Overnight Equipment Test - Budget and Poundshop content!

[Drakeos09]

Hey I have the exact same cooking kit, I got told it was Italian and British, I also have modified the wind shield to fit the Billy can better

[Hamradioop]

hello and welcome . Well impressed with that intro.

[neverready]

munchh: I have the pound shop shelter too! My plan was to use it as an emergency sleeping bag/bivvy of some kind.

Drakeos09: It might well be Italian and British. I got it off ebay and the seller didn't state one way or another. What I do know is that the meths bottle it came with has three crowns embossed on it, so that bit at least is Swedish. Also I don't use the "middle" pan. Without it I can fit the meths, burner, can opener, fire striker, lighter, matches, can opener and cutlery inside the kit. So I lose a pot but it's much more efficient for storage.

Hamradioop: Thanks. I've been lurking for a while but wanted to test out my gear before poking my head above the ramparts!

[munchh]

The cookset is swiss and german, the bottom part is swiss, the mess tin parts are german, although its quite possible they are used by other forces.

[neverready]

Hi guys, just thought I would post a quick update.

Unfortunately I've not been out overnight again due to real life stuff like decorating and ill health but I have made some alterations to my gear ready for next time.

I've bought a 3mx3m DD tarp. I wanted something easier and quieter to handle. Being able to just stuff it into a stuff sack after use instead of having to mess around folding my other tarp will make breaking down the camp much easier.

I have also ordered a Grabber All Weather Blanket. My plan is to use this as either an underblanket for the tarp or just to wrap myself up in it at night. I decided my Czech bedroll was just too bulky and awkward to use with a hammock. I have got a lightweight mummy style sleeping bag but have decided to try the Grabber as it is more multi-functional than a sleeping bag. Also, because I would prefer to sleep in my boots, the fact that it can be cleaned easily is a big bonus.

I have also purchased a Schrade F10 knife and a Bahco Laplander. My next time out will involve processing firewood so I decided to upgrade my cutting tools.

My back problems have returned so I have moved some kit onto a belt and I am really trying to strip down my rucksack weight.

I have a buddy sorting out permission to camp in some private woodland so as soon I am physically fit again I will get out there and test my new gear and report back!

[munchh]

I too tried out my hammock setup at last, was ok, but yet to sleep in it.


anyway, what i wanted to say was good idea with the Grabber i just bought one for the car one for my bag, used it to stop in the park and have a picknic with the kids, my brother in law is now ordering some.

Most importantly, dont get caught up as i have with the named stuff, i've learnt the expencive way, these are my alternative to your Schrade F10 knife and a Bahco Laplander.....

Hultafors Heavy duty £6 delivered and a Lidl £3 folding saw, i bought 2 of each and i bet it was still cheaper and sofar, very good.

PS. have a look at 'underquilts' or at least the concept, to stop you getting a cold rear and back in your hammock, the Grabber might work quite well, i'm going to try my surpluss £10 jungle bag?

[Plymtom]

How about a fishing trolley for those of us with back issues? I will always have a rucksack I'm sure but how heavy I load it simply cannot stay as it was in younger years.

[neverready]

I too tried out my hammock setup at last, was ok, but yet to sleep in it.


anyway, what i wanted to say was good idea with the Grabber i just bought one for the car one for my bag, used it to stop in the park and have a picknic with the kids, my brother in law is now ordering some.

Most importantly, dont get caught up as i have with the named stuff, i've learnt the expencive way, these are my alternative to your Schrade F10 knife and a Bahco Laplander.....

Hultafors Heavy duty £6 delivered and a Lidl £3 folding saw, i bought 2 of each and i bet it was still cheaper and sofar, very good.

PS. have a look at 'underquilts' or at least the concept, to stop you getting a cold rear and back in your hammock, the Grabber might work quite well, i'm going to try my surpluss £10 jungle bag?

Nice gear. But I must say I am in no way hung up on "brands". I have tried a few cheaper folding/pruning saws and the Bahco is simply head shoulders above the others I have tried. And mine cost £18 so still reasonably affordable. Also my main knife up to now has been the Mora Robust which cost me a tenner. What I have learnt in my one night out and during a bit of garden clearance, is that it's a nice to have a knife with a bit of heft to it. The Schrade is by no means cheap but at less than £50 it still represents good value for money. However knife choice is extremely subjective and I am pretty happy that the Bahco, Schrade and Mora will do me well in most situations.

I would consider an underquilt for colder weather but I am hoping that the Grabber provides enough warmth.

[Stasher]

wow!

I'm really impressed by your attitude. Low cost, practical and most importantly lightweight gear testing. Fantastic! The fact that you're going back for seconds because you were dissatisfied with the results only adds to my respect. Look forward to hearing more from you