Author Topic: Wild camping novice  (Read 7885 times)

Maggot

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Re: Wild camping novice
« Reply #15 on: 21:52:49, 12/04/18 »
Here you go, everything you need in Alpkit bundle......


https://www.alpkit.com/bundles/microadventure-bivvy-bundle

marmottungsten

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Re: Wild camping novice
« Reply #16 on: 23:29:10, 12/04/18 »
If you're just starting out you want bomber kit which is cheap, nobody is going to drop a fortune on stoves, inflatable Neoairs or whatever.


About the cheapest you'll get in the UK is Multimat's inflatable range (their Camper model about £15, and their Superlite S (short) is £25).  If you want cheaper still, look at the roll-up mats from Decathlon who are likely half the cost of the Camper, at the cost of less comfort.


As for the BRS, it is meant to be the holy grail of ultralight stoves yet you pay £7 you get what you pay for.  The arms are tiny and don't take a full pot very securely, and whilst the stove may be feathlight, I don't consider it especially robust nor useful in the UK climate where you'll often have significant wind.




But there is an ultralight and very cheap solution for that problem, you seem to be unaware of...For another £7.99, you can get the Docooler Titanium Outdoor Camping Stove Wind Shield (that weighs just 18.1 grams!)...So wind is no longer an issue with such stoves!  O0   
« Last Edit: 23:33:06, 12/04/18 by marmottungsten »

marmottungsten

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Re: Wild camping novice
« Reply #17 on: 23:43:11, 12/04/18 »
Here you go, everything you need in Alpkit bundle......




Way too heavy and far too expensive...That Kraku stove that comes with that bundle weighs 20 grams more than the BRS, so even when using an optional Docooler ultra thin Titanium windshield, weighing 18.1 grams, with the BRS it is still 1.9 grams lighter than the Kraku, and over 8 quid cheaper!

Maggot

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Re: Wild camping novice
« Reply #18 on: 07:44:26, 13/04/18 »

Way too heavy and far too expensive...That Kraku stove that comes with that bundle weighs 20 grams more than the BRS, so even when using an optional Docooler ultra thin Titanium windshield, weighing 18.1 grams, with the BRS it is still 1.9 grams lighter than the Kraku, and over 8 quid cheaper!


Ha ha, 1.9 grams ;D


The OP  is looking to start a new venture to see if he likes it, but you are suggesting weight savings in the range of a 1/3 of a packet of crisps. Indeed 1.9 grams is around the weight of a Malteser.  I look forward to you suggesting he doesn't stand in a muddy puddle because the mud he gets on his shoes will weigh more than all your petty weight savings put together. 


In the beginning one should buy solid, well tested, reliable and comfortable kit.  Learn how to use it, then slowly replace it if you enjoy it.  Walking is not always more enjoyable if you have lighter kit, it is more enjoyable if you are enjoying it.


OP, don't fret about a few grams, go for a walk, have a kip on a hill, make a brew and relax, you'll love it  O0

April

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Re: Wild camping novice
« Reply #19 on: 14:04:01, 13/04/18 »
For a long time when I went out camping I used a very cheap sleeping bag supplemented with some warmth layers. I also used to use a foam mat which became 2 foam mats for extra comfort. I managed to survive for quite a number of years without having to spend a lot of money for a bag or mat. To the Willow the OP, what you buy now may not really suit you and you might have to try a few mats or stoves to find the one that suits you best.

I hate the thick mats, like the one beefy has, I think its an exped synmat, I find them very uncomfortable to lie on but beefy loves it. We are all different. I have become a bit more decrepit in my old age so I have progressed to a Thermarest Prolite and a more expensive sleeping bag for a bit of extra comfort. I use a foam mat underneath for extra insulation. This combination suits me but won't suit everybody.

For another £7.99, you can get the Docooler Titanium Outdoor Camping Stove Wind Shield (that weighs just 18.1 grams!)...So wind is no longer an issue with such stoves!  O0   

This is only 15cm high so may not be tall enough for a stove that screws on to the top of a gas canister depending on how big a gas canister you use. It would be great for remote canister stoves, at that weight I might get one myself for our remote. They sell a 19cm high wind shield so this may be a better height?

Hate will never win

alan de enfield

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Re: Wild camping novice
« Reply #20 on: 14:31:31, 13/04/18 »




Try the 'Poundshops'


I purchased a 'Turkey Roasting Tray' ( for - guess what - just £1).
It is a 'disposable' lightweight tray comprising of 'heavyweight aluminium foil'.


I use a Stove that sits on top of the gas cylinder.
I rested a pot on the stove top and measure the required height.


Cut this out of the 'tray' slightly larger. (say 20mm)


Then took this and 'wrapped' it around the stove (leaving a more than 'pan-sized' air-gap) for about 75% of the circumference and again cut this off slightly oversized (say 20mm)


Fold the edges back about 5mm on all 4 sides, then fold them 5mm again on all 4 sides (to give extra rigidity)


The windbreak cost £1 plus 10 minutes time and weighs 13 grams & is free standing when 'curved' in position.


WARNING - (this applies to shop bought, or home made windshields) do not make your windbreak fit too closely, or for the full circumference of the stove/ cartridge / pan as the reflected heat can overheat the gas cartridge and cause 'a catastrophic explosion'.
To start with, check the temperature of the gas cartridge every couple of minutes (touch it with your finger) until you are happy it will not overheat.
The advantage is that the heat reflected onto the cartridge will actually help with Gas flow in very cold conditions. I'm sure we have all seen the 'frost' produced on gas cylinders in cold weather, as the gas flow the pressure drops and the cartridge can freeze-up.


Alternatively (and avoiding the overheating cartridge problem)  buy a nice big pie (Bakewell Tart etc) eat the pie and make a windbreak that fits directly to the stove.
By reflecting heat 'back-up' to the base of the pot you actually get 'more for your money' with a quicker boil (and less gas)


Not my picture - lifted from Google :


« Last Edit: 14:49:13, 13/04/18 by alan de enfield »

marmottungsten

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Re: Wild camping novice
« Reply #21 on: 17:03:42, 13/04/18 »



Try the 'Poundshops'


I purchased a 'Turkey Roasting Tray' ( for - guess what - just £1).
It is a 'disposable' lightweight tray comprising of 'heavyweight aluminium foil'.


I use a Stove that sits on top of the gas cylinder.
I rested a pot on the stove top and measure the required height.


Cut this out of the 'tray' slightly larger. (say 20mm)


Then took this and 'wrapped' it around the stove (leaving a more than 'pan-sized' air-gap) for about 75% of the circumference and again cut this off slightly oversized (say 20mm)


Fold the edges back about 5mm on all 4 sides, then fold them 5mm again on all 4 sides (to give extra rigidity)


The windbreak cost £1 plus 10 minutes time and weighs 13 grams & is free standing when 'curved' in position.


WARNING - (this applies to shop bought, or home made windshields) do not make your windbreak fit too closely, or for the full circumference of the stove/ cartridge / pan as the reflected heat can overheat the gas cartridge and cause 'a catastrophic explosion'.
To start with, check the temperature of the gas cartridge every couple of minutes (touch it with your finger) until you are happy it will not overheat.
The advantage is that the heat reflected onto the cartridge will actually help with Gas flow in very cold conditions. I'm sure we have all seen the 'frost' produced on gas cylinders in cold weather, as the gas flow the pressure drops and the cartridge can freeze-up.


Alternatively (and avoiding the overheating cartridge problem)  buy a nice big pie (Bakewell Tart etc) eat the pie and make a windbreak that fits directly to the stove.
By reflecting heat 'back-up' to the base of the pot you actually get 'more for your money' with a quicker boil (and less gas)


Not my picture - lifted from Google :





A good suggestion but I worry that Aluminium windshields will melt, especially when used with a powerful stove like the BRS (2700 Watts at full power) because the melting point of Aluminium is only 660 degrees C. and the flame temperature of the BRS is probably somewhere around 850-1000 degrees C...Hence why Titanium, with a melting point of 1660 Degrees C, is the best material to use.

 

fernman

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Re: Wild camping novice
« Reply #22 on: 17:21:04, 13/04/18 »
Titanium, with a melting point of 1660 Degrees C, is the best material to use.

It might be the best material, but also costly.
I recall someone posting (I think it was on here) about a titanium shield by Optimus that clipped onto the top of a gas cartridge, but for what it was the price was ludicrously high.

Alternatively (and avoiding the overheating cartridge problem)  buy a nice big pie (Bakewell Tart etc) eat the pie and make a windbreak that fits directly to the stove.
By reflecting heat 'back-up' to the base of the pot you actually get 'more for your money' with a quicker boil (and less gas)

What troubles me is that if this is so effective, and I don't doubt that is is, why don't manufacturers make stoves that incorporate something like this, rather that them being as they are without any sort of wind shielding at all?

alan de enfield

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Re: Wild camping novice
« Reply #23 on: 17:25:01, 13/04/18 »







What troubles me is that if this is so effective, and I don't doubt that is is, why don't manufacturers make stoves that incorporate something like this, rather that them being as they are without any sort of wind shielding at all?


They do - well at least the Chinese copies do. If I get the chance tonight I'll troll thru ebay and get some examples.


One quick one - one way of including a wind break into the stove :
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OUTAD-Windproof-Foldable-CamFZng-Stove-for-Outdoor-Picnic-Backpacking-Hiking-FZ/192445178320?_trkparms=aid%3D555018%26algo%3DPL.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D49129%26meid%3D3845811395eb44b2a89f5631c5f05a5e%26pid%3D100010%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D253031590387%26itm%3D192445178320&_trksid=p2047675.c100010.m2109



And another type ;


£7 from a UK Seller :



And another :



And another.


« Last Edit: 18:27:55, 13/04/18 by alan de enfield »

willow229

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Re: Wild camping novice
« Reply #24 on: 18:00:57, 13/04/18 »
Thanks again everybody, advice is valuable. I don’t post often but this site is such a great resource  O0

alan de enfield

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Re: Wild camping novice
« Reply #25 on: 18:03:48, 13/04/18 »


A good suggestion but I worry that Aluminium windshields will melt, especially when used with a powerful stove like the BRS (2700 Watts at full power) because the melting point of Aluminium is only 660 degrees C. and the flame temperature of the BRS is probably somewhere around 850-1000 degrees C...Hence why Titanium, with a melting point of 1660 Degrees C, is the best material to use.




A valid concern - but I have not had any problems with my 3kw Chinese stoves - remember that many, many pans, pots, billy cans and 'dixies' are aluminium, they are in direct contact with the heat, but don't have problems (maybe because the contents are 'cooling' the pan ?)


The foil windshield will not be in direct contact with the flames / heat and will be reflecting back much of what it does get, and is cooled by the 'wind' on the other side of the foil.

fernman

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Re: Wild camping novice
« Reply #26 on: 20:31:02, 13/04/18 »
They do - well at least the Chinese copies do. If I get the chance tonight I'll troll thru ebay and get some examples.

Thanks for that. Looks like I need to get out more. Things have obviously advanced since the days when you used to rub two boy scouts together.

Maggot

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Re: Wild camping novice
« Reply #27 on: 21:16:37, 13/04/18 »
Thanks for that. Looks like I need to get out more. Things have obviously advanced since the days when you used to rub two boy scouts together.


Scouts are now between 10 and 14 1/2 years old, an age where young people often going through puberty and develop muscle and bulk.  You would be better off taking two two small Cubs, you would save yourself over a stone in weight  O0

marmottungsten

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Re: Wild camping novice
« Reply #28 on: 22:21:33, 13/04/18 »
It might be the best material, but also costly.
I recall someone posting (I think it was on here) about a titanium shield by Optimus that clipped onto the top of a gas cartridge, but for what it was the price was ludicrously high.


The Docooler ultralight (18.1 grams) Titanium windshield costs just £7.99 on Amazon...Hardly ludicrously expensive!

The Wondering Wanderer

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Re: Wild camping novice
« Reply #29 on: 23:40:18, 13/04/18 »
Here you go, everything you need in Alpkit bundle......


https://www.alpkit.com/bundles/microadventure-bivvy-bundle


I had heard of this brand before but never visited the website.


So far I like what I've seen. You've given me another website to add to my kitporn browsing.


Thanks muchly.
I'm wondering about wandering and wonder where I might wander if I wander while I wonder.

 

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