We took a string of LED Christmas lights to Barrington Tops for our Christmas trip, our 5 year old loved them strung around the tent and vehicle awning. Can switch to white also. Used to bring a chainsaw and I bought a new one to take a couple of years ago but I find it is much easier to take a reciprocating saw with a pruning blade. I will chop through a 6" log easily and even bigger if you are patient. Takes up way less space, it's quieter and doesn't need fuel. Also a rattle gun for wheel nuts.
Great show as per usual, when we know we are going to campsites that have hard ground we do park the drill. Couple of sites come to mind in the Pilbara where the old hammer was useless and we were only allowed in didicated sites. Karijini and some DBCA sites in the south west of WA.
I get both ways of the chainsaw, but I don’t pack mine when we go away. I’d reach for someone else’s! 😂 We went camping over Christmas and on Christmas Day, a group of caravaners pulled up and started mowing, edging and chainsawing the 100% bush camp area and installed a walk handle down to the creek. 2.5hrs in and we packed up and left. Our only conclusion was it was for an elderly family member, but it was a bit much for that particular camping area. Lawn mower and edger, two things I would not pack!
A few things that have seemed to have added there way into camping set ups that are totally unnecessary in my opinion are coffee makers and microwaves.
In my opinion, don't take anything noisy or smelly that is going to possibly annoy or hinder someone else's camping trip. The big one I would love to see banned is those stupid Voom boxes and stereos. If you need to blast music put on headphones!
I reckon you're spot on regarding hindering other people's camping, make as much noise as you want, as long as you're the only one that can hear it. ~ Ben
Bingo on the use of chainsaw. I bring one because I do a lot of remote 4WD camping. It can be frustrating if you've been on a tight track for hours only having to turn back because a huge tree has fallen down across the only track. But I never ever use it once I'm in camp. With pre-prep, you can easily use a small axe if you need smaller pieces or kindling pieces to use as firewood.
Fallen trees seem to be a common rationale for a chainsaw, Hammer rocks. I wonder, how often others have been confronted with this though, I've never come across a fallen tree that has stopped my progress. Furthermore, in the instance of this happening, how many times can the situation be rectified without the use of a chainsaw, instead maybe using your vehicle to move a log. I guess my mind goes into the space of wondering if it is worth carrying a chainsaw if what I have carted it many km for is highly unlikely to occur. Interested in others thoughts here. ~ Ben
@@SnowysOutdoors Where I go 4WD, I've come across this a bit (during one trip, we came across three fallen trees at various parts along the same track), while some we can drive around or move them, others are just too big or on a spot that can be pulled by your rig - the chainsaw is the last resort. I never used to carry one until after I've experienced having to turn back due to a blocked track, and I've been on that track for nearly 2hrs before coming across the fallen tree. I see this more in the Vic High Country, Watagans, & Barrington Tops. What I carry is a battery powered chainsaw, so much lighter and no need to carry fuel. I also carry a Silky saw, so if the tree is small enough, we'll use that. But having a chainsaw is like having a first aid kit or spareparts (ie. belts, filters, oil etc). You hope not to use it, but you have it when you need it.
@@HammerRocksfair enough, I haven't spent much time in the high country which is likely why I haven't seen many fallen trees on tracks. Thanks for your feedback, I'm sure many will find this useful. ~ Ben
Maybe I'm not trying hard enough on my adventures, or I've just been lucky. I've never come across a situation that would have warranted lugging a chainsaw with me everywhere. ~ Ben
12:58 ‘I’m sure you have lots of friends’ lmao. My car has 130L of storage space but less ‘usable’ space so I pack pretty light, I have thoroughly enjoyed using other peoples generators and gazebos though.
The "no sleeping bag" guy sounds like he actually might camp a lot. A down quilt is a better option in most situations now. After doing many through hikes, a down quilt with a sleeping mat is more than enough for 3 season. Throw in a thermal sleeping sack and you are set for 4 season.
So much depends on where you are going, when you are going, whether you are staying in one place for a while or moving on every couple of days, and how long you have planned to be away from home. We are about to leave on a mini-lap and will be on the road with our caravan for at least a couple of months. This will be only the second time we have packed our washing machine. No generator or chainsaw as we are mainly staying in caravan parks. It will be the first time taking power tools: drill for driving in screw pegs, mini blower to encourage the barbecue heat beads to burn, and a tyre pump. No fairy lights as there is sufficient external lighting on the van, but we will be taking some good clothes for when visiting wineries, museums, and when visiting family friends. As for the crockery, I dislike plastic plates, and so we use Corelle plates and bowls and our Yeti cups and wine goblets. Rather more than when we are only away for a week, our usual camping getaways. It is always horses for courses.
Love you guys, & Snowys are the real deal. 👍🇦🇺 Agree with everything, but then I'm 70, so I easily relate to what you've both said. When we camped as kids there weren't any of the distractions that've taken over these days. Entertainment when at home was a walk to the local picture theatre every Saturday, 3 of us got in for one & six pence (5cents) & that included cokes & lollies too. The mono wireless ran off of 240v & the amplification stage was driven by fragile valves. Clearly, all that entertainment stuff was a distant memory when we camped, but we never got bored. We always played outside anyway & we knew how to make our own fun. Washing machine? Heck no. We just jumped fully clothed into the river, & dried off with towels in summer or by the fire in the colder months. As a general rule, we were all sound asleep by 7:30 'cos we were completely tuckered out, even when home.
Thanks for your thoughts and complements here, C. Nile, it is much appreciated. I try to instill a sense of adventure outside in my kids, I spent most of my time as a kid climbing trees, making secret hideouts and catching yabbies in the creek. Nowadays I feel like the only way to really escape like this is to head bush where we can't be connected to the rest of the world every minute of the day, then I find my kids' minds open up to the opportunities nature presents. ~ Ben
Something I've never used, Coralie, but Lauren loves hers and I've heard so many positive reviews like yours. Something else I may need to add to my kit I think. ~ Ben
@@SnowysOutdoors It's so handy. I have the full size one and the mini. I've used it for a full washing line of stuff while camping for a couple of weeks, or the mini just for cleansing my dishwashing cloths or underwear. So much easier than having to chase down a laundromat. Also handy for when surprise spewing happens in the back seat. 😵🤢
There are times you need a generator, if your camped not in a caravan park and in all that time your camped it's overcast and your not getting much solar and the batteries are getting flat how are you going to charge the batteries, a generator will give the power to do so. The cost of a good generator depending and on size and brand is going to cost you between $500 to $2500. A Lithium battery setup depending on if it's for a Caravan, camper, car or tent is going to start at about $1000 just for the battery then you need a solar panel and all the bits that go with it. Just as an example the battery system in my car cost: 1. 120ah Lithium Battery $1000 2. DC to DC Charger $700 3. Battery Box $90 or Vehicle battery tray $180 to $250 4. 200w Solar blanket $600 5. All the wiring, plugs, fuse boxes, breakers and labor for an auto electrician your looking at another min $1000 Total $3390 not cheap that's just in my car if you got a Caravan or Camper it just got a hell of a lot more expensive, you could be spending $10 to 30K on a good setup . So you shouldn't just say don't bring a generator you don't need it, that's just your opinion and your style of camping, other people have other needs. You talk about building sites are you serious!! how can you compare the generator used at a building to one use for Camping I think you guys are just minimalist campers and you are not looking at Campers or people with Caravans and camper trailers in general, this is the 21st century and everyone want their gadgets and conveniences , you are maybe the wrong people to talk about this subject because you are only using your self's as an example I had to stop watching because my temperature was staring to rise
Thanks for your comment, Goddfrey. I'm happy to be swayed from my personal opinions... I thought fairy lights were a silly idea but everyone in the Snowys office quickly shut me down on that one. You're right though, it is our personal opinions, and we are hoping to get a wider scope of opinions on the back of this episode. ~ Ben
You don't need the lithium or generator setup if your power draw/use is low. The issue I have is that it may enable someone camp in their style but it impacts on the way others want to camp. It's a massive mood killer not unlike smelling someones cigarette smoke.
I use EzyAnchors for when we go away with a tent or shade structure (AirPole Coolum 360, love it). I have dicky shoulders, and hammering pegs into the ground, even soft ground, makes my shoulders ache for days, to the point that I need to take pain killers or it interrupts my sleep. I do find it a bit of a PITA to carry a drill and the charger, etc, but it's worth the trouble for me to save that time and literal pain.
We sell HexPegs at Snowys and a majority of people are buying them for a similar reason to this, Coralie. I know my cousin purchased a heap to make the setup of his caravan annexe and matting easy so he can still enjoy the great outdoors despite a bad back. ~ Ben
@@SnowysOutdoors Totes. It's brilliant for when your body doesn't work the way you want it to. But even just the speed of set up makes it worth it, IMO.
@@SnowysOutdoors 100% no instant for me. Great job on the videos. Have watched a stack of you online content when buying my gear. You do an awesome job!
It's not exactly fairy lights, but I have the Luci string lights and I bloody love 'em! It gives a nice spread of light around a larger area, doesn't blind you with a ridiculously bright light right in your eyes like bar lights do, and avoids creating large areas of shadow where you can't actually see what you're trying to do.
Great episode as always guys. I know my comments get long but I like to make points on most of your topics. At times if Im setting a base camp for a while I dont mind the Gazebo but otherwise there is no point especially if going solo. Ive got the awning on my vehicle and a wall for it which does the job just as well. In saying that my awning doesnt get used all that often. I use a plastic tub to wash clothes when needed and when not washing clothes that tub holds smaller things such as dry foods, spare batteries etc. Chainsaw is very handy if 4wding and there is a tree across the tracks. For general camping though I agree its not really needed, I have a machete with a saw blade if needed. I do love my 12V TV as I enjoy watching a movie before bed plus it comes in handy when Im doing a bigger trip and putting content together for my youtube channel as a 2nd monitor but that's not always taken. Game devices such as ipads etc are a no go and power tools I would say ok if needing to do vehicle repairs but dont be so lazy and use a hammer for your tent pegs. General hygien stuff such as brush, toothpaste etc yes but your car has a mirror, hair straighteners etc are sure as hell not needed. National Parks state No Domestic Pets anyway but I fully agree with Cats. If they do escape they cause way to much damage. Rubbish wise, if you can take it in than you can and should take it out. The one thing I do take that many would say is not needed is my Camp Toilet. I use a chemical toilet and love it. I dont enjoy squatting to do my business in the scrub and I know my wife wouldn't be able to as she doesn't have the balance. For me the camp toilet is a must as are garbage bags of some sort so you can take your rubbish with you.
With our more recent camping, we've tended to travel around and spend one night at a time in each place and we like to stop in towns to look around. Having a small mirror so that I can check I don't look like some kind of hairy monster when we stop in a town means I'm going to present myself at least in a neat manner.
Fair call, Coralie. I'm personally happy to use the car mirror if I am at all bothered about how I look, but I've no doubt others will find a small mirror useful. ~ Ben
@@SnowysOutdoors You mentioned issues for people who wear glasses. It's legit a problem. Having a small mirror that you can easily move to a different distance from your face depending on your glasses are on or off is essential. Not to mention the problem of trying to look into a fixed mirror (like on a car) when you're not able to look through the correct part of multifocals. The struggle is real.
@@SnowysOutdoors Small mirror could be useful trying to diagnose a vehicle issue in tight/restrictive spaces and reflecting light for signalling purposes
@@SnowysOutdoors for, absolutely, I always take my drill… I have a camper so I also use it it to speed up lowering stabiliser legs too… saves 5 minutes on set up and take down… screw in pegs saves plenty of time too on set up and take down. I also use the batteries for inflating kids water toys/beds with an 18v inflator etc. I’ve also used it on running repairs.. drilled out some rivets on the kayak rudder on my last trip as an example.
@@placestosea it is amazing that we are happy to spend hundreds of $ on a tent that pops up quickly saving 2 minutes of a 5 minute job. Then are happy to spend 15 minutes banging in pegs and trying to get them out again but don’t want to spend the equivalent on pegs. I’m one of those people, so I go down to Bunnings and they have some cheap alternatives and you can also use their big coach bolts- they work fine for a lot of stuff. Would love to get he fancy ones but who wants to spend $200+ on pegs. WRT, battery…. Three words “solar, battery, inverter”….. mic drop 😎
Whoops ! Gazebo sales just dropped at Snowy’s......... Very brave subject destined to head in one direction only ? Maybe. Interesting comments, here’s the but....what you don’t need camping is an individual decision based on where you’re camping, weather, who with, why, form of transport and the list goes on. Thank you 👍🏻
Hehe... we'll be right, there are a lot of other uses we sell gazebo's for and those that have the capacity to carry them will still use them for camping. We just wanted to get the conversation started with our own opinions. ~ Ben
Yeah, the gazebo/screen tent triggered me.... Heh, I loathe mosquitoes and bugs when dark g, cooking etc... Do you have an alternative x to screened tents/ gazebos for bugs? Also, when camping in AZ or the mountains a drill a works well to lag your tent down for the high desert winds or MT. Storms. Peace! The for the show. Love it!
Chainsaws/power tools ect have their place - I totally agree that tearing up the environment so you can have a massive bonfire every night is not a good thing. However.. certain places having tools and a chainsaw is plain required for the safety of yourself and others. A chainsaw has gotten me out of many a sketchy situations with tree’s down on tracks and I’ve even ended up jumping in and helping out with a bushfire. Sometimes winching/snatching a tree out of the way is just plain unsafe. Also wouldn’t travel remote without a rattle gun and a grinder, again got myself and others out of trouble. In saying all of this I’ve spent heaps of time working on stations and travel seriously remote fairly regularly - totally not required for most people. Just goes to show that some peoples luxuries are other peoples necessaties 👍
aha benny got ya fairy lights lol i said xmas ones or the strip that does the light affects haha got ya even the staff agreed ahahahaha even in the swag there good ....question lauren do you use the new luci led strip lights the rechargable ones or have you tried them since i seen the ad you put up? if so what are they like compared to fairy/xmas lights? im with yas on generator campers esp campervans , benny you aint tried the best gazebo yet then lol dune 4wds gazebo its solid dont bloody move we had 40kmh winds down here near xmas time everyones camping gear was blowing around mine stood still solid ass frame pretty good wink wink lol great banter up yours producer extended versions lol
I'm yet to try fairy lights, I've stood strong on this so far. I don't think Lauren has the Luci lights, I'll ask her when I see her next. As for the gazebo, if they are set up and secured properly then they stand a better chance. Too many people just rely on the pins that many suppliers call pegs to keep the gazebo grounded, you need some heavy duty pegs in strong winds, and the guy ropes are best secured to the actual frame rather than just the canopy. Once again, it all comes down to a bit of common sense. ~ Ben
@@SnowysOutdoors some idiots lost common sense years ago mate People buy cheap shit to save coin and don't do research The dune gazebo frame is thicker and better than any other gazebo frame I've seen When it does get high winds I tie it down to my car lol I'm yet to try the hex pegs so I'm tempted to get some for my gazebo legs they are very brainy
I just bought a silky Saw big Boy outback 2000 360mm the name is very cringie but it's the best in the market if you don't want to use a chain Saw . Guns not included
I reckon I'll get myself a saw of some description for my kit, we have the Opinel saw in stock now but I'm going to check out the silky saws too. ~ Ben
Its very apparent from this episode and previous episodes you guys never go remote camping. Try doing a cape york trip without at least someone in the group having - chainsaw, power tools, generator etc.
I have done a lot of remote camping in Central Australia, Christopher, I much prefer camping where I know there is no one else for many km around me. I've never felt the need for a chainsaw, generator or power tool... just my experience though, each to their own. ~ Ben
Love ya show guys. I love head lamps. I got so many now. I’m a bit a collector of head lamps and torches 🔦 lol 😂. I remember camping 🏕 as a kid back in the day and it was always dark so love having enough light. Oh my phone lol 😝 keep up the great content gang👏👏
Great show guys,.... I'm patiently waiting for my Dometic Fridge to arrive this week,... can't wait for that. I think a luxury item that I've seen people take is a Thermomix! Yes or no to a Thermomix when you're camping for 8 weeks or over a year?
Thanks for the compliment, ThatGirl711. I must admit that being fortunate enough to own a Thermomix at home, I think that it would be a useful addition to a caravan setup if you have the space to safely transport it and the power to run it. It would make meal preparation ridiculously simple. ~ Ben
@@SnowysOutdoors I have one and when I suggested that we take it on our pending trip to Arnhem Land I was met with bursts of laughter and mockery! I do know that I could cook a heap of food in it given we have plenty of battery power with solar and car back up! 😃 Thanks Lauren 😀
Fantastic shows, you're great to listen to... I carry a chainsaw, and have been considering a Silky saw for some time... think I may have to go buy one for this weekend and leave the chainsaw at home.
I have been considering the silky as well but I have just been taking a hand saw. They are light and flat and still cuts wood. Sometimes it cuts faster than a hatchet.
Lauren reckons the battery operated ones are great. They run off a couple of AA batteries and have a string of led's on a copper wire attached. Apparently they last for months. ~ Ben
Went off to buy some from Kmart, they aren’t copper wired admittedly but wire all the same but just don’t throw off any practical illumination for my needs. Are there better ones out there...school me! I’ll try anything once.
@@samstock6565 I don't think you'll get much practical illumination from them, they are really just a night light for the kids, or to mark the toilet location. Maybe if you put up enough around the edge of an awning you'll get enough light to find your way around, but not so much that you can't see the stars. ~ Ben
Thing with with a gazebo versus a tarp is the ease of setting up and and putting down. The 3x3m gazebos can be put up by a single person in an instant. And you don't have to bend over to put in million pegs. (or take them out.) I have a sleeping bag insert style sheet to sleep in during the summer months.
@@SnowysOutdoors Yeah !! It all depends as Lauren stated it the pit video !! It all depends on fire control !! And also where you build your fire !! Always make sure your not near big trees so the fire cant get to the root system !!
I disagree with your comments in relation to the gazebo, I have my tent attached to the gazebo and use the gazebo for shade and protection from rain etc.
Im a battery/ solar guy, last time I was camping for 5 days. Absolutely no sun. Battery went flat after second day. Wish I had a generator then, and in fact will most probably add a small 1kv one to my camp kit. Had to run jumper leads from my start battery to my fridge battery and run the car to keep my fridge running. Was a nightmare but I had $250 worth of food in there.
I'm a solar guy to, Christopher, if I need to charge the battery and don't have enough sun then I drive my vehicle to give it charge. I can see how a generator may be useful in this scenario though, but there's no way I could fit a generator and fuel in my current setup. ~ Ben
We took a string of LED Christmas lights to Barrington Tops for our Christmas trip, our 5 year old loved them strung around the tent and vehicle awning. Can switch to white also.
Used to bring a chainsaw and I bought a new one to take a couple of years ago but I find it is much easier to take a reciprocating saw with a pruning blade. I will chop through a 6" log easily and even bigger if you are patient. Takes up way less space, it's quieter and doesn't need fuel.
Also a rattle gun for wheel nuts.
A reciprocating saw sounds like good alternative to a chainsaw if you do need something like that for your trip. Thanks for your tips, Paul. ~ Ben
Hex Pegs are 100% recommended.
The drill and a battery or two doesn’t take up too much space.
I reckon there are plenty of people who would agree with you, Thomas. ~ Ben
Great show as per usual, when we know we are going to campsites that have hard ground we do park the drill. Couple of sites come to mind in the Pilbara where the old hammer was useless and we were only allowed in didicated sites. Karijini and some DBCA sites in the south west of WA.
I've not yet done WA @Cath BP but I can image...seen a few messed up tent pegs in my time.
~ Lauren
You guys on this show are exactly like sporting commentators. Its cool hey.
Ah, thats a good compliment!
~ Lauren
@@SnowysOutdoors Thanks.
Fairy lights are life
Haha... I'm still not buying any. ~ Ben
@@SnowysOutdoors 😂
I get both ways of the chainsaw, but I don’t pack mine when we go away. I’d reach for someone else’s! 😂 We went camping over Christmas and on Christmas Day, a group of caravaners pulled up and started mowing, edging and chainsawing the 100% bush camp area and installed a walk handle down to the creek. 2.5hrs in and we packed up and left. Our only conclusion was it was for an elderly family member, but it was a bit much for that particular camping area. Lawn mower and edger, two things I would not pack!
Holy heck @Bobby Flaspohler...I think I would have been abit mad about that.
~ Lauren
Electric chainsaws are fantastic
A few things that have seemed to have added there way into camping set ups that are totally unnecessary in my opinion are coffee makers and microwaves.
Ooooo...careful @Philip! Dont provoke the coffee drinkers!
~ Lauren
@@SnowysOutdoors I knew that would be a controversial comment lol 😂
Quality oh yeah
I assume this means you enjoyed the podcast, Pete? ~ Ben
In my opinion, don't take anything noisy or smelly that is going to possibly annoy or hinder someone else's camping trip. The big one I would love to see banned is those stupid Voom boxes and stereos. If you need to blast music put on headphones!
I reckon you're spot on regarding hindering other people's camping, make as much noise as you want, as long as you're the only one that can hear it. ~ Ben
I love hearing different opinions. Keep it up. Even if I don't agree, it is nice to hear someone else's perspective.
I'm glad you enjoy tuning in, L Humpy. ~ Ben
I sometime use glow stick to hang on guide lines stop trip hazard to mark fair lights seam like a great way and multiple uses and trips
I can see how reusable fairy lights would be a better option that disposable glow stick in this instance. ~ Ben
Bingo on the use of chainsaw. I bring one because I do a lot of remote 4WD camping. It can be frustrating if you've been on a tight track for hours only having to turn back because a huge tree has fallen down across the only track. But I never ever use it once I'm in camp. With pre-prep, you can easily use a small axe if you need smaller pieces or kindling pieces to use as firewood.
Agreed. Always collect and cut any wood you need well away from camping areas.
Yup. You use a chainsaw when you are 4WD *touring* (think: canning stock route) as opposed to camping. Quite different yet similar activities.
Fallen trees seem to be a common rationale for a chainsaw, Hammer rocks.
I wonder, how often others have been confronted with this though, I've never come across a fallen tree that has stopped my progress.
Furthermore, in the instance of this happening, how many times can the situation be rectified without the use of a chainsaw, instead maybe using your vehicle to move a log.
I guess my mind goes into the space of wondering if it is worth carrying a chainsaw if what I have carted it many km for is highly unlikely to occur.
Interested in others thoughts here.
~ Ben
@@SnowysOutdoors Where I go 4WD, I've come across this a bit (during one trip, we came across three fallen trees at various parts along the same track), while some we can drive around or move them, others are just too big or on a spot that can be pulled by your rig - the chainsaw is the last resort. I never used to carry one until after I've experienced having to turn back due to a blocked track, and I've been on that track for nearly 2hrs before coming across the fallen tree. I see this more in the Vic High Country, Watagans, & Barrington Tops. What I carry is a battery powered chainsaw, so much lighter and no need to carry fuel. I also carry a Silky saw, so if the tree is small enough, we'll use that. But having a chainsaw is like having a first aid kit or spareparts (ie. belts, filters, oil etc). You hope not to use it, but you have it when you need it.
@@HammerRocksfair enough, I haven't spent much time in the high country which is likely why I haven't seen many fallen trees on tracks. Thanks for your feedback, I'm sure many will find this useful. ~ Ben
I wrap the fairy lights around guy ropes to stop the kids tripping over them at night.
That's a great idea... I'm still not going to buy any though! ~ Ben
gazebos are great in the back yard....tarp and swag is better for camping
Definitely Drew Wakelin, bulky and heavy to cart around. They're just not designed to be set up permanently.
~ Lauren
Chainsaw is a must for me sometimes only way to clear a track and cut wood in winter
Maybe I'm not trying hard enough on my adventures, or I've just been lucky. I've never come across a situation that would have warranted lugging a chainsaw with me everywhere. ~ Ben
Chainsaws help with appearing masculine too.
Electric chainsaws are great for the lazy
12:58 ‘I’m sure you have lots of friends’ lmao. My car has 130L of storage space but less ‘usable’ space so I pack pretty light, I have thoroughly enjoyed using other peoples generators and gazebos though.
Very tight amount of storage space, Archi, we may all be able to learn something form your setup. ~ Ben
The "no sleeping bag" guy sounds like he actually might camp a lot. A down quilt is a better option in most situations now.
After doing many through hikes, a down quilt with a sleeping mat is more than enough for 3 season. Throw in a thermal sleeping sack and you are set for 4 season.
Adds versatility to your sleep system too, rather than being stuck with one option you can layer things together much like you do with clothing. ~ Ben
Video about what you don't need starting with what you absolutely don't need lol
Haha, I hope you enjoyed the episode. ~ Ben
So much depends on where you are going, when you are going, whether you are staying in one place for a while or moving on every couple of days, and how long you have planned to be away from home. We are about to leave on a mini-lap and will be on the road with our caravan for at least a couple of months. This will be only the second time we have packed our washing machine. No generator or chainsaw as we are mainly staying in caravan parks. It will be the first time taking power tools: drill for driving in screw pegs, mini blower to encourage the barbecue heat beads to burn, and a tyre pump. No fairy lights as there is sufficient external lighting on the van, but we will be taking some good clothes for when visiting wineries, museums, and when visiting family friends. As for the crockery, I dislike plastic plates, and so we use Corelle plates and bowls and our Yeti cups and wine goblets. Rather more than when we are only away for a week, our usual camping getaways. It is always horses for courses.
Great feedback thanks, Jim, you're right, it very much depends on the destination and style of camping you are doing. ~ Ben
Love you guys, & Snowys are the real deal. 👍🇦🇺
Agree with everything, but then I'm 70, so I easily relate to what you've both said.
When we camped as kids there weren't any of the distractions that've taken over these days.
Entertainment when at home was a walk to the local picture theatre every Saturday, 3 of us got in for one & six pence (5cents) & that included cokes & lollies too.
The mono wireless ran off of 240v & the amplification stage was driven by fragile valves.
Clearly, all that entertainment stuff was a distant memory when we camped, but we never got bored. We always played outside anyway & we knew how to make our own fun.
Washing machine? Heck no. We just jumped fully clothed into the river, & dried off with towels in summer or by the fire in the colder months.
As a general rule, we were all sound asleep by 7:30 'cos we were completely tuckered out, even when home.
Thanks for your thoughts and complements here, C. Nile, it is much appreciated.
I try to instill a sense of adventure outside in my kids, I spent most of my time as a kid climbing trees, making secret hideouts and catching yabbies in the creek.
Nowadays I feel like the only way to really escape like this is to head bush where we can't be connected to the rest of the world every minute of the day, then I find my kids' minds open up to the opportunities nature presents.
~ Ben
I love my Scrubba wash bag!!! It's AMAZING and super useful.
The little dimples inside it act just like your old fashioned washboard. So good.
Something I've never used, Coralie, but Lauren loves hers and I've heard so many positive reviews like yours. Something else I may need to add to my kit I think. ~ Ben
@@SnowysOutdoors It's so handy. I have the full size one and the mini. I've used it for a full washing line of stuff while camping for a couple of weeks, or the mini just for cleansing my dishwashing cloths or underwear. So much easier than having to chase down a laundromat.
Also handy for when surprise spewing happens in the back seat. 😵🤢
7 months later, but I've had one for a few years and I take it on every trip (local and international). A very handy piece of kit.
There are times you need a generator, if your camped not in a caravan park and in all that time your camped it's overcast and your not getting much solar and the batteries are getting flat how are you going to charge the batteries, a generator will give the power to do so.
The cost of a good generator depending and on size and brand is going to cost you between $500 to $2500.
A Lithium battery setup depending on if it's for a Caravan, camper, car or tent is going to start at about $1000 just for the battery then you need a solar panel and all the bits that go with it.
Just as an example the battery system in my car cost:
1. 120ah Lithium Battery $1000
2. DC to DC Charger $700
3. Battery Box $90 or Vehicle battery tray $180 to $250
4. 200w Solar blanket $600
5. All the wiring, plugs, fuse boxes, breakers and labor for an auto electrician your looking at another min $1000
Total $3390 not cheap that's just in my car if you got a Caravan or Camper it just got a hell of a lot more expensive, you could be spending $10 to 30K on a good setup .
So you shouldn't just say don't bring a generator you don't need it, that's just your opinion and your style of camping, other people have other needs.
You talk about building sites are you serious!! how can you compare the generator used at a building to one use for Camping
I think you guys are just minimalist campers and you are not looking at Campers or people with Caravans and camper trailers in general, this is the 21st century and everyone want their gadgets and conveniences , you are maybe the wrong people to talk about this subject because you are only using your self's as an example
I had to stop watching because my temperature was staring to rise
Thanks for your comment, Goddfrey.
I'm happy to be swayed from my personal opinions... I thought fairy lights were a silly idea but everyone in the Snowys office quickly shut me down on that one.
You're right though, it is our personal opinions, and we are hoping to get a wider scope of opinions on the back of this episode.
~ Ben
You don't need the lithium or generator setup if your power draw/use is low. The issue I have is that it may enable someone camp in their style but it impacts on the way others want to camp. It's a massive mood killer not unlike smelling someones cigarette smoke.
@@nathancreeper9859 I'm with you there, Nathan. ~ Ben
I actually ordered the same fairy lights on Amazon after watching this, great idea for some soft lighting around the campsite. lol
I think I may need to bite the bullet and get myself some, Green_Comet. ~ Ben
I use EzyAnchors for when we go away with a tent or shade structure (AirPole Coolum 360, love it).
I have dicky shoulders, and hammering pegs into the ground, even soft ground, makes my shoulders ache for days, to the point that I need to take pain killers or it interrupts my sleep.
I do find it a bit of a PITA to carry a drill and the charger, etc, but it's worth the trouble for me to save that time and literal pain.
We sell HexPegs at Snowys and a majority of people are buying them for a similar reason to this, Coralie. I know my cousin purchased a heap to make the setup of his caravan annexe and matting easy so he can still enjoy the great outdoors despite a bad back. ~ Ben
@@SnowysOutdoors Totes. It's brilliant for when your body doesn't work the way you want it to. But even just the speed of set up makes it worth it, IMO.
Coffee machine.... can't live with out great coffee!
Coffee machine is a must for me too, Kent, or at least in a compact/portable version, so I can have good coffee anywhere I pull up. ~ Ben
@@SnowysOutdoors 100% no instant for me. Great job on the videos. Have watched a stack of you online content when buying my gear. You do an awesome job!
@@kentwillis thanks for the kudos. ~ Ben
I take a bialetti mokka with me - portable high quality espresso at an affordable cost
@@sinanovic11 I used to use something similar for many years, but recently moved to the Aeropress. Both in my opinion make good coffee though. ~ Ben
It's not exactly fairy lights, but I have the Luci string lights and I bloody love 'em!
It gives a nice spread of light around a larger area, doesn't blind you with a ridiculously bright light right in your eyes like bar lights do, and avoids creating large areas of shadow where you can't actually see what you're trying to do.
They have become a popular item, Coralie. I think I need to concede and get myself some fairy lights or similar. ~ Ben
@@SnowysOutdoors I reckon it's like one of those things you don't realise how useful they are until you try them. LOL!
Great episode as always guys. I know my comments get long but I like to make points on most of your topics. At times if Im setting a base camp for a while I dont mind the Gazebo but otherwise there is no point especially if going solo. Ive got the awning on my vehicle and a wall for it which does the job just as well. In saying that my awning doesnt get used all that often. I use a plastic tub to wash clothes when needed and when not washing clothes that tub holds smaller things such as dry foods, spare batteries etc. Chainsaw is very handy if 4wding and there is a tree across the tracks. For general camping though I agree its not really needed, I have a machete with a saw blade if needed. I do love my 12V TV as I enjoy watching a movie before bed plus it comes in handy when Im doing a bigger trip and putting content together for my youtube channel as a 2nd monitor but that's not always taken. Game devices such as ipads etc are a no go and power tools I would say ok if needing to do vehicle repairs but dont be so lazy and use a hammer for your tent pegs. General hygien stuff such as brush, toothpaste etc yes but your car has a mirror, hair straighteners etc are sure as hell not needed. National Parks state No Domestic Pets anyway but I fully agree with Cats. If they do escape they cause way to much damage. Rubbish wise, if you can take it in than you can and should take it out. The one thing I do take that many would say is not needed is my Camp Toilet. I use a chemical toilet and love it. I dont enjoy squatting to do my business in the scrub and I know my wife wouldn't be able to as she doesn't have the balance. For me the camp toilet is a must as are garbage bags of some sort so you can take your rubbish with you.
Awesome feedback thanks, Mick. Happy camping! ~ Ben
With our more recent camping, we've tended to travel around and spend one night at a time in each place and we like to stop in towns to look around.
Having a small mirror so that I can check I don't look like some kind of hairy monster when we stop in a town means I'm going to present myself at least in a neat manner.
Fair call, Coralie. I'm personally happy to use the car mirror if I am at all bothered about how I look, but I've no doubt others will find a small mirror useful. ~ Ben
@@SnowysOutdoors You mentioned issues for people who wear glasses. It's legit a problem. Having a small mirror that you can easily move to a different distance from your face depending on your glasses are on or off is essential. Not to mention the problem of trying to look into a fixed mirror (like on a car) when you're not able to look through the correct part of multifocals. The struggle is real.
@@SnowysOutdoors Small mirror could be useful trying to diagnose a vehicle issue in tight/restrictive spaces and reflecting light for signalling purposes
@@miraboi1 Good one, J, maybe I will add a small mirror to my setup. ~ Ben
Battery drill... screw in tents pegs... mic drop.
Haha, so are you for or against, Simon? ~ Ben
YES, the screws cost 5 times the price of good supapeg pegs. plus what do you do when the battery is flat and you need to pack up?
@@SnowysOutdoors for, absolutely, I always take my drill… I have a camper so I also use it it to speed up lowering stabiliser legs too… saves 5 minutes on set up and take down… screw in pegs saves plenty of time too on set up and take down. I also use the batteries for inflating kids water toys/beds with an 18v inflator etc. I’ve also used it on running repairs.. drilled out some rivets on the kayak rudder on my last trip as an example.
@@placestosea it is amazing that we are happy to spend hundreds of $ on a tent that pops up quickly saving 2 minutes of a 5 minute job. Then are happy to spend 15 minutes banging in pegs and trying to get them out again but don’t want to spend the equivalent on pegs. I’m one of those people, so I go down to Bunnings and they have some cheap alternatives and you can also use their big coach bolts- they work fine for a lot of stuff. Would love to get he fancy ones but who wants to spend $200+ on pegs. WRT, battery…. Three words “solar, battery, inverter”….. mic drop 😎
Whoops ! Gazebo sales just dropped at Snowy’s......... Very brave subject destined to head in one direction only ? Maybe. Interesting comments, here’s the but....what you don’t need camping is an individual decision based on where you’re camping, weather, who with, why, form of transport and the list goes on.
Thank you 👍🏻
Hehe... we'll be right, there are a lot of other uses we sell gazebo's for and those that have the capacity to carry them will still use them for camping.
We just wanted to get the conversation started with our own opinions.
~ Ben
Yeah, the gazebo/screen tent triggered me.... Heh, I loathe mosquitoes and bugs when dark g, cooking etc... Do you have an alternative x to screened tents/ gazebos for bugs? Also, when camping in AZ or the mountains a drill a works well to lag your tent down for the high desert winds or MT. Storms. Peace! The for the show. Love it!
Ben get yourself a silky big boy 2000. Weapon
They do look pretty sweet. ~ Ben
Chainsaws/power tools ect have their place - I totally agree that tearing up the environment so you can have a massive bonfire every night is not a good thing. However.. certain places having tools and a chainsaw is plain required for the safety of yourself and others. A chainsaw has gotten me out of many a sketchy situations with tree’s down on tracks and I’ve even ended up jumping in and helping out with a bushfire. Sometimes winching/snatching a tree out of the way is just plain unsafe. Also wouldn’t travel remote without a rattle gun and a grinder, again got myself and others out of trouble.
In saying all of this I’ve spent heaps of time working on stations and travel seriously remote fairly regularly - totally not required for most people. Just goes to show that some peoples luxuries are other peoples necessaties 👍
This is a great perspective thanks, Alexander. ~ Ben
aha benny got ya fairy lights lol i said xmas ones or the strip that does the light affects haha got ya even the staff agreed ahahahaha even in the swag there good ....question lauren do you use the new luci led strip lights the rechargable ones or have you tried them since i seen the ad you put up? if so what are they like compared to fairy/xmas lights? im with yas on generator campers esp campervans , benny you aint tried the best gazebo yet then lol dune 4wds gazebo its solid dont bloody move we had 40kmh winds down here near xmas time everyones camping gear was blowing around mine stood still solid ass frame pretty good wink wink lol great banter up yours producer extended versions lol
I'm yet to try fairy lights, I've stood strong on this so far. I don't think Lauren has the Luci lights, I'll ask her when I see her next.
As for the gazebo, if they are set up and secured properly then they stand a better chance. Too many people just rely on the pins that many suppliers call pegs to keep the gazebo grounded, you need some heavy duty pegs in strong winds, and the guy ropes are best secured to the actual frame rather than just the canopy.
Once again, it all comes down to a bit of common sense.
~ Ben
@@SnowysOutdoors some idiots lost common sense years ago mate
People buy cheap shit to save coin and don't do research
The dune gazebo frame is thicker and better than any other gazebo frame I've seen
When it does get high winds I tie it down to my car lol I'm yet to try the hex pegs so I'm tempted to get some for my gazebo legs they are very brainy
I just bought a silky Saw big Boy outback 2000 360mm the name is very cringie but it's the best in the market if you don't want to use a chain Saw . Guns not included
I reckon I'll get myself a saw of some description for my kit, we have the Opinel saw in stock now but I'm going to check out the silky saws too. ~ Ben
Its very apparent from this episode and previous episodes you guys never go remote camping. Try doing a cape york trip without at least someone in the group having - chainsaw, power tools, generator etc.
I have done a lot of remote camping in Central Australia, Christopher, I much prefer camping where I know there is no one else for many km around me.
I've never felt the need for a chainsaw, generator or power tool... just my experience though, each to their own.
~ Ben
@@SnowysOutdoors Ive always said, "Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it"
@@christopherporter51 yeah, fair enough. If I added all this to my setup though, I'd be way overloaded.
~ Ben
I bring scaffolding with me incase I need to construct a fort to keep zombies out.
@@roybodin7301 aluminium rather than steel I hope, too heavy otherwise. 😂 ~ Ben
Love ya show guys. I love head lamps. I got so many now. I’m a bit a collector of head lamps and torches 🔦 lol 😂. I remember camping 🏕 as a kid back in the day and it was always dark so love having enough light. Oh my phone lol 😝 keep up the great content gang👏👏
Thanks for your positive feedback, Brad, I'm glad you are enjoying our podcast. ~ Ben
If your gear breaks, take it home. Don't leave it behind!
Well said, L Humpy. ~ Ben
Hello, can I buy from your website?
I live in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
We only ship within Australia sorry, a7mad. ~ Ben
@@SnowysOutdoors
😔
Great show guys,.... I'm patiently waiting for my Dometic Fridge to arrive this week,... can't wait for that. I think a luxury item that I've seen people take is a Thermomix! Yes or no to a Thermomix when you're camping for 8 weeks or over a year?
Thanks for the compliment, ThatGirl711. I must admit that being fortunate enough to own a Thermomix at home, I think that it would be a useful addition to a caravan setup if you have the space to safely transport it and the power to run it. It would make meal preparation ridiculously simple. ~ Ben
@@SnowysOutdoors I have one and when I suggested that we take it on our pending trip to Arnhem Land I was met with bursts of laughter and mockery! I do know that I could cook a heap of food in it given we have plenty of battery power with solar and car back up! 😃 Thanks Lauren 😀
Fantastic shows, you're great to listen to... I carry a chainsaw, and have been considering a Silky saw for some time... think I may have to go buy one for this weekend and leave the chainsaw at home.
Thanks for the compliment, Ross. I agree regarding a silky saw, a lot less hassle to cart than a chainsaw. ~ Ben
I have been considering the silky as well but I have just been taking a hand saw. They are light and flat and still cuts wood. Sometimes it cuts faster than a hatchet.
I have a silky but used to just use a bow saw. It's a good cost effective alternative.
@@nathancreeper9859 I reckon I'll have a serious look at the Silky saws. ~ Ben
Did a trip during winter 2weeks off grid no sun needed to fire up the generator to recharge batteries when solar wasn’t enough.
I guess there will be certain situations where you'll need a generator, Steve, 2 weeks without much sun is probably one of those situations. ~ Ben
A broom!!! Why?
I don't think we mentioned broom did we, Bernie? ~ Ben
So Lauren what Fairy lights you would recommend? haha
Lauren reckons the battery operated ones are great. They run off a couple of AA batteries and have a string of led's on a copper wire attached. Apparently they last for months. ~ Ben
Went off to buy some from Kmart, they aren’t copper wired admittedly but wire all the same but just don’t throw off any practical illumination for my needs. Are there better ones out there...school me! I’ll try anything once.
@@samstock6565 I don't think you'll get much practical illumination from them, they are really just a night light for the kids, or to mark the toilet location. Maybe if you put up enough around the edge of an awning you'll get enough light to find your way around, but not so much that you can't see the stars. ~ Ben
YOU
DO
NOT
NEED
(or should have)
FAIRY
BLOODY
LIGHTS.
Thing with with a gazebo versus a tarp is the ease of setting up and and putting down. The 3x3m gazebos can be put up by a single person in an instant. And you don't have to bend over to put in million pegs. (or take them out.)
I have a sleeping bag insert style sheet to sleep in during the summer months.
Ha ha ha !! Continue for previous vid !!! You dont need a fire pit !! Wast of space and weight !!
Lots of mixed opinions on this, Sam, checkout the convo on our Facebook Group - facebook.com/groups/snowys. ~ Ben
@@SnowysOutdoors Yeah !! It all depends as Lauren stated it the pit video !! It all depends on fire control !! And also where you build your fire !! Always make sure your not near big trees so the fire cant get to the root system !!
I disagree with your comments in relation to the gazebo, I have my tent attached to the gazebo and use the gazebo for shade and protection from rain etc.
They said you could replace a heavy gazebo with a tarp and pole setup. Drifta’s kit would be one of the best examples
Each to their own, they are too heavy and bulky for my setup but plenty of people wouldn't camp without them. ~ Ben
@@SnowysOutdoors have you got suggestions for alternatibves to a gazebo?
@@robertmillar2037 just a tarp and a few extra poles and guy ropes can be a lighter weight alternative to a gazebo. ~ Ben
Im a battery/ solar guy, last time I was camping for 5 days. Absolutely no sun. Battery went flat after second day. Wish I had a generator then, and in fact will most probably add a small 1kv one to my camp kit. Had to run jumper leads from my start battery to my fridge battery and run the car to keep my fridge running. Was a nightmare but I had $250 worth of food in there.
I'm a solar guy to, Christopher, if I need to charge the battery and don't have enough sun then I drive my vehicle to give it charge. I can see how a generator may be useful in this scenario though, but there's no way I could fit a generator and fuel in my current setup.
~ Ben
Maybe get a battery with more amp hours if you’re running it flat in only 2 days.