whyallacookie replied:

For lighting we use the cheap $10 fluro from a discount variety store and a gell cell (7amp/h ?)

Works a treat as we only camp 1 or 2 days in the same spot.

We like our $20 cooker too, only reason we usually use the 2 burner now is if it is cold (heats up much quicker)

jackablue replied:

I have the garden spray setup works a treat. I also have two single burner stoves.(but not for the cold as they don't work.)I tend to have all sorts of set ups from small tent to large tent to camper trailer and mix and match to suit the trip.

Moose replied:

G'day Oldbaz
As far as I can see many so called clever ideas just mean more crap to cart around. I carry too much as it is. :-)
I doubt anyone has any unique camping tips but here's a few possibly useful ones:
* Use a stainless steel coffee plunger - unbreakable and the coffee tastes a lot better than instant.
* You mentioned tripping over guy ropes - use light coloured ones - they are easier to see in the dark.
* A mat at the tent/camper/caravan door saves getting a heap of unwanted dirt etc inside.
* Check the ground carefully before pegging out the tent/camper - those bloody horrible jumping/bull/green ant nests are sneaky buggers that only materialise when it's too late.
* Look up too for potentially dangerous dead timber.
Cheers from the Moose

Member - jjt98 (QLD) replied:

I know this has been done before but heating up the garlic bread under the bonnet (the w/worths special wrapped in foil) on the way to your next stop aways works a treat.
I also find it useful to carry a wife with me to do those little things like set up camp etc.....just kidding babe - could be in trouble now :-(

Member - Oldbaz. NSW. replied:

Just remembered another time & energy saving tip for soft floor C/t like mine. Dont bother pegging down. Those with legs in the corners perform perfectly without staking to the ground. Watched many spend up to 20 min banging pegs in, & when asked why...says to in the book was the usual reply. As bride & I
slept on the floor there was no way it was going to go anywhere.
cheers...oldbaz.

Wayne (NSW) replied:

Oldbaz,

The Aussie Bush Kettle, I have had one for a dogs age, best thing since sliced bread.

Boils water in 2 minutes, I have used the twigs and gum leaves and it gives off a very bush aroma.
I mostly use a bit of metho in a small tray. Burns quick and clean, and if you can't wait for the billy to boil a quick sip of the metho and after a while you forget why you wanted hot water in the first place.

Wayne

Member - Duncan W (WA) replied:

If you carry a means of extinguishing spinafex fires eg a garden spray or old water fire extinguisher add a bit of washing detergent to the water it will make the water go further. The detergent is a surfactant and that is what we in the BFB use when fighting fires.

Use an old wAshing up detergent bottle with either diluted hand wash or detergent for or washing lunch time dishes. It's amazing how far 500ml of water will go.

If you have a rear mounted spare wheel carrier tape a bottle of lotion to it. Great for when you have to wash your hands.

Camp ovens make excellent storage areas for veggies, (when in the car that is).

Talc is an excellent repellent for ants when sprinkled around your tent or van stabilisers.

obee replied:

best shower for me was and is a half a bucket of water. no hoses no motors no taps. just soap and a piece of plastic to stand on.

owen

balko replied:

Get an old beer keg weld 4 legs on it and screw a tap fitting in it and sit it beside the fire. Hot water for cuppas, showers, and just fill the bucket for the washing up after dinner and brekky. Just dont let it run dry fill every 2-3 days ..... Also get 100 glow sticks off ebay hang them around kids necks at night and you can always see where there at and hang 1 in the tent for a night light for little ones Cheers Balko

Scrubcat replied:

G`Day Oldbaz,
Moose mentioned Bullants ( Inch-Jacks we call them ) usually find them AFTER you have set up camp. If you throw any meat scraps, chop bones etc. on their nest the ordinary meat ants move in and the bullies move out .Yep, guaranteed, works every time. If you still find Bullies around camp there is probably another nest.

Carry some small pieces of inner tube.One small bit is very good for starting the camp fire in wet conditions, it will light no matter how wet it is and burns long enough to get the fire going. ( Good for the greenies also .)

Any camping is good.

Scrubcat.

Member - lyndon K (SA) replied:

This might not work with every bull bar but my long handle shovel lives in the tube that runs through the bottom of it. Out of the way, almost out of site and always handy. Ocky strap the spade end so it doesn't work it's way out.
Cheers Lyndon

Member - LOS BUSH replied:

Like old the good ideas one we like is the 6mx6m piece of shade clothe on the ground around the tent or van entrance ,nothing seems to stick to it los

Member - Oldbaz. NSW. replied:

Some great ,simple ideas there folks. Must agree re the shade cloth...doubled it makes an excellent ground sheet under tents or
soft floor campers, leave a couple of feet extra all round to sit
stuff on...no dirt etc stuck on bottom of eskies etc. I find a siver tarp of correct size..too big, is great for reducing temperature,
prevents wet pack ups & staining. Put eyelets in to match your
annex poles etc. Takes minutes to put on & all that angst re leaks
& sealing hassles are no more.....oldbaz.