Hi J&D
Good to see your enthusiasm and wish list
A couple of things to think about first before you start anything.
How often do you plan on going
What will be the usual trip length
Where about's do you plan on going, caravan parks, remote outback etc...
Have you done any camping with the family
They may not even like it !
My motto is always were possible "Buy once, buy well" buying cheap usually lets you down and you have to replace it in the long run and you end up buying what you should have bought in the first place so it actually costs you more
Also electricity is nice and you will need to sort something out, but I would take minimal things after all aren't you supposed to be enjoying the outback. An ipad or similar is enough to keep them busy, use a car DVD when travelling to break the long drives.
Also a lot of general stuff you need is probably already in your house it is just a matter of finding that camping use.
Things I would not compromise on are -
- Torch, hand and head lamp at a few good quality ones (1 each plus in car, in toolbox etc...)
- Toilet (chemical seem to work well) and cubicle ($40 pop up), not knowing the family but I know a lot of ladies that like the privacy, also it gives you a respite from the flies... still can't get used to that fly tickle :lol:
- Shower have a look around there a heap of methods, but that unit or similar looks like a good idea. I use a small pressure sprayer bottle from Masters, fill it after lunch. Warm by dinner time 1lt gives you a good wash. Where we go water is a luxury so we use it very sparingly. We also use one of these for spraying the dishes, soak, rinse. Again using only about 600ml. We do boil some water for the wash, but use most for coffees after dinner.
- Good shoes and socks. You want to have a good grip and keep your feet comfy, sore feet = bad
- Multi tool there are plenty around, but I think Leatherman do a good one for around $60 of course you can spend hundreds if you want.
- Bedding I have used several self inflating types and they are fine, my mate takes an inflatable one and he hasn't had a problem. On rock they are not enough comfort for me even the thick ones. I have just brought a stretcher bed that my swag sits on. So I am off the ground and can sit on the bed rather than having to get up, to get out. Will see how comfortable on this next trip.
- Sleeping bags depending on where you go, there are some multi kit ones that have different layers you add. This could be handy if you are going to varied areas and times of the year. Something like this -
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/...s-3-pc-ecws-sleeping-bag-system.aspx?a=406440 FWIW I have purchased a few items from this company and had no problems. Top service.
- Cooking again depending on your family size, but LPG is usually the easiest. Even if you have a big 2-3 burner setup. Get a cheap $20 one you see around with the canisters, they are perfect for stopping and boiling some water for a cuppa.
- First Aid have a master kit, then a small kit that you carry when out walking etc... Don't need a lot but have something, also carry some Electrolyte drinks/satchels as well
- Solar we use a 120W unit secured to the roof, with a sealed battery in a box, all hooked up to Anderson plugs. With an outlet 12v to an inverter, this charges batteries and runs the led lights as well. We learned the hard way before and got a flat battery about 100k out of Coolgardie. So we always only use the solar kit now. Get one that is not effected by cloud or shade so much. Some only work if all the cells are in light. We will be running a fridge off this next time. I will update later on amps and how it went.
With all of that being said and done, you probably already now a lot of this but it may be useful for someone else as well. Whatever you do try and reduce weight and taking things you don't need. Try to take things that do multi jobs rather than a piece that just does one thing.
Make a list and keep adjusting it, what did you not take, what did you not use over the last 5 trips. What can be taken out or replaced by other items.
Most of all, slow down and enjoy the time out in the bush, we are the lucky country and there is a lot to see 8)
