Wales 2015 - Suggested kit for a first timer
 

Hi Chaps,

The Wales trip will be my first ever camping trip and my first time 'travelling' on a bike (we all have to start somewhere)

I've been getting the bike ready over the last few months and buying lots of camping gear. I've got to the point now where I think I might finally have everything:


*Tent
*Sleeping bag
*Inflatable sleeping mat with pillow :supergay:
*Cooking equipment (not sure this is really going to be necessary but who doesn't like to carry flammable liquids)
*Torch/headlamp
*Small tool kit (tyre levers, spanner, hex keys etc.)

Still to get:

*Spare inner tubes
*Beer


I don't think I've forgotten anything too obvious but I'd hate to be the guy who turns up without any of the right gear.

As always, any advice is greatly appreciated.

You seem to have it covered although a lightweight chair is handy. These seem to have gone up in price but really are small / easy to pack;
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/C1-ULTRALI...item2c9585b035

You've got the main things covered, just a few random ones off the top of my head

Cup/thermos cup for a tea/coffee in the morning

A standard waterproof jacket and possibly trousers so you can get out of your bike gear and still walk outside without fear of getting wet.

Camping towel, basically very thin, light weight, small pack size towel so you can dry after a shower.:bath:

Big thick plastic bags. Even though panniers, roll bags etc say they are waterproof it easy to spilt stuff and space in smaller bags plus when inside your tent or outside it means you can leave or set stuff on the ground without fear of it getting wet

Comfy camp chair as they may be many an hour spent drinking the beer and talking bikes!!!!!!

Thanks, guys. This is exactly the type of insight I was after. I'm glad I posted now, I'd have ended up being the only person not sat down while frantically trying to inflate my tyre by blowing into it.

Off to eBay!

As for taking a chair, I've got one of these. OK it's technically a stool, but folds up into a miniscule pack, weighs nothing and is pretty cheap. Superb quality too.

But there is no beer holding facility! :ban:

No need if you drink fast enough! ;)

Sorry I'm a bit late on this one.

This is version 1, still have a long way to go yet.

Also still have to fit it all in first!

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...413_225317.jpg

Hi Arn
I'm also based in Liverpool and going on the Wales trip let me know if you,d like to meet up before hand
Regards
geoff

Cheers WeaveMcQuilt. That clears up my questions about what to bring in the way of food. Sun cream??? I admire your optimism! :sweat:

Geoff,

Sounds good mate. Let me know when your free. I'll be heading over to Wales on Thursday late AM if you fancy some company.

hi Arn
apolgies for the delay in replying I'm actually going over around 9:30am Thursday if thats any good, if not I'll see you there

Hi Geoff,

That is a bit early for me sorry, I'll see you there!

The important bits to have are a waterproof tent a good sleep mat and a warm sleeping bag.
We have covered barn area for socialising and a brazier to keep warm by. There are pub style bench / seats available

Bring a change of comfy clothes and a shower kit.

The most important bit of kit is your own mug, food and beer is readily available locally. I am always available to make a cuppa.

If you haven't done a lot of camping before I would just get the basics and then see what other equipment others use and make your own judgement from their experiences.
I personally carry everything for every eventuality, but then I've been doing this for the last 40 years.............but then I'm obsessive!:tongue1:

Importantly DO NOT WORRY you will be taken care of if you forget something.

PS Geoff get the kettle on!

In a week's time, I'm off round Europe for a couple of months, so I'll be bringing absolutely everything to Wales.

Be good to have a wee look in everyone's kit and see what I've forgotten!

I'm in the final stages of packing and prepping.
I laid it all out twice, checked my lists, went shopping again, re-packed it.
It doesn't seem like a lot of kit for three months, and I actually take more stuff when I'm working away.

It will be interesting to see what you are taking and compare notes.