The Simpsons, Technology and Camping - Thread has had name change

[scarpsD40]

I've no doubt there will be many varied views on this, and at the end of the day, the choice of how we each want to camp will always be a personal one.

Last Saturday night I had the opportunity to drive up into the High Country, roll out the swag, sling up the tarp and in the rain, stand around a roaring campfire and talk with mates. We had no phone or data access, and I'm pretty sure we all had a good time.

So is the great aussie adventure of touring still about the beauty of seeing and camping at great locations with friends and myswag mates, or, is it about the rig, set up and bling?

[austastar]

Hi,
   Variety is the spice of life.

Cheers

[Beachman]

I agree each to their own, but getting away from technology is one of the main reasons we do family do non powered camping. In saying that 90% of the time we do have phone reception, but that’s only used to check in with aging parents or look up weather sites if bad weather is coming in. We do take Ipads for the kids just in case we get a wet day, but this is the only time they come out and even then they rarely get used.

Some of my best trips have been the bare basic ones because they have been easy to arrange, (beer/meat/swag) easy to set up and most importantly easy to pack up. (While I love the week plus trips with the family up the beach in the camper, it also takes a full day cleaning upon my return)

[paceman]

each to their own...

as long as the technology and bling don't affect others enjoying the same area, then what's the problem?

some don't have a choice when it comes to tech... but it shouldn't mean that they are looked down on... they want to enjoy it too...

[rkl71]

I must be going soft. When I was younger it was an a small two person tent with a kero storm lantern, then came a lighter hike tent and a Coleman white spirit stove and lamp. Then came a gas lamp and stove. A couple of years ago after getting tired of crawling out of the tent in the night for nature calls ( yes getting older seems to mean getting out two or three times regardless of fluid input) I graduated to a Coleman 4P tent, and with a 12 volt LED light. Now that was progress.
Two weeks ago I bought a Cub Daintree camper, it is a 2011 model and will require some modifications as time passes. But unless the minister for War Finance and Tourism decrees we need a caravan I feel this is as soft as I will go.

[gronk]

I noticed beer being drunk ?   Would you have still enjoyed it without that mod con ??

I have been camping with people in a 20 ft caravan....sitting around a campfire, drinking beer and talking crap....they had a meal out of a camp oven......I didn't see any difference to what they were doing, except their nicer surrounds when they went to bed !!

To me, it doesn't matter, as long as I get out of home, a few beers, a camp fire.....and RELAX !!

[Steffo1]

If I'm by myself this is my normal setup. (The 40l Engel is under the tree) The blue esky is for my clothes as it's completely waterproof. I have a tarp which covers from the front rack to the back board which only gets used in foul weather. I did a 12 week trip through the Kimberley/Pilbara/Simmo in the Disco with just the swag on shade cloth on the ground & Engel in the back of the vehicle. I would not have done a lot of the places on the same diet, both liquids & solids, with just ice so, yes, I do rely on techno to a certain degree in terms of the 12v fridge plus I've always had an HF or UHF radio when out woop, so more techno there too.
I can travel very light for a fair while but, if with others, I always take their "Needs" into consideration.
I've been away with a few Swaggers & their kids & have to say that their offspring are a pleasure to be with, watching them playing with the dogs, swimming in pretty cold water, helping collect firewood, climb up an adult proof comms tower & so on, with not an Ipad in sight!
I mean swimming in really cold water is a lot more technical for an adult than a kiddy, hey?
Steve
 

[BaseCamp]

Each to their own x 3

We are on the bling technology side of the discussion...

For us its about the magical environment of being in the wilderness; but having the technology and bling for what we perceive as a "first class experience"...    (TV; gourmet meals; plenty of light; quality music/sound; etc...).

ie: the above can be effortlessly done at the Hilton with a credit card in your pocket - but to safely and sustainably "create it" in the wilderness is something altogether different...

Its a gestalt experience - where the sum of the 2 parts; (the 21st century stuff, amidst the natural beauty of some gorgeous remote wilderness spot) - creates an altogether "higher" experience/enjoyment...

As I said - it doesn't make the folk that love their camping all natural "wrong" - just different people tick in different ways I guess....     

[edz]

Kinder reminds me of this Python skit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xe1a1wHxTyo

[MDS69]

I noticed beer being drunk ?   Would you have still enjoyed it without that mod con ??

I have been camping with people in a 20 ft caravan....sitting around a campfire, drinking beer and talking crap....they had a meal out of a camp oven......I didn't see any difference to what they were doing, except their nicer surrounds when they went to bed !!

To me, it doesn't matter, as long as I get out of home, a few beers, a camp fire.....and RELAX !!

Funny you say that gronk.
We took delivery of a new 14ft Expanda in September last year. It has a microwave and air conditioner. We haven't used them yet as we have only had unpowered or bush camp and actually keep the bread in the microwave. Also has solar panels, HWS, external shower etc but I cook outside on a single burner with disposable canisters or on the fire. Also heat water on the fire for washing up. The 3 way fridge is great though.
As you say, nicer surrounds when going to bed.

[Footy Shorts Shane]

It's mostly about the rig, set up and bling.

Just look at most members sig at the bottom of each post

[Swannie]

Yep I'm all about the bling

Swannie

[Bad Scott]

Show me the BLING

Scarps your setup on the weekend was full of bling

[Bird]

[Sixpack]

As long as I have cold beer and dry bed I don't care.  No that's bull Shit give me the cold beer and the bling. 

[scarpsD40]

Show me the BLING

Scarps your setup on the weekend was full of bling

wat you talking bout Willis. You mean the flashy looking Navara or my socks? Certainly not the ARB bullbar, still has standard filament globes.

And stop highjacking my threads and trying to take them off topic. There's a few of us on here trying to have a serious D&M about camping.......

[Sixpack]

That's all you need horse looks like a good set up.  I cant see a fridge it must be hidden well. 

[The punter]

why? because we can

[tk421]

To me, it doesn't matter, as long as I get out of home, a few beers, a camp fire.....and RELAX !!

Exactly!

each to their own...

as long as the technology and bling don't affect others enjoying the same area, then what's the problem?

some don't have a choice when it comes to tech... but it shouldn't mean that they are looked down on... they want to enjoy it too...

With you on this one. Bring your TV or stereo just don't have it up so loud it affects others. Nothing worse than a tranquil night under the stars with a background of canned laughter from a sit com, or the really loud Harvey Norman ads.  Or doof doof until 3am.

[Bad Scott]

wat you talking bout Willis. You mean the flashy looking Navara or my socks? Certainly not the ARB bullbar, still has standard filament globes.

And stop highjacking my threads and trying to take them off topic. There's a few of us on here trying to have a serious D&M about camping.......

Stop posting up your before pics. Your setup at night was like the sun hadn't gone down and could been seen at knockwood pub. That's some impressive bling

[scarpsD40]

That's all you need horse looks like a good set up.  I cant see a fridge it must be hidden well.

no fridge on the weekend SP. pub grub and it was snowing remember........beer was naturally chilled.

By the way, notice the ultibling on the back of the 79.......

[Fathom]

wat you talking bout Willis. You mean the flashy looking Navara or my socks? Certainly not the ARB bullbar, still has standard filament globes.

And stop highjacking my threads and trying to take them off topic. There's a few of us on here trying to have a serious D&M about camping.......

Still looks a bit blingy to me....
I remembers as a young bloke leaving to go camping with this checklist...
Truck... Beer.... Some spuds and no name aluminium foil and a tarp... If I remembered.. A pillow.
Then I got a bit more cash. And  I didn't have to buy no name foil anymore.
All jokes aside... It's impossible to camp 'incorrectly'... If it works for you and doesn't effect anyone else...
Then you are doing it right.
Me personally I couldn't stand the idea of a TV etc. but we do weekends or weeks away... Sometimes a little more...
So.. If I was doing the big lap? Away for months on end? I probably would reconsider a TV.  Not for me though...
For the missus... Honest...
I mean if she had to talk to me day in day out with no distraction she might figure out I only have 5 jokes... And they're not all funny.

[Sixpack]

I have never experienced the naturally chilled experience up here in Queensland.  You blokes down south sure know how to put on a fire it is good to see. 

[Sixpack]

no fridge on the weekend SP. pub grub and it was snowing remember........beer was naturally chilled.

By the way, notice the ultibling on the back of the 79.......

Looks like a nice Victorian day. 

[Rob C]

I mean if she had to talk to me day in day out with no distraction she might figure out I only have 5 jokes... And they're not all funny.
[/quote]

Yep sounds like me !!!!