Pack and Go Camping

[4xsama]

Hi,

I'm after suggestions for some 'Pack and Go' camping. Typically we'd go for a week or so in the same spot. What I'd like to explore is camping where we leave from our place (inner western Sydney) on a Friday arvo and head back on the Sunday. We'd take the 2 lab's as well if possible.

Camping wise we have; a fridge, second battery, solar panel, 2 burner bbq & gas (Weber Baby Q if needed), bedding, tarps, chairs etc. Also what we have is a monolith of a tent which is a pain and overkill so a easy set up tent or decent swag would be good. I think this is the crux of the issue. Whats a good, simple, good value set up. Anything's up for consideration. I'd love to do some day walks, read a book, drink some single malt, cook a stew etc. River fishing (fly or spinning is good) is as well.

Andrew

[weeds]

We have two tents....

Safari centre pole....4 pegs one pole in the centre, used it for years although doesn’t get much use now, packs up to 900mm ish square and 100-150 thick.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/03/154.jpg

RV 4, good tent, I recommend purchasing the fly as well. The kids are starting to get out and use it now. Only problem is you need a roof rack to transport.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/03/155.jpg

Oh we also have swags......

and hiking tents
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/03/156.jpg

and a defender with pop-top camper

[DiscoClax]

Weeds just described our gear :)
Except our centre pole jobbie is an ancient CTA one. Agree on the fly for the RV4, too. We hooked our RV4 to the side awning of the Disco using their caravan connector strip. Their floor protector is well worth it too IMHO.
Centre pole up in minutes. RV4 closer to twenty minutes realistically (connected, protected, flyed and pegged).

[Mclaren00]

I’ve gone through a lot of set ups and the awning of the car with 2 walls and swag is the easiest and to be honest most comfortable

[donh54]

I’ve gone through a lot of set ups and the awning of the car with 2 walls and swag is the easiest and to be honest most comfortable

Same - but I'm an old fart, so I have a stretcher as well! [bigrolf] Don't mind sleeping on the ground, it's just the getting up in the morning that gets to me!

[Mclaren00]

Same - but I'm an old fart, so I have a stretcher as well! [bigrolf] Don't mind sleeping on the ground, it's just the getting up in the morning that gets to me!

I’ve got a bad back and still the old swag is the best night sleep I get
In a few years I think a stretcher will be on the cards haha

[Ranga]

Had an oztent RV5, loved it, but it didn't fit in the new canopy I went to. Had double swags, too bulky and hard for one person to roll up. Love my Hennessy hammock, but only fits one person, so only good for solo missions. Just bought some hiking tents to go with my exped downmat. More room, a less than half the size and weight, and not much slower to set up and pack up than the swag.

But most often we just use our Trayon camper.

[loanrangie]

I have 2 double swags 1 with the supplied mattress that is bulky and 1 that I use a spinifex self inflating mattress with that rolls up slightly bigger than a sleeping bag, both are King's big daddy swags I got off Gumtree cheap.

[trout1105]

I can pack up and head off on an overnighter or a 2 week fishing trip in about half an hour, Keeping it Simple is the secret.
I have an awning on my D2a and I take a couple of extensions and one of those lightweight floor mats from 4WDSupercheap So that takes care of the shelter.
I use a double swag with a 50mm mattress AND a self inflating mattress for my bed, I also take a small folding table and a chair.
Cooking is done on a small single burner stove that uses the disposable gas canisters and I can fit all my pots, pans, plates and fighting irons in a small plastic container.
I have a "Tucker Box" that is always fully stocked and ready to go and I use 2x 12v fridges (1 for a freezer and the other as a fridge) that are powered by a couple of solar panels that feed 2x 110ah battery packs.
a couple of small led strip lights provide plenty of night lighting.
My boat is always parked up fuelled and loaded ready to go so all I have to do is hitch it up.

I used to take all sorts of odds and sods with me but over the years I have trimmed everything down to what I actually need [thumbsupbig]

[hpal]

Get a fast frame tent like this one, they are great. A bit bulkier than some but theyre up in a few minutes.

[loanrangie]

For compactness you cant beat a 2/3 man dome tent. We have 3 tents from a 2 man to a twin room 6 person dome and all are smaller than swag when packed.

[DiscoMick]

Awning off the vehicle with walls and a floor mat, stretcher and swag for each person. Quick, easy, compact. Double swags are too bulky so we prefer singles. A stretcher makes a huge difference for comfort, particularly in wet muddy weather.

[Classic88]

I have a Zempire inflatable tent. Quite bulky and heavy when packed but goes up incredibly quickly with the hand pump then just needs pegging out and packs away almost as easily.

[DiscoMick]

The youngest heir to our debts and DIL have a Darche inflatable tent which is excellent for a family who are staying in one place, but would be too cumbersome for moving daily.

[Zeros]

Simplicity is everything.

I've only ever needed a Freedom Family Tourer which I purchased in 1995 (23 years) and it's still going strong. Amazing quality.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/03/165.jpg

...however, as Weeds knows, I'm yearning for a Mulgo pop top... trying to save the cash.. planning a BIG trip in a couple of years. My only regret will be that the pop-top will be even simpler to set up than my beloved Freedom tent. It will be very hard to leave behind.

We take two swags, a gas stove, two camp chairs. Food in one milk crate. Cooking gear in one milk crate. Engel fridge with battery and solar panel. All packed in the shed or in the car. Ready to go at a moments notice. That's it.

The Defender makes everything even easier too. The gear doesn't even fill the rear space behind the back seats, including the swags.
The slab-sided packing space of Defenders is perfect. The 1m x 1m tent stands on a wheel arch against one side window. I would hate to have to pack a vehicle with curved sides, curved plastic lining, curved rear doors! Why are all new 4x4's being designed like they're sports cars?

And why are there so many curved synthetic tents on the market, which only last a couple of years of infrequent use? I've lived in my canvas Freedom tent for months on end.

The Defender goes anywhere with ease, city, bush, beach, whatever. No fuss. No hubs to lock. No fat panels to worry about scratching. It's just at home in the bush.

This kind of camping set up has stood the test of time...it's been refined through extensive experience yes, but it's all about being at home in the bush, rather than perching on the edge, with a set up that's more about not really wanting to leave the city. No caravan ever.

Cheers all

[Bazista55]

We have 2 tents. The first is a Blackwolf Turbo 240 with full awning, including 3 walls. We use this when we intend to stay in one spot for a week or so. Our granddaughter sleeps in the awning area on a camp stretcher. We also have the table and cooking gear in here My wife and I sleep in the tent on camp stretchers and self inflating mattresses. The Blackwolf, which has an external frame goes up quite quickly. The awning does n't but that might be due in part to the fact I'm not 6 foot tall. They are both a pain to take down - don't believe the advertising video. Our other tent is a Coleman "Instant Tent", also 2400 x 2400. We use this on trips when the maximum time in one spot is only a couple of nights and then move on. It also has an external frame, goes up really quickly and also comes down quickly. Our granddaughter does n't come on these trips, and we sleep on the self inflatable mattresses. We also carry an 8ft x 10 ft tarp to pitch the tent on. Saves having to clean off the bottom of the tent. All our cooking and washing up gear lives in a plastic tub so we just pick this up and slide into my home made drawer system which also has a 20 litre plastic jerry can attached to a caravan tap so we have water. One advantage of the Coleman over the Blackwolf is that it is a hell of a lot cheaper. Now to sing the praise of Paddy Palin climbers sleeping bags - I've had mine for 45 years and it is still excellent.

[DNB]

If you want an easy setup..... as suggested, think about a Kings Deluxe Big Daddy Swag under an Awning with 2 of their Awning Walls OR a Coleman Instant-Up Tent :)

[cometman]

Hi,

I'm after suggestions for some 'Pack and Go' camping. Typically we'd go for a week or so in the same spot. What I'd like to explore is camping where we leave from our place (inner western Sydney) on a Friday arvo and head back on the Sunday. We'd take the 2 lab's as well if possible.

Camping wise we have; a fridge, second battery, solar panel, 2 burner bbq & gas (Weber Baby Q if needed), bedding, tarps, chairs etc. Also what we have is a monolith of a tent which is a pain and overkill so a easy set up tent or decent swag would be good. I think this is the crux of the issue. Whats a good, simple, good value set up. Anything's up for consideration. I'd love to do some day walks, read a book, drink some single malt, cook a stew etc. River fishing (fly or spinning is good) is as well.

Andrew

Did all that rough camping stuff then found out about demountable campers.
If you have a pick up, ute or tray back it is so quick to just back under and go.
No heaving stuff around and poking poles about to set up camp.
Just relax and do your camping in comfort.
Only downside storing when when off the truck. I park under mine, takes up little space then.
Can be picked up quite cheaply if they are old.

[4xsama]

If you want an easy setup..... as suggested, think about a Kings Deluxe Big Daddy Swag under an Awning with 2 of their Awning Walls OR a Coleman Instant-Up Tent :)

These look like the go. I'm guessing the awning walls are mainly for shelter from the weather.

I want to spend as little as possible given it might be a solo trip (with Mr Jones the black Lab) to a river in the cooler months. A tarp for the swag to sit on and a chair should do (for now).

Cheers

[DiscoMick]

The double swags can be very bulky to roll up. Single swags are rolled up by width, not length, so are much more compact.
Personally I think a stretcher is the single best thing I ever did to make swagging more comfortable. More important than the design of the swag.
Also important is the thickness of the mattress and the length - I need 210cm length to be comfortable as I'm tall.

[trout1105]

I bought a couple of these;
https://www.4wdsupacentre.com.au/products/camping-gear/adventure-kings-stretcher.html
They are a big bed with plenty of room and they go up and pack away easily.
I have slept on this without a mattress and it is comfy enough, Much better with a mattress or a swag though.
I agree with Mick that a Camp bed makes a Massive difference to your comfort and it also keeps you off the ground away from the creepy crawlies and the heat/cold, Much better than crawling out of your swag in the morning [thumbsupbig]
I have tried a few different camp beds But they are all either too big and bulky or are an absolute PITA to put up/pack away, These ones from 4WD Supercheap are robust, comfy and easy to put up/pack away.

[DiscoMick]

I bought a couple of these;
https://www.4wdsupacentre.com.au/products/camping-gear/adventure-kings-stretcher.html
They are a big bed with plenty of room and they go up and pack away easily.
I have slept on this without a mattress and it is comfy enough, Much better with a mattress or a swag though.
I agree with Mick that a Camp bed makes a Massive difference to your comfort and it also keeps you off the ground away from the creepy crawlies and the heat/cold, Much better than crawling out of your swag in the morning [thumbsupbig]
I have tried a few different camp beds But they are all either too big and bulky or are an absolute PITA to put up/pack away, These ones from 4WD Supercheap are robust, comfy and easy to put up/pack away.
Yes, stretchers are great, aren't they? Mine came from Anaconda and is longer than standard. It was a similar price to the supercentre ones, but I think the quality may be better.

Incidentally, I recently borrowed a Supercentre single dome to try it out. It was OK, but could have been better. One issue was the outer canvas above the sleeper's head only velcroed in place, over the mesh which had a zip. I found in a wind the velcro could lift off and then water dripped in through the mesh.
I went to Anaconda and compared their swags, and also looked at some Darche ones, which are very good quality, and I noticed all the ones I saw had zips, not velcro, for the outer canvas above the head. I think that is a much better system.
Another issue was the mattress in the supercentre one was thinner than others I have seen at Anaconda. The Dune and Spinifex swags at Anaconda are actually competitively priced too.
I'm tall so I need a longer swag - 210cm - with a thicker mattress. I also like thicker canvas. And I would rather buy two singles than one really bulky double.
So I think the extra expense of a better quality swag is worth it.

[ozscott]

Once you do stretcher with auto inflator it would be tough to go back on the ground. I camped every night for 3 weeks last year and a lot of miles covered often on badly corrugated roads during the day and a good night's sleep was essential.

Cheers

[Zeros]

Every stretcher I’ve ever tried has sagged in the middle. Have you guys found a stretcher that is firm and flat? ....I prefer the flat firm ground under my high density swag mattress. Never had a creepy crawly join me either. To me a stretcher is just another superfluous pice if equipment to set up, pack up, take up space, add weight. Sleeping on the ground is as natural as breathing. 👍

[donh54]

We have two Darche stretchers (the 1 metre wide model) and two of their tented swags, which fit perfectly on the stretchers. A bit bulky, but the comfort is worth it! Like most things, there's a knack to putting the stretchers up. Even SWMBO can do it herself, with only a minimum amount of swearing! [bigsmile]

I've spent many years camping on the ground, but getting up off it nowadays can be not only uncomfortable, but damned undignified if others are watching! [bigrolf]

Between them and the awning (Supacentre) with walls, we're set for overnight camps. One gets the camp setup, whilst the other gets the billy on. Within 15 minutes of pulling up, we're relaxing. [thumbsupbig]

For longer stays/worse weather we have a Coleman easy-up tent, or, worst case, a camper trailer!

[B.S.F.]

I noticed that people always boast how quickly they can set up. Rarely do they tell us how long it takes them to break camp. Just an observation.
.W.

[trout1105]

I noticed that people always boast how quickly they can set up. Rarely do they tell us how long it takes them to break camp. Just an observation.
.W.

I have found that it is usually faster to break camp than to set up in most instances.

[Grumbles]

All my bush camping is car based and done in the Victorian Alps in late autumn then through out winter. Bed is a sleeping bag on a stretcher in a dome tent. The stretcher is quite firm and dismantles easily to a very small bundle. Cooking etc is done under a freestanding tarp which only takes minutes to string.

I have never liked swags solo camping principally because if trouble arises during the night with yobos lobbing in to my camp site I reckon I'd be just like a trussed up chicken - totally helpless.

[donh54]

I noticed that people always boast how quickly they can set up. Rarely do they tell us how long it takes them to break camp. Just an observation.
.W.

Probably 20 minutes actual packing time, without rushing things. Again, we usually share the tasks, so by the time breakfast is ready, the swags and stretchers are rolled and packed. Depending on the weather the awning may be left up for breakfast, then rolled up whilst the dishes are being done. (SWMBO's a bit vertically challenged, so I generally get out of doing the breakfast dishes!)

If time to pack up is critical, get out of bed earlier! [biggrin]

[tact]

Works for me.....and my boy.
137798

And when the wife joins us the stretchers go insider a tent....
137799


Though at times the lad and wife get the tub, and me on the ground outside (this in Malaysia).
137800137801

[trout1105]

Every stretcher I’ve ever tried has sagged in the middle. Have you guys found a stretcher that is firm and flat? ....I prefer the flat firm ground under my high density swag mattress. Never had a creepy crawly join me either. To me a stretcher is just another superfluous pice if equipment to set up, pack up, take up space, add weight. Sleeping on the ground is as natural as breathing. 👍

I did enough rough sleeping during my Army days, Now I like a bit of comfort when I go Bush.
Even if it takes you an hour or so to setup a comfortable camp it doesn't matter, just pull up earlier.
A good nights sleep is just as important as eating well in the Bush and after all we do this for fun.

[donh54]

I remember a rough old CSM telling me once that any idiot can be uncomfortable in the bush - it only needs a little effort to be really comfortable

[Zeros]

I did enough rough sleeping during my Army days, Now I like a bit of comfort when I go Bush.
Even if it takes you an hour or so to setup a comfortable camp it doesn't matter, just pull up earlier.
A good nights sleep is just as important as eating well in the Bush and after all we do this for fun.

Notbing rough about my beautiful swag with 1000 thread count cotton sheets, two feather pillows and a cosy down bag, or woolly blanket! It’s like a luxury futon.

[jon3950]

To me a stretcher is just another superfluous pice if equipment to set up, pack up, take up space, add weight. Sleeping on the ground is as natural as breathing. 👍

Enjoy it while you can. Eventually age will catch up with you and your back will tell you that sleeping on the ground is no longer an option.

I use a bunker and an awning so still pretty basic. Getting off the ground is the difference between getting a good nights sleep and waking up in agony, so nothing superfluous there.

Cheers,
Jon

[Zeros]

Enjoy it while you can. Eventually age will catch up with you and your back will tell you that sleeping on the ground is no longer an option.

I use a bunker and an awning so still pretty basic. Getting off the ground is the difference between getting a good nights sleep and waking up in agony, so nothing superfluous there.

Cheers,
Jon

Cheers Jon, thanks for the salutary note, sorry to hear your back is no good on the ground. All the best.

...stretcher shopping! ...something to look forward to I guess 👍

[jon3950]

...stretcher shopping! ...something to look forward to I guess 👍

It beats not getting out there. [thumbsupbig]