packing fragile gear
Submitted: Saturday, Mar 18, 2006 at 02:25
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Member - Bware (Tweed Valley)
Good morning!
Now that I've accumulated more camping gear, I'm wondering how about the different methods used for packing things like gas lanterns, fleuros, even things that may seem more solid but may get bent if jolted around between other gear. If you wrap everything in towels you end up taking half your linen closet with you. I try to keep things in the box they come in but they don't last long. I had the idea to coat the boxes they come in with gaffer tape for endurance? What are your thoughts/tips/general banter/sarcastic remarks/soapbox stances?
Reply By: Member - Patrick (QLD) - Saturday, Mar 18, 2006 at 04:00
Saturday, Mar 18, 2006 at 04:00
I use a few plastic storage boxes, the ones you get from the el cheapo discount stores for all my camping gear. There are the large ones for stoves, lights and ropes and the smaller ones for food, and cooking utentials.
I have moved away from gas lights/bottles and now only use 12 volt as it offers better coverage, safer conditions and you don't have to lug heavy bottles around. Even the stove is one of those newer units that has a small gas can inside it which all reduces the space required. There is only the two of us when we go camping so the gear that we take is quite compact to start with.
With the storage boxes all the gear fits neatly in the rear of the Patrol with no real movement at all.
Cheers, Patrick
AnswerID:
161274
Reply By: Member - Ivan (ACT) - Saturday, Mar 18, 2006 at 08:16
Saturday, Mar 18, 2006 at 08:16
If you are still using lanterns with mantles, make sure you pack them vertically - especially if they only tie at the top - a whole lot better chance of them surviving..
I only take my gas lantern now on a standing
camp - if I'm moving more often than not, I'll just stick with 12v - saves a stack on mantles ;-)
Fluro, if a decent brand, can be shoved almost anywhere
The trick I think, is not to have to wrap everything (too much extra stuff as you say, AND too much mucking about ;-), but to pack things firmly so as to minimise movement, or use other items in between..
ie, I have a set of drawers the same height as my fridge, which leaves a narrow space to either side of the drawers. I put our five sleeping bags in here vertically - but I can put two bottles of wine/bundy/etc between each bag without it touching anything else that will cause an issue.
One thing we do have is a tupperware container (big square one) for bread - I HATE squashed bread ;-)
AnswerID:
161289
Follow Up By: Member - Andrew W (SA) - Saturday, Mar 18, 2006 at 20:06
Saturday, Mar 18, 2006 at 20:06
with you on the mantles Ivan.
I use one each trip basically - they get so brittle.
And I'll be damned if I could find a stockist from Alice to
Darwin!
The hardware stores don't have them, and the only place - Rod and Gun I think in
Katherine was clozed on Sundays.
Ciao for now
Andrew.
FollowupID:
416125
Reply By: Lone Wolf - Saturday, Mar 18, 2006 at 08:19
Saturday, Mar 18, 2006 at 08:19
Not really too sure, on the fragility of most camping gear, as it's pretty hardy stuff.
Obviously common sense prevails whereby lanterns and stuff is concerned, but the rest of it, just gets shoe horned into place,
well, sort of...
I guess, If you are like me, you will buy the latest widget, and treat it with kid gloves, for a bout two trips, then, all bets are off.
I use a series of heavy duty green cotton-canvas bags, and ALL, of my gear lives in those. The bags conform to any shape, and the rattles are non existent.
Again, most stuff nowadays is pretty bullet proof, and simple rubbing against each-other shouldn't be an issue.
Before closing, there is ONE thing I am always mindful of, and that is the secretion (not oozing, but hiding) of tent pegs in the tent bag. these buggers will put a hole on your tent real quick. Make sure that the little peg bag, is stowed deep inside the rolled tent, so as not to allow outside abrasions, and pokings-stabbings to occur.
Wolfie
AnswerID:
161291
Reply By: JJ - Saturday, Mar 18, 2006 at 09:09
Saturday, Mar 18, 2006 at 09:09
Gas light: ours is always stored upright in a large tin (milk powder/catering size fruit/
Milo), lined to firm fit with 1/4" foam rubber sheeting (bubble wrap these days?) with extra on the bottom. Only ever busted mantles due to other factors!
Fluro's: if neccessary bubble wrap for firm fit and push into postpak tube of right length.
Tent pegs: use a disused side opening tool bag (like what comes with vehicle) or make one to size.
AnswerID:
161298