Thread: We have too much gear!

Like some of the others have said...be comfortable. I normally go camping with 3 children......so a weekend trip is almost as much as a longer trip in terms of gear. The main reason I got the roofrack and Oztent was so I could get out more often. One any trip I take the following:

• Oztent/fly....longer trips will take front and side awnings.
• Cooking: dual fuel and gasmate......or gasmate only for short stays.
• Bedding: I have a stretcher...kids share a queen sized blow up mattress then all the usual ie sleeping bags/ blankets
• Table only for short stays.....will take kitchen set up for longer.
• Dual fuel lantern and a hand held lantern plus head torches.
• 55 litre box for food stuff.
• Another bunnings box where majority of cooking/ cleaning gear goes.
• 4 chairs
• Soft bags for clothing.
• Shade cloth
• Portaloo and Ensuite dependant on if loo's are available.
• About to buy a Coleman hot water system for hot showers...booyah.
• 60 litre Waeco with dual battery system set up...plus a portable battery pack for other lighting or requirements.
• 20 litre jerry for water
• 5 litre jerry for fuel

Then it goes in car or on roof rack. With the missus and number 4 child almost ready for camping will be looking at a CT or trailer dependant on the nights spend out bush.

Bottom line...if you are happy with it...that's all that matters. Sometimes I take a bit longer to set up or pack down.....but who cares....I'm not in a rush....otherwise pointless getting out there in the first place,

Regards

Stevo

I think it is very difficult to have 1 set up that suits all your purposes.
It is better to be flexible with your gear and consider where you are going and what you will likely need- as opposed what could possibly ‘come in handy’.
What we have come to realise is that we have a 'core' equipment set up and then tailor the rest of the gear around that (e.g. winter v summer, inland v coastal etc)
What we have done with our core gear is to look at the hiking shops and utilise some of their hiking gear options:
Lightweight stove
Mini lanterns
Self inflating mattresses
Folding bowls and lightweight cutlery
For other items we have chosen the light weight options e.g. aluminum V steel.
What you can’t get away from is spares, tools, food, water and recovery gear and this is generally heavy stuff.