Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

Outdoor Activities => Northern Ireland Camping and Bushcraft => Topic started by: RedLeader on July 31, 2009

Title: Gear for a Weekend Trip - Suggestions
Post by: RedLeader on July 31, 2009
I always overpack and end up carrying way more than I need (at the same time as always forgetting something). What would be a typical gear list for an overnighter when you're not car camping.

Post your suggestions and critique mine (and don't forget to mention what size your rucksack is!!)

Mine is:
* Food
* Antibacterial Handwash
* Tarp
* Hammock
* Sleeping bag
* Self inflating sleeping mat
* Paracord
* Knife
* Folding saw
* Strip of mat for sitting
* Firesteel
* Firelighting (cotton balls)
* Head torch
* Walking pole
* Drinking bladder (filled)
* Trailmix
* Mobile
* Map/Compass
* GPS
* Mess tins
* Cup
* Knife/fork/spoon (Sporks were invented by Satan)
* Camera
* Glow sticks
* Clothes Spare (in compression sack)

I usually also try and squeeze in an MP3 player and small speakers
Title: Re: Gear for a Weekend Trip - Suggestions
Post by: 666_pack on July 31, 2009
Hi Jonno here are a few suggestions on how I would streamline your kit.



just some  thoughts

I can't believe that the most important bit of kit was left out ::)

(http://tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:IudqarNXLLnWYM:http://www.coolshityoucanbuy.com/huge_flask.jpg)

something nice for round the campfire ;D
Title: Re: Gear for a Weekend Trip - Suggestions
Post by: 666_pack on July 31, 2009
oh yeah and my kit list
Sleeping
*Tarp
*Bivvi bag
*Sleeping Bag
*Woolworths waterproof foldaway picinc blanket(sitting/sleeping)
* 4 x Bungies (Heavier than paracord but quicker set up)
*4 x Tent pegs

Eating
*Boil in the Bag rations 1xdinner 1xdessert 1xbreakfast
*3x Engery Gel
*pack boiled sweets
*Trangia mini + 250mls fuel (if unable to light fire)
*Crusader Cup (if fire is an option)
*folding spoon
*Fire steal & nato waterproof matches
* 1 ltr Water + empty bottle to collcet extra cooking water if needed
*hipflash full

Sundry
*Map
*Compass
*Headtorch (spare batteries)
*hat
*gloves
*spare dry layer for sleeping
*Dry Socks
*Multitool

Suggestions welcome
Title: Re: Gear for a Weekend Trip - Suggestions
Post by: ulsterwalker on July 31, 2009
Well after just coming home after walking the entire Ulster Way, my kit selection is pretty much down to a T, however obviously I was carrying extra kit for the 5 weeks of walking. I think you're pretty much on point with that kit list for an overnighter, however you wouldn't catch me under a tarp unless my tent was in shreds  ;) !!

For me an overnighter would find me carrying:

Rucksack
Tent (Laser Comp)
Foam sleeping mat (cut to size)
Sleeping bag in drybag (+ full set of baselayers instead of sleeping bag liner)
Down vest in drybag + spare socks and possibly a fleece
Buff + hat + gloves
G-Tex Jacket, G-Tex socks + mini gaiters
Kitchen - Stove (pocket rocket), Cookset (GSI soloist (pot, mug, lid, telescopic spork) ),Gas cart, fresteel
Food (Dinner - Pasta+sauce/cous cous + pepporami; Breakfast - cereal + powdered milk/hot chocolate; cereal bars, fizzy tangy sweets + chocolate)
1.5L bladder (filled)
Knife
Camera
Phone
Headtorch
Small F.A.K
Map + compass
Small FM radio +/- MP3 player(dependant on solo or not)

edited to add things + increase conciseness
Title: Re: Gear for a Weekend Trip - Suggestions
Post by: 666_pack on July 31, 2009
I have learnt the hard we that sometimes a tarp is not always the best option and and currently looking in a light weight 1 man tent

how heavy was the tent used for ulster way hike?
Title: Re: Gear for a Weekend Trip - Suggestions
Post by: RedLeader on July 31, 2009
Some interesting suggestions already.
* I like the hammock idea - I have an Alpkit byvvy but I've not tried sleeping directly on the ground
* Maybe the spare clothes aren't so essential. I just always assume I need them incase it's too wet to dry cllothes in which.
* I like the self inflating mat because I don't sleep well but tbh I've not tried blankets instead. That said, they're very light and I can just stick them on the outside of my ruck
* I always bring a bottle of red in a bladder or plastic bottle. Might trade that for a hipflask but I'm not usually a big spirits drinker. Shame you can't get lager in a lighter, more compace form ;)

Should have asked, what size of rucksack are we talking about here, obviously that's key to the question.
Title: Re: Gear for a Weekend Trip - Suggestions
Post by: 666_pack on July 31, 2009
30-40ltr with room to spare to keep water proofs. for muy last trip i had it all in nothin more than a 20ltr pack but even I had to admit it was a tad to small. Had to keep my sleeping bag on the outside in a drysack and waterproofs on the outside also......

but we live and learn.
Title: Re: Gear for a Weekend Trip - Suggestions
Post by: ulsterwalker on July 31, 2009
Was using a Terra Nova-Laser cometition 2007
http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/news/article/mps/uan/3543 (http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/news/article/mps/uan/3543)

Great little tent and althought quite noisy in the wind/rain, is pretty much bombproof, with plenty room for myself (6'2) and my admin vortex inside and 2 peoples kit in the porch, will probably be using it for the MMM sharing it with my teamate. It weighs 960grams as it comes, however that is with toothpick like titanium stakes that I wouldn't overly trust. With the replacement tent pegs and extra guy points it probably comes in around 1070 grams or so(not enough of a geek to have weighed it). Although advertised as 3 season, I would say you could use it throughout the year over here, as snow is never really an issue. Picked mine up for £100 off the retail price and unless there is some major leap forward in tents I think if/when my current one dies I will replace it with another one.
Title: Re: Gear for a Weekend Trip - Suggestions
Post by: Celt_Ginger on July 31, 2009
In a 45 ltr pak, I'd take, for 1 night,
Food....either boil in the bag or fresh food, including a brew kit
1 cooking pot
Petrol stove and fuel (Primus Omnifuel)
Spoon,
Metal mug
liquid soap.
If no water source is available, I'll bring 4 ltrs of water. If it is, then 2 ltrs
Map and compass
Depending on time of year/weather expected, Tarp, sleeping bag, bivi bag and sleeping mat, or a tent in place of the tarp and bivi bag
Depending on where I'm going, either a Poncho or waterproof coat/trousers.
Bushcraft knife/axe/saw (may not always bring the axe)
Paracord
Firesteel and tinder
torch
first aid kit
Phone
Pencil and paper
Dry socks/underware






Title: Re: Gear for a Weekend Trip - Suggestions
Post by: Mouldsy on August 02, 2009
For me it's,
1: Knife
2: Crusader mug.
3: 2 58" pattern water bottles.
4: FAK
everything else from the wild.
Davy.
Title: Re: Gear for a Weekend Trip - Suggestions
Post by: Celt_Ginger on August 02, 2009
For me it's,
1: Knife
2: Crusader mug.
3: 2 58" pattern water bottles.
4: FAK
everything else from the wild.
Davy.

You lying old sod. Everything else, you beg, borrow or steal from ME!! I'd like to see you after a weekend with only that kit, lol.
Title: Re: Gear for a Weekend Trip - Suggestions
Post by: RedLeader on August 03, 2009
For me it's,
1: Knife
2: Crusader mug.
3: 2 58" pattern water bottles.
4: FAK
everything else from the wild.
Davy.

No sleeping bag?


The wife was out on friday night so I thought I'd weigh my kit out of curiosity (Nerd or what ;)) It was made worth it since I had to drink the wine so I could weigh the empty bottle  ;D

The first part of the table is the items I would take for a weekend camp. The 2nd part of the table is the weights of my other (useful) gear incase anyone is interested. The % is the percentage of the weekends gear for comparison.
Items for a weekend camp
ItemWeight g% of weekends gear
   Alpkit Head torch      100      100      0.85%   
   Bivi bag      400      400      3.42%   
   Cobra 75 rucksack      1300      1300      11.11%   
   Drinking bladder 1.5L (filled)      1500      1500      12.82%   
   First aid + krabs      600      600      5.13%   
   Folding saw      200      200      1.71%   
   Frosts Mora knife      100      100      0.85%   
   Hammock      1200      1200      10.26%   
   Mess tins      400      400      3.42%   
   Multitool      200      200      1.71%   
   Self inflating mat      1000      1000      8.55%   
   Sleeping bag      1200      1200      10.26%   
   Spare clothes (tee/fleece/trou/under/socks)      1400      1400      11.97%   
   Tarp+guys+pegs      900      900      7.69%   
   Walking pole      300      300      2.56%   
   Wine no btl (750cl) (Btl 400g)      900      900      7.69%   
   Total            11700         
Other Gear
   Axe      900               
   Berghaus freeflow 30+6      1500               
   Billy Cans      800               
   Bow saw      600               
   Bowie knife      175               
   Camp light (large)      1300               
   Colemans day sack      700               
   Dry bag small      500               
   Hook knife      50               
   Jetboil+gas+stand+pot ring      800               
   LED Hand torch      350               
   Meths 500ml      300               
   Orange survival bag      300               
   Sigg filled      1000               
   Speakers      400               
   Tarp poles x2      600               
   Tin cup      100               
   Titanium pegs x4      100               
   Trangia inc accessories      900               
   Vango banshee      2500               
   Vango tipee      3400               

Brings my basic kit in at 11.70kg for a weekend not including food which seems quite heavy. (I know I'm carrying a bivi bag which is a bit surplus but I'm not sure how I'll get on in the hammock :D)

One interesting thing is 2 tins of beer are a whopping 1kg so at 6kg for a dozen you're not going to be walking far for a session :D A bottle of wine minus the bottle is a more acceptable 900g..
Title: Re: Gear for a Weekend Trip - Suggestions
Post by: chris on August 03, 2009
im confussed now jonno, you carry all that? on one weekend trip? You have doubles and tripples of some stuff there. for eg why do you carry a trangia and a gas stove?
Title: Re: Gear for a Weekend Trip - Suggestions
Post by: chris on August 03, 2009
and whats the % thing about?
Title: Re: Gear for a Weekend Trip - Suggestions
Post by: RedLeader on August 03, 2009
im confussed now jonno, you carry all that? on one weekend trip? You have doubles and tripples of some stuff there. for eg why do you carry a trangia and a gas stove?

Sorry, it was a confuising post, I've tidied it up so it makes some actual sense now.
Title: Re: Gear for a Weekend Trip - Suggestions
Post by: chris on August 03, 2009
so the top list is stuff you take? and the bottom is just other stuff you own?
Title: Re: Gear for a Weekend Trip - Suggestions
Post by: RedLeader on August 03, 2009
so the top list is stuff you take? and the bottom is just other stuff you own?

Yep, I didn't explain myself very well :D
Title: Re: Gear for a Weekend Trip - Suggestions
Post by: billy backpack on August 03, 2009
Jonno, from browsing your 11700gms kit list I assume you are relying on an open fire to cook on or will you be adding some sort of stove which of course adds weight (in which case maybe you could trade off your evening refreshments)
Title: Re: Gear for a Weekend Trip - Suggestions
Post by: RedLeader on August 03, 2009
Jonno, from browsing your 11700gms kit list I assume you are relying on an open fire to cook on or will you be adding some sort of stove which of course adds weight (in which case maybe you could trade off your evening refreshments)

Yeah, assuming open fire or else I'd have a trangia and meths. If by evening refreshments you mean drinkies then I'd rather trade the sleeping bag ;)
Title: Re: Gear for a Weekend Trip - Suggestions
Post by: billy backpack on August 03, 2009
To be honest I didn't think a trade off was even to be considered! lol
Title: Re: Gear for a Weekend Trip - Suggestions
Post by: Hound of Ulster on August 04, 2009
 ??? where is the bog roll..... grass is so rough :P or do you not poop on a weekend away ;D
Title: Re: Gear for a Weekend Trip - Suggestions
Post by: RedLeader on August 05, 2009
??? where is the bog roll..... grass is so rough :P or do you not poop on a weekend away ;D

Very good point  :-\
Title: Re: Gear for a Weekend Trip - Suggestions
Post by: Paul on August 11, 2009
Knife, axe, saw ,biscuit tin billy can, 58 water bottle and crusader cup, and 3 layers of natural fibre clothing.
Title: Re: Gear for a Weekend Trip - Suggestions
Post by: RedLeader on August 11, 2009
Knife, axe, saw ,biscuit tin billy can, 58 water bottle and crusader cup, and 3 layers of natural fibre clothing.

Travelling with no tarp or bag is fine if you're heading somewhere that you can make your shelter. On the side of a mountain with no shelter it could get messy.
Title: Re: Gear for a Weekend Trip - Suggestions
Post by: MG1 on August 11, 2009
You def need a sleeping bag and some kind of shelter we learnt a harsh lesson camped on the back of Ben crom woke up in torrential rain with a river running through are tarps. :o
Title: Re: Gear for a Weekend Trip - Suggestions
Post by: Paul on August 11, 2009
Camping on the side of a mountain isnt really my thing, even with a tarp or tent. However shelter can still be constructed there if need be. The first rule in setting a camp is finding a suitable location, the side of a mountain isnt to me a suitable location for enjoying bushcraft. if you want to practise survival techniques you should never do it by putting yourself in danger this is foolish. I like to travel light and use whats out there. I did the mournes a while back it was my first time there it was a great view from some of the peaks though it isnt really bushcraft. i like being in the woods ( it was good exercise though)

Paul
Title: Re: Gear for a Weekend Trip - Suggestions
Post by: Celt_Ginger on August 11, 2009
Knife, axe, saw ,biscuit tin billy can, 58 water bottle and crusader cup, and 3 layers of natural fibre clothing.

You're as bad as Mouldsy. Blooming magpies the both of you. I should start charging rent on all the stuff you lot borrow from me.
Title: Re: Gear for a Weekend Trip - Suggestions
Post by: Paul on August 12, 2009
How dare you Gary! i have never borrowed anything from you,....ive stolen quite a bit though!!!  ;D
Title: Re: Gear for a Weekend Trip - Suggestions
Post by: Hunter on August 19, 2009
You guys sound like the kinda boys i like 2 go camping with just reading ur posts makes me laff ;D
Title: Re: Gear for a Weekend Trip - Suggestions
Post by: twentyclicks on January 29, 2010
The lists are all pretty close. Realistically, there is little difference in what you pack for 1 night or 5 nights (more food & fuel).  If I'm going for longer then I put more expensive whisky in the hip flask so I can really savour the 2 sips I ration each night  :)

For 1 night you might be more willing to sacrifice a comfort item, and for longer you might throw in 1 or 2 small things to aid convenience.

Activity makes the biggest difference - as some of the guys who pursue bushcraft have noted, they spend time in a plentiful environment, so get away with very little.  If you're heading into mountains, especially in winter then you need a whole lot more (lets not even get started on climbing).  Appropriate timing, weather analysis, and contingency planning can mitigate the need for extra gear.

I spent 3 days crossing the Sierra Nevada in late November (winter, but not super deep snow) with the following:
Main kit
Sabre 45 +pockets+liner      3.0kg
PHD down bag -20               1.4kg
Prolite 4 mat                        0.7kg
Down jacket                         0.5kg
Cooking                               1.2kg - Primus gravity stove +MSR stainless pot +lid +small gas canister +Cutlery
Small F.A.K.                         0.25kg
2 trekking poles                    0.5kg
Headtorch + spare batt.        0.15kg
Map, compass, altimeter       0.2kg
Camera + film                      0.6kg
Phone + glowstick                 0.1kg
Hygiene kit                           0.3kg  - toothbrush, alco gel, few wet wipes, little talc, some TP, small trowel.
3 plastic bags                        0.0     - 1 each foot for vapour barrier, 1 for rubbish.
Notepad                              0.1kg
Extra gloves/dry socks          0.1kg
GTX jacket + overtrousers     1.2kg

Variable
Camelbak (full)                     2.0kg
Food (inc. snacks)                 2.5kg

That gives approx. 10kg with an extra 4.5kg that I didn't have when I got back.

How? - a weather front had passed through, and the forecast was again settled (in a typically settled area) for the next 4 days (I needed 3).  My sleeping bag is snow proof / there was a cave in the vicinity of the 1st night and a mountain hut near the 2nd night - extra shelter was not required.  I would be working hard (hot) all day, and in a warm protective bag all night, only needing the extra insulation of the down jacket for cooking and emergency heat.
My food was precisely rationed for 2 breakfast, 3 lunch, 2 dinner, with trail mix and 2 choc bars per day. 1 Choc bar and some trail mix would be left for emergency ration/ until I was on the final safe tramp.  I had escape routes planned for various points so I always had an option if the situation overtook my preparations.

Where could I save?
Obviously the rucksack!  My 55l Granite Gear is 1.6kg
The Goretex gear also has room to improve here - I have a walking jacket - a more technical cut would save a bit.  Also some soft-shell trousers would have replaced my trousers/overtrouser combo (to be lighter and more comfortable).  Furthermore, as noted, snow isn't really that wet - a windproof could have replaced the 800g jacket with one at 85g.
A compact camera maybe - but I'm a photographer, and I did leave 7.4kg of gear behind.
2 foam mats might save a bit if you can put up with them.
Food - I did have 2 cartons of sieved tomatoes at 400g each, which is carrying more liquid - but melting snow is a chore and I didn't drink enough as it was - experience has taught me to carry an extra 230g gas cart. next time and melt away.
Stove - for boiling water mostly so a Jetboil would be lighter.

If I did all of that I would save nearly 4kg again!!!!  Replace the poles with the ice-axe I should have had for the same weight, and 2kg of crampons and I would still be 2kg lighter...although what's that about every kilo on your feet being = 6kg on your back  ;D

WHW was heavier as we had a tent, travel clothes, 7 days of food (we ate well), a flask (my English friend swears by it - I was non-plussed at instant tea, but if he was carrying it, it would be rude to refuse a brew), hip flasks, and a few books.... if I had less words in my head it might be lighter too; sorry if you made it this far!
Title: Re: Gear for a Weekend Trip - Suggestions
Post by: Scribble on March 21, 2010
Heers for all the info I am totally confused now :) hopefully doing my first bit of wild camping along coast on Tory island then a wee run up mournes after . I camped at the back of ben crom years ago and was up yesterday and passed 4 people along shore so I wil be giving that a miss it was like being in tescos on a Saturday that busy :) excellent site by the way
 
Title: Re: Gear for a Weekend Trip - Suggestions
Post by: Rory on July 04, 2012
I usually try to take a little as possible with me when camping, I find limitations make it most enjoyable, don't see bringing items found in a household, outdoors, as camping you know.. But anyways, I would bring:
Backback ofcourse as I'm hardly going to carry all in my hands lol
Tent
Sleeping bag
Food
Alot of water, usually in a large water bottle, or if just camping for 1 night, a massive 5 liter bottle
map & compass
mobile
Ipod & speakers ( Love listening to tunes when everything calms down )
Camcorder
torch
Lighter, matches or fire starter
A little something to help kickstart a fire, newspaper or cottom balls
Change of clothing, usually something more comfortable for the evening and night as I usually show wearing the appropriate gear for bad weather and could easily strip down a bit into something lighter for warm
Gerber knife, quality
Small first aid kit, with anti bacterial and bandages etc
That's about all I can think of, of the top of my head!
Title: Re: Gear for a Weekend Trip - Suggestions
Post by: David Hoy on July 05, 2012
I have learnt the hard we that sometimes a tarp is not always the best option and and currently looking in a light weight 1 man tent

how heavy was the tent used for ulster way hike?

What happened? Am a committed hammock / tarper having got fed up lugging tents around only for them to fail when the wind & rain get properly up.

Sounds like you have had some experiences I'd best try n learn from!