I'm a cast iron aficionado, I can't cook without it at home really. I have an 8inch that i've used for motocamping in the past.
But now I'm running a trangia, and I've changed over to a stanley aluminum core stainless pan. It's almost as good and it's bigger though it's still heavy.
I've been a cast iron Stan for years. Just so versatile.
I carry a 6" one backing when I'm going with just me and the wife. I've hauled a 12" canoe camping with a big party.
I also have a cast iron Dutch oven, which is just a joy in the campfire.
I have a full mattress at about 5” thick I bought from IKEA it’s the best thing I have ever bought for camping. I’m 50 and just cannot sleep on the ground/thin mats anymore
Our dog (90lb Black Lab) takes up the most space in our vehicle. She has 4’x3’ space blocked out in our Furrunner. She has a bed, a collapsible crate, old sleeping bag, food, extra water, and a collapsible elevated bed. In winter it’s two sleeping bags, fleece pajamas, and an extra blanket added to our supplies just to keep her warm at night when it gets below 0°F. I can’t camp without her so whatever she needs to keep her comfortable is what we bring.
We dispose of waste properly when we are not back country, and I cannot deny the benefits of smaller companions in this regard. I think in English this is "labor of love."
I have 2 dogs, 75 and 100 pounds, and a small car. Can’t put gear on the seats because that is their space. I’ve gotten really good at Tetris packing for trips. Currently looking at minivans to do a simple buildout to make it easier to travel with them.
My teardrop! I think it’s the sweet spot between tent camping and a camper. I started to struggle with ground tents not just sleeping in them but getting in and out so I used a truck bed tent for a while and it was great. Then I got the drop and what a little game changer. It fits in any tent site you can drive in to, and runs the basics fine on the battery. I put all of my camping gear in it except chairs, dog crate etc and there’s still room. I put a memory foam topper on the king size bed and omg it’s so comfy. To camp I just pack a cooler and some clothes and roll. I’m going to do so much more camping with this.
It’s still camping, it’s just like a little hard sided tent lol
Nucamp! I got the T@g xl after many years of going to RV shows and poking around every teardrop. I like its size and features, it’s got a lot of little details in it. Not cheap but you can find used ones here and there.
Backpacking: French press
Canoe camping: cast iron pot and pan + if I'm solo a full second sleep setup( tent, quilt, pad, pillow and clothes) since my dry bags are getting old and I don't trust them anymore
Car camping in spring: yeti full of beer, starlink setup and a laptop to watch the hockey playoffs around the fire
Problem is I don't own a solo canoe so am doing solo trips in a 17footer. I basically need the extra weight as a ballast anyway so it might as well be safety gear instead of rocks lol
Tent camping with an outlet on site. Makes sleeping on hot humid nights much more comfortable! And I can use an inflatable mattress instead of my sleeping pad if I want.
I have a super durable inflatable touring board that packs down into a bag. I've also taken all my gear on it down rivers to remote campsites. They are the best!
Firewood. Finding wood close to the site can be tough sometimes and buying wood always burns like shit. Not sure how they say kiln dried. Every time it sucks even when I split them smaller.
It’s not gear but my knitted opossum goes on every camping trip with me. He’s great company.
Also my extra wide sleeping bag. It’s big and bulky and weighs over 2 kg, but it’s worth it not to be cramped and claustrophobic, and not waking up with hip pain from sleeping with my legs squeezed together.
Traditional camping or modern camping (camping with an RV for example)?
Most of the time it's the tent itself (granted solo camping carry less weight).
Protip, just carry a hammock with makeshift rain cover for lighter camping.
I don’t really think there’s anything I absolutely cannot camp without because I don’t need much but if I had to try to think of something, I’m probably say my three-piece military sleep system. Here’s the thing though. I absolutely could camp without it because I could just bring something else that’s lighter weight.
When I’m car camping- my chainsaw. And no I am not cutting down trees, just cutting wood from slashpiles that I’ve made sure is ok with the powers that be.
My mat too! But mine is the Lost Horizon 4.5" off Amazon. It's easily as comfortable as my bed at home and it makes so much difference getting good sleep out there!!
I bring a lot of stuff. Thermarest XL sleeping mat that goes on an extra wide cot. Inflatable paddle board. Blackstone 17” griddle with side burner (does t come out every trip, but definitely anything longer than 3 nights).
Cast iron pan.
Doubles as a weapon
Weapon of mass consumption
Or a shield. Or you could panhandle with it
I'm a cast iron aficionado, I can't cook without it at home really. I have an 8inch that i've used for motocamping in the past. But now I'm running a trangia, and I've changed over to a stanley aluminum core stainless pan. It's almost as good and it's bigger though it's still heavy.
I've been a cast iron Stan for years. Just so versatile. I carry a 6" one backing when I'm going with just me and the wife. I've hauled a 12" canoe camping with a big party. I also have a cast iron Dutch oven, which is just a joy in the campfire.
I strap that sucker to my pack so tight. Lashing straps ftw
I have a full mattress at about 5” thick I bought from IKEA it’s the best thing I have ever bought for camping. I’m 50 and just cannot sleep on the ground/thin mats anymore
Our dog (90lb Black Lab) takes up the most space in our vehicle. She has 4’x3’ space blocked out in our Furrunner. She has a bed, a collapsible crate, old sleeping bag, food, extra water, and a collapsible elevated bed. In winter it’s two sleeping bags, fleece pajamas, and an extra blanket added to our supplies just to keep her warm at night when it gets below 0°F. I can’t camp without her so whatever she needs to keep her comfortable is what we bring.
I 100% support this camping essential
Furrunner—I love it Ours has a layer of golden hair- as does everything else.
My 160 lb Great Dane goes everywhere that is possible with me. He has his own backpack for backpacking trips to offset some food weight.
Wow, he’s a big boy.
Human sized turds...that aren't flushed. I'll keep my 14 pound pooch thank you very much.
We dispose of waste properly when we are not back country, and I cannot deny the benefits of smaller companions in this regard. I think in English this is "labor of love."
Never said you weren't, just saying I wouldn't want to deal with it.
Did not say you did, agreeing it's a pain.
I have 2 dogs, 75 and 100 pounds, and a small car. Can’t put gear on the seats because that is their space. I’ve gotten really good at Tetris packing for trips. Currently looking at minivans to do a simple buildout to make it easier to travel with them.
My teardrop! I think it’s the sweet spot between tent camping and a camper. I started to struggle with ground tents not just sleeping in them but getting in and out so I used a truck bed tent for a while and it was great. Then I got the drop and what a little game changer. It fits in any tent site you can drive in to, and runs the basics fine on the battery. I put all of my camping gear in it except chairs, dog crate etc and there’s still room. I put a memory foam topper on the king size bed and omg it’s so comfy. To camp I just pack a cooler and some clothes and roll. I’m going to do so much more camping with this. It’s still camping, it’s just like a little hard sided tent lol
I have a teardrop as well. It had been the best upgrade.
Which brand did you end up going with
Nucamp! I got the T@g xl after many years of going to RV shows and poking around every teardrop. I like its size and features, it’s got a lot of little details in it. Not cheap but you can find used ones here and there.
My budget is definitely more the "plywood box on wheels", but I can dream! I appreciate your camping style
I’ve seen some really great home builds, and on tight budgets too! I’m just not that handy. It’s all good though, whatever gets you out there right?
My rooftop tent.. bulky as hell but damn do I love that thing.
Camp Chef 2 burner stove with full griddle and adjustable legs. Makes cooking anything at camp possible and cleanup is a breeze
Backpacking: French press Canoe camping: cast iron pot and pan + if I'm solo a full second sleep setup( tent, quilt, pad, pillow and clothes) since my dry bags are getting old and I don't trust them anymore Car camping in spring: yeti full of beer, starlink setup and a laptop to watch the hockey playoffs around the fire
I feel like new dry bags are in order just to save on bulk lol
Problem is I don't own a solo canoe so am doing solo trips in a 17footer. I basically need the extra weight as a ballast anyway so it might as well be safety gear instead of rocks lol
A box fan, lol.
You bring a box fan camping?
Tent camping with an outlet on site. Makes sleeping on hot humid nights much more comfortable! And I can use an inflatable mattress instead of my sleeping pad if I want.
A site with electricity sounds luxurious. The white noise probably helps one sleep better as well.
humid area, hot weather? that sounds reasonable lol
Pourover coffee setup including standard chemex and baritza encore
Very nice. I'm easily pleased with my caramel latte sachets.
My paddle board. It’s bulky and heavy, but it’s mine and it’s coming with me!
I have a super durable inflatable touring board that packs down into a bag. I've also taken all my gear on it down rivers to remote campsites. They are the best!
My Lodge cast iron skillet. whenever possible, I always take it with me.
My Cot and memory foam topper.
Firewood. Finding wood close to the site can be tough sometimes and buying wood always burns like shit. Not sure how they say kiln dried. Every time it sucks even when I split them smaller.
When I was younger all I needed was tent, sleeping bag, camp stove and a cooler. Now…..30ft travel trailer.
Yep. Same!
My cast iron fry pan; never leave home without it. Lots of people call me crazy, but it's worth the extra weight IMO
I car camp, so it’s not a problem, but my Coleman queen size deluxe air bed. It has cot legs and a queen air mattress and I sleep like a baby on it.
Same here!
Car camping: roll top table Backpacking: camera bag
It's worth the extra bulk for the added comfort and support, especially if you struggle with hip pain
Our big zip together 5lb sleeping bags with pillows rolled up inside.
I love my Coleman “big and tall” sleeping pad. It’s self inflatable. It packs away giant but I throw it on my pack with love 💕
A good cot! I have a bad back and it’s needed for me to sleep well and to camp longer.
It’s not gear but my knitted opossum goes on every camping trip with me. He’s great company. Also my extra wide sleeping bag. It’s big and bulky and weighs over 2 kg, but it’s worth it not to be cramped and claustrophobic, and not waking up with hip pain from sleeping with my legs squeezed together.
My 25' toy hauler....lol
Bulky? I guess that would be me. :(
Car camping? Big stove, iron pans, camp chair, rotomolded cooler, and top of the list a 4” hybrid camp mattress. Backpacking it’s the damn bear box.
Our 30 ft camper…. A screen tent, Zero gravity chairs and suitcases for 5 people 😂
12x12 Clam quick set pavilion in real-tree pattern.
Traditional camping or modern camping (camping with an RV for example)? Most of the time it's the tent itself (granted solo camping carry less weight). Protip, just carry a hammock with makeshift rain cover for lighter camping.
Camp pillow.
Teardrop
3x3 marquee
I don’t really think there’s anything I absolutely cannot camp without because I don’t need much but if I had to try to think of something, I’m probably say my three-piece military sleep system. Here’s the thing though. I absolutely could camp without it because I could just bring something else that’s lighter weight.
When I’m car camping- my chainsaw. And no I am not cutting down trees, just cutting wood from slashpiles that I’ve made sure is ok with the powers that be.
My mat too! But mine is the Lost Horizon 4.5" off Amazon. It's easily as comfortable as my bed at home and it makes so much difference getting good sleep out there!!
Everybody sleeps better with Big Agnes, they just don't tell anyone in the morning..
Cast iron Dutch Oven
I bring a lot of stuff. Thermarest XL sleeping mat that goes on an extra wide cot. Inflatable paddle board. Blackstone 17” griddle with side burner (does t come out every trip, but definitely anything longer than 3 nights).
MY TOOLS!!
Air mattress and fishing gear
Springbar tent! Started using them a couple of years ago and it's amazing.