First overnighter, what'll I forget?

[tracker1972]

During the Christmas break I promised myself that I would finally take a night and overnight in our local woods. We have spent dozens of days there, I know exactly where the tarp will go and where the hammock will string. After some recent trials and tests recounted in another recent thread I bought a surplus Arctic sleeping bag and have the DD underquilt ready to go.

It didn't happen, first planning fail was not nailing down a night, so family and Christmas just took over. The solution to that is that next Saturday I'm doing it instead. It's booked, I'm going.

Although not the first night out in the hammock it'll be the first where I'm not next to the campervan for a morning cuppa, the loo, an easy bail out and basically, what am I going to forget that I'll wish I had?

I'll be making my tea and breakfast so that'll be covered. I've a couple of decent torches and the Christmas fairy replaced my broken magic candle lantern so I should be fed, warm and be able to see. I guess the question is, what do you all take now that you didn't at first that makes life easier or simply better? I know it's only one night and less that half an hour's walk from my house but I may as well enjoy it

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[Pockets]

I always forget cutlery. Spoon for me brew or a fork. Toiletries, and a carrier bag for your rubbish.

 

[tracker1972]

I always forget cutlery. Spoon for me brew or a fork. Toiletries, and a carrier bag for your rubbish.

Roll of bin bags always in the pack. A toothbrush is the kind of thing I would forget and not skimping on cutlery... Check.

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[mousey]

A chopping board is a handy thing to have, to be-able to prepare food, when I don't have one I miss it. But then you have to have proper food not just packet / tin stuff.

 

[tracker1972]

A chopping board is a handy thing to have, to be-able to prepare food, when I don't have one I miss it. But then you have to have proper food not just packet / tin stuff.

Good point, have a little board I've taken before but something a little larger might make food prep a little smoother and therefore enjoyable. Thank you.


Bonus question- I usually take 10-15 litres of water (I know, we share the carrying and there might be a dozen of us) for a day camp for plenty of drinks and plenty to make sure the fire is out. That's clearly overkill for me for one night. What do you all take? A couple of litres more than enough?

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[Philster]

I take two litres, that's normally enough to make a few brews and warm up boil in the bag food with a little left over for washing and a few sips in the night.

Take what you think you need - after your overnighter you'll be able to look back and see what you wish you had taken and also what you took but never used. Over a few trips you soon pare things down to what you truly need

 

[tracker1972]

I take two litres, that's normally enough to make a few brews and warm up boil in the bag food with a little left over for washing and a few sips in the night.

Take what you think you need - after your overnighter you'll be able to look back and see what you wish you had taken and also what you took but never used. Over a few trips you soon pare things down to what you truly need

I'm sure I will have a list of what I truly need. Mostly (and the current plan is first Saturday of every month, there, I've said it in public now!) it'll be my little luxury time for me away from the hubbub of daily life.
I'll probably struggle to walk with the list of wants as well as needs ;-)

Oh, and coffee will probably be from the Aeropress with evaporated milk. That's a need, not a want...

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[Janne]

For a true experience, take only your fire steel, a pot and some Oats. Water if none around.
Tarp hammock and sleeping bag.

 

[tracker1972]

For a true experience, take only your fire steel, a pot and some Oats. Water if none around.
Tarp hammock and sleeping bag.

I don't doubt that at times, probably during the summer, I'll just take the bare necessities for a more primal experience. This time though it'll be thoroughly over resourced! I'll will be including everything on your list though as porridge may well be a breakfast option

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[Janne]

I don't doubt that at times, probably during the summer, I'll just take the bare necessities for a more primal experience. This time though it'll be thoroughly over resourced! I'll will be including everything on your list though as porridge may well be a breakfast option

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The tarp, hammock and sleeping bag provides comfort and rest.
Fire gives you light, warmth and means to cook your food ( porridge) plus a warming drink using things from around you.


Summer or a (mild) British winter, that is all you need !

Try it! If you do not like it, go 'fully equped' next time!

 

[chris123]

Hot water bottle. Cheap doesn't weigh anything and keeps your toes toasty for hours. Who said roughing it had to be rough

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[tracker1972]

Hot water bottle. Cheap doesn't weigh anything and keeps your toes toasty for hours. Who said roughing it had to be rough

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Was going to take my Zippo hand warmer for spot warming, but wasn't going to use it in the bag for fear of too hot a hot spot. A hot water bottle might be a step too far in terms of pack space... However, I do have an aluminium bottle that I could carry water in... hmmm...

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[tree beard]

A loo roll can be quite handy unless you want to go for the full on Mountain man Sphagnum moss experience . . .

Oh and don't forget a lighter to burn It . . . after use of course.

 

[tracker1972]

A loo roll can be quite handy unless you want to go for the full on Mountain man Sphagnum moss experience . . .

Fair point, I was planning on taking some, your follow up comment has probably ensured it'll get packed early

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[Leshy]

Fair point, I was planning on taking some, your follow up comment has probably ensured it'll get packed early

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Hahahah, I'd pack it last . 😊
Or at least in a very ready accessible place...
Sometimes nature calls with great urgency.
👍

I always carry a spare change of clothes in the winter . If you get caught out in a downpour it's no big deal.
Nothing worse than being wet and cold.

additionally because I carry sharps and play with fire 😈 I always carry a small first aid kit with some Burns gel , low adherence bandages and plasters amongst other bits and bobs, not loads but just 1 or 2 of each is enough.

Hope this helps

 

[Janne]

Take two loo rolls, in separate plastic ziplock bags. Useful to wipe your hands, as a firestarter, hankie...
Two in case one gets wet.
Moss is vey hardcore. Once is enough.

 

[chris123]

Was going to take my Zippo hand warmer for spot warming, but wasn't going to use it in the bag for fear of too hot a hot spot. A hot water bottle might be a step too far in terms of pack space... However, I do have an aluminium bottle that I could carry water in... hmmm...

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Tbf with an arctic bag and an underquilt you'll be perfectly warm anyway. It's more of a luxury item. I don't do hammocks but if I did I'd have to have an empty bottle too getting in and out for a number 1 must be a pain in the butt

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[Robson Valley]

Do several "shake-down" trips. I predict that by #3 or #4, you will have a good plan what to take and how much.
I chuckle at this = I'm old. The mornings are a ritual in the house or in a tent.
1. Find my coat and boots. Start lots of water to heat. It will all get used.
2. Potty patrol. Enough said.
3. Two cups of good strong coffee. Midway through cup #2, my brain starts to function.
= = =
Leshy suggests a change of clothes in the winter if it rains (P#15).
At the very least tonight, -25C, maybe colder. I want to be underground. Pit House.

 

[Barney Rubble]

Just follow rays philosophy and you'll be covered:
Shelter
Sleep (in, on and under)
Cook kit
Cutting tools
Lighting
Clothing
Carrying

Oh and an add on would be hygiene. Don't forget tissues and maybe some hand sanitiser. When you get to camp, look around for a good leaning tree that's a safe distance from camp and also a stick that'll dig your hole.

2ltr of water will do you fine

Enjoy!

 

[Mike313]

I'd add a miniature brandy to the list. A little tot before bedding down for the night and the remainder in your coffee next morning.
Maybe pack a book, the night starts early this time of year and if you retire early you can have a read before sleep.
A wee-bottle will save you having to venture into the undergrowth if you are wakened in the night by a call of nature.