Monthly Archives: August 2022

My Review

Yes, I admit it’s a bit lazy but I’m writing this from my tablet. I took the photos and then came upstairs to write and nap. It’s been a day. Plumbers turned up this morning while I was still only in my underwear and spent a couple of hours doing some work on the piping in the sitting room, which has been leaking, then I got a phone call from the lettings agency about my next inspection (next Wednesday) and then I decided painting two doors would be a good idea. They are going yellow with age, and needed refreshing. The lettings agent/landlord won’t do that sort of stuff, so I have to do it myself. If they don’t like the amateur results they can get the professionals in, can’t they?

I received a package of books this afternoon from Pen & Sword, so I’ve started reading them. This is the first one. After I’ve written this review and had a short rest I’m going back to reading the next one.

For those which have never been camping or haven’t camped in a long time, the (changes in) equipment can be a bit overwhelming. I used to do a lot of camping but since I damaged my back ten years ago it has really been beyond me. Besides, I don’t like being cold or not having access to a hot shower. The last time I went camping was Download 2013, for my 30th birthday. It was wet, I didn’t have a proper shower for almost a week, the company was either absent or miserable, and I didn’t like waking up cold every day.

I’ve donated my camping stove to the allotment, my rucksack has been retired, I’m not even sure my tents are usable any more. H

However, if I did fancy getting back under canvas, this book would be a useful place to start. If I could drive and had a car I might even consider it. Cars can apparently make useful larders and wardrobes for camping. There’s so many more options these days. Have you heard of ‘air tents’, where the tent poles are replaced by air tubes and you inflate the tent? No, me neither. I thought pop up done tents, from Quechua, were fancy!

It’s not just the tents that have evolved. Think airbed but make it luxury, or a three piece suite. Full kitchens with mini refrigerators and larders. Super comfortable chairs; no more folding camp chairs that leave marks on your bum, but padded seating and even foot rests. AHH, the luxury!

Going the other way, there’s ultra lightweight tents, sleeping bags and rucksacks for backpackers doing long distance walking. Even the foot wear has changed. My dad and his friends did some long distance walking when I was a kid, but there was always a support team and B&Bs or pubs booked at the end of the day. Pubs are an essential part of walking. This is one of the first lessons I learnt. That and how to apply dubin to a pair of leather walking boots. Now it’s all lightweight, quick dry shoes, bamboo socks and wild camping.

This book is full of useful information and advice on gear, suggestions for brands to use and rules about camping etiquette. It’s a good place to start your camping adventures.