By the way, the kettle handle is ACE - better than the original I think.
Go to
http://photobucket.com/ and create an account (it's free).
Once you've uploaded you'll have a page with slides of your photos and underneath each one is a short list starting 'Email & IM' and ending with 'IMG code'. All you have to do then is click on the word IMG Code and it automatically copies the link. Paste this into your BCUK post and Bob's your uncle.
Cheers will do but will have to wait till I get home as I cant upload anything here
If anyone has any advice for a beginner's kit, low to medium budget, then please post it up here - tarp, hammock, sleeping bag, bivvy, hat, pack, knife, axe (if relevant), saw, footwear, clothing etc.
I think this is a little harder than it sounds as you can use cheap kit for a while but in the long term it is better to buy quality kit (expensive does not indicate quality though).
also some people new to camping out may prefer either bivi sleeping or tent sleeping rather than hammock sleeping. ?
I am new to "bushcraft" but have been sleeping out for a long time so I don't mind giving my opinion but that's all it is so please anyone feel free to correct me.
I am going to assume the reader has no camping experience im not trying to re write anything or teach anyone to suck eggs.
First is to decide if you want to sleep on the floor or on a hammock.
I have never used a hammock but I am planning of moving over after speaking to lots of people who have.
Don't buy a hammock until you have seen them as they are not all the same and it appears you do get what you pay for. DD and Henesie are very different.
In cooler weather you will get cold in a hammock without either a sleeping mat of some sort or a under blanket. The reason for this is EVERY sleeping bag gives almost zero insulation when compressed and this is what happens when you lie on it. then the hammock allows air flow to remove whatever heat you are producing from your under side.
Sleeping bag
I will not recommend a type or make of sleeping bag it up to you and your budget don't get sucked into the synthetic verses down argument if your on a budget you cant afford the argument.
I recently bought a relatively decent bag on sale from a camping shop for £16
for the better half.
always buy a bag that says the comfort rating is slightly cooler than you will camp in as the system is very ambiguous better to be warm than cold. personally I don't use anything with a comfort rating higher than 0- 2 DegC but the one I have now is lower and rated at -2 to 0 DegC you can always use it as a blanket if its to warm.
Tarps,
unless you buy a hammock with one built in you will need one and even then you will probably want another one. I have always used ground sheets with eyelets as they a mucho cheapo £4 for a 3m x 3m.
Axe
in my opinion if your buying new you do need to spend a min of £20 here you can buy cheaper but you will have trouble sharpening it and using it. or buy a decent 2nd hand one.
I like the Friskar brand now under Wilkinson but you don't need an axe strait away a hand saw will do most of what you need I use a saw more than my axe.
Hand saw
again you get what you pay for about £20 will get you a Bhaco Laplander or get a Friskar again will show as Wilkinson now ?
Sleeping mats,
closed cell they are cheap, work well and light weight. if your on a budget no need to get into the discussions of therma rests I have used a military closed cell for a long time and I have no complaints.
Bivi bag,
if your on the deck its a bit of a must to keep the damp of your sleeping bag an ex military one will be cheep only buy breathable ones non breathable will get you wet with condensation
Cooking ware
on a budget you cant go wrong with a cheap billy can or some mess tins. its better with something with a lid if you can get it as more efficient.
Tin Mug
The old style ceramic coated ones are cheap and useful and you can put on or near the fire to heat stuff.
I know this is very general but this subject can go on forever with hundreds of links the best thing is have a look around and ask people about specific products.
hope this is slightly useful
M
