Putting together your camping kit is an exercise in compromises. You want the most comfort and functionality, but only have limited cargo capacity to transport the gear to your camp site. There can be other practical considerations too, like how one piece of gear interacts with other gear, or how robust the gear is. This is certainly the case for camping cookware. I want to be able to cook the largest possible range of … more »
I have updated my camping gear checklist to reflect changes in my camping kit as a result of losing a lot of gear in the Queensland 2011 flood, but also changing my preference for gear based on our camping experience. The biggest changes are away from gas stoves/lanterns to Coleman dual fuel appliances, and away from a huge tarp that covers our tent, to a smaller tarp for eating under. I like to pack … more »
After experiencing the convenience, simplicity and safety of a Coleman dual-fuel lantern, I really do not understand why they are not more popular. The true camping diehards know a good thing though, and you often see dual-fuel gear in their camping kits. I recently purchased a new Coleman two-mantle, dual-fuel lantern off eBay. It appears that there are two versions of what look like the same lantern in online photos. The main obvious visual … more »
Weather is always a major factor in deciding whether we go camping. If I was young and single I would probably be a little more gung-ho about the weather I camp in, but I am not inclined to take a family with young children camping if the predicted weather is less than ordinary. On a recent camping trip, I used the following sources to monitor the weather. Bureau of Meteorology Sunshine Coast weather … more »
I am in the market for a new car. The car will primarily be used around town for business and the school/childcare run. However, we are planning to buy a four wheel drive for the few times a year we plan to go beach camping or head bush. Our preference is to buy a Toyota. Many farmers tend to use Toyotas, so if we break down out bush, at least we know parts will be … more »
Going camping, but don’t want to tow a trailer? Fitting your camping gear in your car is only half the challenge – staying under the car’s maximum load rating is the other challenge that a lot of people do not consider. When you do the math, a dual cab ute starts to make a lot of sense as a family camping vehicle. Surprisingly, it is relatively easy to overload a vehicle. Not only … more »
My Burke & Wills Ironbark swag is easily my favourite piece of camping equipment. I have stuffed a queen sized cotton doona and full size pillow into it. The swag is so comfortable, I have been known to leave my bed and sleep in it at home when my partner is sick – perhaps a little too willingly at times! While I use my swag in a tent, it is rugged enough to … more »