs...

But how are you meant to get those on your bike???

Let alone in a backpack!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 30 June, 2011, 12:10:30 pm
So passe!  The latest thing is for quarry tiling throughout in all the best tents.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: alecstilleyedye on 30 June, 2011, 12:44:48 pm
anyone know the largest sized plasma tv that can be hung without ripping the tent fabric? ;)

actually, the glampingest thing i saw in go outdoors yesterday was an outwell tent which had a separate portaloo attachment…
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Regulator on 30 June, 2011, 01:19:49 pm
anyone know the largest sized plasma tv that can be hung without ripping the tent fabric? ;)

actually, the glampingest thing i saw in go outdoors yesterday was an outwell tent which had a separate portaloo attachment…

I'm not sure if that is really glamping... it's been a fairly common sight on campsites for some years.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MercuryKev on 30 June, 2011, 02:42:55 pm
ooh, I've been tempted to get one of them, too. But given that I slept soundly and snored my way right through the night in Comrie, it's hard to argue that I need one!

Yes, but it's light enough for me to take it round on my 600 this weekend.  Meaning that I should be able to get a comfy kip at the 450km stage :D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: marcusjb on 30 June, 2011, 02:53:58 pm
i'll probably get slated in here for saying so, but we got some tent carpet today, and a carabiner to allow us to hang anything from the central loop…

I'm glad I am not the only one with this dirty little secret.

I've always camped very light.  When I first camped with my other half, she insisted on an upgrade to something a little larger.  We went with a North Face Fortress 23 - it's got a lobby and everything, but still just about light enough to take on the tandem touring.

But now she's had enough of not being able to stand up, cooking squatted down on the ground (especially when raining) etc. and has insisted on something larger for a forthcoming trip (not cycle touring), proper chairs, a table, blow up matress etc.

I don't know what my world has come to, but I now own one of these http://www.vango.co.uk/tents/calisto-400.html (http://www.vango.co.uk/tents/calisto-400.html) (just for the two of us!) along with it's carpet!

I feel dirty.  She's even talking about taking pans NOT MADE OF TITANIUM!!!!!!!!

(there is, of course, part of me that looks forward to camping in relative luxury - but I can't possibly let Cass know this!).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: marcusjb on 30 June, 2011, 02:57:08 pm
I'm still going to eat straight out of whatever pans she does take, using a titanium spork though! ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jogler on 30 June, 2011, 03:04:10 pm
mrs. jogler is moving in the opposite direction.Because she won't tow the caravan & I'm riding there(Tan Hill),we are both kipping inna tent for the first time in years this weekend.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 30 June, 2011, 03:05:11 pm
Get a bigger battery and she can drive the caravan there :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jogler on 30 June, 2011, 03:11:01 pm
I reckon a Volvo qualifies as a "bigger battery".
I'm going to keep you two apart if you are going to conspire in that manner ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 30 June, 2011, 08:18:02 pm
Big sign outside Sports direct AT LEAST 70% OFF EVERYTHING............until you look at the camping gear inside which is full price.. strewth.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Arch on 30 June, 2011, 08:22:39 pm
mrs. jogler is moving in the opposite direction.Because she won't tow the caravan & I'm riding there(Tan Hill),we are both kipping inna tent for the first time in years this weekend.


Well, MFWHTBAB said fairly early in our relationship that he didn't do camping.  When I was invited on a camping trip, he said he'd like to come, and bless him, he never complained. He did say afterwards that he still disliked camping, but the good company made up for it. He even looked at Alpkit mats at the Rally (only looked mind, but he tried one out (the Numo) and said it was much better than any airbed he'd ever tried.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 30 June, 2011, 08:25:44 pm
He even looked at Alpkit mats at the Rally (only looked mind, but he tried one out (the Numo) and said it was much better than any airbed he'd ever tried.

You know what happens when people try Downmats, right?   ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 01 July, 2011, 08:13:47 am
They start creaking? ;)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 01 July, 2011, 03:22:58 pm
They start creaking? ;)

In my defence, the Downmat was only that noisy because I was failing to sleep, because I'd gone to bed about 4 hours too early on account of the weather.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 01 July, 2011, 03:26:59 pm
You should hear a Fell Club meet, with the tents all close together, and the snoring, farting and Downmat creaking creating a cacophony... ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: alexb on 01 July, 2011, 03:28:50 pm
I bought a non-stick mess tim and a new compact thermos for the Dun Run yesterday.
The mess tin was an indulgence because my old pans are stainless and are impossible to get clean quickly after the sort of brew up I normally do on the way to Dunwich.
So I've lost space to the mess tin and gained it back with the thermos!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: TimO on 02 July, 2011, 09:28:22 am
...for the Dun Run yesterday.   The mess tin was an indulgence because my old pans are stainless and are impossible to get clean quickly after the sort of brew up I normally do on the way to Dunwich. ...

What are you brewing that requires extensive cleaning? :o

I generally find hot water reasonably easy to clean out.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Arch on 03 July, 2011, 01:26:20 pm
Not really camping stuff, but I bought some shoes! I needed a pair of cheap plimsolls, having omitted to send any shoes ahead of me for this week and not fancying walking in cleats all week, so we went to ASDA. And I found my plimmies, but also a pair of slip on shoes, with a slim velcro strap across the foot, looking almost like slippers or dancing pumps, but with a thicker trainer-like sole. They struck me as ideal for evening wear when touring or camping, as they are very flat so they'll push down the side of a pannier or whatnot, and the soles look tough enough for wandering about on grass. For £10, they may not be very robust, but I reckoned they were worth a try. For once, the bizarre design urge to mix girly-dainty with chunky-outdoors seems to make sense.

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Pedaldog. on 03 July, 2011, 02:30:05 pm
You should hear a Fell Club meet, with the tents all close together, and the snoring, farting and Downmat creaking creating a cacophony... ;D

You mean "Symphony" really don't you?  I pride myself with being able, apparently, to snore the full length of Edith Piaff's "Non, je ne regrette rien!" on a good night!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: alexb on 04 July, 2011, 11:43:40 am
...for the Dun Run yesterday.   The mess tin was an indulgence because my old pans are stainless and are impossible to get clean quickly after the sort of brew up I normally do on the way to Dunwich. ...

What are you brewing that requires extensive cleaning? :o

I generally find hot water reasonably easy to clean out.

OK "brew" was really the wrong term, but chicken curry has proven to be a pain to clean out of the pan for example. Too much localised heat from the stove tends to caramelise food onto it.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: PaulR on 04 July, 2011, 12:01:00 pm
You should hear a Fell Club meet, with the tents all close together, and the snoring, farting and Downmat creaking creating a cacophony... ;D

We shared the backpackers' field at Watlington with a robust contingent of the Fell Club this weekend.  I heard no snoring, farting or creaking, despite having been awake for most of the night.  The main noises were, until 2.30am, the leavers' party at Icknield Community College and, from about 4.30am, the support crew for a charity bike ride who were getting themselves ready and had their van engine running about 15 yards from my tent for over an hour.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 07 July, 2011, 03:43:37 pm
Bought a loo (http://www.boginabag.co.uk/buy-boginabag-products.aspx) for cycle camping to C&CC DA and Youth meets.  :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: LindaG on 07 July, 2011, 03:45:52 pm
Bought a loo (http://www.boginabag.co.uk/buy-boginabag-products.aspx) for cycle camping to C&CC DA and Youth meets.  :)

Whoa.  Now that's fringe.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Simonb on 07 July, 2011, 03:50:54 pm
Bought a side panel for our lovely Cabanon.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 07 July, 2011, 04:03:10 pm
Bought a loo (http://www.boginabag.co.uk/buy-boginabag-products.aspx) for cycle camping to C&CC DA and Youth meets.  :)

Whoa.  Now that's fringe.

A lot of the meets are greenfield sites, sometimes beautiful and often very cheap, which don't have facilities. Having a solution means we don't have to hire a car each time and also makes us look hardcore and rugged ;D It also converts into a Kim style seat, which is sometimes useful :).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: LindaG on 07 July, 2011, 04:20:51 pm
Bought a loo (http://www.boginabag.co.uk/buy-boginabag-products.aspx) for cycle camping to C&CC DA and Youth meets.  :)

Whoa.  Now that's fringe.


A lot of the meets are greenfield sites, sometimes beautiful and often very cheap, which don't have facilities. Having a solution means we don't have to hire a car each time and also makes us look hardcore and rugged ;D It also converts into a Kim style seat, which is sometimes useful :).

Those certificated sites with no loos.  Are they now open to you?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 07 July, 2011, 04:23:40 pm
Bought a loo (http://www.boginabag.co.uk/buy-boginabag-products.aspx) for cycle camping to C&CC DA and Youth meets.  :)

Whoa.  Now that's fringe.

For when a shewee and pub toilets just aren't enough... I approve.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 07 July, 2011, 04:36:44 pm
I don't like to be excluded from things because I don't want a car. I like to make a point that motorisation is avoidable :).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 07 July, 2011, 04:47:00 pm
:thumbsup:

I suppose :-\

;D :-*

btw, did you see I added another episode to the story of our camping trip to a field with no toilet (I'm not sure I mentioned toilets, but there were some in the Old Boote ;D ).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Oscar's dad on 07 July, 2011, 04:48:54 pm
Bought a loo (http://www.boginabag.co.uk/buy-boginabag-products.aspx) for cycle camping to C&CC DA and Youth meets.  :)

Gosh!  That makes the milk container I used on the Freeze your Bits Off camping trip look a bit poo!

It also makes the orange B&Q bucket we use for big tent camping look a bit inadequate!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: thing1 on 09 July, 2011, 10:14:22 am
MSR Alpine 4 Pot Set, just ordered from facewest.co.uk.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 09 July, 2011, 11:59:49 am
Black diamond Bivy Sack, Hooped Bivy - Shelter - Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd. (http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-us/shop/mountain/shelters/hooped-bivy) .

Should be good for short cycle tours and back country travel.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Jaded on 14 July, 2011, 04:31:01 pm
One of these, and a little kettle.

Hope Mrs J doesn't mind me and Master J using it before we give it to her for her birthday.  ;D

(http://www.alfiecat.co.uk/yetacf/camping_2.jpg)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: alecstilleyedye on 14 July, 2011, 05:52:55 pm
some nylon tent pegs and a camping washing line…
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Arch on 14 July, 2011, 06:09:29 pm
some nylon tent pegs and a camping washing line…

Unless your tent pegs are abnormally long, you're going to have to stick to washing very small items of dolly clothing, or it'll all drag on the ground....
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Manotea on 14 July, 2011, 06:13:44 pm
some nylon tent pegs and a camping washing line…

Somehow I automatically thought of taking a walk on the wild side (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Tpe7D0aMWs&feature=fvwrel)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: alecstilleyedye on 14 July, 2011, 07:50:04 pm
some nylon tent pegs and a camping washing line…

Unless your tent pegs are abnormally long, you're going to have to stick to washing very small items of dolly clothing, or it'll all drag on the ground....
ooh you funny girl arch ;)

the two purchases were unconnected, pegs for the tent and the washing line will go wherever mrs alec thinks is best…
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Arch on 14 July, 2011, 08:48:17 pm
some nylon tent pegs and a camping washing line…

Unless your tent pegs are abnormally long, you're going to have to stick to washing very small items of dolly clothing, or it'll all drag on the ground....
ooh you funny girl arch ;)

the two purchases were unconnected, pegs for the tent and the washing line will go wherever mrs alec thinks is best…

I couldn't help it. I just have this hilarious vision of a tiny washing line with tiny washing. The ultimate in lightweight packing...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: tiermat on 14 July, 2011, 09:23:12 pm
A flag pole, and a metre long length of sparkly pink polyester.

How is the second related to camping (apart from the obvious)?

When we go to deershed we need a way of reliably finding our tent.  The metre long length of polyester is to make into a banner/flag to atach to the flagpole, which attaches to the groundstake.

Now what do we put on the flag?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: interzen on 14 July, 2011, 09:25:43 pm
Now what do we put on the flag?
http://images.wikia.com/borderlands/images/a/a8/Portal-cake.jpg

Problem solved.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 14 July, 2011, 09:30:02 pm
http://images.wikia.com/borderlands/images/a/a8/Portal-cake.jpg

Surely that belongs on CrinklyLion's panniers?  In ScotchLite.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: interzen on 14 July, 2011, 09:31:09 pm
http://images.wikia.com/borderlands/images/a/a8/Portal-cake.jpg

Surely that belongs on CrinklyLion's panniers?  In ScotchLite.
Couldn't find anything resembling a bowl of chips, so it'll have to be cake instead.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dan_K on 15 July, 2011, 02:47:33 pm
A Blacks Solo cookset £10 reduced from £15 in the sale.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: TimO on 15 July, 2011, 07:59:57 pm
Now what do we put on the flag?
http://images.wikia.com/borderlands/images/a/a8/Portal-cake.jpg

Problem solved.

Shouldn't it be crossed Narwhals on a background of cake?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dan_K on 20 July, 2011, 03:02:49 pm
Vango self inflating pillow for normal camping use but may have to invest in a Ajungilak one if i end up tight on space for cycle camping.....
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 21 July, 2011, 11:45:19 am
My titanium Jetboil stove has arrived, it is teh sexy  ;D

(http://www.rutlandoutdoor.com/ProductImages/jetboil-solti.jpg)

Now I need to work out which cannister to get for it so I can try it out! it will be coming on the Sem Fed with me next week.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: alecstilleyedye on 22 July, 2011, 01:37:37 pm
a solar light in a storage jar (wifely purchase)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 24 July, 2011, 08:20:29 am
anyone know the largest sized plasma tv that can be hung without ripping the tent fabric? ;)

actually, the glampingest thing i saw in go outdoors yesterday was an outwell tent which had a separate portaloo attachment…

I'm not sure if that is really glamping... it's been a fairly common sight on campsites for some years.

How working class! All the best people shit in the main tent.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Aidan on 24 July, 2011, 08:24:39 am
My titanium Jetboil stove has arrived, it is teh sexy  ;D

(http://www.rutlandoutdoor.com/ProductImages/jetboil-solti.jpg)

Now I need to work out which cannister to get for it so I can try it out! it will be coming on the Sem Fed with me next week.

I've got one of these!. Nice arent they?   I got two sizes of canister, the little ones (100g)  fit inside the pot  for easy carrying, but would take the bigger canister if going for more than a day or two
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Tewdric on 24 July, 2011, 08:39:02 am
My titanium Jetboil stove has arrived, it is teh sexy  ;D

(http://www.rutlandoutdoor.com/ProductImages/jetboil-solti.jpg)

Now I need to work out which cannister to get for it so I can try it out! it will be coming on the Sem Fed with me next week.

I always buy 100s for mine as one will fit inside the cup attached to the burner.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 24 July, 2011, 07:12:30 pm

I've got one of these!. Nice arent they?   I got two sizes of canister, the little ones (100g)  fit inside the pot  for easy carrying, but would take the bigger canister if going for more than a day or two

Very nice  :D


I always buy 100s for mine as one will fit inside the cup attached to the burner.

Does any 100g one do or does it have to be any specific type of fuel? I've never owned anything like this before, my calor gas camping stove is mahoosive with 2 burners and a double grill!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 24 July, 2011, 07:18:40 pm
They're all the same butane/propane mix with a standard connector, AFAIK.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: PH on 24 July, 2011, 09:51:06 pm
Does any 100g one do or does it have to be any specific type of fuel?
It's a good idea to take your stove with you when you buy, there are differences in size, mostly small but it means some fit better than others.  The Coleman is a good fit in the original Jetboil and has the advantage of being commonly available.  There are also some differences in the gas mixes, I think MSR has the best mix for cold weather, but it's a poor fit in the Jetboil.  For normal weather I haven't noticed any difference between those I've tried.  The main thing is not to burn off all the propane first,  shaking before use, trying and keep it warm, not standing it directly on cold ground or standing it in a little water are all supposed to help.  I've never managed to boil the claimed 12 ltrs of water from a 100g cannister, 8 is more realistic and expect the last two to be slow, that's still a lot better than most gas stoves.  That will do me for 2 - 3 days, any longer and I'll take a 250g MSR cannister and pack something else in the Jetboil.  This is my experience with he standard Jetboil, there may be some differences with your new model.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Tewdric on 27 July, 2011, 10:54:58 pm
They're all the same butane/propane mix with a standard connector, AFAIK.

That's been my experience, although I've heard that Camping Gaz blue ones won't work.  I have a few Primus canisters I bought at Snow and Rock, and they are fine.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 27 July, 2011, 11:21:20 pm
They're all the same butane/propane mix with a standard connector, AFAIK.

That's been my experience, although I've heard that Camping Gaz blue ones won't work.  I have a few Primus canisters I bought at Snow and Rock, and they are fine.

Camping Gaz sells a blue cartridge that is designed to be pierced by a blade in the device you are using, be it a stove, lantern or whatever. The cartridge is meant to stay on the device until it is completely empty, which can be a nuisance. This was the original Camping Gaz cartridge, it's only used today on the cheapest devices and is no longer very common. The other type of Camping Gaz cartridge is called an "Easy Clic", it can be detached from the device it is fueling before it is completely empty like the MSR cartridges. It does not look like it would interchange with MSR or (European) Coleman cartridges.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: rogerzilla on 28 July, 2011, 06:58:14 am
The smaller cartridges get very weak when they're half empty; the pressure isn't really regulated.  I use the half-empty ones in a lantern, where the flow rate is very low and they work OK.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: YahudaMoon on 28 July, 2011, 07:41:21 am
Srewfix. propane/butane mix. screw in type work fine

http://www.screwfix.com/p/gogas-butane-propane-mixed-gas-cartridge-350g/58559
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Tewdric on 28 July, 2011, 09:20:53 am
Srewfix. propane/butane mix. screw in type work fine

http://www.screwfix.com/p/gogas-butane-propane-mixed-gas-cartridge-350g/58559

It doesn't look like there's one that will fit into a Jetboil cup attached to (or as well as) the burner unit though.  Do keep up at the back! :-)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 28 July, 2011, 11:15:55 am
Thanks all for the gas canister info!
I just visited my local camping shop, the Gorge Outdoors on Cheddar Gorge and stocked up on the final bits and pieces for my impending camping trip.

I bought:
 3x 100g Primus canisters (I think I will only take 2 with me though)
a teeny tin opener gadget
a Paramo towel (tiny package and light, fast drying and yet a decent sized towel)
a Gelert key fob mini lantern
a 1 litre water storage bag
a tiny survival blanket (this is actually to cover my bike with if its very wet at night)
a foam seat pad for a bargain £1.50
some velcro straps (you can never have too many of these!)
a new dog lead, not actually for camping, but they stock awesome shockcord leads ideal for walking a dog who tends to pull and yank. My dog sitter will need this!
I didn't buy a pair of crocks, despite being tempted, because they weigh next to nothing and are good in a muddy water logged field. My son wouldn't been seen dead with me if I wore these though! Looks like I'm packing the flip flops, since I couldn't afford the Vibram shoes with toes today!

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 28 July, 2011, 02:08:23 pm
They're all the same butane/propane mix with a standard connector, AFAIK.

That's been my experience, although I've heard that Camping Gaz blue ones won't work.  I have a few Primus canisters I bought at Snow and Rock, and they are fine.

There are 4 types of gas cartridge connection:
a)
None - just stab a hole in the canister.
The stove clamps to the canister with a rubber seal round the hole it's stabbed
These are the original blue Camping Gas type, though there are many compatible brands now.
Adapters are available to use them with screw threaded stoves.
b)
Screw threaded.
These are all more or less standard (including blowtorch canisters), though there are sometimes you'll find a canister/stove combination where the proddler that opens the valve isn't quite long enough. Coleman are the dicky brand (IIRC), though I can't remember whether it's a short proddler on the stoves or a deep set valve on the canister.
c)
blue Camping Gas CV (Click-on Valve)
These look similar to the screw threaded canisters, but there's no screw thread on the valve stem.
A couple of stoves (MSR Superfly and a couple of Primuses) fit either screw thread or CV, and adapters (Edelrid/Markill) are available to use CV canisters with screw threaded stoves
d)
Gas lighter refill valves.
These valves also come on larger canisters for use horizontally in large car-camping or domestic stoves that look similar to a normal domestic gas hob. These are cheap, often butane only (no good it it's cool/cold weather), and screw thread adapters are available on eBay.

EN 417 relates to the actual valve, and both screw and CV canisters are EN 417 despite being incompatible.

The smaller cartridges get very weak when they're half empty; the pressure isn't really regulated.  I use the half-empty ones in a lantern, where the flow rate is very low and they work OK.
All gas canister stoves will get weak when half empty if the canisters are used in an upright position.
This is because the liquid gas in the canister cools as the gas boils off to go to the stove. If the temperature of the gas mix goes below its boiling point, it goes out, and if it's not much above the stove is very weak.
The gases in the canister are butane (boils at -0.5C), isobutane (-11.7C), propane(-42C), or a mix with an intermediate boiling point. When a mix boils, that part of the mix that's furthest above its boiling point is used faster, so the mix changes. With a standard 70%butpane/30% propane mix there's no propane left at all by the time the canister is down to about 40% full, and the pure butane is very poor if the weather isn't warm.
To get round the weak performance, you can either use a stove that will cope with an upside down canister, or try to keep the canister from cooling with a close fitting windshield or something (but watch out for an overheating canister, which would be nasty).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: TimO on 28 July, 2011, 05:36:51 pm
... To get round the weak performance, you can either use a stove that will cope with an upside down canister, or try to keep the canister from cooling with a close fitting windshield or something (but watch out for an overheating canister, which would be nasty).

There's also an argument for taking the gas canister to bed with you, since it'll be a lot warmer first thing in the morning, for that first cup of coffee/tea, than if it has been sat around overnight "just chillin". ;D

This is probably not relevant in France in the middle of the summer.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 28 July, 2011, 09:23:53 pm
... To get round the weak performance, you can either use a stove that will cope with an upside down canister, or try to keep the canister from cooling with a close fitting windshield or something (but watch out for an overheating canister, which would be nasty).

There's also an argument for taking the gas canister to bed with you, since it'll be a lot warmer first thing in the morning, for that first cup of coffee/tea, than if it has been sat around overnight "just chillin". ;D

This is probably not relevant in France in the middle of the summer.

There's also a trick I saw described in a climbing magazine of taping a strip of metal to the canister, with the other end of the strip contacting the stove's flame. This, of course, could boost the stove's heat output far more than you ever wanted, so I'm not suggesting that anyone actually try this. Could be fun to watch from a safe distance, though.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 29 July, 2011, 12:51:33 am
... To get round the weak performance, you can either use a stove that will cope with an upside down canister, or try to keep the canister from cooling with a close fitting windshield or something (but watch out for an overheating canister, which would be nasty).

There's also an argument for taking the gas canister to bed with you, since it'll be a lot warmer first thing in the morning, for that first cup of coffee/tea, than if it has been sat around overnight "just chillin". ;D

This is probably not relevant in France in the middle of the summer.

There's also a trick I saw described in a climbing magazine of taping a strip of metal to the canister, with the other end of the strip contacting the stove's flame. This, of course, could boost the stove's heat output far more than you ever wanted, so I'm not suggesting that anyone actually try this. Could be fun to watch from a safe distance, though.

The copper strip between the flame and the canister is OK so long as you are ready with a proddler to move the end out of the flame if it starts to get lively. It's not OK to fire up the stove and go back into your sleeping bag whilst the water boils (not OK for any other canister heating method either).
The canister in the sleeping bag is OK for the first brew, but isn't so good if you turn the stove off whilst you drink it, and expect it still to be OK for the bacon when you've finished the tea.

Agreed, there's no problem any time it's warm enough to sit around in a T-shirt.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: longers on 29 July, 2011, 09:58:44 am
Camping stuff bought today: 2 packs of jaffa cakes, multipack of pork scratchings, bag of peanuts, ibuprofen and half a bottle of brandy.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Regulator on 29 July, 2011, 11:54:22 am
Camping stuff bought today: 2 packs of jaffa cakes, multipack of pork scratchings, bag of peanuts, ibuprofen and half a bottle of brandy.

Paracetemol is better for hangovers...  ;)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: longers on 29 July, 2011, 12:09:47 pm
How about one of each? Think I've read somewhere that it might be beneficial in certain circumstances, this might not be one of them.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 29 July, 2011, 08:09:49 pm
Bought on route to Portsmouth today:
1 packet of ibuprofen
1 packet of Boots travel sickness tablets (for on the boat)
1 packet of Immodium instants in case the French water is dodgy!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 29 July, 2011, 08:26:27 pm
Regulator what is that neat little stove you use and with what bottles? Oops might be Tourist Tony you all look the same to me with helmets on....... ???
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dan_K on 30 July, 2011, 02:01:43 pm
Picked up this nice little camping knife today:

http://www.whitbyandco.co.uk/rangeview.cfm?parentitemid=209&rangeid=573&keywords= (http://www.whitbyandco.co.uk/rangeview.cfm?parentitemid=209&rangeid=573&keywords=)

Should be handy. Also wanter a Mora Clipper but they were out of stock this week.
Nice shop if you're over Surbiton way. Must admit to having a bit of knife lust but had no use for most of them!

Ranger Surplus : http://www.ranger.uk.com/tradingpost/index.php (http://www.ranger.uk.com/tradingpost/index.php)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 03 August, 2011, 08:57:49 pm
I have a camping knife but I am still very unclear as to whether I should be carrying it around or not even in panniers. Seems to me anything more aggressive that a hair clip can get you in lots of trouble. Some sites recommend you buy a knife on site or nearby and then dispose of it. Nuts.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 06 August, 2011, 09:10:30 pm
As there are lots of camping sales breaking out atm treated myself to vango folding gas stove for £16.99. Now if only the right tent would come along......
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: TimO on 06 August, 2011, 10:12:55 pm
I have a camping knife but I am still very unclear as to whether I should be carrying it around or not even in panniers. Seems to me anything more aggressive that a hair clip can get you in lots of trouble. Some sites recommend you buy a knife on site or nearby and then dispose of it. Nuts.

It's perfectly legal to carry a knife if you have a reasonable reason to carry a knife (or knives).  A chef going to or from his place of work, and carrying his knives would have no problem.  Having purchased a knife from a shop, and taking it home, you or I would have no problem.

If you're carrying a knife for some purpose of camping (which you can reasonably demonstrate), then no one is going to prosecute it, or indeed even find out.  The police are not going to stop you and check through your panniers on the chance that there's a knife in there which you can't justify having upon you (which for camping you almost certainly can).

There's also the attitude test.  If the police stop you for some random reason, and you tell them that they can't search you for a knife, then that's pretty much what they're going to do.  If you thought you were going to have any sort of problem with a knife in your pannier, it would be a bad idea to have an argument with a copper, or generally piss them off in some fashion.

If I'm camping I've probably got a couple of knives in my camping kit which would not be legal to carry in my pocket on the street.  I'm not in the least worried that I'm going to be stopped and searched.

Come to that, I've never been searched by a police officer for anything.  The nearest I've got is a slight pat down going through an airport or trying to get into a club, which is pretty much the norm for most of us.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 11 August, 2011, 08:18:46 pm
I have a camping knife but I am still very unclear as to whether I should be carrying it around or not even in panniers. Seems to me anything more aggressive that a hair clip can get you in lots of trouble. Some sites recommend you buy a knife on site or nearby and then dispose of it. Nuts.

It's perfectly legal to carry a knife if you have a reasonable reason to carry a knife (or knives).  A chef going to or from his place of work, and carrying his knives would have no problem.  Having purchased a knife from a shop, and taking it home, you or I would have no problem.

If you're carrying a knife for some purpose of camping (which you can reasonably demonstrate), then no one is going to prosecute it, or indeed even find out.  The police are not going to stop you and check through your panniers on the chance that there's a knife in there which you can't justify having upon you (which for camping you almost certainly can).

There's also the attitude test.  If the police stop you for some random reason, and you tell them that they can't search you for a knife, then that's pretty much what they're going to do.  If you thought you were going to have any sort of problem with a knife in your pannier, it would be a bad idea to have an argument with a copper, or generally piss them off in some fashion.

If I'm camping I've probably got a couple of knives in my camping kit which would not be legal to carry in my pocket on the street.  I'm not in the least worried that I'm going to be stopped and searched.

Come to that, I've never been searched by a police officer for anything.  The nearest I've got is a slight pat down going through an airport or trying to get into a club, which is pretty much the norm for most of us.

I tend to travel armed only with a spork and a corkscrew. I wonder what they would make of that?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Ray 6701 on 12 August, 2011, 11:38:44 am
Arrived yesterday: an Alpkit hunka bivvy bag & titanium spork  :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Regulator on 12 August, 2011, 11:49:57 am
I have a camping knife but I am still very unclear as to whether I should be carrying it around or not even in panniers. Seems to me anything more aggressive that a hair clip can get you in lots of trouble. Some sites recommend you buy a knife on site or nearby and then dispose of it. Nuts.

It's perfectly legal to carry a knife if you have a reasonable reason to carry a knife (or knives).  A chef going to or from his place of work, and carrying his knives would have no problem.  Having purchased a knife from a shop, and taking it home, you or I would have no problem.

If you're carrying a knife for some purpose of camping (which you can reasonably demonstrate), then no one is going to prosecute it, or indeed even find out.  The police are not going to stop you and check through your panniers on the chance that there's a knife in there which you can't justify having upon you (which for camping you almost certainly can).

There's also the attitude test.  If the police stop you for some random reason, and you tell them that they can't search you for a knife, then that's pretty much what they're going to do.  If you thought you were going to have any sort of problem with a knife in your pannier, it would be a bad idea to have an argument with a copper, or generally piss them off in some fashion.

If I'm camping I've probably got a couple of knives in my camping kit which would not be legal to carry in my pocket on the street.  I'm not in the least worried that I'm going to be stopped and searched.

Come to that, I've never been searched by a police officer for anything.  The nearest I've got is a slight pat down going through an airport or trying to get into a club, which is pretty much the norm for most of us.

I tend to travel armed only with a spork and a corkscrew. I wonder what they would make of that?

You're a lush addicted to Pot Noodles?   ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Regulator on 12 August, 2011, 11:50:52 am
I have a camping knife but I am still very unclear as to whether I should be carrying it around or not even in panniers. Seems to me anything more aggressive that a hair clip can get you in lots of trouble. Some sites recommend you buy a knife on site or nearby and then dispose of it. Nuts.

It's perfectly legal to carry a knife if you have a reasonable reason to carry a knife (or knives).  A chef going to or from his place of work, and carrying his knives would have no problem.  Having purchased a knife from a shop, and taking it home, you or I would have no problem.

If you're carrying a knife for some purpose of camping (which you can reasonably demonstrate), then no one is going to prosecute it, or indeed even find out.  The police are not going to stop you and check through your panniers on the chance that there's a knife in there which you can't justify having upon you (which for camping you almost certainly can).

There's also the attitude test.  If the police stop you for some random reason, and you tell them that they can't search you for a knife, then that's pretty much what they're going to do.  If you thought you were going to have any sort of problem with a knife in your pannier, it would be a bad idea to have an argument with a copper, or generally piss them off in some fashion.

If I'm camping I've probably got a couple of knives in my camping kit which would not be legal to carry in my pocket on the street.  I'm not in the least worried that I'm going to be stopped and searched.

Come to that, I've never been searched by a police officer for anything.  The nearest I've got is a slight pat down going through an airport or trying to get into a club, which is pretty much the norm for most of us.

I had more problems explaining the handcuffs than the diving knives...  :-[
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 12 August, 2011, 08:17:15 pm
 ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 20 August, 2011, 08:19:39 pm
As there are lots of camping sales breaking out atm treated myself to vango folding gas stove for £16.99. Now if only the right tent would come along......

Miffed as above and then find this.....

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sunngaz-SunnGas-Alpine-Stove/dp/B000ZJ60IW/ref=pd_sim_sg_3

Stainless, built in ignition and wind shield ho hum.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: bloomers100 on 23 August, 2011, 09:21:50 am
On Sunday in the Blacks get third sale item free we got an Outwell Iowa L and two pairs of Goretex trainers for £200.

Touch.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: PaulR on 24 August, 2011, 02:50:14 pm
At lunchtime today I went out to buy some bamboo socks and ended up getting a multimat all seasons self-inflating mattress thingy in the blacks sale, £20.99.  Packs down nice'n'small and weighs under 600g.  That will fit nicely at the bottom of one of the Deuter panniers I bought yesterday.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: TimO on 24 August, 2011, 05:50:31 pm
You're a lush addicted to Pot Noodles?   ;D

<quickly hides the Pot Noodle on his desk>

;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MercuryKev on 24 August, 2011, 10:44:37 pm
I ordered an Alpkit Skyehigh 600 sleeping bag today.  I don't want my camping fun this year to finish yet and my 2-season snugpack bag was getting a bit chilly the last time I was out.  I'm looking forward to some cosiness.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: RichForrest on 25 August, 2011, 11:47:27 am
Yes, a Vango Tempest 300 (http://www.theoutdoorshop.com/showPart.asp?part=PN70204). Will be taking it Peterborough bound this afternoon  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 27 August, 2011, 10:07:51 am
Various bits of new kit have been turning up all week including an Alpkit Bulb lantern and a Thermarest Compack chair kit.  Their first outing will probably be the camping weekend at Gordy's followed by 2 weeks in Belgium.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Domestique on 28 August, 2011, 01:56:17 pm
Went to have a look at some rucksacks in our local Millets.
Whilst there noticed they had Trangia 27-1's on special offer for £30.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: dasmoth on 01 September, 2011, 10:02:05 pm
Went into the Nice Outdoor Shop to buy a smaller fuel bottle.  Came out with a new hat as well...  :-[

I should really learn to avoid that place...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: rdaviesb on 04 September, 2011, 04:07:40 pm
Exped dry bags.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: bikepacker on 08 September, 2011, 11:45:29 am
Primus Spider Express Stove. Got it from these people: http://elitemountainsupplies.co.uk/product/83_primus-express-spider-summer-sale!.html

Also added to order a Sea to Summit insulated mug to get to free post price. Very fast next day delivery.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 10 September, 2011, 09:43:06 am
A UCO Micro Candle Lantern (http://www.tauntonleisure.com/uco-micro-candle-lantern/p6885?source=froogle&utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=comparison_shopping_feeds&utm_nooverride=1) has just arrived in the post. Mine is yellow, it's cute.

(http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0054/1332/products/microlantern_nature_large.jpg?100095)

I'm planning on hanging it from the apex of the Shangri La 3 with a foil pie dish as a light reflector.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MercuryKev on 14 September, 2011, 11:08:35 am
I just took delivery of a Exped Downmat 7 DLX in anticipation of the YACF Ecosse camping trip this weekend.  My first impression is that it seems a good piece of kit.  I'm hoping that this along with my Alpkit Skyehigh 400 sleeping bag will allow me to have a decent kip.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: interzen on 14 September, 2011, 11:12:45 am
Just taken delivery of a Gamma head torch from those nice folks at Alpkit. Cree LEDs FTW ...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jogler on 14 September, 2011, 03:47:18 pm
just ordered one of these

http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/product435.asp?PageID=112
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: diapsaon0 on 14 September, 2011, 03:51:07 pm
I've bought a flysheet extension for a Vango Force Ten tent.  It should fit my old Black's ridge tent which I hope to replace with a genuine Force Ten for the Spring.  Off to North Devon at the end of next week.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Riggers on 14 September, 2011, 04:03:28 pm
Haven't bought anything. Does that make me a bad person.

Anyway, having visited the backpacklight website, spotted this, which for all you bonkers Audaxers out there might be an absolute 'must have' item:

http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/product532.asp?PageID=1

Look how small it packs!!!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dan_K on 14 September, 2011, 04:56:19 pm
Just taken delivery of a Gamma head torch from those nice folks at Alpkit. Cree LEDs FTW ...

I'm awaiting delivery for one of these. Looking forward to giving it a trial run. Have heard good things.....
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Oscar's dad on 14 September, 2011, 05:31:21 pm
Haven't bought anything. Does that make me a bad person.

Anyway, having visited the backpacklight website, spotted this, which for all you bonkers Audaxers out there might be an absolute 'must have' item:

http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/product532.asp?PageID=1

Look how small it packs!!!

That is brilliant!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jogler on 14 September, 2011, 06:05:20 pm


http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/product532.asp?PageID=1



that's a £ danger zone ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: L CC on 16 September, 2011, 11:26:17 am
Haven't bought anything. Does that make me a bad person.

Anyway, having visited the backpacklight website, spotted this, which for all you bonkers Audaxers out there might be an absolute 'must have' item:

http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/product532.asp?PageID=1

Look how small it packs!!!

That is brilliant!

I have one. It made me a sweaty betty on the freeze your bits off camping. You really can get it back in the bag and it's smaller than a 500ml water bottle.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jogler on 16 September, 2011, 02:56:04 pm
just ordered one of these

http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/product435.asp?PageID=112

it's arrived & in the bag was a bag of jelly babies 8)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 16 September, 2011, 04:49:10 pm
A sleeping mat from Peli.

Her selling one was serendipitous. At the music festival our girls decided to 'blow up' the self - inflating mats. They got them to the point of looking like airbeds, sat on them - and burst one  ::-)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: peliroja on 16 September, 2011, 06:19:34 pm
A sleeping mat from Peli.

Her selling one was serendipitous. At the music festival our girls decided to 'blow up' the self - inflating mats. They got them to the point of looking like airbeds, sat on them - and burst one  ::-)
Hehe, good timing.

Do they want a tent (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=51907.msg1046260;topicseen#msg1046260) to go with the mats?  ;D We're selling our Blacks Octane 3. I feel very guilty about it.  :'(
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 16 September, 2011, 09:27:50 pm
Tents we have.

Sleeping bags . . . . Turns out the girls are thin skinned or something. At the summer festival MrsCharly and I ended up giving the girls our (thicker) sleeping bags and we used the girl's summer weight ones.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Oscar's dad on 18 September, 2011, 04:20:39 pm
Errr, yes, big style.

Our 2005 Campus Indiana 8 circus tent is nearing the end of its serviceable life so we found ourselves visiting Camping & General on Canvey Island for they are having their end of season sale.

We came away with a Kampa Pendine 8 (http://www.kampa.co.uk/tents/pendine8.html) plus  side canopy thingy (http://www.skyblueleisure.co.uk/acatalog/info_CV1012_Kampa_Pendine_8_Canopy.html).  I never thought the day would come when I would find myself typing the following ... the tent comes with a CARPET!  We have a lightweight hoover in the loft so we are wondering whether we should take it with us. 

Of course this now means we need to have one last camping trip this year to try the new big top out.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jogler on 19 September, 2011, 03:48:46 pm
two treking poles & 10 metres 3mm black shockcord
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: diapsaon0 on 19 September, 2011, 03:50:42 pm
Postman has just delivered my new tent.  Force Ten all cotton  :P
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 19 September, 2011, 04:24:27 pm
Postman has just delivered my new tent.  Force Ten all cotton  :P
Woohoo! :D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: diapsaon0 on 19 September, 2011, 04:52:42 pm
I now need a trailer to carry it ( it fits securely enough on the rack, but I can't get my leg over  :-[ )

(Probably a trip up to SJSC tomorrow unless I get a response to my wanted ad).

N
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mcshroom on 19 September, 2011, 05:01:44 pm
6x4 groundsheet, 1 person cookset, gas bottle luggage clips and 5m shock cord.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 22 September, 2011, 07:59:06 pm
Vango banshee 300 arrived yay! Nice one Kim huge saving.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MercuryKev on 01 October, 2011, 10:36:24 am
I just managed to pick up a Hilleberg Nallo 2 GT with foot print for a good price after deciding that my Spacepacker is a bit too much like sleeping in a coffin. 
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: CrinklyLion on 03 October, 2011, 06:10:58 pm
yesterday, i became the proud new owner of sweaty betty - a red octane 3 who may have featured in photos around here once or twice before.  i suspect she won't have quite such distant adventures with the cubs and i, but we'll do our best to keep her entertained.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jogler on 03 October, 2011, 06:36:18 pm
is the tent & your hair colour co-ordinated?  ;D
 :-*
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 03 October, 2011, 06:38:41 pm
yesterday, i became the proud new owner of sweaty betty

So, when's the camping trip? :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: peliroja on 04 October, 2011, 07:11:11 pm
yesterday, i became the proud new owner of sweaty betty - a red octane 3 who may have featured in photos around here once or twice before.  i suspect she won't have quite such distant adventures with the cubs and i, but we'll do our best to keep her entertained.
I'm so chuffed we found a fantastically crinkly home for Betty. I look forward to hearing about her new adventures!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 04 October, 2011, 08:00:12 pm
Inspired by Mercurykev (and having useless matches on the Yacf Ecosse camping weekend) I bought a firesteel last weekend.
I just want to set things alight now!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 04 October, 2011, 08:08:11 pm
They are only good for 3 or 4000 strikes you know!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 04 October, 2011, 08:10:27 pm
I doubt I will be going camping that many times before I die, frankly!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 04 October, 2011, 08:16:14 pm
Yeahbut, they're awesome fun to play with (as well as surprisingly effective at lighting Trangias).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 04 October, 2011, 08:17:47 pm
Trangias, the adjacent tent, the cornfield  next door......... ;D  (I treated myself to one great fun.)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MercuryKev on 04 October, 2011, 08:50:12 pm
Inspired by Mercurykev (and having useless matches on the Yacf Ecosse camping weekend) I bought a firesteel last weekend.
I just want to set things alight now!

If you've got a gas cooker at home they are really good at lighting the hob and much more fun than pressing a button.  What you need now is some steel wool, they light that up a treat and you can burn it when it's wet.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mcshroom on 04 October, 2011, 08:51:40 pm
Cotton wool balls with a broad-bean sized lump of Vaseline wrapped inside - very good for lighting wood fires with a firesteel :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 05 October, 2011, 08:37:24 pm
Stop feeding my pyromania, you're all very naughty.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Oscar's dad on 06 October, 2011, 07:43:19 am
Inspired by Mercurykev (and having useless matches on the Yacf Ecosse camping weekend) I bought a firesteel last weekend.
I just want to set things alight now!

Interesting.  Can you use such a device to set fire to meths in a Trangia burner?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: delthebike on 06 October, 2011, 07:50:48 am
Inspired by Mercurykev (and having useless matches on the Yacf Ecosse camping weekend) I bought a firesteel last weekend.
I just want to set things alight now!

Interesting.  Can you use such a device to set fire to meths in a Trangia burner?
Yes.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Oscar's dad on 06 October, 2011, 07:53:10 am
^^^ Do you have to set fire to something else (like cotton wool) and then use that to light the meths?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Chris N on 06 October, 2011, 08:47:22 am
^^^ Do you have to set fire to something else (like cotton wool) and then use that to light the meths?

Just strike it directly onto the full burner - but it works better when the meths is warm, I've found.  On a cold morning, a lighter is more effective.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 06 October, 2011, 08:51:31 am
We use a steel for the trangias.   Sometimes it seems to take an age, sometimes it strikes first time.  Temperature and humidity seem to affect lighting efficiency of meths but I've never failed yet.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Oscar's dad on 06 October, 2011, 09:03:25 am
Is there any firesteel model or brand that is particularly well thought of?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Chris N on 06 October, 2011, 09:05:28 am
Mine's a Light My Fire: http://www.lightmyfire.se/383-147-swedish_firesteel_2.0%C2%AE.htm
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 06 October, 2011, 09:06:20 am
We have a Swedish fire steel (http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002W43YUU/ref=asc_df_B002W43YUU4690338/?tag=googlecouk06-21&creative=22134&creativeASIN=B002W43YUU&linkCode=asn).   Works very well IME.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Oscar's dad on 06 October, 2011, 09:09:13 am
We have a Swedish fire steel (http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002W43YUU/ref=asc_df_B002W43YUU4690338/?tag=googlecouk06-21&creative=22134&creativeASIN=B002W43YUU&linkCode=asn).   Works very well IME.

Purchased, thanks to all  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Pingu on 06 October, 2011, 10:18:10 pm
Mrs P has just presented me with a folding Ti spork  :thumbsup: :-*
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 07 October, 2011, 12:49:00 am
Just strike it directly onto the full burner - but it works better when the meths is warm, I've found.  On a cold morning, a lighter is more effective.
Meths is pretty temperature dependent. To light with a firesteel, it's got to be reasonably warm.
If it's cold it isn't difficult to extinguish a burning match by dunking it in meths.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 07 October, 2011, 09:36:24 am
In some thread or other I report on doing SCIENCE with a straight-out-of-the-freezer Trangia burner.  While there were definite issues getting it going at those temperatures, the firesteel was no worse than any other ignition source...

Best method seemed to be to spill the meths round the rim of the burner and light that, or to bootstrap the whole process by pre-heating with the lid (having first removed the O-ring!) from below.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 07 October, 2011, 12:21:21 pm
I was inspired by this thread to get one of these: http://www.rei.com/product/762946/light-my-fire-swedish-firesteel-mini

and I was inspired by a 20% discount coupon to get one of these: http://www.rei.com/product/648696/gregory-denali-pro-pack

The pack won't help much for cycling, but I do want to do some backcountry travel this winter, and some longer trips next summer.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 11 October, 2011, 07:48:17 pm
Took my Alpkit Gamma out of a stuff sack and broke the damn battery case opening it. So ordered a new one..... :facepalm: Did make me wonder if they become brittle after a while or may need a bit of vaseline applying around the cap nibs.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MercuryKev on 12 October, 2011, 08:18:47 am
Took my Alpkit Gamma out of a stuff sack and broke the damn battery case opening it. So ordered a new one..... :facepalm: Did make me wonder if they become brittle after a while or may need a bit of vaseline applying around the cap nibs.
My first Gamma broke this way and although it was over a year old I contacted Alpkit and the send me a free replacement.  Truth be told I'd only changed the batteries twice so it shouldn't have broken but great customer service by Alpkit.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 12 October, 2011, 07:29:25 pm
Same experience have been asked to send back and they will fix or replace. Great service.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jogler on 14 October, 2011, 05:19:30 am
Yesterday I bought 30 metres of 3mm paracord. £5 from Quartermasters Stores ( sort of army surplus ) in Hanley.I can start playing with my recently acquired tarp now :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Oscar's dad on 14 October, 2011, 06:41:09 am
I love paracord but then I am a string / rope / knot nut. When I'm President of the World basic knot tying will be taught in schools. Being able to tie a bowline is a life skill.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jogler on 14 October, 2011, 06:48:41 am
The last tme I was knotting was in the Cub-Scouts which was a bl$$dy looooooong time ago.Is the bowline the one where the rabbit comes up out of the hole,round the tree & back down the hole? I can still do a reef knot.
lLarning* to do slippery hitch knots & clove hitches etc. will be fun :-\ but it's got to be done.


eta * learning to spell would be good too ::-)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Oscar's dad on 14 October, 2011, 06:58:55 am
That's the chappy!  An extremey useful knot, being able to tie a bowline round yourself with one hand could save your life, eg you get stuck in quick sand and somelone throws you a rope.

Like I said, when I'm President of the World it'll all get sorted. Must go now as I'm working on a global Moussaka levy that will raise funds to bail out the Greek economy.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 20 October, 2011, 08:35:04 pm
Alpkit have sent me a brand new Gamma. Fantastic. Would I go anywhere else ....no and bought a new one in between anyway. (tunnels are coming up)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: interzen on 24 October, 2011, 10:59:14 am
I've just bought a couple of Bulb II lanterns from Alpkit - unfortunately, one of them appears to have a faulty power switch, so it's going back for replacement.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MercuryKev on 24 October, 2011, 11:13:31 am
I've just bought a couple of Bulb II lanterns from Alpkit - unfortunately, one of them appears to have a faulty power switch, so it's going back for replacement.

You do know that you need to do a double press to switch them on.  This is a safety mechnisim to stop them switching on in your bag.  Try clicking the on button twice.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: interzen on 24 October, 2011, 11:19:27 am
I've just bought a couple of Bulb II lanterns from Alpkit - unfortunately, one of them appears to have a faulty power switch, so it's going back for replacement.

You do know that you need to do a double press to switch them on.  This is a safety mechnisim to stop them switching on in your bag.  Try clicking the on button twice.
I'm aware of that. In this particular case, however, the switch itself is at fault - it appears to be thoroughly jammed in 'pressed' position, so you can prod at it all you like and nothing will happen. The steady green LED is a bit of a giveaway too (on my working Bulb, it just blinks at you occasionally)

A minor annoyance, but Alpkit have a good reputation in the 'getting things sorted' stakes.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MercuryKev on 24 October, 2011, 11:23:59 am
I've just bought a couple of Bulb II lanterns from Alpkit - unfortunately, one of them appears to have a faulty power switch, so it's going back for replacement.

You do know that you need to do a double press to switch them on.  This is a safety mechnisim to stop them switching on in your bag.  Try clicking the on button twice.
I'm aware of that. In this particular case, however, the switch itself is at fault - it appears to be thoroughly jammed in 'pressed' position, so you can prod at it all you like and nothing will happen. The steady green LED is a bit of a giveaway too (on my working Bulb, it just blinks at you occasionally)

A minor annoyance, but Alpkit have a good reputation in the 'getting things sorted' stakes.

Just though I'd check.  They will sort it out though.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dan_K on 27 October, 2011, 09:07:58 pm
Picked up a Rab storm bivi. Just got to get a lightweight mat now...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: bikepacker on 27 October, 2011, 11:19:50 pm
I was offered a new Hilleberg Nallo 3 for £275 so I jumped at it.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 28 October, 2011, 07:32:27 am
Bargain.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MercuryKev on 28 October, 2011, 07:48:06 am
I was offered a new Hilleberg Nallo 3 for £275 so I jumped at it.

You'd be crazy not to take a deal like that.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 28 October, 2011, 08:20:22 am
I was offered a new Hilleberg Nallo 3 for £275 so I jumped at it.
You lucky thing! :D

What a bargain 8)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dan_K on 28 October, 2011, 08:11:58 pm
Alpkit base 120 to go with my new bivvy. Probably gonna be uncomfortable as hell but it's light and cheap!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: LindaG on 29 October, 2011, 08:43:55 pm
My new waterproof Carradice rear panniers arrived yesterday.  They are capacious and shiny and utterly marvellous.  A bit of self-assembly and they'll be reet  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jogler on 01 November, 2011, 04:48:00 pm
not quite 'cause the bloke in the Outdoor Pusuits Co-Op in Stone suggested that instead of a bivvybag I have a sleeping bag cover such as

http://rab.uk.com/products/equipment/bivis/survival-zone.html

for use under a tarp since the bag cover is more breathable but less waterproof than a "proper" bivbag.

I'm  :-\
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: interzen on 02 November, 2011, 11:20:54 am
Again, not quite, but my replacement Bulb II arrived from Alpkit this morning  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MercuryKev on 02 November, 2011, 01:52:15 pm
not quite 'cause the bloke in the Outdoor Pusuits Co-Op in Stone suggested that instead of a bivvybag I have a sleeping bag cover such as

http://rab.uk.com/products/equipment/bivis/survival-zone.html

for use under a tarp since the bag cover is more breathable but less waterproof than a "proper" bivbag.

I'm  :-\

You should just get yourself a Belgian army bivi bag from Military Mart - the only cost £6.50 and provide plenty protection for someone sleeping under a tarp. 
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 04 November, 2011, 12:43:46 pm
not quite 'cause the bloke in the Outdoor Pusuits Co-Op in Stone suggested that instead of a bivvybag I have a sleeping bag cover such as

http://rab.uk.com/products/equipment/bivis/survival-zone.html

for use under a tarp since the bag cover is more breathable but less waterproof than a "proper" bivbag.

I'm  :-\
It depends.

If you can guarantee that you will be lying on a waterproof mat, and that no drips will build up on the mat (erm, if rain blows under the tarp, you could end up with a pool of water on the mat), then he is right.

Having said that, I used to regularly camp with just a sleeping bag and a goretex bivvi bag, frequently with the bag zipped up. I never had a problem with condensation.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mike on 04 November, 2011, 03:49:19 pm
some winter boots!  Scarpa SL, they weigh about seven tonnes each.  I'm doing a winter skills course in Jan and some winter munros round aviemore to follow.

heading to the White Peak tomorrow to start to break them in..
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: The Mechanic on 10 November, 2011, 11:54:53 am
Just received an Exped pillow I bought of ebay.  £3.70 + postage new with packaging!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MercuryKev on 10 November, 2011, 06:13:58 pm
I took delivery of a Hilleberg Keron 3 GT today.  In my defence it was an eBay speculative bid based on my understanding that the reserve price must be bigger than my bid :P  It wasn't and I won; however, it was a bargain and it is a mother of a tent.  The amount of space is amazing, you could almost live in it, but at just under 5kg it is probably more suited to car camping.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 10 November, 2011, 09:30:14 pm
I took delivery of a Hilleberg Keron 3 GT today.  In my defence it was an eBay speculative bid based on my understanding that the reserve price must be bigger than my bid :P  It wasn't and I won; however, it was a bargain and it is a mother of a tent.  The amount of space is amazing, you could almost live in it, but at just under 5kg it is probably more suited to car camping.
Oh you lucky thing! I saw that on ebay and nearly bid on it since it was such a good price! I'm glad I didn't now :D. (We really don't need another tent :-[)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Pedaldog. on 11 November, 2011, 08:49:35 pm
I'm glad I didn't now :D. (We really don't need another tent :-[)

BURN HER!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: eck on 11 November, 2011, 11:36:38 pm
Yes!
Earlier today, I picked up this (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3084/5873428641_1c55a8bbbf.jpg) natty wee tent from lovely Ms Crystal Tips.  :thumbsup:

But, unlike "some people" (and you know who you are), I've resisted the temptation to pitch it in the back garden tonight.  :facepalm:

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MercuryKev on 12 November, 2011, 12:12:34 am
Yes!
Earlier today, I picked up this (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3084/5873428641_1c55a8bbbf.jpg) natty wee tent from lovely Ms Crystal Tips.  :thumbsup:

But, unlike "some people" (and you know who you are), I've resisted the temptation to pitch it in the back garden tonight.  :facepalm:


Why not pop round and you can pitch in in my back garden - it's nice and dark :D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jogler on 12 November, 2011, 09:35:16 am
BACK GARDEN :o nae lad

all the coolkids* try out their tent** in the lounge so that Match of the Day can be seen from within said tent ;D

*that's G.D. & I

** a Vaude MK II Light
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Rainmaker on 14 November, 2011, 09:18:37 am
Oscar's dad on
  October 14, 2011, 06:58:55 AM
Like I said, when I'm President of the World it'll all get sorted. Must go now as I'm working on a global Moussaka levy that will raise funds to bail out the Greek economy.

When does it begin to work?    I'm sick of eating moussaka and the Greek economy has gone down the drain!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: cycleman on 14 November, 2011, 09:59:15 am
it is ok ,you can start on pasta now  ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Oscar's dad on 14 November, 2011, 08:04:15 pm
 ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 18 November, 2011, 12:24:47 am
I noticed yesterday when I drove past the Leigh branch of Camping and General that it isn't Camping & General any more. It's been replaced by "Discount Oak Furniture" or some such nonsense.

I don't think there will be a lot of point in me going there on the eve of my next camping trip to stock up on stuff. This is a bugger.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Oscar's dad on 18 November, 2011, 06:46:48 am
Oh dear, I hope the main branch on Canvey is ok. I'm sure it must be as it seemed busy enough a  few weeks ago when we bought Circus Tent Mk2.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: The Bonk on 28 November, 2011, 08:46:24 pm
Had a little shopping spree.
(http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx77/The-Bonk/th_carr-superc-barley.jpg) (http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx77/The-Bonk/carr-superc-barley.jpg)
(http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx77/The-Bonk/th_gransfors-bruks-wildlife-hatchet-73-p.jpg) (http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx77/The-Bonk/gransfors-bruks-wildlife-hatchet-73-p.jpg)
(http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx77/The-Bonk/th_bpl-hon_a.jpg) (http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx77/The-Bonk/bpl-hon_a.jpg)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Oscar's dad on 28 November, 2011, 08:48:13 pm
What's the item at the bottom?  Looks lethally interesting!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: interzen on 28 November, 2011, 08:48:36 pm
Had a little shopping spree.
(http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx77/The-Bonk/th_carr-superc-barley.jpg) (http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx77/The-Bonk/carr-superc-barley.jpg)
(http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx77/The-Bonk/th_gransfors-bruks-wildlife-hatchet-73-p.jpg) (http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx77/The-Bonk/gransfors-bruks-wildlife-hatchet-73-p.jpg)
(http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx77/The-Bonk/th_bpl-hon_a.jpg) (http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx77/The-Bonk/bpl-hon_a.jpg)
Blimey ... the Zombie Apocalypse must be closer than I thought ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: The Bonk on 28 November, 2011, 08:49:25 pm
Whoops! Forgot one.
(http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx77/The-Bonk/th_imgres.jpg) (http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx77/The-Bonk/imgres.jpg)

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: interzen on 28 November, 2011, 08:49:38 pm
What's the item at the bottom?  Looks lethally interesting!
A Honey Stove, if I'm not mistaken: http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/product397.asp

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: The Bonk on 28 November, 2011, 08:49:54 pm
What's the item at the bottom?  Looks lethally interesting!

Honey Stove.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mcshroom on 04 December, 2011, 07:13:50 pm
Just ordered myself a down bag from millets for £36

Also got a silk liner, eurohike trangialike and some sporks :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 04 December, 2011, 07:38:34 pm
Ditto silk liner
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: alexb on 05 December, 2011, 01:27:15 pm
Here's one for the nutcases: http://www.snowpeak.com/titanium-straw.html
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 07 December, 2011, 02:48:24 pm
Here's one for the nutcases: http://www.snowpeak.com/titanium-straw.html
It would be useful for vampires who've gotten old and lost their teeth. Just sharpen the end a bit, jab into jugular, and dinner is served!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jogler on 14 December, 2011, 03:14:02 pm

one of these

http://www.alpkit.com/hunka

the XL version


It arrived today.Marj has sent it to Santa for wrapping ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: LindaG on 16 December, 2011, 11:26:47 pm

one of these

http://www.alpkit.com/hunka

the XL version


It arrived today.Marj has sent it to Santa for wrapping ;D

What do you plan to do with it?

After unwrapping it, obviously  ;)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jogler on 17 December, 2011, 11:42:24 am

one of these

http://www.alpkit.com/hunka

the XL version


It arrived today.Marj has sent it to Santa for wrapping ;D

What do you plan to do with it?

After unwrapping it, obviously  ;)

the plan,subject to RL, is to use it sometimes in conjunction with a tarp for.....
S240 rides
summer camping weekends
yacf meetings

it's first proprer outing is likely to be the KildaleKonvention,assuming I can attend.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: LindaG on 17 December, 2011, 02:36:59 pm
I shall look forward to seeing it at Kildale then  :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jogler on 18 December, 2011, 08:24:51 pm
& I shall look forward to seeing you :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 19 December, 2011, 08:48:30 pm
Strewth he has me seriously considering one of these hunka things. I suspect he is working on the basis that bunks are full and he roughs it..........which is hugely admirable.........
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MercuryKev on 19 December, 2011, 10:22:33 pm
I bought one of these today:

(http://forums.equipped.org/ubbthreads.php?ubb=download&Number=772&filename=DSC_3287.JPG)

I'm planning to got camping between Christmas and New Year and I though I'd get some light plus a little heat from it.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 21 December, 2011, 08:39:32 pm
MK those look very neat and safer than a cheap candle lamp. Are they expensive?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MercuryKev on 21 December, 2011, 11:06:13 pm
MK those look very neat and safer than a cheap candle lamp. Are they expensive?

It cost about £15 including postage.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 22 December, 2011, 01:40:03 am
I bought a lightweight plastic hammer for putting in and taking out tent pegs. It was half price in a sale and I couldn't resist  :D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 22 December, 2011, 01:50:58 pm
A dozen Y-pegs for £4, and a silk sleeping bag liner for £16.70, from Black's closing down sale (We've got a big new Go Outdoors).
Also some walking/ski pole tips for 75p a pair.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 27 December, 2011, 04:11:33 pm
Set of those ski thermals from Go Outdoors, and whilst I was at it,  titanium spoon/fork (single ended) and pan handle wotsaname
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: bikepacker on 27 December, 2011, 04:39:12 pm
A dozen Y-pegs for £4, and a silk sleeping bag liner for £16.70, from Black's closing down sale (We've got a big new Go Outdoors).
Also some walking/ski pole tips for 75p a pair.

What is the Go-Outdoors like in your fair city? I was thinking of having a ride to have a look.

I got an Alpkit titanium saucepan as a Christmas prezzie.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 28 December, 2011, 05:35:51 pm
I was disappointed.
My memories are of the original Camping & Caravan Centre in Sheffield, before they rebranded as Go and started opening shops all over the place. What we got is more like a bigger version of Blacks, with more in the way of reasonable clothing, not so much for backpacking
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: gordon taylor on 02 January, 2012, 03:44:27 pm
I've bought a Vango 200 Spirit Plus for £155 inc delivery from

http://www.theoutdoorshop.com/default.asp?submit=Home

That's £120 cheaper than list price and £50 cheaper than the last one I bought in 2004, IIRC.

I love those tents!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 02 January, 2012, 05:44:49 pm
Can you cook (safely) in that there lobby Gordy? Very attractive tent. Went to Go Outdoors to buy some GT 85 which is half price and would have liked to have collected an unbreakable mirror but they did not have one so came away with folding trowel instead. The place was absolutely heaving I guess camping and related outdoor actitivity is going to have a bumper year
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: gordon taylor on 03 January, 2012, 08:28:00 am
Can you cook (safely) in that there lobby Gordy?

Sure! I usually cook breakfast porridge whilst still in my sleeping bag. Even if I'm up and about, I think I always light the stove inside the porch because it keeps the wind off.

This is the baby:

(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c22/gordon1314/317MIJHxlL_SL500_AA300_.jpg)

I think that "Grasshopper" colour is the 2009 or 2010 model. I hope I like it. The later ones are dark green.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jogler on 03 January, 2012, 10:16:40 am
that's a lorra tent for the £

what have you done with the red one?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 03 January, 2012, 10:21:53 am
Very good value tent, there, Gordy! :thumbsup: 

Hope it gets lots of use. :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: gordon taylor on 03 January, 2012, 06:32:58 pm
that's a lorra tent for the £

what have you done with the red one?

We have a vague plan to get it out to our son's place in NZ so that we can have a tent there for odd nights under canvas.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: tiermat on 06 January, 2012, 11:31:58 am
I bought a spork yesterday and am considering a lightweight camping mat and bivvy bag, ready for April in Catalonia....
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: gordon taylor on 06 January, 2012, 07:51:14 pm
Can you cook (safely) in that there lobby Gordy?

Sure! I usually cook breakfast porridge whilst still in my sleeping bag. Even if I'm up and about, I think I always light the stove inside the porch because it keeps the wind off.

This is the baby:

(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c22/gordon1314/317MIJHxlL_SL500_AA300_.jpg)

I think that "Grasshopper" colour is the 2009 or 2010 model. I hope I like it. The later ones are dark green.

Update: the package arrived yesterday but turned out to be a Vango Spirit 200, not a Vango Spirit 200 Plus (which has a porch.)

My excitement has now turned to grumpiness, although the outdoor shop have responded well to a phonecall and are arranging a collection and replacement. I hate it when mail order goes wrong.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 06 January, 2012, 08:08:45 pm
 :( Hope that's sorted out soon.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 06 January, 2012, 08:30:56 pm
Oh what a shame. Hope it all gets sorted G.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: tiermat on 07 January, 2012, 01:52:59 pm
A LARGE family tent, it has bedrooms, carpet, a porch and everything (though no cat flap).

A snuggly warm sleeping bag for Mrs T (she complained that her sleeping bag wasn't warm enough for her last year)

A 3 season sleeping bag and sleeping mat for me, all I need now is a bivvy bag and I am set for the mountains :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dan_K on 13 January, 2012, 05:02:23 pm
Picked up a Cocraft Mora knife from Clas Ohlson for £4.99.
Basically a blue Mora Clipper:

www.clasohlson.co.uk/Product/Product.aspx?id=164745959  (http://www.clasohlson.co.uk/Product/Product.aspx?id=164745959)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: gordon taylor on 13 January, 2012, 05:42:22 pm
Oh what a shame. Hope it all gets sorted G.

My tent mini-saga is sorted, and I'm now happy. The Outdoor Shop arranged for the wrong tent to be collected FOC and delivered the correct one yesterday.

 :smug: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: LindaG on 14 January, 2012, 02:36:33 am
A new Exped Downmat to replace the broken one.  Crusty will be taking one to India, so I'll need one for the hostelling weekend.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: lantern rouge on 18 January, 2012, 01:24:34 pm
I got a new Vango Spirit 200 plus with footprint for Christmas. (From Outdoor Action Ltd)

I intend to use it on the Kildale w/end on 27th ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Nonsteeler on 16 February, 2012, 03:45:25 pm
An Alpkit pipedream 400 sleeping bag arrived today. And a sub24h camping trip via Dartmoor is about to be scheduled for the weekend. Yay!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: peliroja on 19 February, 2012, 05:43:24 pm
Recently, titanium sporks and water purifying drops. We broke a few sporks and wanted to add belt and braces to our Katadyn water filter, which doesn't seem to remove algae from mucky water.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MercuryKev on 19 February, 2012, 08:50:38 pm
I picked up a Snow Peak mini solo Ti cookset at Osaka's version of Decathlon yesterday.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: alexb on 21 February, 2012, 12:20:34 pm
Recently, titanium sporks and water purifying drops. We broke a few sporks and wanted to add belt and braces to our Katadyn water filter, which doesn't seem to remove algae from mucky water.

Is that because the water emerging from it looks green?
Could this be chlorophyll getting through?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Paul D on 22 February, 2012, 10:26:03 am
An Alpkit pipedream 400 sleeping bag arrived today.

Me too. Importantly, it's black and red the same as my old cheapo Coleman bag, so no change will be noticed (except that it lives in a humungous white cotton sack).  O:-)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: peliroja on 24 February, 2012, 12:12:21 am
Recently, titanium sporks and water purifying drops. We broke a few sporks and wanted to add belt and braces to our Katadyn water filter, which doesn't seem to remove algae from mucky water.

Is that because the water emerging from it looks green?
Could this be chlorophyll getting through?
Yes, the water looked green and we weren't entirely convinced that it was OK to drink. Having since researched our Katadyn filter in depth, it seems we shouldn't have fretted - it removes pretty much everything harmful.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: bikepacker on 24 February, 2012, 04:53:01 pm
Not quite made a purchase but I have ordered one of these today. http://www.helinox.com.au/pages/helinox-chair-one.asp
I have been quoted 3 weeks delivery time.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 29 February, 2012, 09:17:00 pm
Not quite made a purchase but I have ordered one of these today. http://www.helinox.com.au/pages/helinox-chair-one.asp
I have been quoted 3 weeks delivery time.
They look great. I might need one of those :D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Pedaldog. on 29 February, 2012, 10:55:31 pm
Not quite made a purchase but I have ordered one of these today. http://www.helinox.com.au/pages/helinox-chair-one.asp
I have been quoted 3 weeks delivery time.

Looks brilliant and it gives a weight limil of 145kg.  Dunno' iff I'd trust my Lardiness in it though!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Speshact on 01 March, 2012, 10:24:31 pm
A set of four Sporks for £6.99 from Decathlon (actual cost just 99p due to a £6 voucher reward I'd got for buying some work stuff  :thumbsup:)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: turista on 12 March, 2012, 08:26:04 pm
Alpkit pipedream 400 - almost de rigeur I guess!
Also one of these
http://wildstoves.co.uk/wood-cooking-stoves/wood-gas-camping-stoves/wild-wood-gas-stove/
Tried both this weekend at the Green Man Long Itchington. Cooking took a while but not sure if that was inexperience/lack of skill with the fire or the limitations of the stove, oh and sooty pans to wash up. Having said that we did manage to gather our fuel just lying around, and it was kind of fun to cook on a fire!
Hmm wonder if it will pay for itself in terms of meths not used!
Does anyone here have any experience of this stove. I know Charlotte had a thread about her home made stove, but those fettling skills are beyond me.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 23 March, 2012, 06:18:03 pm
Not quite made a purchase but I have ordered one of these today. http://www.helinox.com.au/pages/helinox-chair-one.asp
I have been quoted 3 weeks delivery time.
They look great. I might need one of those :D
I had a sit on one yesterday. It wasn't bad at all. They should start being in shops from early April. :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: bikepacker on 24 March, 2012, 11:12:22 am
A MSR Windpro 2 stove. It can be used with inverted cannisters and has a stand to hold the cannister.

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 27 March, 2012, 12:15:18 pm
Oh yes  :)

(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/tents/IMG_3516.sized.jpg)

(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/tents/IMG_3517.sized.jpg)

(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/tents/IMG_3519.sized.jpg)

(If it's not obvious due to the lack of an estate-agent lens, that's an Akto)

It's much wider than I expected - proper useful amount of space in that porch, with about the same area inner compartment as my ORANGE Pro-Action effort.  I can just sit up in it, which is fine.

Should be a couple of orders of magnitude better in windy conditions, much faster (and drier) to pitch, a tad lighter and generally a bit more stealth.  What's not to like?

Many thanks to BarryS of this parish.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 27 March, 2012, 12:20:12 pm
It's a bloody great tent, and perhaps what I'd aspire to for just me.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MercuryKev on 27 March, 2012, 12:48:35 pm
I got one last week and am very impressed with it (and had to pay £30 more than you).  Can't wait to get a bit of wild camping under my belt.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 27 March, 2012, 12:54:13 pm
It's an excellent tent  :thumbsup:  I worked out that I've spent nearly a year living in mine over the years.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 27 March, 2012, 08:52:17 pm
Yes I watched you pounce on that Kim grats. (The cheaper branded copy looks pretty good as well tbh.)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: bikepacker on 04 April, 2012, 11:23:36 pm
Brought me a Nallo 2GT to add to my tent collection.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 05 April, 2012, 09:28:13 am
Brought me a Nallo 2GT to add to my tent collection.

Cool :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: loadsabikes on 05 April, 2012, 09:32:00 am
It's a bugger carrying those chairs around to hold it up though!!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 05 April, 2012, 12:43:43 pm
It's a bugger carrying those chairs around to hold it up though!!

You think those are bad, it's the radiator pipes that are really awkward!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: bikepacker on 05 April, 2012, 04:39:18 pm
It is mainly the four poster bed I have problems with.  ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: smurphboy on 05 April, 2012, 08:29:07 pm
New tent for bike packing. Little Easton 3 season tent. 1kg with poles. Yum.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Arch on 05 April, 2012, 08:59:09 pm

I had a sit on one yesterday. It wasn't bad at all. They should start being in shops from early April. :)

I read that and was confused, because it came atraight after this from Turista:

"Does anyone here have any experience of this stove."

I can't imagine that would be comfortable, even by camping standards!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 05 April, 2012, 10:04:31 pm
New tent for bike packing. Little Easton 3 season tent. 1kg with poles. Yum.


Ooooh spendy
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: smurphboy on 06 April, 2012, 08:47:49 am
New tent for bike packing. Little Easton 3 season tent. 1kg with poles. Yum.


Ooooh spendy

They are on offer at the moment. So I didn't pay £450 but I did pay an amount that made my colleagues gasp a little... Still, five clicks using PayPal to buy a tent is what the Internet is all about, isn't it?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: bikepacker on 06 April, 2012, 01:29:53 pm
Got a new Exped Ultralight Synmat 448 grams including stuff sack.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 06 April, 2012, 06:05:02 pm
Got a new Exped Ultralight Synmat 448 grams including stuff sack.
Cool. Let us know how you get on with it. :) I am using my synmat short for the first time this weekend. It seems to be about the right length so far. (for sitting and typing on my computer, anyway! ;D)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 06 April, 2012, 07:58:27 pm
(http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/upload/productimage/513_C.jpg?Refresh=20%2F02%2F2012+11%3A51%3A06)

This (http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/product513.asp?PageID=100) arrived too late for last weekends "Freeze Your Bits Off" overnight.  It's a perfect fit inside my MSR Titan Kettle and a Trangia burner or small gas stove fits nicely inside.   

It's a tad too narrow to fit on the Trangia Triangle's pot support so I've made a support from an old spoke  as described here (http://www.songofthepaddle.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?26940-Trangia-Triangle-Stove-Review) so I can use it directly on the stove.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: smurphboy on 11 April, 2012, 04:47:08 pm
My Easton Kilo 2 person tent arrived and as promised, it weighs under a kilo with stakes and poles!

Had a test erection in the living room so didn't peg it out (downstairs might have complained if I hammered the stakes into the floor) but it is a decent size, good headroom so I can sit up in it and it was pretty easy to put up. One drawback is that there aren't any gear loops on the inside so nowhere to hang a lantern / torch but I have a head torch so I'm not that bothered.

The poles are interesting, carbon fibre but no full length shockcord just little tethers between the sections that snap together.

Now I need an opportunity to use it in anger, and resist the temptation to take more stuff now I have less tent to carry...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: loadsabikes on 11 April, 2012, 05:14:20 pm
Best you get up to Rutland this weekend then!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Emily on 11 April, 2012, 07:42:11 pm
A sleeping bag liner.  'Cos Rutland may turn out a bit chilly for my current bag.

I did peer at the sleeping bags while in the shop, but decided that anything that was signifigantly warmer and still transportable by tandem was going to be rather too expensive to get as an impulse purchase.  One day, when I've done the proper research...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 11 April, 2012, 08:12:19 pm
Liners are good anyway.  They weigh almost nothing, keep your sleeping bag from getting manky, and can be used on their own (or with the bag in duvet mode) in warm weather.   :thumbsup:


ObRetail: I did at some point order a 600ml Sigg bottle with neoprene cover - not specifically as camping gear, but as a means for barakta to transport her lactose-free milk around without worrying about leaks.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: epa611 on 11 April, 2012, 10:21:23 pm
Outwell Posadas double campbed as our old air mattress died on us last week. Should be delivered tomorrow, but I'm in Istanbul until next Friday night  :(
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: LEE on 12 April, 2012, 12:50:46 pm
Just bought a Vango Spirit 200+

Awaiting delivery.

(http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/tents/userimages/432.jpg)
I've wanted one for years (just check back through some of the Tent threads on YACF) and, finally ordered one.  £169 delivered seemed about as cheap as I'm ever likely to see it.

My Coleman Viper has been great but I've always hankered after a big porch I can throw my panniers into and can sit out a rainy day in.

Note.  Coleman Viper is still immaculate and may be for sale shortly for around £40.  PM me your interest.

(http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u249/freddered/YACF%202009/camp21.jpg?t=1282657764)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 12 April, 2012, 09:03:48 pm
Well I picked up one of the Lidl tents...and it's pretty cheap. I expected it to be a bit ehh but we'll see. It may be ok, or it may get returned.

Had a little go pitching it in the living room but had no where to string the sides of the base to so it was a bit flappy inside. Think it'll be reasonably roomy inside once set up properly.

The instructions tell me to pack the pegs and poles in their own little bags to stop them poking holes in the tent. I would do that had the little bags not been just cellophane that opened along a seam  :facepalm: I'm sure I can molish or repurpose something though.

My only other niggle is that the main pole seems a tad too long for the length of material available and I can't get both ends into their little pockets. Debating whether to hope it'll stretch a tad or hacksawing a little bit off one of the pole sections (taking care not to cut the elastic cord).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: bloomers100 on 14 April, 2012, 08:36:34 am
A stuffable expanding pillow and a gas canister for the jet boil from decathlon. Off to Suffolk for two nights tomorrow.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: bikepacker on 18 April, 2012, 12:21:06 pm
Not quite made a purchase but I have ordered one of these today. http://www.helinox.com.au/pages/helinox-chair-one.asp
I have been quoted 3 weeks delivery time.

The chair arrived today and it is very comfy. I think it is bye bye to stools.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 18 April, 2012, 12:26:58 pm
Nah.  You need a trowel for them ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 18 April, 2012, 07:20:55 pm
I have just taken delivery of an Aeropress, thanks to recommendations from many forumites. I plan to use it on the Sem Fed in August.
Also 2 feather light zippy water resistant bags for sorting clothes and stuff in my packing.
A titanium folding knife from Alpkit.
A new pen knife with nail clippers and scissors in it, the single two most useful gadgets I always wish I have with me camping!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: smurphboy on 18 April, 2012, 09:56:45 pm
I have just taken delivery of an Aeropress, thanks to recommendations from many forumites. I plan to use it on the Sem Fed in August.
Also 2 feather light zippy water resistant bags for sorting clothes and stuff in my packing.
A titanium folding knife from Alpkit.
A new pen knife with nail clippers and scissors in it, the single two most useful gadgets I always wish I have with me camping!

Any chance of a link to the bags? I'm after something similar for my trip to Jersey.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: bikepacker on 18 April, 2012, 10:56:13 pm
smurphboy.
If you are interested I got 2 of the Exped Ultralight Stuff Sacks the red 13 litre size in stock. They are at the top of this page. http://www.exped.com/exped/web/exped_homepage_int.nsf/0/1FE62DA7F7746715C12579C6004798DF?opendocument

You can have the 2 for £16 posted.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 18 April, 2012, 11:11:36 pm
I have just taken delivery of an Aeropress, thanks to recommendations from many forumites. I plan to use it on the Sem Fed in August.
Also 2 feather light zippy water resistant bags for sorting clothes and stuff in my packing.
A titanium folding knife from Alpkit.
A new pen knife with nail clippers and scissors in it, the single two most useful gadgets I always wish I have with me camping!

Any chance of a link to the bags? I'm after something similar for my trip to Jersey.

I got these ones because they weigh almost nothing:
http://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/exped_ultralite_zip_packs.html
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: smurphboy on 19 April, 2012, 08:29:23 pm
Thanks to both of you. I think I want the smaller ones that feline linked to, might go and measure my panniers.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: loadsabikes on 24 April, 2012, 12:55:56 pm
BARGAIN AT MILLETS!!!
Spare 9.5mm alloy tent poles, 7 sections + ends and shockcord.
Reduced from 24.99 to a fiver.
There are none left in Stamford cos I have them all!!
They make up to 4mtr.

I could now be the UK manufacturer of Click Stands!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: matthew on 26 April, 2012, 05:32:39 pm
Hilleberg jannu - purchased shop soiled at 100 off! :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: LEE on 27 April, 2012, 03:03:03 pm
I just received my "Nite Ize Figure 9" rope tensioners.

Superb piece of kit, very impressed and can't wait to get my tarp out.

I think they will have more uses than I can think of right now.  4 (small) of them on a carabiner in my camping gear (with some550  paracord) now.

Here's a suitably cheesey US promo (but they really do work this quickly and easily, very intuitive and fiendishly simply).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJ7kmcHasRM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJ7kmcHasRM)

Note. To all you clever knot-tying fanatics......I don't care that there's an equivalent knot.

To give an idea of the size of the small ones..

(http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u249/freddered/Various/IMG_2363.jpg)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jogler on 27 April, 2012, 03:22:29 pm
They certainly look full of WIN.
 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: LEE on 27 April, 2012, 03:22:42 pm
I have just taken delivery of an Aeropress, thanks to recommendations from many forumites. I plan to use it on the Sem Fed in August.
Also 2 feather light zippy water resistant bags for sorting clothes and stuff in my packing.
A titanium folding knife from Alpkit.
A new pen knife with nail clippers and scissors in it, the single two most useful gadgets I always wish I have with me camping!

Any chance of a link to the bags? I'm after something similar for my trip to Jersey.

I got these ones because they weigh almost nothing:
http://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/exped_ultralite_zip_packs.html

Alpkit do some fantastic bargains on lightweight bags/stuffsacs.

I just bought an assortment of small ]Airlok  (http://www.alpkit.com/shop/cart.php?target=product&product_id=16316&category_id=295)stuffsacs, and other such things as a 4-pack of Mission Packs (http://www.alpkit.com/shop/cart.php?target=product&product_id=16555&category_id=250).

The 4 litre Airlok will just take a light fleece jacket.  The 2 litre is OK for a few undies/socks.  Very lightweight material and a good price.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Riggers on 27 April, 2012, 03:45:07 pm
Thank you Lee for that NiteIze promo. They look jolly good.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 27 April, 2012, 04:49:15 pm
<watches video>
Note. To all you clever knot-tying fanatics......I don't care that there's an equivalent knot.


Not sure I trust something designed by a man who uses a reef knot to tie rope to an eye bolt.

 :P
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: L CC on 27 April, 2012, 05:00:27 pm
Note. To all you clever knot-tying fanatics......I don't care that there's an equivalent knot.
I suppose I must be a knot-tying fanatic.
I more see it that if you can do without a product, you should. Once you've learnt the knot, you're much less likely to lose it when you need it. :-\
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: LEE on 27 April, 2012, 05:44:07 pm
Note. To all you clever knot-tying fanatics......I don't care that there's an equivalent knot.
I suppose I must be a knot-tying fanatic.
I more see it that if you can do without a product, you should. Once you've learnt the knot, you're much less likely to lose it when you need it. :-\

Well, to be honest, I can tie a knot good enough to suspend a tarp shelter but these make it very easy to do it perfectly in 5 seconds.

I agree with you though, eg. a GPS is no substitute for the ability to use a map (especially a GPS with dead batteries) so never rely on something totally and make sure you have a backup for gadget meltdown.

However....we all love nice gadgets and we don't actually need a camping stove, meths (burn some twigs) or even paracord (because we can always unearth some roots and fashion some cord out of that), it's nice to have things that make life a bit easier.

These are no different to carrying tent pegs really.

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 27 April, 2012, 06:22:13 pm

Alpkit do some fantastic bargains on lightweight bags/stuffsacs.

I have an entire set of the Alpkit dry sacks in all the sizes  :thumbsup:
Unfortunately when I wanted something that zipped open and I could see the contents of none of theirs were suitable.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: peliroja on 28 April, 2012, 03:05:24 am
We recently bought two fleece blankets to line our Alpkit 800 sleeping bags after freezing our bits off in Bariloche.

It's cold in the Andes in low season! Brr.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: smurphboy on 02 May, 2012, 12:03:05 pm
A wet Saturday on the internet is a dangerous thing... Things have started to be delivered.

New sleeping bag - Mountain Equipment Starlight I (http://www.facewest.co.uk/Mountain-Equipment-Starlight-I.html)
New mat - Pacific Outdoors Peak Oyl Lite (http://www.bike-treks.co.uk/311449/products/pacific_outdoor_peak_oyl_lite_long_sleep_mat.aspx)
New pillow - Pacific Outdoors Medium Pillow (http://www.bike-treks.co.uk/330569/products/pacific_outdoor_pillow_medium_size_red.aspx)

All on offer. That little lot coupled with my Easton Kilo tent means I've dropped the weight and size of my sleeping kit in half for this year  ;D

Now, how do I avoid resisting the temptation to use the saved weight / size to carry more stuff???
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 02 May, 2012, 12:07:35 pm
I have a new pillow!  I didn't know I was getting it, but it arrived, courtesy of Butterfly.  It's to replace our Ajungilak Putes, which have died rather (one has sprung an unrepairable leak; the other has a slow p*nct*re).  Can't complain, mind.  They've worked hard. :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jogler on 02 May, 2012, 12:09:59 pm


Now, how do I avoid resisting the temptation to use the saved weight / size to carry more stuff???

I don't know but if you find out please pass on the how-to.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mcshroom on 02 May, 2012, 12:14:50 pm
Ooh that Easton tent looks very nice :)

(reminder to self you already have a new tent - even if it's 2kg)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 02 May, 2012, 02:36:22 pm
We recently bought two fleece blankets to line our Alpkit 800 sleeping bags after freezing our bits off in Bariloche.

It's cold in the Andes in low season! Brr.

Cold even in an 800?  :o
I might have to rethink which Alpkit bag I'm saving up for!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: snail on 02 May, 2012, 03:57:12 pm
Just bought a "cooking on the campsite" book from M&S and now want to get out and try the recipes. I know, I could cook them at home...but that seems wrong, somehow.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: smurphboy on 02 May, 2012, 05:12:49 pm
Ooh that Easton tent looks very nice :)

(reminder to self you already have a new tent - even if it's 2kg)

The Kilo? Oh yes... lovely, light, will have to see how it stands up to the monsoon season we are currently experiencing...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: peliroja on 03 May, 2012, 12:33:58 am
We recently bought two fleece blankets to line our Alpkit 800 sleeping bags after freezing our bits off in Bariloche.

It's cold in the Andes in low season! Brr.

Cold even in an 800?  :o
I might have to rethink which Alpkit bag I'm saving up for!
Yes, it was *extremely* cold and humid at nights down in Patagonia. Other cycle tourists we met had 4-5 season down bags, or summer sleeping bags inside their 3 season bags. My main problem with my Alpkit bag, after four years of steady use, is that the feathers have squashed down in the part I lie on, or moved entirely towards the bottom of the bag, and it's very hard to move the down back into the correct pockets. So, I have toasty feet, but a cold bottom! The fleece liner helped a lot. 
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mike on 03 May, 2012, 09:56:53 am
do presents go into this thread?  [it's only 6 months late, but] my b'day present from littlebrother are some paper-light titanium pots.  Shiny!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Jaded on 03 May, 2012, 08:01:09 pm
Bought a nice sleeping bag.  :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MercuryKev on 04 May, 2012, 06:42:14 pm
I was looking for a summer sleeping bag so I treated myself to a Western Mountaineering Summerlite.  It arrived this morning and it is very impressive - just over 500g, rate to 0c and I can pack it down to an amazingly small size.  It also lofts up very well and is a nice cherry red colour :D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Jaded on 04 May, 2012, 07:58:13 pm
Mine is purple. ;)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MercuryKev on 04 May, 2012, 10:14:21 pm
Mine is purple. ;)

How have you found it?  First impressions is that it's a quality bit of kit.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Speshact on 05 May, 2012, 04:17:52 pm
three camping stools at £3.99 a piece, marked down from £15.99,  from Trespass in Covent Gdn - they've got a good sale on.

On the 'have it in stock for when you need it' side of things, the reduced price Nikwax wash/reproofer is worth checking out if you're passing through CG (or if they've other stores elsewhere).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Jaded on 05 May, 2012, 06:10:45 pm
Mine is purple. ;)

How have you found it?  First impressions is that it's a quality bit of kit.

Yes, looks well made. Tonight is the first use. It is supposed to be freezing, so I'll report back tomorrow.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Jaded on 06 May, 2012, 10:27:49 am
450gm of warmth. I kept my socks on, and feet were too hot to start with. As it cooled in the night I cocooned myself with the head bit and was very snug.

Noticed this morning that the door zipper by my side was undone, so the bag is even more impressive than I thought  ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 14 May, 2012, 01:54:08 pm
Trangia multi-disc and non-stick frying pan arrived at the weekend.  Not being a huge pasta fan, I'd managed thus far without an easy way to drain things, but now barakta's doing the cycle-camping thing, it seems like a good thing to have.

I note the non-stick pan is about 40g lighter (I weighed it to see whether I was imagining the difference) than the aluminium one, which is a win.

I've also ordered a footprint for the Akto, to make better use of the porch space in 'drought' conditions.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MalRees on 14 May, 2012, 06:55:35 pm
Alpkit titanium tykes to replace bendy and heavy pegs in our other tents.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 15 May, 2012, 08:32:20 pm
Alpkit LED lamp Has arrived. On switch is annoying me a bit as it is a little bit hit and miss. No failures yet but a tad annoying.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 20 May, 2012, 07:54:41 pm
A tube of seam sealant: seams, for the sealing of.

Hopefully the next camping trip with crap weather won't require a strategic deployment of a trangia pan at 2:30am.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: epa611 on 20 May, 2012, 07:59:42 pm
2x 7.5cm sims from Costco for car camping on our new Posadas double campbed ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MercuryKev on 20 May, 2012, 08:18:36 pm
Alpkit LED lamp Has arrived. On switch is annoying me a bit as it is a little bit hit and miss. No failures yet but a tad annoying.

as a safely feature to stop it switching on in your bag you need to press it twice, with a short dealy between presses.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: LEE on 21 May, 2012, 01:52:51 pm
Not quite made a purchase but I have ordered one of these today. http://www.helinox.com.au/pages/helinox-chair-one.asp
I have been quoted 3 weeks delivery time.

The chair arrived today and it is very comfy. I think it is bye bye to stools.

Very interested in a long-term review of this.

Comfy seating, especially on cold ground, really makes/breaks a trip.

My other option is to fabricate a thermarest type chair, from webbing, for my Alpkit Airik (much wider than a thermarest).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 21 May, 2012, 09:31:31 pm
Alpkit LED lamp Has arrived. On switch is annoying me a bit as it is a little bit hit and miss. No failures yet but a tad annoying.

as a safely feature to stop it switching on in your bag you need to press it twice, with a short dealy between presses.

TY. Has cheered me up no end.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 22 May, 2012, 05:47:23 pm
Lifeventure titanium KFS set for £13.19 from Wiggle.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: peliroja on 23 May, 2012, 06:00:41 am
Sharp cooking knife from REI sale! REI membership = dangerous.  :demon:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 23 May, 2012, 11:43:08 am
Got a non-corkscrew-type dog tether so that Cam can come camping again. Going to do more walking/camping trips before she starts to get too old. I tested it in the garden yesterday, it is a much better design than the cheese one we broke at C&B’s wedding.

Also ordered a Synmat Ultralite and a pillow pump. My hips & back are fed up of the Thermarest-alike that I’ve had these last few years. Went for the Ultralite as I will be carrying it on my back along with other non-ultralite stuff.

Next on the list are ti tent pegs from Alpkit (have bent most of mine and they’re not the lightest) and some kind of groundsheet/footprint to supplement the integral groundsheet in my Triton, seeing as it’s starting to give up a little.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 23 May, 2012, 11:52:50 am
Those Helinox chairs look to be very good. They claim that they will support 145kg, which is about 1.4 of me. I too will be very interested in its test-sits.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 25 May, 2012, 10:23:43 am
Ooh my Synmat Ultralite and Pillow Pump arrived yesterday. The Pillow Pump inflated it really quickly and I then laid on it on my laminate floor to test it. Definitely more hip-friendly, am looking forward to trying it out.

How is one supposed to store both of these items? I expect you’re not supposed to store them in their stuffsacs, but it’s so much handier when you have next to no space…
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 25 May, 2012, 11:34:12 am
We mostly store ours in their sacks. The down sleeping bags loll around the dining room or shoe room, but the mats and pillows have to suffer.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 25 May, 2012, 11:50:14 am
They are used frequently, though.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 25 May, 2012, 11:55:17 am
You go camping so often that I don’t expect yours suffer too much! Perhaps that’s the solution…

Can’t help thinking that it’s not quite as important as with the self-inflating mats, which I’ve been storing folded in half in a cupboard.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 25 May, 2012, 11:57:54 am
They'll be fine. We sometimes have a couple of months between trips (we rarely camp in November and never yet in December) so they do sometimes get stored for a while. :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 25 May, 2012, 12:55:13 pm
My downmat lives it its stuff-sack.  Airic (thermarest alike) lives inflated with the valve open behind a door.  My down sleeping bag lives in its string storage bag hanging from said door.  The synthetic bags live in their compression sacks with the straps loose.  Our 1970s style rubberised cotton air bed lives in a pile of dust under the bed :)

If you've got limited storage space, I think it makes sense to rank what gets to be stored in the inflated state according to how awkward that's going to be to achieve after long-term storage.  So self-inflating things (which includes sleeping bags) get dibs.

Of course, what you can do if you use self-inflating things infrequently is take them out and inflate them for a couple of days before repacking for a trip.  Should make them a little less reluctant to get going when you actually want to use them.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 25 May, 2012, 04:42:39 pm
That's pretty much what I do already, though I have no down bags and the old 'behind a door' trick becomes trickier in a studio flat. I might set the Exped pillow pump free, because it has quite a lot of self-inflating foam to it. It works very well; the synmat was inflated in about a minute.

I reckon the synmat should be fine in its stuff-sack, particularly as I'm never going to inflate it by breath (this is an option with the ultralite, but I don't want to introduce too much moisture).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Arch on 26 May, 2012, 08:02:28 am
My self inflating mat and down bag have always lived rolled up tight, and I sometimes go more than a year without using them!  It never occurred to me it wasn't a good idea. Never noticed any problem with them.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: peliroja on 27 May, 2012, 04:55:23 am
Today, another visit to REI where we purchased bear deterrent spray and bear bells.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 27 May, 2012, 01:57:58 pm
Isn't it a bit dangerous, fitting bells to bears?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: interzen on 27 May, 2012, 02:06:08 pm
Isn't it a bit dangerous, fitting bells to bears?
Depends whether or not you've given the bear a taste of the pepper spray before you try to fit them.
Of course, if you happen to encounter a hard-of-hearing bear then all bets are probably off.

Whilst making a noise is a good bear deterrent, I wasn't aware you could buy bells for the purpose - looks like something else to put on the list. Wonder if there's a Ti version available  ;D

(as part of my preparations for going to Alaska, I'm in the process of putting together a holster for a bear spray canister which will fit on Pugsley's handlebars)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mmmmartin on 27 May, 2012, 02:09:11 pm
Today I am delighted to say I did not buy from Argos for £19.99 a two-person pop up tent. I had planned to do so and use it on the LonJog Fridays Tour because it would be easy to put up when I was tired at the end of the day. But after reading reviews which said it is indeed an excellent tent and did, in fact, pop up, but had a minor fault which is that when it doesn't rain there is a lot of condensation and you get wet, and that when it does rain the rain comes through the fabric and you get wet, I decided to keep the money and use a tent I already own, which doesn't leak.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Deano on 28 May, 2012, 04:16:33 pm
Bought a new fleece in Pokhara as mine was hanging off me. There's so much knock-off outdoor kit available here, I'm tempted to get a four season sleeping bag to send home and some other bits...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 28 May, 2012, 04:18:41 pm
(as part of my preparations for going to Alaska, I'm in the process of putting together a holster for a bear spray canister which will fit on Pugsley's handlebars)
good idea. If ever there was a bike that would attract bear-bike-thieves, it is your Pugsley.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 29 May, 2012, 10:00:08 pm
After much googling and forum threading ordered a full set of Orlieb Classic Rollers via SPA. We will see. (Was originally going to get cotton duck and may live to regret this). Oh and I remounted Tubus low rider rack. Also bought 4 litre OL water bladder. I understand they make reasonable pillows. Insidious this camping stuff. Just hope they arrive before the week end as Loadsabikes and I have decided to rescue the forum table leg Baton and my other panniers are completely not waterproof.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: madcow on 30 May, 2012, 09:03:40 am
I havent met anyone who regretted buying Ortlieb panniers.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Arch on 30 May, 2012, 02:21:50 pm

Whilst making a noise is a good bear deterrent, I wasn't aware you could buy bells for the purpose - looks like something else to put on the list. Wonder if there's a Ti version available  ;D


Reminds me of a joke:

A young couple want to go hiking in bear country, and want to make sure they will be safe, so they check with a ranger. They say "We've heard we should carry pepper spray, and wear little bells to make a noise. Is that right?"
He replies, "well, it's important to know if you're dealing with black bears or grizzly bears".
"Oh," they say, "how will we know?"
"You look out for the bear poo, and that will help you identify them".
"Really?" they ask. "How can we tell them apart?"
"Well," he says, "the grizzly poo smell of pepper and is full of little bells...."
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Andrij on 01 June, 2012, 09:58:30 am
A Terra Nova Laser Comp 1-man tent.  Wow, it's light!

Thanks, PH.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: a lower gear on 01 June, 2012, 10:16:35 pm
Secondhand Saunders Space Packer tent. Noticably smaller than my 25 year old Spacepacker Plus by a few inches in all directions but excellent as a spaceous lightweight one person tent and perfectly okay for two if you're short like all we gears.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Deano on 07 June, 2012, 05:20:55 am
New silk liner to replace the one which disintegrated in Iran... I did buy a cotton liner, but it's a bit bulky and uncomfortable.

Also, a new headtorch to replace my cheapo Aldi one, which has lasted well, but the switch doesn't... switch any more, and it tends to turn itself off whenever the unit gets nudged.

The new one is a Black Diamond Storm, which I am liking, though I've only been able to play with it - I'm not going cycling around Kathmandu at night to test it.

Things I like:

It takes 4 AAA batteries rather than the unsatisfactory three which my Aldi jobbie took, so I can charge batteries together, or buy a pack of four and not have a leftover.

The sequence of functions is much better. The main light comes on at a single click, and off again at a single click. Then the sidelights come on and off again at a single click. The lesser-used blinkies and red light functions come on after different click combinations, so I won't have to scroll through three or four different lights just to turn the thing off.

It's easy to adjust the brightness (on full power it is pretty damn bright), by holding down the switch while the light's on, and it flashes to let you know when it's at its dimmest. Minor quibble: for camping purposes I'd prefer it came back on at the previous brightness setting, rather than defaulting to the most powerful setting.

It has a battery life indicator.

It is very bright - it'll be useful for night riding.

It was expensive, but at the equivalent of £20-£25 I don't think that's too bad.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jogler on 07 June, 2012, 09:26:40 am
I bought a Black Diamond in preference to a Petzl several years ago & it's been faultless.
I hope you remain as satisfied with yours as I am with mine.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: interzen on 07 June, 2012, 09:31:13 am
For me: a titanium mug and Ti trivet for my WhiteBox stove. I already have a Ti spork ;)
For SWMBO: An Alpkit Gamma headtorch for when she does night walks.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 07 June, 2012, 09:41:17 am
I’ve been raiding Poundland. They have a really light picnic mat with waterproof backing, which will do as either something to sit on or something for the dog to lay on in the tent when she comes camping. I also got some plastic groundsheet pegs which came with a tent peg puller (won’t be bothering with that as it’s heavy) and a small travel washing line, which I’m not quite sure how I will attach, but thought it was worth experimenting for a quid.

They also had a small groundsheet which would be good if you just wanted one for a porch.

I was tempted by the wee camping stools but then I fell on my behind testing one out and entertained the rest of the Poundland customers, so that was my good deed for the weekend ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jane on 07 June, 2012, 11:01:24 am
A new spirit burner for the Trangia.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 14 June, 2012, 01:39:02 am
New silk sleeping bag liner, the old one (10 years? More?) was so old it would rip a little more every time I moved a little in the sleeping bag.

Hilleberg Soulo tent with footprint. I set it up, crawled in and out and took it down in the shop with minimal assistance from the shop staff. Very impressive, and I think this will be my tent of choice for all my back country travels.

Deano & Jogler: I own a Black Diamond Storm headlamp, along with a good sized pile of other Black diamond products. Excellent headlamps, and everything else they make is excellent as well.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: alecstilleyedye on 14 June, 2012, 09:10:12 pm
some rock pegs…
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 14 June, 2012, 09:30:24 pm
I'm listing these as camping gear not cycling gear because of where I intend to use them, but at last years Semaine Federale I tried on a friends SPD sandals (as you do) and found they were much much comfier than the new style Shimano SPD sandals with the 3 straps, that tend to rub below my outer ankle bone in a not very good way. Hers were Exustar branded, who I had never heard of, but I picked up a pair in the Spa cycles sale (they are still reduced) in the autumn and put them away.
(http://www.spacycles.co.uk/smsimg/79/1228-3479-main-ss_502-79.jpg)


Today I got them out and fitted their cleats and went for a ride with them, on top of socks since it wasn't really that warm, no one who cared was looking, and they were new so of unknown comfort. I would definitely give these the thumbs up, they have nice padding under their straps, have 3 velcro adjustable bits, and even offer a bit of toe protection which is quite nice. The SPD cleats are sufficiently recessed that I can walk around on my oak floors without damaging them. It rained a bit on my ride but these sandals dried off instantly when I got home. Very impressed with them so far. The plan is they will be my cycle camping shoes  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Tewdric on 14 June, 2012, 09:34:41 pm
on top of socks

*The girl who admitted to wearing socks with sandals and thought her friends would still talk to her*
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 14 June, 2012, 09:37:42 pm
on top of socks

*The girl who admitted to wearing socks with sandals and thought her friends would still talk to her*

Sadly there is already photographic evidence of this heinous crime here http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/DunRun2011/small.php?file=_7160939.JPGR&size=640
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 14 June, 2012, 09:42:18 pm
I'm listing these as camping gear not cycling gear because of where I intend to use them, but at last years Semaine Federale I tried on a friends SPD sandals (as you do) and found they were much much comfier than the new style Shimano SPD sandals with the 3 straps, that tend to rub below my outer ankle bone in a not very good way.

Ah interesting.  That's the problem barakta has with the Shimano ones.  Which I've been failing to return to Spa for ages now...

Got any sizing advice?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jogler on 14 June, 2012, 09:52:24 pm

Sadly there is already photographic evidence of this heinous crime here http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/DunRun2011/small.php?file=_7160939.JPGR&size=640

I mitigate the crime by wearing black Sealskinz with my Shimano spd sandals
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 14 June, 2012, 10:11:45 pm
I'm listing these as camping gear not cycling gear because of where I intend to use them, but at last years Semaine Federale I tried on a friends SPD sandals (as you do) and found they were much much comfier than the new style Shimano SPD sandals with the 3 straps, that tend to rub below my outer ankle bone in a not very good way.

Ah interesting.  That's the problem barakta has with the Shimano ones.  Which I've been failing to return to Spa for ages now...

Got any sizing advice?

I got the 37/38 and am a UK size 5 and they fit fine  :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 14 June, 2012, 10:14:20 pm
No Shimano style size inflation then, thanks...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 14 June, 2012, 10:22:58 pm
No Shimano style size inflation then, thanks...

There's a velcro strap behind the heel so you can adjust the length as well as tightness so there's room for manoeuvre. I went down rather than up (I'm slightly between the sizes with these) because I don't want toe overlap, but on a recumbent this is probably pretty irrelevant!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 14 June, 2012, 10:36:11 pm
That sounds ideal, then, as the problem she's having with her current (Decathlon cheapo, seemed comfortable at the time) shoes is that they're not tight enough around the heel and her foot slips out at high cadences, leading to clenching and eventual foot pain.

No toe (or heel, which can happen on SWB bikes) overlap on a Trice!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jogler on 16 June, 2012, 06:04:35 pm
I bought a Hilleberg Akto off andrewc otp
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MercuryKev on 16 June, 2012, 07:45:56 pm
I bought a Hilleberg Akto off andrewc otp
Great wee tent.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jogler on 16 June, 2012, 07:54:32 pm
I've been hankering for one of these for a while but the intermittent use couldn't justify the cost of a new one.
I shall have a test erection on the back lawn tomorrow.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MercuryKev on 16 June, 2012, 10:23:14 pm
I've been hankering for one of these for a while but the intermittent use couldn't justify the cost of a new one.
I shall have a test erection on the back lawn tomorrow.

I was in a similar situation to you and managed to pick one up second hand for a decent price.  I've only been able to use it for one night so far but I was impressed at the amout of usable space there was inside.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: PH on 17 June, 2012, 05:44:39 pm
Not bought today, but used for the first time this week an Exped Schnozzel Pumpbag, silly name and even sillier price for a stuffsack with a valve.  It is brilliant, the quickest and easiest way to inflate an Exped airmat by far, I think I've tried them all, roll sack, integral pump and pillow pump.   I think they now come included with a UL Downmat, I bought separately to use with a large size UL Synmat, it really does inflate it as quick as in this clip.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INHVFeS3uw0&feature=player_popout
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: alecstilleyedye on 17 June, 2012, 09:45:57 pm
yesterday, a little portable bbq that can be dismantled to a small size. will probably use for fire, rather than food. got one as a father's day prezzie for my dad too…
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 18 June, 2012, 01:13:33 am
Not bought today, but used for the first time this week an Exped Schnozzel Pumpbag

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INHVFeS3uw0&feature=player_popout

That is genius.

*files away for future reference as a barakta-friendly thing-inflation method*
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 18 June, 2012, 09:57:01 am
Looks very like the system we have with the smaller mats, which doubled as a stuffsack.  They change the valves too often, though.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 18 June, 2012, 12:02:57 pm
Looks very like the system we have with the smaller mats, which doubled as a stuffsack.  They change the valves too often, though.

Bigger bag though. :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 18 June, 2012, 12:07:30 pm
Yes, and, if it works with the valve we have on the large mat, my wrists would be grateful.  It's not fun finishing a tiring ride, then spending ages pumping pitifully small amounts of air into the mat while hurting your hands :-\
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 18 June, 2012, 12:08:43 pm
Yes, and, if it works with the valve we have on the large mat, my wrists would be grateful.  It's not fun finishing a tiring ride, then spending ages pumping pitifully small amounts of air into the mat while hurting your hands :-\
It says there is an adapter available for the mats like ours :D.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 18 June, 2012, 12:10:00 pm
I think that might get itself all bought an stuff when we get paid :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: PH on 18 June, 2012, 12:11:43 pm
I'm happy to demo it at York.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: JT on 18 June, 2012, 12:13:12 pm
We're getting one for our downmats.

We're moving every day at our week in France at the TDF so it'll save a lot of wrist action.  ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MercuryKev on 18 June, 2012, 03:53:27 pm
I've got a couple of Downmat 7 LXs but all this talk of Snozzle pumps has led me to buy a Downmat 7 UL.  I like the idea of downmat comfort without the weight and the sore wrist pump up situation.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 18 June, 2012, 06:57:36 pm
Not bought anything recently, but I notice that Exped seem to have updated their range of tents.

This looks quite nice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2q6lesDiEQ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2q6lesDiEQ)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: epa611 on 20 June, 2012, 09:07:21 am
Outwell Domingo and Aruba cupboards.  Not for cycletouring ;)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: epa611 on 07 July, 2012, 08:30:58 pm
Outwell Hamilton table (yes, we do like Outwell accessories  :) )
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: loadsabikes on 07 July, 2012, 10:03:52 pm
Mountain Equipment zero150 sleeping bag    500grammes and about the size of a bog roll when packed.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 15 July, 2012, 07:59:30 pm
Gah!  I splurged on a new tent yesterday, and I've just noticed that the same retailer has the new Thermarest Xtherm in their sale as well!   Can the credit card take another bashing this month?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Bones on 17 July, 2012, 02:08:30 pm
Just bought a foot print for my Hilleberg Akto. It just seemed like a good idea especially with our wet summer and trip planned for Sept/October.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: alexb on 17 July, 2012, 02:24:06 pm
Picked up a couple of Alpkit Gamma headlights for the kids and some para cord for out camping trip in the near future.
I predict that the kids will enjoy having seriously bright lights and all those flashing modes to play with...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 17 July, 2012, 07:29:31 pm
Gah!  I splurged on a new tent yesterday, and I've just noticed that the same retailer has the new Thermarest Xtherm in their sale as well!   Can the credit card take another bashing this month?

C'mon out with it...... details required
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 17 July, 2012, 11:28:04 pm
Gah!  I splurged on a new tent yesterday, and I've just noticed that the same retailer has the new Thermarest Xtherm in their sale as well!   Can the credit card take another bashing this month?

C'mon out with it...... details required

It's a Hubba Hubba HP, the 2 man version of the Hubba I was using at York, Long Itchen and Rutland.  That's an excellent little tent but it's just too snug. I'm going to be camping for 4 weeks in the USA in October and want to be comfortable.

If I can't get an overnight this weekend it's first outing will be at Watlington.

http://www.theoutdoorshop.com/showPart.asp?part=PN70338 (http://www.theoutdoorshop.com/showPart.asp?part=PN70338)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amIgtlpGCuM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amIgtlpGCuM)

(Edit) This arrived on Thursday, so far I've only had the inner tent pitched inside the flat.   It'll be luxurious for 1 person.

Interestingly the video above, and others I've seen for the Hubba HP show a mesh vent in the roof of the tent. Neither of mine have this feature, perhaps it was discontinued ?

The tent also turned up with a pack of MSR Groundhog Y stakes, rather than the Needle stakes. I may phone the dealer about this (I've already got loads of Y stakes)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: JT on 18 July, 2012, 09:23:37 am
It's a Hubba Hubba HP, the 2 man version of the Hubba I was using at York, Long Itchen and Rutland.  That's an excellent little tent but it's just too snug. I'm going to be camping for 4 weeks in the USA in October and want to be comfortable.

If you're considering selling your Hubba HP, I'd be interested.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 18 July, 2012, 08:22:37 pm
That looks extraordinarily good and at attractive price
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 18 July, 2012, 09:37:56 pm
It's a Hubba Hubba HP, the 2 man version of the Hubba I was using at York, Long Itchen and Rutland.  That's an excellent little tent but it's just too snug. I'm going to be camping for 4 weeks in the USA in October and want to be comfortable.

If you're considering selling your Hubba HP, I'd be interested.

Let me see how I get on with the new one first  :)    I may keep it if I decide to start backpacking again, but I've been saying I'll do that for years!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: JT on 19 July, 2012, 09:54:09 am
Worth a try.  ;D

I'm itching to replace my Quechua Ultralight T2 in anticaption of some S24Os in the brilliant weather we're going to get in August and September.  ::-)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 20 July, 2012, 12:51:18 am
I've just noticed that the same retailer has the new Thermarest Xtherm in their sale as well!   Can the credit card take another bashing this month?
I've just given mine a due hammering, having come to the conclusion in March that the Neoair doesn't cut the mustard as far as warmth is concerned (same can be said about the Prolites)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jogler on 20 July, 2012, 04:37:17 am
I recently spent 3 nights in my new-to-me Akto & used a 6mm foam mat instead of a Prolite: much warmer & not much less comfortable than the Prolite.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: nobby on 20 July, 2012, 09:35:05 am
I recently spent 3 nights in my new-to-me Akto & used a 6mm foam mat instead of a Prolite: much warmer & not much less comfortable than the Prolite.

You must be a hardy soul Jogler!  :)

I don't think I could manage on a 6mm cc mat anymore. Thermarest Neoair for warmer nights and Exped Downmat 7 for cooler nights is my bed  :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: nobby on 20 July, 2012, 09:47:13 am
Just arrived in this morning's post: an Evernew 400 ml Ti mug from Bob at backpacking light.co.uk that will be my new 'cooking' pot.

Wider and squatter than my current one so it should be more stable on my DIY hexy burner. It's also 4 grammes lighter and has got insulated handles!
Plenty of space inside for stove, can opener and folding spoon but still not room for my soup whisk.  :(
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: JT on 20 July, 2012, 02:10:53 pm
An MSR Hubba HP tent, and an Exped Schnozzle pump bag for inflating our Downmats.

Bought from the wonderfully helpful Adam at Elite Mountain Supplies (http://www.elitemountainsupplies.co.uk).

Can't wait to try the Hubba.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 20 July, 2012, 02:19:23 pm
An MSR Hubba HP tent, and an Exped Schnozzle pump bag for inflating our Downmats.

Bought from the wonderfully helpful Adam at Elite Mountain Supplies (http://www.elitemountainsupplies.co.uk).

Can't wait to try the Hubba.

Good little tent, see my review in the reviews section http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=48829.0 (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=48829.0).   You will need some extra guyline & a couple of runners though, it only comes with 1 length.

I ordered a Synmat UL and a Schnozzle from Adam, he said they had no Schnozzles in stock.  The synmat turned up yesterday, hopefuly the Schnozzles in the post
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 20 July, 2012, 02:24:24 pm
I recently spent 3 nights in my new-to-me Akto & used a 6mm foam mat instead of a Prolite: much warmer & not much less comfortable than the Prolite.

You must be a hardy soul Jogler!  :)

I don't think I could manage on a 6mm cc mat anymore. Thermarest Neoair for warmer nights and Exped Downmat 7 for cooler nights is my bed  :)

I haven't slept on a foam mat since I was a scrawny wee whippersnapper with no hips (not a coincidence).  They always did a pretty reasonable job warmth-wise, but are completely unforgiving of lumpy ground and lumpy bodies.   :hand:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: JT on 20 July, 2012, 02:26:23 pm
Good little tent, see my review in the reviews section http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=48829.0 (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=48829.0).   You will need some extra guyline & a couple of runners though, it only comes with 1 length.

I ordered a Synmat UL and a Schnozzle from Adam, he said they had no Schnozzles in stock.  The synmat turned up yesterday, hopefuly the Schnozzles in the post

The Schnozzle is out of stock (for me too) but in "at the end of the month" - I can wait.

After getting my Downmat a bit wet when my Quechua groundsheet leaked I'm tempted to switch to Synmats but can't afford it at the moment.

Your review of the Hubba was one of the reasons I bought one.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mcshroom on 20 July, 2012, 02:31:36 pm
I recently spent 3 nights in my new-to-me Akto & used a 6mm foam mat instead of a Prolite: much warmer & not much less comfortable than the Prolite.

You must be a hardy soul Jogler!  :)

I don't think I could manage on a 6mm cc mat anymore. Thermarest Neoair for warmer nights and Exped Downmat 7 for cooler nights is my bed  :)

I haven't slept on a foam mat since I was a scrawny wee whippersnapper with no hips (not a coincidence).  They always did a pretty reasonable job warmth-wise, but are completely unforgiving of lumpy ground and lumpy bodies.   :hand:

I've never really had a problem with them on any ground and foam mats were incredibly light. The main problems with them was pack size, ripping big lumps out of them on tree branches while walking and the fact they always wanted to roll up again.

Then again I slept on a camp blanket over a concrete floor at the Winter camping weekend so I think I can probably sleep on just about anything.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: epa611 on 25 July, 2012, 04:08:44 pm
Our new Hypercamp Palamos 6 (http://www.obelink.co.uk/tents/pyramid-tents/palamos-6.html?category_params=category_id%3D4151) arrived this afternoon  :thumbsup:

Can't wait to get home from Istanbul to get it up in the garden.

Also ordered a G3 Rocket stove (http://wildstoves.co.uk/wood-cooking-stoves/rocket-stoves/g3-rocket-stove-envirofit/)  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: peliroja on 25 July, 2012, 07:17:10 pm
A YKK slider to attempt to mend our Hilleberg. Updated review of the zip issue here http://www.woollypigs.com/2012/07/review-hilleberg-kaitum-3gt-zip-frustration/
Title: Coffee maker
Post by: bumper on 25 July, 2012, 07:24:35 pm
An Esbit coffee maker, I will use it on a mini stove. Esbit tabs take too long to brew up when you're thirsty! It should fit into my mini rack bag nicely  :thumbsup:

http://www.esbit.net/product-detail/items/20102400-stainless-steel-coffee-maker.html (http://www.esbit.net/product-detail/items/20102400-stainless-steel-coffee-maker.html)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: rogerzilla on 25 July, 2012, 09:36:24 pm
Some mantles for my little Coleman F1 lantern.  They don't last long when it's rattling around on the back of a bike.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 25 July, 2012, 09:51:45 pm
Explain advantage of mantle over LEDs please. Ta.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mcshroom on 25 July, 2012, 10:00:35 pm
Explain advantage of mantle over LEDs please. Ta.

Warms your arse on a cold ride? ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 25 July, 2012, 10:01:20 pm
Ah that makes sense thinks.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 25 July, 2012, 10:22:36 pm
5 litres of meths from our local hardware store.   Works out at £1.55 per half litre whereas the price on the high street for a half litre bottle is £3.50 or higher in Rugby.   :thumbsup:

Still way over the odds compared to spiritos in Holland for about £1.00 per litre   :-\
Title: Swiss tool
Post by: bumper on 26 July, 2012, 08:26:36 am
Victorinox Swiss tool. My leatherman wave is past it's sell by date and a bit worn and slack  :-[

On the plus side, the Victorinox is a little beauty  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 26 July, 2012, 08:36:04 am
I was horrified to learn on Sunday, when Jane an I needed a small infusion of red wine, that the beautiful Swiss Army Knife that Dez bought me a year or so ago and had engraved with my name is devoid of a corkscrew!

It does have a chisel, though, and I levered most of the cork out with that and pushed the rest into the wine.
Title: Swiss army knife
Post by: bumper on 26 July, 2012, 08:39:31 am
If you're desperate a cork can be removed with the pliers, as Ive discovered  :thumbsup:

If you're really desperate your teeth will probably do  ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 26 July, 2012, 08:45:40 am
The solution is to take another Swiss army knife. The pliers on my newest SAK are potentially very useful, as is the saw. There's very little overhead in including another, which has just 6 tools: two blades, a tin opener, a bottle opener, a corkscrew and the thing for getting stones out of horses' hooves, which also doubles up as a thing for getting shards of flint out of bicycles' tyres.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 26 July, 2012, 11:09:17 pm
Some of the Leatherman "Juice" tools have a corkscrew that functions like a waiter's wine tool. Screw in the corkscrew, place the half-open bottle opener against the bottle next to the cork, and lever the cork out. Much more dignified than trying to haul the cork out by brute force with a SAK.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: alecstilleyedye on 27 July, 2012, 10:46:04 pm
new mantle for campinggaz lamp
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: loadsabikes on 27 July, 2012, 11:14:56 pm
Hillberg Nallo 3GT :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: RJ on 28 July, 2012, 07:44:32 pm
GSI Pinnacle Soloist (http://www.gsioutdoors.com/activities/pdp/pinnacle_soloist/ultralight_backpacking/) cookset.  And an extra-large spork.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: JT on 30 July, 2012, 02:11:38 pm
Got one of those tiny little Fenix lanterns but got it from Maplins.

I'll leave it in the tent so it doesn't get forgotten. When I get my new tent, that is.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 30 July, 2012, 02:15:47 pm
Got one of those tiny little Fenix lanterns but got it from Maplins.

I'll leave it in the tent so it doesn't get forgotten. When I get my new tent, that is.

I’ve got one of those, bought in 2008. I still haven’t had to change its batteries, even if it’s not as bright as it once was. As you suggest, it lives permanently attached to the tent.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 07 August, 2012, 10:48:19 am
I have been rather extravagant and have purchased one of these (http://www.gear-zone.co.uk/outdoor-equipment/camping-equipment/cooking-equipment/multi-fuel-stoves/msr-xgk-expedition-multi-fuel-stove?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=shopping) with an appropriate fuel bottle. I might have to buy another gallon of paraffin.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Domestique on 07 August, 2012, 04:01:25 pm
An Exped Synmat 7 for Two_Flat_Erics  :-*
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Viking on 07 August, 2012, 04:13:30 pm
A Trangia gas burner from Black in Keswick.  Cost £30 reduced from £45 in their apparently perpetual sale.  Also had them in Cotswold Outdoor for £53 so I rekon I got a good buy. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 07 August, 2012, 08:19:02 pm
I have been rather extravagant and have purchased one of these (http://www.gear-zone.co.uk/outdoor-equipment/camping-equipment/cooking-equipment/multi-fuel-stoves/msr-xgk-expedition-multi-fuel-stove?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=shopping) with an appropriate fuel bottle. I might have to buy another gallon of paraffin.


And what pray, gave rise to this outlandish behaviour?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: rogerzilla on 07 August, 2012, 08:21:21 pm
A spare generator tube for my Coleman stove.  I must find the paraffin generator tube and see how the stove runs on paraffin (far more easily available than white gas).  Apparently the British Army use alcohol hand gel for pre-heating.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 07 August, 2012, 09:19:53 pm
I have been rather extravagant and have purchased one of these (http://www.gear-zone.co.uk/outdoor-equipment/camping-equipment/cooking-equipment/multi-fuel-stoves/msr-xgk-expedition-multi-fuel-stove?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=shopping) with an appropriate fuel bottle. I might have to buy another gallon of paraffin.


And what pray, gave rise to this outlandish behaviour?

I'm intending to cook a meal or two outside a tent or two  8) and I'm fed up with the gas stove I've been using, perfectly reliably, for a few years. I'm not so sure about the longevity/availability of Coleman gas canisters compared to paraffin/white spirit/white gas/barbecue lighting liquid/unleaded petrol.

Besides, as the owner of two very good Tilley lamps, which sadly are entirely unsuitable for cycle camping, I just love the pressurised combustion of paraffin.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 07 August, 2012, 09:50:36 pm
I have been rather extravagant and have purchased one of these (http://www.gear-zone.co.uk/outdoor-equipment/camping-equipment/cooking-equipment/multi-fuel-stoves/msr-xgk-expedition-multi-fuel-stove?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=shopping) with an appropriate fuel bottle. I might have to buy another gallon of paraffin.


And what pray, gave rise to this outlandish behaviour?

Indeed. That's the stove you buy when you are touring in places where you are unsure of a clean fuel supply, or when you anticipate having to melt snow for your morning cuppa.  A bit OTT for anywhere European...

It's also famous for being anti socially noisy in use.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccnFgpEFe28 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccnFgpEFe28)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 07 August, 2012, 10:01:42 pm
It was also £50 off the normal price.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 07 August, 2012, 10:12:28 pm
You can use that £50 to buy a h*l*e* to protect you when sleepy campers start throwing things at you at breakfast o'clock  ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Tewdric on 07 August, 2012, 10:25:01 pm
Apparently the British Army use alcohol hand gel for pre-heating.

Yes, but only in the arctic and running naptha in the stove IME.

Hand gel doesn't work that well I don't think - you need a proper fuel gel like this:

clicky (http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.needlesports.com/imagecache/250aa1fe-2d8c-4b16-b124-9e5a00b26130_500x500.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.needlesports.com/Catalogue/Cooking-Equipment/Fuel-Fire/Fire-Paste-COG-FPASTE&usg=__y5oKs3GTEOg3wjC8u0fMrCq0CF0=&h=500&w=500&sz=31&hl=en&start=166&zoom=1&tbnid=9fYyTjPjQ6K2-M:&tbnh=130&tbnw=130&ei=u4YhUJzKL5KAhQeJmIGoCw&itbs=1)

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: alexb on 09 August, 2012, 03:48:29 pm
I have been rather extravagant and have purchased one of these (http://www.gear-zone.co.uk/outdoor-equipment/camping-equipment/cooking-equipment/multi-fuel-stoves/msr-xgk-expedition-multi-fuel-stove?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=shopping) with an appropriate fuel bottle. I might have to buy another gallon of paraffin.


And what pray, gave rise to this outlandish behaviour?

Indeed. That's the stove you buy when you are touring in places where you are unsure of a clean fuel supply, or when you anticipate having to melt snow for your morning cuppa.  A bit OTT for anywhere European...

It's also famous for being anti socially noisy in use.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccnFgpEFe28 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccnFgpEFe28)

They're great fun to play with, but dead scary in the confines of a small nylon tent. I gave up on mine ages ago and sold it to a friend who climbed regularly. She loves it.
Me, I have a tiny gas cartridge stove with piezo ignition. Turn on gas, click and the water is half boiled before you can even get a flame on with an MSR stove.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 09 August, 2012, 04:54:49 pm
I don't think I'd be inclined to use it in a tent unless I had to, but then that's the case with a gas stove as well.

My "solo" tent is actually a Nallo 3GT so I could, if I needed to cook in the porch, roll it back from the first zip and give myself loads of ventilation.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 09 August, 2012, 09:31:45 pm
The thing with cooking in the tent, other than ventilation (which most tents can do, to varying degrees of letting the rain in), is stability.  You *really* don't want something that's easily knocked over - not just because of what might catch fire, but the more boring practical issues of what you do when you've got a boiling pasta slick edging its way towards your genitals/sleeping bag and your escape route is blocked by a hot burny thing.

Trangia (ideally with a gas burner, to avoid fuel spillages) is probably the gold standard for cooking within tent, on that basis.  Precarious little gas stoves that perch on top of the cylinder are right out.  That MSR looks acceptably stable, so it comes down to whether you're skilled enough to light it without creating a fireball...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 10 August, 2012, 02:13:35 am
http://zenstoves.net/COHazard.htm

I'm pretty sure I found this article on this forum, but I'm going to re-post it anyway. Reading it cured me of any desire to cook inside my tent except in the direst of emergencies. If necessary I will light a stove outside the tent and place it in the open vestibule or where I can reach it from inside the tent to cook with, but that's about it. And yes, I have cooked in my tent before, and used a Coleman lantern in my tent.

Knowing what kind of fireball an MSR stove is capable of creating, I would be very careful about lighting one anywhere in range of my nice new Hilleberg tent.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: rogerzilla on 10 August, 2012, 05:57:06 pm
I wouldn't trust any stove not to put out CO, since the flame is being quenched by the pot (or kettle), leading to incomplete combustion.  This is why car engine exhaust needs cleaning up; gas turbines only really emit H2O and CO2.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 10 August, 2012, 06:55:37 pm
Yeah, I'd work on that assumption too.  I'd only want to cook in an open doorway, or with a consistently strong wind.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: alexb on 10 August, 2012, 10:25:44 pm
Every tent I've ever owned has been so damned draughty I've never considered for a minute that 5-10 minutes of gas burning would generate enough Carbon Monoxide to do me any harm.

Assuming I burnt 10% of my gas, I'd use about 10-15g, equating to about 1/5th of a mole of gas. Assuming complete combustion, assume 80% of a mole of CO, equivalent to about 18 cubic metres of gas generated in about 5-10 minutes.

Actually, thinking about that, you'd need a pretty drafty tent to clear that safely!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: simonp on 20 August, 2012, 06:03:25 pm
Replacement pole for our Nallo2, which broken on the sem fed.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 20 August, 2012, 09:44:58 pm
Replacement pole for our Nallo2, which broken on the sem fed.

Yes, we broke our tent. We have no clue how it happened, honest gov  O:-)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: arallsopp on 21 August, 2012, 10:46:02 pm
Yes, we have. Evey bought a tent/mansion with room for 6. She's spent the day telling me how wonderful it will be and even set it up in the garden so that we could all try a night under canvas.

Which is why I'm sitting here watching the kids sleep, swatting ants off, and generally enjoying things. She's retired to iPlayer and the comforts of a suburban semi and won't be seen here until breakfast.

Is this 'the life'? :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: rogerzilla on 22 August, 2012, 06:42:32 pm
A Coleman 533 stove, so I can convert my 550B over to paraffin.  Everything they say about paraffin is true though - spills stay there for ever, it smells (actually not very strongly, but its the persistence that's the problem - white gas smells stronger but evaporates leaving no trace) and it's hard to get a clean burn.  I'm determined, though, and the advantage is that you can buy the stuff in handy bottles from any garden centre.  White gas or Aspen 4 may involve a week-long search.

EDIT: got a clean extended burn now - the secret is to turn it down slightly, as the fuel doesn't fully vapourise in the short generator when running at full blast.  Doesn't smell either.  Not too convenient for a cup of tea as it needs pre-heating with alcohol gel for about 1 minute, but it's as cheap as running it on petrol and a lot less dangerous.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 22 August, 2012, 08:02:47 pm
Last week, but: Heavily discounted Trangia gas burner.  Because everything they say about paraffin is true.   ;)

(More seriously: gas wins when real cooking is more important than being lightweight, and effective use of the meths burner simmer ring required levels of dexterity that barakta doesn't really have.)

I've also obtained one of those dubious adaptors, that lets you remove clarion's eyebrows run it on liquid butane from those really cheap cartridges.  The trick seems to be to be aware of the subtleties of the cartridge design re: orientation, so you're certain that it's dispensing vapour when you first open the valve.

I haven't done SCIENCE, but thanks to the Trangia windshield design it seems substantially more efficient than my Pocket Rocket clone.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: rogerzilla on 23 August, 2012, 06:51:54 am
White gas is the best all-round fuel I've used, except that it's hard to find and can cause FLAMING DETH.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Rainmaker on 23 August, 2012, 07:42:38 am
Posted by: Kim: Yesterday
 Last week, but: Heavily discounted Trangia gas burner.  Because everything they say about paraffin is true.   

How heavily discounted gas burner and from whence?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Viking on 23 August, 2012, 08:48:37 am
A Trangia gas burner from Black in Keswick.  Cost £30 reduced from £45 in their apparently perpetual sale.  Also had them in Cotswold Outdoor for £53 so I rekon I got a good buy. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 23 August, 2012, 09:03:40 am
We got TGL an Octane 1 tent.  Brand new, but Butterfly got a bargain price.

We pitched and struck in about five minutes.  A lovely little solo tent, and a lot less faff than my Aztec.  He'll be bringing it to Mildenhall.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Charlotte on 23 August, 2012, 09:05:41 am
Crikey.  That's tempting...

http://www.blacks.co.uk/product/095733.html
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 23 August, 2012, 10:19:53 am
That Trangia burner seems to send the gas pipe through the flame for pre-heating. Is that normal for gas?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 23 August, 2012, 10:28:06 am
It's normal to route it under the burner, but that seems to go quite high.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MercuryKev on 23 August, 2012, 10:51:28 am
That Trangia burner seems to send the gas pipe through the flame for pre-heating. Is that normal for gas?

It means that you can invert the cannister and feed liquid gas to the burner.  Very useful for colder weather when low gas pressure in cannisers impacts on perfromance.  It works in the same way as your MSR liquid feed stove.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 23 August, 2012, 01:29:55 pm
How heavily discounted gas burner and from whence?

http://www.trekitt.co.uk/gosystem-adapt-gas-conversion.ir


AIUI the main difference between that and the Trangia branded one is the size of the knob and whether it's got 'Trangia' written on the box.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 23 August, 2012, 01:37:50 pm
That Trangia burner seems to send the gas pipe through the flame for pre-heating. Is that normal for gas?

It means that you can invert the cannister and feed liquid gas to the burner.  Very useful for colder weather when low gas pressure in cannisers impacts on perfromance.  It works in the same way as your MSR liquid feed stove.

It also means that (as long as the temperature's reasonably above zero) you can use pure butane - which is generally problematic with vapour-feed stoves, but incredibly cheap.  When feeding the liquid gas to the stove it only needs to boil off sufficient vapour to keep the cannister pressurised (as you would with your multifuel pump), rather than provide a continuous supply of vapour for the burner (the pre-heat loop takes care of that).  Consequently the temperature of the cannister doesn't drop substantially and it keeps working.

If you're using a butane/propane mix cartridge, feeding liquid to the burner has the additional advantage that you don't fractionally distil the mixture as the cartridge is used.  With a vapour-fed stove, the propane tends to get used up preferentially, leading to poor low-temperature performance with not-empty-yet cartridges.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 23 August, 2012, 04:07:59 pm
How heavily discounted gas burner and from whence?

http://www.trekitt.co.uk/gosystem-adapt-gas-conversion.ir


AIUI the main difference between that and the Trangia branded one is the size of the knob and whether it's got 'Trangia' written on the box.

I've tried to buy one but their antequated system manages to reject my valid mastercard credit card.   Ho hum...    :(
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 23 August, 2012, 04:44:54 pm
Visa is the way to go  :thumbsup:

Now, do I dare buy one of these (http://wildstoves.co.uk/wood-cooking-stoves/wood-gas-camping-stoves/wild-wood-gas-stove/) whilst I still have an itcy trigger finger...    :D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: rogerzilla on 23 August, 2012, 06:40:13 pm
Apparently the British Army use alcohol hand gel for pre-heating.

Yes, but only in the arctic and running naptha in the stove IME.

Hand gel doesn't work that well I don't think - you need a proper fuel gel like this:

clicky (http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.needlesports.com/imagecache/250aa1fe-2d8c-4b16-b124-9e5a00b26130_500x500.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.needlesports.com/Catalogue/Cooking-Equipment/Fuel-Fire/Fire-Paste-COG-FPASTE&usg=__y5oKs3GTEOg3wjC8u0fMrCq0CF0=&h=500&w=500&sz=31&hl=en&start=166&zoom=1&tbnid=9fYyTjPjQ6K2-M:&tbnh=130&tbnw=130&ei=u4YhUJzKL5KAhQeJmIGoCw&itbs=1)

I have now had the opportunity to try my army surplus Coleman 550B with paraffin and Carex hand gel, which was the most alcoholic-smelling I could find.  The hand gel works as well as Fire Star gel, igniting with a spark and pre-heating perfectly, except that it's a little bit runnier so the stove needs to be tilted slightly towards the generator tube while preheating.  Hand gel comes in a more convenient-sized bottle and the built-in dispensing pump is very good for getting it where it's needed.

I therefore declare the British Army method to be valid.

I imagine hand gel would be brilliant for preheating a SVEA 123, since that has a little cup for the preheating liquid.  Not that I have a SVEA 123, but one day I'll find a cheap one.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 23 August, 2012, 06:54:26 pm
I discovered that our posh stove - a Primus Multifuel EX - whichhas been suffering from the loss of a flame spreader, is actually for all practical purposes an Omnifuel, and so I've bought a spreader from Needlesport, who are a lot cheaper than other suppliers, but seem to be pretty sound.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 23 August, 2012, 08:58:50 pm
A friend of mine has a story about a Svea 123 (aka The Swedish Hand Grenade).   It involves a bone dry hillside in Cyprus, a flare up and a pair of very brown trousers...... ;D

I've got an Optimus 96 on a shelf in the bedroom.  Full working order but I've not used it since I set my sleeve on fire priming it!

http://www.spiritburner.com/fusion/index.php  (http://www.spiritburner.com/fusion/index.php)is your place for all things stove related, as I'm sure you've found.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: L CC on 24 August, 2012, 11:13:08 am
Visa is the way to go  :thumbsup:

Now, do I dare buy one of these (http://wildstoves.co.uk/wood-cooking-stoves/wood-gas-camping-stoves/wild-wood-gas-stove/) whilst I still have an itcy trigger finger...    :D

Flames! Yay!
(http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/304851_10151081819279451_972107305_n.jpg)
I think I love it. We didn't get a chance to do a cook-off vs Chris's MRS gas thingy, but I think it might well have won. It gets very hot very fast. Simmering aint ever gonna happen, though.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Chris S on 24 August, 2012, 11:46:55 am
Chris's MRS MSR Gas Thingy would have wupped the ass off the wood burner on Sunday evening (after 8 hours of heavy rain).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 24 August, 2012, 11:54:46 am
Mebbe so but I often camp where there is an almost limitless supply of dry twigs and lumps of flammable vegetation.   I already have a Kelly Kettle (courtesy of Jane) which is marvellous for brews and hot water in general.   A lovely compact portable wood burner to cook on is almost irresistible.

Great pic boab.   :thumbsup:
   
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 28 August, 2012, 12:13:20 am
One of these.

http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/Brand/Wild_Country/Backpacking_Tents/Zephyros_1_Tent.html

I was very impressed with Andrij's Terra Nova Laser Competition tent that I thought I'd buy the budget version. It weighs less than half the Nallo 3GT, which I have been using when solo camping, and I thought I'd be rather less precious with the cheaper version than the real thing. I paid less than £100 for it from Field & Trek.

Now - I must find somewhere to christen it whilst camping is still not totally stupid.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 28 August, 2012, 12:21:27 am
One of these.

http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/Brand/Wild_Country/Backpacking_Tents/Zephyros_1_Tent.html

I was very impressed with Andrij's Terra Nova Laser Competition tent that I thought I'd buy the budget version. It weighs less than half the Nallo 3GT, which I have been using when solo camping, and I thought I'd be rather less precious with the cheaper version than the real thing. I paid less than £100 for it from Field & Trek.

Now - I must find somewhere to christen it whilst camping is still not totally stupid.

Well, Christening usually involves a good dousing with water..... please tell me when you are planning this so I can avoid camping  ;)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 28 August, 2012, 08:14:12 am
I discovered that our posh stove - a Primus Multifuel EX - whichhas been suffering from the loss of a flame spreader, is actually for all practical purposes an Omnifuel, and so I've bought a spreader from Needlesport, who are a lot cheaper than other suppliers, but seem to be pretty sound.

Flame spreader arrived promptly.  I fitted and tested it last night on the kitchen table.  Excellent!  I'm looking forward to the next camping trip to cook on it.

On the subject of stoves, here's a new idea of how to communicate on a campsite: the base of a pan left to dry:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/ado15/IMAG0695.jpg)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 29 August, 2012, 09:07:00 pm
One of these.

http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/Brand/Wild_Country/Backpacking_Tents/Zephyros_1_Tent.html

I was very impressed with Andrij's Terra Nova Laser Competition tent that I thought I'd buy the budget version. It weighs less than half the Nallo 3GT, which I have been using when solo camping, and I thought I'd be rather less precious with the cheaper version than the real thing. I paid less than £100 for it from Field & Trek.

Now - I must find somewhere to christen it whilst camping is still not totally stupid.

Annoyingly, although the parcel progress report told me that it had left the Chelmsford depot at 10.25 this morning, it failed to make it to Southend. It is still described as being "out for delivery".
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 29 August, 2012, 09:24:58 pm
I want to see how t'Bagger gets on with this before I commit. If anything it is the two man for me.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 30 August, 2012, 03:12:06 pm
One of these.

http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/Brand/Wild_Country/Backpacking_Tents/Zephyros_1_Tent.html

I was very impressed with Andrij's Terra Nova Laser Competition tent that I thought I'd buy the budget version. It weighs less than half the Nallo 3GT, which I have been using when solo camping, and I thought I'd be rather less precious with the cheaper version than the real thing. I paid less than £100 for it from Field & Trek.

Now - I must find somewhere to christen it whilst camping is still not totally stupid.

I'm getting pretty pissed off with the courier. The tent left the Chelmsford depot at 10.25 yesterday morning but was returned at 9.46 last night with the message "Unable to gain timely access". It's left the depot again today at 10.09 but still hasn't arrived. I want to use it tomorrow.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 30 August, 2012, 03:24:44 pm

I know that feeling, Wow. I do hope for your sake the courier isn’t bloody Yodel. Good luck.

I have bought:

A couple of foam sitmats (I did have one before but I think it blew away when we were camped at the foot of Snowdon as it did not come back with us).

Some Actual Jetboil fuel (I’ve always just used the Coleman canisters because they were easier to find). Will be interesting to see if it makes any difference.

A Victorinox ‘Camper’ tool. On our last camping trip our wine/beer was limited to that which had a screw cap/pull tab which won’t do. I’m sure I will find all sorts of uses for the other bits on it.

Some windproof matches, to avoid the frustrating time we had trying to make FIRE on a breezy evening in Wales (we did eventually manage, on the penultimate match from our box of normal cheap matches, but there were a tense few moments beforehand).

Some lightweight guylines because I’ve lost one of the tent’s originals. Flouro because having a fluffy dog tethered outside the tent sometimes attracts small children and they tend to trip over the guylines in their haste to come and make a fuss of her.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 30 August, 2012, 03:35:08 pm
It is Bloody Yodel. I've just sent them a message asking why it's taking them so long.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 30 August, 2012, 03:37:40 pm
As you’ve realised, they are notoriously crap; lots of retailers have stopped using them because they received so many complaints. I’ve had stuff apparently go on a tour of the country before now. I’d chase the hell out of them if I were you.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: tiermat on 30 August, 2012, 03:48:55 pm
Oh dear, Wow, Yodel really the worst of a bad bunch.

Unsurprisingly the only packages they manage to delver on time are those from those from the Shop Direct Group (Littlewoods, Very etc etc).

Guess who has a large interest in Yodel.....
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: JT on 30 August, 2012, 03:51:33 pm
Our local Yodel driver is really good. He knows we're not in during the day so comes around after 6pm.
And Yodel sponsor cycling (the Tour of Britain and Tour Series) and they're giving me and Mrs JT VIP tickets at two stages of the ToB so I won't hear a bad word against them. Not until after the ToB anyway.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 30 August, 2012, 07:13:48 pm
My parcels, both of them, were delivered by the same Yodel chap at about 5.20. The second parcel was a footprint for the tent, not from Field & Trek.

Tomorrow is going to be amusing!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 30 August, 2012, 07:35:01 pm
New tent happy! :D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 30 August, 2012, 08:11:16 pm
I shall be setting off from here at about 10.15. I think I shall go by the most direct route: I did the "scenic" route on Tuesday and had a lot of grief from bastard motorists.

I suppose I ought to get some stuff together!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 30 August, 2012, 09:32:31 pm
Very pleased that your tent arrived - have fun this weekend, I would have looked into joining given a bit more notice.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Jon P on 31 August, 2012, 11:24:33 pm
Got one of these (http://www.tarptent.com/moment.html) delivered today, haven't tried it yet as away this w/e but it's beautifully designed and made.  I got it along with a Deuter 1-season down bag on offer from Amazon as I want to go unicycle touring offroad and normal gear is going to be waaaay too heavy.  It's very airy though, the fly doesn't extend right down to the ground and a mesh inner but is fully enclosed against bugs, so not for 3-season backpacking I don't think.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: iainj837 on 31 August, 2012, 11:46:58 pm
Nothing exciting but it's a start.I bought a set rear panniers for £16.99
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: peliroja on 01 September, 2012, 07:31:01 am
We had a visit to Hilleberg in Redmond today. I'd like to say it was an interesting and exciting occasion, but it left quite a sour taste. We'd complained about three of our five zips breaking down irrepairably, and had several responses from Hilleberg which were more defensive and critical than understanding and helpful. Apparently we cycle tourers should make time every day (yes, every day) to clean all our zippers. And if we don't? Well, we deserve what comes to us, clearly*! And, we definitely chose the wrong tent, they insisted, despite the Kaitum 3GT being specifically marketed for cycle tourers. Apparently, we should be using the heavier Keron.

We left their office with a completely new inner tent for a reduced price, but also with a general feeling of having had our wrists slapped, and that we were causing them more hassle than we were worth. We really should have been a good girl and boy and cleaned our zips every day, I suppose.  ::-)

* The first zip on the tent died after less than 2 months' use. I think that's pretty poor.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jogler on 01 September, 2012, 08:38:13 am
That's a very poor response from a manufacturer of a high cost product >:(
I too would have a sour taste from an apparently condecending attitude.

I reckon someone throwing that much £ at a tent is going to be experienced enough to know what they want from a tent without being lectured.

Not good PR at all
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: loadsabikes on 01 September, 2012, 10:08:17 am
It's a very short sighted response, given the nature of your trip, it is an ideal opportunity for a company to showcase the quality of their product.
You were obviously labouring under the mistaken idea that that toothbrush you are carrying is for your own teeth ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 01 September, 2012, 11:28:52 am
We had a visit to Hilleberg in Redmond today. I'd like to say it was an interesting and exciting occasion, but it left quite a sour taste. We'd complained about three of our five zips breaking down irrepairably, and had several responses from Hilleberg which were more defensive and critical than understanding and helpful. Apparently we cycle tourers should make time every day (yes, every day) to clean all our zippers. And if we don't? Well, we deserve what comes to us, clearly*! And, we definitely chose the wrong tent, they insisted, despite the Kaitum 3GT being specifically marketed for cycle tourers. Apparently, we should be using the heavier Keron.

We left their office with a completely new inner tent for a reduced price, but also with a general feeling of having had our wrists slapped, and that we were causing them more hassle than we were worth. We really should have been a good girl and boy and cleaned our zips every day, I suppose.  ::-)

* The first zip on the tent died after less than 2 months' use. I think that's pretty poor.

Who at Hilleberg USA have you been dealing with?  The whole company looks pretty small, both the parent company in Sweden and the US operation.

This: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/petra-hilleberg/4/691/b48 appears to be the person running the US operation. Might be worth e-mailing or writing her directly.

Your story has me a little worried, I just bought a Soulo for more than I've ever spent for a tent, based partly on what I read on this forum!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 01 September, 2012, 11:33:04 am
It's also a very short-sighted response given how quickly one's disappointment can be broadcast worldwide via social media.   I am a Hilleberg fan but your very poor experience leaves me thinking that my next tent will not be Hilleberg.

In a world of competitive products customer service holds a key edge.   Exped know and practise this with their downmats.   Hilleberg might wish to learn a lesson here.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 01 September, 2012, 01:46:38 pm
Very poor service.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jogler on 01 September, 2012, 02:05:38 pm
It's also a very short-sighted response given how quickly one's disappointment can be broadcast worldwide via social media.   I am a Hilleberg fan but your very poor experience leaves me thinking that my next tent will not be Hilleberg.

In a world of competitive products customer service holds a key edge.   Exped know and practise this with their downmats.   Hilleberg might wish to learn a lesson here.

absolutely spot on in every respect.

I too now have reservations about the next tent being a Hilleberg
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: rogerzilla on 02 September, 2012, 06:33:53 pm
I tried to "reserve and collect" a 3-man tent from Go Outdoors but their stock system is dysfunctional and they e-mailed to say they do not actually have any in Swindon, although they are still showing them as available there. 

They will apparently phone me to discuss, at which I will probably use the phrase "bait and switch" and they will go away.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MercuryKev on 02 September, 2012, 07:55:22 pm
Apparently we cycle tourers should make time every day (yes, every day) to clean all our zippers.

Hilleberg are obviously missing a trick by not selling a Hilleberg branded zip brush.  The Vuovdi - Sami for forest -  retailing at £24.99.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: rogerzilla on 02 September, 2012, 08:30:00 pm
How do zips get dirty?  Do passing cyclists throw mud at them?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: peliroja on 03 September, 2012, 06:54:45 am
I've just caught up with the responses to our Hilleberg visit. We were dealing with someone called Shannon in Redmond, who was rather patronising via email, e.g. 'I know it is hard for you to understand the need to clean your zippers but the tent has been well used and the outer zippers had fuzz and dust in them. We do recommend that you daily brush out your zippers.'

Well, do forgive us for using our tent for what it's supposedly designed for - extreme outdoor adventures!  ::-)

When we turned up to collect the tent only the mailroom guy was around, and he wasn't interested in the slightest in discussing our concerns.

We do plan to write to Petra Hilleberg when we get a moment and will definitely mention some of the stuff raised here.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 03 September, 2012, 10:02:12 am
That is ridiculous. How do you even brush out a zipper?! I have never done so in my life. Dirty me…
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 03 September, 2012, 10:06:30 am
Does this apply to other zip fasteners? Giving them a good brush in a public place could get a chap arrested.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Jon P on 03 September, 2012, 09:43:56 pm
Given the amount of my zippers that f***up, I'd certainly like to know about any recommended preventative measure, but all I've ever heard so far is to wash things with the zips done up, that was just the other week at the local alterations shop.  Thankfully none of my tent zips have ever gone yet - touchwood!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 03 September, 2012, 10:50:20 pm
It seems to me that the zips on our Hilleberg are under great tension. That must shorten their lives.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 03 September, 2012, 10:57:35 pm
Same goes for the Akto, plusminus wind and exactly how you set up the guy rope on the door side corner.  It's pretty much a compromise between tension on the zip and droop at that end.  I try not to overdo it, not least because the seam at the end of the vent flap zip was found to leak slightly until I slackened it off.  (I've since sealed it with seam sealant, but belt and braces..)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 03 September, 2012, 11:14:58 pm
The Kaitum and the Keron are both listed as all season tents, with the Kaitum being described as suited for outdoor professionals, such as "guides and military special operations units". Just what have you two been doing that makes a tent like that necessary? Are Green Berets, SEALs and SAS types expected to take time out from the war to brush out their tent zippers?

Most tent zippers come under a fair bit of tension when the wind blows, the whole point of buying a high priced tent is that the zippers and other parts will withstand that sort of abuse. What was the failure mode of the zippers? Which zippers failed? I see that you had the inner tent replaced, is the outer tent/rainfly OK? How is it that you were criticized for having dirty outer zippers, but apparently it was the zippers on the inner tent that failed?

I'd love to know what Shannon's job title is, and it would be fun to know if her job title stays the same after you get in touch with Petra Hilleberg.

Sorry if I'm asking too many questions, but I just spent a large chunk of money (to me, anyway) on a very small Hilleberg tent, so it would be nice to know what to expect if anything goes wrong. There are probably a few others reading this who feel the same way.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: simonp on 04 September, 2012, 03:58:49 am
“On any longer trip it is crucial to brush the zippers clean every day, especially in high dirt conditions. When grit covers the coils, it can wear away at the softer metal of the slider body. The effect is that the slider no longer presses the teeth of the coil together and the slider can not close properly.” Petra, Hilleberg

So I expect Petra is not going to sack Shannon!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Charlotte on 04 September, 2012, 09:20:23 am
When I'm cycle touring, I'm too busy having The Fun to brush out my zippers.

Unless I'm camping in a desert made of ground up carborundum stone, I fail to see why this should be necessary at all.

<--- Nallo 3GT owner
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 04 September, 2012, 07:38:31 pm
When I'm cycle touring, I'm too busy having The Fun to brush out my zippers.

Unless I'm camping in a desert made of ground up carborundum stone, I fail to see why this should be necessary at all.

<--- Nallo 3GT owner
The Hilleberg website page on tent care is impressively thorough, and it does suggest giving the zippers extra care in sandy environments. www.hilleberg.com/home/tent_info/hints.php

It also suggests using a tent with a heavier fabric in extremely strong sun, for better resistance to UV.

I've never felt the need to brush out my tent zippers, even in the Mojave Desert, but I suppose in a windy and dusty enough environment it probably wouldn't be a bad idea.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 04 September, 2012, 07:47:53 pm
Weasel words designed to help them duck responsibility.   Disappointing...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: David Martin on 05 September, 2012, 09:52:37 pm
I bought a replacement hose for some camping stoves that I was given when the American Scout troop in Oslo folded and I brought back to UK but neverused. Partly because they are like these:
(http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTu_e9oMq2IMx8fbm_mMn9cuh4TcWy0Fs88uUitrpaMBov1csiU&t=1)

Probably over 20 years old, they take a rather specific gas bottle that is like hens teeth in the UK and expensive (and not long lasting) to boot.

(http://www.campingandcaravandirect.co.uk/products/images_products_large/486.jpg)

So I bought the hose which will allow me to connect the stove to a more sensible sized gas cylinder that is readily available and much cheaper to run. One of these:

(http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR8TYcpuc_jC5ty1lmYKNFIPIUFVA3LhSKAEgxX_XWnwQduXBqF7Q&t=1)

Not exactly backpackable but will do wonderfully for things like car camping and remote audax controls/time trials etc.

Found the stoves, and they both work just fine (though one appears to be slightly down on one of the burners.)

Happy bunny.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 05 September, 2012, 10:17:29 pm
The up-market tent pegs that I bought as replacements for the rubbish supplied with my Wild Country Zephyros 1 tent arrived today. They need to be tested.

Thanks to AndrewC for the recommendation. They look to be the bees' knees.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: David Martin on 05 September, 2012, 10:29:18 pm
I could probably fit the stove to Worf the trailer. Mobile tea bike :thumbsup: I like the idea of that..
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 06 September, 2012, 08:58:59 am
I could probably fit the stove to Worf the trailer. Mobile tea bike :thumbsup: I like the idea of that..
Ooh - cool!

*plans visit*
 :D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: David Martin on 07 September, 2012, 05:05:31 pm
If I swap the big tank for a little one, it would be the ideal rally trailer for next year.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: rogerzilla on 07 September, 2012, 05:10:50 pm
I bought a replacement hose for some camping stoves that I was given when the American Scout troop in Oslo folded and I brought back to UK but neverused. Partly because they are like these:
(http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTu_e9oMq2IMx8fbm_mMn9cuh4TcWy0Fs88uUitrpaMBov1csiU&t=1)
I have a hankering for the "proper" version of that, the liquid fuelled-suitcase stove.  Ugly as sin with a separate fuel tank.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: JT on 07 September, 2012, 05:12:41 pm
I bought a replacement hose for some camping stoves that I was given when the American Scout troop in Oslo folded and I brought back to UK but neverused. Partly because they are like these:
(http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTu_e9oMq2IMx8fbm_mMn9cuh4TcWy0Fs88uUitrpaMBov1csiU&t=1)
I have a hankering for the "proper" version of that, the liquid fuelled-suitcase stove.  Ugly as sin with a separate fuel tank.

You mean like this?

(http://whygo-amr.s3.amazonaws.com/www.travelgearblog.com/files/2009/03/411akvl4ul_sl500_aa280_.jpg)

If so, we've got one and it's great.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: rogerzilla on 07 September, 2012, 05:16:31 pm
Nope.

http://cdni.llbean.com/is/image/wim/263830_237_41
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: LEE on 07 September, 2012, 05:46:51 pm
Nope.

http://cdni.llbean.com/is/image/wim/263830_237_41

As seen on the last Wyke Down Camping weekend I believe
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: rogerzilla on 07 September, 2012, 06:38:50 pm
Yes, the Pikes were raving about it.  It costs the equivalent of about fifty quid in the USA but £110 here.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: David Martin on 07 September, 2012, 09:30:02 pm
Somewhere I have a optimus 22B, unfortunately with a crack in the fuel tank. It sounds like a jet engine, runs astonishingly well and is definitely a beast that should not be left in the charge of timid hands.
(http://tgmarsh.faculty.noctrl.edu/lantern/optimus22brunning.jpg)

Much fun was had with this. It can burn a 5l pot of porrige before the top is even noticeably warm. It was nicknamed the whisperloud in the uni climbing club. One time in cornwall we had stopepd to cook supper. I think we were just down the road from Zennor. It was raining, blowing a gale and we set the stove up inside the shelter of an old mine building near the road. Sitting in the minibus with the rain pouring we could still hear the thing.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feanor on 07 September, 2012, 09:38:35 pm
Love it.

I have an Optimus normal 'primus' type paraffin stove, that is still in use.

It goes like a rocket, and will face down a petrol stove in a boil-off!
But also totally controllable by letting off the pressure, or pumping it up.

Everyone needs to learn how to use a proper primed paraffin stove!
It's an education by fire if you get it wrong, and pump it up to soon and send liquid paraffin out the jet causing a 10-foot high yellow flare.
Which will set your tent on fire if you are foolish enough to try this in the bell-end as an inexperienced primunaut.

But it is a wee bit wind-sensitive.

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: David Martin on 07 September, 2012, 09:41:19 pm
I must try to find it. I think my dad had it to do some silver soldering on the tank (which I now have the capability to do and a stick of silver solder somewhere). It is definitely an outdoors and a long way away from anything remotely flammable tool though.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 07 September, 2012, 10:22:44 pm
If this these threads have taught me anything it's this: some people get their kicks jumping out of perfectly good aeroplanes.  Others enjoy burning petrol when far more sensible alternatives exist...   ::-)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 07 September, 2012, 10:42:13 pm
It can burn a 5l pot of porrige before the top is even noticeably warm.

In my experience of porridge-making, which is reasonably extensive, it takes a modicum of care and effort not to burn any quantity of porridge on a naked flame. 5 litres of the stuff is asking for trouble.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/andrewclark/7875719102/sizes/m/in/set-72157631278357270/ shows the desired technique.  O:-)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feanor on 07 September, 2012, 10:42:52 pm
But these babies burn *paraffin*.
(Jet A-1 also works well.)

It's not at all like burning petrol.
Petrol burns easily.

Paraffin requires the skill and finesse of one who knows how to prime the stove, and can tell when the loop has vapourised and can begin to pump up the pressure.   This truly is a skill that is learnt with the removal of eyebrows.

Paraffin stoves are truly in the 733t category.




Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 07 September, 2012, 10:46:44 pm
I duuno, I'm all for a bit of pyromania.  It's just that I'd rather keep that separate from cooking.  Especially near a tent.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: David Martin on 07 September, 2012, 10:58:48 pm
Hmm.. I have a slight aversion to setting fire to things that which shouldn't be on fire. This includes at one point a minibus that shouldn't have been set alight. And a few other incidents and eyebrows.

Paraffin stoves are the preserve of the elite. None of this simple stuff but the real chance to have major conflagrations. And to scare the beejesus out of the novices. I'm probably foolish enough now to risk a  primus within 20m of a tent. If I had one.  The petrol versions also require a bit of preheating but nowhere near the same grade of knack.

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feanor on 07 September, 2012, 11:13:44 pm
There is a deep pleasure in being able to work a old brass primus stove.

It's not difficult, but just requires a bit of learning.
And a bit of experience.

Once you have mastered it, they are both fearsomly hot, and also superbly controllable.

I'm an old enough hand at this that I will light a cold primus in the bell-end of a tent if it's windy.   But the outer flysheet must be open enough to allow me to throw the thing into orbit if it flares up.

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: rogerzilla on 09 September, 2012, 06:05:13 pm
Personally I wouldn't light paraffin in my bell-end, but the Pikes will do all sorts of things in the name of a good show.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: David Martin on 15 September, 2012, 06:51:28 pm
The experience you get with a primus is usually just after you really needed it..
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feline on 15 September, 2012, 11:59:41 pm
2 new Alpkit drybags, one small one with a draw cord for storing battery pack with wire coming out of it.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 16 September, 2012, 05:50:47 pm
In a nice kitchen shop/cafe in Horsham I got a collapsible collander and some small pots for butter/mayonnaise/pickle/cheese etc so we don't need to buy sandwiches so often :D.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: peliroja on 23 September, 2012, 04:02:40 am
I just splashed out quite a lot of $$$ on a new sleeping bag. My Alpkit Skyehigh 800 finally gave its dying breath on our recent mini-tour of the Olympic Peninsula, Washington State (the down had disappeared from crucial spots and the zip had completely broken). After a lot of research (yes, I even made a spreadsheet) I plumped for the Western Mountaineering Antelope (http://www.westernmountaineering.com/index.cfm?section=products&page=Sleeping%20Bags&cat=Microfiber%20Series&ContentId=37). A friend gave me a 15% off coupon for a local Portland shop so it was slightly less ouchy on the credit card. I tried it in the shop and my, it is snuggly and soft and lofty and warm. I can't wait to use it in New Zealand!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: rogerzilla on 23 September, 2012, 07:35:11 am
Yet another Coleman stove, a 442 this time.  Described as excellent on eBay but bent and clogged with stale unleaded.  Easy enough to rebuild and straighten though, and now runs beautiifully.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 23 September, 2012, 10:26:50 am
I just splashed out quite a lot of $$$ on a new sleeping bag. My Alpkit Skyehigh 800 finally gave its dying breath on our recent mini-tour of the Olympic Peninsula, Washington State (the down had disappeared from crucial spots and the zip had completely broken). After a lot of research (yes, I even made a spreadsheet) I plumped for the Western Mountaineering Antelope (http://www.westernmountaineering.com/index.cfm?section=products&page=Sleeping%20Bags&cat=Microfiber%20Series&ContentId=37). A friend gave me a 15% off coupon for a local Portland shop so it was slightly less ouchy on the credit card. I tried it in the shop and my, it is snuggly and soft and lofty and warm. I can't wait to use it in New Zealand!

Western Mountaineering bags are excellent. Very comfy, very well made, and they are every bit as warm as rated.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: tatanab on 23 September, 2012, 01:51:36 pm
My camping is usually in the range late Aril to early October.  I very seldom use a sleeping bag zipped up because it is too warm for me, so use it open as a duvet.  Then I find the neck baffles and toggles plus the hood are all a bit of a nuisance, so a couple of weeks ago I bought a camping duvet http://cascadedesigns.com/en/therm-a-rest/sleep-systems/insulation/alpine-down-blanket/product
I used it two weeks ago with overnight temperatures down to about 7C and found it fine for me.  In colder weather, in a zipped up bag, I might curl up which presses my back against the bag and compresses the down and so giving cold spots.  The duvet is large enough that I imagine I could curl up if I wanted to and still be covered.  The foot end has a slight box section so that the end of my mat can fit inside so giving a box for feet if wanted.  So far I am quite happy that this will be more comfortable for me than a bag for the majority of my camping, and having no zips it is lighter and packs smaller than my RAB sleeping bag.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 26 September, 2012, 02:37:30 pm
A pair of small stainless steel bowls.

This is because someone, who may have been me, saw fit to consume a large mug of red wine on an empty stomach before removing the potatoes from the campfire, and placing them immediately into our (plastic) bowls, which now appear to have fused forever with the foil that was covering the potatoes, as well as having slightly deformed and holey bottoms. Ahem. I probably shouldn’t be trusted with FIRE at all but at least metal will stand up slightly better to such stupidity….

(NB: those Lifeventure windproof matches are awesomely good).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: peliroja on 26 September, 2012, 07:06:39 pm
I just splashed out quite a lot of $$$ on a new sleeping bag. My Alpkit Skyehigh 800 finally gave its dying breath on our recent mini-tour of the Olympic Peninsula, Washington State (the down had disappeared from crucial spots and the zip had completely broken). After a lot of research (yes, I even made a spreadsheet) I plumped for the Western Mountaineering Antelope (http://www.westernmountaineering.com/index.cfm?section=products&page=Sleeping%20Bags&cat=Microfiber%20Series&ContentId=37). A friend gave me a 15% off coupon for a local Portland shop so it was slightly less ouchy on the credit card. I tried it in the shop and my, it is snuggly and soft and lofty and warm. I can't wait to use it in New Zealand!

Western Mountaineering bags are excellent. Very comfy, very well made, and they are every bit as warm as rated.
Yes, thank you for the original recommendation! I think I may have got quite a good deal. After discount, the bag cost me $420.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: LEE on 26 September, 2012, 07:23:08 pm
2 new Alpkit drybags, one small one with a draw cord for storing battery pack with wire coming out of it.

I love Alpkit bags more than is healthy.

I probably have more of them then things to put in them.

Also everything in my house is attached to an Alpkit mini-carabiner.

I have an Alpkit headtorch and an Airic sleep mat.

Damn you Alpkit! I'd be rich if it weren't for you (actually I think it all cost less than £70)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Jaded on 26 September, 2012, 07:33:23 pm
I just splashed out quite a lot of $$$ on a new sleeping bag. My Alpkit Skyehigh 800 finally gave its dying breath on our recent mini-tour of the Olympic Peninsula, Washington State (the down had disappeared from crucial spots and the zip had completely broken). After a lot of research (yes, I even made a spreadsheet) I plumped for the Western Mountaineering Antelope (http://www.westernmountaineering.com/index.cfm?section=products&page=Sleeping%20Bags&cat=Microfiber%20Series&ContentId=37). A friend gave me a 15% off coupon for a local Portland shop so it was slightly less ouchy on the credit card. I tried it in the shop and my, it is snuggly and soft and lofty and warm. I can't wait to use it in New Zealand!

Western Mountaineering bags are excellent. Very comfy, very well made, and they are every bit as warm as rated.

Indeed! I have a tiny one that is very warm.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Gus on 26 September, 2012, 07:42:12 pm
I just splashed out quite a lot of $$$ on a new sleeping bag. My Alpkit Skyehigh 800 finally gave its dying breath on our recent mini-tour of the Olympic Peninsula, Washington State (the down had disappeared from crucial spots and the zip had completely broken). After a lot of research (yes, I even made a spreadsheet) I plumped for the Western Mountaineering Antelope (http://www.westernmountaineering.com/index.cfm?section=products&page=Sleeping%20Bags&cat=Microfiber%20Series&ContentId=37). A friend gave me a 15% off coupon for a local Portland shop so it was slightly less ouchy on the credit card. I tried it in the shop and my, it is snuggly and soft and lofty and warm. I can't wait to use it in New Zealand!

Beware it is very addictive, I have the dryloft version and it is hard to get out of on the  cold mornings.  :smug: :smug: :smug:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 26 September, 2012, 09:08:36 pm
Tut. That is all cured by becoming middle aged whereby mid comfy sleeping bag nocturnals revert to you are guaranteed to need to go to the bog. The carrying of eight pints I am only eighteen and invincible unfortunately does not carry on until later years. So watch where the zip is and where your shoes are.  ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 26 September, 2012, 09:18:30 pm
Tut. That is all cured by becoming middle aged whereby mid comfy sleeping bag nocturnals revert to you are guaranteed to need to go to the bog. The carrying of eight pints I am only eighteen and invincible unfortunately does not carry on until later years. So watch where the zip is and where your shoes are.  ;D

I don't think age or even beer comes into it.  If it's warm and snuggly, a 3am bog visit is guaranteed.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 26 September, 2012, 09:23:40 pm
Not actually bought today, but a few weeks ago. The behemoth, that some of you sat in during the 2010 Hampshire camping weekend, has been replaced by an enormously expensive Outwell Yellowstone Falls tent.  Have yet to attempt an erection.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 26 September, 2012, 10:13:42 pm
My, that is a big one!  So long and wide.  Be careful getting it up or you might do yourself a mischief.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: L CC on 27 September, 2012, 04:24:41 pm
Look forward to seeing it at some point. I'll never forget the time I spent getting intimate with your big thing.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: anotherdeadhero on 27 September, 2012, 04:28:56 pm
I just bought a new bivvy bag - an alpkit hunka xl. Mmm roomy! Kelp green too, for maximum stealth ...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 27 September, 2012, 05:29:10 pm
Look forward to seeing it at some point. I'll never forget the time I spent getting intimate with your big thing.

Jesus!  Funny how recollections differ.  My memory of that evening is of you glugging sloe gin from a Sigg flask, and holding forth about tossing off pigs for a living  ???

Clarion sat in the corner rocking and gibbering away to himself.

 
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: rogerzilla on 27 September, 2012, 06:11:12 pm
She's the Rebecca Loos of yacf.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 27 September, 2012, 06:14:15 pm
I, for one, will never be able to think of Brooks saddles in quite the same way...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: L CC on 28 September, 2012, 08:42:08 am
I, for one, will never be able to think of Brooks saddles in quite the same way...
It's only since I stopped working there I've been able to use one myself.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 28 September, 2012, 01:50:56 pm
Tut. That is all cured by becoming middle aged whereby mid comfy sleeping bag nocturnals revert to you are guaranteed to need to go to the bog. The carrying of eight pints I am only eighteen and invincible unfortunately does not carry on until later years. So watch where the zip is and where your shoes are.  ;D

I don't think age or even beer comes into it.  If it's warm and snuggly, a 3am bog visit is guaranteed.

My sleeping bag's zip can be undone from either end. I can only think that the reason for the southern approach is so that a chap can micturate without getting out of bed.

I have yet to try this.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: L CC on 28 September, 2012, 02:15:07 pm
Tut. That is all cured by becoming middle aged whereby mid comfy sleeping bag nocturnals revert to you are guaranteed to need to go to the bog. The carrying of eight pints I am only eighteen and invincible unfortunately does not carry on until later years. So watch where the zip is and where your shoes are.  ;D

I don't think age or even beer comes into it.  If it's warm and snuggly, a 3am bog visit is guaranteed.

My sleeping bag's zip can be undone from either end. I can only think that the reason for the southern approach is so that a chap can micturate without getting out of bed.

I have yet to try this.

It's so that those of us who like to, can use our feet as cooling fins.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 28 September, 2012, 03:19:30 pm
It's so that those of us who like to, can use our feet as cooling fins.

Quite.

Also provides limited ability to stick your feet out and walk around while staying warm, which is more useful when you're not actually camping.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 28 September, 2012, 03:36:10 pm
My zip only goes down the bag to just below my waist, though. The only thing I could stick out of that hole is of far too small a surface area to be any use at all as a cooling fin.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 28 September, 2012, 03:38:28 pm
My zip only goes down the bag to just below my waist, though. The only thing I could stick out of that hole is of far too small a surface area to be any use at all as a cooling fin.

*boggle*

I'd have thought that would depend on how hot it is...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 28 September, 2012, 03:40:03 pm
My zip only goes down the bag to just below my waist, though. The only thing I could stick out of that hole is of far too small a surface area to be any use at all as a cooling fin.

*boggle*

I'd have thought that would depend on how hot it is...

These days, not very.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: rogerzilla on 03 October, 2012, 09:18:16 pm
A secondhand Coleman suitcase stove because (a) I like cleaning up and rebuilding them and (b) the butane stove we have for family camping is hopeless, with all the power of a Bic lighter even with a full gas bottle.  And it takes up way too much space in the car when you add on that huge steel bottle, and it's a pain to connect the hose every time.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MercuryKev on 04 October, 2012, 07:26:32 am
A 5l can of panel wipe to use as an alternative fuel in my Coleman dual fuel lantern.  Only £15 from here: http://www.metalflake.co.uk/product_details.php?id=PWS050
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: nobby on 04 October, 2012, 08:19:37 am
Another stove:
http://bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk/pages/contact.html

I bought the smaller one and found in kitchen trials that it works better under my pot (http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/product513.asp?PageID=100) which is broader than my Ti mug and made of thinner metal.

I'm not keen on meths but it will make a light back up for my hexy burner (http://www.backpacking-lite.co.uk/diy/make-an-ultralight-multi-fuel-stove.html)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: triceratops on 07 October, 2012, 08:00:59 am
Got my Solo wood stove yesterday and tried it in the garden. Excellent little tool.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MercuryKev on 07 October, 2012, 09:53:04 am
Took delivery of a Caldera Cone meths stove kit for my MSR Titan Kettle - http://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/trail_designs_caldera_cone_stove_for_msr_titan_kettle.html

It's a pretty nifty bit of kit that allows you to boil a pot of water on a thimble full of meths.  It's also really stable, it would take a significant knock to tip your pot over, and it is silent on operation.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: rogerzilla on 07 October, 2012, 10:08:29 am
£37?  I need to start making stuff like this.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MercuryKev on 07 October, 2012, 10:42:49 am
£37?  I need to start making stuff like this.

Indeed and the stove is made out of 'recycled aluminium products' i.e. old coke cans.  A guy on the Outdoor Magic forum has produced a script that allows you to tweak parameters based on different pots and stoves and outputs a template for a cone.  http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/forum/gear/the-caldera-clone/22357.html

I could not be bothered with all that pish, however.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: rogerzilla on 07 October, 2012, 08:22:09 pm
A 5l can of panel wipe to use as an alternative fuel in my Coleman dual fuel lantern.  Only £15 from here: http://www.metalflake.co.uk/product_details.php?id=PWS050
Let me know how it works.  That's just under half the price of Primus Power Fuel (sold by Cotswold Outdoor, £6.30 a litre if you have a National Trust card and get 10% discount). 

Mind you, the best quality low-odour white spirit is £6.99 for two litres and burns very well if you treat it as kerosene in a multifuel stove.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MercuryKev on 07 October, 2012, 08:43:57 pm
A 5l can of panel wipe to use as an alternative fuel in my Coleman dual fuel lantern.  Only £15 from here: http://www.metalflake.co.uk/product_details.php?id=PWS050
Let me know how it works.  That's just under half the price of Primus Power Fuel (sold by Cotswold Outdoor, £6.30 a litre if you have a National Trust card and get 10% discount). 

Mind you, the best quality low-odour white spirit is £6.99 for two litres and burns very well if you treat it as kerosene in a multifuel stove.

It's pure hexane, so at the lighter end of the Naptha scale, and the feedback on the Bushcraftuk forum is that it burns well in lanterns and stoves (http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=94673&highlight=TETROSYL).  I've still to use it in anger but I'll let you know how I get on.  By the way delivery was free and it turned up in 2 days.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: epa611 on 14 October, 2012, 10:34:54 am
A Kelly Kettle  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: epa611 on 19 October, 2012, 08:30:23 pm
2x packets of Maya sticks, and a Hultafors knife
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MercuryKev on 19 October, 2012, 10:47:02 pm
I just received the Mountain Laurel Designs Trailstar which I ordered from the US 6 weeks ago.  It's essentially a big pentagon of Silnylon that can be viewed as a very basic tent or a quite fancy tarp.  The backpacking nerds have been raving about them so I though I'd see what all the fuss was about.
Title: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: bumper on 20 October, 2012, 02:58:13 pm
Purchased a new black oxide leatherman wave to replace a rebar. The rebar is covered in rust, even after being regularly oiled :( it is now relegated to the shed!

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Jon P on 20 October, 2012, 08:32:20 pm
I just received the Mountain Laurel Designs Trailstar which I ordered from the US 6 weeks ago.  It's essentially a big pentagon of Silnylon that can be viewed as a very basic tent or a quite fancy tarp.  The backpacking nerds have been raving about them so I though I'd see what all the fuss was about.

I noticed Chris Townsend using something like that on his blog photos, I used my new TarpTent Moment on a backpacking trip recently and though it wasn't as comfortable as my regular tent I really noticed the ease of pitching, extra room in pack and maybe weight saving too.  For cycling, I really don't understand why anyone should need more than this as if the weather's that bad you wouldn't enjoy cycling in it, would you?  Will you be using a bivvy bag inside it? - I got a Wild Country one that only weighs 200g.

Would probably be a good business opportunity for someone to import these as the custom charges take ages and the postage is prohibitive, as you point out.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MercuryKev on 20 October, 2012, 11:51:31 pm
I noticed Chris Townsend using something like that on his blog photos, I used my new TarpTent Moment on a backpacking trip recently and though it wasn't as comfortable as my regular tent I really noticed the ease of pitching, extra room in pack and maybe weight saving too.  For cycling, I really don't understand why anyone should need more than this as if the weather's that bad you wouldn't enjoy cycling in it, would you?  Will you be using a bivvy bag inside it? - I got a Wild Country one that only weighs 200g.

Would probably be a good business opportunity for someone to import these as the custom charges take ages and the postage is prohibitive, as you point out.

It is the shelter that Chris Townsend has been raving about, which is how I first became aware of it.  I also managed to dodge any customs charges so it only cost around £130 including postage, which is pretty good value for a hand made piece of kit.

I'm not planning on using a bivvy bag, I've got an Oookworks bathtub floor that I can use but I've also ordered an Oookstar nest for it.  This is essentially an inner tent for the Trailstar and the whole weight for the Trailstar and nest will be around 1kg.

I pitched it for the first time today and the space inside is very impressive.  It's also very easy to pitch.  You can see the Oooktub lurking at the back in this picture:

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8048/8106738544_84fc763bce_z.jpg)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Jon P on 24 October, 2012, 11:02:29 pm
Looks great, I might have been tempted myself if I'd known about them, but I'm also v happy with my Moment which I successfully pitched in coffin-sized spaces 2 nights running when I was nearly benighted on the hilltops and hunting for a water source - will try to upload some pics and do a write-up sometime.  The room in the porch is just what you want, sling gear around and cook freely, though I did manage to fit all my gear including rucksack in mine AND cook quite safely with the fly closed during rain, believe it or not (though I'm sure some people here will say I'm lucky I didn't burn myself to the ground ...).  The main inconvenience I find with it is the low height at the foot ends which means it's easy to catch the canopy with your head which brings down a lot of condensation drips - wouldn't matter in summer but for 3-season use I'd probably take my regular one in future at 1kg more.  I got this for potential unicycle-packing trips and airport stops as it can be pitched without pegs using a second crossover pole.

The Ookworks also do a mod to the Moment to fit a T-zip to the inner so the whole front can be opened up.  Very useful site for any repairs or mods that ever need to be done.
Title: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: bumper on 15 November, 2012, 03:39:05 pm
Yesterday:

Another Alpkit timug and an Alpkit ticup. The cup fits inside a jetboil if anyone is interested! I like Alpkit stuff.

A Bulin t4-a stove, arrived today. Amazing for the price!


Today:

A cheap MSR pocket rocket clone and a clone of an Optimus stove. These fit inside my mugs.


I have developed a stove fetish over the years!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: TimO on 06 January, 2013, 04:31:17 pm
Following a brief visit to Decathlon, an aluminium cup which could be useful, mainly because it has 100, 200 and 300ml markings on it.  I also got some cheap waterproof matches, which admittedly aren't in plastic containers like some of the previous ones, but at £3 for four packs, they're cheap enough that they're handy to have.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: peliroja on 08 January, 2013, 12:01:52 am
Four lightweight Exped tent pegs to supplement our dying collection of Hilleberg pegs.

Oh, and a big rucksack for Woolly so we can do overnight hikes in Tasmania while our bicycles wend their way slowly home through the waves (we're shipping them back on a boat).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: LEE on 12 January, 2013, 11:44:08 am
Well ..it was all a Christmas present from my Wife (with careful prompting of course)

Trangia 27 UL with anodised pans.  Additional Gas burner, some Ti cutlery and some fuel bottles.

The Trangia kettle was additional but it still fits inside the pans, the burner fits inside the kettle and so it doesn't increase packing size at all.

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UdvrS64VO_w/UPFMBIcqW5I/AAAAAAAAAzE/K6MRBHLT174/s640/Camping%2520gear.jpg)

Not shown is a Thermarest 25 Chair adaptor (that turns my big Alpkit Airic into an amazingly comfy chair)

Yes..I'm a lucky boy
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jogler on 12 January, 2013, 11:49:32 am


Yes..I'm a lucky boy

You certainly are :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: peliroja on 12 January, 2013, 12:07:55 pm
We have the same Trangia 27. It's been absolutely brilliant during our trip and has allowed us to eat proper meals, even in the most remote places. Though, the anodised pans have now lost all their coating. We simply love our little kettle, and to think we nearly left it at home!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: TimO on 13 January, 2013, 11:04:22 am
... We simply love our little kettle, and to think we nearly left it at home!

How else would you have a proper cup of tea?!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: delthebike on 04 March, 2013, 05:34:52 pm
These might be worth a punt on Thursday at Lidl stores. Some of the light weight camping retailers have similar items but at 2-3 times this price!
http://www.lidl.co.uk/cps/rde/xchg/lidl_uk/hs.xsl/index_39715.htm
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: geraldc on 06 March, 2013, 10:23:17 am
Spent the first night under canvas this year over the weekend.

We've moved to old man camping, ie everyone turning up with in cars with bootloads of equipment.

However we had a dutch oven! From here http://www.dutchovens.co.uk/

Which was effectively this place http://www.ronniesunshines.com/

Dutch ovens are awesome, and now I have a share in one, I shall have to use it more often. Very good at slow cooking food.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 06 March, 2013, 11:01:53 pm
These might be worth a punt on Thursday at Lidl stores. Some of the light weight camping retailers have similar items but at 2-3 times this price!
http://www.lidl.co.uk/cps/rde/xchg/lidl_uk/hs.xsl/index_39715.htm

Quote
Our website is temporarily unavailable. Please try again later.
I do wish people could be bothered to type the couple of words that say what "this" is  >:(
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Deano on 06 March, 2013, 11:03:51 pm
It was working earlier in the week - they were tiny plastic grips so you can pick up the edge of a hot pan.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: tiermat on 15 March, 2013, 10:53:47 am
A camping coffee maker and some flasks, from SportPursuit, so they will arrive just before the next ice age.  Nice and cheap, especially as I had £15 bonus to spend from other people ordering on there!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: marcusjb on 17 March, 2013, 05:17:43 pm
A Rab ascent 500 sleeping bag - http://rab.uk.com/products/sleeping-bags/ascent_1/p-ascent-500-p.html

Whilst I live camping, it is mostly done in high summer (and often not in the UK), so I have a 2 season bag from mountain hardwear.

I plan to camp on the first Wessex Series weekend at the start of April. So I ordered a new bag for this purpose. Seems very nice indeed.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Speshact on 17 March, 2013, 10:19:33 pm
A long Alpkit sleeping bag off eBay for rather less than they are new  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 02 April, 2013, 09:43:52 pm
A Snow Peak 900 ml cookset (http://www.snowpeak.com/cookware/backpacking/trek-900-titanium-scs-008t.html ). Since I've got the GigaPower stove, a 700ml cook pot and a double-walled mug, the nesting possibilities are starting to multiply. FWIW, the 900ml cookset will hold a 220 gram cartridge and a GigaPower stove, and the Snow Peak windscreen stows very nicely around the base of the cookset.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Juan Martín on 06 April, 2013, 07:09:52 pm
The Lidl house on the prairie. A 1.5kg 2-man tent for under fifteen quid. Now I am not expecting a great deal of this, but hopefully it will keep the rain off and save me from dying from exposure on the Rutland camping weekend.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 06 April, 2013, 07:43:12 pm
I dropped into a camping shop in Bath last week and they just happened to have some MSR pressure fuel bottles on a discount. I bought a large one for £12. I can now venture forth with almost half a gallon of paraffin about my person in properly sealed containers.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: LEE on 06 April, 2013, 07:49:39 pm
The Lidl house on the prairie. A 1.5kg 2-man tent for under fifteen quid. Now I am not expecting a great deal of this, but hopefully it will keep the rain off and save me from dying from exposure on the Rutland camping weekend.

Single skinned?  You'd better hope it's not a cold night because single-skinned tents generate their own, internal, rainfall.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Juan Martín on 06 April, 2013, 08:02:57 pm
I'm doomed.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: cycleman on 06 April, 2013, 09:21:30 pm
just wear your rain gear in the tent and you will be fine  ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Juan Martín on 13 April, 2013, 07:13:22 pm
A tarp to use a groundsheet (it's from 'nam man) and headtorch so I will be able to spot where the leaks are coming from at night.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 13 April, 2013, 08:55:35 pm
Now you need some titanium pans to catch the drips.

(For reference, a metal pan put down to catch the drips in a small tent is surprisingly loud, and only just preferable to general sogginess.)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: rogerzilla on 15 April, 2013, 09:18:07 pm
Dutch ovens are awesome
indeed they are, if you want to get your own back after your sleeping partner's last big fart has passed over.

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=dutch%20oven
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dibdib on 02 May, 2013, 10:07:46 pm
My first "proper" multitool (not a cheap petrol station one), a Leatherman Skeletool. So pretty! And a few other bits and pieces.

Tomorrow I'll be back at Go Outdoors for a thermarest-shaped-object, as mine has vanished off the face of the earth!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dibdib on 06 May, 2013, 09:45:24 am
(as I'm sure it'll get mentioned anyway...)

... and a Vango Omega 350, as I managed to get past Oxford on my way to the Rutland weekend before I realised that my tent was in the F*&^%&**%^&*%*&%&*%&%^ING GARAGE  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Marco Stefano on 06 May, 2013, 07:03:12 pm
Nearly... After coveting Canardly's Vango Banshee 300 next door in Rutland & having to get something very soon for Ms Marco & friend to DofE in, I am swaying between the 200 & 300.

Cycle touring potential beckons, & if I get the larger one I reckon Mrs Marco might be persuaded to undertake nights away by bike. And if I take it away myself, it will seem palatial-ish. And an extra 500g isn't much. Hmm.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 06 May, 2013, 08:26:42 pm
I think the 300 is well worth it for two (it fits barakta and I plus the usual amount of stuff reasonably well, anyway).  Fboab has a 200, and it's a bit snug for two people with any amount of kit.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Marco Stefano on 06 May, 2013, 09:29:50 pm
Thanks Kim. The deed has been done. I may be sleeping in the garden next weekend.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 06 May, 2013, 09:32:56 pm
Thanks Kim. The deed has been done. I may be sleeping in the garden next weekend.

How about a beer garden (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=65009.0)?   :demon:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Marco Stefano on 07 May, 2013, 06:39:49 pm
Thanks Kim. The deed has been done. I may be sleeping in the garden next weekend.

How about a beer garden (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=65009.0)?   :demon:

Stop it - you are very naughty. I won't get a pass out two weekends on the trot.
Another nice part of the country there, hope all have a good time.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 07 May, 2013, 08:53:45 pm
As I recall Kim pointed me at a bargainous purchase of said Banshee.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: L CC on 08 May, 2013, 03:01:26 pm
I think the 300 is well worth it for two (it fits barakta and I plus the usual amount of stuff reasonably well, anyway).  Fboab has a 200, and it's a bit snug for two people with any amount of kit.
The 200 is great for an adult + a child. As long as the child doesn't wriggle. It's my solo-camping tent.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 08 May, 2013, 07:49:01 pm
Some pegs and a heavyish inflatable air bed thing. I am going to try this and see if I prefer to self inflating mat.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: iainj837 on 10 May, 2013, 11:34:53 pm
Didn't buy today
Aventura 2 Man Dome Tent with porch
Halfords Mummy Sleeping Bag
Halfords Camping Mat
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Arellcat on 11 May, 2013, 04:38:43 pm
Feeling flush today Realised I have one month before my holiday, so have finally bought an Exped Synmat and an Alpkit Skyehigh bag.  Goodness knows I'll be cooking food next.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Jack `o Newbury on 14 May, 2013, 06:20:16 pm
 My first post , i bought the other day a footprint for my Bob Saunders Spacepacker Plus ,the tent is round so not easy to get . But my local Tesco provided the answer in the form of a childs swimming pool cover just slightly smaller than the fly sheet, ripstop plastic and fairly light all for the price of £8 . Most footprints cost £35 plus . Just got back from a 1000km tour of the West counties doing 2 Audax on the way and it did not let me down . also bought 4 season Thermarest Neoair , excellent in a word , very varied weather and cold at night , another thing i use from Tesco is a car window screen heat deflector to go under the Neoair and when using the Thermarest chair to stop punctures  , works really well and again cheap and very light , cost 47p .
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: cycleman on 14 May, 2013, 08:10:15 pm
a useful post :thumbsup:.jack'o newbury. welcome to the forum  :) 
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Speshact on 14 May, 2013, 10:23:34 pm
A Thermarest Z Lite Long. Don't have an immediate use for it, but at £3 in the charity shop window I was walking by I couldn't resist it.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: billplumtree on 17 May, 2013, 12:54:34 pm
Some meths for the Trangia, in advance of next week's Wee Scottish Camping Jaunt.

And so I stood in the queueue in the ironmongers, listening to the two people ahead of me.  One of who's sister is in a caravan in Scotland at this very moment, and was last heard of admiring the view over Loch Lomond to the snow-clad hills.  And who didn't bother undressing or going to bed t'other night in the gales, in case she had to make a run for it to escape a wind-borne flying caravan.

Still, she had a good laugh when I told her what the meths was for, so at least someone's day is a little brighter.  And I could always just drink it instead.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: cycleman on 17 May, 2013, 08:18:58 pm
a wild woodgas campstove mark 2 t   :) . i had a play in the garden with it this evening . ah woodsmoke  ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: David Martin on 19 May, 2013, 08:53:12 pm
Went shopping with my daughter for the bits she needs for her expedition. Daysack (Mountain Equipment 40l one) - really well thought out and designed sac with many little features that add up to being really good. Many wee pockets, tie down straps, ice axe loop, pole loops etc.
Lowe women specific 60+10 L backpack. One of the few that will shrink to her back size (xxs). A sleep mat and a rucksack liner. The shop had a special offer on with a free sleeping bag with any rucksack over 99GBP. Rachel spent 99 on the rucksack and we now have a snugpack 2 season sleeping bag in addition. Again it is a very well designed rucksack. We'll have a shakedown trip with that in a few weeks time.

Today we tested the day sack and got some stove practice. Walked over two of the local bumps, stopping for coffee in the old iron age fort on Auchterhouse Hill in the mist.
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2876/8755154770_976ef59627_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidmam/8755154770/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidmam/8755154770/) by davidmamartin (http://www.flickr.com/people/davidmam/), on Flickr
 
I'm a big fan of Trangias, but with the gas conversion and stainless lined pans, not the meths and alu pans. The aluminium cup was not favourably received on taste grounds. She'll pinch my plastic one instead. But the daysack fits perfectly and was no bother at all with a light (5kg) load).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: cycleman on 20 May, 2013, 09:09:40 pm
i bought a wild woodgas stove . real fire and smoke  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: loadsabikes on 21 May, 2013, 12:18:29 am
We will need a thorough review of that Chris with pictures.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Andrew on 21 May, 2013, 10:03:36 am
A Deuter Trek Lite 250 sleeping bag, £75 from Cotswold Outdoors

http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/fr/deuter-trek-lite-250-sleeping-bag-81310085?id_colour=2023
 
I've been looking for some time now for an affordable replacement for my years old bag, and this suited me about right.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: cycleman on 21 May, 2013, 10:52:22 am
i will have a play on my welsh trip next week and take my camera  :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 21 May, 2013, 06:44:29 pm
Trangia 27 ul with gas and non stick
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: RJ on 27 May, 2013, 08:12:19 pm
i bought a wild woodgas stove . real fire and smoke  :thumbsup:

Me too (and took it to Arisaig for Victoria Day) - it works  :thumbsup:

And from the Edinburgh Bargain Stores on Nicolson/Clerk St, a cheap (£9) stainless steel billy-can/stockpot-shaped (tall) 3-litre-ish pan, big enough to do pasta for 3.

(probably not for use together, though - or at least, not without a trivet)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 29 May, 2013, 08:27:30 pm
Bought a stainless Mora to add to the carbon steel one. 'It was like this officer........'
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: rogerzilla on 29 May, 2013, 10:14:22 pm
Not camping gear per se, but I did pick up the new car so I can go camping with Miss Z the elder this weekend.  It almost qualifies for the "ultra lightweight camping" thread, since there is limited space in an MX-5.  On the other hand, there is a lot more space for bikes in the garage compared to when the old BMW estate was in there  :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: LEE on 07 June, 2013, 03:37:08 pm
Victorinox Workchamp.

I wanted something between my old Victoinox and my Leatherman.  This fits the bill perfectly.

Decent size locking blade, scissors, small pliers and corkscrew of course (plus other usual bits and bobs, just a bit bigger)

It's a real handful of knife rather than a pocket knife like my other one.  I've never minded paying a premium for quality and I think Victorinox are quality items.

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4LhDGX1PRGU/UbHiWQ8QztI/AAAAAAAABLg/kKs-1c--Ta4/w958-h719-no/IMG_9114.JPG)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Juan Martín on 07 June, 2013, 08:09:18 pm
A Trangia. Just a basic one from an army surplus place on EBay. Unissued burner and windbreak thingy and used but good ex Danish army mess tin with handle and billy that fit together well but the assembly doesn't quite fit neatly into the windbreak - but good enough. It was very cheap, it boils water; it is good.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 07 June, 2013, 08:18:26 pm
Good choice, Capt S, you won't regret it.  I think that's quite similar to mine, but I think yours may have more tools.

Locking blade makes a lot of difference for practicality.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jogler on 08 June, 2013, 12:33:37 pm
From my lcs,one of these

http://www.theoutdoorshop.com/showPart.asp?part=PN33251&product=Trangia%20Trangia%2027/6%20Non%20Stick%20with%20Kettle

& one of these

http://www.theoutdoorshop.com/showPart.asp?part=PN33259&product=Trangia Fuel Bottle 1.0 ltr

As a suprise bonus I've found,in the spares box, a bottle cage that will accommodate the Trangia fuel bottle.This cage is secured via an adjustable clamp to fit various tube diameters so I can use it on any of the bikes in the fleet.

I am a happychappy
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Speshact on 08 June, 2013, 09:50:01 pm
A Blacks Octane 3, as raved about by others on this forum (e.g. http://www.woollypigs.com/2009/07/blacks-octane-3-tent/) , off eBay for a little under £100. Fingers crossed its as good as advertised.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 08 June, 2013, 09:59:34 pm
Ours was excellent.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: CrinklyLion on 08 June, 2013, 10:05:43 pm
A Blacks Octane 3, as raved about by others on this forum (e.g. http://www.woollypigs.com/2009/07/blacks-octane-3-tent/) , off eBay for a little under £100. Fingers crossed its as good as advertised.

I have that tent!  As in, the actual tent in that review, since I bought it off W&P :D

Sweaty Betty has only had a couple of trips out since she came to live with me.  But they've both been mighty fine trips, and if I can manage to pitch the tent and have it not fall down you know it really is a easy-to-pitch one!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Pedal Castro on 09 June, 2013, 07:15:09 am
I bought a fire steel, the Light My Fire Army version, and the slightly smaller Scout version for youngest daughter.

http://www.lightmyfire.com/products/sparking-fire-collection/swedish-firesteel-20.aspx (http://www.lightmyfire.com/products/sparking-fire-collection/swedish-firesteel-20.aspx)

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Jon P on 16 June, 2013, 07:53:12 am
Recently got one of these (http://www.fieldandtrek.com/karrimor-jagua75-95-bpk20-793021) - taking my daughter and a friend camping on the Baltic coast next week so got it for that, with a view to plenty of other outdoor trips with her in the future.  It's a bit over-specced for my needs (I went for a cheaper, smaller one via Amazon initially but cancelled as not in stock) but it is an awesome bit of kit, 20kg feels like nothing in it with the usual elfish attention to detail you get in modern products, my first Karrimor 70l rucksack was usually perfectly adequate for my needs but I would occasionally need a bit more space for extra kit.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: davelodwig on 16 June, 2013, 02:19:37 pm
A Hilleberg Akto  :)

After searching for a second hand one, A lovely letter and cheque popped through the door from old credit card provide for a large sum as a PPI refund. Then I realised I get 20% off at cotswold outdoor for being a Scout leader.

I went and picked up a brand new Akto this morning and it's lovely. I may put it up and nap in it shortly.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Jon P on 17 June, 2013, 01:27:26 pm
I've just been seam-sealing all my tents as found water can get in otherwise in foul weather, which we have more of now - clear bathroom silicon mixed with white spirit brushed on from the outside.  Never ever noticed this with my main backpacking tent until this March in Cornwall.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 18 June, 2013, 11:04:43 am
An Exped Synmat UL 7 arrived today courtesy of Bikepacker  :thumbsup: and is enjoying a test inflation.   Many thanks Bikepacker, especially for such prompt delivery. 

Mlle PB will be pleased at the reduction in weight of her touring load.  I on the other hand will puff and grunt under the extra grams of a Downmat 7.    :D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Andrew on 18 June, 2013, 11:24:48 am
Alpkit Hunka bivvy bag. After waiting and waiting for them to become available again (not to mention missing out previously) I've managed to order one - though albeit not in my first choice of colour. I'll not be a frequent user so didn't want to pay more. I've read good things of them so I'm hopeful.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Arellcat on 21 June, 2013, 10:57:28 pm
After chatting with MercuryKev this week about all things camping, I was inspired to try to sort out the rest of my gear list.  Today I picked up a Primus Express Spider, a couple of little Trangia-ish pots, and one of those plastic plates with the rubber sides.  I'll see how I get on with the aluminium pots, as I have distinctly unfond memories of the taste of an aluminium spoon when I was younger.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: snail on 22 June, 2013, 04:18:01 pm
3 dry bags for a fiver from Asda. They claim to be weather resistant not waterproof, and are 3 sizes - 2 litre, 4 litre and 8 litre. Hopefully good enough to keep things separate in my new Ortliebs  :D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: RJ on 23 June, 2013, 12:08:04 pm
A random assortment of stuff to make our car-based trip to the Uists and Harris a bit more comfortable (things to sit and lie on, a tarp/porch - stuff like that, mainly). 

The discovery that I get a very good discount at Cotswold means that we seem to have bought a lot of stuff there so far this year :-\ ;)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: DaleFTW on 23 June, 2013, 01:52:42 pm
Mozzie coils!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MercuryKev on 23 June, 2013, 09:45:00 pm
After chatting with MercuryKev this week about all things camping, I was inspired to try to sort out the rest of my gear list.  Today I picked up a Primus Express Spider, a couple of little Trangia-ish pots, and one of those plastic plates with the rubber sides.  I'll see how I get on with the aluminium pots, as I have distinctly unfond memories of the taste of an aluminium spoon when I was younger.

Good choice.  I told you I had many stoves and the Express Spider is my remote canister stove of choices, paired with an MSR Titan Kettle. 
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: pedalsheep on 27 June, 2013, 10:26:19 am
Quote
I told you I had many stoves and the Express Spider is my remote canister stove of choices
I used one on a recent trip to France and was very impressed with the way it continued to roar when there was only a tiny amount of gas left.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: RJ on 28 June, 2013, 01:06:03 pm
A random assortment of stuff to make our car-based trip to the Uists and Harris a bit more comfortable (things to sit and lie on, a tarp/porch - stuff like that, mainly). 

The discovery that I get a very good discount at Cotswold means that we seem to have bought a lot of stuff there so far this year :-\ ;)

And another random assortment of things, this time from Maplins, for charging devices away from the mains.

Slightly galling to have to step up from 12v to 230v in order to recharge camera batteries ::-), but no time to wrangle a neater solution
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Arellcat on 29 June, 2013, 10:22:24 pm
"Today I went to my LCS and I bought…"

- A pillow.  I liked the Exped one Tiso had, but I actually wanted a Klymit Cush Seat Pillow which of course they didn't have (though mail order is always an option), and in the end I went for a Trekmates one that was a fraction of the price.  I can always get fancy later if I want to.
- Some cutlery.  Titanium sporks and BPA-free spatulas are all very covetable but actually what I wanted was a simple knife and fork and spoon.  It took ages to find them, because they're in stealth dark grey* polycarbonate and were on the floor level shelf, leaving the money shelves to the brightly coloured sporks and food boxes.
- A folding cup, to match my folding-plate-chopping-board-thing.
- Moar gas.

Now to find a big aluminium tray to modify into a windshield for the stove.  My lap jointed one turned out to be not tall enough, which was a shame because it fits nicely into the cooking kit.

*to match my stealth grey tent, and therefore to be really hard to find if I drop them in the dark.  I have some luminous grip tape, but it's a bit hard on the fingers.  Obviously I need to find some clear heatshrink tubing now.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 30 June, 2013, 12:35:23 am
I use the adhesive Scotchlite tape for making-dropped-objects-easier-to-spot purposes.  Works incredibly well in situations where you can reasonably assume a torch/bike light is available (tyre levers and the like, as well as items used for loitering within tent).  I suppose clear heatshrink would have a higher washing up durability factor, but also a higher accumulating dishwater and going manky factor.

Has glow in the dark Sugru been invented yet?  That would be awesome...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Moultonaught on 05 July, 2013, 02:13:50 pm
Dutch army issue hooped Gore Tex bivi

https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=73284.0


 :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Moultonaught on 10 July, 2013, 09:25:58 am
cheap and cheerful self inflating mat: £13 from Tesco.

http://www.tesco.com/direct/tesco-self-inflating-mattress/207-5004.prd?pageLevel=&skuId=207-5004

2.5 cm thick when inflated 55cm wide and 183 cm long with straps to roll it. Tried it out for a few minutes in the garden and feels surprisingly comfy. Should be ideal for overnight or short trips.

Handily it's exactly the same with as my Moustache bars so I can strap it across my SQR bag  and not worry about it :)

I phoned Tesco at 5pm to check stock levels in the Aylesbury store and they had 8 in stock. When i got there at 9 pm there were only 5 left.

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Arellcat on 10 July, 2013, 10:19:33 pm
I use the adhesive Scotchlite tape for making-dropped-objects-easier-to-spot purposes.

In the end, I wrapped some spare yellow reflective tape around the ends of the cutlery.  Works great!

Today I picked up a sort of microfibre towel which, having washed my hair this evening, I've just realised I forgot to roadtest.  :facepalm:  I also bought a sleeping bag liner to use as a ultra light bag, because I'm off this weekend and I'm worried my down bag and stealth grey tent will give me heatstroke if the weather carries on like this.

I can also confirm that while the Trekmates cutlery is excellent, the Trekmates inflatable pillow is crap.  I had to shop around and Tiso et al. didn't have it, but I managed to find someone selling the Exped pillow in large.  What a difference in comfort!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MercuryKev on 10 July, 2013, 10:52:04 pm
I managed to find someone selling the Exped pillow in large.  What a difference in comfort!

I use a medium Exped air pillow with a Thermarest downpillow on top - comfy stuff
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: bloomers100 on 14 July, 2013, 10:05:37 pm
Well, we've had it a week but I hadn't got round to posting. We're doing Mildenhall in it on our way to Holt be sure to come by to say hello.

(http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx158/Bloomers100/IMG_4177_zps802b7645.jpg) (http://s751.photobucket.com/user/Bloomers100/media/IMG_4177_zps802b7645.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Oaky on 14 July, 2013, 10:08:17 pm
You are Shaggy AICMFP!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: bloomers100 on 14 July, 2013, 10:09:41 pm
and you are Thelma AICMFP but you are a rock hard fixie b'stard also!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: bloomers100 on 14 July, 2013, 10:12:06 pm
(http://thethingaboutlifeis.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/258438986_2cbd472db2.jpg)

not quite the same   :P
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: bloomers100 on 14 July, 2013, 10:13:48 pm
(http://www.welovestyles.com/wp-content/gallery/scooby-doo/scooby-doo-tv-02.jpg)
That's Oaky in the front seat, I'm sure OD is in there somewhere, probably Scooby Doo himself!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Oaky on 14 July, 2013, 10:28:39 pm
I'm sure OD is in there somewhere, probably Scooby Doo himself!

I think you're onto something there!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: bloomers100 on 14 July, 2013, 10:35:03 pm
Although Shaggy's grimace is the same as OD's default photo face.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Oaky on 14 July, 2013, 11:25:39 pm
Although Shaggy's grimace is the same as OD's default photo face.

I thought that too initially until i remembered you were Shaggy.

Unless you want to be Daphne?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: bloomers100 on 15 July, 2013, 07:20:35 am
I'll be whoever you want me to be Thelma.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: bikepacker on 19 July, 2013, 11:55:25 am
Not actually brought it but my son has given me a belated birthday present of a Solar Competition 2 tent. He says it is for carrying as an emergency shelter if I can't find other accommodation.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: DaleFTW on 19 July, 2013, 12:20:47 pm
Currently hunting for a good titanium spork. Does it exist?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 19 July, 2013, 12:24:19 pm
Currently hunting for a good titanium spork. Does it exist?

I like my Snow Peak spork.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: DaleFTW on 19 July, 2013, 12:41:32 pm
Tempted by this - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Keith-Titanium-Spoon-Camping-Spoon-Titanium-Spork-with-Cover-Opener-KT311/230954327933?rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D261%26meid%3D9181520997545903056%26pid%3D100005%26prg%3D1088%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D5%26sd%3D330898023336%26

I like Keith Titanium. Simply because it's called Keith Titanium.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: billplumtree on 19 July, 2013, 01:03:45 pm
I like Keith Titanium. Simply because it's called Keith Titanium.

No.  Definitely, absolutely, a bit fat NO.  Naming bikes is fine, everyone should do it;  naming tents is a bit of a grey area.  But I am not going to start naming my sporks.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 19 July, 2013, 01:30:26 pm
We have a Light My Fire Ti spork.  I don't like it for eating with, but it's great for cooking.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: DaleFTW on 19 July, 2013, 01:49:23 pm
I think I have the plastic version. That's not a spork  :hand:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 19 July, 2013, 01:54:55 pm
The LMF not a spork? :o

It's the definitive item!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: DaleFTW on 19 July, 2013, 02:16:30 pm
The LMF not a spork? :o

It's the definitive item!

Its a spoon and a fork (and a knife). There's no integration...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 19 July, 2013, 02:18:40 pm
Not so.  While there is a spoon on one end, which is damn useful, the other end incorporates a fork with tines that work, enough of a bowl to be moderately useful, and a serrated cutting edge (not serrated on the Ti version).

Actually, I tend to use the back of the 'spoon' end for buttering duties.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: CrinklyLion on 21 July, 2013, 12:52:50 pm
Not bought by me, but the SmallestCub received from Granny Annie, for his 6th birthday present, his very own tin mug and spork.  This gift arrived in his hands two days after the birthday itself, since the Cubs had been away at their dad's until that point.  It got unwrapped from its paper, admired, then immediately packed in a rucksack and taken for its first ever night under canvas :D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: interzen on 21 July, 2013, 01:40:48 pm
Not bought by me, but the SmallestCub received from Granny Annie, for his 6th birthday present, his very own tin mug and spork.  This gift arrived in his hands two days after the birthday itself, since the Cubs had been away at their dad's until that point.  It got unwrapped from its paper, admired, then immediately packed in a rucksack and taken for its first ever night under canvas :D
How long d'you reckon it'll be until he asks for/demands an upgrade to titanium? :)

(along similar lines, I've just ordered a set of titanium pegs from Alpkit)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Pedal Castro on 24 July, 2013, 12:04:34 pm
I have also just ordered Ti spikes from Alpkit  ;D having just returned with 10 bent Al ones, this dry hot weather has made the ground pretty hard!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: DaleFTW on 24 July, 2013, 08:52:25 pm
Is there anyone, bar Alpkit, making Ti V-pegs at a sane price?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 26 July, 2013, 12:51:53 am
Bought last week, but unboxed and tested today: A standard cheap plastic airbed, GampingGaz-branded.  Chosen primarily on the basis of width and thickness: barakta's shoulders, for the preservation of (when motor-assisted camping in a tent-you-can-stand-up-in).

While the gear freak in me would much prefer an Alpkit Dozer or something, prior experience suggests that this is actually the best option for a decent night's sleep with a minimum of painkillers and crunchiness in the morning (which translates to ability to do things like ride bikes).  It's also a fraction of the price, and a fraction as durable.  Thermal insulation can be had in the form of heavy sleeping bags.  It'll do.

I'm quite impressed with the valve design, which while not entirely barakta-friendly does allow you to disconnect the pump (yes, you need one of those too) without accidental deflation.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 26 July, 2013, 07:37:03 am
We've toured with an inflatable airbed and pump. You can improve insulation by putting a blanket either on or under the airbed.  :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 26 July, 2013, 07:47:51 am
We have a Light My Fire Ti spork.  I don't like it for eating with, but it's great for cooking.

We have three.  Great for cooking and eating imo.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 26 July, 2013, 10:00:20 am
It's personal choice.  I find Ti leaves a taste in the mouth, which is why we don't use Butterfly's lovely Ti mug.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 26 July, 2013, 10:09:02 am
Hmmm - I had not noticed as such.    I will have to do a test now...   
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: RichForrest on 27 July, 2013, 01:36:24 pm
Just been into Gocamping and got a Zephyros 1 man tent http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/wild-country-zephyros-1-backpacking-tent-p204342

It's listed as £108 but managed to get it for £80.10 due to their price guarantee + 10% deal  :thumbsup:

It's listed online at Sports direct for £85 so asked for the discount and got it  ;D ;D

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: interzen on 27 July, 2013, 02:25:02 pm
Is there anyone, bar Alpkit, making Ti V-pegs at a sane price?
Not that I'm aware of, although having said that I haven't had a look on fleaBay.

If you're after some Ti V-pegs then I have a set of 10 Alpkit ones that are a) have never been used and b) are unlikely to get used 'cos I've got some Ti spikes and they're a bit more suited to my particular use-case than the V-pegs.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Deano on 05 August, 2013, 02:29:43 pm
Coughed up for some Coleman fuel to clear out my multi-fuel stove after chucking petrol through it for months. £8 a litre!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 09 August, 2013, 02:35:17 pm
(http://www.welovestyles.com/wp-content/gallery/scooby-doo/scooby-doo-tv-02.jpg)
That's Oaky in the front seat, I'm sure OD is in there somewhere, probably Scooby Doo himself!

Indeed. That's a lightly modified reindeer costume.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: RichForrest on 10 August, 2013, 12:41:14 am
A 4 season sleeping bag reduced from £120 to £30 in the Gooutdoors sale
Looks like I'll be out in the cold over the winter, planning to get to the ALC early birds meet in January.
Dawn sayd I can go on my own  ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: nikki on 13 August, 2013, 10:43:34 pm
Some bacon and a couple of packets of Minstrels :)  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: guerilla on 19 August, 2013, 01:16:46 pm
alpkit y beam tent pegs - hoping these will be able to get into the ground without folding in hald like the ones supplied with my vango banshee.

alpkit torch lantern thing - looks pretty good for 12 quid, except i bought it with the intention of hanging it up on a hook in my tent which doesnt exist.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Jaded on 19 August, 2013, 09:31:46 pm
Some clam cleats, following recommendation on here, by andrewc I think.

They haven't arrived yet.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 19 August, 2013, 11:13:46 pm
Some clam cleats, following recommendation on here, by andrewc I think.
Actual cleats, like these (http://www.cleats.co.uk/home/details.asp?id=2), or pegs?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 21 August, 2013, 09:06:49 pm
Ali tent pegs sports direct 'sale'
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Jaded on 21 August, 2013, 09:43:16 pm
Some clam cleats, following recommendation on here, by andrewc I think.
Actual cleats, like these (http://www.cleats.co.uk/home/details.asp?id=2), or pegs?
[/quote

Tent pegs - they look great. Blue.

Can't wait to try them out, but will have to.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 22 August, 2013, 05:16:04 pm
Tent pegs - they look great. Blue.
Can't wait to try them out, but will have to.
Those Y pegs are good. The only problem is that they can be a bit hard on the hands if you just push them in.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: DaleFTW on 22 August, 2013, 05:18:41 pm
Y pegs make no sense. They offer nothing over V pegs.

I've just bought a Primus Trek Kettle as I wanted a frying pan.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 22 August, 2013, 05:28:08 pm
IME they do as effectively having a 'spine' they are far more resistant to bending.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: DaleFTW on 22 August, 2013, 05:34:26 pm
This is git scientific, I know, but I've got a dozen of each - 3 Y pegs are bent, 0 V pegs.

The weak point at the top is noticeably bigger on V pegs.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: LEE on 22 August, 2013, 05:48:07 pm
Those Y pegs are good. The only problem is that they can be a bit hard on the hands if you just push them in.

That's what cycle mitts and SPD cleats are for.

You push them in with the leather padded bit of your mitt then hit them with your cycling shoe.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: bikepacker on 22 August, 2013, 05:49:26 pm
Not actually brought it but my son has given me a belated birthday present of a Solar Competition 2 tent. He says it is for carrying as an emergency shelter if I can't find other accommodation.

Decided I didn't like the Solar with it's slow set up also never really been a fan of TN. Went back to where he got it from had a refund. then visited Trekitts in Hereford. There purchased a Hilleberg Anjan 2gt. If I am allowed an emergency tent it might as well be a good one.  :thumbsup: They did a good deal and very friendly lot.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 22 August, 2013, 06:38:08 pm
   ;D nice emergency tent!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: TheCrazyTravel on 25 August, 2013, 04:52:26 am
One stainless steel pot: MSR Alpine Stowaway 1.6L

I don't like titanium (I have one smaller pot) neither "hard-anodised aluminium" (my frying pan got completely bended in less than a week). So a bit extra weight but more durability and better heat transmission with this pot, I hope.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: guerilla on 03 September, 2013, 10:39:56 am
IME they do as effectively having a 'spine' they are far more resistant to bending.

^this. The second moment of area must be better on a comparable sized Y than a V
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: DaleFTW on 03 September, 2013, 11:10:32 pm
Anyone want to buy a GSI Soloist panset?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: DaleFTW on 06 September, 2013, 05:24:27 pm
Anyone want to buy a GSI Soloist panset?

This - http://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/equipment-c3/kitchen-stuff-c8/pots-and-pans-c9/pinnacle-non-stick-soloist-backpacking-cookset-p1083
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: JT on 07 September, 2013, 11:14:06 am
Anyone want to buy a GSI Soloist panset?

This - http://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/equipment-c3/kitchen-stuff-c8/pots-and-pans-c9/pinnacle-non-stick-soloist-backpacking-cookset-p1083

I've got that cookset - it's brilliant.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: DaleFTW on 08 September, 2013, 11:20:19 pm
Aye, it's good. Pan, mug, spork, lid, water bag. I'd even throw in a homemade pot cosy and windshield.

I wanted a frying pan lid, so I've moved to a Primus Trek Kettle.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 10 September, 2013, 09:53:14 pm
Not bought: Made for us, which is so very kind.

Made by Hazel Constance, no less, the author of 'Gear For Outdoors & How To Make It' and 'Modern Lightweight Camping'.

(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2825/9717038299_88db4ee775.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/9717038299/)
DSCF1970 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93751227@N04/9717038299/) by TJ Clarion (http://www.flickr.com/people/93751227@N04/), on Flickr

Not sure how well you can see from that, but it's a camping cot, made from a self-inflating mattress with detachable sides held by lightweight poles, and it all fits into a tent bag.  There are even angled sides to replace the rectangular ones for when he grows and needs a childbed.

It will be coming out with us this summer, I think, if I get in any state to go camping.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 10 September, 2013, 09:57:10 pm
How utterly splendid  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: L CC on 11 September, 2013, 09:38:18 am
You do know they crawl after about 8 months, don't you? (6 if you're unlucky).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: LEE on 11 September, 2013, 09:58:07 am
You do know they crawl after about 8 months, don't you? (6 if you're unlucky).

Not a problem, it's for Clarion.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 11 September, 2013, 09:59:14 pm
You do know they crawl after about 8 months, don't you? (6 if you're unlucky).
You've seen our tent - there's nowhere for him to crawl to!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Speshact on 11 September, 2013, 11:21:39 pm
How utterly splendid  :thumbsup:
This
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: RichForrest on 20 September, 2013, 06:39:11 pm
Early christmas present of a Trangia 25-2

And a wood burning stove of the bay for £18 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/321201446487?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2648
Will have to try it out later and see how it works.

Rich
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: epa611 on 21 September, 2013, 11:26:08 am
Katadyn Vario water filter and a Patagonia Soft Shell (birthday yesterday ;D)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Vince on 28 September, 2013, 06:21:54 pm
Two Trangia 25s
160 tent pegs - That tent ain't gonna blow away agin! (Actually replacing all the bent pegs we incurred when pitching the Scout's tent in the rock of the Kent Show Ground)

and a ti spork for me.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: epa611 on 04 October, 2013, 08:25:08 pm
2x 1l Nalgene bottles and 2x Thermos mugs
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: flatline56 on 04 October, 2013, 11:44:13 pm
Just ordered a new tent - "Luxe Mini Peak II".  :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: DaleFTW on 06 October, 2013, 03:14:28 pm
Just ordered a new tent - "Luxe Mini Peak II".  :)

I'm just about to sell mine.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: flatline56 on 07 October, 2013, 01:10:51 pm
Just ordered a new tent - "Luxe Mini Peak II".  :)

I'm just about to sell mine.
??? Not to worry. Hopefully mine, will be with me today, depending on the courier van when he/she arrives. I really only wanted this tent or shelter for some good old cycle-touring, for next year. I've heard the Mini Peak II had issues with the mesh and hopefully there may of improved on that. Still, if the weather is kind at the weekend, I may pop it up and see how it looks. I have plans for walking the Cleveland Way, later this month, but I may scrap that and do the C2C instead and try out the Mini Peak II.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: DaleFTW on 06 November, 2013, 09:40:35 am
New stove. It weighs 10 grams at a cost of 20p.

(http://31.media.tumblr.com/2fbf819034754aae44ecdd43a895ac53/tumblr_mvsh1gNrvT1qbu8mlo1_r2_400.jpg)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: DaleFTW on 06 November, 2013, 09:45:54 am
(http://i40.tinypic.com/4l2e89.jpg)

It works as well, which is always a bonus  :thumbsup:

Brings a mug (600ml-ish) of water to the boil in just under 6 minutes.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Vince on 06 November, 2013, 09:52:07 am
Now that I like!

Not sure it was pass risk assessment to do it with the Scouts though.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: DaleFTW on 06 November, 2013, 10:03:42 am
Followed this video - https://vimeo.com/64726512

Been meaning to do it for a while, glad I did! I wanted a super small meths stove for a couple of overnight bikepacking trips.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 06 November, 2013, 12:39:09 pm
How's the fuel consumption?  Previous forumites who've dabbled with those designs have found that the weight saving is quickly cancelled out by having to carry extra meths...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: DaleFTW on 06 November, 2013, 06:53:34 pm
Very little tbh. I assume there's other burners out there that are even more frugal, but this will do me.

Certainly not after saving weight, just packs smaller. And meths is easier than gas to transport.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: davelodwig on 25 November, 2013, 12:29:21 pm
Merino baselayers from go outdoors

and a Titanium Spork :)

Am very warm and comfy.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 25 November, 2013, 03:56:08 pm
Where are you wearing the spork? :o
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: davelodwig on 25 November, 2013, 04:09:09 pm
I am using the spork to put tasty warm foodz in my cake hole.

While wearing lovely warm base layers.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: davelodwig on 02 December, 2013, 11:41:19 am
A Vango Omega 350

reduced to a reasonable (cheap) price online. I needed a tent a little more spacious for sharing with my girlfriend when on summer camp this year as a week sharing an Akto will be neither fun nor hygienic.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: epa611 on 10 December, 2013, 08:57:56 am
2x Exped Downmat 7 LW's
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: antokelly on 23 December, 2013, 01:48:29 pm
new Exped Synmatt ul7 from bikepacker super jobbi plus silk liner.
Down Quilt.
bib shorts.
thats about it until christmas day see if santy brought me anything.

happy christmas one and all.

anto.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: davelodwig on 02 January, 2014, 10:45:57 am
Didn't buy anything, but in the form of gifts for christmas.

Jetboil Zip, lovely is for micro adventures where the desire for tea is high but the willingness to carry the Trangia / Kelly Kettle is low.

Ticket to the Moon double hammock, beats either looking at each other across a gap or ending up on the floor trying to share a single hammock.

Not sure of the brand but a paraffin storm lantern, made in Germany smells wonderful produces a golden lovely light and is going to live with my tilley lamp.

A spork case, for saving myself from being stabbed by the titanium spork in my bag.

and finally a baby tea spork!! It's teh cutest.

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: alexb on 02 January, 2014, 04:12:40 pm
Bought myself a cheap camping mat to replace my lovely Alpkit Numo which I lost on a train journey :(
Planning a few warm weather bugouts this year (vaguely, not actually planning..)
Also got some seam sealant to start refurbing my ancient tent.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: rogerzilla on 11 January, 2014, 02:44:03 pm
Finally, a SVEA 123 (the "Swedish hand grenade") for the sensible price of £45.  This is the original made-in-Sweden one without the built-in cleaning needle, which is supposed to be more controllable than the current 123R.  Doesn't have the little aluminium pan but all sorts of things fit instead, probably my tin mug.

The seller has replaced the seals in the valve and the photos show it burning with a good strong blue flame.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 11 January, 2014, 02:53:22 pm
Finally, a SVEA 123 (the "Swedish hand grenade") for the sensible price of £45.  This is the original made-in-Sweden one without the built-in cleaning needle, which is supposed to be more controllable than the current 123R.  Doesn't have the little aluminium pan but all sorts of things fit instead, probably my tin mug.

The seller has replaced the seals in the valve and the photos show it burning with a good strong blue flame.

A friend of mine used to use one when he was in the army.  It went nova in the middle of a tinder dry field in Cyprus.... ;D

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Chris N on 15 January, 2014, 01:15:38 pm
New family tent - a Vaude Division Dome in the Cotswold sale.  Sleeps 5 with two bedrooms but not a monster tunnel tent - it's a dome so should be stable in the wind.  Need to wait for the weather to improve a bit then we can take the boy camping. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: rogerzilla on 18 January, 2014, 09:54:34 am
The SVEA works really well.  Doesn't niff like a Coleman when just turned off, either.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mike on 28 January, 2014, 07:29:38 pm
a new backpack... it's almost pant-wettingly well made, fits like a glove and I can't wait to get it out on the hills - it's a bright red macpac pursuit. 
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Tewdric on 28 January, 2014, 08:09:49 pm
a new backpack... it's almost pant-wettingly well made, fits like a glove and I can't wait to get it out on the hills - it's a bright red macpac pursuit.

I've had one for a few years - fantastic bit of kit as long as you're not carrying more than about 30-40 Lbs in it. 
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dave_C on 29 January, 2014, 08:55:15 pm
a new backpack... it's almost pant-wettingly well made, fits like a glove and I can't wait to get it out on the hills - it's a bright red macpac pursuit.

I like Macpac, so much so I bought an Ascent, twice.

Bought a new Rab Down Neutrino 400 sleeping bag today. Reduced from £285 to £142 from Tiso in Edinburgh.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: niggle on 12 February, 2014, 06:43:35 pm
A fortnight ago I bought a Coleman Pictor X2 from Fleabay for £80 posted. Pretty good value IMO.

http://www.coleman.eu/p-25311-pictor-x2.aspx

(http://www.outdoormegastore.co.uk/media/catalog/product/c/o/colemanpictorx22010.gif)

A bit heavy at 3.35Kg but it has a large porch and that weight does include the porch groundsheet which is 143g on my kitchen scales.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Vince on 13 February, 2014, 09:00:10 am
That's a good price. I would say that the Colmans that the Scouts use have had problems with the zips corroding into a blob of white powder and I don't think the tents have been put away wet.
I would suggest lubricating with some wax.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: niggle on 13 February, 2014, 11:54:29 am
That's a good price. I would say that the Colmans that the Scouts use have had problems with the zips corroding into a blob of white powder and I don't think the tents have been put away wet.
I would suggest lubricating with some wax.
This is definitely tent buying season for the frugal: stocks are just about running out now but Sports Direct have a few good deals on quality brands: http://www.sportsdirect.com/camping/tents/2-to-4-man-tents?dsearch=cat

Thanks for the tip re the Coleman zips  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 13 February, 2014, 02:41:59 pm
the Colmans that the Scouts use have had problems with the zips corroding into a blob of white powder and I don't think the tents have been put away wet.
That corrosion would normally be due to salt.
If the tents had been used somewhere coastal, there could have been some wind-blown sea spray. If the zip slider did get salty, drying wouldn't be enough if the tent was subsequently stored somewhere with occasional dampness as salt absorbs dampness from the air. You would have to actually wash to get rid of the salt.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 13 February, 2014, 04:01:01 pm
Makes sense. Sounds like pre-spraying with a silicone wax would be a good preventative measure.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: bumper on 14 February, 2014, 02:31:15 pm
Just had 250 litres of meths delivered. Okay, it's at work but it should keep my stoves running for a while :thumbsup:

Wish I could use IPA, got barrels of it!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dave_C on 14 February, 2014, 06:23:32 pm
Sounds like the zips are aluminum if they turn to white powder when wet?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: DaleFTW on 21 February, 2014, 11:31:23 am
A new tent.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: cycleman on 21 February, 2014, 07:51:48 pm
A trespass gas burner. As the case was broken only £10  :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Gus on 25 February, 2014, 09:33:11 pm

A Yeti Early bird 10.0 Thermo matt. It's the 10 cm thick edition  :smug: and not something you bring on your bicycle.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mcshroom on 25 February, 2014, 10:05:38 pm
OS Explorer Map - OL16: Cheviot Hills :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Vince on 03 March, 2014, 01:19:39 pm
A Trangia Mini, tea for the brewing of.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mcshroom on 03 March, 2014, 01:41:23 pm
A Peak Oyl Lite Sleeping Pad (reduced on Blacks site by rather a lot) and some feet to fit under a gas canister to stabilise my stove.

I like using a small screw on cooker, so the feet should make everything a bit more stable, and this weekend's adventure has persuaded me that my Vango 3/4 sleeping mat is a bit fiddly for use in colder conditions as you have to arrange other luggage under your legs and feet to keep them off the ground.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 04 March, 2014, 07:37:43 pm
Ditto ... bargainous! 4 season too. Well spotted once again 'Shroom old thing. Will see what longevity is like.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: DaleFTW on 04 March, 2014, 08:05:04 pm
A Multimat CCF mat from there. 5 season...  ;)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mcshroom on 05 March, 2014, 09:46:31 am
Good news is that the stuff has been dispatched. Bad news is that Blacks use Hermes to deliver :(
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 05 March, 2014, 12:20:34 pm
...some feet to fit under a gas canister to stabilise my stove.
I like using a small screw on cooker, so the feet should make everything a bit more stable
The best set of feet is the MSR version.
It's got one leg with a spring-loaded clamp, which means it should fit just about any canister. Canisters vary in size enough that the Markill and Primus feet can't be used with some canisters.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 06 March, 2014, 07:07:17 pm
Ditto ... bargainous! 4 season too. Well spotted once again 'Shroom old thing. Will see what longevity is like.

I've succumbed too.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 06 March, 2014, 07:56:26 pm
Peak Oyl arrived today. Warm to the touch and suspect will be comfy. V Light in comparison to my Alpkit mat.  A tad narrow for me but can live with that.  Extreme rating -18deg C.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Ruth on 06 March, 2014, 08:00:10 pm
Peak Oyl arrived today. Warm to the touch and suspect will be comfy. V Light in comparison to my Alpkit mat.  A tad narrow for me but can live with that.  Extreme rating -18deg C.

Ooh, I'll be most interested to hear your verdict on the mat Canardly, I love my downmat but I've lost some trust in it since other people's and my own failed, in various ways  :(

Having said that, the downmat performed admirably in snowy, haily and rainy weather last weekend.  I slept like a big fat snorey baby  :smug:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dave_C on 06 March, 2014, 11:31:35 pm
What Hylite Peak Oyl's are peeps buying?

Blacks appear to have four.  Two MTM (full length) mats at 2.5 & 3.5cm thick and two Petite (122cm long) on thick & thin.

I have two old thermarests thick and thin, but looking to get the petite lite as its very light at 380gms.  My thermarest lite full length packs small but is 900gms!! If I'm to save as much weight as possible then these are a real bargain to boot!

Cheers for the tip btw.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mcshroom on 06 March, 2014, 11:39:17 pm
I've bought the green one but in normal rather than long length (now sold out)

Unfortunately I received my first card from the courier this morning. Lets see what happens next time
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 06 March, 2014, 11:47:52 pm
I went for the red one in normal length. I decided that comfort trumps weight, as it's a bit thicker.

Have gone for the collect in store option so I don't have to faff with couriers!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dave_C on 07 March, 2014, 09:40:50 am
Thanks chaps, I have a store in Edinburgh (though the website denys this!) so I'm going to pop along at lunchtime.

Turns out we don't have a store in Edinburgh, so will try ordering online.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: roffa on 07 March, 2014, 01:37:05 pm
a litre of meths for the trangia and a petzl light.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 07 March, 2014, 08:46:32 pm
Peak Oyl descriptors are American so mine is a Mtn Regular 51 x 183 x 3.8cm, 690g R rating 3.5-5.0 Temp > 0 F Temp> -18C 4 season.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dave_C on 10 March, 2014, 07:36:55 pm
Well my Petite lite arrived today. Says its 122cm in the literature but my its longer than I expected!! I am 6ft or 183cm tall.

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p86/Dave_Crampton/20140310_193223_zpso6amfhaj.jpg
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dave_C on 12 March, 2014, 12:17:00 pm
Not really camping gear but just ordered a couple of

Alpkit Airloc Xtra bags.

They were much cheeper than I thought so I have ordered an 8ltr and a 20ltr. The aim is to put sleeping bag and bivi in the 8ltr on my handlebars and the 20ltr on the top of my Topeak Beam Rack (http://www.wiggle.co.uk/topeak-dual-side-frame-for-rx-beam-racks/?lang=en&curr=GBP&dest=1&utm_source=pla&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=uk&kpid=5300019696) . I was going to use a pannier but found that the sides come off easily with the hex key bolt, and this Airloc bag should sit nicely on top.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 12 March, 2014, 11:31:13 pm
a potlifter (http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/cooking-accessories/QE107.html), a long spoon (http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/cooking-accessories/QA102.html) and a stove lighter (http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/cooking-accessories/QD107.html)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Deano on 13 March, 2014, 01:46:18 pm
A smaller fuel bottle, the better to carry on a bike - it fits in a standard bottle cage.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 13 March, 2014, 03:00:24 pm
a potlifter (http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/cooking-accessories/QE107.html), a long spoon (http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/cooking-accessories/QA102.html) and a stove lighter (http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/cooking-accessories/QA102.html)

You light your stoves with the long spoon?  How multi-functional! ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dave_C on 13 March, 2014, 03:24:49 pm
a potlifter (http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/cooking-accessories/QE107.html), a long spoon (http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/cooking-accessories/QA102.html) and a stove lighter (http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/cooking-accessories/QA102.html)

You light your stoves with the long spoon?  How multi-functional! ;D

Yehh!! :D

I bought a flint striker after years of damp matches and then having to buy flare matches, which don't work as well as one would hope.

This is what I have: flint striker (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fire-Steel-Flint-Striker-Survival/dp/B006A1YOD2)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: rogerzilla on 14 March, 2014, 07:46:18 pm
Flints are no good for pressurised white gas stoves, though; with those, the main thing is to have the flame at the burner before you turn on the fuel, otherwise you can get a very alarming fireball.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 15 March, 2014, 01:10:02 am
You light your stoves with the long spoon?  How multi-functional! ;D
Oops! Must have been a copy error - shift-C or something :-[
Sparker, as on a lighter (http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/cooking-accessories/QD107.html). I've never really got on with the rod and scraper type of sparker.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 15 March, 2014, 01:15:56 am
Flints are no good for pressurised white gas stoves, though; with those, the main thing is to have the flame at the burner before you turn on the fuel, otherwise you can get a very alarming fireball.
Yes indeed.
The technique is to have a sufficient quantity of priming fuel that it doesn't burn out before the burner is hot, and use the sparker to light the priming fuel.
(it is quite likely that I'm used to different pressure stoves than you, so YMMV)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dave_C on 16 March, 2014, 08:34:32 am
I use the flint sparker on my MSR Whisperlite Universal just fine. It has a priming bowl at th foot of the stove. You open the pressurised tap for half a second and then close. This fills the bowl, which lights with a spark. Simples.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 03 April, 2014, 09:51:01 pm
Flints are no good for pressurised white gas stoves, though; with those, the main thing is to have the flame at the burner before you turn on the fuel, otherwise you can get a very alarming fireball.

The simmer control on my MSR Dragonfly is precise enough that I can easily get just the right amount of fuel in the cup to light it off with a flint sparker. The simmer control also lets me add a small quantity of fuel after the primer fuel is lit, without creating quite such a massive fireball. The massive fireball can be fun, though, as long as you're ready for it.

My recent purchases: Marmot Plasma 30 sleeping bag (water repellent 875 fill power down, water repellent shell, comfort rating of -1 degree C), and a Black Diamond Icon headlamp (head torch?). Do NOT turn on the Icon while looking at the bulb, unless you have plenty of spare time to let the spots clear from your vision. The Icon is more of a true mountaineering/caving headlamp, for trips where one expects to be routefinding or traveling in the dark. The Black Diamond Storm is probably a better choice for the cycle tourist, etc. who wants something for around the campsite after dark, or who might be traveling after dark. 
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Vince on 01 May, 2014, 09:11:22 am
On Saturday I bought 4 Vango Banshee 300s for the Explorer Scouts.

I just hope they look after them  :-\
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mcshroom on 01 May, 2014, 09:36:37 am
Vangos to tend to be the more scout-proof than most IME
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Deano on 01 May, 2014, 06:48:36 pm
A couple of gas canisters, two for six quid at Wilko.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dave_C on 02 May, 2014, 08:56:35 pm
I bought a Platypus, one of the glasses straps to keep my specs on and a new aluminium camping panset. Dome Cookset by Go Systems.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: nikki on 03 May, 2014, 07:51:13 pm
A chair; for all the sitting around I'm going to be doing at Long Itchington.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: davelodwig on 06 May, 2014, 05:07:07 pm
Vangos to tend to be the more scout-proof than most IME

I've always bought Vangos for the Scout Group, Reasonably priced and dependable. Easy enough for the kids to manage themselves and all cos I don't mind putting up a tent or two but have nightmares about having to put up dozens, some of which were greenlanders.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: epa611 on 11 May, 2014, 12:28:24 pm
MSR Titan Kettle and mug  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MercuryKev on 11 May, 2014, 06:23:13 pm
MSR Titan Kettle and mug  :thumbsup:


I've got a few Ti pots but my Titan Kettle is my favorite.  I love how the lid stays on when you pure out the water, big enough for a dehydrated meal and cup of tea, and you can store your stove in it or a big cannister.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 11 May, 2014, 07:12:46 pm
An Exped Schnozzel valve adaptor, as it seems to be the right size for mating the electric pump with a Downmat's inlet, and a lot less fiddly than MacGyvering a spare inner tube (which is in itself less effort than all the CPR required by the built-in pump).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Vince on 12 May, 2014, 01:28:37 am
Vangos to tend to be the more scout-proof than most IME

First use, they managed a 5 cm tear due to a caught zip :(
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Woofage on 14 May, 2014, 01:16:25 pm
DD Tarp. Just for fun 8)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mcshroom on 14 May, 2014, 01:18:39 pm
Vangos to tend to be the more scout-proof than most IME

First use, they managed a 5 cm tear due to a caught zip :(

:( - More does not mean totally. Which bit of the tent did they rip?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Vince on 14 May, 2014, 02:26:37 pm
Vangos to tend to be the more scout-proof than most IME

First use, they managed a 5 cm tear due to a caught zip :(

:( - More does not mean totally. Which bit of the tent did they rip?
Inner tent door, halfway around the zip.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dibdib on 15 May, 2014, 05:26:51 pm
Had a bit of an accident in Betws-y-Coed (and Llanberis) the other day. I went to price up new sleeping bags, as my very old Decathlon cheapie has pretty much no warming qualities whatsoever, and accidentally left with:


And no sleeping bag, of course. That'll have to wait until the next trip! Thankfully the nice bloke in Cotswold Outdoor believed me when I explained I'd left my CTC card at home, otherwise it would've been even more painful ;)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 18 May, 2014, 04:50:01 pm
Mrs Wow and I went to "Go Outdoors" in Pitsea for some bits-and-pieces prior to our trip on Thursday.

We bought some collapsible dishes, a collapsible washing up bowl and hat I thought would be a handy in-tent light: given that this last has an on and an off switch, one would have thought that it stayed on when one pressed the on button and turned off when one pressed the off button. It doesn't. It only stays on when you are pressing a button and that's no bloody good when it's hanging in the tent in the middle of the night.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Marco Stefano on 25 May, 2014, 12:42:33 pm
Helinox Chair One - Millets have 15% off at the moment (ends 27th May).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: campagman on 25 May, 2014, 08:29:37 pm
A three-legged stool from the Poundshop.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Deano on 27 May, 2014, 11:31:37 pm
Inflatable pillow from Aldi.

Nearly buying a quilt as a lighter alternative to a sleeping bag, too. Sadly funds don't really permit.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: bumper on 21 June, 2014, 11:07:07 am
The positive has just given me a box.

It contains a stainless steel solo pot 900 :D

I've had this specifically for bitb meals. All of my alpkit pots fit inside too :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Arellcat on 02 July, 2014, 07:47:01 pm
I was in Tiso a couple of days ago to spend a gift voucher (itself a reward for buying some new hiking shoes a while ago) and bought myself another Landranger map.  While I was browsing I had a quick climb inside a Wild Country Zephyros 2XL Lite, and was amazed at the space available for lanky Europeans.  240cm inside length is just what the doctor ordered.  Limited stock!, sale price!, etc. etc., so I decided to buy one.

Of course, now the weather is blowing a gale and raining.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dave_C on 15 July, 2014, 03:49:41 pm
Hi Arellcat, I have the Wild Country Zephros (heavy). At 1.5kg its not so bad but I like the quality of the materials comapred to my mates Lazer which is nearly a 1/3rd the weight. We we last camped he had to borrow pegs from me as his were just blowing out.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 28 July, 2014, 04:11:20 pm
An Exped Airmat 12LXW (http://www.exped.com/germany/en/product-category/mats/airmat-12-lxw), in the hope that it may be a better long-term mat solution for barakta than the cheap-but-shoulder-friendly CampingGaz airbed (http://www.campingaz.com/UK/p-26040-quickbed-airbed-single.aspx) she's been using recently.  We got a nasty reminder this weekend that cheap airbeds are only shoulder-friendly for as long as they hold air, and a visit from the p*nct*r* fairy can ruin your weekend, even if you do manage to patch the hole.

It appears to be made of the same stuff as DownMats, so should be orders of magnitude more durable, and includes the excellent Schnozzel phallic pump bag thingy.  The absence of filling means the packed size isn't that far off that of a DownMat.  Hopefully she'll get on with it.

They're currently unobtanium in the UK, so have ordered from a German site.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: RichForrest on 31 July, 2014, 11:57:37 am
Been looking at larger tents recently and have just ordered a A Vango Pulsar 300
It was a choice between that and an Octane 3
Not a lot in the weight difference .6kg but the Pulsar comes with a groundsheet for the porch and is in not such a bright colour as the new Octane  ;D
Also managed to find it online for £137 when the Octane was £180
1st trip will likely be across to Mildenhall :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: bumper on 31 July, 2014, 12:38:40 pm
A brand new army goretex bivvy
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 31 July, 2014, 02:18:36 pm
Been looking at larger tents recently and have just ordered a A Vango Pulsar 300
It was a choice between that and an Octane 3
Not a lot in the weight difference .6kg but the Pulsar comes with a groundsheet for the porch and is in not such a bright colour as the new Octane  ;D
Also managed to find it online for £137 when the Octane was £180
1st trip will likely be across to Mildenhall :thumbsup:

Oooh nice.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 31 July, 2014, 09:39:51 pm
Been looking at larger tents recently and have just ordered a A Vango Pulsar 300
It was a choice between that and an Octane 3
Not a lot in the weight difference .6kg but the Pulsar comes with a groundsheet for the porch and is in not such a bright colour as the new Octane  ;D
Also managed to find it online for £137 when the Octane was £180
1st trip will likely be across to Mildenhall :thumbsup:

Oooh nice.
Looks good :)
Don't forget to try it in the garden first ;)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: epa611 on 02 August, 2014, 07:23:23 pm
New double sim for car camping: Skandika Isomatte Deluxe Double (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/361007201127?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)

Less than half price from ebay Germany  :thumbsup:  ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: cycleman on 02 August, 2014, 11:38:16 pm
A ground sheet and a replacement handle for my trangia cooker  :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: D.A.L.E. on 04 August, 2014, 11:58:13 am
A brand new, very old, 2 person tent for me and the girlfriend. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: D.A.L.E. on 10 August, 2014, 11:02:51 pm
Another very old tent; this time the 1 person version of last weeks tent.

It narks a bit that I'm having to buy tents as old as me to get something that is actually useable.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 11 August, 2014, 07:35:57 pm
What did you get?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: D.A.L.E. on 12 August, 2014, 10:00:56 am
Terra Nova Solar 1 and 2.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 20 August, 2014, 09:03:56 am
A new/spare windshield for the stove. I had an old one which is 8 fold but are very hard to find in shops, so I found one on ebay.

I also bought to EasyAcc batteries and a folding solar panel.

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 20 August, 2014, 09:35:38 pm
And my Clarion's new pans arrived today. With the little duck and sometimes TGL needing quantities of whatever we eat, we needed some bigger pans. Ours were getting a bit tired, anyway. We have gone for the MSR Flex 3 ones, which have good reviews and are a reasonable size.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 20 August, 2014, 11:10:33 pm
They do look a decent size.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Mike Conway on 21 August, 2014, 08:49:51 pm
Alpkit Hunka bivvy bag arrived. I'm blown away by how small it is. I wouldn't do it, but it could fit in your cycling jersey pocket - it's that small.

Starting to think about lightweight weekend coastal trips with a night's bivvying on the beach...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 28 August, 2014, 09:47:05 pm
A new head torch as I accidentally gave mine to TGL. we also got a tent peg with a light on.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 04 September, 2014, 12:56:11 pm
Some more silk liners from Vietnam. Buy two get one free arrived today.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 04 September, 2014, 01:13:50 pm
Replacement pole for an Akto.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 04 September, 2014, 02:40:16 pm
Replacement pole for an Akto.
The poles for a Nammatj 2 (I think) are the same size as that for an Akto, but a bit thicker/stronger at 10mm rather than 9. May be worth considering if you break the pole again.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: campagman on 04 September, 2014, 08:14:30 pm
Replacement pole for an Akto.

May I ask where you got that pole from? Hilleberg or shop somewhere. I am after a Macpac pole and didn't know whether to chase Macpac or go to a local outdoor shop, of which there are few left near me. Is it a genuine Akto pole?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 04 September, 2014, 10:58:13 pm
Replacement pole for an Akto.

May I ask where you got that pole from? Hilleberg or shop somewhere. I am after a Macpac pole and didn't know whether to chase Macpac or go to a local outdoor shop, of which there are few left near me. Is it a genuine Akto pole?

http://www.climbers-shop.com/advancedsearch.aspx?Term=hilleberg%20pole
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dave_C on 08 September, 2014, 01:41:28 pm
Bought tent waterproofer after my tent tea bag failed to hold out much water after a very rainy weekend at Glenmore campsite.

Also bought jacket wash-in stuff to try doing the inner as well.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 09 September, 2014, 04:01:58 pm
Replacement pole for an Akto.
The poles for a Nammatj 2 (I think) are the same size as that for an Akto, but a bit thicker/stronger at 10mm rather than 9. May be worth considering if you break the pole again.

To follow up on this, it seems that Hilleberg (or their pole supplier) changed the design at some point after my tent was made.  My "9mm" poles were straight gauge, with ~8mm inserts at the joins (this is what had cracked).  New "9mm" poles are butted at the ends, with ~9mm inserts, presumably in order to add strength without too much extra weight.

The upshot of this is that today's replacement pole sections won't fit my old poles.

So in the interests of durability and availability of future spares, I've invested in a whole new-style 9mm butted pole, along with a spare section.

This does mean that I have a complete older pole (with no spare sections), which I could use to double-pole if I anticipated camping in gale force winds.  Word on the internets (as well as applied common sense) suggests this is much stronger that a single larger-diameter pole.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 03 October, 2014, 08:20:04 pm
Bought a 3/4 season large hollowfill bag for £35 inc del. Heavy, but lots of elbow room and very suitable for car camping. At half price too good not to really. Still have the down bag for bike touring and want to maximise its life.

http://www.mountainwarehouse.com/camping/sleeping-bags/3-4-season-sleeping-bags/summit-300xl-sleeping-bag-p11491.aspx?cl=KHAKI#product-text
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 03 October, 2014, 11:17:35 pm
Having decided that our pans were too small for us now that the little duck is eating what we do, plus sometimes TGL as well, I bought some MSR Flex 3 pans last month, having looked at various reviews on the internet. They seem very good, but after a rather unfortunate attempt at pancakes, I bought the frying pan to go with the set last week. Pancakes are a requirement and it gets expensive if you buy a new pan every summer (this has happened). Although it will take a couple of summers to recoup the investment in the pan over buying one from wilkinsons. ;D

MSR Flex also include cups and things but we prefer our sea to summit folding ones, so I didn't buy the full set.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: JBB on 13 October, 2014, 09:00:52 pm
Having listened to others on the forum I have just bought this http://www.franticelix.co.uk/outdoor-equipment-c3/tents-c53/big-agnes-jack-rabbit-sl2-tent-p657
Just need to put it up when we get a break in the weather. Getting a footprint looks a bit tricky. I may just go for a Tyvek one for now.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 15 October, 2014, 08:51:44 pm
A proper sleeping bag for barakta.  Another Mountain Equipment Dreamcatcher 650 (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=48350.0), to match mine.  They appear to have become unobtainum, which is a terrible shame, as there's an awful lot to be said for a decently warm sleeping bag that isn't overly restrictive, yet packs down properly.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 16 October, 2014, 12:36:00 pm
Another Mountain Equipment Dreamcatcher 650, to match mine.  They appear to have become unobtainum
I like my Dreamcatcher 500.
The only place I found to get a Dreamcatcher now is Bergzeit.co.uk (German site). I suspect that the stretchiness added a bit to the weight, and they decided they were losing sales because of it.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 16 October, 2014, 12:43:26 pm
Another Mountain Equipment Dreamcatcher 650, to match mine.  They appear to have become unobtainum
I like my Dreamcatcher 500.
The only place I found to get a Dreamcatcher now is Bergzeit.co.uk (German site). I suspect that the stretchiness added a bit to the weight, and they decided they were losing sales because of it.

Which is silly, as the stretchiness is the whole point.  It's a warmer, lightweight alternative to a rectangular bag, not a heavy alternative to a mummy bag.  If they weren't selling, it's because not enough people knew they existed, (I think at least partially because most retailers just lumped them in with the mummy bags and it wasn't particularly obvious that they were different).  Shame.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jsabine on 16 October, 2014, 09:37:17 pm
Another Mountain Equipment Dreamcatcher 650, to match mine.  They appear to have become unobtainum
I like my Dreamcatcher 500.
The only place I found to get a Dreamcatcher now is Bergzeit.co.uk (German site). I suspect that the stretchiness added a bit to the weight, and they decided they were losing sales because of it.

Which is silly, as the stretchiness is the whole point.  It's a warmer, lightweight alternative to a rectangular bag, not a heavy alternative to a mummy bag.  If they weren't selling, it's because not enough people knew they existed, (I think at least partially because most retailers just lumped them in with the mummy bags and it wasn't particularly obvious that they were different).  Shame.

To a point then you're suggesting that it's a combination of a marketing and a user education issue, but perhaps with part of the problem being that folk are conditioned to think rectangular = cheap, low quality, cold, while mummy = higher quality, warmer, more appropriate for anything other than low-level summer use while car camping. I wonder if there's a differentiation issue there too - I am fairly sure my ME bag isn't labelled as a Dreamcatcher (TBH it probably predates that branding) but it's got stretchy bits inside, and I think I'd assumed most decent high-rated bags would be similar.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 16 October, 2014, 10:11:29 pm
To a point then you're suggesting that it's a combination of a marketing and a user education issue, but perhaps with part of the problem being that folk are conditioned to think rectangular = cheap, low quality, cold, while mummy = higher quality, warmer, more appropriate for anything other than low-level summer use while car camping.

It's astoundingly difficult to find a rectangular bag with a down filling, at least outside the US (I tried, before I heard of the Dreamcatcher).  I'd expect there would be motorised types who would value the warmth of down, even if weight isn't really an issue.  If nothing else, rectangular bags are much more practical for joining together, so you'd think there'd be some market for high-spec ones.  But maybe not a very profitable one.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Tail End Charlie on 07 December, 2014, 07:28:44 pm
I bought a Vango Havoc 200 tent for £125, it's a very good tent, loads of room inside (I can sit upright in it) and it's dead stable in high winds. I know this as I borrowed one earlier this year and was out in a right hoolie. It was half price from Summits Online who dealt very speedily with my order.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 09 December, 2014, 04:48:54 pm
I've bought a Hilleberg Allak as a replacement for a 1985 (ish) TN Quasar that died of flysheet proofing rot (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=85381.0).
Not arrived yet, but I've had the "on its way" phone call  :thumbsup:.

Actually getting it was all a bit involved.
Hilleberg's current idea of "green" is verging on black (as seen in this review of an Anjan 2 (http://www.livefortheoutdoors.com/Gear-Reviews/Search-Results/Tents/Hilleberg-Anjan-2-2014/)), and red is a bit too public for me, so I though I'd get a "sand" version. Google showed nobody in the UK admitting to selling one, but Trekitt in Hereford had it in green, and aren't too far away, so, as the weather was good, I rode over from Gloucester to look and ask (Saturday).
The green was indeed very close to black, and when I asked about a sand version, the person said they didn't have one, they would have to ask about getting one from Sweden, and they would give me a call on Monday to let me know.
No phone call, so I emailed on Wednesday chasing up.
No email, so the next Saturday I rode back to Hereford, extracted an apology and another promise to find out about ordering (email rather than phone this time).
No email, and it was raining the next weekend, so I emailed them again, in a somewhat grumpy tone.
This time I got a reply from the stock control manager, saying they were on forward order (i.e. waiting for a batch to be made), that he would let me know when the ordering deadline was. I replied saying that as late as the end of February would be OK, and please let me know.
There was no further contact, and as I'd exhausted my chasing up quota, I gave up and tried somewhere else.

Somewhere else was Alpenstock (Stockport).
Email enquiring, a "not in stock, have to order from Sweden" reply more or less by return, replied saying "How long?, Feb deadline", got a reply after 2 days saying "in stock in Sweden, it will take a week or so", so I ordered by phone, and it's taken just over a week.
Not only did Alpenstock actually take an interest in selling me a tent in an efficient manner, they were cheaper too.

I don't know what was going on at Trekitt, but I wasn't very impressed. If they didn't want to order in from Sweden, they should have said so straight away.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: nikki on 09 December, 2014, 04:50:50 pm
I'm currently well-chuffed with self in a competent adult stylee having managed to buy the correct size replacement section for a Nallo tent pole.   :thumbsup:  Will gloss over the reasons why it needed replacing in the first place  :facepalm:

Seems a shame to waste the not-very-broken one. What can I molish out of 43cm of 9mm diameter aluminium tube?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: nikki on 09 December, 2014, 05:04:48 pm
Alas ...or perhaps fortunately, I only have the one broken section. Am hoping not to accumulate enough to get to click-stand or tarp pole height, but nice ideas, though  ;D

Enjoy the Allak when it arrives (or Feb, when it sounds like it has an outing scheduled!)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 09 December, 2014, 05:08:50 pm
I had one of those too, but in an extremely unsheddi moment it didn't occur to me to keep it in case it came in handy for something. 
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 09 December, 2014, 05:15:38 pm
How broken is the broken section? Just cracked at the end, or a creased bend in the middle?

[ previous reply suggesting a DIY click-stand (http://www.click-stand.com/) or tarp poles deleted when I realised it was a replacement section rather than a whole pole, but not quickly enough]
I've 5 days carry-over leave that has to be used by the end of March, hence saying an end-Feb deadline.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: nikki on 09 December, 2014, 05:27:07 pm
 
Shame on you, Kim!  ;)


Just a bit cracked at the end. Maybe I could hone my blowpipe skills or something...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: loadsabikes on 09 December, 2014, 05:28:07 pm
Nikki, should you be desirous of a click stand, I have one that I made earlier.
You would be very welcome to have it as,I am hopeful that, the trike will stand up on it's own.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 09 December, 2014, 05:31:27 pm
I, too, have a slightly cracked pole section :facepalm: :-[

Fortunately, we have some spares from the not-GT.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: nikki on 09 December, 2014, 06:12:05 pm
Nikki, should you be desirous of a click stand, I have one that I made earlier.
You would be very welcome to have it as,I am hopeful that, the trike will stand up on it's own.

I am not in need of a click stand at this time, but thank you for the offer. I will definitely one day need a thing that must be planed, drilled or whatnotted with some of your engineering kit, though. Would be rude not to  ;D

Oh, and if the trike's remaining upright we're not trying hard enough with the Comedy Off-Road  :demon:

I, too, have a slightly cracked pole section :facepalm: :-[

Excellent! Lightweight racing poohsticks at dawn!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 09 December, 2014, 09:59:23 pm
I've bought a Hilleberg Allak as a replacement for a 1985 (ish) TN Quasar that died of flysheet proofing rot (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=85381.0).
Not arrived yet, but I've had the "on its way" phone call  :thumbsup:.


Nice tent! :)

Quote

Somewhere else was Alpenstock (Stockport).
Email enquiring, a "not in stock, have to order from Sweden" reply more or less by return, replied saying "How long?, Feb deadline", got a reply after 2 days saying "in stock in Sweden, it will take a week or so", so I ordered by phone, and it's taken just over a week.
Not only did Alpenstock actually take an interest in selling me a tent in an efficient manner, they were cheaper too.

I don't know what was going on at Trekitt, but I wasn't very impressed. If they didn't want to order in from Sweden, they should have said so straight away.

I've had excellent service from Alpenstock in the past  :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 09 December, 2014, 10:42:22 pm
Alpenstock are excellent.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: bikepacker on 23 December, 2014, 01:54:58 pm
Earlier this year Pauline got us a Wicki Up 4 tent for our joint tours. I also used it a few times on my own and really liked it although it was a little on the large size for a solo tent. So I have treated myself to a Wicki Up 3 for my solo tours. Hopefully it will be just as good but slightly lighter and smaller.

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: antokelly on 24 December, 2014, 03:54:48 pm
Earlier this year Pauline got us a Wicki Up 4 tent for our joint tours. I also used it a few times on my own and really liked it although it was a little on the large size for a solo tent. So I have treated myself to a Wicki Up 3 for my solo tours. Hopefully it will be just as good but slightly lighter and smaller.

wow you certainly treated yourself well thats one hell of a tent.
have a great christmas Alan give my regards to Pauline .hopefully join you sometime next year .
 anto.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 27 December, 2014, 03:05:32 pm
Earlier this year Pauline got us a Wicki Up 4 tent for our joint tours. I also used it a few times on my own and really liked it although it was a little on the large size for a solo tent. So I have treated myself to a Wicki Up 3 for my solo tours. Hopefully it will be just as good but slightly lighter and smaller.

Looks very like my Shangri-La 3.  Loads of room, but the lack of a porch is a nuisance, so I prefer to use mine as a single skin, with a 3/4 bathtub groundsheet.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: bikepacker on 28 December, 2014, 12:11:57 pm
I had a SL 3 with an oooworks inner but didn't get on with it, I had a few issues with zip placements and poor manufacture. IMO Wicki Up is a better made tent and the 4 is great but I will let you know how the 3 fairs after a few nights camping.

BTW Golite have now filed for bankruptcy.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 28 December, 2014, 12:52:43 pm
Yes I saw that about Golite.    My groundsheet was from Oookworks,  though sadly recent reports suggest he's best avoided if you actually want to receive an item this decade.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Mad cyclist on 08 January, 2015, 11:18:23 am
Technically not bought today but purchased and received over the Christmas period.
Tent a Vango Banshee 200 2014 model
Stove Trangia 27-1 UL   
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Mad cyclist on 19 January, 2015, 11:11:15 pm
Just bought some new rear Revolution Adventure Welded Panniers today, to replace my cheap Lidl panniers
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: DrMekon on 19 January, 2015, 11:39:57 pm
From alpkit

2x Hunka (1 xl 1 normal)
Brukit
LHfoon
2x Airlock Xtra (1 tapered 1 normal)
Koala
Stem Cell
Dual straps

From snugpak

2x travelpak 3

Still umming and ahhing over sleeping mat - probably going to be a Exped Synmat UL7. Got a thermarest for mini-mekon. Hope to do a bike bivvy thing with him in the half term.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 20 January, 2015, 07:33:48 am
Woo! Sounds like fun  :D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 20 January, 2015, 04:43:59 pm
Brukit
LHfoon
I recommend some Thermawrap (http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/cooking-accessories/QE102.html) to make a pouch cosy with, to keep your meals warm whilst they are rehydrating/being eaten.
(unit price is a lot lower from B&Q etc, but absolute price is higher)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: DrMekon on 30 January, 2015, 10:56:45 pm
NeoAir XLite mat
2x Airlok Xtra 20l bags
Rig 7 tarp, Fredd paracord, ypegs, miniclippers
some line-loks
Goudon 20l drybag rucksack.

Just need a gas canister and I'm good to go
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: nikki on 08 March, 2015, 07:53:57 am
I've been pondering extensions for the Seedhouse as the porch design is the one niggle I have with it. Have just bought a Gelert Mini Canopy - not sure how it'll play with the front of the tent, but for a fiver I reckoned it was worth a punt and possibly a bit of customisation if required!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: BrianI on 08 March, 2015, 05:08:54 pm
Yes, a new camping stove!   :thumbsup:

Primus Express Spider:

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7614/16567402488_325b403aaf_o.jpg)

Also had a browse at some tents, trying now to decide on whether to go for Vango Tempest 200, Wild Country Hoolie 2, or North Ridge Torré Lite. (I'm planning a spot of camping over the summer, mainly car based, so 2 man tent for a bit of extra space for myself!)

 :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 08 March, 2015, 05:37:17 pm
Nice stove! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: BrianI on 08 March, 2015, 06:13:48 pm
Nice stove! :thumbsup:

Thanks!

I was going to go for a £20 Vango Folding Gas Stove, however I saw this one in Tiso, thought I'd treat myself to something a little more upmarket!   :thumbsup:

It certainly boiled the mug of water rather quickly once I replaced the near empty ancient gas cylinder with one slightly less old but full!   :D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dave_C on 11 March, 2015, 01:41:26 pm
Nice, does it come with windsheilds and bag etc??

Dave C
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: BrianI on 11 March, 2015, 05:42:32 pm
Nice, does it come with windsheilds and bag etc??

Dave C

Doesn't come with a windshield. Has a wee storage bag.

Have added a £2.50 Karrimor Folding Windsheild to my field & trek order, should be getting my new tent in a few days!

http://www.fieldandtrek.com/wild-country-trisar-2-tent-783211?colcode=78321116 (http://www.fieldandtrek.com/wild-country-trisar-2-tent-783211?colcode=78321116)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Vince on 16 March, 2015, 09:09:53 pm
Therm-a-rest Neoair Camper sleeping mat.

Just going to see if I can fettle an inflater out of an old sleeping bag bag and a piece of inner tube - Too cheap to pay 25 Euros for the proper thing.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: BrianI on 23 March, 2015, 04:48:19 pm
A bit more camping gear today!

Snugpak Chrysalis 3 sleeping bag, and a Thermarest Neoair Venture mat! 
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7592/16906067602_c31d8c4d67_o.jpg)
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7632/16906067442_ffc1073aee_o.jpg)

Pretty much set now!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Vince on 14 April, 2015, 11:56:24 pm
A new burner for my Trangia to replace the original which had split around the join.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: cycleman on 15 April, 2015, 08:29:01 pm
I have bought a new tent today  :) . A vango mirage 200 .

(http://i1333.photobucket.com/albums/w626/cycleman1081/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_0544_zpsam3ee1oo.jpg) (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/cycleman1081/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_0544_zpsam3ee1oo.jpg.html)

(http://i1333.photobucket.com/albums/w626/cycleman1081/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_0545_zps3hlazqeq.jpg) (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/cycleman1081/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_0545_zps3hlazqeq.jpg.html).

(http://i1333.photobucket.com/albums/w626/cycleman1081/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_0547_zpsfyykgxwa.jpg) (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/cycleman1081/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_0547_zpsfyykgxwa.jpg.html)

I have already bent a pole section putting it up in the front garden   :(  :-[  but I will see if I can get a replacement section tomorrow   :) .
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 18 April, 2015, 12:59:02 pm
Inflatable Mammut pillow. Mmm bit small. Some nice tents around atm, very tempting, I want a porch.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: cycleman on 18 April, 2015, 07:37:40 pm
The mirage has a small porch and for 1person it is roomy . I didn't peg the tent out for the photo . I wanted this tent because it is freestanding which makes it very versatile . :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 18 April, 2015, 07:51:57 pm
Nice tent.   Bringing it to Long Itch?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: cycleman on 19 April, 2015, 07:57:31 am
Yes I will use it for long itchington .I will be towing the trailer this time   :).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Jon P on 19 April, 2015, 09:54:39 am
Recently took delivery of Tarptent Moment DW (http://www.tarptent.com/momentdw.html) - already have the Moment (http://www.tarptent.com/moment.html) and this came out later - reasonably priced at about £300 including delivery, seam-sealing, I've used the Moment 100s of times for stopping over at work throughout the year but with the mesh inner it's not so suited to the sort of wild camping I like to do, hence the upgrade.  Looking forward to trying it out in Cornwall over the May Day BH when I go to visit my niece in Penzance, but from setting it up downstairs it's got masses of room for my needs, weighs just 1kg, and the spec has to be read to be believed with all the options available.

Unfortunately TT don't have a UK service outlet, could be a business opportunity for someone with a bit of cash to invest in some stock.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dibdib on 19 April, 2015, 01:53:51 pm
New tent day!

I ummed and ahhed in Cotswold Outdoor for a while on the merits of 1-man vs 2-man, decided that a really teeny tent was too small for me to be comfortable in, and ended up coming home with a Wild Country Zephyros 2. It's currently half-up in my living room while I figure out all of the bits, and frankly I'm pretty confused  ??? because some of the attachments aren't immediately obvious to a muppet like me and not massively over-labelled like everything in my Vango tents.

Still, I'm sure I'll figure it out. I imagine it's a lot more obvious when it's pegged out properly, and not just held by a coffee table leg at one end and a chair leg at the other!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: nikki on 19 April, 2015, 05:50:09 pm
...at the other end of the spectrum the Kelty Triptease cord I ordered yesterday afternoon arrived earlier - speedy!

About a tenner (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kelty-Triptease-lightline-Reflective-Cord/dp/B001M0NVGW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1429368433&sr=8-2&keywords=triptease), which seemed to be a good price for reflective dyneema cord. Now to test it with some mini lineloks...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 19 April, 2015, 09:29:13 pm
Hmmm, I may have accidentally bought a tent. Despite being on a mission to reduce tent quantities around here  :-[. We'll see how it is when it arrives.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Juan Martín on 22 April, 2015, 11:20:55 am
A Gelert Evora porch awning type thingy as part of my Berlingo austerity camper project.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 22 April, 2015, 10:28:23 pm
Hmmm, I may have accidentally bought a tent. Despite being on a mission to reduce tent quantities around here  :-[. We'll see how it is when it arrives.

Lovely :thumbsup:

https://m.flickr.com/photos/joansherriff/17211766496/

(Hope that works - copying and pasting on the kindle is tricky!)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: nikki on 23 April, 2015, 07:31:17 am
Other than being mighty fine bike storage for Nye, what is it and what about it upset the tent rationalisation?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: woollypigs on 23 April, 2015, 08:33:36 am
erm well I think this can go into this thread.

Since I'm picking up a converted VW Transporter T5 today.

Time to spend this summer as a support vehicle for Peli :)

I send her on her merry way on her bike, go for a walk with mutt, pick her up with a freshly made cup of tea, cake and a place for her to change into non wet/sweaty clothing.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: SandyV on 23 April, 2015, 09:17:24 am
erm well I think this can go into this thread.

Since I'm picking up a converted VW Transporter T5 today.

Time to spend this summer as a support vehicle for Peli :)

I send her on her merry way on her bike, go for a walk with mutt, pick her up with a freshly made cup of tea, cake and a place for her to change into non wet/sweaty clothing.

I've just acquired one of these too!  A beautifully converted camper van that I was calling the Scooby Van until Hillary Clinton called hers that. :(
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 23 April, 2015, 09:46:58 am
Other than being mighty fine bike storage for Nye, what is it and what about it upset the tent rationalisation?

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7663/17211779916_3793c61a9a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/sdWSw9)2015-04-22 12.44.18 (https://flic.kr/p/sdWSw9) by misssherriff (https://www.flickr.com/people/52883981@N00/), on Flickr

It's a standard Good Companion, without a sewn in groundsheet - the next size down from our Good Companion Major.  :)

Tents are supposed to be leaving, not arriving!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 23 April, 2015, 09:48:07 am
erm well I think this can go into this thread.

Since I'm picking up a converted VW Transporter T5 today.

Time to spend this summer as a support vehicle for Peli :)

I send her on her merry way on her bike, go for a walk with mutt, pick her up with a freshly made cup of tea, cake and a place for her to change into non wet/sweaty clothing.

Sounds like a fabulous plan  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 23 April, 2015, 10:09:09 am
erm well I think this can go into this thread.

Since I'm picking up a converted VW Transporter T5 today.

Time to spend this summer as a support vehicle for Peli :)

I send her on her merry way on her bike, go for a walk with mutt, pick her up with a freshly made cup of tea, cake and a place for her to change into non wet/sweaty clothing.
Fantastic!  Very cool idea :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wobbly John on 05 May, 2015, 11:47:38 pm
I bought an ex-Army basha from a local yesterday, and I was wondering about a bag to keep it in...


...and spotted that Wilkinsons are doing a set of 3 drybags for a fiver (http://www.wilko.com/camping-equipment-and-essentials/dry-sacks-3pk/invt/0345520) - it fits nicely in the middle sized one.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 06 May, 2015, 09:03:14 am
Just had a Helinox chair delivered ready for the weekend at Long Itch.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dibdib on 06 May, 2015, 09:59:32 pm
After a bit of umm-ing and ahh-ing, this evening I've finally cracked and ordered myself an Alpkit BruKit (https://www.alpkit.com/products/brukit). For a third of the cost of a JetBoil it seems like it's probably worth a punt, and fingers crossed it'll turn up on Friday morning before I need to set off to Long Itch.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Fab Foodie on 06 May, 2015, 10:09:29 pm
After a bit of umm-ing and ahh-ing, this evening I've finally cracked and ordered myself an Alpkit BruKit (https://www.alpkit.com/products/brukit). For a third of the cost of a JetBoil it seems like it's probably worth a punt, and fingers crossed it'll turn up on Friday morning before I need to set off to Long Itch.

Oooo
Interested to see that in action ....
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: menthel on 09 May, 2015, 11:01:33 am
Just ordered 2 alp kit airo mats, a brukit and a spork. Got a 2/3 May for my son to try. Given he is 5 it should be big enough!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: D.A.L.E. on 10 May, 2015, 01:53:43 pm
Anyone after a great all in one camp kitchen for one (Or 2) - https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=90628.0
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Joe.B on 10 May, 2015, 03:16:54 pm
Not new this weekend but certainly first time in proper use the weekend. A Thermarest Trekker, one of those things that allows your sleeping matt to double up a chair. What a revelation, the best single item of camping kit that I’ve ever bought.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: hillbilly on 10 May, 2015, 04:25:35 pm
Alpkit Koala bag.  For some bikepacking adventures in the South East of England.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: tiermat on 11 May, 2015, 12:58:40 pm
Does it count if you know it won't be used for camping purposes?

Last week I bought a folding fork and ditto spoon.  Both from Decathlon.  Only £3 each, so pretty good VFM.

These are for when I am being Billy No Mates and not wanting to spend $silly_money in hotel restaurants, so go for a take away (I HATE sitting alone in restaurants).

They may get re-purposed if I do get my ass into gear and organise another Catalonia trip!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: D.A.L.E. on 13 May, 2015, 12:40:51 pm
Not bought, but given. A rather nice titanum spork (and a drawing of me on a bike), from my niece for my birthday. She knows what's up!

(https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7760/17596015072_b0420dfd77_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: RichForrest on 13 May, 2015, 01:30:19 pm
Synmat UL9W for Dawn.
Big Agnes insulated air core mat for me.
Tatonka pole for me when solo camping with just a tarp  ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: woollypigs on 13 May, 2015, 01:31:27 pm
Not bought, but given. A rather nice titanum spork (and a drawing of me on a bike), from my niece for my birthday. She knows what's up!

(https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7760/17596015072_b0420dfd77_b.jpg)
Sweet :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dave_C on 08 June, 2015, 12:42:34 pm
Bought a new tent at the weekend. The older family tent was up all week, awaiting me packing it away, but its been wet recently and then the wind didn't do much good for the old sun scorched nylon. Both sides ripped about 2 foot at the 'sleeping end', so it was either repair (professionally or myself with Spinniker tape) or buy a new one. Well finding a good one of the bunch we were looking at we ordered an Outwell Whitecove 6 online.

I'm looking forward to trying it out when it arrived before the next weekend.

I also bought a few bits from Maplin, a camping light and a mini BBQ I saw on a video about the Aldi "20 tent currently for sale. Asda sell 'Grab Bags' of charcoal which fit in it perfectly and you only have to light the paper for it to start. It works very well, and packs away very small. I recomend it for not perhaps cycle camping but certainly a small BBQ to take away with you in the car where you can source these small BBQ coals from local supermarkets.

(I found this even cheaper online when looking for a link)

http://www.outdoorcampingdirect.uk/mini-pack-away-bbq.html?gclid=CO6d0teGgMYCFTPMtAodNi0AeQ

Dave C
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 15 June, 2015, 03:00:34 pm
Three weeks ago, just before going to Scotland:
An Alite Mayfly chair (http://shop.alitedesigns.com/mayfly-chair.html), as a substitute for a Helinox chair.

The Helinox is too tall to use inside a tent, and may make holes in the groundsheet if the tent is a big one (my mate also managed to kick over the BBQ, so there were more & bigger holes than mine to worry about), and the legs sink into softish ground.

The Alite chair is usefully lighter and smaller-packing than the Helinox, sits me low enough to use inside (bum about 2" off the floor), and doesn't have sharp feet (I used an empty Ortlieb underneath, on the grounds of better safe than sorry).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: JBB on 15 June, 2015, 10:16:51 pm
Three weeks ago, just before going to Scotland:
An Alite Mayfly chair (http://shop.alitedesigns.com/mayfly-chair.html), as a substitute for a Helinox chair.

The Helinox is too tall to use inside a tent, and may make holes in the groundsheet if the tent is a big one (my mate also managed to kick over the BBQ, so there were more & bigger holes than mine to worry about), and the legs sink into softish ground.

The Alite chair is usefully lighter and smaller-packing than the Helinox, sits me low enough to use inside (bum about 2" off the floor), and doesn't have sharp feet (I used an empty Ortlieb underneath, on the grounds of better safe than sorry).

I've just used mine for a night away and it's not only stable but very comfortable AND you can reach the stove easily as well!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Christophe on 19 June, 2015, 02:59:38 pm
Just taken delivery of a Big Agnes Air Core sleeping mat and a set of stainless steel folding cutlery. My overnight audax set up is now complete.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: BrianI on 14 July, 2015, 10:33:13 am
I may be partaking in the purchasing of some last minute camping gear today (new head torch / stove fuel and camping food), as I've just this minute booked an overnight pitch at Comrie Croft campsite for tomorrow night (Wed 15th July).  Will be a good test of my new Wild Country Trisar 2 tent, prior to me meeting up with a college chum at the weekend for a camping trip to Killin!   ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: trekker12 on 14 July, 2015, 02:40:12 pm
Hilleberg Nallo GT2 - yes I know it was expensive but is lovely!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 14 July, 2015, 06:15:51 pm
A mesh inner tent for my Hilleberg Soulo. No significant weight savings according to my kitchen scale, but I'm looking forward to a little more ventilation on my planned trip to the Wind River range next month. Now if my employer would just respond appropriately to my request for a week off...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mcshroom on 19 July, 2015, 09:54:39 pm
A got a Synmat 7 yesterday, which does seem far comfier than my self inflating mat I used last tour :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 21 July, 2015, 12:53:06 pm
Hilleberg Nallo GT2 - yes I know it was expensive but is lovely!
Good choice! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 21 July, 2015, 02:12:31 pm
Hilleberg Nallo GT2 - yes I know it was expensive but is lovely!
Good choice! :thumbsup:

A got a Synmat 7 yesterday, which does seem far comfier than my self inflating mat I used last tour :)

Equally good choice  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Andrew on 22 July, 2015, 12:14:11 pm
Alpkit Numo sleeping mat.

My old Thermarest is still going strong. Sadly, I am not. Despite having more padding on me, I needed more padding on the mat too. It will be trialed later this month when I head down to the Semaine Federale.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: RichForrest on 22 July, 2015, 12:27:02 pm
Alpkit brewkit with birthday money from my eldest 2  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: JBB on 29 August, 2015, 09:02:08 pm
An enormous tent - at least by my standards. Plenty of room for us and the dog!

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/arpenaz-4-family-tent-4-man-id_8322425.html

Tried it out last night and tested it for waterproofness today - absolutely fine. Hoping to use it to do some more distant rides next year. T'other half will go geocaching with the dog while I struggle round an audax!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Luke on 19 September, 2015, 07:20:42 pm
I've bought a new winter sleeping bag, a RAB accent 900.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 23 September, 2015, 10:32:05 pm
I was watching a Nallo 2 on Ebay tonight. Only used 3 times, £450 starting bid. In the end I didn't bid, despite being sorely tempted. No-one else did either. I'm sort of regretting it, but I have too many tents.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 24 September, 2015, 07:27:02 am
I bought a DD 3x3m tarp.  It's what we really needed all along.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 06 October, 2015, 04:54:00 pm
Finally ordered the Octane 3 from Blacks with a futher 15% discount!  :thumbsup: (its yellow but will live with that.)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Deano on 07 October, 2015, 07:52:04 pm
Honey Stove, meths, and a folding plate/bowl/sup/spoon set from backpackinglight (well, not the meths). Arrived in time for the weekend too  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Ruthie on 01 November, 2015, 01:19:50 am
No, but toying with the idea of adding a tarp onto a tunnel tent.  Except the tarp I was looking for on sale weighs 1.8kg (including pole) which is nearly as much as a tent. 

Still, it looks like a not-bad idea, 'specially if you take your backpacking tent car camping as well 'cause it's your only tent.  Like me.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: nikki on 12 November, 2015, 08:38:56 pm
Oh, just some drybags and stuff...

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 12 November, 2015, 08:43:57 pm
 :o

Any CrinklyCubs in need of a bivvi bag?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 12 November, 2015, 11:02:54 pm
 :D    YACF sack racing ?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Jakob W on 13 November, 2015, 08:39:50 am
Alpkit titanium knife, fork, and spoon - mainly for my packed lunches, so I decided to go for non-folding over folding for ease of washing. Lighter, too.

Still really want their titanium water bottle, but managed to resist - a more sensible option would be to find a better stopper for my stainless bottles (freebies from work, with a slightly leaky sports cap).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: BrianI on 13 November, 2015, 01:25:14 pm
Not any camping gear bought for a while now.

This popped up on my facebook feed today, a bluetooth smart phone app controlled camping light: 

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-world-s-smartest-outdoor-lantern#/ (https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-world-s-smartest-outdoor-lantern#/)    ???
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Marco Stefano on 23 January, 2016, 05:31:45 pm
A Khyam Chatsworth (actually a new Plus, sent in error but shop happy for us to keep) to replace our family Khyam XXL. This had bent a bedroom pole in high winds last year when being used on a pre-season rugby camp by Ms Marco, but was destroyed by a teacher lobbing a large bag on top of it and ripping the main fabric. It was quite a few years old, but still... >:(

Our old additional porch won't fit the new one (think it would have fitted an old Chatsworth) but the new one has additional windows in the living area, so swings & roundabouts. Mrs Marco seems to think that this reduced storage space will help her not to take too many kitchen sinks on tour, but I am unconvinced...  :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andibs on 24 January, 2016, 09:39:27 pm
Folding Firebox Nano. I do like a camp fire !!

Andy
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: turista on 29 February, 2016, 06:39:38 pm
Alpkit aluminium pots - my old ones were probably leaking teflon. Wondering how 'non stick' anodised will be!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: JBB on 14 March, 2016, 09:31:35 pm
Cumulus Panyam 450 sleeping bag. I wanted a short one with a right hand zip and the only place with it in stock was cyclo-randonnee.fr but alas no delivery option to the UK. A quick exchange on emails and Julien enables delivery by UPS to the UK - just 10 Euros extra.

I have taken it out of its bag and given it a good fondling  ;D. All very tidy and well put together. I'll try it this weekend.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Vince on 14 March, 2016, 10:06:27 pm
I bought 10 tent pegs with the expectation that Boy Wunja would have lost some when he borrowed my tent. In the event in the tent bag  I found a peg bag I didn't recognise containing a variety of mismatched pegs, but sufficient to pitch the tent of Saturday night.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: alexb on 23 March, 2016, 11:35:34 am
Alpkit aluminium pots - my old ones were probably leaking teflon. Wondering how 'non stick' anodised will be!

Not too bad if my experience is correct.
The usual applies, use oil or fat for cooking, dump in some water after you've finished, use a brush of microfibre cloth and detergent for cleaning and you'll be fine.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: RichForrest on 27 March, 2016, 09:59:12 pm
Finally ordered the Octane 3 from Blacks with a futher 15% discount!  :thumbsup: (its yellow but will live with that.)
Ditto, after this weekend camping and finding the Vango starting to split at the seams we were looking at another tent.
Currently priced at half the RRP and the £15 off for spending over £100 we'd be daft not to buy one for £115!!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Planet X on 12 April, 2016, 03:58:02 pm
Just received my first Trangia stove and Triangle.
Also just popped in the door from Germany, a Varta USB 4AAA battery charger.
To be run off my Luxos U.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Goldcrank on 14 April, 2016, 05:43:11 pm
Just bought a zephyros 2. Does anyone know what the little orange aluminium tube is for?

Thanks
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feanor on 14 April, 2016, 05:46:50 pm
Just bought a zephyros 2. Does anyone know what the little orange aluminium tube is for?

Thanks

Can it slip over the poles?
It's probably a pole splint, for an emergency hold-it-together if a pole section breaks.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Goldcrank on 14 April, 2016, 08:16:06 pm
That makes sense. Do poles often break?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 14 April, 2016, 08:27:16 pm
Often enough that you want to carry the splint, and probably a spare section of pole.  And some duct tape to hold them in place.

It's standard metal fatigue stuff with aluminium poles:  In the absence of something obvious like gale force winds or a drunk person falling on your tent, it's going to be the cumulative effect of putting the tent up and down and being blown around that damages them.  First you know about it is when you're putting the tent up normally and *crack*.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Feanor on 14 April, 2016, 10:04:15 pm
The usual failure point is at the join between the pole sections.
There will be a peg at one end, which inserts into the next section.
These are usually chained together with a length of elastic bungee.

The Peg is usually inserted into it's own pole section by about 1cm or so.
If the assembled pole is stressed eg by a Drunk Person landing on it, then the pole-end fails and splays out releasing the peg.

A temporary repair can be made by cutting back the splayed tube, and re-seating the peg, thus shortening the pole.
But often, a splint is also required.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 14 April, 2016, 10:13:56 pm
I have collected a few pole splints over the years.   My favourite is a non-coloured alu section from a quality Blacks tent of the eighties era.   We still have a few sections of the 8mm pole in use as paint stirrers. 
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 14 April, 2016, 10:58:27 pm
If the assembled pole is stressed eg by a Drunk Person landing on it, then the pole-end fails and splays out releasing the peg.

Or the peg shears:

(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/wales2014/IMG_4259.sized.jpg)

Which is harder to bodge.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Moultonaught on 15 April, 2016, 08:19:12 am
I've finally upgraded my 89p Wilko's Enamel mug, tin foil lid and aged camping gaz stove...

To an alpkit Mytimug, a teeny  (AA battery sized  when folded)  alpkit gas burner and a 100 ml gas cannister. So it all fits in the mug for storage and  (geekery alert!) with the ti sfoon it all weighs 380g with a full gas cylinder! :thumbsup:

And do the pyramid shaped UHT milk cartonso waitrose sell count as camping kit -  if so, some of them!


Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: tom_e on 17 April, 2016, 08:58:08 pm
First time for me in a bivvy bag, acquired on ebay:

(http://tom-e.yacf.net/imgs/IMG_20160417_204729.jpg) (http://tom-e.yacf.net/imgs/IMG_20160417_204729.jpg)

No, that's not me.  That's mini_1, who would like to try it too and snuck in for a quick go in the morning.  The kids can wait till it's a bit warmer, like when there isn't going to be frost on the bag like in the pic.  They were in a tent instead.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 17 April, 2016, 09:09:16 pm
I accidentally bought a tent. We collected it today but I haven't had time to pitch it yet. It's a second Good Companions Major, with a nylon fly sheet which is quite rare. It may turn into a donor tent or we may use it complete. I'm quite excited about it. The main difference with the nylon fly is that it has 2 zips which make it much more useable with a toddler.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: matthew on 02 May, 2016, 05:23:44 pm
Not me but my father.

We trial pitched the new Robens Kiowa teepee style tent which will now be available for either of my sisters when they go on a family trip. If they add a stove then I think the festival goers at Glastonbury will be a bit jealous and my youngest sister wil have a warm tent when camping with an infant.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: matthew on 14 May, 2016, 02:59:55 pm
My turn, Millets had a sale on camping gear so I bought myself a trangia.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 21 May, 2016, 10:22:21 pm
Finally got around to buying a Synmat at long last, together with a Snozzle bag, some Alpkit tent pegs and a bike buddy.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 21 May, 2016, 11:14:38 pm
Finally got around to buying a Synmat at long last, together with a Snozzle bag, some Alpkit tent pegs and a bike buddy.

Anyone would think you had a tour planned ..  :D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 24 May, 2016, 03:32:14 pm
I accidentally bought a tent. We collected it today but I haven't had time to pitch it yet. It's a second Good Companions Major, with a nylon fly sheet which is quite rare. It may turn into a donor tent or we may use it complete. I'm quite excited about it. The main difference with the nylon fly is that it has 2 zips which make it much more useable with a toddler.
Another Good Companion flysheet arrived chez nous... :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: vantage on 26 May, 2016, 06:48:14 pm
Having determined that my other half does indeed enjoy camping, we have upgraded from our £20 4 person Asda tent of last year to a much posher Decathlon Arpenaz Family 4.1 tent today.
How often does a man get the chance to buy his missus a swanky one bed bungalow eh?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 27 May, 2016, 10:01:31 pm
A (comparatively) cheap copy of the Themarest/LuxuryLite camp bed. It turned out to be 250g heavier than advertised, not that I intend it for bike packing.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Folding-Outdoor-Aluminium-Portable-Camping/dp/B00WG14JQ2
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: bumper on 27 May, 2016, 10:07:58 pm
Treated myself to a new exped downmat, my other was a used one and it's cream crackered. Also got an exped pillow too.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Vince on 28 May, 2016, 02:50:50 am
Having determined that my other half does indeed enjoy camping, we have upgraded from our £20 4 person Asda tent of last year to a much posher Decathlon Arpenaz Family 4.1 tent today.
How often does a man get the chance to buy his missus a swanky one bed bungalow eh?
That looks good. Might be a suitable tent to continue our (near) glamping experiments.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 28 May, 2016, 12:33:15 pm
Having determined that my other half does indeed enjoy camping, we have upgraded from our £20 4 person Asda tent of last year to a much posher Decathlon Arpenaz Family 4.1 tent today.
How often does a man get the chance to buy his missus a swanky one bed bungalow eh?
That looks good. Might be a suitable tent to continue our (near) glamping experiments.

Looks broadly similar to the Quechua T4.1 that we use for barakta-friendly car camping, but with the porch on the end rather than the side: https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=37171.msg1551538#msg1551538

No complaints, especially given the price.  It's everything except lightweight.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: vantage on 29 May, 2016, 02:13:30 am
No complaints, especially given the price.  It's everything except lightweight.

My first thoughts on picking up the bag was that it may not be entirely suitable for cycle touring.

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Ruthie on 30 May, 2016, 10:44:09 pm
A power charger.  For my Garmin, when I'm off camping, so I don't have to demand the presence of mcshroom every time I got on holiday.  I still don't have the miles from our Scottish holiday on Strava, or on my heatmap, which is annoying.

I might still demand mcshroom's presence, but he won't need to use his power charger on my stuff anyway.

One of these:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/product-reviews/B016DA61V2/ref=cm_cr_dp_hist_two?ie=UTF8&filterByStar=two_star&showViewpoints=0
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Ruthie on 30 May, 2016, 10:56:16 pm
Oh, and a schnozzel with flat valve adaptor to reduce the Downmat CPR stress at the end of a day's riding.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Aushiker on 31 May, 2016, 07:15:56 am
A whole 5 mm of 1mm coated Dyreema like cord which I plan to use with a re-purposed Camelbak bladder as a part of a lightweight gravity water filter. The setup is making use of a Sawyer water filter I have.  Should have a gravity water filter system coming in under 250grams once I have finished it.

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mcshroom on 31 May, 2016, 10:45:34 am
A power charger.  For my Garmin, when I'm off camping, so I don't have to demand the presence of mcshroom every time I got on holiday.  I still don't have the miles from our Scottish holiday on Strava, or on my heatmap, which is annoying.

I might still demand mcshroom's presence, but he won't need to use his power charger on my stuff anyway.

One of these:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/product-reviews/B016DA61V2/ref=cm_cr_dp_hist_two?ie=UTF8&filterByStar=two_star&showViewpoints=0

They've come on a bit from when I bought mine a few years back. That's twice the capacity of my White Anker one :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 31 May, 2016, 11:48:31 am
A power charger.  For my Garmin, when I'm off camping, so I don't have to demand the presence of mcshroom every time I got on holiday.  I still don't have the miles from our Scottish holiday on Strava, or on my heatmap, which is annoying.

I might still demand mcshroom's presence, but he won't need to use his power charger on my stuff anyway.

One of these:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/product-reviews/B016DA61V2/ref=cm_cr_dp_hist_two?ie=UTF8&filterByStar=two_star&showViewpoints=0

They've come on a bit from when I bought mine a few years back. That's twice the capacity of my White Anker one :)
That is impressive. I have ones up to 20000 (allegedly), but 26000 is a week's worth of electrons.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 01 June, 2016, 04:51:45 pm
Oh, and a schnozzel with flat valve adaptor to reduce the Downmat CPR stress at the end of a day's riding.
This will change your life! :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 01 June, 2016, 05:55:49 pm
Mental note: dig out barakta's Schnozzel for upcoming tour.  Or contrive to steal Wowbagger's.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Vince on 03 June, 2016, 06:28:01 am
No, but it was a close thing. I visited Decathlon (Amsterdam Arena) and looked at Arpenaz Family 4.1 tent. Liked it but 1) couldn't be arsed to carry it to the car passed the screaming hordes queue for the Adele concert. b) Got distracted by the light weight tents (Quickhiker Ultralight 2) - may be a replacement for the coffin which would be lighter, more compact AND have room to move around in. iii) Trying not to buy stuff in NL then needing to move it to the UK.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 03 June, 2016, 04:10:31 pm
Mental note: dig out barakta's Schnozzel for upcoming tour.  Or contrive to steal Wowbagger's.

Filthy Schnozzel-swapping? WCPGW?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Morat on 04 June, 2016, 08:39:31 pm
http://www.millets.co.uk/equipment/162660-eh-buckingham-8-elite.html
Beware wine and 0% credit.
Clearly not much use for cycle touring and I'm going to need 5 more children to justify it!
I should probably shut the PC down before I get lured onto ebay....
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 19 June, 2016, 10:50:20 am
I've long needed a new sleeping bag as my current one is years old and getting a bit tatty, especially after spending an entire summer sleeping in it.

Popped into town and had a look around a couple shops. Best choice was in Millets in the end. I was intending to get a rectangular bag as I don't like my feet being constricted but whilst I found one for a tenner I also found the bag I ultimately got, a Vango Planet 50 which whilst £35 packs down to less than two-thirds of the size.

I got a few laughs from fellow shoppers by unpacking it and having a little lie down on the floor but it seems to have more foot room than my current bag despite still being a mummy bag and it allowed me to confirm that it is in fact possible to get it back into the stuff sack and down to the size it came in.

Thought I would risk it being a two season bag as I'm going to get a silk liner as well but it turns out my current bag is two season anyway so no loss there.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: TPMB12 on 27 June, 2016, 11:17:42 pm
We've bought some exped synmat 7 ultralite mats. Got them tonight and they're very light and small pack size. Also bought ALDI ultralight sleeping bags for £13 each. They zip together easily. Very light but very thin. Still good for summer and the price. May use with another very light.bag I have opened up with them joined.up. the second bag over the top would be more than warm enough. Makes for a light and low pack size setup for touring. The extra sleeping bag is even smaller pack size and a lot warmer.

Also got a wild country hoolie with the larger porch. What what a huge porch, big enough for bikes and kit I reckon. Lovely design with door on the side and two way doors on the porch end too. It's sheltered even when opened fully and you get a good view out. Not too heavy or bulky neither.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dave_C on 28 June, 2016, 10:43:20 am
Half a tent,

Well the inner. I bought a Wild Country Zephryos 1 a couple of years ago and have spent the time since thinking I should have bought the Zephryos 2 instead. It has the same outer, so called up Terra Nova (Wild Country) yesterday and bought the inner to the Zephryos 2. May be able to use the inner1 with a Tarp, and have a mate locally who has one I can look at.

I plan to use it on the 600 at the weekend and then on the 1200 in the Highlands in a month.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 30 June, 2016, 07:57:37 pm
Not a Helinox. Seems ok, time will tell. Incidentally, larger rubber ferrules are available via the web.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: HeltorChasca on 30 June, 2016, 08:28:27 pm
Looking forward to reducing the weight of my coffee kit I haul. I carry a 6 cup Berletti at the mo along with my Trangia. I'll downsize to my 15 yo Primus Multi Fuel stove and Ti pots/cups.

Anyway. This is what I got ordered today: https://snowpeak.com/products/collapsible_pour_over-cs-113
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 04 July, 2016, 08:58:26 pm
I may have made a mistake with the 'yellow' bargainous Blacks Octane 3 man purchased at half retail price. Took it out of the bag in the garden today with a view to setting up and clipping on the inner for use at the week end when I was attacked by zillions of Thrips (thunder flies). No wonder the tents were reduced in price.  ::-)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 04 July, 2016, 09:12:16 pm
I've  seen the same happen to someone with a bright yellow trailer cover. 

At least you'll keep them away from the rest of us  ;)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Ruthie on 04 July, 2016, 09:13:28 pm
I may have made a mistake with the 'yellow' bargainous Blacks Octane 3 man purchased at half retail price. Took it out of the bag in the garden today with a view to setting up and clipping on the inner for use at the week end when I was attacked by zillions of Thrips (thunder flies). No wonder the tents were reduced in price.  ::-)

I nearly bought one of those!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 04 July, 2016, 09:33:02 pm
http://www.millets.co.uk/equipment/162660-eh-buckingham-8-elite.html
Beware wine and 0% credit.
Clearly not much use for cycle touring and I'm going to need 5 more children to justify it!
I should probably shut the PC down before I get lured onto ebay....

You can get a porch (http://www.millets.co.uk/tents-camping/171623-eurohike-buckingham-elite-porch.html) for that as well.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Oaky on 14 July, 2016, 10:56:17 am
A second two man tent (Vango Bravo 200) for £39.99.

and one of these for £9.39 (both in yesterday's Amazon Prime Sale event):-

(http://www.oakden.org/mark/bike/yacf/pics/lixada_stove/packed_s.jpg)

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 14 July, 2016, 01:04:58 pm
One of those Mora things.  I've felt the limitations of my previous knife strategy (small generic kitchen knife with cut down handle to fit inside the Trangia where it won't stab anything) on recent trips.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 14 July, 2016, 01:55:50 pm
(https://d1l67pfsx3wblg.cloudfront.net/images/product/medium/TAR_NeoAir_Minipump.jpg)
after 10 days of blowing up a full length XTherm by mouth
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: antokelly on 17 July, 2016, 10:50:39 am
would that work with any blow up  matt .i have the exped matt .
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: RichForrest on 17 July, 2016, 11:12:26 am
Buy a snozzle bag Anto.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ps1rGRxQaOA
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: antokelly on 17 July, 2016, 11:24:56 am
cheers Rich i had one with the exped  down matt ,didn't know i could buy one separate. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 17 July, 2016, 05:54:46 pm
If you've got an Exped mat with integrated pump, you'll need an adaptor to make the Snozzle fit the valve:

http://www.exped.com/usa/en/product-category/mats/flatvalve-adapter
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: antokelly on 17 July, 2016, 06:49:57 pm
nope its the blow up one i have, for the  life of me i can't think of the model  .still in the box from i bought it from bikepacker.as a matter of fack all my gear is still unused ,some camper what  ;D ;D ;D.

as soon as i buy the tent thats gonna fit in the carradice camper  (light roomy cheap as chips) i'll give this lightweight cycling   touring a bash but until then i'm staying on the armchair.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 17 July, 2016, 09:51:25 pm
would that work with any blow up  matt .i have the exped matt .
No.
It's expected that the valve will fit well inside the grey spout, and I'd be surprised if any non-Thermarest mat valve fitted. Certainly Exped flat valves won't work.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: antokelly on 17 July, 2016, 09:57:22 pm
kinda thought that  :'(
thanks andrew
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Arellcat on 18 July, 2016, 12:17:21 am
I use the Exped Mini Pump (http://www.exped.com/international/en/product-category/mats/mini-pump) for my Synmat.  It only takes a couple of minutes by hand to fully inflate the mat, and the pump squishes down into a fist-sized bag for storage.  I've never tried the Schnozzel pump/bag.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: antokelly on 18 July, 2016, 10:27:40 am
nifty wee gadget  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 18 July, 2016, 02:40:36 pm
Certainly Exped flat valves won't work.
Further consideration leads to the possibility of making an adapter by bodging a bit of tube into the valve closure lid from a dead Exped mat or pillow.
Dead mats seem to be fairly common, by internet account, and I'm sure that sitting half on a pillow and popping the baffles must also be relatively common.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 18 July, 2016, 03:52:00 pm
Certainly Exped flat valves won't work.
Further consideration leads to the possibility of making an adapter by bodging a bit of tube into the valve closure lid from a dead Exped mat or pillow.

I have, somewhere, a 12V airbed inflator, that cost me a few quid from Wilkos (and, it turned out, could be persuaded to run from barakta's trike battery).  This was useful when a cheap voluminous airbed was barakta's preferred camping mat.  One camping weekend - Long Itch I think it was - it occurred to me that I might be able to use it to inflate my downmat.  I experimented with wrapping a spare inner tube around its outlet valve in order to match the diameter of the exped flat valve, and simply holding it in place.  The arrangement was fairly leaky, but the airflow was such that this didn't really matter, and holding something awkward in position for a while is substantially less effort than pumping up a downmat in the traditional manner.

Clarion spotted what I was doing, and offered a Snozzle valve adaptor, which gave a similarly functional but less fiddly to hold in place fit.  I invested in one and used it to good effect until we bought barakta an Exped Airmat, which came with its own Snozzle.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: HeltorChasca on 18 July, 2016, 04:22:59 pm
A second two man tent (Vango Bravo 200) for £39.99.

and one of these for £9.39 (both in yesterday's Amazon Prime Sale event):-

(http://www.oakden.org/mark/bike/yacf/pics/lixada_stove/packed_s.jpg)

(click to show/hide)

Truly a thing of beauty. I'd be interested in how you get on. I made a hobo stove from an Ikea cutlery holder. It's OK.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 18 July, 2016, 10:17:25 pm
A couple of Trangia O rings, to replace the one I destroyed in France in June.   From the excellently named https://fettlebox.co.uk/index.php



Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: LEE on 19 July, 2016, 05:04:49 pm
I bought this today....it's camping sort of.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t6Y7qGx4CvI/V43yUsfblsI/AAAAAAAAIZc/zljnPhZiVpEJWBcq7KnP9aC6pPmd4VVYQCCo/s912/a%2BHymer%2BB544%2BSL%2B2006%2Bsmall.jpg)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: antokelly on 19 July, 2016, 07:20:03 pm
Wow fantastic,very best of luck with it, its a beauty. :thumbsup:
if ever i win the lottery.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Oaky on 20 July, 2016, 09:22:53 am
I bought this today....it's camping sort of.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t6Y7qGx4CvI/V43yUsfblsI/AAAAAAAAIZc/zljnPhZiVpEJWBcq7KnP9aC6pPmd4VVYQCCo/s912/a%2BHymer%2BB544%2BSL%2B2006%2Bsmall.jpg)

I read the side of that as "Hymenmobil" at first glance.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dave_C on 20 July, 2016, 10:30:48 am
I bought this today....it's camping sort of.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t6Y7qGx4CvI/V43yUsfblsI/AAAAAAAAIZc/zljnPhZiVpEJWBcq7KnP9aC6pPmd4VVYQCCo/s912/a%2BHymer%2BB544%2BSL%2B2006%2Bsmall.jpg)

I notice the wide opening side window, do you plan on selling 99s? :O)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: woollypigs on 20 July, 2016, 11:08:16 am
My given name at birth starts with H and my nickname in Denmark is Ymer. My best mate and I managed to convince quite a few school mates. That my folks owned that company and they named the campers after me :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Robh on 20 July, 2016, 11:22:40 am
I made a 'strategic' purchase (by which I mean, I don't need it just now, but I probably will in the future, and there was a 20% price reduction on offer) of a Rab Neutrino 400 sleeping bag :-)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Vince on 28 July, 2016, 11:11:33 am
I was in Asda...

Bought two glamping chairs and a camping specific sack truck because I know the car park is along way from the camping area on next weeks camp.
I also bought an extremely cheap air bed because my Thermarest is still in Holland  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 28 July, 2016, 02:12:31 pm
We bought a new tent that arrived today.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: cycleman on 28 July, 2016, 06:35:12 pm
What another one  :o  :D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 28 July, 2016, 09:14:32 pm
Yep  ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 29 July, 2016, 12:17:32 pm
This solves a number of problems (and creates a few more!)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Joe.B on 03 August, 2016, 09:30:32 pm
Not strictly bought today, but back before Christmas we replaced our big family tent with an eight man Berghaus inflatable. The idea was that it would be so easy to put up that Mrs B would have no trouble doing so on her own when I’m away at sea. Anyway her and the kids have used it already over in Holland and reported that it’s a doddle to setup. Having just returned from 7 months away I’m about to have my first go with it at this year’s Tandem Club National Rally and will post some phots next week.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dave_C on 04 August, 2016, 03:44:53 pm
Not strictly bought today, but back before Christmas we replaced our big family tent with an eight man Berghaus inflatable. The idea was that it would be so easy to put up that Mrs B would have no trouble doing so on her own when I’m away at sea. Anyway her and the kids have used it already over in Holland and reported that it’s a doddle to setup. Having just returned from 7 months away I’m about to have my first go with it at this year’s Tandem Club National Rally and will post some phots next week.

I'm surprised your wife could move the tent packed! We have an old Wynnster Mallard 5 pers tent and a newer Outwell 6 pers tent and they are HUGE packed and weight a tonne. Not dissimilar to a 12 by 12 tent!

You are still west cost right? We should meet up for a bent ride round the top of Loch Fyne and back via Dunoon.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Joe.B on 05 August, 2016, 12:13:47 pm
Hi Dave,

It weighs a fippin ton but she seemed to manage with it ok over in Holland.

It would be great to get out for a recumbent ride,  I’m on leave in at the mo having just returned from a lengthy spell away at sea but back at work in Scotland in September.   My bent legs are pretty non-existent after so long away mind. 
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: campagman on 06 August, 2016, 08:22:17 pm
i bought an inflatable back cushion from Poundland to use as a camp pillow. It does have some shape to it but worth a try at that price. When I got home I did some sunbathing in the garden so gave it a try and fell asleep.https://yacf.co.uk/forum/Smileys/classic/thumbsup.gif
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 06 August, 2016, 08:27:04 pm
B and M have blow up one side flocked pillows for a quid. A bit hit and miss quality wise but comfortable enough to justify purchase.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 08 August, 2016, 10:25:30 pm
Seems a bit of a stretch from bicycle lights.    ??? 
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dave_C on 09 August, 2016, 11:57:22 am
i bought an inflatable back cushion from Poundland to use as a camp pillow. It does have some shape to it but worth a try at that price. When I got home I did some sunbathing in the garden so gave it a try and fell asleep.https://yacf.co.uk/forum/Smileys/classic/thumbsup.gif

I just took one of the many many many bags from my wife's used wine boxes. Folds down pretty small and is disposable.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 09 August, 2016, 01:54:27 pm
Of course, that does mean drinking the wine...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 09 August, 2016, 09:31:05 pm
Just bought a Thermarest NeoAir Trekker regular.   I can compare it side by side with an Exped Synmat as we still have one functioning one!

   
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Aushiker on 13 August, 2016, 06:54:52 am
As I am downsizing, a new pair of long pants was required and they arrived this week (eventually) from http://bike24.com. A new pair of Rab Longitude pants which weigh in at 225 grams. Nice.


Also my on going setting up my bikepacking bike, a Salsa Mukluk (http://aushiker.com/salsa-mukluk/) has progressed a bit further with more storage component arriving:

1 x Revelate Designs Harness
2 x Revelate Designs Feed Bags
1 x Revelate Designs Pocket - Large
2 x Salsa Anything Bags

Just need to make my mind on a dry bag to be used with the harness and a third water cage for under the down tube I am pretty well done with the carrying capacity I think.

Oh a Zpacks Duplex (http://www.zpacks.com/shelter/duplex.shtml) arrived in the mail too :)  Photos to follow.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/W-YQwsNJReP4vZBLA-srk14VOdZFcQgBAKouoMEkq6OE-D3EXlDSO-IOouVus__zO7-P9fmXPO6xiwEdFEMmO-ysUB2D8Qk3Xo_IKIkS36U39Av4O9IIDwqSdkDXztduuhc1Kuy9qL0pWxgSs2E3FcxJZZrLac2tmhWrZdsDoj1JUrfh72w_HKf5ucyUlHKGkaWMFFGjUrDQjqMbB_JVmvbJ4L12S68VVdaef3xv_-lmv5YmVmel4g4yjxei8ZUY6Brvsb-pfvifUndVhYYWzamf3Aet56NgTxM_speRUMLsqveUJuXRNShW11SagB7fSIg7VRuameTzQvQyE6BYREkRtNOZt9lROUa7B4sfUL6FfabazM_AAwj3yq8Wc4_XEf_wiFVItfFYoPksou81xEvewaqbZIjrGqhU_rTYlcRhh7Mw_W3B3Oxj_YI6Xq18Os9SNrLjDFVRfWUnfrg8DmZsesKsLOwXN7z7mKx9JcTIVAXfcUUyytsfm_OJVMa9p-FBUqxIlBDXckSpf5i6G4BreVOhru9_jZ71roM5QS3asYBz1Y0_0m5fSvr8-I6bgp8CNyuiM7gBS5DNp2SC5KS7tR3VUwu0=w800-h600-no)

Quick first pitch in the front yard. Need to play with a bit more to get an ideal height. Oh two persons, weighing in at 589 grams plus pegs.

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Aushiker on 16 August, 2016, 01:01:33 pm
I received in the mail today a Tito Titanium spork via Aliexpress. I was quite impressed with the packaging and the personal note and business card that came with the spork. The manufacturer even included a brochure promoting their titanium bike frames :)

Oh the spork cost AU$7.00, weighs 15 grams and most important to me folds up really small. Delivery time was within the normal Chinese delivery timeframe; ordered on July 18, received today August 16.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/hAbDamVBMynl79jPx7GDsYrJlWU7nVCUC7N--y-TLuNUGdeBldk9gED8qcQl-iZ8dWB3PAWMP9dmubgTI2wYU2y2uDl3xWaGQjp56AFZbiin35N3C9EnmtrJxoqqvnstZLGapHKDSkswHXqp_qLHEvc35F4J6Y0lGLwbQwXqakNsToBjStXWQyr4KDgbtnhY3r_l0ILUtHNU20xA2QoJYn-8cR6Y6DoKCSDhdc1THk-KCHrse2NbsiQmX9xNekhjrKOhMZ_Ia8Yna2Jwu4Mx2RDh4k-8JHMEsnM-0EAo0sxChOVDdAH4FoV5KmnaUJ1wpQ8W5IB7ExK3iB78asLSoDUkJzw_tirgCaaDsjsLuxhSTu9FsD8S5D2NY1dQ1lWUEVFQvcnKnwXuG4RVYHqg5hbSWx8x-_qQCUywpQgg1dCUrDFEQqcghbf0zZ7osY6CBKwnSM_Ic3wxQ0yQGMVG8O5O5LkkwxSiTWAlaqnqqgHtrxgZHow2aPb2U9dSVNIfqQr1LC6sPesgsTgG4LUo3bX30Gu9WV0G15_qUtHkMlnVLXG-ui6KScsNbqdLIho-qoUkwIixm4omPuYHDmzd6m2p9rUN0qia=w800-h600-no)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 30 August, 2016, 12:24:42 pm
Some Chinese Titanium pegs. May be a while.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Jakob W on 03 October, 2016, 08:10:04 pm
A Silva expedition compass (well, it seemed a better fit here than the cycling stuff thread...)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 03 October, 2016, 08:22:15 pm
Some Chinese Titanium pegs. May be a while.

These arrived a while back and must say rather pleased with them on face value and may get some more. Not much of a shoulder shank however, so will need to see how they actually perform in practice. Will post a pic in due course.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 03 October, 2016, 08:23:55 pm
Everyone should have a Silva compass.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Pedaldog. on 14 October, 2016, 12:45:03 am
A pair of lights, £9.95 in Aldi, that seem to be like the Moon brand. bright enough to be seen with for sure.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Pedaldog. on 18 October, 2016, 11:51:14 pm
An Army style, Goretex by any other name, bivvy bag arrived today.
I now have just about all I need for my tarp, bivvy, wierdo photo project! if I can figure a way to do it properly I'll make a starts by the end of the month.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: antokelly on 13 November, 2016, 07:46:15 pm
aldi radio and long sleeve jersey excellent bargains.
new frameset from Thorn  happy days are here again.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Ripio on 13 November, 2016, 08:50:41 pm
A pair of lights, £9.95 in Aldi, that seem to be like the Moon brand. bright enough to be seen with for sure.

I got a set of these, good lights but really awkward switch to operate, especially with winter gloves on, and burn time on high level is poor at less than two hours.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MalRees on 14 November, 2016, 08:12:17 pm
Fjallraven Keb Expedition 3, plus footprint. Superb quality and we are going to play in the garden tomorrow!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 16 November, 2016, 04:28:11 pm
(http://www.cascadedesigns.com/images/product/medium/TAR_NeoAir_Minipump_open.jpg)
after 10 days of blowing up a full length XTherm by mouth

On seeing the picture, I thought "Just what I need for those long cold nights when I don't feel like getting out of the tent!" until I realised that I don't use a Thermarest.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Vince on 16 November, 2016, 05:04:19 pm
(http://www.cascadedesigns.com/images/product/medium/TAR_NeoAir_Minipump_open.jpg)
after 10 days of blowing up a full length XTherm by mouth
Any idea how many times will it inflate the mat on a pair of batteries?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 16 November, 2016, 10:37:52 pm
It's supposed to be about 25 times on a pair of AAA, but I've never seen whether that's alkaline, NiMH or what.

It will also depend on whether you stop it at a couple of minutes and put a couple of puffs in to firm it up, or forget and leave it running for 5 minutes and still have to put a puff in (depending how firm you like the mat).

Rumour would have it that it's also quite good for getting a wood burning camp stove going.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 16 November, 2016, 10:40:52 pm
Rumour would have it that it's also quite good for getting a wood burning camp stove going.

This would seem to be the main advantage over a Schnozzel.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Joe.B on 23 November, 2016, 09:05:45 am
Just ordered an Helinox Ground chair and I'm now mightily looking forward to it arriving.  I've got two Thermarest chairs and have always found them very comfortable but for next year I'm planing a two week trip with both kids so three chairs are now required.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: tatanab on 23 November, 2016, 09:35:03 am
Any idea how many times will it inflate the mat on a pair of batteries?
Using Duracell to fully inflate an oversized Neo Air Trekker (the widest one) I have used a pair of Duracells for about 15 nights with no sign of efficiency dropping off.  I am confident enough to take the same batteries on tour next year.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Goldcrank on 23 November, 2016, 05:12:47 pm
Any idea how many times will it inflate the mat on a pair of batteries?
Using Duracell to fully inflate an oversized Neo Air Trekker (the widest one) I have used a pair of Duracells for about 15 nights with no sign of efficiency dropping off.  I am confident enough to take the same batteries on tour next year.


I use a bin bag and as an added bonus this means I have a bin bag to put things in. 
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: LEE on 23 November, 2016, 05:54:06 pm
I bought this a couple of months ago.

Yes..it's a Motorhome but there's my Brompton so it's OK, it sort of makes it "Cycle Camping".

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/1_9d756VFA2S0n1a1FRI_THRJJK4iQclNpj0rs5idd39Cck0bwkY9m9Ios6w9sDFECX4CQ_bAfkjwifeD4-Zzdy1ujd1-Gk8xblG692srtyqQZFnj0sbs45_XcS3kdJB1Xa5gua9lu8wGRv42ANS8sFVkXvInN2SM7iM4-56I6yg8pwQpDmOXv0_TlmYBkfYK9zp1WphhigCshiaw2tPCk0U-J2HBJuLcx2tBnLV9nkKMiiUqN4VClpVBYnEw4-PxJi3GztIHrbCgBhaQ48y2Z_620QoIPmogB22z9jfj7NH8MgNz58YvFsRnaifYQrGstyU-vJQspJ1cLQ0HGzsXXkrGZIoZFOqfnyCd8ci47SsKjT7TvLPBi739dSh2-75yld4oT-Gh5wHBx0bQB2HRljzv_YGzYsr6dNl5KjYyh7PpDYa-ppElIhVoMVhwisbvXwA6SnZTAukhz1Rl_SkUIqpyp0qHkuWpriL17yUcJSQ5XA7hFWkopZc0d7tlH9RICZHA80y3ta8AE-Kcq7ljSm6AO-kVCugIosduDW3R-byBk6wwXWPW8SH7cQKfEfGV5puVGak6GlvHNMSC1Wwc5-q89MdTS0Sa1rB9OPzbdjdvERu=w1560-h878-no)

It's a big part of my "Escape plan"
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 23 November, 2016, 07:30:39 pm
Not ok, not really.


A Brommie's not appropriate, you need something more stable to tow such a large trailer.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Joe.B on 23 November, 2016, 07:33:02 pm
I bought this a couple of months ago.

Yes..it's a Motorhome but there's my Brompton so it's OK, it sort of makes it "Cycle Camping".

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/1_9d756VFA2S0n1a1FRI_THRJJK4iQclNpj0rs5idd39Cck0bwkY9m9Ios6w9sDFECX4CQ_bAfkjwifeD4-Zzdy1ujd1-Gk8xblG692srtyqQZFnj0sbs45_XcS3kdJB1Xa5gua9lu8wGRv42ANS8sFVkXvInN2SM7iM4-56I6yg8pwQpDmOXv0_TlmYBkfYK9zp1WphhigCshiaw2tPCk0U-J2HBJuLcx2tBnLV9nkKMiiUqN4VClpVBYnEw4-PxJi3GztIHrbCgBhaQ48y2Z_620QoIPmogB22z9jfj7NH8MgNz58YvFsRnaifYQrGstyU-vJQspJ1cLQ0HGzsXXkrGZIoZFOqfnyCd8ci47SsKjT7TvLPBi739dSh2-75yld4oT-Gh5wHBx0bQB2HRljzv_YGzYsr6dNl5KjYyh7PpDYa-ppElIhVoMVhwisbvXwA6SnZTAukhz1Rl_SkUIqpyp0qHkuWpriL17yUcJSQ5XA7hFWkopZc0d7tlH9RICZHA80y3ta8AE-Kcq7ljSm6AO-kVCugIosduDW3R-byBk6wwXWPW8SH7cQKfEfGV5puVGak6GlvHNMSC1Wwc5-q89MdTS0Sa1rB9OPzbdjdvERu=w1560-h878-no)

Looks like Lee-on-Solent.
It's a big part of my "Escape plan"
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: LEE on 23 November, 2016, 10:19:13 pm
Looks like Lee-on-Solent.


I think you're about 5 miles away from a good pun.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Joe.B on 23 November, 2016, 10:53:29 pm
 :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: JBB on 24 November, 2016, 10:46:39 pm
Looks like Lee-on-Solent.


I think you're about 5 miles away from a good pun.

Lepe?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: RichForrest on 26 November, 2016, 03:39:31 pm
Yes, another tent!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 27 November, 2016, 12:08:32 am
Yes, another tent!

Well what is it? You can't leave it like that!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Moultonaught on 27 November, 2016, 08:46:48 am
Yes, another tent!

and do you have a one in one out rule?  :)  (I'm very much enjoying the tent I bought from Mr Forrest...  ;D )
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: RichForrest on 27 November, 2016, 09:24:30 am
Yes, another tent!

Well what is it? You can't leave it like that!
;D A Zephyros 2, used a few time but in great condition. £80
It'll be the tent I use when Dawn isn't there.

and do you have a one in one out rule?  :)  (I'm very much enjoying the tent I bought from Mr Forrest...  ;D )

No, since I sold you that one we have gained another 4 and given away 1
All ok though as the one I gave away was a 12 birth. We have acquired a 2, 3, 4, and this 2 birth.
I make that we are still 1 birth in credit
 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: nikki on 27 November, 2016, 11:32:53 am
All ok though as the one I gave away was a 12 birth. We have acquired a 2, 3, 4, and this 2 birth.
I make that we are still 1 birth in credit
 ;D ;D ;D


Impeccable logic  :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 27 November, 2016, 02:26:44 pm
With all those births you must be knee deep in nappies!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Templogin on 02 December, 2016, 10:59:14 pm
MSR Stake Hammer - cooler than a cool thing.  Can't see me using it.  Will probably just fondle it!

That motorhome looks like a Hymer from this angle - very nice!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 03 December, 2016, 08:23:50 am
The Stake Hammer looks great for car camping- it's about time somebody came up with a tool that would help you pitch your tent, then enjoy a beer!

I just ordered a Solo Stove Lite (https://www.solostove.com/solo-stove-lite/) along with a pot and a windscreen. This forum has gotten me curious about wood burning stoves, so I decided to give this a shot. It looks like my Trangia will fit into it quite nicely too, so I'll test it out with wood and as an alcohol stove.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Pedaldog. on 20 December, 2016, 11:32:37 pm
Apparently I bought a (Chinese knock off) gas adapter that'll, possibly, fit in my Trangia. I know I bought it, around 4-45am, as I got a confirmation E-mail this afternoon!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 03 March, 2017, 12:06:11 pm
We went to the tip to get rid of a load of rubbish, and Butterfly obtained a nearly-new 2 person tent! :o

It was free, but we realise we don't have the space, really.  But, for now, we are the owners of a Eurohike Ryde.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Vince on 09 March, 2017, 10:58:30 pm
I've decided to try cooking with gas. So bought a Vango mini folding stove on the grounds it should fit inside my Trangia Mini pan set.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Oscar's dad on 12 March, 2017, 12:59:08 pm
A bit more camping gear today!

Snugpak Chrysalis 3 sleeping bag, and a Thermarest Neoair Venture mat! 
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7592/16906067602_c31d8c4d67_o.jpg)
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7632/16906067442_ffc1073aee_o.jpg)

Pretty much set now!

Brian, how are you getting on with your Snugpak Chrysalis 3 sleeping bag?  I'm thinking of getting one but I am 6' 2" and some of the reviews I have read say its a bit short.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 30 March, 2017, 02:43:18 am
Ordered last Friday and arrived today- an MSR Hubba NX one person ultralight tent with footprint. Initial impressions: sets up very easily, and seems fairly sturdy for an ultralight. It seems a little sturdier than the Big Agnes Copper Spur that I looked at. It doesn't have the bomb-proof, fortress like feel of my Hilleberg Soulo, but it doesn't have the eye-watering price tag of the Soulo, either. It also weighs just over half what the Soulo weighs, and packs down to about half the size. I'll do a more complete review after I've spent a few nights in it.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 30 March, 2017, 12:45:50 pm
Ordered last Friday and arrived today- an MSR Hubba NX one person ultralight tent with footprint. Initial impressions: sets up very easily, and seems fairly sturdy for an ultralight. It seems a little sturdier than the Big Agnes Copper Spur that I looked at. It doesn't have the bomb-proof, fortress like feel of my Hilleberg Soulo, but it doesn't have the eye-watering price tag of the Soulo, either. It also weighs just over half what the Soulo weighs, and packs down to about half the size. I'll do a more complete review after I've spent a few nights in it.

I think that's the current version of my Hubba HP https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=48829.0 , a good little tent.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 31 March, 2017, 01:41:59 pm

I think that's the current version of my Hubba HP https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=48829.0 , a good little tent.

I think it is, and they seem to have made a few improvements.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 01 April, 2017, 10:17:15 pm
Rumour would have it that it's also quite good for getting a wood burning camp stove going.

This would seem to be the main advantage over a Schnozzel.
From my point of view, the main advantage over a Schnozzel is that it fits a Thermarest valve rather than an Exped valve
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polco on 02 April, 2017, 05:49:06 pm
Got myself an Alpkit Numo mat, not sure how it will compare to a self inflating mat after a days riding but it certainly folds up small which I'm happy about.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Oxford_Guy on 07 April, 2017, 04:36:02 pm
I bought an MSR Piezo igniter: https://www.msrgear.com/stoves/piezo-ignitor

I prefer not to have the piezo on the stove itself, as it's more easily damaged and if it goes wrong, not eay to fix
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 07 April, 2017, 05:09:40 pm
The piezo ignitor on my Snow Peak stove broke within a week or two after I bought the stove (spring 2006), and I've been using cheap disposable cigarette lighters ever since. Your MSR lighter makes a fair bit of sense if I ever run out of disposable lighters.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Ripio on 07 April, 2017, 07:07:47 pm
The piezo ignitor on my Snow Peak stove broke within a week or two after I bought the stove (spring 2006), and I've been using cheap disposable cigarette lighters ever since. Your MSR lighter makes a fair bit of sense if I ever run out of disposable lighters.

Another option http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/cooking-accessories/QD107.html
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 07 April, 2017, 09:03:04 pm
I bought an MSR Piezo igniter: https://www.msrgear.com/stoves/piezo-ignitor

I prefer not to have the piezo on the stove itself, as it's more easily damaged and if it goes wrong, not eay to fix

That's pretty,  where did you get it?  (the msr site wasn't very helpful).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 07 April, 2017, 09:16:24 pm
Summoning the courage to buy a Hubba Hubba cos I must have another tent surely?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 07 April, 2017, 10:09:03 pm
That's pretty,  where did you get it?  (the msr site wasn't very helpful).
I assume it's this one:
https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/equipment-c3/kitchen-stuff-c8/kitchen-accessories-c18/piezo-igniter-for-gas-canister-stoves-p1708

(the MSR site seems to be one of those annoying ones that redirects all links to the home page unless you've a current cookie, which in this case is to set whether you are in USA, Canada, UK/Eire, Germany or France)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 08 April, 2017, 09:39:58 pm
That's pretty,  where did you get it?  (the msr site wasn't very helpful).
I assume it's this one:
https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/equipment-c3/kitchen-stuff-c8/kitchen-accessories-c18/piezo-igniter-for-gas-canister-stoves-p1708

(the MSR site seems to be one of those annoying ones that redirects all links to the home page unless you've a current cookie)
Thank you!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 10 April, 2017, 09:32:27 am
I think that's where I got mine too.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Oxford_Guy on 12 April, 2017, 08:21:53 am
I bought an MSR Piezo igniter: https://www.msrgear.com/stoves/piezo-ignitor

I prefer not to have the piezo on the stove itself, as it's more easily damaged and if it goes wrong, not eay to fix

That's pretty,  where did you get it?  (the msr site wasn't very helpful).

Go Outdoors in Oxford
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 12 April, 2017, 08:57:31 pm
Sleeping bag, stove, gas cylinder, blanket.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 12 April, 2017, 09:04:52 pm
Sleeping bag, stove, gas cylinder, blanket.

That should make them easier to find...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 12 April, 2017, 10:20:13 pm
Sleeping bag, stove, gas cylinder, blanket.

That should make them easier to find...

Doubles the probability!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Jakob W on 27 April, 2017, 05:14:01 pm
Titanium chopsticks from Alpkit; mainly just because...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 27 April, 2017, 07:17:34 pm
F10 Xenon UL2+ at a significant discount.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 27 April, 2017, 07:31:37 pm
Titanium chopsticks from Alpkit; mainly just because...

No cycling forum worth its name can be seen to be without its "Titanium chopsticks v titanium spork" thread.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 April, 2017, 03:32:46 pm
I look forward to the Long Itch "cast your own titanium chopsticks" session.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Jakob W on 28 April, 2017, 08:45:43 pm
With Brucey and Veloman I believe we have two metallurgists who have​ done titanium research on the forum... Perhaps we should get them to do a skillshare!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: drossall on 29 April, 2017, 11:58:01 pm
I seem to have bought a Wild Country Coshee 3. Bit big really, but it was being cleared for £60 odd at a camping exhibition. Should have a bit more headroom than my Coleman Epsilon 2, without the weight of my Vango Beta 250. Not sure why I need 3 tents though...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: TimO on 30 April, 2017, 04:35:27 pm
... Not sure why I need 3 tents though...

n+1

;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 12 May, 2017, 09:26:29 pm
Bought the footprint for the xenon and a camping gaz stove as it was cheaper than the appropriate adaptor. (Annoying when Coleman own Camping Gaz).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: fuaran on 15 May, 2017, 05:09:11 pm
Preordered an Alpkit Tetri tent. Looks like a nice replacement for my old North Face Tadpole. Maybe not especially lightweight, but should be sturdy enough, and plenty of space for me and my stuff. And quite reasonably priced too (£135).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 16 May, 2017, 10:27:23 pm
A woodburner stove
Since it was half price cheap, and I've been idly contemplating one for a while, it seemed rude not to.

https://wildstoves.co.uk/product/wild-woodgas-stove-genuine-mkiit-tall/

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MalRees on 05 June, 2017, 07:04:12 pm
New Alpkit sleeping bag, as the now rather old Skyhigh 1200 is losing a certain amount of it's filling. I sleep really cold at the moment so I've splashed out on an ArcticDream 1200, as I want to camp as much as possible this year. Added on a stove wind guard in natty orange and some water bottles, which at 3 for a tenner look like great value.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 29 June, 2017, 11:07:16 pm
Today I bought a travel electric toothbrush and a duffel dry bag from Aldi.  :D

The toothbrush is very neat.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 29 June, 2017, 11:10:30 pm
A really nice thinsulate cap/Beanie one size fully lined call it what you will. £1.80 including delivery.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Jakob W on 01 July, 2017, 08:15:14 pm
OH mocked me for the alpkit titanium chopsticks I keep in a side pocket of my bag right up until the point where she bought lunch at the station and they'd run out of disposable cutlery, at which point she​ stole mine. Unfortunately/fortunately when I went to get a replacement pair alpkit were also doing an offer on some of their Ti cookware, so got a bowl as well.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Pedaldog. on 01 July, 2017, 11:02:23 pm
MSR Pocket Rocket 2 stove.

http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/camping-and-hiking/backpacking-stove/msr-pocket-rocket-2
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 03 July, 2017, 10:15:15 am
OH mocked me for the alpkit titanium chopsticks I keep in a side pocket of my bag right up until the point where she bought lunch at the station and they'd run out of disposable cutlery, at which point she​ stole mine.
Can you eat soup with them?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Jakob W on 03 July, 2017, 07:38:41 pm
Nah, that's why I also have a titanium camping spoon in the same pocket  ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 03 July, 2017, 07:45:45 pm
Hollow chopsticks that double as a straw seems like a missed trick...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: BrianI on 14 July, 2017, 05:30:58 pm
Not today, but yesterday, a cheap and cheerful Tarp from thon French Purveryor of Sporting Goods:

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/tarp-camping-shelter-dark-green-id_2363223.html (https://www.decathlon.co.uk/tarp-camping-shelter-dark-green-id_2363223.html)

Vital statistics:

Tarp size 2.9x2.85m

Tarp  complete with poles & pegs: 2.356kg on the kitchen scales.
Pegs: 235g
Poles: 1.4kg!
Tarp 725g.

Should be ideal for bike bivvying! Can't complain for a penny under £20!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 19 July, 2017, 04:24:22 pm
Snow Peak Geo Shield stove:
https://www.rei.com/product/100186/snow-peak-geoshield-backpacking-stove
The windshield/baseplate arrangement took a while to put together on the first try, partly because it was late and I was tired. Once assembled it forms an extremely stable platform to cook on, much more so than any conventional gas cartridge stove I've seen. The separate piezo-electric ignitor is nice, I can use it on any of my stoves. Now to get out in the field with it...

I also picked up a lid for my Snow Peak double wall Ti mug- should keep my morning coffee warm a little longer.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 19 July, 2017, 05:55:48 pm
Snow Peak Geo Shield stove:
https://www.rei.com/product/100186/snow-peak-geoshield-backpacking-stove

Cor, that looks like it's in the same sort of league as a Trangia, stability-wise, while packing down a lot smaller.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 19 July, 2017, 06:02:29 pm
Snow Peak Geo Shield stove:
https://www.rei.com/product/100186/snow-peak-geoshield-backpacking-stove (https://www.rei.com/product/100186/snow-peak-geoshield-backpacking-stove)

Cor, that looks like it's in the same sort of league as a Trangia, stability-wise, while packing down a lot smaller.   :thumbsup:


https://adventuresinstoving.blogspot.co.uk/2016/12/review-snow-peak-geoshield-remote.html
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 19 July, 2017, 07:14:35 pm
Cor, that looks like it's in the same sort of league as a Trangia, stability-wise, while packing down a lot smaller.   :thumbsup:

It's at least as stable as the Trangia windscreen setup, and will work better with bigger pots. The Trangia cookset/windscreen/stove makes a neater package, though, especially if you want to include the cutting board/pasta strainer that Trangia offer. I would expect the Geo Shield to work better in cold weather.

The Adventures in Stoving review sums up my impressions very nicely.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: SoreTween on 21 July, 2017, 09:17:25 pm
Sea to Summit Spark SP II bag.  That whimpering you can hear is my wallet.

Its a lovely thing and only 545g in its stuffsac but I wonder if I'll warm to it, if you'll pardon the pun, the way I did to my Karrimor Xlite bag.  Sure the Karrimor was only good to 11 degrees and weighed 787 or so but it was £40.  £40 for a bag that tiny and light is stupendous value for money.  Trouble is I froze my titzoff for one night in August 2015 when the temp got down to 5 degrees, hence the Spark.

So having rinsed my bank account severely, if you're ponding a camping trip from 29th July to 5th August I can pretty much guarantee there will be no cold nights from Kirkby Stephen up to Edinburgh.  Looking at the weather forecast wet but not cold.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: loadsabikes on 26 July, 2017, 10:01:33 am
MSR Windburner stove system.
Brilliant piece of kit and very fast, boiling 1/2 litre 2m15sec. 600grams including gas.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 28 July, 2017, 02:48:14 pm
One of those excellent Colapz water carriers: https://colapz.co.uk/collections/our-products/products/liquid-carrier

Not cheap (even with the ALC's discount) but it's extremely well made, and is the most barakta-friendly design I've come across so far (though I might extend the lever on the tap a little).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Jakob W on 28 July, 2017, 03:46:08 pm
A Trangia fuel bottle. Will hopefully lead to less spillage in future.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 28 July, 2017, 03:54:16 pm
One of those excellent Colapz water carriers: https://colapz.co.uk/collections/our-products/products/liquid-carrier

Not cheap (even with the ALC's discount) but it's extremely well made, and is the most barakta-friendly design I've come across so far (though I might extend the lever on the tap a little).

Clever!  and pretty colours.      I can see uses for the bucket,   but a collapsible watering can ?   Even Butterfly doesn't take her potted plants camping!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 28 July, 2017, 04:19:36 pm
Just the thing for growing potatoes on Mars.  Or for refilling under stupid landlord-issue kitchen taps.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 July, 2017, 08:20:03 pm
For the allotment? Or for wild showering? Or is it actually intended as a tea pot?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 29 July, 2017, 02:36:33 pm
One of those excellent Colapz water carriers: https://colapz.co.uk/collections/our-products/products/liquid-carrier

Not cheap (even with the ALC's discount) but it's extremely well made, and is the most barakta-friendly design I've come across so far (though I might extend the lever on the tap a little).

Barakta approves (well, except for the FUNKY PURPLE which she protests is too PINK - looks fine to me).  The tap is much better quality than the ones on those ubiquitous leaky collapsable carriers, gives a decent level of control and doesn't require unreasonable amounts of force to operate.

I had to de-burr the collar of the tap a little to stop it dripping, but having done that it's fine.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: epa611 on 29 July, 2017, 10:28:52 pm
A Hilleberg Keron 3

Sent from my D5803 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: loadsabikes on 30 July, 2017, 10:18:44 am
I may have visited Alpkit's Hather sage store on Thursday. Well I was passing on my way to Edale and it would have been rude not to!
I purchased a titanium Phlask and their little concertina wind shield.
Their range of tents are looking good and the Sonder bikes look really special if bike packing is your thing.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: simonp on 04 August, 2017, 09:05:13 pm
Hilleberg Nallo 4 GT.

2x Helinox ground chairs.

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MalRees on 04 August, 2017, 11:13:24 pm
Alpkit Brukit Jackal. You can never have too much tea.....
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Karla on 04 August, 2017, 11:16:40 pm
A new end pole for my Terra Nova Laser, as one of the had broken on the flight home.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 12 August, 2017, 05:17:06 am
A Sea to Summit Comfort Plus (http://www.seatosummitusa.com/product/?item=Comfort+Plus+Mat&o1=0&o2=0&o3=921#) inflatable sleeping mat and a Jet Stream Pump Sack (http://www.seatosummitusa.com/product/?item=Jet+Stream+Pump+Sack&o1=0&o2=0&o3=950) to inflate it. The pump sack doubles as a stuff sack for the deflated pad, which is cool. The pad, pump sack and a repair kit weigh about 450 grams/ 1 lb more than my Z-Lite foam pad, but takes up far less space. The smaller pack that I can use as a result will offer some if not all of the weight penalty, and I'm looking forward to a more comfortable night's sleep. I got both items at a heavily discounted price, or I quite likely wouldn't have bought them. I'll be spending 4 days/ 3 nights in the backcountry next week, I'll try to do a review of the pad and my new tent when I get back.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: epa611 on 28 August, 2017, 04:53:56 pm
2x Klymit Static V Insulated Luxe mats (https://www.klymit.com/insulated-static-v-luxe.html), footprint for the Keron 3, Pillow cases for our Exped AirPillows (http://www.exped.com/switzerland/en/airpillow-case-xl), Tubus Tara (http://www.tubus.com/product.php?xn=16) front rack and Tubus Logo Evo (http://www.tubus.com/product.php?xn=26) for Liz's bike
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 28 August, 2017, 06:58:35 pm
Dead mats seem to be fairly common, by internet account, and I'm sure that sitting half on a pillow and popping the baffles must also be relatively common.
Having done just that (hidden under the sleeping bag), I've replaced the Exped pillow by a Sea to Summit Aeros (https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/equipment-c3/sleeping-bags-c21/pillows-c61/aeros-premium-pillow-p3581).
It's a more face friendly material, and seems to have a modicum of insulation inside
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: cycleman on 13 September, 2017, 08:06:51 pm
I have bought a vango trek tarp . A single pole tarp designed to be pitched with the tent to give living and storage space. I intend also use it in conjunction with my Jupiter bivvi bag . :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dave_C on 23 October, 2017, 10:04:22 am
I bought a 3x3 DD Tarp and DD Frontline Hammock this weekend. My son was away last week with scouts and came back raving about how great the hammock and tarps were. One of the other leaders had bought all DD's ex Demo/2nds stock so I bought a set before they were handed on to the Scout troop.

I had not bought one before as I own a Wild Country Zephyros 2 and didn't think the tarp and hammock would be that much smaller.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 27 October, 2017, 08:24:59 pm
Not bought, but aquired, a primus 96 stove (probably 1950s), a gas barbeque and various camping gas stoves an lanterns including a big lamp onna stick.  :D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 27 October, 2017, 08:43:28 pm
Not bought, but aquired, a primus 96 stove (probably 1950s), a gas barbeque and various camping gas stoves an lanterns including a big lamp onna stick.  :D


I set my sleeve on fire with a Primus 96  :thumbsup:     
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 28 October, 2017, 09:29:08 am
Not bought, but aquired, a primus 96 stove (probably 1950s), a gas barbeque and various camping gas stoves an lanterns including a big lamp onna stick.  :D


I set my sleeve on fire with a Primus 96  :thumbsup:   
Great, you can show me how to work it! :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Goldcrank on 29 October, 2017, 06:46:02 pm
I bought a 3x3 DD Tarp and DD Frontline Hammock this weekend. My son was away last week with scouts and came back raving about how great the hammock and tarps were. One of the other leaders had bought all DD's ex Demo/2nds stock so I bought a set before they were handed on to the Scout troop.

I had not bought one before as I own a Wild Country Zephyros 2 and didn't think the tarp and hammock would be that much smaller.

The little one and I spent a night in the woods in my DD hammock and Alpkit Tarp. It was cosy but fun for a night. (I would include photos but I'd have to faff about hosting them on Flickr or some such)

In terms of packed size and weight, I wouldn't say that it is that much smaller than the Zephyros 2 but it's a bit different.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Blodwyn Pig on 01 November, 2017, 09:05:13 am
Not 'Exactly'  , but after glowing reports about the British Army 'softie' jacket and the reports on 'sizing' I bought one a size smaller than I would have. What an amazing thing for less than £30.I wore it Sat night to an outdoor arts venue and it is sooo  warm,soft and lightweight. Intended to be my campsite  evening kit ( When I get a tent). Comes with a stuffsack as well.  Very pleased.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: harvey on 02 November, 2017, 12:06:09 pm
Did you buy your softie jacket on ebay? Can you share the seller please, and info on sizing? Thanks
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Blodwyn Pig on 02 November, 2017, 01:08:57 pm
don't think it was a commercial seller,  I paid (bid up to,   ) £25.57 plus £3 postage, most go for around that, make  sure its go a stuff sack.I'm normally xl, but on advice on line I bought large and it was spot on.  Its a sort of mid layer jacket, so no  big jumpers under for me.I literally can not stop wearing it. There are different sorts,the plain softie green/sand, then there  a warmer later one,  then another arctic type one iirc. like  a
 Buffalo smock. this is a normal one,  so cozy.zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. As said else where they are usually cleaned, etc,  but you can find NEW for around £38 posted.  Lots of sites if you google,ex-mil sites, all around the same price.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: harvey on 02 November, 2017, 01:18:31 pm
Cheers BP  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Blodwyn Pig on 02 November, 2017, 01:25:21 pm
forgot to say,  the arms are nicely long, so  is the jacket, but with elastic slider things done up, it sits nicely like a bomber jacket. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Blodwyn Pig on 06 November, 2017, 08:48:54 am
Yep!! ;D  just pulled the trigger on a new coleman Aravis 2 end of season sale jobby, £60 incl p+p :o  Now for the rest of my kit  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 08 November, 2017, 11:04:30 pm
My old Black Diamond Storm headlamp died in Holland & I've not been able to get it working again, so a new one arrived today.  Sadly it's probably going back.  I ordered their latest model (350 lumen) which they have on their website & they've sent me the older 250 lumen one.   Still too many damn modes as well!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Blodwyn Pig on 10 November, 2017, 10:29:37 pm
just bought a Eurohike 500 down bag (no street cred but good reviews and large ) and silk liner from Millets,  on special with 50% off plus 15% discount, and free delivery, so all in for £66.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 10 November, 2017, 10:44:28 pm
A Maplin branded led camping lantern with usb out for emergency phone charging to boot. Three levels of brightness, SOS flashing mode and it is waterproof, apparently.

I bought it for illuminating the shelter where we plan to eat our chip suppers through the winter with the added bonus of camping and power cut lighting practicality.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: fhills on 11 November, 2017, 06:31:14 am


I bought it for illuminating the shelter where we plan to eat our chip suppers through the winter with the added bonus of camping and power cut lighting practicality.
Am intrigued by the chip supper shelter. It's not camping I take it? A bijou country park palace? A seafront bus shelter?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 11 November, 2017, 09:16:49 am
A less than bijou country park palace or bus shelter.  Hmmm, a rather long excursion for a sea front shelter from Rugby.   :D

We try to get out on Wednesday afternoons and we have a number of local chippy destinations for supper.   One is sheer luxury with added lighting and even a Costa nearby should warm drinks be needed but most are partly open bus or park shelters with no lighting. 
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: fhills on 11 November, 2017, 10:27:16 am
Thanks for the reply polar bear.enjoy your wednesday feasts
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Blodwyn Pig on 11 November, 2017, 03:59:02 pm
just bought Thermarest Prolite  mat, £51.82 free p+p. :o  ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Karla on 04 December, 2017, 05:08:11 pm
A Soto Amicus gas stove, as a direct swap for the Whisperlite I just sold on here.  These seem to have knocked the Pocket Rocket off the top spot for compact gas stoves, and have an inbuilt piezo igniter.  I got it from Cotswold, who currently give you a cookset for £40, which is £2 over what the stove would normally cost by itself.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Pedaldog. on 05 December, 2017, 01:23:17 am
A "Whackin' Gurt Fortress" 
Huge and weighs a Hefty few Kilos.
For a Base Camp type do, it should be excellent. Unlikely to carry it for a Moving on tour, simply because of the weight.

Robens Fortress 3.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 06 December, 2017, 12:50:00 pm
I like the look of that PD.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Pedaldog. on 06 December, 2017, 04:13:12 pm
i got it in a Complicated Four-Way-Trade. I'm planning on a "Camp Every Month" next year. Any day, any place, other than the garden out front, and try to actually get myself Fettled as well as I can. The size means that being stuck inside in a Hyooge Storm Means I can sit with "Book 'n Brew. If TEH HEDD gets too bad to face the daylight I still have space to writhe in agony.
Anybody doing any trips on the last weekend in January, unlikely I know, please let me know. My Birthday's the 24th, Wednesday, so I'd like to Celebrate it, for a change, in a Camp on the weekend of the 26th/28th.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 09 December, 2017, 08:06:14 pm
Ordered a few days ago, arrives last night:
An MSR Thru-Hiker 70 Wing Tarp. It's a 70 square foot/6.5 square meter tarp with pegs and guy lines, to be used next summer for back country trips when mild weather is forecast and I want to travel light. I also got a set of MSR snow stakes, to be used this winter on back country trips.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Aushiker on 27 December, 2017, 05:50:52 am
This week I have placed an order for a Soto Amicus stove (https://adventuresinstoving.blogspot.com.au/2016/12/review-soto-amicus.html) and a Mont-bell US Plasma 1000 down jacket (https://www.montbelloutdoor.com.au/montbell-us-plasma-1000-down-jacket-sunset-orange). Still need to find a replacement for my Exped Synmat UL 7S (http://aushiker.com/owner-review-exped-synmat-ul-7-s-first-impressions/) which has had its baffles fail [second Exped mat to fail] so will probably get a Sea to Summit Lightweight Insulated mat as a replacement when I can get a good deal on one.

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: fhills on 28 December, 2017, 09:50:12 am
A "Whackin' Gurt Fortress" 
Huge and weighs a Hefty few Kilos.
For a Base Camp type do, it should be excellent. Unlikely to carry it for a Moving on tour, simply because of the weight.

Robens Fortress 3.
Sounds good. I rate Robens. If you want one for cycling use I can recommend the Robens Lodge 2. Great tent for one.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 30 December, 2017, 05:23:58 pm
Anybody here tried a Fjallraven tent?   I'm intrigued to know how they stack up against Hilleberg.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: fhills on 31 December, 2017, 08:12:37 am
Snugpak ionosphere

As in here, though not from them:

https://www.militarykit.com/product_categories/field_camping_survival/bivi_bags_bashas_shelters_hammocks/product_pages/shelter_1_person_ionosphere_snugpak.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_vmLrOaz2AIVxbDtCh2SrQCNEAAYASAAEgKz4_D_BwE

For solo quick trips.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MalRees on 31 December, 2017, 11:00:36 am
Anybody here tried a Fjallraven tent?   I'm intrigued to know how they stack up against Hilleberg.
We have an Abisko Endurance. Quality is superb. Can't compare to Hilleberg as we don't have one but we've been really impressed. Got mine as an ex demo model which made it affordable. ..  Good kit doesn't come cheap!

Sent from my E6653 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 31 December, 2017, 11:17:03 am
Anybody here tried a Fjallraven tent?   I'm intrigued to know how they stack up against Hilleberg.
We have an Abisko Endurance. Quality is superb. Can't compare to Hilleberg as we don't have one but we've been really impressed. Got mine as an ex demo model which made it affordable. ..  Good kit doesn't come cheap!

Sent from my E6653 using Tapatalk

I am looking at the Keb Endurance 3.  Everything that I get from my Hilleberg Nammatj 3GT plus snow skirts and a door each side of the vestibule.   Pity red is not an option.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: MalRees on 31 December, 2017, 05:36:52 pm
Just rechecked and ours is actually  the Keb Endurance 3, not the Abisko version. Ours come in at just over 4kg, so we split the pack between two when on the bike.  I really like the width in the living quarters - there's loads of space for 2 and  it will definitely work for two and a small one. Having two doors is definitely a boon as well. If you can get the right deal then try one. Ours was £450, reduced from £975.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 03 April, 2018, 04:59:29 am
Sea to Summit Air Chair (turns my sleeping pad into a chair), Sea to Summit mosquito netting head covering and a Sea to Summit Tyvek ground sheet (to go with the tarp I got for minimalist camping).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Aushiker on 05 April, 2018, 06:34:20 am

My replacement sleeping mat arrived today; a Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated mat (http://seatosummit.com/product/ultralight-insul-mat/), size small. It replaces my now dead Exped Synmat UL 7S (https://aushiker.com/owner-review-exped-synmat-ul-7-s-first-impressions/) and also brings to an end my experiment with Exped gear.

The other piece of gear was an Outdoor Research Helium II Jacket (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/outdoor-research-helium-ii-jacket?mode=guest_open&utm_campaign=Transactional%3A%20Shipping%20Notification&utm_source=SparkPost&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Transactional%3A%20Shipping%20Notification&utm_content=1521204303351.765417657578466919624469&referer=QUKP2P&utm_content=1521204303351.765417657578466919624469#login) from Massdrop to replace the RAB Flashpoint Jacket (https://rab.equipment/us/flashpoint-jacket-11) I managed to loose at the end (literally on the last few kilometres to home) of my last bikepacking trip.



Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: bikepacker on 05 April, 2018, 07:19:11 pm
Due to aging problems that have caused me to be restricted when getting up and down in low tents, I have purchased a Vango Galaxy 200. Uttings were doing it for £129 over Easter so I thought I would give it a try. I will probably only use it on shortish trips or in going by car.

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Paul H on 05 April, 2018, 08:08:52 pm

My replacement sleeping mat arrived today; a Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated mat (http://seatosummit.com/product/ultralight-insul-mat/), size small. It replaces my now dead Exped Synmat UL 7S (https://aushiker.com/owner-review-exped-synmat-ul-7-s-first-impressions/) and also brings to an end my experiment with Exped gear.
That looks interesting, look forward to hearing how you get on with it.
The construction method that leads to delamination isn't unique to Exped, HF welded seams always have a cross piece to secure them, something that can't be done on an internal baffle.  I've had two go, a Big Agnes and an Exped and the replacement Exped is on the way out, I'm going to be looking for something offering the same comfort and insulation with a different construction.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Whitestone on 05 April, 2018, 09:02:54 pm
I've had one Exped mat delaminate which was replaced under warranty. A bit of searching led to me not fully inflating the mat - I actually fully inflate it then let a bit of air out. The idea is that having some room for the air to move around means that there aren't the same stresses on the welded seams.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Paul H on 05 April, 2018, 09:26:25 pm
I've had one Exped mat delaminate which was replaced under warranty. A bit of searching led to me not fully inflating the mat - I actually fully inflate it then let a bit of air out. The idea is that having some room for the air to move around means that there aren't the same stresses on the welded seams.
I wrote this on the forum some years ago
Quote
The guide that came with the Big Agnes mat (Similar to a Synmat) said when inflated correctly you should feel the ground when you kneel on it, but not when you kneel on it and take half the weight on your arms.  The diagram made it clearer, two contact points = feel the ground.  Four contact points = off the ground.
That's plenty of room for air to move around, it didn't stop the two failures.
If you look at any other product that's HF welded, I doubt you'll find a seam without a cross piece. That's not to say every mat is going to fail, but the chances are too high for me to have another.
OT - I used to manufacture tarpaulins and marquees, the end of every welded seam is either stitched or bolted.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Aushiker on 06 April, 2018, 07:12:33 am
That looks interesting, look forward to hearing how you get on with it.
The construction method that leads to delamination isn't unique to Exped, HF welded seams always have a cross piece to secure them, something that can't be done on an internal baffle.  I've had two go, a Big Agnes and an Exped and the replacement Exped is on the way out, I'm going to be looking for something offering the same comfort and insulation with a different construction.

The construction method is apparently, "Extrusion Lamination method of construction makes this mat incredibly durable, so it’ll be able to handle the rough conditions you take it though." Not sure exactly what that means or if it is a fancy way of saying HF welded.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 06 April, 2018, 01:34:38 pm
I bought a trangia today. I'm looking forward to playing with it  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 06 April, 2018, 03:49:50 pm
I bought a trangia today. I'm looking forward to playing with it  :thumbsup:

Finally converted  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Regulator on 07 April, 2018, 04:53:33 pm
Camping/trekking related...

Bought myself a Fjallraven Bergen 30 today.   (https://www.fjallraven.co.uk/bergen-30)

(https://www.fjallraven.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/all/base/522x/17f82f742ffe127f42dca9de82fb58b1/F/2/F26014-550_0.jpg)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 07 April, 2018, 05:26:28 pm
That so you can carry more tents Reg?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 11 April, 2018, 04:51:28 pm
Very nice Reg.  I was lusting after one in a shop in St Ives (Cornwall) only a couple of weeks back.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 11 April, 2018, 06:31:52 pm
Some ferrules for my camping chair.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: bikepacker on 11 April, 2018, 06:34:48 pm
My Cascade Wild table arrived today. https://cascadewild.com/ultralight-folding-table
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 11 April, 2018, 06:37:31 pm
Some ferrules for my camping chair.

Where from Bob?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 11 April, 2018, 06:42:20 pm
They go over the originals i.e. they are not to replace them. The intention being to spread the load a bit and prevent sinking in (and thereby losing the Helinox originals).

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00FBHZHVO/ref=pe_3187911_189395841_TE_3p_dp_1 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00FBHZHVO/ref=pe_3187911_189395841_TE_3p_dp_1)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: clarion on 27 April, 2018, 01:03:26 pm
We seem to have a lovely Trangia set now.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: D.A.L.E. on 27 April, 2018, 01:15:45 pm
Stocked up on Poundland camping pillows yesterday. Game changer.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: UshCha on 29 April, 2018, 03:15:35 am
Sea to summit large camping pillow, still not quite tall enough for be but better than the OEX one it replaces and it packs smaller.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: αdαmsκι on 23 May, 2018, 09:12:36 pm
A Nordisk Oppland 3 LW tent (https://nordisk.eu/oppland-3-lw/forest-green/p/75/) to replace the one that we loved when we were cycle touring in 2016 and ended up with a shredded outer thanks to a domestic cat! (We did manage to use the cat destroyed tent for a further 3000+ km of cycle touring, but with a tarp of shame thrown over the top (https://tyredandhungry.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/199-cone-on-shame-on-the-tent-at-bayshore-resort.jpg?w=1200).) Anyway, "Above and Beyond" were offering the Nordisk at a reduced price, plus coupled with a 20% discount code they'd emailed me meant we've now got a new Oppland for a not totally crazy price.

Now we need to go camping.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Nick H. on 24 May, 2018, 01:09:11 am
I was thinking about taking my cat camping. She would probably shred my tent within seconds but somebody's invented soft plastic claw covers which you glue on. So add that to the camping shopping list! Or maybe don't because they're said to be cruel. So I suppose I can't take the cat camping after all. It's a shame because I think she'd love it. She's a bit strange.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 29 May, 2018, 03:54:20 pm
I bought a small, very light, plastic chopping board, from a kitchen shop, to make camp cooking easier and, shock horror, actually cook vegetables!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Oscar's dad on 29 May, 2018, 04:08:16 pm
I was thinking about taking my cat camping. She would probably shred my tent within seconds but somebody's invented soft plastic claw covers which you glue on. So add that to the camping shopping list! Or maybe don't because they're said to be cruel. So I suppose I can't take the cat camping after all. It's a shame because I think she'd love it. She's a bit strange.

Camping with cats is an actual thing, they even have a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/campingwithcats/

And over the weekend The Current Mrs R was telling me how she's read that someone had installed a cat flap in their caravan as their cats loved a bit of caravanning!   We have 3 cats and I'm not sure we're brave enough to take any of them camping or caravanning for a whole variety of reasons, some of these involve us potentially being thrown off the campsite  :hand:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Nick H. on 29 May, 2018, 08:14:20 pm
I was assuming wild camping. I think I'll have to pitch the tent indoors and sleep in it. She'll want to join me. Then I might discover whether she thinks a nylon tent is scratchworthy.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 30 May, 2018, 01:28:46 pm
A Duossal frying pan for my Trangia, to replace the non-stick one with the flaky coating & the aluminium one with all the dents & scars.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 31 May, 2018, 09:25:43 am
I was thinking about taking my cat camping. She would probably shred my tent within seconds but somebody's invented soft plastic claw covers which you glue on. So add that to the camping shopping list! Or maybe don't because they're said to be cruel. So I suppose I can't take the cat camping after all. It's a shame because I think she'd love it. She's a bit strange.

Camping with cats is an actual thing, they even have a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/campingwithcats/

And over the weekend The Current Mrs R was telling me how she's read that someone had installed a cat flap in their caravan as their cats loved a bit of caravanning!   We have 3 cats and I'm not sure we're brave enough to take any of them camping or caravanning for a whole variety of reasons, some of these involve us potentially being thrown off the campsite  :hand:

Hmm. I wouldn't want free range cats on a site near my tent. One of the ALC had his Hilleberg Acto ripped to shreds by a cat that some idiot had taken to York Rally. They only have to get scared by one dog and go haring up the nearest object.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Oscar's dad on 31 May, 2018, 09:40:53 am
I think you’re right. Most of the camping cats I’ve seen in photos wear a harness connected to a long lead.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 31 May, 2018, 10:06:16 am
Hmm. I wouldn't want free range cats on a site near my tent. One of the ALC had his Hilleberg Acto ripped to shreds by a cat that some idiot had taken to York Rally. They only have to get scared by one dog and go haring up the nearest object.

I've been on sites with free-range cats eg. Wing, and they've never been a problem.  I suppose there's a difference between a local cat on familiar territory (with known bolt-holes) that's only likely to go near the tents if it's happy with random humans, and a random cat that's been brought along by a camper and is likely to be on edge.

I've had more trouble with people's free-range dogs, including a yappy dog run up my tent during a fight with a bigger, less yappy dog, the usual friendly dog slobber allergy risk, and various spontaneous dog-emptyings in extremely suboptimal places.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Robert S. Thorn on 31 May, 2018, 11:31:34 am
In recent days I have acquired a gas burner for the Trangia (I have lost the love for meths as it's messy and tastes awful if you accidentally ingest it) and a Helinox Chair One for a bit of campsite luxury.

Can I please ask for recommendations for a good nights sleep courtesy of what the best sleeping mat is for comfort given that it will be packed away whilst walking or cycling?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 31 May, 2018, 12:01:49 pm
Starter for ten: Exped Downmat/Synmat.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 31 May, 2018, 12:05:21 pm
In recent days I have acquired a gas burner for the Trangia (I have lost the love for meths as it's messy and tastes awful if you accidentally ingest it) and a Helinox Chair One for a bit of campsite luxury.

Can I please ask for recommendations for a good nights sleep courtesy of what the best sleeping mat is for comfort given that it will be packed away whilst walking or cycling?

I've used both Thermarest Neoair & Exped Downmat/Synmat.    Both are comfortable,  both will eventually fail so I think Thermarests lifetime warranty beats the Exped 5 year one.  Exped was slightly more comfortable, the thermarests pack a bit smaller.    I think my current model is a Neoair Trekker.   Both manufacturers offer large or Wide versions,  after using one I think it's worth the slight weight penalty for not worrying about rolling off the mat

Edit: Whichever one you get buy a pump sac. Inflating them by mouth gets old quickly.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Robert S. Thorn on 31 May, 2018, 12:31:58 pm
So, Exped or Thermarest then.

I have an old Thermarest so googled to check that they had advanced over twenty years and it seems that they have.  Always been reliable if not so comfortable so I'll start with Thermarest I think.

Thanks to you both for your help.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 31 May, 2018, 12:33:16 pm
I'd recommend a Neoair over a Downmat.
Compare the result you get when googling "downmat baffle failure" and "thermarest baffle failure" to see why.

A warranty is all very well, but it doesn't help very much when you are a week into a 2 week trip.

They come in various warmth ratings (R-value, higher is warmer), which deserve some consideration. Values below 3 (US units) or 0.5 (SI units) aren't really warm enough for winter.

There are other similar mats available (from eg Sea to Summit), but the alternatives generally haven't been available long enough to get a decent user base and feedback
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Aushiker on 31 May, 2018, 01:35:25 pm
On the subject of Exped mats, this thread at the Bushwalking Australia forums (http://bushwalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=27919) might be of interest.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Robert S. Thorn on 31 May, 2018, 01:44:27 pm
Thanks for that link.  I wonder if there is something similar for Thermarests lurking on the internet? 
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 31 May, 2018, 01:53:37 pm
Do Thermarest do anything that's as warm as a Downmat?

Ah, the NeoAir XTherm.  Doesn't look quite as comfortable, but very impressive weight.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Nick H. on 31 May, 2018, 02:19:05 pm
Nobody's mentioning the top of the range mats, e.g. Thermarest MondoKing and DreamTime, or Exped MegaMat.  Or the really thick things from other mfrs such as Coleman. They're too heavy for cycling but Robert's post seems to imply that's not an issue.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 31 May, 2018, 02:27:51 pm
I was extremely impressed with Polar Bear's MegaMat.  No idea if it suffers from the same problems as other Exped mats.

Alpkit's Dozer isn't bad, either.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Robert S. Thorn on 31 May, 2018, 02:35:24 pm
Nobody's mentioning the top of the range mats, e.g. Thermarest MondoKing and DreamTime, or Exped MegaMat.  Or the really thick things from other mfrs such as Coleman. They're too heavy for cycling but Robert's post seems to imply that's not an issue.

I did say that it will be used whilst on walking and cycling trips.  Perhaps not well enough expressed - sorry.

Having now looked at a few of the suggestions they look more like car camping mats or mats that I'd use if I had a base from where I was exploring.  The 63cms wide Mondoking is 2.5 kgs.  A tad heavier than my tent.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 31 May, 2018, 02:38:37 pm
Yeah, those are all very much car camping / 'base camp' mats.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Nick H. on 31 May, 2018, 02:43:31 pm
Got it. I thought you'd be driving to base camp and then cycling without bags.

You might want to think about a Thermarest cot. I haven't tried one yet, but some customers rave about them and now leave their mat at home, in which case the weight penalty for the cot is less than a kilo. I've just read that they're good for sleeping on your back but not on your side. Who knows? I think the only way is to try it - everybody's experience will vary.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Robert S. Thorn on 31 May, 2018, 03:35:43 pm
Driving is on a strictly needs must basis.  The old bus racks up about 1,000 miles annually, most of it back and forth to the elderly folks.  Only keep it for 'emergencies'.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 01 June, 2018, 09:46:37 am
I choose downmat/synamat over thermarest because they are warmer, they fold smaller for the thickness I need (ignoring the neoair as too cold), they have a chair kit that you can use to sit up in bed, which I find really useful for back problems and also for reading. They have always replaced promptly when I have had problems.

In about 16 years of fairly heavy and not careful use (Nye jumps all over them) I had one of the old style valves fail, one puncture (clarion's flimsy ultra light), and 2 baffle failures, one of which is also the the UL. They have replaced everthing with no quibble, even the 12 or so year old valve failure. They repaired the puncture. So whilst not a perfect record, pretty good for 16 years. We currently have 3 in service plus the UL which is waiting to be sent for repair.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Whitestone on 01 June, 2018, 10:06:34 am
I've an Exped Synmat, it's my second. The first failed in exactly the same manner as the shot in the first post - along one of the outermost welds/seams. It had been used for approximately 12 nights :o We were in Iceland at the time, it failed when fully inflated and I leant on it with my elbow a bit too quickly. It was replaced under warranty but with a better model - the Winterlite. The replacement has been used about 30 times so far.

I now fully inflate using the Schnozzle inflating bag then let a bit of air out.

My wife has the Hyperlite which has had similar usage (30 nights) and is fine so far.

Lightweight gear is always a compromise but the annoying thing is that lighter kit is more expensive but doesn't last as long :sick: The old CCF mats like Karrimat or the RidgeRest are reliable and fairly light but bulky and I'm getting to like comfort in my ever increasing years.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 01 June, 2018, 04:15:02 pm
I've just bought a new Downmat to replace mine which suffered a baffle failure a couple of weeks ago.  It's about 7 years old, and has been decently used in that time, so fair enough.  Like Butterfly I value the warmth, and as a side-sleeper with both hips and shoulders, I value the thickness.  It seems like an acceptible trade-off, even if the NeoAir might be more reliable.  At the end of the day, if reliability really mattered that much, I'd be slumming it on closed-cell foam.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: davelodwig on 02 June, 2018, 09:05:42 am
I choose downmat/synamat over thermarest because they are warmer, they fold smaller for the thickness I need (ignoring the neoair as too cold), they have a chair kit that you can use to sit up in bed, which I find really useful for back problems and also for reading. They have always replaced promptly when I have had problems.

In about 16 years of fairly heavy and not careful use (Nye jumps all over them) I had one of the old style valves fail, one puncture (clarion's flimsy ultra light), and 2 baffle failures, one of which is also the the UL. They have replaced everthing with no quibble, even the 12 or so year old valve failure. They repaired the puncture. So whilst not a perfect record, pretty good for 16 years. We currently have 3 in service plus the UL which is waiting to be sent for repair.

How did you go about getting the downmat repaired, we have two and they are great apart from the fact they go flat overnight. They arn't that old either.

Cheers

D.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 02 June, 2018, 01:20:15 pm
Send them off. Clarion has the address somewhere, I'll get him to find it for you.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: bikepacker on 02 June, 2018, 03:28:15 pm
These are the importers they also offer an Exped repair service: https://lyon.co.uk/outdoor
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: fhills on 02 June, 2018, 07:27:27 pm
I bought a small, very light, plastic chopping board, from a kitchen shop, to make camp cooking easier and, shock horror, actually cook vegetables!

Yes you can often get decent stuff for camping from normal shops - often better/cheaper than some modern over-designed bijou camping stuff.

I find the TK Maxx kitchen tools section handy at times.

My camping chopping board came from Lidl.

Am all for integrating normal domestic life and camping - I can recommend a very good camping chopping knife for your new board if you are interested. It's not light at all but is good - I now use it as my main kitchen chopping knife.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 02 June, 2018, 08:05:49 pm
I can recommend a very good camping chopping knife for your new board if you are interested. It's not light at all but is good - I now use it as my main kitchen chopping knife.
Thanks, but I'll stick with my Opinel.

Quote
Am all for integrating normal domestic life and camping -
I sometimes feel like the best way to do this would be just not going home!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 June, 2018, 08:53:27 am
One section of one of the poles of my Wild Country tent has split at both ends. All the other sections of both poles are fine. I've just checked and WC give a two-year guarantee. I've found the receipt and I bought it three years ago. Well I can ask and see...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 20 June, 2018, 06:00:01 pm
Sea to Summit UltraLight Insulated Sleeping Mat (https://seatosummitusa.com/collections/sleeping-mats/products/ultralight-insulated-mat?variant=7896105418780). I got the small, 168 cm long, to save a little weight and bulk. I'm 175 cm tall, so a few centimeters of feet hanging off the end won't matter much. Feels very comfortable on my living room floor, let's see how it works when I'm actually camping.

I also got the MSR Windburner Duo  (https://www.msrgear.com/stoves/windburner-duo-system) stove system. I went for the MSR system instead of the JetBoil because the MSR system looked sturdier (more metal, less plastic) and appeared to offer better wind protection. I went for the Duo because I like the remote burner system- the burner and pot rest on a very stable tripod base, and I expect the remote burner to be more efficient in cold weather. I'll post a review after I use these items in the field.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Paul H on 10 August, 2018, 04:55:50 pm
A Terra Nova Solar 2.2 flysheet
I can't believe it, I've had this tent for over a decade and love it.  I've been saying for the last two years that it needed replacing, the fly is shot, a combination of UV and carelessness.  I've been on the cusp of buying a £400 replacement I don't like as much and then out the blue TN have flysheets available for £160. This model has been out of production for a couple of years, I don't know where these came from, they weren't available when I asked.  Happy days. 
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: iddu on 06 September, 2018, 12:08:34 pm
Jetboil MiniMo (sans gas)...

PSA:  Millets are knocking them out at £108, with -15% (for >£60 orders) to 11th Sept, so ~£92 in real terms. 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Jetboil-Minimo-Cooking-System-Black/332656421740?epid=17013576935&hash=item4d73de2b6c:g:zf8AAOSw~Sla~rK4


Or not, since they blame ‘computer problems’ for non-stock...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wobbly John on 09 September, 2018, 07:58:50 pm
Yard sales in our village today. I found a, used once, Vango Tempest 200 for less than the cost of a pint!  :D :D :D

(https://image.ibb.co/iO1G29/P1100431.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/nrayFU/P1100432.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/hVY79p/P1100433.jpg)

 :smug:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 09 September, 2018, 08:03:30 pm
I bet it smells of DofE in there...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: ElyDave on 16 September, 2018, 07:08:30 pm
bought an alpkit hunka last week, and a trangia meths burner today, to go with my Honey stove.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: rogerzilla on 17 September, 2018, 08:58:22 pm
A Coleman white gas lantern.  I like refurbishing Coleman things.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 17 September, 2018, 09:07:29 pm
You should get some Geiger Counter Test Sources from eBay for that gas lamp, while you're at it...

I've bought some cotton duck fabric, with which I'm going to attempt a repair of my Coleman folding stool.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: rogerzilla on 23 September, 2018, 09:47:27 pm
I've just bought six NOS thorium mantles for a very reasonable price.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: cycleman on 15 November, 2018, 08:54:44 pm
 I bought a transgia 25 meth coo
Set complete with kettle  from Amazon and it Arrived this afternoon. When I can afford it I am hoping to get a non stick frying pan for it. I might try and do overnight camp in the next few weeks if it stays mild  :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: sojournermike on 15 November, 2018, 09:07:39 pm
A cheap ‘Fire Maple’ stove and heat exchanger pot from Planet X, bundled with a bar bag and big heavy dry bag. Looks OK, but I’ve not 🔥 it yet. Starts with a ⚡️
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: epa611 on 04 December, 2018, 10:37:48 pm
Solo Stove Campfire and 2 pot set.  Can't use it yet as it's my Christmas presents

Sent from my STF-L09 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: UshCha on 28 December, 2018, 11:22:04 am
Almost camping stuff.   My favorite cafe has shut permanently so I need a bit of a shelter to brew up on these cold days so I bought one of these

ttps://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Michigan-1-Person-Dome-Sea-Fishing-Tent-Shelter-Lightweight-Compact-Bivvy-Bivvi/360733128605?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

About 600 grm,  just had the first put up and down.   Got it up, chair placed in the shelter, I'm not fully covered but well out of the wind.   First time with a few fumbles and it was up, chair up and sat in the chair and back down and chair and shelter packed in bags again in 14 minutes.   Could easily reduce the time by about 4 min with practice.   Not as good as the cafe but a lot better than a brew in a cold wind.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: UshCha on 03 January, 2019, 05:17:54 pm
Sort of.  I was reviewing my needs since replacing the frying pan with a small none stick version.   This left me with a quanddry, why have a huge Stainless plate weiging 200 grm when its not needed to cover a big fry pan.  So after the usual serach for a lightweight steel or taitanium plate the thought hit me.  Why not use a pie tin.

https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=1bpegPsX&id=3DF6CCE8EA8CE2DD4ED231713A1FBBCA09286A58&thid=OIP.1bpegPsXPFpISUFFB2LzBAHaHa&mediaurl=https%3a%2f%2fwww.britishcornershop.co.uk%2fimg%2flarge%2fTJ0504.jpg&exph=500&expw=500&q=freybentos+pie&simid=607986854488967095&selectedIndex=0&ajaxhist=0

Light weight, good for 230 deg C and only £1.00 but you need to dispose of the contents valued at £1.00.   I am not normally big into re-cycling but somtimes its just sensible.   working on the disposal of the contents and a check the tine is good for 230 deg C at least for 25 min. https://yacf.co.uk/forum/Smileys/classic/grin.gif
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: UshCha on 03 January, 2019, 11:37:31 pm
OK so here is the specification of my new light weight steel camping plate/bowl.

Outer diameter 155mm inner diameter 130mm  depth 36mm weight 60grm.

Supply details,  The plate comes filled with a check material and a top cover to prevent damage in transit.   Prior to use it needs the top cover removing, a can opener will perform this operation satisfactorly.  The plate then needs "proving" at 230 deg C in the oven.   Following the heating the plate should be checked to ensure that it has remained leakproof over the entire surface of the plate.  If a leak is found the manufacturer will replace the plate free of charge.  The contents should then be consumed and checked for taste.  Provided this is edible and no taint is present,  the plate can be washed and enter service.  Regratably the manufactures guarantee does not extend beyond the "proving" and  checking of the plate initial packing contents.  However at the low cost (approximately £1,00)  to expect an extended
Sort of.  I was reviewing my needs since replacing the frying pan with a small none stick version.   This left me with a quanddry, why have a huge Stainless plate weiging 200 grm when its not needed to cover a big fry pan.  So after the usual serach for a lightweight steel or taitanium plate the thought hit me.  Why not use a pie tin.

https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=1bpegPsX&id=3DF6CCE8EA8CE2DD4ED231713A1FBBCA09286A58&thid=OIP.1bpegPsXPFpISUFFB2LzBAHaHa&mediaurl=https%3a%2f%2fwww.britishcornershop.co.uk%2fimg%2flarge%2fTJ0504.jpg&exph=500&expw=500&q=freybentos+pie&simid=607986854488967095&selectedIndex=0&ajaxhist=0

Light weight, good for 230 deg C and only £1.00 but you need to dispose of the contents valued at £1.00.   I am not normally big into re-cycling but somtimes its just sensible.   working on the disposal of the contents and a check the tine is good for 230 deg C at least for 25 min. https://yacf.co.uk/forum/Smileys/classic/grin.gif
guarantee is unreasonable.  ;-).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Quisling on 23 January, 2019, 03:43:57 pm
Just taken delivery of a #2 trowel for hiding the "outputs" during backpacking adventures.
http://thetentlab.com/Deuce/DeuceofSpadespage.html

My kitchen scales reckon it's 16g, which is super light.  Yet to test it out in the wild but looks promising.  Could also double as an emergency tent peg in soft ground I imagine.
Bought it online from  here https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/  Efficient ordering/delivery.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 23 January, 2019, 04:04:19 pm
Alpkit Viper head lamp as my Gamma is playing up. Gamma is now £22 rp. I think I paid £12.50 for mine.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Pedaldog. on 26 January, 2019, 08:15:51 pm
A Snow Peak Titanium pot, around 700ml size, with a lid, a mesh bag and a Ti Spork inside it.
Charity shop find of the year, I think!
I gave them a £2.00 coin and said to put the 50p change into the collection pot.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 27 January, 2019, 09:59:57 am
A Snow Peak Titanium pot, around 700ml size, with a lid, a mesh bag and a Ti Spork inside it.
Charity shop find of the year, I think!
I gave them a £2.00 coin and said to put the 50p change into the collection pot.

Amazing! Great find  :D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Pedaldog. on 28 January, 2019, 11:42:57 pm
I called back in today and gave then a load of carrier bags to use. Least I could do.

This one, anna Spork.
https://www.tauntonleisure.com/snow-peak-trek-700-titanium.html
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Quisling on 04 March, 2019, 09:41:49 am
Fold-a-cup (large)
like this https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/wildo-fold-a-cup-big-p444100?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwP2NiJjo4AIVS7XtCh2pVwuhEAQYASABEgKJhPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I wanted a mug big enough to use as a food bowl but which doesn't take up a large area of my rucksack by being rigid.  This is a cheap and fairly sturdy bit of kit.  A quick test with a cup of tea and it handles fine and packs small enough. 
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 04 March, 2019, 03:03:21 pm
I use Orikaso (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Orikaso-Solo-Set-Red/dp/B000XYMXYO), both mug and bowl, which unfolds to properly flat (about .6 mm thick?), and effectively takes up no space.
You get a free chopping mat for the cooking phase too.

There's also Fozzils, which are similar, but use poppers rather than fold-in flaps, and are more expensive.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Si S on 09 April, 2019, 07:49:20 am
Not today but at the weekend a Robens snowden gaslamp (https://www.robens.de/en-gb/shop/outdoor-accessories/lighting/gas-lanterns/snowdon-gas-lantern).

If you read the instructions first you find out that there's a swivelly ignition hole, otherwise it makes quite an effective flamethrower, ruddy glad I didn't find that out with intent. It's a nice bit of kit and throws out a lovely light, looking forward to trying it out for real at Easter.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 09 April, 2019, 12:07:42 pm
Does that not use a mantle?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Si S on 10 April, 2019, 08:52:08 am
Does that not use a mantle?

Nope, that was the attraction over a traditional gas lamp1, well that and the fact it's teeny tiny in comparison and it's a screw fit, you essentially get an adjustable height candle flame, a bit of a play shows that it works best2 with a cylinder of butane/propane mix.

1I've got totally hacked off with rechargeable battery lanterns after the last expensive one died a fortnight after the warranty expired, the charging port came unstuck, I reckon you could probably have fixed it, I levered the housing assembly apart and made a temporary bodge but it was never going to be right.

2 If your definition of best is MOAR FIRE, this might be down to cylinder pressure -  the butane cylinder was pretty full, the propane mix was new, but I reckon the increased volatility has something to do with it.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 10 April, 2019, 12:33:47 pm
Interesting.

I reckon that burning gas as a practical way of producing a decent amount of light is thoroughly obsolete, but that's not really the point in something like this.


(Agreed about most battery lanterns being made of cheese.  The market seems to be flooded with the sort of stuff that's only fit for being taken apart by Big Clive.  As most of my camping is solo, I generally use a properly-engineered head torch.)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 10 April, 2019, 12:44:03 pm
I have a couple of Streamlight Siege lanterns. They use D cells, so too heavy for bike camping. Very solid build though. One is being used during my current loft clearing adventures.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 10 April, 2019, 03:24:13 pm
took the plunge this morning on a Snugpak travelpak 2 and a thermarest neoair Xlite.

Planning an overnight ride from Newport to wokingham and as I am rather unfit at the moment this should keep me safe with an alpkit bivvy.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Si S on 11 April, 2019, 07:47:28 am
Interesting.

I reckon that burning gas as a practical way of producing a decent amount of light is thoroughly obsolete, but that's not really the point in something like this.


(Agreed about most battery lanterns being made of cheese.  The market seems to be flooded with the sort of stuff that's only fit for being taken apart by Big Clive.  As most of my camping is solo, I generally use a properly-engineered head torch.)

I agree it's obsolete if you really need light and agree about a decent headtorch being the best solution, virtually all my camping is car camping, camping is one of those things we do as a couple. One of the things I've noticed in recent years as LED's have improved is that the light has got 'harsher', cf car headlights, very often we don't want that kind of light, just a little glow to see where I've left kicked over the vino.

Additionally I seem to be becoming somewhat photo-sensitive. We were in the lakes last year and every time someone at the other end of the site switched their small supernova on I had to retreat to the tent with crippling pain behind my eyes.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 11 April, 2019, 01:02:37 pm
One of the things I've noticed in recent years as LED's have improved is that the light has got 'harsher', cf car headlights, very often we don't want that kind of light, just a little glow to see where I've left kicked over the vino.

I reckon the problem of low-intensity light from dimmable LED sources is twofold:

- Nasty low-frequency PWM dimming leading to stroboscopic effects that even if you can't perceive as flicker, mean your eyes have to work harder to fixate on a given target, as they overshoot during the dark period.  Sort of thing that gives you a headache if you read by it.

- That the colour temperature of an LED source doesn't appreciably change[1] when dimmed.  If it's a high-efficiency (or low-cost) emitter with a fairly high colour temperature, this means you end up with a light that's far too blue for those of us used to incandescent sources, and it just feels wrong.

If it's being driven at full brightness with a 100% duty cycle then these problems go away, but obviously you then have a ludicrously bright light that's inappropriate for just loitering within tent.


Quote
Additionally I seem to be becoming somewhat photo-sensitive. We were in the lakes last year and every time someone at the other end of the site switched their small supernova on I had to retreat to the tent with crippling pain behind my eyes.

Sympathies.  As barakta's photo-sensitivity has become a problem, I've realised how ubiquitous horrible light sources can be.  Bonus points for the ones in the migraine clinic.   ::-)



[1] If you dim by controlling the current rather than the duty cycle, it goes a bit wibbly in the bottom 10% or so.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 12 April, 2019, 01:09:43 am
One of the things I've noticed in recent years as LED's have improved is that the light has got 'harsher', cf car headlights, very often we don't want that kind of light, just a little glow to see where I've left kicked over the vino.
One of the problems I've had with most headtorches is the lack of a properly dim dim mode, but I'm sorted now - the current version starts at 0.06 lumens (iirc) as currently configured, and will go down to 0.01, but I decided that was too dim, even with dark adapted eyes. Not too blue either.
(Zebra H600FW III)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 12 April, 2019, 01:18:05 am
I find the red LED works well when I want it really dim (yes, the colour of reddish objects is sometimes confusing, but it's not like you can see in colour with a dim light anyway).  I just wish the beam was a bit wider.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: JBB on 14 April, 2019, 07:47:12 am
I find the red LED works well when I want it really dim (yes, the colour of reddish objects is sometimes confusing, but it's not like you can see in colour with a dim light anyway).  I just wish the beam was a bit wider.
Interestingly chart table lights on boats are traditionally red as it is supposed to help you train your night vision for when go back on deck in the middle of the night.

And apropos nothing another fan of Big Clive here, I've learnt an awful lot and he has the most wonderful soothing voice (IMO).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 14 April, 2019, 10:39:10 am
I find the red LED works well when I want it really dim (yes, the colour of reddish objects is sometimes confusing, but it's not like you can see in colour with a dim light anyway).  I just wish the beam was a bit wider.
Interestingly chart table lights on boats are traditionally red as it is supposed to help you train your night vision for when go back on deck in the middle of the night.

Indeed.  The rod cells are only very weakly sensitive to red light, so you can use it to read charts (or avoid guy ropes) without depleting your night vision.  A deep blue (think the glow from near-UV sources) would probably work just as well, but we struggle to focus properly at those wavelengths (and it's harder to make that colour efficiently from an incandescent light source).


Quote
And apropos nothing another fan of Big Clive here, I've learnt an awful lot and he has the most wonderful soothing voice (IMO).

"One moment please..."
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: BobScarle on 25 April, 2019, 12:30:23 pm
I recently bought a small light for inside the tent. It has high and low settings and for reasons which totally escape me, a flashing mode. Why on earth would you have a lantern inside a tent flashing?

Bought a very nice (at least I hope) spork and knife.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 25 April, 2019, 12:33:38 pm
I recently bought a small light for inside the tent. It has high and low settings and for reasons which totally escape me, a flashing mode. Why on earth would you have a lantern inside a tent flashing?

Because you want to use the cheap off-the-shelf control chip/board that's used in all sorts of torches and low-end bike lights, rather than going to the extra effort of rolling your own solution just to not have a flashing mode.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: trekker12 on 25 April, 2019, 01:25:01 pm
These are very good, not blinding white light and converts from a lamp into a torch. Seems well built and sturdy too but it’s only done a couple of camping trips so far

https://www.alpkit.com/products/trinity#product-reviews
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 25 April, 2019, 02:39:03 pm
These are very good, not blinding white light and converts from a lamp into a torch. Seems well built and sturdy too but it’s only done a couple of camping trips so far

https://www.alpkit.com/products/trinity#product-reviews

I've had one of those for a few years now.  It's done several car-camping trips, and occasional torch duty around the house.

Main complaint is the low-frequency PWM if you run it at anything less than full brightness - barakta can't tolerate the stroboscopic effect, so we end up having to use it at full power.  AA batteries are also a bit of a double-edged sword.

But it's reasonably compact and does the job well enough.  I like the way the hook works.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: perpetual dan on 26 April, 2019, 08:57:41 am
A dim but enough to read by and handsfree red light is also good for my (occasional) astronomy. I'm still looking for the right light for that.

Is there a frequency at which the pwm ceases to be hard work for the eyes?

Sent from my LG-H850 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: UshCha on 26 April, 2019, 10:08:21 am
Unfortunately I have had to buy a load of repair tape.   Went camping for an overnight as a shake down and found 2 holes in My MSR Elixier inner tent, and one in the Footprint,  goodness only knows how I managed that.  The repair tape does seem tough and seems to stick well.

Also bought a second sit mat.   At arond 5 C  my Decathlon sleep may mat was not up to the cold where my hips were.   Final solution after using the pad on my trousers was my sit mat.  Only my hips were cold so a may undet that worked.   After that I even overslept! The solution in my limiting weather conditionss, take 2 sit mats light and gives a bit more flexibility in where to place them.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 26 April, 2019, 01:06:33 pm
A dim but enough to read by and handsfree red light is also good for my (occasional) astronomy. I'm still looking for the right light for that.

Is there a frequency at which the pwm ceases to be hard work for the eyes?

IEEE1789 (http://www.bio-licht.org/02_resources/info_ieee_2015_standards-1789.pdf) makes some reasonable recommendations for frequency and modulation.  For 100% modulation, they suggest the switching frequency should be above 1250Hz.  That seems about right for my own experience of LED flicker:  I can see artefacts on fast-moving objects at 1kHz, but it's not otherwise noticeable.  (I can see 100Hz flicker quite easily, but it doesn't usually bother me.)  But I don't think IEEE1789 goes far enough for the minority of people who are particularly sensitive, or when movement is to be expected (eg. vehicle lighting).

In our informal tests, barakta can see the flicker up to about 6kHz.  I doubt she's unique, though the effect on her visual system is extremely unusual (most people who are sensitive will suffer migraine, fatigue or autistic over-stimulation without necessarily being aware of the cause of the problem[1], rather than see stroboscopic artefacts on non-moving objects).  On that basis, I'd want it above 10kHz for a decent safety margin, at which point you're bang in the middle of the audio range, which is a recipe for sensory assault by whistling inductors instead.  (Also interference with audio-frequency electronic equipment, such as recording devices, guitar pickups or hearing aid induction loops.)

We have a couple of desk lamps that switch in the ~50kHz range.  Neither of us can tell the difference between that and DC, even with fast-moving objects.

I'd suggest that if you're driving LEDs with PWM, the frequency should be above the audio band, in the tens of kilohertz.  DC current-dimming (which can still be done using efficient switching regulators) may be appropriate if low-end colour stability isn't critical.  Anything with more than a slight ripple[2] at AC mains frequency belongs in the bin.  I expect the IEEE and lighting organisations will come around to this view eventually, with the no-name Chinese manufacturers catching up several decades later.


[1] I bet some of the 'allergic to WiFi' brigade are in this category.
[2] Impressively, barakta can see the 100Hz ripple on halogen lighting, so even that's not immune.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Phil W on 26 April, 2019, 01:10:33 pm
A dim but enough to read by and handsfree red light is also good for my (occasional) astronomy. I'm still looking for the right light for that.

Is there a frequency at which the pwm ceases to be hard work for the eyes?

Sent from my LG-H850 using Tapatalk

Many of the Petzl headlights have a red light mode for reading maps at night without affecting night vision.  You press and hold the main button till it changes between modes.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: campagman on 29 May, 2019, 07:24:01 pm
Bought a new mattress (https://www.decathlon.co.uk/trek700-air-short-mattress-gry-id_8493805.html?iv_=__iv_p_1_g_61980133654_c_316432589974_w_aud-308557096933:pla-329717981662_n_g_d_c_v__l__t__r_1o3x_pla_y_15177021_f_online_o_2566908_z_GB_i_en_j_329717981662_s__e__h_1006674_ii__vi__&gclid=CjwKCAjw27jnBRBuEiwAdjQXDHP-1rNbF-DaN9lzPTVcGTMp1E15b1koZJeZCzYsU-o0g7RmADnsvBoCiPoQAvD_BwE). Should I store it unfolded, as flat as possible?

Website says store flat and dry, no problem.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Joe.B on 30 May, 2019, 11:55:38 pm
Just pressed the button on a Luxe Mega-Horn II;

http://www.luxeoutdoor.com/eng/catalog-topic-gallery-view1.asp?id=1396&selfpath=/173

Hopefully it won't be too long before I get some pictures posted.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: fuaran on 04 June, 2019, 06:46:42 pm
A gas canister stand. £3 from AliExpress. And all metal, maybe stronger than the MSR stand with plastic bits?
Should make my Pocket Rocket a bit more stable. Or can be used to hold the canister upside down, for my Windpro.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: cycleman on 04 June, 2019, 08:32:48 pm
A head torch with a red led option for £4 pounds in  millets in Shrewsbury  :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 06 June, 2019, 10:13:43 pm
How did you end up in Shrewsbury?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 07 June, 2019, 06:01:25 am
A gas canister stand. £3 from AliExpress. And all metal, maybe stronger than the MSR stand with plastic bits?
Should make my Pocket Rocket a bit more stable. Or can be used to hold the canister upside down, for my Windpro.

I thought the WindPro came with a canister stand?  https://www.msrgear.com/stoves/canister-stoves/windpro-ii#product-info
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: fuaran on 07 June, 2019, 08:48:38 am
A gas canister stand. £3 from AliExpress. And all metal, maybe stronger than the MSR stand with plastic bits?
Should make my Pocket Rocket a bit more stable. Or can be used to hold the canister upside down, for my Windpro.

I thought the WindPro came with a canister stand?  https://www.msrgear.com/stoves/canister-stoves/windpro-ii#product-info
Mine is the original WindPro, not the WindPro 2. So it didn't include a canister stand.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: cycleman on 07 June, 2019, 12:23:21 pm
A head torch with a red led option for £4 pounds in  millets in Shrewsbury  :)
I was visiting nobby and we went to Shrewsbury to trawl the charity shops   :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 03 July, 2019, 07:54:34 pm
My Brukit and canister have arrived!  Seems to boil water faster than even the gas cooker!

Off on my travels on Sunday with ferry from Portsmouth to St Malo overnight.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 03 July, 2019, 08:33:36 pm
My Brukit and canister have arrived!  Seems to boil water faster than even the gas cooker!

Doesn't seem unusual for high-pressure butane/propane stoves to out-perform low-pressure gas burners.  I expect there's a corresponding loss of efficiency...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Bobby on 08 July, 2019, 05:50:56 pm
Bought a Vango F10 HELIUM UL 2 tent ready to go on some adventures with the kids (one at a time - the age gap necessitates that now so I figured the tent may as well comply).

Got a couple of small-ish sleeping bags ready for the adventure too!

Exciting!  :thumbsup: 8)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: fuaran on 18 July, 2019, 08:08:22 pm
An Alpkit Soloist tent.
Quite lightweight, and packs small. Seems easy enough to put together, it is freestanding, helps for test pitching it in the lounge.
It is rather narrow, but tall, high enough to sit up. Think it will be a nice little brother for my Alpkit Tetri.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: ElyDave on 19 July, 2019, 06:21:12 am
a snugpack junglebag, packs into about a quarter of the volume of my old green worm bag
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: DrMekon on 26 July, 2019, 12:08:45 pm
A Fiamma Rafter Pro, having left my awning out in a down pour an narrowly avoided damaging it.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: bludger on 11 August, 2019, 08:04:40 pm
Just snatched up a British Army arctic sleeping bag for £27 including delivery off Facebook. Apparently there is duct tape markings on it which is why it's sold at a discount. Coupled with my gore tex bivvy bag it will hopefully make for a tolerable sleeping system for the pyrenees this October!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Speshact on 20 August, 2019, 10:49:53 pm
a silver plated spirit burner egg coddler, for a tenner, like this https://theurbanvintageaffair.com/blogs/news/blog (ftp://theurbanvintageaffair.com/blogs/news/blog)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 31 August, 2019, 02:03:24 pm
You will be cutting the crusts off your toast next...... :-D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 31 August, 2019, 06:02:58 pm
Just ordered and awaiting the arrival of:
1) A Sea to Summit Traverse sleeping bag, a synthetic bag supposedly comfortable to -4 degrees Celsius. This is a car camping bag, I've got down bags for self propelled travel.
2) A Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight pillow and pillow case- I'm getting soft in my old age, but my intention is to only use this car camping.For self-propelled travel I'm still shoving a few clothes in a stuff sack for a pillow.
3) miscellaneous stuff sacks and a dry bag.

Arrived a few weeks ago:
1) A Black Diamond Apollo camp lantern (car camping only, it's too big for self-propelled travel).
2) Various pairs of Black Diamond mittens for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing this winter.
3) A Black Diamond Icon headlamp. I want the larger battery capacity (4 AA cells) and the remote battery pack for winter travel. I want to get out on snowshoes and/or cross-country skis more this winter, and do more overnight/multi-day trips this winter.

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Paul H on 31 August, 2019, 06:36:11 pm
My decade old Jetboil died and I got a few quid for it as spares on Ebay, then I bought and sold the Alpkit copy that didn't really suit me.  I've now taken delivery of the cutest of the bunch, a Primus Lite +.
Not used as intended yet, it's small enough that I'm more likely to use it on overnighters and day rides, looks really well made (As it should for the price) and has some clever features.  Part of that cleverness is a re routing of the gas to allow a shorter space for it to mix with the air between canister and burner,  that's great for size, but it loses the useful handhold the Jetboil has in that space, time will tell which I prefer. It's very much just a water boiler and only 500ml at that, it made me hesitate, but I can't remember the last time I did more than that anyway.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Bobby on 05 December, 2019, 08:23:23 am
Alpkit hunka on the way and I decided to splash out on a thermarest xtherm mat , gaynors have 40% off at the moment - looking forward to trying them both :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: UshCha on 29 January, 2020, 04:04:09 pm
I just bought this:-

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/80L-Extra-Large-Nylon-Camping-Backpack-Travel-Hiking-Rucksack-Luggage-Bag-UK/173672897200?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=472348112474&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

80L really cheap backpack.  Hopeless as a backpack, but having just had a run out with it half loaded and the tent on the back; ideal for Brompton Bike camping.  Lighter than my 60l (1.4 kg)  about 900grm  and bigger so fine for carting my kit.  The 60L did not have room for bulky light weight stuff like fresh bread so hopefully I can now camp with more style and less hassle.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Bobby on 05 February, 2020, 07:40:56 pm
Well, I’ve got a bit carried away, but have my (hopefully) light but warm Bivy set up sorted:

All in it weighs 1360g:
- alpkit kloke Bivy,
- Thermarest xtherm mat,
- sea to summit spark ii sleeping bag (-2 limit)
- all wrapped up in a Medium Sea to summit compression dry bag. 

Should fit well under my aero bars - just need to try it out now!  (More excited than nervous now :))
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Bolt on 05 February, 2020, 11:40:00 pm
Well, I’ve got a bit carried away, but have my (hopefully) light but warm Bivy set up sorted:

All in it weighs 1360g:
- alpkit kloke Bivy,
- Thermarest xtherm mat,
- sea to summit spark ii sleeping bag (-2 limit)
- all wrapped up in a Medium Sea to summit compression dry bag. 

So how do the actual weights compare to the advertised weights?  I'm new to the current range of bivvy gear and am interested in how low you can go in terms of weight... and cost! 
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kaden Evans on 06 February, 2020, 09:06:37 am
1) Snow Deer Electric Heated Gloves - reinforced one, seems more intiguing choice than liners or mittens
2) Midweight Hiking Sock - just in case
3) Patagonia Thermal Weight Baselayer - top and bottom, that is for my trip the Tyndal Plateau
4) ENKEEO portable power station - this is not quite camping gear, but most review website suggest these power banks as additional power backup in the woods. https://wildproofgear.com/the-best-portable-power-station/
Gonna test this item in the Summer.

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Bobby on 15 February, 2020, 10:55:55 pm
Well, I’ve got a bit carried away, but have my (hopefully) light but warm Bivy set up sorted:

All in it weighs 1360g:
- alpkit kloke Bivy,
- Thermarest xtherm mat,
- sea to summit spark ii sleeping bag (-2 limit)
- all wrapped up in a Medium Sea to summit compression dry bag. 

So how do the actual weights compare to the advertised weights?  I'm new to the current range of bivvy gear and am interested in how low you can go in terms of weight... and cost!

Must be pretty close to spec I think, will try to weigh them soon & report back 👍
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Bobby on 17 February, 2020, 12:06:19 am
So how do the actual weights compare to the advertised weights?  I'm new to the current range of bivvy gear and am interested in how low you can go in terms of weight... and cost! 

Random things I weighed :)

- alpkit kloke Bivy, (280g)
- Thermarest xtherm mat, (448g + 16g bag)
- sea to summit spark ii sleeping bag (-2 limit) (510g + 36g bag)
- Medium Sea to summit compression dry bag.  (139g)
- Rab siltarp 1 (227g + 12g bag)
- Alpkit hunka Xl Bivy (476g)
- Sea to summit ultrasil 1l dry bag (14g)
- Exped UL 3l dry bag (15g)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Arminius on 17 February, 2020, 12:08:52 pm
So how do the actual weights compare to the advertised weights?  I'm new to the current range of bivvy gear and am interested in how low you can go in terms of weight... and cost! 

Random things I weighed :)

- alpkit kloke Bivy, (280g)
- Thermarest xtherm mat, (448g + 16g bag)
- sea to summit spark ii sleeping bag (-2 limit) (510g + 36g bag)
- Medium Sea to summit compression dry bag.  (139g)
- Rab siltarp 1 (227g + 12g bag)
- Alpkit hunka Xl Bivy (476g)
- Sea to summit ultrasil 1l dry bag (14g)
- Exped UL 3l dry bag (15g)

Looks like a really lightweight set of kit!

What are your thoughts on the Kloke versus the Hunka XL, in terms of things like size, durability, etc? (I realise it's maybe a bit early to say anything definite yet. 😊)

I really like the breathability of the Kloke, as I can be quite a sweaty person and would like to avoid my down bag getting soaked in condensation. I would also like to fit a 7cm sleeping pad in there with me (c.180cm, 75-80kg) ; what's the fit like with your Thermarest, or do you put the pad under the bag?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Bobby on 17 February, 2020, 06:08:20 pm
What are your thoughts on the Kloke versus the Hunka XL, in terms of things like size, durability, etc? (I realise it's maybe a bit early to say anything definite yet. 😊)

I really like the breathability of the Kloke, as I can be quite a sweaty person and would like to avoid my down bag getting soaked in condensation. I would also like to fit a 7cm sleeping pad in there with me (c.180cm, 75-80kg) ; what's the fit like with your Thermarest, or do you put the pad under the bag?

Too soon to tell (not used ether for real  ::-) )

I bought the Kloke as the Hunka XL packed size just seemed too big for the intended ultra race & the draw string felt like something I'd get all tangled up with in the middle of the night!  I also fancied having both so that I can take one of the kids out in nicer weather & the Kloke was on offer.

The Kloke feels much more breathable than the Hunka.  It's certainly smaller but still has enough volume to take the mat, bag & me whilst letting the bag loft sufficiently.  I've not got a large chest, it may be too tight if you're bigger.  The Hunka XL on the other hand feels cavernous, plenty of room for mat/bag/person & wriggling.  Both have room for bags/shoes at the top or bottom.

I'll report back when I've tried them in anger (didn't fancy either of the last two weekends!)

Edit, I’m c179cm & 70kg so would think you’ll fit ok with mat inside
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Bolt on 17 February, 2020, 11:20:06 pm
So how do the actual weights compare to the advertised weights?  I'm new to the current range of bivvy gear and am interested in how low you can go in terms of weight... and cost! 

Random things I weighed :)

- alpkit kloke Bivy, (280g)
- Thermarest xtherm mat, (448g + 16g bag)
- sea to summit spark ii sleeping bag (-2 limit) (510g + 36g bag)
- Medium Sea to summit compression dry bag.  (139g)
- Rab siltarp 1 (227g + 12g bag)
- Alpkit hunka Xl Bivy (476g)
- Sea to summit ultrasil 1l dry bag (14g)
- Exped UL 3l dry bag (15g)

Thanks Bobby, that's really useful and a very nice selection of kit you have put together!  Good luck in your adventures :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: UshCha on 05 April, 2020, 09:42:48 pm
Orders a SEA TO SUMMIT UltraLight Insulated Sleeping Mat.  I slept out in the garden last night to check out new gear including AEGIS MAX cheap down trousers and Boots.  These worked well but my plain air bed did not, it was cold despite 6 deg C air temp in the tent.   This was despite a couple of sit mats under the section where my hips were.  Deflating the air mat helped but not enough, hence the need for a better mat.  Current Decatlon mat is R1.6   the new mat is R 3.3 so hopefully noticeable warmer.  I may try it out next week in the garden if we have a cold spell.

P.S. Go Outdoors is 15% off at the moment.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 06 April, 2020, 01:54:12 am
Sea to Summit mats are excellent.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Jakob on 06 April, 2020, 06:25:07 am
Been gearing up for backpacking trips this year.
Bought a Big Agnes Manzanares 2p tent on sale from the US.
Got Nemo Disco 30F sleeping back and a Nemo Cosmos sleeping on the way and now my regular store just dropped their prices on Fjallraven backpacks and I'll probably pick up one of those.
Either the Kajka 65 or Keb 72.
Still need to buy cooking gear (Probably Jet Boil, waiting to see if it goes on sale) and a sleeping bag/pad for the dog.
Most of this gear will also be used for a motorbike trip down to L.A at some point this year.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Paul H on 06 April, 2020, 12:40:47 pm
Still need to buy cooking gear (Probably Jet Boil, waiting to see if it goes on sale).
If your idea of cooking is boiling water and it's just for yourself - Also consider the Primus Lite+
https://www.primus.eu/primus-lite-black-p356006/

After over a decade of hard use my Jetboil needed replacing and the although there's pros and cons, the replacement Primus wins for me on size and weight.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 06 April, 2020, 01:35:28 pm
Still need to buy cooking gear (Probably Jet Boil, waiting to see if it goes on sale)

The MSR Windburner stoves are much sturdier construction than the Jetboil, and the burner design is somewhat more efficient. No difference in performance in warm weather, but in cooler weather the MSR will cook faster than other stoves, thanks to the burner design. Wind protection is better on the MSR Windburner stoves, too.             
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Paul H on 06 April, 2020, 01:40:53 pm
Still need to buy cooking gear (Probably Jet Boil, waiting to see if it goes on sale)

The MSR Windburner stoves ...           
There is a lot of choice, all I think with pros and cons, decent comparison here
https://thenextchallenge.org/jetboil-comparison-camping-stoves/
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 06 April, 2020, 03:23:02 pm
There is a lot of choice, all I think with pros and cons, decent comparison here
https://thenextchallenge.org/jetboil-comparison-camping-stoves/

Excellent review, the comments about wind and cold temperatures pretty well match what I've seen.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Jakob on 07 April, 2020, 08:45:52 am
I should have checked this thread 10 mins earlier...just ordered the Jetboil Flash 2.0 (and a Fjallraven Keb 72L backpack).

Primus stoves, however, aren't that easy to get here, whereas all my local shops stores MSR & Jetboil and offers limited warranties on pretty much everything they sell. The Jetboil was a fair bit cheaper than the MSR, so....

Now, I just need bear spray and sleeping bag for the dog...

I did pack all the current gear in my 44L and it will work... but no room for any extra gear.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: UshCha on 09 April, 2020, 12:36:57 pm
So on Saturday I camped in the garden as a trial of new gesr with mixed success.     

AEGIS Max  Down Trousers XXXL from China, the biggest they do, fine. 
AEGIS Max Down boots.   Got sent these instead of the Down Trousers but I kept them and go a refund.  Really good, weigh almost nothing and they are very warm in my Snugpack 2 season bag and compress very small.

Lidl inflatable Lilo  Cold even with a sit mat under my hips. I'm a side sleeper.  Letting the mat down helped a bit but then I started to touch the sit mat, not Ideal.

So new Kit purchased but not tested yet.

Sea to Summit Insulated inflatable sleep Mat.
Warm gloves for sleeping in as well as a hat and Down boots(I'm nesh as the northeners say).

The aim is to have warm gear just to sit in round camp, then use my current sleeping bag, good down to about 2 deg C and the extra gear to take temperatures  to very light grass frost type temperatures.

Stay Safe  Brian

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 11 April, 2020, 02:03:51 am
Hanging kit for my MSR Windburner. It attaches to the stove very easily, and getting the pot on and off the burner while it's hanging is quite easy. As soon as the lockdown/social distancing is lifted, I hope to test it in the backcountry.

Shock cord for the pole on my MSR Hubba NX, installed this afternoon. The original shock cord was badly stretched out and lost its elasticity after 3 years, which is disappointing. The new cord (also made by MSR) looks much sturdier, so we'll see how long it lasts. By contrast, the shock cords in the poles on my Hilleberg Soulo look like new after 10 years or so. The reasons for Hilleberg prices become more obvious as the years go by. The MSR is a perfectly good 3 season tent, but when winter rolls around I'm glad I spent the money on the Hilleberg.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Karla on 28 April, 2020, 10:01:48 pm
A bivi bag
A collapsible trowel
A bigger fuel bottle for my petrol stove, given I can't buy gas at the moment

End of lockdown  here we come!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Luke on 01 May, 2020, 02:54:02 pm
I purchased an inflatable pillow from Tesco this morning.

I usually just stuff a few clothes in a dry bag, and wrap it in a fleece (if I’m not wearing it). A system I’m quite happy with.

However at 75p, and being suitably small in it’s packed form I thought it would be worth a try.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 01 May, 2020, 03:08:50 pm
Inflatable pillows are nice, but a few clothes stuffed in a dry bag work just as well. I use an inflatable pillow in winter, when my boots are in the dry bag and in my sleeping bag, so they don't freeze overnight.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 01 May, 2020, 04:36:20 pm
I tend to use the clothes stuffed in a dry bag to elevate my knee, so inflatable pillow is a win.  The shape's a bit more controllable, too.  My sleeping bag's stuffsack is fleece-lined, which makes a lovely pillow when filled with a cheapo inflatable (or some random clothes).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 02 May, 2020, 01:40:40 pm
Having tried the folded pile of clothes, stuffsac of clothes and two different brands of inflatable pillow I have finally found my camping pillow heaven.

Thermarest compressible pillows.

Utterly awesome.  The "exped downmat" of pillows !!!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 02 May, 2020, 05:59:49 pm
This one (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=108429.0) is my current favourite, though it may have been a one-season thing.  Barakta was also impressed, so I bought a couple of spares.

The Thermarest one looks like next-level comfort, though perhaps a bit on the bulky side for cycle-camping or backpacking.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Paul H on 02 May, 2020, 06:07:50 pm
This one (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=108429.0) is my current favourite, though it may have been a one-season thing.  Barakta was also impressed, so I bought a couple of spares.
Yep, I bought one on the recommendations in that thread, used about 15 nights since and like it.
Main problem I've had with any camping pillow is getting it to stay on the mat, making a mat cover with a sleeve for the pillow has been one of my better ideas.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 02 May, 2020, 06:21:41 pm
If it's warm enough not to need the hood of my sleeping bag for its intended purpose, I tend to use it as a pillow restraint.  If it's cold I tend not to thrash around as much anyway.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Luke on 02 May, 2020, 06:50:31 pm
The Thermarest one looks like next-level comfort, though perhaps a bit on the bulky side for cycle-camping or backpacking.

I’m not sure I see the point of an inflatable pillow that is too bulky for lightweight use.

If I’ve got to use the car I’ll just take an actual pillow.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: bikepacker on 02 May, 2020, 07:06:02 pm
I gave up on the thermarest pillow found it uncomfortable. Much prefer the exped air pillow.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Paul H on 02 May, 2020, 11:05:09 pm
If it's warm enough not to need the hood of my sleeping bag for its intended purpose, I tend to use it as a pillow restraint.  If it's cold I tend not to thrash around as much anyway.
I could of mentioned I use a quilt rather than a bag, the mat needs a cover anyway, so it made sense to attach the pillow to it.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: nikki on 03 May, 2020, 01:44:00 pm
Main problem I've had with any camping pillow is getting it to stay on the mat, making a mat cover with a sleeve for the pillow has been one of my better ideas.

I could of mentioned I use a quilt rather than a bag, the mat needs a cover anyway, so it made sense to attach the pillow to it.

Similar set-up here  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: JenM on 03 May, 2020, 02:02:57 pm
I insert the top of my mat into a T-shirt and then the pillow goes inside. Simples.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 03 May, 2020, 02:15:29 pm
How are people using and getting on with these quilts? I understand they're not literally quilts as in camping duvets but have some sort of straps to tie to the mat? Don't you then get draughts? And what do you use as a "sheet"?

On the pillow question, I'm happy to fold some clothes and put them underneath my sleeping bag hood or occasionally not bother at all.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Paul H on 03 May, 2020, 03:53:17 pm
How are people using and getting on with these quilts? I understand they're not literally quilts as in camping duvets but have some sort of straps to tie to the mat? Don't you then get draughts? And what do you use as a "sheet"?

My quilt is just that, a rectangle filled with down. It also has, though I don't use, a drawstring at the bottom so you could make a foot box and some soft velcro like stuff on three edges so you could make into a sleeping bag.  It doesn't have anything to tie it to the mat, though I have seen some that do.  I have an Exped Synmat which goes in a light cotton cover, originally a rectangle sleeping bag liner, later a custom cover that fits better, and has the pillow sleeve. It's large enough not to get draughts and easier to regulate warmth than any sleeping bag I've tried.  I sleep as well as I do at home, I don't winter camp, though it's kept me warm on some frosty nights.  I also wear lightweight PJ's, which occasionally also get used as a spare base layer.
This one is the closest to mine, though the design has changed a bit and there's loads more choice now than when I bought it
https://www.jacksrbetter.com/product/shenandoah-summer-hammock-quilt/
 
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Zed43 on 03 May, 2020, 05:57:58 pm
I have two quilts (one thin synthetic made by MLD, one down by ZPacks) and don't use the straps, just tuck it under me; when buying a quilt make sure it is wide enough for you. I don't bother with sheets on my Expad mat either  ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: nikki on 03 May, 2020, 10:56:20 pm
How are people using and getting on with these quilts? I understand they're not literally quilts as in camping duvets but have some sort of straps to tie to the mat? Don't you then get draughts? And what do you use as a "sheet"?

On the pillow question, I'm happy to fold some clothes and put them underneath my sleeping bag hood or occasionally not bother at all.

Revelation by name, revelation by nature. https://enlightenedequipment.com/revelation-custom/

It's at least the same size as a single duvet, but warmer and lighter. It has optional straps but I've never used them. I don't think of draughts as being an issue; in the cold I zip up and cinch the bottom third to make a footbox, in the warm I might need to ventilate because it can get a bit too toasty. I use a "sheet" as a "sheet"! (100% cotton, sewn up like a liner bag so it doubles as an anti-squeak layer under the mat and an anti-lying-on-plastic layer on top. Retaining loop for a pillow or jacket or whatever combination of soft things I'm using as a pillow. The drawback to using cotton is it can get a bit damp with condensation, but on balance it works for me and my priorities.)


I insert the top of my mat into a T-shirt and then the pillow goes inside. Simples.
Nice!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 03 May, 2020, 11:01:41 pm
As a habitual sticker-out-of-feet the idea of a quilt appeals for warm weather.  Of course, if it's properly hot a sleeping bag liner is sufficient.

Like most things, the unpredictability of the BRITISH weather doesn't make this easy.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: UshCha on 04 May, 2020, 08:28:31 am
Tryed a couple of new things on my trip for breakfast yesterday.  I had been looking at something to act as a "table" to put stuff on while picnicing.  The lockdown drives obsession so I looked at the Backpackers table and light weight chopping boards. Then I remembered that I had a fold flat plate set.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Orikaso-Solo-Set-Red/dp/B000XYMXYO
Its normaly in the camping bag so not used often so moved into the Brompton bag.   This worked a treat, somwhere to put cooking items and somwhere to put your cobs as you put the fryed bacon on them and can double as a cutting bord and alamost as cheat as just a light weight cutting board.   After a couple of minutes I had even mastered the folding cup.  The folding cup is lighter then Lifeventure TI cup by a few grams, but perhaps that is a step too fat.    So now the kit has moved into every week use.
Second item, a sign of the times, my wife is partly doisabled so a treat for her on our wedding aniversary was a buggy round ASDA in the evening whikle I did the shopping, yes in these starge times this was a treat.  I came across QT black tea with whitener, actaully its drinkable.  I have used it with my breakfast and eliminates bulk and hard to dispose of tea bags.  Don't throw them away on trips! My breakfast involved clearing othet folks used teabages away before I could have my breakfast.

Stay safe
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Luke on 04 May, 2020, 05:28:18 pm
My alpkit dozer arrived today, after preordering it a few weeks ago.

It’s primarily for car camping, but the packed size is not much bigger than the foam mat I use for winter camping. So it may get used on the bike occasionally for trips where the camping to cycling ratio favours comfort.

It goes without saying I’ve had a test nap.  :P
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 04 May, 2020, 05:56:03 pm
How are people using and getting on with these quilts? I understand they're not literally quilts as in camping duvets but have some sort of straps to tie to the mat? Don't you then get draughts? And what do you use as a "sheet"?

On the pillow question, I'm happy to fold some clothes and put them underneath my sleeping bag hood or occasionally not bother at all.

Revelation by name, revelation by nature. https://enlightenedequipment.com/revelation-custom/

It's at least the same size as a single duvet, but warmer and lighter. It has optional straps but I've never used them. I don't think of draughts as being an issue; in the cold I zip up and cinch the bottom third to make a footbox, in the warm I might need to ventilate because it can get a bit too toasty. I use a "sheet" as a "sheet"! (100% cotton, sewn up like a liner bag so it doubles as an anti-squeak layer under the mat and an anti-lying-on-plastic layer on top. Retaining loop for a pillow or jacket or whatever combination of soft things I'm using as a pillow. The drawback to using cotton is it can get a bit damp with condensation, but on balance it works for me and my priorities.)
Looks very much like one of those sleeping bags with an all-round zip so you can lie it flat. Which I suppose it is, really, by another name. In fact it reminds me of a sleeping bag I had as a child, which came from Woolworths. I kind of expect the one you've linked to is somewhat better quality...

As a habitual sticker-out-of-feet the idea of a quilt appeals for warm weather.  Of course, if it's properly hot a sleeping bag liner is sufficient.

Like most things, the unpredictability of the BRITISH weather doesn't make this easy.
I'm thinking of that Saturday night at Twitey's last summer... and the gorgeous weather surrounding it.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: UshCha on 15 May, 2020, 08:57:22 am
Yesterday my new TI folding Spoon arrived as I losytmy last on that did not fold.  Folding is better it fits well in the Lifeventure TI cup.  Also due today a Nalgene Bottel (my Pee bottle).  |eXPENSIVE BUT A LEAK WOULD BE VERY BAD NEWS https://yacf.co.uk/forum/Smileys/classic/facepalm.gif.   
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 09 June, 2020, 01:56:45 am
My new Hilleberg Enan and footprint arrived today, courtesy of FedEx. Gods above, did I really just spend that much money on a one person tent? Set it up in the garden an hour ago just to check it out, and I have to say it is really nice. It also checks in at 1 ounce/28 grams lighter than my MSR Hubba NX (footprint included), which I suppose helps justify the cost. Very easy to pitch, and it seems a bit more livable than the Hubba NX. The inner door location seems to lend itself better to sleeping in either direction, which is nice. I'm off to the Maroon Bells Wilderness Wednesday for a couple of nights, so I'll see how the tent performs in the field.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: nobby on 09 June, 2020, 08:30:14 am
How are people using and getting on with these quilts? I understand they're not literally quilts as in camping duvets but have some sort of straps to tie to the mat? Don't you then get draughts? And what do you use as a "sheet"?

I've had two. One was down from Jack's 'R Better and the other a synthetic in kit form from Ray Jardine.
The first was light without bulk and the second light but very bulky.
I sleep on my side and neither was warm enough when I rolled over in the night. Warm air was spilled, and the process of getting warm air trapped had to start over again.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 09 June, 2020, 09:00:30 am
How are people using and getting on with these quilts? I understand they're not literally quilts as in camping duvets but have some sort of straps to tie to the mat? Don't you then get draughts? And what do you use as a "sheet"?

I've had two. One was down from Jack's 'R Better and the other a synthetic in kit form from Ray Jardine.
The first was light without bulk and the second light but very bulky.
I sleep on my side and neither was warm enough when I rolled over in the night. Warm air was spilled, and the process of getting warm air trapped had to start over again.
That's a useful warning.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Quisling on 09 June, 2020, 09:25:06 am
We got as far as buying 5 litres of meths for the Trangia (should last a while but it was cheaper in bulk).

Am considering one of these sleeping bags for a future bike packing adventure.  The reviews on Youtube all seem reasonable for such a cheap and light down bag.  https://www.amazon.co.uk/AEGISMAX-Sleeping-Ultralight-Backpacking-6%C2%B0C-11%C2%B0C/dp/B06Y5ZYKYG

Anyone have one already and care to share your thoughts on it?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 09 June, 2020, 02:57:29 pm
That price really looks a little too good to be true. The company's website does not impress me either.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: jiberjaber on 09 June, 2020, 05:57:32 pm
Yes, I've got one, pretty good though I wish the zipper was on the other side
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Quisling on 12 June, 2020, 10:20:09 am
That price really looks a little too good to be true. The company's website does not impress me either.

Yep, it's budget Chinese stuff and I don't like to imagine how they got the down filling but the reviews seem reasonable and for £75 for occasional summer use it seems like a bargain.  I've ordered one and will review in due course.
The medium and large bags have zippers on opposite sides so that two bags can be zipped together, on the presumption I guess that all couples (a) want a shared mono-bag and (b) include one large and one medium sized person.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: nobby on 13 June, 2020, 11:58:26 am
I've bought a Ti trivet to fit my Pocket Wood Stove.

It also fits in the top of the Trangia burner which also fits the stove.
I am going back to meths because after 55 years on and off using hexy I've discovered that the smell, which I didn't mind, is cyanide gas. They kept that quiet when I was a soldier!

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dave_C on 13 June, 2020, 12:42:37 pm
I've bought a Ti trivet to fit my Pocket Wood Stove.

It also fits in the top of the Trangia burner which also fits the stove.
I am going back to meths because after 55 years on and off using hexy I've discovered that the smell, which I didn't mind, is cyanide gas. They kept that quiet when I was a soldier!
Really!

Well it has not killed you 'yet'. How many years did you say you used Hemamine?

"burning hexanine can create formaldehyde, ammonia, nitrogen oxide, hydrogen cyanide and ingestion may cause nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal disturbances, and kidney damage"

Wow! School day

Sent from my HD1913 using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Regulator on 26 June, 2020, 10:30:17 am
How are people using and getting on with these quilts? I understand they're not literally quilts as in camping duvets but have some sort of straps to tie to the mat? Don't you then get draughts? And what do you use as a "sheet"?

On the pillow question, I'm happy to fold some clothes and put them underneath my sleeping bag hood or occasionally not bother at all.

Revelation by name, revelation by nature. https://enlightenedequipment.com/revelation-custom/

It's at least the same size as a single duvet, but warmer and lighter. It has optional straps but I've never used them. I don't think of draughts as being an issue; in the cold I zip up and cinch the bottom third to make a footbox, in the warm I might need to ventilate because it can get a bit too toasty. I use a "sheet" as a "sheet"! (100% cotton, sewn up like a liner bag so it doubles as an anti-squeak layer under the mat and an anti-lying-on-plastic layer on top. Retaining loop for a pillow or jacket or whatever combination of soft things I'm using as a pillow. The drawback to using cotton is it can get a bit damp with condensation, but on balance it works for me and my priorities.)


I insert the top of my mat into a T-shirt and then the pillow goes inside. Simples.
Nice!  :thumbsup:

How small does the quilt pack down to?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: nobby on 26 June, 2020, 04:14:23 pm
Well it has not killed you 'yet'. How many years did you say you used Hemamine?

"burning hexanine can create formaldehyde, ammonia, nitrogen oxide, hydrogen cyanide and ingestion may cause nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal disturbances, and kidney damage"

Wow! School day
Sent from my HD1913 using Tapatalk

I cannot argue with your first sentence and who minds a school day? Always time left for learning whatever your age. :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: nobby on 26 June, 2020, 04:17:41 pm
Pre ordered an Alpkit Elan for the 30th.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: nikki on 26 June, 2020, 09:58:53 pm
How small does the quilt pack down to?

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50048515617_3a0ccc47f1_z.jpg)

You could go a bit smaller - this drybag isn't particularly air tight so it has a tendency to reinflate.

Down Fill: 900
Down Treatment: DownTek™ Water-Repellent Down
Temperature: 20°F (-6°C)
Length: Short - 5'6"
Width: Wide - 58"
Inside Fabric Color: Black 10D
Outside Fabric Options: Navy 10D
Optional 20D Weather Resistant Stripes: Steel Grey 20D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Dave_C on 26 June, 2020, 11:55:32 pm


How small does the quilt pack down to?

I have a Rab Neutrino 400 which comes with a drybag at 5 litres. It's about as small as I'm comfortable with bike packing. I've slept in long John's and fleece top n bottoms in the Rab down to zero comfortably.

But it is good as my ~25 year old Snugpack synthetic sleeping bag is summer only and pack down to the same 5 litre bag. I wouldn't sleep anything below 5 degrees in the old Snugpack.

Sent from my HD1913 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Quisling on 06 July, 2020, 10:24:52 am

Am considering one of these sleeping bags for a future bike packing adventure.  The reviews on Youtube all seem reasonable for such a cheap and light down bag.  https://www.amazon.co.uk/AEGISMAX-Sleeping-Ultralight-Backpacking-6%C2%B0C-11%C2%B0C/dp/B06Y5ZYKYG

Anyone have one already and care to share your thoughts on it?

Edited 13/7/20 to give more complete review:

I tested out the Aegismax bag for five nights over the last week and it was fine.  Its 11C comfort rating was tested the last few nights with temperatures down to around 8C.  That was fine, wearing a long sleeve base layer on my top half and nowt but my grundies on the lower half.  At temperatures of 15C it was too warm slept with it unzipped to the waist.   Build quality seems okay though the fabric is very light and you wouldn't want to catch it in the zip too often. The zip is 3/4 length.

The stuff sack is tiny and it's quite a task packing the bag back in.  It does come with a loose bag for storage at home when not in use.  Being so thin, you'll definitely want an air mat underneath.  It might be a bit cold if you're on a camp bed up off the ground.

Suggestions if you're thinking about one of these.
* worth packing a thin liner to extend it's temperature rating a little.
* definitely worth getting the large version.  I'm 5'10" and the large gave me a comfortable space.
* there is no built in hood, so being a baldy-man I needed a hat/buff when the night temperature was low.  You'll also want a small pillow or stuff sack with clothes in.

I'd recommend this as a simple and relatively inexpensive (£75) bag for a bike packing adventure from late spring to early autumn.  Be prepared to wear another layer if the temperature drops.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 16 July, 2020, 03:15:36 pm
I bought one of these the other day:

(http://thetentlab.com/Deuce/NumberTwoPhotos_files/d00232-purple-400x1050-hz.jpg)

I cannot really justify spending far too much money on a poo trowel (but...it's purple!). :facepalm:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 16 July, 2020, 08:39:04 pm
I bought one of these the other day:

(http://thetentlab.com/Deuce/NumberTwoPhotos_files/d00232-purple-400x1050-hz.jpg)

I cannot really justify spending far too much money on a poo trowel (but...it's purple!). :facepalm:

I think we just reached peak phantasmagoriana :)

(I did google to see if it was molished from titanium, but alas it's aluminimum.  I also learned that, in fitting with the bisexual colour scheme, it digs both ways.)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 16 July, 2020, 08:58:08 pm
The Deuce Number Two........   does that have the same meaning in USanian ?      http://www.thetentlab.com/Deuce/DeuceofSpadespage.html   


 :D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Quisling on 17 July, 2020, 11:56:02 am
I bought one of these the other day:

(http://thetentlab.com/Deuce/NumberTwoPhotos_files/d00232-purple-400x1050-hz.jpg)

I cannot really justify spending far too much money on a poo trowel (but...it's purple!). :facepalm:

I bought one of these last year for my backpacking/wild camping trip to the Kungsleden trail in northern Sweden.  It didn't get used given the excellent availability of "facilities" on the trail.  The curve of the shovel fits nicely around a 1 litre SIGG flask, secured with a rubber band, to stop the pointy shovel damaging other things in the rucksack. 

It has a useful hole at one end so that it can be use as an emergency tent peg. Handy in soft/sandy ground where other pegs won't hold well.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: nobby on 17 July, 2020, 12:22:11 pm
Paid for my Alpkit Elan bivi today which I thought I had pre-ordered of 26th June.
There was a cock up and I was never invoiced and consequently never got one despite two emails telling me it was on my way to me.

Got to wait until 30th August for the next batch but Alpkit kindly gave me 20% discount. ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 18 July, 2020, 08:53:08 pm
I bought one of these the other day:

(http://thetentlab.com/Deuce/NumberTwoPhotos_files/d00232-purple-400x1050-hz.jpg)
It has a useful hole at one end so that it can be use as an emergency tent peg. Handy in soft/sandy ground where other pegs won't hold well.
I went the other way - a soft ground peg that I can also use as a trowel
https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/equipment-c3/accessories-c10/tent-pegs-poles-c11/titanium-dig-dig-tool-p8397
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Karla on 18 July, 2020, 10:37:08 pm
I bought one of these the other day:

(http://thetentlab.com/Deuce/NumberTwoPhotos_files/d00232-purple-400x1050-hz.jpg)

I cannot really justify spending far too much money on a poo trowel (but...it's purple!). :facepalm:

I've got a Sea to Summit (https://images.internetstores.de/products/360585/02/96fc32/Sea_to_Summit_Pocket_Trowel_alloy) poo trowel but I can't tell whether it's purple or blue?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 18 July, 2020, 10:38:27 pm
I've got a .jpg?forceSize=false&forceAspectRatio=true&useTrim=true]Sea to Summit (https://images.internetstores.de/products/360585/02/96fc32/Sea_to_Summit_Pocket_Trowel_alloy[1920x1920) poo trowel but I can't tell whether it's purple or blue?

Yep, that's definitely purple or blue.  Much like mains wiring, the important thing is that it's not $generic_poo_colour
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Bolt on 18 July, 2020, 11:34:39 pm
A 3x3m LOMO tarp for my first attempt at erecting a shelter using a bike as a support.  The tarp weighs in at 800g, not that light, but it does provide a roomy shelter big enough for 2 including the bike.  Please feel free to suggest other configurations that may work as well/better.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200718/5972594fbaa0d578fa5d304bf4474465.jpg)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Nick H. on 19 July, 2020, 08:50:58 pm
Can 2 people really sleep in there without the tarp pressing on their heads? And do you just sleep on a Thermarest or something without a groundsheet? If so, what about death by slugs or ants during the night?

And how do you get the bike to stay upright?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Bolt on 19 July, 2020, 11:57:11 pm
Can 2 people really sleep in there without the tarp pressing on their heads? And do you just sleep on a Thermarest or something without a groundsheet? If so, what about death by slugs or ants during the night?

And how do you get the bike to stay upright?
I haven't tried it out for real yet but I reckon it's big enough for 2 people lying lengthways on each side of the bike.  It's intended to be used in conjunction with a bivvy bag and sleeping mat as a means of providing additional shelter in case of rain. 
I secured the bike with guy lines from each handle bar, wrapping the lines over the brake levers to prevent the bike from moving fore/aft and then covered the bike with the tarp and pegged it down.
The tarp weighs 800g, so even with the bivvy bag @300g it's a significant weight saving compared to a small tent, as well as being easier to pack and much more spacious :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Nick H. on 20 July, 2020, 09:44:56 pm
Excellent. There's nothing better than saving couple of hundred grams while improving your comfort. There ought to be a special word for ultralight luxury cycle-camping...something which implies having it all but without turning the bike into a pudding.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 27 July, 2020, 07:04:25 pm
A little wood/alcohol stove. A folding windshield. A set of nesting pans. And a purple mug.

I've got some pans somewhere I think but not sure where it what state they're in. And I have a couple gas stoves but I found them and they're rusty with canisters of dubious fitness.

All unnecessary as I normally eat in the pub or I'm with my Mum who has a camper van with far more cooking gear than I can carry via velocipede.

But I wanted it. And I find the idea of a little wood stove far neater. It'll only be for tea and just add water foods.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 28 July, 2020, 11:57:21 am

Ebay heads up.  Not mine, but a good buy for someone.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MSR-Hubba-Hubba-HP-2-Person-Tent/164306161057?epid=0&hash=item2641690da1%3Ag%3ABgcAAOSw6VJfG%7EzV&LH_ItemCondition=4


I have one of these & it's excellent.   Luxury camping for 1 person.  I've done a couple of month long trips in mine & lots of shorter ones.  No problems at all.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 28 July, 2020, 10:45:15 pm
The stove and windshield arrived:

(https://i.imgur.com/1yq4U6I.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/EwCvt1T.jpg)

It does the fire. Bit fiddly lighting it but I'm not sure the sticks were as dry as they ought to be. A several of matches and a sheet of kitchen roll later though and it was going nicely and my spider filled (well hopefully I'd got them all out) kettle of 500ml water was boiling nicely after not many minutes at all.

And the pile of ash left behind was tiny. For camping tomorrow I've got a plumbing soldering mat to put it all on to protect the grass which I think will be sufficient. Might take some foil to catch the ash in for cleaner disposal.

Very pleased. Anooyingly I don't think my new pan set will arrive in time for my departure tomorrow but there's always next time.

Also:

(https://i.imgur.com/6RD0ETs.jpg)

Purple mug is purple!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 28 July, 2020, 11:06:37 pm
Don't show that mug to phantasmagoriana !


I always fancied one of the Snowpeak titanium mugs in purple, but could never bring myself to pay the purple tax.....
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 28 July, 2020, 11:14:06 pm
Mine was £2.91!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 29 July, 2020, 07:07:58 pm
I approve! :thumbsup:

My camping mug is boring grey titanium... :-[
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 15 August, 2020, 08:27:07 am
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/aug/15/a-tents-situation-covid-19-uk-staycation-boom-fuels-run-on-camping-toilets


Quick,  corner the market on trowels. 



Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Goldcrank on 16 August, 2020, 08:56:43 am


The Scottish are on it


https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/08/12/scottish-highland-lay-bys-kitted-trowels-bid-tackle-countryside/#:~:text=Lay%2Dbys%20across%20the%20Scottish,under%20plans%20announced%20by%20councillors.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Lightning Phil on 16 August, 2020, 12:47:52 pm
A 3x3m LOMO tarp for my first attempt at erecting a shelter using a bike as a support.  The tarp weighs in at 800g, not that light, but it does provide a roomy shelter big enough for 2 including the bike.  Please feel free to suggest other configurations that may work as well/better.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200718/5972594fbaa0d578fa5d304bf4474465.jpg)

I think it depends on how much the tarp tension over the bike stabilisers the bike.  As I can see running less tarp over the bike would free up more sleeping / storage space. I’d probably get some bunny cord and small carabiners for securing the tarp, either to pegs or to trees if in woods.  It’s certainly got more head room than my hooped bivvy which is similar weight
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Lightning Phil on 16 August, 2020, 01:01:25 pm
Here’s my bivvy which I’ve had a while.

In the second photo I was seeing how it’d work with an emergency survival bag to save bulk. Third photo all packed up with inflatable mat inside the bivvy bag,  and emergency bag in long thin orange bag. Total weight 1020g. Fourth photo packed between my recumbent seat and wheel and seat bag , avoiding rack needing to be installed. If rack was installed I’d probably take my 300g sleeping bag. I measure my stuff against foot size.

Been looking at setup as Wild Atlantic Way audax if it runs next year may need to use campsites instead of sports halls for sleeping.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/BNv-WoxpZ64XDvWcLgLHDiI6PYrE8wI5hicjsOCg8NhYn6tWEUo5eO1-oC0cD1tRcjZiydI46IiTFfvhaOEiUmd97_WawLgdPbHD1J6UTcEVlgk54uQFnPv9mWyLS3X8-tuj1m-JHg)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/u_iGxN3RKQHiY7df-O6ni2lhSzrb7rZbottTYyMDRkH5pCg1V90YmAQYcrC7YJZNwgh5u32wX0Tjn_UKlqUqsitVnoU27Wec3fd1X4oFeqCMkiZEtoB0iYjfVOvMQGPGLmQYh_2L9g)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/2XvLm87Lvw3vamUS-9BoBI6LYKs3dIXYFX-Gb0aN-QaYSISLNU9c5AzAE5o2weEaCztMZqaSII6Fw9yMvIkz7oIvFL2myhpTLqc1cWVuSYfu7yySY2tj6ESHPWnk3VDQGDTF4lWbVA)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Uarye9vfj_lbrBuEJSazxqCn2Pft9AvsyZMJ3-PHz1H6NLjE7v_iVhUT_e917jIixFuMECR15C6p4ADvsd1OEIa9lVm6hVbrLVUXrG54p3QMpxI40EbbmHYM0aifVzapYQFshvKJsg)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 25 August, 2020, 05:11:27 pm
An interesting looking tent.   An external framed version of the HubbaHubba with an extended porch.   


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Msr-Hubba-Tour-2-Tent-Green/274469764107?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D225113%26meid%3Da72191a9bf2342edb7661ea0f60803c7%26pid%3D100667%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D8%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D402369707655%26itm%3D274469764107%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2334524%26brand%3DMSR&_trksid=p2334524.c100667.m2042
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 27 August, 2020, 03:56:23 pm
Just taken delivery of a Petzl Noctilight. I only heard of these the other day, and am more excited by it than I should be (yes, I could just hang my headtorch up in my tent, but now I have an actual purpose-made case to do it!). Though judging by the weather we've had all week, I'm not going to be testing it any time soon...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 28 August, 2020, 09:57:55 am
Just taken delivery of a Petzl Noctilight. I only heard of these the other day, and am more excited by it than I should be (yes, I could just hang my headtorch up in my tent, but now I have an actual purpose-made case to do it!). Though judging by the weather we've had all week, I'm not going to be testing it any time soon...

I've got one of these (even though my Alpkit headtorch doesn't quite fit). The way it disperses the light if you're using it as a lantern inside the tent is quite handy.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 03 September, 2020, 12:52:54 pm
I fancied a camp frying pan. One of those Trangia hard anodized ones, cos everyone loves a hardened Swedish pan, don't they? <insert Abba> But the big ones are family mean sized and the small ones are unobtainium. So instead I took advantage of Alpkit's bank holiday offer and got their Alipots. This means a) the Alipots will soon be reduced by a larger amount, b) I can get rid of my "mess tin" with worn out teflon. Ali Pots got here today and omg huge! I mean size is good, but... So I'll probably only be using the smaller one. Also, the lids are rather loose. TBF, there was a review which said as much, but they should be good for frying and stuff. The Seagull brand pot I have atm has a tight fit* lid which is great as a lid but can't be used for anything else. So all I need now is an expotition.

*In the jungle, the mighty jungle [that's way too much 80s music now, stop].
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 15 September, 2020, 10:36:36 pm
I've just ordered a tent!  :thumbsup:

Alas I'm camping Thursday and delivery is expected Friday but hey ho.

I don't really need another tent but my nicer one is...errr...seventeen years old and starting to get a little worn. Though given it was <£50 it really doesn't owe me anything. It's still trucking along mind but it's 5kg. The new one is also a two person tent and is only 2.6kg and packs up rather smaller.

The old tent is a Vango Trek 200 and the new one is this (https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/trekking-3-seasons-freestanding-2-person-tent-trek-100-orange/_/R-p-311227?mc=8556121&c=BROWN) from Decathlon.

(https://contents.mediadecathlon.com/p1801167/k$7de7cfb4280922bbcd9cb6f592477254/sq/Trekking+3+Seasons+Freestanding+2+Person+Tent+Trek+100+Orange.webp?f=1000x1000)

It doesn't have a floor to the porch like the old one but I've got Ortlieb panniers so it doesn't really matter.

I've also got a wee Lidl tent that's only 1.5kg but it's single skin so condensation aplenty and one enters at the end rather than the side so as to get completely covered in said condensation.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 16 September, 2020, 09:48:13 am
Huel have brought out a 'hot and savoury' range of dehydrated, nutritious meals comprising tomato and basil and thai green curry, both vegan.

As I prefer just to carry a Jetboil for cooking this is interesting, especially as we're not as keen on going to the pub while camping as we once were.

Major downside is the minimum order is much more than I'd like, but we already get through a fair amount of the milkshake mix blended with fruit for breakfast (and occasionally lunch) and early reviews are favourable so I've taken a risk and added some to our next order. If it is edible it will be about a third of the cost of Firepot meals (which are very good, but not cheap either).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 21 September, 2020, 02:47:34 pm
Huel have brought out a 'hot and savoury' range of dehydrated, nutritious meals comprising tomato and basil and thai green curry, both vegan.

As I prefer just to carry a Jetboil for cooking this is interesting, especially as we're not as keen on going to the pub while camping as we once were.

Major downside is the minimum order is much more than I'd like, but we already get through a fair amount of the milkshake mix blended with fruit for breakfast (and occasionally lunch) and early reviews are favourable so I've taken a risk and added some to our next order. If it is edible it will be about a third of the cost of Firepot meals (which are very good, but not cheap either).

It's arrived and we've tested both flavours.

In terms of taste, it's ok. The thai green curry was ok on its own, the tomato and basil was too bland for us so we stirred a spoon of marmite in to give it a bit of oomph. It's pretty filling stuff.

We'll definitely be taking it camping as it's perfect Jetboil food and it's good to know it's nutritionally complete as this can be hard when camping. Just have to decant the right amount into a ziplock bag.

I'd probably also have it if I was too tired to pull together a decent meal at home/didn't have much in.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Richard D on 28 September, 2020, 08:22:13 pm
Darn.  I wish they did sample packs.  I'd like to try both, but after barely making it through a bag of berry and another one of coffee, I’m just not that brave.  Banana and mint chocolate are both fine, though, and I’ll try the coffee caramel flavour with my next order.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 29 September, 2020, 09:45:22 am
They're a very different proposition from the milkshakes. Husband hoovers them up although he's not fussy. We both think they're good for when one of us is out and the other can't be arsed to cook a proper meal for one.

Want me to post you a portion of each in a ziplock bag?

Took them camping this weekend. You do ideally need a container with a lid/some kind of cover to keep them warm while they rehydrate. If you make the minimum order Huel send you a free plastic cup with a lid, but my collapsible bowls from Alpkit have lids and are better suited to being squashed in a pannier.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Deano on 29 September, 2020, 11:13:15 am
PHD have their autumn sale if anyone's feeling spendy:

https://www.phdesigns.co.uk/sales-and-special-offers

It's quality kit but I've never managed to justify the cost.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wobbly John on 25 December, 2020, 09:41:21 pm
Over the summer I took grandsons out for some cycle rides - the youngest still on a trailerbike.

The previous summer holiday, they really enjoyed camping out in the garden for a couple of nights with me.

In the hope that the world will soon return to relative normallity, I have picked up a few bargains over the autumn from the local facebook market place.

So far:

2 new, unused inflateable camping mats
1 new, unused 2/3 season sleeping bag (American Ozark trail brand)
1 lightly used Softie Merlin 3 lightweight sleeping bag
1 lightly used Summit 300XL oversized sleeping bag

Total spend: £15...  :o
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: nobby on 28 December, 2020, 04:11:47 pm
After a few years of a search running on ebay my Fell Club magazine arrived a couple of weeks ago and there was the tent I have been looking for in the sales. A MiniPeak Luxe with the silnylon outer.
My favourite tent now 700 grams lighter.

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Butterfly on 30 December, 2020, 10:58:59 am
After a few years of a search running on ebay my Fell Club magazine arrived a couple of weeks ago and there was the tent I have been looking for in the sales. A MiniPeak Luxe with the silnylon outer.
My favourite tent now 700 grams lighter.

Excellent!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 02 March, 2021, 09:44:48 pm
Ordered today, but arriving tomorrow, a footprint for my new tent as on its test pitch in the living room I felt the groundsheet was a little thinner than I'd like.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wobbly John on 04 March, 2021, 02:46:03 pm
Work (school) had a number of large screen interactive boards (effectively 65" or 75" tablets) fitted, to replace projectors and screens. I nabbed a couple of the metallised bags from the packaging and cut one good side out, which is a suitable size for a footprint for a couple of my tents.

It is quite tough yet folds down about as small as a Spaceblanket, so fits in the bag with the tent.

I've used it a few times - they are fine as a footprint, but I'm undecided as to whether there is any reflected heat benefit, as I was hoping for.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wobbly John on 03 April, 2021, 08:50:42 pm
After watching a youtube video, I bought a cheap hammock and tarp to try (a tad over £20 with discount code).  ::-)

I now realise that I am miles from any suitable trees to try it out, here in the middle of the 'kin Fens.  :facepalm:

I suspect I'm headed down a rabbit hole of 'do I need an underquilt'/'it needs more attachment points on the tarp'/'more cordage or poles to hold the bug net up'...   :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm:

I've already put better slings & pegs with it, from bits I already had.  :smug:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: iandusud on 02 May, 2021, 06:15:23 pm
Bought:
Two Trekology UL80 sleeping mats. First impressions are VERY comfortable - even my good lady who is very fussy about beds has had a kip on it and given it the thumbs up.
A bamboo fibre towel. 160x80cm 220g! I already have a microfibre towel but needed another for the missus. Saw the bamboo fibre and thought I'd give it a go as we're trying to get away from plastics. I was sceptical when it arrived as it is thin and appears to weight nothing. However I've tested it at home and it has no problem drying me rapidly and it dries quickly. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B087D5K9VT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
These will get properly tested in three weeks time when we're off for a few days camping in the Dales on the tandem. I'll report back.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mmmmartin on 02 May, 2021, 09:22:56 pm
https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/equipment-c3/sleeping-mats-c58/ultralight-airbeds-c138/inertia-x-lite-short-mat-p1315

175 grams, lots of holes, very light indeed. We'll see................
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Regulator on 03 May, 2021, 10:01:26 am
Bought:
Two Trekology UL80 sleeping mats. First impressions are VERY comfortable - even my good lady who is very fussy about beds has had a kip on it and given it the thumbs up.
A bamboo fibre towel. 160x80cm 220g! I already have a microfibre towel but needed another for the missus. Saw the bamboo fibre and thought I'd give it a go as we're trying to get away from plastics. I was sceptical when it arrived as it is thin and appears to weight nothing. However I've tested it at home and it has no problem drying me rapidly and it dries quickly. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B087D5K9VT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
These will get properly tested in three weeks time when we're off for a few days camping in the Dales on the tandem. I'll report back.


Ooh - what’s the R-value on the sleeping mat?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: iandusud on 03 May, 2021, 10:54:59 am
Bought:
Two Trekology UL80 sleeping mats. First impressions are VERY comfortable - even my good lady who is very fussy about beds has had a kip on it and given it the thumbs up.
A bamboo fibre towel. 160x80cm 220g! I already have a microfibre towel but needed another for the missus. Saw the bamboo fibre and thought I'd give it a go as we're trying to get away from plastics. I was sceptical when it arrived as it is thin and appears to weight nothing. However I've tested it at home and it has no problem drying me rapidly and it dries quickly. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B087D5K9VT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
These will get properly tested in three weeks time when we're off for a few days camping in the Dales on the tandem. I'll report back.


Ooh - what’s the R-value on the sleeping mat?
The blurb says "It is a perfect mat for 3 seasons. The estimated R-value is around 1.6 to 2, with the exact value varies by measurement". There are lots of Youtube reviews which are very favourable but generally state that it isn't a winter mat. I've also bought a pair of Highlander reflective mats to go underneath at 100g a piece. I think this is a good idea not only for extra insulation but also for added protection against anything damaging the mat. So not the lightest set up but at my age I value a good night's sleep very highly and will sacrifice a bit of weight to achieve it.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 03 May, 2021, 12:34:53 pm
https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/equipment-c3/sleeping-mats-c58/ultralight-airbeds-c138/inertia-x-lite-short-mat-p1315

175 grams, lots of holes, very light indeed. We'll see................

I'm shivering just looking at the photo.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 04 May, 2021, 01:13:03 am
https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/equipment-c3/sleeping-mats-c58/ultralight-airbeds-c138/inertia-x-lite-short-mat-p1315

175 grams, lots of holes, very light indeed. We'll see................

I'm shivering just looking at the photo.
I think the idea is that your down bag expands downwards and fills the holes with insulation.

As a fairly mobile non-back sleeper, I can't see it working for me.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mmmmartin on 04 May, 2021, 12:12:41 pm
I think the idea is that your down bag expands downwards and fills the holes with insulation.
The impression I have is that the thing goes inside the sleeping bag, which helps protect it from SHARP THINGS and the holes allow the bag to expend upwards, which TBH sounds bonkers to me but as its role in life is for me to carry it in a rucksack while i walk across Spain, where I hope it will be warm and I'll not use it every night, maybe once or twice a week, I'm OK with it. I'll try to remember not to forget to remind myself to report back here.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 04 May, 2021, 12:17:55 pm
Speaking of being cold, I recently invested in one of these:  https://alpkit.com/products/cloud-nine

Strictly a summer camping and indoors proposition.  One day I hope to have an opportunity to use it.  If nothing else, it'll prolong the life of my much-loved and extremely discontinued Mountain Equipment Dreamcatcher.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 04 May, 2021, 12:20:37 pm
You got a sleeping bag with a bottle of wine?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 04 May, 2021, 12:25:46 pm
You got a sleeping bag with a bottle of wine?

Huh  ???
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 04 May, 2021, 01:12:47 pm
When I clicked on the link the first image I saw was a bottlenof wine beside the packed sleeping bag.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 04 May, 2021, 01:16:39 pm
It reminds me of the sleeping bag from Woolies I had when I was 10 or 11 for a school expotition, only vastly more expensive.  :D
Yeah, it's also a lot lighter and packs smaller.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 04 May, 2021, 01:30:00 pm
Also struggling to see the difference between the Cloud Nine and a quilt, other than the zip.
https://alpkit.com/products/cloud-cover-down-quilt
This is a general comment on quilts rather than specific to the Cloud Nine.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Paul H on 04 May, 2021, 03:19:41 pm
Also struggling to see the difference between the Cloud Nine and a quilt, other than the zip.
Size, the bag will make a bigger quilt than needed. I have a decent quilt, it's plenty big enough, though when folded over to make a bag it's narrower than ideal.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 04 May, 2021, 03:46:04 pm
Right. Perhaps the question should be why manufacturers of camping quilts (it's not just Alpkit who do this) usually show photos of them folded over like a sleeping bag?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 04 May, 2021, 03:57:05 pm
Also struggling to see the difference between the Cloud Nine and a quilt, other than the zip.
Size, the bag will make a bigger quilt than needed. I have a decent quilt, it's plenty big enough, though when folded over to make a bag it's narrower than ideal.

Exactly.  I've been tempted by a quilt for ages, but BRITISH summers being what they are, this seems like a more versatile option.  There's a decent amount more elbow room than the Dreamcatcher, which is Proper Sleeping Bag Shaped from the waist up in the interests of warmth.

Unzipped, it's a reasonable quilt for two of the ISO standard small friendly people that tent sizes are quoted in.  Barakta and I could fit under it if our shoulders hips and knees were feeling cooperative.

Anyway, it's nice to see someone filling the niche of a rectangular bag that's not engineered down to car-camper prices.  I know many people struggle with the leg restriction of mummy bags but still care about pack size.


When I clicked on the link the first image I saw was a bottlenof wine beside the packed sleeping bag.

It was the last one in the roll for me, and I hadn't spotted it.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 04 May, 2021, 04:17:55 pm
Speaking of being cold, I recently invested in one of these:  https://alpkit.com/products/cloud-nine

Strictly a summer camping and indoors proposition.  One day I hope to have an opportunity to use it.  If nothing else, it'll prolong the life of my much-loved and extremely discontinued Mountain Equipment Dreamcatcher.

It's a shame, the Dreamcatcher being discontinued. I originally got it on your recommendation as I need it due to the way I sleep. I'm wondering whether to send it off for a professional cleaning to get it to loft better - I always use a liner with it and it seems clean enough but it has never been washed. I had very cold feet in it the other night (for the first time) but then there was ice on my bivvy bag in the morning.

Incidentally I also got a Cloud Nine (quilt not bag) from Alpkit in their recent sale, as the Dreamcatcher was far too hot during last summer's heatwave. It has poppers to use like a sleeping bag but that would be too restrictive for me.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 04 May, 2021, 04:50:54 pm
https://www.mountaineering-designs.co.uk   or  https://www.scottishmountaingear.com/down-services/cleaning


Both of these places have good reputations for cleaning & refurbishing down sleeping bags.   SMG will work on most other outdoors stuff as well.



Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 04 May, 2021, 10:00:10 pm
It's a shame, the Dreamcatcher being discontinued. I originally got it on your recommendation as I need it due to the way I sleep. I'm wondering whether to send it off for a professional cleaning to get it to loft better - I always use a liner with it and it seems clean enough but it has never been washed.

Yeah, mine's clean enough and still reasonably warm, but it's noticeably less lofty than barakta's which we bought just before they all disappeared, and has only seen a few weekends of use.

It's one of those things that works really well for me, so when the time comes I'd be happy to pay £ouch to get it properly refurbished, or if it came to it, commission one of the custom molishers to make the sleeping bag equivalent of Basil's Mercian Super Galaxy.

But I'll probably nick barakta's first, as she's at least a couple of major surgeries away from doing any more camping.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mmmmartin on 04 May, 2021, 11:03:38 pm
https://www.mountaineering-designs.co.uk   or  https://www.scottishmountaingear.com/down-services/cleaning


Both of these places have good reputations for cleaning & refurbishing down sleeping bags.   SMG will work on most other outdoors stuff as well.
proper cleaning by proper people is well worth the money for decent down equipment in my experience. You can always do it yourself using proper down wash but bloody hell it is an absolutely massive faff, and i mean really really.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: nobby on 05 May, 2021, 06:44:07 am
I've not found quilts any good for camping. I've tried two, a Jack's R Better down and a RayWay synthetic.
I am a side sleeper, foetal position and I turn over in the night. Warm air always escapes from under the quilt and it takes an uncomfortable time to rewarm the new cold air.
If you roll over in a sleeping bag the warm air travels with you and, as is mentioned elsewhere, an unzipped sleeping bag is a quilt. My RayWay quilt was effectively a sleeping bag without the zip.

My reason for being here is, however, that yesterday I bought a new Exped UL pillow.
The old non UL one has come out of lengthy storage with a half dozen leaks from the rolled seams.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 05 May, 2021, 09:53:30 am
https://www.mountaineering-designs.co.uk   or  https://www.scottishmountaingear.com/down-services/cleaning


Both of these places have good reputations for cleaning & refurbishing down sleeping bags.   SMG will work on most other outdoors stuff as well.
proper cleaning by proper people is well worth the money for decent down equipment in my experience. You can always do it yourself using proper down wash but bloody hell it is an absolutely massive faff, and i mean really really.

Yes, I reckon this is what I'll do, maybe in the summer. Thanks for the recos Andrew.

Like Kim's, it hasn't seen a huge amount of use, it's just older now. It's been stored in its own cupboard relatively uncompressed too. I'd probably also get one similar made if I had to, as I just can't get on with traditional mummy bags.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 05 May, 2021, 10:37:44 am
Try American brands like Marmot or Mountain Hardware.  They tend to be built on the larger side, so a bit more wiggle room.   Also try mens bags rather than womens.   Getting a bag made to measure would be possible, but I'd think horribly expensive. 
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 05 May, 2021, 10:45:52 am
Mountain Equipment down quilt on Fleabay if anyone's after one.  https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/124706814432?hash=item1d091af9e0:g:h7UAAOSwMxRgjwAZ
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mmmmartin on 05 May, 2021, 12:26:15 pm
Lixada titanium meths burner from eBay, £14 inc supports.

Weighs 60 grams inc the supports. We'll see how it compares to the ex Swedish army Trangi-type thing which has been great but weighs a lot.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Regulator on 05 May, 2021, 01:27:29 pm
Try American brands like Marmot or Mountain Hardware.  They tend to be built on the larger side, so a bit more wiggle room.   Also try mens bags rather than womens.   Getting a bag made to measure would be possible, but I'd think horribly expensive.

Also worth looking at the Snugpak modles with the baffle, which gives extra room for lardarses like me...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Marco Stefano on 10 May, 2021, 10:08:29 pm
Snugpak Travelpak 2 sleeping bag; from the ratings it should be warm enough for my use, but it seems quite thin. Hope to make a 2-night trip to Norwich in a couple of weeks so I'll find out, although a garden test might be a good idea. Replaces 20-year-old ones bought for our children with a similar pack size, so should be okay.

Berghaus Peak 3.1 tent too, which I bought sometime last year but haven't used yet; a smaller alternative to my Vango Banshee 300.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Goldcrank on 13 May, 2021, 10:16:04 pm
I find snugpak add your clothing to to the warmth equation

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 May, 2021, 09:47:02 am
This is true of all manufacturers. In fact, it's written into the relevant standard as "one base layer of thermal underwear".
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EN_13537
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: salar55 on 14 May, 2021, 11:42:20 am
The primus multi fuel stove has been playing up . Its about time for a service ,bought the pump and stove service packs. Main problem was the fuel filter and an o ring with a slight leak. Not bad for 15 years using auto fuel,only changed the jets as they wear out and greasing the pump leather pad. A quick fix for the filter is boiling water poured over the filter but soon clogs up again.
It worked well with gas as its a direct fit to gas canister .(https://i.imgur.com/gvfkwZf.jpg)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 03 July, 2021, 05:42:28 pm
A pair of PlanetX 5.5L drybags with fork mounting kits.

Was torn between the 4L pair and the 5.5L, it looks like the mounting kit is the same though so for only £2 more went for the larger. If the bags are too big I can get smaller bags I figure.

This should move a bit of bulk out of the panniers. I can carry my current camping load as is so not an essential purchase but then my Mum normally brings the food and my beers for our camping trips so this should help me out if I ever get round to some solo trips.

I think I'll move the air mat and sleeping bag forwards as I've already got my tent and chair on the bars so don't want any more weight making the steering interesting.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: lissotriton on 03 July, 2021, 08:23:12 pm
A pair of PlanetX 5.5L drybags with fork mounting kits.
I was just looking at those. They are a a lot cheaper than the Gorilla cage and bags.

Would be handy for a bit of bikepacking, along with a big handlebar bag.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 03 July, 2021, 09:35:03 pm
Over the last couple of days.
3 season bag
Merino leggings to go with existing top
Inflatable pillow
Titanium cup
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 03 July, 2021, 10:59:31 pm
A pair of PlanetX 5.5L drybags with fork mounting kits.
I was just looking at those. They are a a lot cheaper than the Gorilla cage and bags.

Would be handy for a bit of bikepacking, along with a big handlebar bag.

That's what I was thinking. I could 3D print something similar but it's a looooooong print job. And I have uncertainties about the robustness of said prints. I really don't want anything jumping ship around the front wheel.

For £36 for the pair vs £26 for a single I thought I'd take a punt.

I did however print a wee container to take a few teabags with me.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 07 July, 2021, 12:09:32 pm
That would be these? https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/BAPODTFBL/podsacs-large-tarpaulin-fork-dry-bag-(55-litre)
The mounting system looks more like a Salsa Anything cage than Gorilla mounts, which leave only cleats on the fork – the cage removes completely, but they're cheaper than than the Gorilla cage and bag, and also cheaper than the Salsa cage without a bag.  :thumbsup: If I didn't already have Gorillas, I'd be tempted.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 09 July, 2021, 05:53:49 pm
Thems the ones yeah.

They've arrived and seem pretty good, I might have to roll my sleeping bag a little differently to get enough rolls on the closure but it fits. I feel like the bottom of the "cage" could do with a slightly larger foot but I'll see how I go, I can always make something to attach later.

Haven't fitted them to the bike yet as it's rather mucky so I ought to clean it first. That's a job for tomorrow.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: nobby on 14 July, 2021, 05:37:27 am
Yesterday, an Alpkit Cloudbase sleeping mat.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 14 July, 2021, 03:25:30 pm
This morning the coffee filter to go with the alpkit brukit. Just released.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: nobby on 14 July, 2021, 03:26:59 pm
This morning the coffee filter to go with the alpkit brukit. Just released.
I saw that but it means your main pot is tainted by coffee, doesn't it?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 14 July, 2021, 10:03:06 pm
Probably, but I can put up with that for decent coffee.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: nobby on 15 July, 2021, 06:42:00 am
Probably, but I can put up with that for decent coffee.
:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 25 July, 2021, 05:45:27 pm
https://www.tgomagazine.co.uk/review/hilleberg-anaris-full-review/ (https://www.tgomagazine.co.uk/review/hilleberg-anaris-full-review/)


Perhaps not a cycletouring tent unless you add extra poles. I don’t usually carry trekking poles onna bike.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 25 July, 2021, 06:01:04 pm
You can always get poles separately (not trekking poles, just aluminium tent poles of suitable length). But it sounds like it might be a bit meshy for most BRITISH WEATHER.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 12 August, 2021, 09:31:36 pm
I really should not read these threads. Purchased a Ticktwister, on the basis that when you need one, you need one. Also discovered one of my touring bottles has self destructed, dispersing cooking oil into a dry bag. Ho hum.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Regulator on 19 August, 2021, 11:51:23 am
https://www.tgomagazine.co.uk/review/hilleberg-anaris-full-review/ (https://www.tgomagazine.co.uk/review/hilleberg-anaris-full-review/)


Perhaps not a cycletouring tent unless you add extra poles. I don’t usually carry trekking poles onna bike.

I'd be tempted if they did a one man version - otherwise I'll stick to my Alpkit Polestar.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: D.A.L.E. on 19 August, 2021, 12:46:42 pm
https://www.tgomagazine.co.uk/review/hilleberg-anaris-full-review/ (https://www.tgomagazine.co.uk/review/hilleberg-anaris-full-review/)


Perhaps not a cycletouring tent unless you add extra poles. I don’t usually carry trekking poles onna bike.

If you're going down that road, surely you'd just buy a Drift from Trekkertent - http://www.trekkertent.com/home/home/2-drift.html
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 19 August, 2021, 02:50:02 pm
https://www.tgomagazine.co.uk/review/hilleberg-anaris-full-review/ (https://www.tgomagazine.co.uk/review/hilleberg-anaris-full-review/)


Perhaps not a cycletouring tent unless you add extra poles. I don’t usually carry trekking poles onna bike.

That's a lot more expensive than a Lanshan...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Regulator on 19 August, 2021, 04:13:59 pm
https://www.tgomagazine.co.uk/review/hilleberg-anaris-full-review/ (https://www.tgomagazine.co.uk/review/hilleberg-anaris-full-review/)


Perhaps not a cycletouring tent unless you add extra poles. I don’t usually carry trekking poles onna bike.

If you're going down that road, surely you'd just buy a Drift from Trekkertent - http://www.trekkertent.com/home/home/2-drift.html


Nice tent - except for pole placement.    OK for race whippets but not for lardarses like me.  One advantage of the Alpkit Polestar is that the poles are at the end - it's also lighter, got a higher HH and half the price!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 19 August, 2021, 04:19:47 pm
I quite like the look of the DD A frame and mesh tent combo. 
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: D.A.L.E. on 19 August, 2021, 04:54:54 pm
https://www.tgomagazine.co.uk/review/hilleberg-anaris-full-review/ (https://www.tgomagazine.co.uk/review/hilleberg-anaris-full-review/)


Perhaps not a cycletouring tent unless you add extra poles. I don’t usually carry trekking poles onna bike.

If you're going down that road, surely you'd just buy a Drift from Trekkertent - http://www.trekkertent.com/home/home/2-drift.html


Nice tent - except for pole placement.    OK for race whippets but not for lardarses like me.  One advantage of the Alpkit Polestar is that the poles are at the end - it's also lighter, got a higher HH and half the price!
Not used one but I think I'd rather be seen dogging than in one of those. Looks crap, especially in a UK context. Where is it manufactured?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Regulator on 19 August, 2021, 06:08:57 pm
https://www.tgomagazine.co.uk/review/hilleberg-anaris-full-review/ (https://www.tgomagazine.co.uk/review/hilleberg-anaris-full-review/)


Perhaps not a cycletouring tent unless you add extra poles. I don’t usually carry trekking poles onna bike.

If you're going down that road, surely you'd just buy a Drift from Trekkertent - http://www.trekkertent.com/home/home/2-drift.html


Nice tent - except for pole placement.    OK for race whippets but not for lardarses like me.  One advantage of the Alpkit Polestar is that the poles are at the end - it's also lighter, got a higher HH and half the price!
Not used one but I think I'd rather be seen dogging than in one of those. Looks crap, especially in a UK context. Where is it manufactured?

Which one are you saying is crap?

The Polestar is designed and made in the UK.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: D.A.L.E. on 19 August, 2021, 06:26:24 pm
The Polestar is designed and made in the UK.
Do you have a source for that?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 19 August, 2021, 06:28:38 pm
The Polestar is designed and made in the UK.
Do you have a source for that?
https://alpkit.com/products/polestar-trekking-pole-tent
Quote
Vital stats
Weight
Total Weight (excluding footprint): 980g
Flysheet: 430g
Inner: 360g
Alloy Pole: 93g
Pegs: 75g
Stuff Bag: 21g
Footprint (optional): 150g

Dimensions
Pitched Size: 210cm x 140cm x 100cm (length x width x height)
Internal Space: 200cm x 80cm x 90cm (length x width x height)
Packed Size: 42cm x 11cm

Construction
Flysheet: 20d Polyester R/S Sil/PU 3,000mm HH
Mesh: D33 Mesh
Inner: 20d Nylon R/S breathable
Groundsheet: 20d R/s Polyester PU 5,000mm HH
Pole: 7001 alloy
Pegs: 8 x Alloy Y beam pegs
Zips: YKK size 5 zips
Footprint (optional): 20d R/s Polyester PU 5,000mm HH

Origin: China
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Regulator on 19 August, 2021, 08:53:32 pm
The material comes from China (as it does for most tent manufacturers) but, as far as I am aware from the Alpkit site, many things are constructed here (they have a manufacturing facility  at their head office (https://alpkit.com/pages/about)). 
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Paul H on 19 August, 2021, 09:18:23 pm
The material comes from China (as it does for most tent manufacturers) but, as far as I am aware from the Alpkit site, many things are constructed here
No, a few things are made in the UK, but not £140 tents, just think about it.
Be good if it was, all the UK produced stuff comes with a 25 year warranty.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Regulator on 19 August, 2021, 10:10:55 pm
The stuff is certainly designed here. 
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mmmmartin on 19 August, 2021, 11:03:29 pm
Everything I've ever bought from Alpkit has been excellent quality. You can buy something cheaper. It probably won't last anywhere near as long. This tent looks quite clever.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Jaded on 19 August, 2021, 11:14:21 pm
This tent looks quite clever.
It certainly looks cleverer than our current Cabinet.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 August, 2021, 08:51:26 am
I had an Alpkit headtorch that failed. Wouldn't turn on IIRC or would only access some modes. It was still under guarantee and they refunded with no quibble. Apart from that everything I've had from them has been good quality and they seem like vaguely decent people.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 20 August, 2021, 09:46:12 am
I like the look of the aeronaut https://alpkit.com/products/aeronaut-1 (https://alpkit.com/products/aeronaut-1). No poles and looks like a decent space. 

Big question whether to go for a small tarpaulin to extend over the bike and bivvy or go for the tent for later in the year.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Regulator on 20 August, 2021, 09:56:32 am
I like the look of the aeronaut https://alpkit.com/products/aeronaut-1 (https://alpkit.com/products/aeronaut-1). No poles and looks like a decent space. 

Big question whether to go for a small tarpaulin to extend over the bike and bivvy or go for the tent for later in the year.

I think the Aeronaut is ideal for cycle camping as you would have a pump to hand...  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 August, 2021, 10:12:37 am
Though I note it's only with a Schrader valve, despite bikepackers, it's natural market, almost entirely using Presta. Presumably this is because Schrader is better at handling the larger volumes of air needed, which makes me think it probably takes an awful lot of pumping. Especially if you, being a space-conscious bikepacker, have a mini-pump.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Karla on 20 August, 2021, 11:15:05 am
I like the look of the aeronaut https://alpkit.com/products/aeronaut-1 (https://alpkit.com/products/aeronaut-1). No poles and looks like a decent space. 

Big question whether to go for a small tarpaulin to extend over the bike and bivvy or go for the tent for later in the year.

If you're looking for a tent, I'm about to put a Terra Nova Laser up for sale for a very similar price to that?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 20 August, 2021, 11:18:33 am
Is that the compact 1? how much?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Karla on 20 August, 2021, 12:01:14 pm
I'll message you.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: L CC on 20 August, 2021, 12:49:01 pm
There's a lot of alpkit love going on here but I'll never buy from them again.

I applied for a job with them, for which I am perfectly qualified and experienced. I told them my current salary (which is about 75% of the MEAN for the position) but said that it wasn't an expectation as I wanted to work for an organisation so aligned with my interests.

They said they couldn't meet my salary expectations. Now, there's lots of reasons people don't get shortlisted or interviewed for jobs, but by saying they couldn't meet my salary expectations they were basically saying they didn't want to pay the going rate for the job. Fuck that, kiddos.

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: cycleman on 20 August, 2021, 07:08:43 pm
A oex bush pro bivvy bag from blacks reduced to £45  :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: iandusud on 24 August, 2021, 01:52:00 pm
This is our new tent https://www.naturehike.com/collections/tents/products/naturehike-outdoor-four-seasons-cloud-tunnel-2-person-tent-for-camping-nh20zp006?variant=36758917775514

An absolute game changer for us. Loads of room for two with plenty of room in the sleeping area for all our clothes as well as beds etc. The vestibule is cavernous allowing us room to store all our bags, footwear etc leaving plenty of room for getting in and out and also the ability to cook under cover (very useful when we were camping in the Lake District with constant rain). Totally waterproof in very wet and windy conditions. Total weight including footprint (measured by me) exactly 3.0kg, compared to our Saunders Spacepaker Plus with footprint at 2.8kg. For an extra 200g the extra space and comfort is astounding. There is also a two man version but I wanted the extra space, headroom and two doors that the 2-3 man version offers. We've just had two weeks touring with it with pretty mixed weather. It is quicker to pitch than the Saunders as the inner tent remains attached to the outer. I cannot recommend this tent too highly. And at £180 it is a bargain. Edit: The Amazon link no longer works so I have linked to the Naturehike site. A number of good reviews on Youtube.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: JenM on 24 August, 2021, 02:34:36 pm
Link doesn’t work
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: iandusud on 24 August, 2021, 03:53:25 pm
We also bought a pair of Trekology UL80 air mats, along with the 30L pump sack. We have now used them for a long weekend away and two weeks away this summer. They are not the lightest air mats but certainly not heavy. They are incredibly comfortable. Certainly the most comfortable sleeping mat we have ever used, and we have been camping virtually every year for the last 30+ years. They also appear to be robust and where we have camped for two or three consecutive nights have not needed topping up. We also use Highlander reflective mats underneath to add protection and heat retention. These weigh next to nothing and the difference between the temperature of the tent groundsheet and the mats is remarkable. All in all very happy with this sleep system.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07N4KK854/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://highlander-outdoor.com/uk_shop/reflective-camping-mat.html
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: iandusud on 24 August, 2021, 03:57:05 pm
Link doesn’t work
Thank you. I've edited my post.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Lightning Phil on 24 August, 2021, 04:23:36 pm
Though I note it's only with a Schrader valve, despite bikepackers, it's natural market, almost entirely using Presta. Presumably this is because Schrader is better at handling the larger volumes of air needed, which makes me think it probably takes an awful lot of pumping. Especially if you, being a space-conscious bikepacker, have a mini-pump.

I have an air beam bivvy tent from 2012.  The beam does not need that much air. Mine uses a hand pump and it’s not that much effort and quick to inflate. But choice on Alpkit one of Schrader valve does seem weird.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Regulator on 24 August, 2021, 05:02:50 pm
We also bought a pair of Trekology UL80 air mats, along with the 30L pump sack. We have now used them for a long weekend away and two weeks away this summer. They are not the lightest air mats but certainly not heavy. They are incredibly comfortable. Certainly the most comfortable sleeping mat we have ever used, and we have been camping virtually every year for the last 30+ years. They also appear to be robust and where we have camped for two or three consecutive nights have not needed topping up. We also use Highlander reflective mats underneath to add protection and heat retention. These weigh next to nothing and the difference between the temperature of the tent groundsheet and the mats is remarkable. All in all very happy with this sleep system.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07N4KK854/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://highlander-outdoor.com/uk_shop/reflective-camping-mat.html


The daddy of the Trekology mats is the UL140.  Possibly the best nights sleep I've ever had in a tent.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 24 August, 2021, 05:27:42 pm
Though I note it's only with a Schrader valve, despite bikepackers, it's natural market, almost entirely using Presta. Presumably this is because Schrader is better at handling the larger volumes of air needed, which makes me think it probably takes an awful lot of pumping. Especially if you, being a space-conscious bikepacker, have a mini-pump.

I have an air beam bivvy tent from 2012.  The beam does not need that much air. Mine uses a hand pump and it’s not that much effort and quick to inflate. But choice on Alpkit one of Schrader valve does seem weird.
Interesting. Just wondering if they come supplied with puncture repair kits?!!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Lightning Phil on 24 August, 2021, 05:59:42 pm
Though I note it's only with a Schrader valve, despite bikepackers, it's natural market, almost entirely using Presta. Presumably this is because Schrader is better at handling the larger volumes of air needed, which makes me think it probably takes an awful lot of pumping. Especially if you, being a space-conscious bikepacker, have a mini-pump.

I have an air beam bivvy tent from 2012.  The beam does not need that much air. Mine uses a hand pump and it’s not that much effort and quick to inflate. But choice on Alpkit one of Schrader valve does seem weird.
Interesting. Just wondering if they come supplied with puncture repair kits?!!

Mine didn’t but they are pretty robust unless you walk over them with crampons. Air beam isn’t under your body weight and pressing against sharp things in the ground unlike a mat / air bed. The kits for air beds would work equally well on the air beam though.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrew_s on 25 August, 2021, 02:11:03 am
Though I note it's only with a Schrader valve, despite bikepackers, it's natural market, almost entirely using Presta. Presumably this is because Schrader is better at handling the larger volumes of air needed,
A combination of...
a) the main market for air beam tents in general is motorists, and they use schraeder.
b) a presta is pointy at the end, and could cause punctures or holes in the outer if you've lost the valve cap.
c) presta is more prone to failure (the valve nut stem snapping)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: D.A.L.E. on 25 August, 2021, 11:46:11 am
Schrader > Presta.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 25 August, 2021, 11:57:25 am
Schrader > Presta.
Is that the campers' variant on my dad > your dad?  :D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Lightning Phil on 27 August, 2021, 01:26:10 pm
Here’s my air beam tent. It’s not an Alpkit one.  I got this quite a few years ago.  But it shows you how compact they are when packed (sitting on rear bike rack). This is complete tent, pegs, and hand pump. As you can see shorter than rack length.  Mine weighs 632g (just checked on scales) including everything. Comparing to Alpkit it uses a lighter denier silnylon which has been fine in heavy rain. Perfect for lightweight cycle camping if solo. For two I’d get something bigger that you can split across two bikes.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/6ABiT_eGAktGf-m3dRgHXc74OhPnP98agPnSACTPvBuJupjch0I4vVyyQUuaQkvCLeow2L1yNjIBRhkMn8XayT1ZEajSrndy5C3b-SW1YC7Um6Rg15z8Z6yqytAodFeC2oTXMuPzog=w2400)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Zed43 on 27 August, 2021, 04:46:06 pm
Inquiring minds want to know brand and model  ;) 

It won't beat the pack size of my Nordisk Lofoten (22x11cm!), but then it can be argued the Lofoten is just a very comfy bivvy with its 70cm height.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Lightning Phil on 27 August, 2021, 05:43:11 pm
Inquiring minds want to know brand and model  ;) 

It won't beat the pack size of my Nordisk Lofoten (22x11cm!), but then it can be argued the Lofoten is just a very comfy bivvy with its 70cm height.

You’re right it doesn’t beat it. Just roughly measured as it currently packed and comes out at 21cm x 17cm.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Zed43 on 27 August, 2021, 06:17:26 pm
That's quite good. Can you get in without advanced yoga practice, and is the inner tall enough to sit up straight? The Lofoten fails on both points  ;D It's also rather awkward when it rains. Good when you just need a place to sleep instead of "really" camping though.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Lightning Phil on 27 August, 2021, 06:54:31 pm
No, it’s not a tent you’d want to do much more than sleep in. It’s a feet first type entry.  You can kind of half sit-up . It does have a porch for stashing gear. Midge netting as well if dry and you want to watch the stars from your sleeping bag. Without getting bitten.

I tend to sit outside tents anyway till time for bed. A supplentary tarp for an evening cooking shelter might be worth it.  But what is camping without sitting in the rain in your waterproofs minding your stove?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 August, 2021, 03:22:07 pm
It’s a feet first type entry.
aka "canvas coffin".
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Lightning Phil on 28 August, 2021, 03:56:34 pm
It’s a feet first type entry.
aka "canvas coffin".

If it were made of canvas yes, but not nearly as low as those old designs.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 August, 2021, 04:35:46 pm
I'm not familiar with the old designs you refer to, but "nylon coffin" doesn't alliterate.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: perpetual dan on 28 August, 2021, 07:21:40 pm
I'm not familiar with the old designs you refer to, but "nylon coffin" doesn't alliterate.
Silnylon sarcophagus?

It’s been far too long since I last camped. I should use the stuff I have before reading this thread!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 04 September, 2021, 09:41:02 pm
A long titanium spork, an ex German forces rubberised groundsheet and a 80gsm tarp.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 04 September, 2021, 09:57:25 pm
A long titanium spork, an ex German forces rubberised groundsheet and a 80gsm tarp.


German rubberwear......?    That's a specialised item for a camping trip.......... :jurek:


I've got a groundsheet, bivi & tarp, but have never gotten around to using them.  Too comfy in a tent.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 04 September, 2021, 10:04:38 pm
The groundsheet is approx 2 x1m and reputedly strong defence against perforations. For a few quids why not. If a 3mm closed cell mat was available that would also be good. I have several cellular mats but they are really awkward to carry on the bike due to volume when fully loaded but great for chucking into tht back of the car.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Lightning Phil on 05 September, 2021, 01:52:28 pm
I'm not familiar with the old designs you refer to, but "nylon coffin" doesn't alliterate.

They were all the rage in the 80s in the mountain marathon and ultra  back packing events.  But best used wild camping rather than campsite.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 24 September, 2021, 07:03:48 am
A Thermarest pillow stuff sack (https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/equipment-c3/sleeping-bags-c21/pillows-c61/stuff-sack-pillow-p11280), because it seems a neat way of using a clothes bag for a pillow (yes, I could just use a standard drybag, but I don't like the texture), and a tiny table (https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/ultralight-folding-table-p12720). Have to say, I was slightly underwhelmed upon opening the latter: £15 for that? Hopefully it'll prove useful, if I ever get out camping again (instead of going anywhere, I'm just buying stuff :facepalm:).
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: gibbo on 24 September, 2021, 08:50:28 am
Podsac - x2 fork bags from PlanetX via Amazon. They're the 4 litre ones and I think they may be good for nothing  :facepalm: since a quick look shows that I can't fit my tent or sleeping bag in, even though they are quite small but obviously not small enough!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 24 September, 2021, 09:02:42 am
You can probably stuff clothes in there though.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: gibbo on 24 September, 2021, 10:06:24 am
You can probably stuff clothes in there though.

Indeed. I'm rethinking my packing plan as I'd like to remove some weight from the saddle bag to stop it swaying so much when out of the saddle. Clothes, toolkit, cooking stuff would be good candidates.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 24 September, 2021, 10:32:29 am
When I got my fork bags a few years ago, I had the same thoughts as you: sleeping bag one side, tent the other. Found neither would fit. So I used them for clothes: riding clothes one side, civvies the other, and a few soft things like towel to fill the gaps. I don't think hard objects like cooking kit would be good candidates, though something smaller like toolkit might be good. But you'll have to try and see! I now have a smaller sleeping bag and tent, but so far this has meant that I've only needed rear panniers...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 29 April, 2022, 01:32:58 pm
A Thermarest pillow stuff sack (https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/equipment-c3/sleeping-bags-c21/pillows-c61/stuff-sack-pillow-p11280), because it seems a neat way of using a clothes bag for a pillow (yes, I could just use a standard drybag, but I don't like the texture), and a tiny table (https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/ultralight-folding-table-p12720). Have to say, I was slightly underwhelmed upon opening the latter: £15 for that? Hopefully it'll prove useful, if I ever get out camping again (instead of going anywhere, I'm just buying stuff :facepalm:).

Still haven't been camping,  but have bought more stuff: decided to splurge on a sleeping mat upgrade, a Big Agnes insulated thing.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: velosam on 30 April, 2022, 06:05:36 pm
What did you upgrade from and why?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 03 May, 2022, 03:45:07 pm
What did you upgrade from and why?

A nasty cheap thing, bought from Amazon in a hurry a couple of years ago when I realised my previous (self-inflating) mat had given up the ghost. It was comfy enough, but totally lacking in insulation.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 27 June, 2022, 09:00:51 am
Following the demise of my Exped UL, an inexpensive Outwell self inflating 7.5cm mat for car camping. I will look at a new, hopefully more durable, insulated lightweight when the need arises. £200 a pop seems to be quite literally true.
Also rather taken with the Big Agnes Copper Spur but..........
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Paul H on 27 June, 2022, 10:24:33 am
Following the demise of my Exped UL, an inexpensive Outwell self inflating 7.5cm mat for car camping. I will look at a new, hopefully more durable, insulated lightweight when the need arises. £200 a pop seems to be quite literally true.
Also rather taken with the Big Agnes Copper Spur but..........
The button style of construction, rather than the tubes, seems to be a more durable design.  Sea to Summit are confident enough to offer lifetime guarantees, I bought one after three failures on the tube designs, (2 x Exped, 1 Big Agnes). it's very comfortable despite not being as thick, though it's not quite as warm as an Exped Downmat.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: nikki on 27 June, 2022, 02:26:12 pm

Having just waved off a removals van full of (nearly) all my belongings, I'll be on a not-really-used-yet Sea to Summit comfort plus insulated mat for the next couple of nights whilst I wrap things up at the old house.

I'm not expecting to learn much about its insulating properties, but it'll be a good opportunity to figure out how the two layer approach works and what 'settings' work for me.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mark on 28 June, 2022, 05:18:23 am

The button style of construction, rather than the tubes, seems to be a more durable design.  Sea to Summit are confident enough to offer lifetime guarantees, I bought one after three failures on the tube designs, (2 x Exped, 1 Big Agnes). it's very comfortable despite not being as thick, though it's not quite as warm as an Exped Downmat.

Sea to Summit just replaced my 4 yr old Ultralight Insulated pad, after I emailed the US importer asking for advice on how to fix a leaky valve. They first asked me to send it in so they could fix it, then replaced it when they couldn't fix it.
Definitely a company that stands behind their products.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wowbagger on 29 June, 2022, 05:21:59 pm

Having just waved off a removals van full of (nearly) all my belongings, I'll be on a not-really-used-yet Sea to Summit comfort plus insulated mat for the next couple of nights whilst I wrap things up at the old house.

I'm not expecting to learn much about its insulating properties, but it'll be a good opportunity to figure out how the two layer approach works and what 'settings' work for me.

Where are you moving to, Nikki?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 29 June, 2022, 07:36:15 pm
Where are you moving to, Nikki?

I think she's going nomad...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 29 June, 2022, 07:49:00 pm

Having just waved off a removals van full of (nearly) all my belongings, I'll be on a not-really-used-yet Sea to Summit comfort plus insulated mat for the next couple of nights whilst I wrap things up at the old house.


This is how I discovered that my old inflatable mattress had a hole last year. Almost all my worldly belongings had gone east in a van, leaving me, the mattress, a sleeping bag and not much else (apart from a load of cleaning products). Surprisingly, I slept ok, only realising in the morning that the mattress had lost all its air overnight. :facepalm:

Still haven't managed to test out my new shiny Big Agnes mat, though...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: nikki on 29 June, 2022, 11:21:23 pm
Where are you moving to, Nikki?

Parents' spare room (Taunton-ish) until I can get myself (and probably a van to dwell in) sorted.

This is how I discovered that my old inflatable mattress had a hole last year. Almost all my worldly belongings had gone east in a van, leaving me, the mattress, a sleeping bag and not much else (apart from a load of cleaning products). Surprisingly, I slept ok, only realising in the morning that the mattress had lost all its air overnight. :facepalm:

Oh no!
I worried I may have a slow leak, but then remembered I'd not closed the valve cap after letting some air out of the top layer in the middle of the night. 2 pumpsacks-full on the bottom layer and then maybe half a pump for the top layer seems to be the right sort of territory for me. Pretty impressive really, considering how heavy I am and how thick the mat isn't.

I'm glamping tonight with my Big Agnes mat on top of the Sea to Summit one.

Tomorrow is The Big Clean.


Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wobbly John on 19 July, 2022, 09:10:23 pm
aldi have had hammocks in for a couple of weeks - they had loads of them in the Ely store, and I had hoped the price would be reduced.

Today I decided to buy one to try, and I'm impressed. at £12.99 it comes with decsesnt length suspending straps, with 3 loops for length adjustment - The sort most cheap hammocks skimp on.

No bug net, but then that can be a mixed blessing if you want to use underblanket/uilt/Hammock coccoon.

I haven't tried slinging it yet, but it seems ok.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: rogerzilla on 06 September, 2022, 06:05:23 pm
Another Coleman lantern for when the lights go out.  This one was a bargain - green, fairly recent, and probably used once.  Fitted a mantle and filled it with Coleman fuel, and it Just Worked.  Most Coleman stuff I buy from eBay needs a new generator and is gummed up with stale unleaded.

To show how weedy modern LED streetlights are, these throw out about the same amount of light - maybe the same as a 40W filament bulb*


*I won't say incandescent, because these are incandescent too.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 21 November, 2022, 04:03:13 pm
Picked up a ti spork in a local charity shop for 30p on my lunch break. :thumbsup: I was actually in need of one, too, as my always-in-my-bag plastic version recently broke.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 22 November, 2022, 09:16:38 am
Another Coleman lantern for when the lights go out.  This one was a bargain - green, fairly recent, and probably used once.  Fitted a mantle and filled it with Coleman fuel, and it Just Worked.  Most Coleman stuff I buy from eBay needs a new generator and is gummed up with stale unleaded.

To show how weedy modern LED streetlights are, these throw out about the same amount of light - maybe the same as a 40W filament bulb*


*I won't say incandescent, because these are incandescent too.

probably puts out a fair amount of heat too which could also prove useful when the lights and central heating go out.  👍

We still have a couple of gas fires which probably will still function as almost every gch boiler and associated pump will be down due to no electricity this relieving the load on gas.  And, we still cook with gas ...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 04 May, 2023, 04:56:26 pm
6l of bioethanol for the Trangia have just been delivered.  Should keep me going for a while.

Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: drossall on 04 May, 2023, 06:29:55 pm
Does a couple of second-hand bike-packing bags count? I've got a Mercian tourer with full pannier set-up, but we're taking the Scouts to Scotland in summer, and this is about at least demonstrating how you could carry gear off-road on mountain bikes.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Adnepos on 08 June, 2023, 11:14:11 pm
Been looking for my Tenacious Tape for two weeks cos I need to repair my tent inner. Searched in vain so yesterday I splashed out 2.70GBP on a roll of tent repair tape from Millets. Today, my Tenacious Tape turned up so I’ve fixed my tent inner. In celebration, I spent 8.10GBP on some permethrin clothes spray, again from Millets.
I am sure I’ll find a use for the extra tape.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 09 June, 2023, 12:01:01 am
While I was away on tour, a Flextail Tiny Pump 2X (https://www.flextail.com/products/tiny-pump-2x) arrived.  Review can wait until I've used it in anger, but it inflates mats, comes with an impressive assortment of nozzles and works fairly nicely as a lamp, if you don't mind 1kHz PWM.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: iddu on 09 June, 2023, 10:57:55 pm
Splurged out on a Durston x-Mid 2p, for a bit more room to swing a cat than the Elan / SoloLite (thus the decluttering in For Sale)

Just need to find a non-busy ::-) w/e to test in anger somewhere...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 10 June, 2023, 10:38:04 am
While I was away on tour, a Flextail Tiny Pump 2X (https://www.flextail.com/products/tiny-pump-2x) arrived.  Review can wait until I've used it in anger, but it inflates mats, comes with an impressive assortment of nozzles and works fairly nicely as a lamp, if you don't mind 1kHz PWM.
There is one that apparently weighs only 10g. Doesn't have a lamp though.
https://threepointsofthecompass.com/2023/04/01/gear-talk-pad-pal-the-worlds-smallest-and-lightest-electric-pad-inflator-is-getting-smaller-and-lighter/
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: andrewc on 10 June, 2023, 12:58:33 pm
Interesting. Inflating a mat with a pump sack is one of my least favourite camping tasks.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 10 June, 2023, 01:14:59 pm
Lung what you brung.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 10 June, 2023, 01:27:09 pm
As we have Exped mats I bought an Exped Widget pump.  It inflates our large double Exped in a couple of minutes and has a light built in so I hung it up in the sleeping compartment. 

It's rechargeable via micro USB which makes it very practical.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 11 June, 2023, 08:47:59 pm
A Vango Brecon 450 airbeam tent.  Our car camping future has begun.

Apparently the fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles (107 iirc), I got it half price and £50 goes to the National Trust.  It'll do.

Do you think that I could sneak into an ALC meet with it?  🤔
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 12 June, 2023, 04:21:51 pm
Here’s my bivvy which I’ve had a while.

In the second photo I was seeing how it’d work with an emergency survival bag to save bulk. Third photo all packed up with inflatable mat inside the bivvy bag,  and emergency bag in long thin orange bag. Total weight 1020g. Fourth photo packed between my recumbent seat and wheel and seat bag , avoiding rack needing to be installed. If rack was installed I’d probably take my 300g sleeping bag. I measure my stuff against foot size.

Been looking at setup as Wild Atlantic Way audax if it runs next year may need to use campsites instead of sports halls for sleeping.

What bivvi is that? Looks inflatable, which is a tent tech I think is really interesting.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 12 June, 2023, 04:22:19 pm
A Vango Brecon 450 airbeam tent.  Our car camping future has begun.

Apparently the fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles (107 iirc), I got it half price and £50 goes to the National Trust.  It'll do.

Do you think that I could sneak into an ALC meet with it?  🤔

Blow it up with helium. Can't get lighter than that.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 12 June, 2023, 07:14:39 pm
Doesn't the "lightweight" in ALC mean a tent rather than a caravan or motorhome?
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 12 June, 2023, 07:41:09 pm
Generally tents loss than 2m in height and 5.5kgs in weight.

We could still use the Hilleberg Nammatj 3GT but definitely not the Vango Brecon 450 airbeam.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 12 June, 2023, 08:21:28 pm
Just read the ALC history page. Not for the last time, it was a story of the carists taking over something started by the cyclists.
https://lightweightcampers.org.uk/about-the-alc/
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 12 June, 2023, 11:54:39 pm
That page needs updating...

Doesn't the "lightweight" in ALC mean a tent rather than a caravan or motorhome?

Generally tents loss than 2m in height and 5.5kgs in weight.

We could still use the Hilleberg Nammatj 3GT but definitely not the Vango Brecon 450 airbeam.

We recently changed TEH RULEZ (https://lightweightcampers.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/February-2023.pdf), so they no longer specify weight or height (on the basis this was needlessly excluding people with single-pole or vintage canvas tents).  To qualify as lightweight camping you now merely need to be doing it in "a tent" that is "small" and "easily transportable".  The vagueness is intentional.

(AIUI the height and weight limit were originally introduced as a pre-emptive measure against overly restrictive planning regulations on campsites which never actually happened.)

And for the avoidance of doubt, it was never about means of transport.  You've always been welcome to transport your small tent by car or motorcycle (though some meets might not allow vehicles to be driven onto the camping field), as well as on foot, bicycle, bus, etc.  We're not the Fell Club.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 13 June, 2023, 03:52:58 pm
Thanks for the link Kim.  Interesting reading but I am still thinking that our new  ountry home is perhaps a tad too big.  ☺️

We've got a couple of nights coming up soon so I might just sling the Nammatj 3GT in and pitch it to see what needs doing.  I know that the elastics are giving up on the inner and the shock cord in two of the piles is decidedly slack.  Throw in a well knackered fly and footprint and perhaps a new small tent is required if we are to lightweight in the future.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 16 June, 2023, 03:31:36 pm
I might have found a replacement for the Nammatj ... 
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Quisling on 17 July, 2023, 04:31:46 pm
Not sure if this counts but it's a gateway to a camping adventure.  I've just bought an Ultimate Direction Fastpack 30 ahead of a planned 2 day running circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight (and other adventures).
https://www.centurionultrarunningstore.com/products/ultimate-direction-fastpack-30

It's just about big enough to hold a 1 person Saunders Jetpacker tent, a Jetboil Micromo, an Exped sleeping mat, a 1-2 season down sleeping bag, some grub, 500ml water bottles x2, a toothbrush, phone and a a few dry clothes for a 5-6kg packweight. Which frankly is more than enough to be running with for 30+ miles a day. 

Seems like an excellent piece of kit so far.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 17 July, 2023, 04:38:13 pm
Definitely counts in my book.

Hope that your plans go well.  👍
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: cycleman on 17 July, 2023, 06:56:52 pm
Regrettably the c and c c is far too expensive for me to use . If I could afford it I would give me more incentive to explore  :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 18 July, 2023, 12:27:54 am
Regrettably the c and c c is far too expensive for me to use . If I could afford it I would give me more incentive to explore  :)

The ALCish types within the Club are acutely aware of this (many of the sort of people who'd fit in in the ALC won't join the Club on cost grounds), but it's not something that's likely to change.  The economics of membership rates are such that it's easy enough to justify if you're a family in a big tent or a couple touring in a motorhome or something, but much less so if you're a solo backpacker or cyclist, unless you go to a lot of DA/Section meets.

At which point it becomes a question of whether the hefty membership fee is worth it purely to be able to use the Certified Sites - to which the answer is a resounding "maybe".   :(


(Of course there's no reason you couldn't independently book a pitch at a site where the ALC happened to be having a meet...)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: cycleman on 18 July, 2023, 07:45:42 am
That's a thought but unless you are a member knowing when and where the meets are is  a little difficult  :)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 July, 2023, 09:15:47 am
(Of course there's no reason you couldn't independently book a pitch at a site where the ALC happened to be having a meet...)
But might be a problem if the meet is on a members-only site.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 18 July, 2023, 12:05:48 pm
That's a thought but unless you are a member knowing when and where the meets are is  a little difficult  :)

Not really, they're on a public website, to say nothing of the YACF calendar.

https://lightweightcampers.org.uk/upcoming-meets-2/
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 18 July, 2023, 12:27:37 pm
Oh, er...

I seem to have bought an Anker powerbank thingy with 13 amp sockets and a light and lots of usb ports ...

Not quite sure how that happened.  ???   ;D
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: ravenbait on 18 July, 2023, 12:45:36 pm
Bought a Northern Lite 2 with the overtime I got for being on call at the start of bathing season.

Now I just need a decent modern sleeping bag to replace my 20yo synthetic Ajungilak.

Sam
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Regulator on 18 July, 2023, 08:36:51 pm
We had a trip to Alpkit at Inverness the other day.  I ended up with socks, a new water bottle and a Brukit.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Kim on 18 July, 2023, 10:04:48 pm
Similarly we had a trip to Alpkit at Betws-y-Coed on Friday, and I bought some lightweight trousers that actually fit properly.  I suppose this means I'm overdue for a ride to York or something.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 19 July, 2023, 08:39:08 am
Oh, er...

I seem to have bought an Anker powerbank thingy with 13 amp sockets and a light and lots of usb ports ...

Not quite sure how that happened.  ???   ;D

Inexplicably I have bought a solar panel now too ...
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 19 July, 2023, 11:00:32 am
Oh, er...

I seem to have bought an Anker powerbank thingy with 13 amp sockets and a light and lots of usb ports ...

Not quite sure how that happened.  ???   ;D

Inexplicably I have bought a solar panel now too ...
Useful combo. You can power the solar panel from the powerbank and produce sunshine!  8)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 19 July, 2023, 08:26:28 pm
Hmmm ... 🤔
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Canardly on 09 August, 2023, 07:15:02 pm
A Hi Gear (and lots of other brands) camp bed for £19 from Go Outdoors. Seems very robust for now and also appears to be quite comfy. We will see. Can be sat upon without falling over. Great VFM at this price. Will use with sundry mats and a real pillow thinks. Next on the bucket list, an electric hook up and fan heater. Possibly a Kampa Diddy which are OOS atm.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: iandusud on 17 August, 2023, 08:45:44 am
Bought two of these sleeping bags for this summer to use in place of our proper 3 season down bags. Much lighter and perfectly warm enough of summer camping at home and abroad. Comes with its compression sack. Really pleased with them. And 20% off at the moment.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07JQ13FYG?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: drossall on 17 August, 2023, 05:42:42 pm
Two replacement pole sections because my tent came back from the two-week Scout District expedition with one split. Last of the big spenders, eh? ;D

Just casting around for a bit of old gear cable to make a pole threader.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Wobbly John on 17 August, 2023, 06:23:13 pm
We had a trip to Alpkit at Inverness the other day.  I ended up with socks, a new water bottle and a Brukit.

Bloody hell! Only just seen this - we were shopping in Inverness on 17th July too!
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: ScumOfTheRoad on 19 August, 2023, 06:06:27 am
Bought two of these sleeping bags for this summer to use in place of our proper 3 season down bags.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07JQ13FYG?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

Eeek! Look at the fifth picture down - happy smiling couple, sleeping on separate air matresses on the edge of a huge drop into the sea. All it would take is a restless night or the iar mattress being a bit slippy...

(Yeah I know that is a staged phot shoot)
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Quisling on 15 September, 2023, 11:01:25 am
Not sure if this counts but it's a gateway to a camping adventure.  I've just bought an Ultimate Direction Fastpack 30 ahead of a planned 2 day running circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight (and other adventures).
https://www.centurionultrarunningstore.com/products/ultimate-direction-fastpack-30

It's just about big enough to hold a 1 person Saunders Jetpacker tent, a Jetboil Micromo, an Exped sleeping mat, a 1-2 season down sleeping bag, some grub, 500ml water bottles x2, a toothbrush, phone and a a few dry clothes for a 5-6kg packweight. Which frankly is more than enough to be running with for 30+ miles a day. 

Seems like an excellent piece of kit so far.

Review: the Fastpack is great - lots of very accessible storage on the move without taking it off.  Final pack weight including water was in the region of 6.5-7kg.  The pack did move about a little on the shoulders when running but my mate went for a different pack and his did too, so I think that's just what happens when you run with a good deal of weight.  No chafing after 65 miles - of which about half was running.  Some minor things I'd change about the pack but no showstoppers - would recommend.
For my next trip I'll take a robust looking bivvy bag that I inherited but at 782g it's way heavier than an Alpkit Hunka so I may upgrade in the future.  Even my bivvy bag will save 640g compared to my tent.  The Saunders Jetpacker is excellent but takes a while to pitch, having 12 pegs compared to 6 or 8 on more modern tent designs.
I also rate the Jetboil Micromo which worked well on it's first outing.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Lightning Phil on 17 September, 2023, 02:35:21 pm
Bought two of these sleeping bags for this summer to use in place of our proper 3 season down bags.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07JQ13FYG?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

Eeek! Look at the fifth picture down - happy smiling couple, sleeping on separate air matresses on the edge of a huge drop into the sea. All it would take is a restless night or the iar mattress being a bit slippy...

(Yeah I know that is a staged phot shoot)

Fluffiness of FP800 😂
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Polar Bear on 10 November, 2023, 12:18:52 pm
I bought another tent.  You lot made me do it, I swear!  🤔

Our Hilleberg Nammatj 3GT is getting a bit dog-eared now, especially the inner where the elastics have flopped with age and the footprint which has protected the inner well but taken damage along the way.  It will still serve well as a tent from time to time.  In fact, I do have plans for it but that is another story.

Anyway, I digress:  I have always liked the Hilleberg Keron 4GT which is like a bigger Nammatj in many ways but as well as having a larger sleeping compartment it also has a door at both ends.  Wonderful for airflow especially on warm days.

I felt that we needed a more compact tent for touring as Castell Brecon is great for long weekends and more but pitching and packing daily is not really practical. 

And so when a Keron 4GT appeared on eBay I messaged the seller for more information.  Being as satisfied as I can be I have bought a Keron 4GT with footprint apparently used for one night only and in otherwise perfect condition for a third off new price.

It will be used on our trip to Orkney next year for definite.  Other trips:  we'll see ...

Happy days.   🙂🙃🙂🙃🙂  👍
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Regulator on 22 November, 2023, 01:38:43 pm
Just ordered myself a Zenbivy Core Bed 25° (https://zenbivy.com/collections/core-beds/products/core-bed-25?variant=43701782020317) (with a 25" sheet) as a Black Friday deal.  I intend to get in some more winter camping.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: Regulator on 11 December, 2023, 09:09:29 am
Just ordered myself a Zenbivy Core Bed 25° (https://zenbivy.com/collections/core-beds/products/core-bed-25?variant=43701782020317) (with a 25" sheet) as a Black Friday deal.  I intend to get in some more winter camping.

This arrived whilst we were away last week.  It was unpacked yesterday and I shall have to find a suitable occasion to road test it.
Title: Re: Bought any camping gear today?
Post by: gibbo on 11 December, 2023, 09:48:13 am
An OEX Bobcat 1 person tent from Go Outdoors. Fairly decent price (£75 reduced from £115) but not as low as some reviewers claim on YouTube.

Not used it yet apart from setting up in the front room to do a quick quality check. Means my OEX Phoxx 1 V2 will probably go up for sale...