Thread: Gear/kit for camping/hunting from ute

I plan on doing a lot more hunting from the ute, ie camping at the ute and doing day trips. Fishing too where it is possible.
I have, or plan to have the usual basic gear, but what do you use that you find dead handy, or not what most people would normally think of? I'm not too keen on expensive branded gear as I mostly do public land and don't want to leave thousands of dollars sitting around for some scrotes to help themselves to. However I don't mind spending a bit if I get more private spots.
I have a 4wd king-cab, deck length with tailgate up is 183cm, so my single cheapo blue blow up mattress fits perfectly. Have canopy. Have various pup tents and a $30 gazebo to keep dew off.
Hit me with a few ideas.

dont be cheap....find/buy a 4" thick foam mattress...your back and hips will thankyou for it in the morning.
ciggy lighter in both door pockets and one in glovebox....its a bastard trying to light the cooker without one.
baby whipes to have a whores bath before climbing into fart sack.....
warehouse cast iron ring cooker and 4.5kg bottle........so much faster than small cooker for similar price and you can simmer on it etc....put in plywood box to cut out wind.
whistling kettle.....so handy first thing in morning...put kettle on and dont have to watch it....it sings when ready...also they boil good amount of water so makes cuppa and enough for something else....

led garden lights...the solar ones.

Add a layer of 15mm closed cell foam beneath the foam (as above), and I swear it’ll be as comfy as your bed at home

A Thermette is a neat way of quickly boiling a decent volume of water for a brew and a hot wash

Decent camp chairs that you can relax in

Plastic toilet seat over a 10L paint bucket is a environmentally friendly way. Any females will thank you too. Easy to transport and dump properly.

Use a BBQ type lighter. Saves burning your fingers.

Something to stand on to shake off whatever off your feet before hopping into the fart-sack

Solar shower, can soon boil water and to make it warmer but in saying that my wife who loves her camping users the solar shower to heat her water then puts in a bucket and then uses a 12v shower (about $50) finds they use less water and get a better shower.

feet.....paper towels,the type that are prefolded ....when you finish eating,whipe dishes down then burn papertowels..dishes done...dry your feet before getting into bed....

That's what I'm after lads. Don't go anywhere without my biodegradable baby wipes. Got one of those Warehouse rings, but the 4.5kg bottle is still on the list. The bro has been known to take one of those gas burner heaters that were popular in the 80s into the bush to use under the gazebo lol. Done my time binning cheap camp chairs. Got a small folding camp table from The Warehouse, that's what I was meaning by cheap shit, it works as good as an expensive Chinese made branded one. I also have a couple of led strip lights about a foot long, made up from those rolls of the strip, just clip em on alarm batteries and they give damn good light.

Sort some decent stst long fine bolts and nuts (w washers) to replace the rivet-type ‘hinges’ a lot of the camp chairs and tables use. I’ve replaced a few and had years more life out of them

If you have some $$$ a 12 volt fridge like the aussies use. Can keep a small bit of meat, milk or something like that cold

Get a spirit level app on phone can use to check vehicle level.
I use it to check camp stretchers when camping.
A level bed makes a real difference.
Stops you sliding to one side or end which helps keep you warmer.
Also keeps other half happier.

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Solar panel and a charger for camp light batteries, I use 18650s, and run an LED strip light off them, also have option to run off a 12V car battery.
Rechargeable solar lights aren't a bad idea either, just leave them on the dash when not in use.
A decent tarp, a couple of poles and ropes, can double as clothes line.
Dry footwear for around camp.
Small gas heater.
Collapsible portable fire pit (can be good to cook over with a grill or camp oven).
10 or 20 litre container for water.
Keep an eye out for a second hand 12 volt fridge, Engel, Waeco etc. Apparently the Jaycar fridges aren't a bad bang for buck.

Get a number of large plastic tubs with lids to store gear and equipment preferably in different colours ( the colour differences make it easy to know what is in each one once you get your system sorted )
It makes life easy to pack and organise the ute and they can be left outside of the vehicle at night , make sure they water and rodent proof .

@Ground Control a DOC campground I've used a couple of times is seriously infested with rats, thankfully first time there I had all my stuff in Sistema boxes, so it was good. Second time there I had invested in a slug pistol for the trip and had a ball.

Try using items that can do more than one job where possible. One thing we do is store all plates and cutlery etc in a tub, that then becomes the wash up sink and clothes washing machine if needed.

A little card type fold up table to prepare and eat dinner on. A pair of insulated overalls to wear at night while your sipping single malt at -5C and thinking how good is this while trying to find the other dipper constellation!

Originally Posted by Daithi

Second time there I had invested in a slug pistol for the trip and had a ball.

Done this myself - was rather entertaining!