How to pack a lightweight camping box Posted on 8 September 2011 Over the years of travelling at short notice for work or on a whim, I’ve built up a reliable, lightweight camping box I can throw into the Landy or as baggage on an airliner. When I get to the other side, I’m confident I’ll have everything I need “¦ and then some. The box Everything fits into one of those tough black boxes you can buy at most supermarkets. They’re cheap, light and double as a table. I put a layer of thin, high-density foam in the base for protection. Two webbing straps around the box hold the lid on securely. What’s inside? Inside I have a bed, chairs and a kitchen. I can power my laptop and charge camera batteries, treat wounds and hangovers and, most importantly, enjoy steaming-hot plunger coffee. You’ll notice I haven’t chosen the most luxurious options, but you can upgrade to suit your requirements – for example, a more comfy mattress would be most welcome. The kitchen Camping gas stove and extra gas canister (note: these aren’t airline friendly). I recommend a Jetboil with an integrated lighter because it heats quickly and it’s light on fuel. It also comes with cooking utensils. A filter coffee plunger kit is available and that’s the best way to start a day after sleeping rough. Lightweight nesting pot-and-pan set. Insulated camping cups. Paper plates and holders. Utensils. Supermarkets sell full plastic sets for a pittance. Serrated knife, penknife with corkscrew and bottle and can opener or my Leatherman. Potato peeler. Bowls. Sea to Summit has a range of collapsible rubber bowls in various sizes. The larger one doubles as a cutting board. Braai grid with retractable handle. Keep it in a thick plastic bag or it will soil everything which it comes into contact with. Shorthandled braai tongs. Firelighters. Yes, I know a real man can light a fire in a blizzard with wet matches and a turd. I say: use technology (get ones in little plastic bags “¦ no smell! – ed). The scullery Collapsible sink from Sea to Summit. Dishwashing liquid, sponges, dishcloths and hand soap. Washing powder in a clean, dry 250 ml mineral water bottle. The dry store Filter coffee, tea, sugar, salt, pepper and spices. Throw in a half-litre box or two of long-life milk and a small water bottle to decant it into once opened for mess-less storage. Foil, black bags, toilet rolls. Duct tape always comes in handy. The fridge Cheap canvas, silver-lined supermarket cooler bags loaded with ice will keep things fresh for a day or two. I put these into small cardboard boxes to improve insulation. Bedroom and dining Lightweight tent. There is a good range of technical hiking tents on the market, but I use the Campmaster Bushwacker Dome 2, which sleeps two, costs a few hundred rand and it’s compact. Self-inflating camping mat. Lightweight sleeping bag. Add a 10-degree liner for versatility and to optimise the space-to-warmth ratio (check what temperatures are likely to be at your destination and plan accordingly). Hammock. If you know how to sleep in one, you don’t need a tent or mattress. Tarpaulin for shelter or as a ground sheet. Small tripod chairs. Power and lighting Inverter. These come in various sizes and power outputs. A 300-watt inverter can power a laptop and charge camera batteries from the cigarette lighter in your vehicle. It’s almost essential in the digital age. A cigarette lighter port replicator is useful if the car has one outlet. Torch and lantern (with extra batteries). Candles. Matches and lighter. Miscellaneous First-aid kit. Sunblock and a hat. Water purifier pump or tablets. Box wine bladders for extra water storage. All this fits neatly into the box so that on a Friday after work, the only thing you’ll need to do is stop for food, wood, ice and beers. Everything else is sorted “¦ even the kitchen sink. Related Posts 8 Tips for travelling in areas with bad infrastructure 17 May 2022 South Africa offers some of the most breathtaking of landscapes and biodiversity you will experience,... read more 8 Simple tips to have a comfortable long-distance bus trip 11 March 2021 Given the vastness of the southern African region, this can involve journeys that take up... read more Road safety tips 24/7 11 September 2020 The Arrive Alive Road Safety website would like to share Road Safety Suggestions for the... read more PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE
8 Tips for travelling in areas with bad infrastructure 17 May 2022 South Africa offers some of the most breathtaking of landscapes and biodiversity you will experience,... read more
8 Simple tips to have a comfortable long-distance bus trip 11 March 2021 Given the vastness of the southern African region, this can involve journeys that take up... read more
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