The camping essentials - I've found a bargain which you all need to know about thread...

[Levitz]

2 minutes ago, Crazyfool01 said:

Seem to be an all year round thing these days 

Nah, easy peelers maybe, not satsumas, they are the king of the citrus

[oakdown]

On 6/7/2023 at 8:14 AM, Tr234 said:

Best socks for glasto?

I dropped the money on a couple pairs of Merino wool liner socks (specifically these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07GVC5B6T/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) last year to put under my thicker generic hiking socks and they worked a treat. Sweat-wicking so no damp feet and absolutely zero blisters despite just under 200,000 steps or so over the week. 

[cb4747]

18 hours ago, sunnyshoes said:

Are the hooded rain ponchos any use whatsoever (£1.99 in home bargains) or completely not worth it? 

I'd invest in a decent pack-away waterproof. Got it for life then!

[Jacko45]

Please people and I know money's tight for lots of folk BUT a throw over poncho is effectively useless. 

You'll get horrible condensation inside because you're warm and its not breathable, so that'll soak you + the rain. 

Decathlon have good quality, super affordable stuff that you'll be able to keep too.

PS. I've not personally tried this one, but just highlighting affordable options out there. 

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-waterproof-sailing-jacket-100/_/R-p-169764?mc=8616325&utm_term=8616325-4231204&&iv_=__iv_p_1_g_151755507827_c_657286430304_w_aud-909640337251:pla-297546631617_n_g_d_c_v__l__t__r_x_pla_y_15177021_f_online_o_8616325-4231204_z_GB_i_en_j_297546631617_s__e__h_9072512_ii__vi__&gclsrc=ds&gclsrc=ds

Edited June 8, 2023 by Jacko45

[electronicfreq]

10 minutes ago, Jacko45 said:

Please people and I know money's tight for lots of folk BUT a throw over poncho is effectively useless. 

You'll get horrible condensation inside because you're warm and its not breathable, so that'll soak you + the rain. 

Decathlon have good quality, super affordable stuff that you'll be able to keep too.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-waterproof-sailing-jacket-100/_/R-p-169764?mc=8616325&utm_term=8616325-4231204&&iv_=__iv_p_1_g_151755507827_c_657286430304_w_aud-909640337251:pla-297546631617_n_g_d_c_v__l__t__r_x_pla_y_15177021_f_online_o_8616325-4231204_z_GB_i_en_j_297546631617_s__e__h_9072512_ii__vi__&gclsrc=ds&gclsrc=ds

Agree, those ponchos are useless.  Also, I find a need for waterproof trousers if just depending a standard rain jacket.  I'm giving one of these a go this year, as another cheap option to hopefully be free of waterproof trousers and what that entails:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00EPFX5A8?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

[ModernMan]

Does anyone want to buy a very good trolley? We are campervan-ing this year so looking to find it a good home. It’s a Robert Dyas one with new wheels and upgraded bolts to stop the wheels coming off. 

[panasonic2011]

Any recommendations for a sleep mat as we can’t fit airbeds in our tent 

Edited June 8, 2023 by panasonic2011

[The Pompey Mascot]

2 minutes ago, panasonic2011 said:

Any recommendations for a sleep mat as we can’t fit airbeds in our tent 

Inflatable Trekking Mattress - MT500 air XL - 195 x 60 cm - 1 person FORCLAZ - Decathlon

This is what I have. Averagely comfy but the massive plus of this is it packs down really small and is fairly lightweight. Can be blown up without a pump too.  

[Radicles]

Could anyone recommend some super comfy, lightweight and waterproof walking boots?

[ilovelanegan]

1 hour ago, panasonic2011 said:

Any recommendations for a sleep mat as we can’t fit airbeds in our tent 

Bought this last year - very comfy

https://www.trespass.com/serene-inflatable-camping-mat?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=shopping_feed&utm_content=free_google_shopping_clicks&gclid=Cj0KCQjwj_ajBhCqARIsAA37s0xlb18YWd4w8uYXsL2v54-j9hO4bSzgWCAP6XCC0H6XZJrftSaQffIaAor9EALw_wcB#color_code=Navy&size_legacy=EACH

NB dimensions to check if it fits your tent are: L 188cm x W 65cm x H 7.5cm

[Harry MonkFish]

1 hour ago, panasonic2011 said:

Any recommendations for a sleep mat as we can’t fit airbeds in our tent 

https://www.winfieldsoutdoors.co.uk/wild-country-curbar-dlx-single-self-inflating-mat/

 

 

I got this and I've tried it in the garden with the kids and I was really surprised at how good it was. As a fat bastard with sleep apnea and a bad back I like my sleep to be as good as possible and I had no complaints. 

[Harry MonkFish]

Lidl have camping gear on sale at the minute. 

 

I wouldn't expect it to last for years but if you're trying to do it on a budget that might be handy. 

 

 

Lidl camping gear

[Levitz]

Ebay have a 15% off code atm, link to camping stuff here

[clarkete]

If you've stayed in the CV fields then if you've got any sense then you go out for the day and either pop night stuff into lock up or keep with. 

I'm in the latter camp and usually would have a folding day bag with layers, bottle etc and a folding cool bag for cans. Cool bag a bit leaky and crap so went looking for replacement but found a 2 in 1 that has a waterproof cool bit and then a top bit for clothes etc. 

Not a bargain by any stretch, but better value than the alternatives and rated well especially as it saves me carrying a bag. 

https://amzn.eu/d/eOyY9Eo

 

[chazwwe]

20 cans of tonic water for £1.50 at Farmfoods. Not bad. 

[RandomBunny]

On 6/8/2023 at 3:34 PM, Radicles said:

Could anyone recommend some super comfy, lightweight and waterproof walking boots?

Karrimor mid boots are great, super comfy, need barely any breaking in, and totally waterproof. Also on sale at the mo at sports direct 

https://www.sportsdirect.com/searchresults?descriptionfilter=Karrimor boots

[PassingCloud]

On 6/8/2023 at 3:34 PM, Radicles said:

Could anyone recommend some super comfy, lightweight and waterproof walking boots?

Not boots, but got these a few weeks ago and very comfortable. Think I could’ve got away with not breaking them in (have just been using them for dog walking so far). 
 

https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/16243268/merrell-mens-accentor-sport-3-gore-tex-walking-shoe-16243268

[CaledonianGonzo]

Though its a bit late to be breaking in new footwear. 

[BBC7BBCHEAVEN]

On 6/8/2023 at 4:18 PM, Harry MonkFish said:

Lidl have camping gear on sale at the minute. 

 

I wouldn't expect it to last for years but if you're trying to do it on a budget that might be handy. 

 

 

Lidl camping gear

I bought my hiking backpack from lidl in Glasgow in 2005. Still going strong with no repairs.

Lidl/Aldi stuff is cheap, and quality.

[HotChipWillBreakYourLegs]

Can anyone recommend some bright battery powered led fairy lights?

Emphasis on the bright.

[offmytrolley]

3 minutes ago, HotChipWillBreakYourLegs said:

Can anyone recommend some bright battery powered led fairy lights?

Emphasis on the bright.

The ones on copper wire are pretty bright and usually use three AAs, you can get colours or cold white or warm white. Cold white will be brightest but a bit harsh on people's eyes at night, warm white would be nicer and not that much less bright. I use them for tent lighting. If you search 'copper LED wire' on eBay you'll find loads, but make sure you order from a UK seller not a Chinese one (so it comes in time).

[Pipine]

On 6/8/2023 at 3:34 PM, Radicles said:

Could anyone recommend some super comfy, lightweight and waterproof walking boots?

I got some of these from decathlon just before a week volunteering at worthy pastures and they didn’t even need breaking in, super comfy. They were a bargain too. 
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/women-s-waterproof-mountain-walking-boots-mh100-mid-turquoise/_/R-p-133726

[oakdown]

Sure there've been some recs in the last 178 pages but I've just discovered my lamp/torch is dead. Anyone with a Fresh and Black recommend something that'll actually light the inside up well enough to see?

[Jacksamthompson]

On 6/8/2023 at 2:32 PM, The Pompey Mascot said:

Inflatable Trekking Mattress - MT500 air XL - 195 x 60 cm - 1 person FORCLAZ - Decathlon

This is what I have. Averagely comfy but the massive plus of this is it packs down really small and is fairly lightweight. Can be blown up without a pump too.  

got one of these for this year. Have you slept on this? Any good ?

[Mark E. Spliff]

45 minutes ago, oakdown said:

Sure there've been some recs in the last 178 pages but I've just discovered my lamp/torch is dead. Anyone with a Fresh and Black recommend something that'll actually light the inside up well enough to see?

Pretty much the dimmest torch you can find will be more than bright enough. If you're in a dark space, illuminating things near by does not require much.

Edited June 12, 2023 by Mark E. Spliff