The summer this year was one of the hottest I can remember from my 30 summers in Hokkaido. It was a busy and overall a fun time, exercising, camping, but most of all running the school. I've always been a camper but I have to admit that it wasn't my favorite activity and I prefer to hike, cycle, or even kayak. Camping for us involves bringing all the creature comforts we have to a nature setting and mimicking the exact lifestyle we have at home, but just not at home. Until now, I felt this to be a silly pursuit and a mind boggling hassle. I realized I disliked the way we were camping and the non camp items we camped with. I have started to collect camp goods, upgrading my camping set-up and have become dangerously close to being a camp geek.
The DOD Okura Tarp
This table is not the lightest but it was not expensive and I had been using it for about 3 years and can testify to its durablility. I decided to increase my tablel space and bought the same table again. There were some design changes but the tables are compatible and I think they look alright too.
I picked up three of these side tables for cooking and just to have for anything kind of table. They are light, easy to set up and they will last I'm sure. This make the camp experience richer for sure. So convenient.
Very recently, I picked this up during a sale at the local outdoor store Paddle Club. I haven't been able to take in and fathom what kind of uses this might have but it is super light, compact and easy to set up.
I also picked up thhis affordable cot from WAQ camping supplies. It works as a bench, make-shift table, and, of course, it provides a place to lay down and relax after a hard day camping.
Although I haven't used a gas lantern or an oil lamp in quite a while, I was a little dissatisfied with the Balmuda lanterns that I owned. They are interesting in that at a low level they are orange and turned up full they have a normal white LED feeling. I don't like them because of the short battery life. The internal battery also takes a very long time to charge up completely. This new Lumena2 outdoor light has a workhorse of a battery and the four settings allow you to choose how much you want to see f a particular setting. This is just a ridiculously practical light without any flare or romance. It comes in a close second to my trusty head lamp.
I've actually been using this head lamp for over two years now and it is definitely the best one I've ever had. Turns night into day and has a variety of colors to amaze your fellow campers. I use it for early morning hiking and walking the dog. If it broke, I would have to get another. It has proved its usefullness very well.
I kind of accidentally took possession of my friend's wine tumbler because I failed to return it promptly. I used it a little and then realized I had to get my own, SO I did. I got the navy and light blue versions and whatever it is, it stays cold or hot. I like the way it feels in my habd too. Unfortunately it is not a good fit for the cup holder in my car.
The Le Creuset wine cooler is so useful I will never go without again. How was I able to manage before I got them? I have two and the whites are always well chilled. I'm sure it works for big bottles of beer too although I've never tested it out. I mimicked my friend who had two black ones. I bought two red ones so as not to get confused. I use them nearly every day for wine, wine, and wine. but occasionally just to cool something down.
Sure, my old collection of plastic, wood, and ceramic dishes did the job and I had no intention of going in for a 20,000 yen set of designer dishes, but a very good friend and generous one as well gave us a present of the Snow Peak stackable stainless steel dish set
This is another item that I discovered when researching on YouTube. I have used it once or twice and so far I like it for its lightweight and cooking ability. It also loos pretty cool too.
As far as a fueling the cooking fires, I've always been keen to use charcoal or wood but this is a new item for me because it has a strong flame that is good for outdoor cooking, The old cassette burner I had always used was built for indoor work. This one is simply better.
I picked this one outon the net and decided to get it based on reviews. After a few uses, the metal warped and the fit became a little awkward. It has returned to a relatively level position lately and Ihope that it continues to hold up. I haven't made use of the dutch oven hooks yet. Also, it is a little smaller than I imagined, but seeing as how we are only two people,it is an option. I AM thinking about acquiringa proper fire pit though.
That's the scoop for the camping kit. All of these addition have come in the last couple of years and some were purchased and some were received. These upgrades have really made the camping experience more outdoorsy and fun. I have never really been excited to go camping but now I am searching for campsites that I like. Maybe I'll put those sites up in the next BLOG. When will that be?
Outdoorsly,
Pat
