Camping Ideas and Tips

[Dellmassive]

Handy little Carabiner . . . . .

These little things are great, weve been using them for years.

i have my keys on them,
we clipped the dog on one,
we clipped shopping bags together,
we hung stuff on the gazebo,
clipped up lights in the tent,
we clipped stuff to pegs,
andd the list goes on . . . . . .

https://amzn.to/3IoGtCv

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random usage of ours . . .




2019 version.

 

[Dellmassive]

Tarpaulin Clips​

not new to this tread as @VanDamMan has a similar version listed before.

but these are the ones we like.

we have a whole box of around 40 of them and find them very useful - which qualifies them for this thread . . .

https://amzn.to/3KRtFWQ

............

weve tried the various different brands and styles and find these work the best for us.

we use them for pegging down the camping floor mats,
pegging down the tent sides,
we also use them for weighing down the gazebo sides . . .
you can clip them to the awning roof and sides etc etc
we use them for clipping up fairy lights,
they are very versatile and handy,
These screw down ones are very strong - the slide clip version, not so much (they wiggle free).

weve had our 4.5x3m Gazebo up since last October, we have these clips cable tied to weights . . . then clipped to the sides. ( that stops the wind from blowing the sides out)


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.






we had issues with this style coming loose . . .







....

 

[MikeWillmott]

Awesome just ordered !

 

[shropschris]

I love Mora knives simple strong and they hold a great edge . I have this little thing in my glove box , super handy when camping

Mora Eldris Neck Knife Blue

Net weight 80 g Product length 152 mm Gross weight 125 g Product width 41 mm Blade thickness 2 mm Knife length 143 mm Blade length 59 mm Material Blade material Stainless steel Handle material TPE rubber

www.springfields.co.uk

 

[Dellmassive]

Ducksback Storage Bags.

some of you may know that i love a storage bag . . .

a place for everything & everything in its place etc etc etc . . .

well after spending a fortune on all manor of bags . . . I've decided these guys are a one stop shop.

they have it sussed - top quality, durable, practical.

so what have we got . . . ?

well in 2019 @Base1388 was well impressed with our windbreak storage bag . .

That was from 2017 and from - bags and covers direct

https://amzn.to/3iBY2ot

since then we have discovered the Ducksback range.

They are also the people behind the VCOOL T4, T5, T6 range =]

Amazon.co.uk : ducksback bag

Amazon.co.uk : Vcool

so what have we got . . . . and what do we think?

well..

i use this 112cm storage bag for work, i keep my cable rods/drain in it . . - Ducksback Windbreak Storage & Carry Bag BLUE 112 cm / 3'8" : Amazon.co.uk: Sports & Outdoors



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we have the 43cm round bag for EHU cable and splitter set - https://amzn.to/3KUBdZ5



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we have the VCOOL CHEF apron . .

well one each, we have the RED and BLUE ones. . .





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we have the VCOOL T6 Awning Bag, we use this for storing all the bedroom kit for camping.

over winter we used vacuum bags to seal all the stuff water/damp tight - then store in a couple of these.

during the season we use them to store and tranport to camp . . . for example, we have one for bedroom, one for kitchen . . . etc etc .

Vcool Heavy Duty Awning Storage Bag for T6 Transporter Campervan : Amazon.co.uk: Automotive

Vcool Heavy Duty Awning Storage Bag for T6 Transporter Campervan : Amazon.co.uk: Automotive

amzn.to

next up we have the VCOOL Porta Potti bag . . .

we have the red one as the blue wasnt avalible at the time, same thing and work well,

you get the two handles and storage pouch on the front.

easily bigh enough for the loo and roles etc.

FWIW - we normally store the BLU chemical in a 1ltr screwtop bottle in the clean bowl with a couple of rolls, then when get to site and setup, keep the over stock in the bag for when needed. - at the end if the trip we fully was down and dry them put back in bag . . . or if in a hurry (or other) then load the emty potti into a black bag then into this bag ready for a deep clean at home. ( yes i have washed this a couple times . . . i use a brush, washup liquid and garden hose. - then air dry.

VCool Porta Potti Large Carry/Storage bag cover camping travel Transporter/Campervan toilet : Amazon.co.uk: Sports & Outdoors

VCool Porta Potti Large Carry/Storage bag cover camping travel Transporter/Campervan toilet : Amazon.co.uk: Sports & Outdoors

amzn.to

next up is the windbreak bags again . .


we now have two sets of the JORMAX windbreaks, we keep them in these for easy transport and storage . .

Vcool Windbreak Storage & Carry Bag 3 Sizes 112cm, 125cm, 160cm for T6 Transporter Campervan (112 cm x 20 cm (3'8″ x 8″) T6 Round Logo Print, Blue) : Amazon.co.uk: Sports & Outdoors

Shop Vcool Windbreak Storage & Carry Bag 3 Sizes 112cm, 125cm, 160cm for T6 Transporter Campervan (112 cm x 20 cm (3'8″ x 8″) T6 Round Logo Print, Blue). Free delivery and returns on all eligible orders.

amzn.to

what else . . .


well we have the BBQ bag for our CADAC . . .

everything fits in - EXCEPT the legs, so we have the official CADAC leg bag for those,

you just need to remember to bring both !!!!

Ducksback Heavy Duty Storage Bag for large camping gas BBQ Barbecue BLUE : Amazon.co.uk: Sports & Outdoors

Ducksback Heavy Duty Storage Bag for large camping gas BBQ Barbecue BLUE : Amazon.co.uk: Sports & Outdoors

amzn.to

what else . . . . ?


well we have various different smaller bags from them.

Home

WELCOME TO VCOOL - ALL THINGS FOR VW TRANSPORTERS For all your VW Transporter needs. We are a small family run business with a love of VW Transporters and everything associated with the VW Bus lifestyle and community.

vcool.co.uk

we have a couple of the smaller bags . . .



we have the small/med bag for our fold up BBQ . . .





we also have the boot bag . .

for boots and wellies . . .

Heavy Duty Breathable Boot Bag for walking or work boots. - Caravan Covers | Motorhome Covers | Camping Covers & Bags | Ducks Back

Ducksback heavy duty breathable walking / work boot bag These bags are branded with the 'ducksback' logo and are part of this high quality range of waterproof products. Brand new, heavy duty. Easy double zip access. Reinforced base. Vent at rear. Internal pocket for socks. 25cm wide x...

ducksback.co.uk

so there we go,

all tried and tested.

great stuff.


check them out.

 

[Dellmassive]

I love Mora knives simple strong and they hold a great edge . I have this little thing in my glove box , super handy when camping

Mora Eldris Neck Knife Blue

Net weight 80 g Product length 152 mm Gross weight 125 g Product width 41 mm Blade thickness 2 mm Knife length 143 mm Blade length 59 mm Material Blade material Stainless steel Handle material TPE rubber

www.springfields.co.uk

they look good . . . what do you use them for?

cooking? - or utility knife?

that one looks like my electricians knife -

 

[Dellmassive]

Folding Step Stool . .

https://amzn.to/3im0Aa0

we got a couple of these from Go Outdoors a few years go. ( they were £5 each back then )

we now have about 12 of them, different colours and sizes . .

but why?


well they are freeking awesome.

they fold up small and flat, so its easy to store and transport.

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ok thats a thing, but what else?

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well we dont use them as standing stools as such,

we use them for camping tables.

they are brilliant as small side tables for beer and coffee when on grass ( ie camping in a field)


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lets have a look at ours.

here are two in the shed, actually used as a step to reach higher.



.

here at T6F Autumn camp as a side table.



and here:



used as @czmate1999 beer keg stand here . . .




flower pot stand at T6F summer camp . . .






mini table in tent . . . to keep the electrics off the floor in case of a down poor.






stool for heater . . . ( to keep off plastic floor matt)





stand for cooling fan . . .



so you get the idea . . . . all very useful.


but for me the best bit is - a side table for beers when camping on grass.

they are firm and stable and will hold your beer and bacon roll firm.



.

 

[Jay586]

I have one of the wee steps at home in the loo. Damn site cheaper than a squatty potty, which is a "thing".

Totally useful step height.

 

[Paynewright]

I love Mora knives simple strong and they hold a great edge . I have this little thing in my glove box , super handy when camping

Mora Eldris Neck Knife Blue

Net weight 80 g Product length 152 mm Gross weight 125 g Product width 41 mm Blade thickness 2 mm Knife length 143 mm Blade length 59 mm Material Blade material Stainless steel Handle material TPE rubber

www.springfields.co.uk

I have a mora in my fishing kit.

Are you comfortable with the UK knife laws and justification of having a fixed blade knife in the van? I guess you’re not carrying it on your person.

We needed something like that recently - son wanted an apple and as he has damaged his front tooth we needed to chop it up. SWMBO did her best with a plastic knife! I’ve now stuck one of my Victorinox SAKs in the van for apple duties!

 

[Dellmassive]

i have a Gerber folding knife in my camping kit . . . got it from Go Outdoors years ago.

TBH I've never used it . . .

++

but i like the look of that one above. . . . looks beefy and sturdy.

not sure what id use it for tho . . . ?

have loads of utility knives though ( used for work, DIY, installs etc ) . . . . but again i try to make a knife the last resort as i know so many accidents with slips.


my current fav is the OX Pro fix fold . . - https://amzn.to/3tnRmjG







i used it yesterday as it goes . . .

 

[Skyliner33]

I have the stainless Bialetti Venus and it makes lovely coffee. It can be used on induction hobs too.

I had an original aluminium one from about 20 yrs ago. aluminium one. Wouldnt work on my induction hob. Threw it in the bin. Never thought about camping lol.

 

[Dellmassive]

Outdoor Revolution Inflatable Sofa.​

its been mentioned on here before . . . . this is our one.


we always have an inflatable sofa about when camping . . .

great for us and kids alike . .

in fact we have gone through about 10 different ones over the years . . . . (they've all failed, leaked, blown up, destroyed by the kids)

this one however is a keeper . . .

a much more refined version, heavy duty and defiantly much better than all the rest we have had in the past.

yes its pricey . . . . but you get what you pay for.

we have the two seat version . . .

Outdoor Revolution Campese Inflatable Sofa With Cover Caravan Awning Camping | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Outdoor Revolution Campese Inflatable Sofa With Cover Caravan Awning Camping at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

ebay.us

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This is ours . . weve had it about 3years now.





as you can see its well used. . .







loved by all . . .





especially by these tree . . .






+++++


the plus points are it folds and packs away small . .

its air, so we use the same air pump that we use for the tent.

take it anywhere, - we also use it in the garden at home.

the outer cover is washable,

the outer cover keeps the inner air thing from over expanding and popping . . .



they are great, ill be looking at adding a second one at some point.


+++++

so again, this is used, abused, tested and recommended.


++++++

they do a 1man version as well . . .

Pardon our interruption...

they also do the foot stall as well . . .

https://amzn.to/3whWJ61

 

[czmate1999]

Look

Outdoor Revolution Inflatable Sofa.​

its been mentioned on here before . . . . this is our one.


we always have an inflatable sofa about when camping . . .

great for us and kids alike . .

in fact we have gone through about 10 different ones over the years . . . . (they've all failed, leaked, blown up, destroyed by the kids)

this one however is a keeper . . .

a much more refined version, heavy duty and defiantly much better than all the rest we have had in the past.

yes its pricey . . . . but you get what you pay for.

we have the two seat version . . .

Outdoor Revolution Campese Inflatable Sofa With Cover Caravan Awning Camping | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Outdoor Revolution Campese Inflatable Sofa With Cover Caravan Awning Camping at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

ebay.us

View attachment 149926

++++

This is ours . . weve had it about 3years now.



View attachment 149929

as you can see its well used. . .

View attachment 149930

View attachment 149931



loved by all . . .


View attachment 149933


especially by these tree . . .



View attachment 149934


+++++


the plus points are it folds and packs away small . .

its air, so we use the same air pump that we use for the tent.

take it anywhere, - we also use it in the garden at home.

the outer cover is washable,

the outer cover keeps the inner air thing from over expanding and popping . . .



they are great, ill be looking at adding a second one at some point.


+++++

so again, this is used, abused, tested and recommended.


++++++

they do a 1man version as well . . .

Pardon our interruption...

View attachment 149927



they also do the foot stall as well . . .

https://amzn.to/3whWJ61

View attachment 149928

Look at the state of me in that photo. Good grief.

 

[Dellmassive]

Look

Look at the state of me in that photo. Good grief.

lol . . . . and that's a good pic. . .





how's about this one from Autumn camp.





.

 

[Dellmassive]

Cascade Mountain Tech Ultralight Packable Highback Outdoor Chair​

@czmate1999 gets the credits for this one.

we loved his ultralight fold up chairs so much we got ourselves a set . . but there is more to the story than that.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

https://amzn.to/3IoD8U7

this started at Camper Site 21 last year. . . . . at the start of the camping season.

@czmate1999 had these ultra light foldup chairs . . . i had a go and had to admit they were very comfy.

BUT . . . .

i was convinced that they would break with the slightest gust of wind. . . surely they wont hold my 15st weight.



here is his one at Camper Site 21. - they pack down into a tiny shoulder carry bag.








after an absolute skin full of the beer . . . . later that day/night

i decided it was my duty to provide a real world test, and prove that these chairs were rubbish and would break within a minute.









so i dropped my 15stone beer & sausage belly on it to prove how rubbish they were..


i wobbled about,
i lent backwards,
i lent forwards,
i fell off it.
i got back on it.
etc etc
but it didn't break . . .





unfortunately for me, by the next day the chairs were doing substantially better than i was.




they had not only passed the test . . . but the missus liked them to.


happy days.




so after a great weekend,

and packing up we were on our way.


before we even reached London we had procured a set of said chairs online and had them delivered two days later.



++++++++++++

moving forwards . . . . . .

these are our chairs . . . . ( Thanks again @czmate1999 )





so you get the idea . . .

theve been well used and stood up to the usage,


Great lightweight chairs that fold up tiny and are great for days out and camping alike . . .


we even took them to the beach . . .






.

 

[slocumjoseph]

Every picture tells a story….

First chapter. Love the aprons. Perfect for the barbecue master at race meetings. Take note grand daughter.


Second chapter…that folding box with compartments is a practical answer for all sorts of storage. I use mine for all the camera gear.


Chapter three is the H&S message. Fire extinguisher and safety blanket strategically placed.

 

[Dellmassive]

yes indeed @slocumjoseph,

in fact that's a good point.

I've been around a kitchen oil fire, a gas-BBQ fat-fire and a fire in a tent. - non of those situations were fun and are instantly sobering.

all of those situations were resolved without personal harm but just showed how quickly a situation can escalate into potential life threatening disaster.


+++++++++++

So fire saftey is always at the back of my mind. . .

we always have a fire blanket and extinguisher at home, an around any BBQ.






as you see even when we are camping.

the mini gas cookers / Cadacs and fire pits are main concern here . . . add the booze and the risk factor goes up massively.

so . .

we always carry a standard fire blanket . . .

https://amzn.to/37yz1If

and one of these new 5-in-1 Fire Extinguishers . .

https://amzn.to/3Jr1w93

Be responsible, take a fire blanket and extinguisher when camping - you never know when you will need it !

if you run gas or burn any hydro carbon anywhere near the van or tent - get carbon monoxide detector as well.


"smoke alarms" can be a bit iffy when you camping as the bbqs and fire pits can set them off. . . . . so they are not so effective - unless you have one fitted inside a close van.



.

 

[Dellmassive]

@slocumjoseph

you can get your apron here -

Amazon.co.uk : vcool apron

.

Home

WELCOME TO VCOOL - ALL THINGS FOR VW TRANSPORTERS For all your VW Transporter needs. We are a small family run business with a love of VW Transporters and everything associated with the VW Bus lifestyle and community.

vcool.co.uk

 

[Dellmassive]

You mentioned those fold up storage cases. . . .

thats a good one for this thread . .

we have about ten of them, . . . . . the brother has a few as does the father - he keeps his as a "boot tidy" in the back of the car.


i started with the Vango version, bough from Go Outdoors. . . years ago

they call it a - Vango Folding Organiser

https://amzn.to/3wmXdYn

since then I've added more to the collection from Lidl, Aldi and anywhere they popped up.


for camping i use them to keep stuff organised.

for example.

i keep the pegs and mallet in one.


i keep the handy spring clips in another.

i keep the USB leads, battery packs in another.

the missus keeps random kitchen bits in another.



the idea is at the stuff stays in the organiser. . . . then at the end of the trip just lifted up and dripped into the really useful plastic storage boxes . . .


lets see if i can find any pics of ours . . .



ok here we go . . . .

here at BTCC Brands hatch keeping all the pegs, guys, cable ties, straps for the gazeebo on one place . . .




here keeping tent pegs, mallet and puller to hand . . .




here with clips, straps and skyhooks. . .





keeping cables and electrics in one place here . . .



kitchen stuff . . . .




.

you get the idea . . . . .

well handy little storage things . . .

 

[czmate1999]

Much better. We’re a handsome bunch, aren’t we?

lol . . . . and that's a good pic. . .


View attachment 149936


how's about this one from Autumn camp.


View attachment 149937

lol . . . . and that's a good pic. . .


View attachment 149936


how's about this one from Autumn camp.


View attachment 149937


.

Much better! We’re a bunch of handsome buggers, arn’t we?