Sub section question

[Moondog55]

I realise that static camps are not the main topic on this forum but perhaps another subsection dealing with car camping and static base camps ( my area of interest leading up to next winters skiing) would be a good idea.

[wildwalks]

Interesting idea. Happy to bounce the idea around. Maybe the idea of base camps could be helpful. There are other forums that do camping well and it seems silly to double up. But there may be space for building a campsite list and a sub forum to discuss Bushwalking campsites helpful for bushwalkin/skiing/snowhoeing. Lets see what others think. If there is enough interest to start it - and maintain I am happy to kick it off.

Matt.

[icefest]

I do not wish to discourage you but I think that car camping is not really that related to bushwalking.

Base camping would be though and I'd probably be following posts there too.

[Moondog55]

Well my personal interest is in using my car to establish the base camp and then using the camp as a base of operations.
Most other sites are more traditional in their attitude and approach, BIG tents and caravans and taking the kitchen sink as well.

Because my base camps are situated in pretty remote and exposed areas most of the people I've talked to think I'm a little crazy. Very few people here think that.

[icefest]

...BIG tents and caravans and taking the kitchen sink as well.

sorry, that was my understanding of car camping.

[johnw]

...BIG tents and caravans and taking the kitchen sink as well.

sorry, that was my understanding of car camping.

To put a spanner in the works I'll throw in a third option . I've used my WE Second Arrow hiking tent and related gear as a base camp for doing day bushwalks from a "holiday park". Admittedly I also had the car nearby.

[matagi]

My understanding of car camping was that you set up camp next to your car, which meant you could carry a few more "luxuries" with you.

This is the setup hubby and I take for car camping:
* 4 man standing head room dome tent with vestibule
* fold-up camp kitchen, which has room for camp stove and zipup mesh food storage shelves
* camp stove, gas bottle
* beach chair for sitting on (I like to sit with my legs straight out, so the beach chair style works for me)
* folding camp stretcher
* sleeping mat
* sleeping bag and liner
* pillow
* rig a clothes line inside the tent for hanging up stuff, clothes pegs
* basin or collapsible bucket for washing up, tea towel, washing up liquid, scourer, sponge
* cutlery, crockery for eating
* pot, frypan, good knife, wooden spoon,
* a couple of serving bowls
* toiletries, loo paper
* towel
* lantern or head torch for reading
* radio/some form of music for entertainment

* food
* clothes

Looks like a lot but most of it folds down to a fairly compact size. The beach chairs are awkward to stow - but I am following the chair thread with keen interest.
All the above fits into the boot of a Subaru WRX, with the overflow on the back seat (my car does not have fold down seat backs)

[Moondog55]

That actually is a bit more than I take now, but I do like a little extra luxury so I an slowly saving for an Engel fridge to keep the champagne cool

[Travis22]

Base camping / Car camping IMO go's just as well as Hiking into somewhere. It all comes down to why you are out there determining if it fits with this forum or not, again IMO.

I think a sub forum for car camping is a good idea.

Travis.

[Giddy_up]

Good suggestion Moondog, I'm currently putting together my base camp equipment to join you in the snow next year and any suggestions or advice from other learned souls would be very much appreciated on any sort of base camping.

[Moondog55]

I'm actually thinking about starting a new thread about next years base camp. I have a seasons pass for the ski lifts for next year so I plan to be up there for quite a long time.
Main thing I think is that a base camp is a place for resting and recovering so a little extra space and comfort is a physical and medical need at times, cold stress is real and builds up slowly at times.
Giddy-up if you wish to collaborate I'm available