Gear that I can't go without

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sterling may

Rank 0

Contributor I

Last weekend camping in the wet cold in east Texas was a good reminder of the gear that I had and the gear that I wish I had.
First off having my Mr. Heater was a game changer. I wouldn't have been able to sit in my camp chair and enjoy being outside without this. Also it didn't rip through my propane as I feared it would. Amazon.com: Mr. Heater, MH30T Double Tank Top Outdoor Propane Heater (Propane Cylinder not Included): Home & Kitchen.

Next the camping Chair. This is a new addition to me but I ended up loving is as it is as comfy as it is durable. Perfect for sitting around the campfire into the wee hours of the morning. https://amzn.to/37S2jzV

For cooking I was glad that I had my trusty camp chef dual burner with a flat top. With one burner flat top and the other for a pot or pan there isn't anything that you can't cook well and easily. https://amzn.to/2HOsZGV https://amzn.to/2JlQKH3

Then my pop up tent that became my makeshift kitchen when it started raining. Wouldn't have been able to cook without this. https://amzn.to/3e8SmPu

With it getting into the low 30's I was glad to have my north face mummy sleeping bag that kept me toasty on its own. By far the best bag that I have used. Amazon.com : Kelty Sleeping-Bags Cosmic 20 : Sports & Outdoors

Of course I had my OZ tent with me which couldn't have done a better job of keeping me warm and dry. Especially nice to have since it was windy and I didn't have to worry about it since it has such a substantial frame. Amazon.com : Oztent 30 Second Expedition 2-3 Person Tent (38 Lb) 6.6 ft(W) x 6.6 ft(D) x 6.6 ft(H) + 6.6 ft(Awning) : Sports & Outdoors

I slept on my Coleman cot which I have had forever and the thing doesn't wear out. Guarantees one of the best camping sleeps you can have. https://amzn.to/3kRDKq8

I got a couple little LED lanterns that were a new addition to my arsenal and made the campsite plenty bright in the pitch black. Also a key feature is that they are weather proof. https://amzn.to/2HMp7Ww

What are your essentials that are always going with you.
 

SorrTrek

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Founder 500
Launch Member

Pathfinder III

3,276
Washington, DC
First Name
Steven
Last Name
Sorrell
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0391

I just got the Portable Buddy heater. Its smaller but has done well the last couple weeks. Can even toast bagels on it.

I broke out our smaller tent and foam mat last weekend. Definitely missed out on the air mattress. And at least one new tent is in the cards next year.

Glad you had a good trip and figuring out the must haves.
 
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Tango Tiger

Rank V
Launch Member

Enthusiast III

1,407
DFW, TX, USA
First Name
Jeff
Last Name
Taylor
Member #

21425

This doesn’t apply to “always”, but if it’s cold and I’m sleeping in a ground tent, I like to put an insulated sleeping pad on my cot.
 
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FishinCrzy

Rank V

Advocate I

2,595
South Carolina, USA
First Name
Rob
Last Name
Duncan
Member #

19015

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StateHazmatResponder
My Kindle reader is nice since it is dark at 1930 and I rarely fall asleep before 2200. Realized while tripping around the N. Georgia mountains this week that a chainsaw is a good idea. I went under several deadfalls that could easily have blocked me in on a windy day. I saw many places where someone had cut trees out of the road. I had a pruning sized saw but that would not have worked well on a 16'"+ oak tree. Would still be up there! I just ordered a new pair of fishing waders since I discovered my old ones leaked like a sieve. They were fine last time?? That water was cold!
 

Biker Eagle

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Launch Member

Member III

2,306
Chelsea, AL, USA
First Name
Steve
Last Name
Culbertson
Member #

9519

Service Branch
Former NOPD LEO
For cold or wet weather camping, the Solo Bonfire firepit. It keeps the fire going regardless with nice even heat and virtually no smoke. And for sitting around the Solo, My GSI Firepit Rocker, a super comfy chair that's just the right height to really enjoy the fire.
 

OTH Overland

Local Expert Washington, USA
Member
Investor

Trail Blazer III

4,847
Camano Island, WA, USA
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Dave
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Ballard
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N7XQP
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Fire/EMS/SAR
Since we have a Grand Cherokee and no outside storage we went with a Makita 16" battery powered chainsaw. We love it!, no fuel to spill, smell up the vehicle, or go bad. Seems to have plenty of oomph to cut several trees out of the way on one set of batteries, I do carry a spare set just in case. No issue with batteries losing charge in storage after 6 months.
 

MOAK

Rank V
Launch Member

Off-Road Ranger I

2,865
Wernersville Public Library, North Reber Street, Wernersville, PA, USA
First Name
Donald
Last Name
Diehl
Member #

0745

Ham/GMRS Callsign
WRPN 506
Must haves? Good tent, (currently an Oztent) warm sleeping bags ( currently 15 degree bags )
safety kit, food, coleman dual fuel stove, water, maps, rain gear, stocked back packs, (used as emergency grab and go) PLB, tool kit, spare fluids, thats about it, anything more is a luxury and we drag plenty of that around.