Date:         Fri, 17 Dec 1999 08:53:39 -0700
Reply-To:     jim hayes <jimhayes@JYMIS.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         jim hayes <jimhayes@JYMIS.COM>
Subject:      Re: camping list
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

I like Jim Cain's reply too. Shake down cruises are great. After 10 years, wife
and I find, we modify the list a little as noted....

Bill Johnson wrote:

> Troy, you can never have too much stuff.  You just won't use it all.  We
> have all tried to work out our packing list for years.  Here are a couple of
> my hints for non remote areas, but others will disagree.
>
> 1.  I take some kind of folding chair.

We use 2 folding sling stools. VERY compact. Aluminum better than wood.

>
> 2.  Simple food for about 3 days.

Minimum 3.5 gal jug of water. Use for drinking wash dishes if no sink, cleaning
spills, etc.

Also paper towels. Very handy.

>
> 3.  Aux. battery

batteries to run other stuff, i.e AA for the cb radio below, etc.

>
> 4.  No extra radio.

CB radio emergengy kit from Radio shack. This thing puts together in a minute
and gives you channel 9 and a weather radio. Alternative would be a cell phone
but we're too cheap. bought years ago, they may still sell it.

>
> 5.  Firewood if unavailable at site.

alcohol stove, small, and a quart of ethanol. We dont use firewood, but thats
just us...

>
> 6.  Marshmallows and Franks (if meat eater)

canned food. Also food u can open and eat  without cooking (eating on the run)
like sardines thats non-perisible.(sp) If you're hiking, some kind of trail mix.

can opener.

>
> 7.  Duct tape, twine, rope, small tarp.

baling wire

>
> 8.  Lots of tools and butane soldering iron.

like the butane iron! also carry a small can of butane, my iron seems to
evaporate it fast


>
> 9.  Siphon, tire repair aerosol, plugs, inflater.
> 10. Folding shovel, hatchet, camping saw, hammer.
>
> The PO of my diesel westy added some aftermaket roof lights that are nice
> when I need more light, but I don't leave them on.

 3 flashlights. one regular size, 2 are huge and take 4 c cells acting as
lanterns at dusk.
take the small flashlight walking with you at night so you won't get mowed down
by an RV.

Rand-Mcnally road atlas, KOA guide. Join AAA, get a "plus" membership so you can
be towed 100 miles (heh) and ask for a "Triptick" which is a collection of maps
with a suggested route highlighlighted for you, campground and motel books for
every state your passing through. We usually wing-it, but it's nice to have
these books around as back up so we can find a place to stay in a hurry.

extra WOOL blanket from A/N store for emergengy cold conditions. store above you
and yank it down instantly when needed. Also sleeping bag is nice, but bulkier
unless goose down.

6 inch cube heater if you're near a hookup.

Swis army knife, maybe 4-5 inch long.

first Aid kit, fire extinguisher rated to put out grease fires

miniture dish soap and sponge for washing dishes (or plastic forks and spoons
and dishes)

goop or other waterless hand cleaner

emergency reflective triangles or flares or something to set up by the van if
you break down esp. at night.

extra roll of tp stashed away

2 or 3 28 oz size water bottles and a way to carry them.

backpack for hiking.

compact raingear.

compass

penlight

>
>
> This is what I do. Everyone is different.
>
> Bill
>

We're adding a porti-potti this year, finally.
You're not gonna believe this but on some trips where the distance was long and
the old '71 was showing it's age, I packed a folding bicycle (originally bought
to fit under the hood of a bug I once owned). Never got to use it for emergency,
but did ride it around for fun a bit.

sorry for the length. but, well thats what we carry. And everyone IS different.
--
Jim Hayes

'86 weekender
''71 sunroof