A little while ago I asked our Facebook community to share with us those things they have taken camping or caravanning with them that they probably didn’t need. The answers were quite surprising and provided a few laughs as there were the usual ‘tongue in cheek’ remarks about not taking kids, hubby’s, girlfriends and ex-wives!
Many years ago I knew someone (a male) who took a hair dryer on a camping and hunting trip. I’m sure he was the butt of many jokes that weekend.
So the intention of this post is to have a bit of a laugh, but to also think about what we pack and whether we really do need it. I’m sure we can all add to the list of things you don’t need to take camping! Let’s see how we go.
1. A SALAD BOWL
My one item that I always had in the camper trailer that I never used was a big salad bowl. It came with our dinner set and I always thought it might ‘come in handy’ but it didn’t. Who has time to make a tossed salad when you’re on a camping trip!
2. HIGH HEELS
My good friend Kathy from 50 Shades of Age confessed that she had taken high heels on a camping trip! I’m not sure they would be much use on a bush camping trip. However, having said that if you were living on the road full time a pair might come in handy for job interviews or special nights out.
3. INSTANT HOT WATER SHOWER
Group Member Leezett took an Instant Hot Water Shower. She said it took up a lot of room and that she got the same result from a bucket of warm water and a normal 12 volt shower.
4. A SECOND TV
Aussie Caravanning Lifestyle took a second, larger TV because they thought it might be nice to have a bigger screen to watch. We never took a TV camping and we never missed watching it. When camping with friends a couple of years back we set the TV up in the back of his 4WD and watched a movie which was nice for a change. It was a bit like being at the drive-in.
5. A NESPRESSO MACHINE
Reader Wayne says he took his Nespresso machine for a 15,000 kilometre drive and never used it once. Now I do like my coffee so I take a plunger and ground coffee. It’s much cheaper as coffee pods are expensive, better for the environment and most importantly, much lighter in weight.
6. SHOE POLISH
This one from reader Tony made me laugh. I don’t know of anyone very much that cleans their shoes these days. But having said that, a tin of water-proofing might come in hand for hiking boots or similar.
7. A LINT REMOVER
Reader Joanne said that she carries a battery operated lint remover. Probably not something she needs but she said it came in handy for removing the fluff balls off track pants and sheets!
Have you ever taken something camping or caravanning that you didn’t need or never used?
Listen in to their podcast episode https://allaroundoz.com.au/podcasts/travelling-and-working-around-australia/
Ha ha! Trust me to say high heels! I must say that I do use a salad bowl frequently when we travel in our caravan and my husband swears by his coffee maker. I guess it’s a matter of personal taste. Thanks for the mention and link. 🙂
Anytime…. I’m sure I’ll put stuff in our van that I don’t need or use!