Camping Reviews

Primus make 3 types of ground based stoved, this one is the cheepest one which runs from LP gas only… which is fine by me. It’s more ideal for long weekend / week camping cooking as it’s slightly larger than my other Primus stove and not quite as easy to use (more fiddley to link to gas and put away after use etc). It produces a nice hot flame, which makes for good cooking with larger pans, and it comes with a ground protector and wind shield. Great for toast.

http://www.primus.se/Primus/Products/product_sheet.asp?ItemId=21361

(link correct at time of posting)

I got the Primus EastLight Lantern for a weeks camping at the end of September ‘06 as the nights were starting to draw in, but it was still warm enough to sit outside till late. There’s many lanterns on the market to choose from, most obviously the camping gaz ones… however since I had and abundance of LP gas for cooking it made sence to get a landern that could use the same gas. This lamp is ideal, it’s fairly small and lightweight, feels nice and safe to use (good pezo), and is pretty silent to use, whilst making a nice bright white light. Primus also do another lantern that’s more expenvie that’s very hardy, however I prefer the look and feel of this lantern even though is uses a mantle.

http://www.primus.se/Primus/Products/product_sheet.asp?ItemId=783

(link correct at time of posting)

I’d been looking for a Tarp for ages, and could only find expensive ones. Finally I found Decathlon in London which sells Quechua stuff, including their Tarp range… which are excellent, for less than £20 it adds a good amount of extra shelter for when it’s wet.

decathlon.co.uk
(link correct at time of posting)

I lost the pegs that came with my tent, so I took the opportunity to upgrade to these pegs, and I’m very glad I did. They’re not the cheapest you can find (£6 for 6 pegs), but they’re very lightweight and strong, and being fairly wide can be used without a mallet most of the time.

http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/terra/product.asp?prodid=183
(link correct at time of posting)

As mentioned, I lost all my original pegs, so whilst I was upgrading them I decided to get a good Terra Nova peg bag for them at the same time. It’s black… holds about 22 pegs nicely, nothing much else to say really - a bargain for £1.99!

Lightweight foldable windshield with built in prongs to push into the ground for extra stability in strong winds. Folds down to a very compact size. Size when folded 260mm x 100mm. Whilst on the side of a hill in windy conditions I’ve found this is invaluable for managing to get a faster boil for a better brew! £8.99 at the time.

http://www.wickfordangling.co.uk/chub/kettle_stove_shield.htm
(link correct at time of posting)

These are pretty good socks, they feel fairly rugged and have lasted well. However I think I prefer my Brasher socks which are more comfortable. Not bad value for £10.99 but I probably wouldn’t buy them again at that price.

http://www.gear-zone.co.uk/eshop/Thorlo-Light-Hiking-with-Coolmax.html
(link correct at time of posting)

I love these socks. They’re nicely padded and very warm, they contain Coolmax to keep feet cool and dry whilst giving an amazingly soft feel. You can find them for about £8.95. I’ll be buying more of these!

http://www.brasher.co.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=products.detail&categoryid=28&productid=96&startrow=1
(link correct at time of posting)

I love these shoes… but sadly they seem hard to find, I had trouble buying them in a size 9 and had to get them specially ordered. They keep your feet dry, warm, and comfortable whether you’re hanging out, or out for a walk. About £50.

http://www.mountainfever.co.uk/acatalog/SALE_Mens_Shoes.html
(link correct at time of posting)

I’ve had this tent for about 10 years I think now, and love it. It’s a 3 man tent, although more suited for 2 people. It has front and back doors, but could do with a larger porch however. It goes up in about 20 seconds, with a couple of minutes of pegging it’s all finished and ready. It’s possibly not the most hardy tent in very strong winds, but puts up with most things well. About £145.

http://www.khyam.co.uk/flexi-dome.asp?productID=68
(link correct at time of posting)

Note: After about 15 years of use and a couple of re-waterproofings it finally is time to put this tent away and just use it for festivals.. I shall miss it.