Introduction
There are numerous gadgets you can take along but experience will teach you what's really essential.
Develop a note-taking system to jot down all thoughts that come to you, starting withg gear to take, food to take (bearing in mind some items may be bought on the way or near the camp-site), questions to ask about your proposed destination, details for locking up the house, clothing to pack, vehicle check-up.
This section provides you a list of things to help you on your way.
Vehicle and general equipment
- One or more spare tyres.
- Tyre-pressure gauge.
- Tyre-repair kit.
- First-aid kit.
- Electrical-control winch.
- Fire extinguisher.
- Shovels.
- Towing rope, chain and shackles, industrial-type gloves.
- High-lift or other type jack (which can also be used as a winch), wheel brace, base plate.
- Five-foot aluminium ladder (for use as a sand ladder).
- Air compressor.
- Hammer, crowbar, axe.
- Powerful hand lamp operated from socket for vehicle cigarette lighter.
- Air bag.
- Length of rope for general use.
- Basic tool kit, screwdrivers, insulated pliers, insulation tape, masking tape, spanners, spare sparkplugs and plug spanner, Stanley knife or similar, insulated wire for electrical
connections, roll of strong cord, jump- leads, can of WD4O etc. - Sheet of thick plastic, sacking or tarpaulin about 2x2 metres, This can be used under the wheel for traction, or to lie on if working under the vehicle, or for shade.
- Length of plastic or rubber hose
useful for siphoning petrol from one tank to another. - Large torch and batteries.
- Strap/stretch cords and plastic ties.
- Extra fluids and oil for various
vehicle parts. - Extra fuel, bulbs and wires of different types, and jump leads.
- Fan belt and radiator hose.
Personal items
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, toiletries.
- Candles and/or small torch, batteries.
- Matches or lighter.
- Insect repellent.
- Binoculars.
- Whistle.
- Extra clothing and hiking shoes.
- Food (depending on trip duration).
- Water.
- Maps, compass, GPS receiver.
- Mobile phone and/or satellite phone.
- Swiss Army knife or Leatherman.
- Pen and pencil, notebook.
- Swimsuit and towel.
- Sun-glasses, and sun-protection lotion with a high SPF.
- Camera, tripod and film.
- Waterproof bag.
Camp-site items
- Tent.
- Sleeping-bags or blankets.
- Roll-up mattresses.
- Groundsheet or mats.
- Pillows or cushions.
- Folding table and chairs/stools.
- Gas or battery lamps.
- Cool-box.
- Compact camp-stove.
- Two-burner stove fuel.
- Barbecue grid.
- Garbage bags.
- Charcoal, fire-lighters.
- Cutlery, tongs, tin opener, corkscrew, cutting knife.
- Plates, spoons, mugs.
- Frying pan, pots, pans, kettle.
- Washing-up cloth and liquid, soap.
- Kitchen-paper roll, tea towels.
- Wet wipes.
- Cutting board.
- Spare water supply for cooking and washing.
- Solar-heated bag shower.
- Aluminium foil.