Hi All

[chriso1958]

:) Hi everyone ,
I'm yet another new guy on the block so to speak. Nice to be on board and hope that I can learn lots from all you more experienced outdoors types. Particularly looking for good walks and campsites and b and bs centred on Nottinghamshires neighbouring counties.Particulary within the peak district. Any reccomendations. Predominantly camping using the car and a small dome at the moment but may goto lightweight or cycle later any ideas as to a good basic sort of kit list for 1 or 2 days camping that cuts down on the kitchen sink way of things yet provides good functionality.

Best regards,
Chriso

[Ollie]

Hey Chriso, and welcome to GoXplore!

I'm afraid I'm not so hot on Nottinghamshire's surroundings myself, but I'd imagine there'll be a member somewhere who knows it well and can help you out! What kind of level of comfort are you looking for lightweight camping wise?

Ollie

[chriso1958]

Hi Ollie,
sorry its taken so long for me to reply had a bit of computer trouble:eek: .

I can make do with a fairly basic setup. In fact I think there is some pleasure to be had in the thought that you are not taking much more than you really need.My thoughts if using the car are;Dome tent,self inflating foam mat,Led head torch and spare batteries,sleeping bag,wash bag and towel.Basic meths stove complete with pans that can be used as plates or dishes.Plastic mug,knife ,fork,spoon{use shampoo out of wash bag for washing up} and sharp knife.scouring sponge for pots and a tea towel.Fresh water container {collapsible type}.And washing up bowl.Plus a spare change of clothes.While not forgetting the can opener and corkscrew which is an absolute must!

However although I view the above as my basic minimum when using the car I can see that some of it isn't really needed. For instance the washing up bowl ,the knife and fork as well as the tea towel,could easily be dispensed with.Perhaps with a little more effort were I a hardier soul the foam mat, mug ,can opener and corkscrew could all be left at home. I can't help feeling that somewhere out there someone must have got the balance right between comfort and utility and not need a cavernous boot to keep it all in !

Chriso

[Keefy]

Welcome Chriso!

I think the best way to see if you can survive without stuff is to try it! Take it all with you and see if you can 'not use it', this way, if you really are suffering without, say, a roll mat (which you will!), then you can always get it out and use it.

For the sake of a few ounces, cutlery and a mat are prety much a must, although I would definately leave the can opener and corkscrew at home as this implies that you are carrying a glass bottle (or two) and tin cans that weigh a proverbial Ton!

Hope you enjoy the forums,

Keefy (South East UK)

[David]

Hi Chriso
Your kit list looks good; there are a couple of things though. I notice you havn't got any sort of first aid kit - sure it seems pointless to bring along a suture kit and all, but I would recomend at least plenty of plasters. They weigh almost nothing and if you get even a small cut it can bleed a lot, and there is a chance of infection otherwise.
You say you use shampoo for washing up - does this work?? I would have thought the plate would have a horrible taste afterwards! I agree with keefy on the roll mat - try without it, but I would be suprised if you dont bother with it on cold hard ground. You are probably right about the washing up bowl if you use one of the cooking pots/pans instead.

[timmygowalkies]

Hi Chriso
The first time I ever went 'lightweight camping' I took all the things I usually would, and camped out for a night at the local scout campsite (I'm an Explorer Scout and a Young Leader at Scouts so it wasn't a problem) and afterwards made three piles. Things I couldn't have survived without (Waterproofs, tent, stove etc.), things that I didn't use at all (Fork, knife (used penknife instead) etc) and things that I used but could have survived without (Spare underwear, Plate, Bowl etc).
Then when I went to go out walking and camping I just took the things I couldn't have survived without. This is the easiest way of cutting down on things you don't need. You must however take things such as first aid kit and Emergency rations etc.
Hope that helps
Tim

[Jake D]

I would definately leave the can opener and corkscrew at home as this implies that you are carrying a glass bottle (or two) and tin cans that weigh a proverbial Ton!

Wine just is not the same unless poured from a bottle.