Camping Gear Needs for Big Blue's Overlanding Trip

[Gary Lewis]

I thought your son was in charge of all the cooking gear?

I will say that I have a plastic 6' folding table I keep in the bed of my truck.

I use it on the job as a workbench, saw stand, horses... It's very versatile. I think I got mine at Walmart.

Keeping water from freezing is going to be an issue (depending on where you go)

For bulk water storage Spectre has poly Jerry cans, 50l I think. But one of those cube shaped containers with a handle and spout is very useful set on the tailgate so you can fill a pot or rinse your hands.

If you want a pot, pan, kettle or utensils just go to an estate sale or a church thrift shop.

They don't need to be fancy or new. Old stuff is much higher quality.

Whisler - We don't have many Menards around here, but did in Chicago so I'm familiar with them. But we do have some places around there that should have adequate tables. I'm thinking a 4' one would be adequate.

Jim - Yes, my son is in charge of anything to do with cooking. But, if I can come up with a slick setup I'll propose it to him. And, as I think about it, he's particular enough that I'd better enlist him on getting the right pots and pans.

I was thinking that one of those cube water containers might be the way to go. I think some of them I've seen have been flexible enough that they'd not break if the water freezes, and it is pretty sure to do so. I'm wondering about these WaterStorageCube Premium Collapsible Water Container Bags.

[ArdWrknTrk]

Whisler - We don't have many Menards around here, but did in Chicago so I'm familiar with them. But we do have some places around there that should have adequate tables. I'm thinking a 4' one would be adequate.

Jim - Yes, my son is in charge of anything to do with cooking. But, if I can come up with a slick setup I'll propose it to him. And, as I think about it, he's particular enough that I'd better enlist him on getting the right pots and pans.

I was thinking that one of those cube water containers might be the way to go. I think some of them I've seen have been flexible enough that they'd not break if the water freezes, and it is pretty sure to do so. I'm wondering about these WaterStorageCube Premium Collapsible Water Container Bags.

I don't know about collapsible bags.

I have a couple of Platypus bags but I won't use them for transport.

If I was setting up camp I'd definitely want something with a push-to-pour or over-center tap.

 

[taskswap]

I don't know about collapsible bags.

I have a couple of Platypus bags but I won't use them for transport.

If I was setting up camp I'd definitely want something with a push-to-pour or over-center tap.

We use collapsible bags but not that kind, I have a 30 gallon AquaTank bladder that I use with a transfer pump to keep our fifth wheel "fed and watered" when camping on BLM land. But that's overkill for your needs. When I'm using the truck camper I use 5-gallon jugs and a small electric pump like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Dispenser-Electric-Drinking-Portable-Universal/dp/B07Y4D3P1J

They're OK. They last awhile on a charge and make it easy to both fill bottles and rinse dishes. Personally I think they're more convenient than the old-school blue bottles with white twist-style valves and it's really easy to get a 5 gallon bottle refilled or replaced at any Walmart or most grocery stores. 5 gallon bottles don't freeze quickly in moderate temps (26-28 overnight, sunny during the day) and they're easy to take inside or put in the trunk for more protection.

For a table I'm a fan of the folding aluminum ones, you can search "aluminum camping table" on Amazon and pick your poison (size/brand). They pack small, set up fast, are easy to clean, and can take the heat of a cooking stove (or pan). Get one big enough where your stove AND its bottle fit on it - that's a common mistake to avoid. The bottle usually makes a camp stove about 10" wider than its normal storage footprint and it can't hang off the table.

I'm a big fan of Morakniv knives for camping. The cheapest ones are like $12 on Amazon and work very well, and they come with a plastic sheath that unlike other kitchen knives does NOT tightly hug the blade. That means you can put a knife away a bit dirty and wash it later if you're in a rush (or not a great spot to do dishes) and it won't ruin the sheath. And they're beefier than normal knives so they can do double duty cutting paracord, shaving kindling, etc.

I'm a BIG fan of the Black Diamond Spotlite 160 headlamp. It's so much easier to set up camp or make dinner with a headlamp vs a flashlight. (Easier to change flat tires too - I keep one in my door pocket.) They last a long time on a pair of AAA's and are dimmable and have a red light mode so you don't ruin your night vision. Great if you're watching the sun set somewhere and just need it to get back to camp.

If you're camping where there's a good view of the sky throw one of those star finder apps on your phone. Even if you're no astronomer it's still fun to point it up there and pick interesting stuff out, and easier to download it now.

 

[Gary Lewis]

We use collapsible bags but not that kind, I have a 30 gallon AquaTank bladder that I use with a transfer pump to keep our fifth wheel "fed and watered" when camping on BLM land. But that's overkill for your needs. When I'm using the truck camper I use 5-gallon jugs and a small electric pump like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Dispenser-Electric-Drinking-Portable-Universal/dp/B07Y4D3P1J

They're OK. They last awhile on a charge and make it easy to both fill bottles and rinse dishes. Personally I think they're more convenient than the old-school blue bottles with white twist-style valves and it's really easy to get a 5 gallon bottle refilled or replaced at any Walmart or most grocery stores. 5 gallon bottles don't freeze quickly in moderate temps (26-28 overnight, sunny during the day) and they're easy to take inside or put in the trunk for more protection.

For a table I'm a fan of the folding aluminum ones, you can search "aluminum camping table" on Amazon and pick your poison (size/brand). They pack small, set up fast, are easy to clean, and can take the heat of a cooking stove (or pan). Get one big enough where your stove AND its bottle fit on it - that's a common mistake to avoid. The bottle usually makes a camp stove about 10" wider than its normal storage footprint and it can't hang off the table.

I'm a big fan of Morakniv knives for camping. The cheapest ones are like $12 on Amazon and work very well, and they come with a plastic sheath that unlike other kitchen knives does NOT tightly hug the blade. That means you can put a knife away a bit dirty and wash it later if you're in a rush (or not a great spot to do dishes) and it won't ruin the sheath. And they're beefier than normal knives so they can do double duty cutting paracord, shaving kindling, etc.

I'm a BIG fan of the Black Diamond Spotlite 160 headlamp. It's so much easier to set up camp or make dinner with a headlamp vs a flashlight. (Easier to change flat tires too - I keep one in my door pocket.) They last a long time on a pair of AAA's and are dimmable and have a red light mode so you don't ruin your night vision. Great if you're watching the sun set somewhere and just need it to get back to camp.

If you're camping where there's a good view of the sky throw one of those star finder apps on your phone. Even if you're no astronomer it's still fun to point it up there and pick interesting stuff out, and easier to download it now.

Thanks, guys. I appreciate the input.

I really like the aluminum table idea as it is probably inevitable that we'll set something hot on the table.

As for the water containers, the ones I showed don't look to be all that user friendly as they don't have a valve for dispensing water. So while I like the idea of the soft-sided containers as they won't break when freezing and we may be in weather that is quite cold, I'll look for ones with a valve so we can lay them down and dispense water w/o taking the lid off.

Good idea on the star app, I'll be sure to get one. And I'll check out the knife situation as well.

On the head lamp, my son bought me a Petzl one some time ago that is rechargeable, so I'll take it for sure. And I'm pretty sure he has one as well, so will probably bring it with him.

He also got me an Mpowerd Solar Light String, which is also rechargeable. I like the string and it looks to be good to light up the inside of a tent quite well - both bright enough and from many different points. However I was a bit confused about the documentation as the owner's manual shows there to be both a Type-A and micro-USB port under the flap, but mine doesn't have the micro one. It does have a USB plug on the end of the light wire for charging, but that's not very convenient for charging in the truck while we are underway as you have to pop the bottom open and extend the cable. So today I chatted with the manufacturer and found that you can charge it via the Type-A USB port. So I ordered a male/male USB cable today and I'll be able to charge the light string during the day.

[BigBrother-84]

Water Container: [...] in Jan or Feb as it'll probably be below freezing so the container will have to be amenable to that.

Gary, not sure about the water question.

What we usually do: Buy these kind of spring water cans in a grocery (or re-fill ones we kept), freeze them in the freezer (this may take couple of days to hard freeze) and use them as ice block in our coolers. Keeping our food fresh, they gradually melt without watering the cooler stuff, and we drink this clean melted ice water.

Two targets with one bullet...

But if I was in a freezing temperature situation, I would keep my liquid water stock in the cab.

Overnight won't be enough to freeze a full water gallon, and it'll melt again during day trip.

Does it stay under freezing point in daytime too? If not, the "gallon in the coolers" stays a good way to keep food fresh and dry.

[Rusty_S85]

For the lanterns I have always liked the Stream Light Siege lanterns.

They come in various lumens and various types of powered and all have a red lens for night vision preservation. They have the following types

#44941 Siege 200 Lumen x3 AA batteries. High setting provides 200 lumens with a 7 hour run time. Low setting provides 50 lumens and able to run 37 hours. They come in two sizes as well standard and ultra compact.

#44931 Siege 540 Lumen x3 D batteries. High setting provides 540 lumens with a 30 hour run time. Low setting provides 55 lumens and able to run 295 hours

#44947 Super Siege 1100 Lumen rechargeable battery. High setting provides 1100 lumens with a 5.75 hour run time. Low setting provides 125 lumens with a 36.25 hour run time. This one also has a USB charge port to recharge your phone or tablet.

Price wise they arent too bad for a Streamlight product. The 200 lumen can be had for $28.60 on amazon, the 540 lumen can be had for $34.89 and the 1100 lumen which is their newest offering is $132.78 which is still cheaper than the $150 - $175 for their flash lights.

[grumpin]

For the lanterns I have always liked the Stream Light Siege lanterns.

They come in various lumens and various types of powered and all have a red lens for night vision preservation. They have the following types

#44941 Siege 200 Lumen x3 AA batteries. High setting provides 200 lumens with a 7 hour run time. Low setting provides 50 lumens and able to run 37 hours. They come in two sizes as well standard and ultra compact.

#44931 Siege 540 Lumen x3 D batteries. High setting provides 540 lumens with a 30 hour run time. Low setting provides 55 lumens and able to run 295 hours

#44947 Super Siege 1100 Lumen rechargeable battery. High setting provides 1100 lumens with a 5.75 hour run time. Low setting provides 125 lumens with a 36.25 hour run time. This one also has a USB charge port to recharge your phone or tablet.

Price wise they arent too bad for a Streamlight product. The 200 lumen can be had for $28.60 on amazon, the 540 lumen can be had for $34.89 and the 1100 lumen which is their newest offering is $132.78 which is still cheaper than the $150 - $175 for their flash lights.

That’s interesting. I have/had Streamlight products.

They are spendy but very nice!

Edit: I went and looked at their products on Amazon, very reasonable. I bought a Stinger, I guess 15-20 years ago and I thought I paid $150 or more. I liked that light. I don’t remember what happened to it, must have grown legs and ran off!

[AmericanSavage]

If you are in the boonies, here is what would be on my list:

Flint

survival/tactical knife

rifle

if near water--fishing poles

first aid kit

fresh water/water filter (portable)

 

[Gary Lewis]

For the lanterns I have always liked the Stream Light Siege lanterns.

They come in various lumens and various types of powered and all have a red lens for night vision preservation. They have the following types

#44941 Siege 200 Lumen x3 AA batteries. High setting provides 200 lumens with a 7 hour run time. Low setting provides 50 lumens and able to run 37 hours. They come in two sizes as well standard and ultra compact.

#44931 Siege 540 Lumen x3 D batteries. High setting provides 540 lumens with a 30 hour run time. Low setting provides 55 lumens and able to run 295 hours

#44947 Super Siege 1100 Lumen rechargeable battery. High setting provides 1100 lumens with a 5.75 hour run time. Low setting provides 125 lumens with a 36.25 hour run time. This one also has a USB charge port to recharge your phone or tablet.

Price wise they arent too bad for a Streamlight product. The 200 lumen can be had for $28.60 on amazon, the 540 lumen can be had for $34.89 and the 1100 lumen which is their newest offering is $132.78 which is still cheaper than the $150 - $175 for their flash lights.

Jeff - Those containers would work as they have the valve that would make it easy to use them.

As for temps, we don't know what they will be. We don't even know for sure where we are going nor when, which will make a difference. But last year when Janey and I went to Arkansas we saw temps below freezing all day and down to 12F one night.

Rusty - I want all of my lights to be rechargeable. The flashlights are, the string lights are, and the lantern should be. So the Super Siege 1100 is certainly an option. Thanks for the suggestion.

Speaking of the string lights, I'm very disappointed in Mpowerd. Their customer support rep told me yesterday that I could charge it via the USB port in the body, so I ordered a male/male cable and it came in today. Turns out the guy was wrong. Or, I should say that it appears the guy was wrong. When you plug the connector on the end of the light string into a charger port the lights on the top of the body flash. But not when you plug into the USB port.

I've contacted Mpowerd and have explained that I'm not a happy camper as their rep gave me bad info, and that doesn't make me thrilled to buy a lantern from them.

[Gary Lewis]

If you are in the boonies, here is what would be on my list:

Flint

survival/tactical knife

rifle

if near water--fishing poles

first aid kit

fresh water/water filter (portable)

Missed your post, sorry. But I think we'll take matches in waterproof containers. However the knife is something I'd not thought of. And I have a very nice first aid kit behind the seat.

As for the fishing pole, my son would like that, but on this trip we are traveling instead of fishing, so will pass.

Thanks!