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Camping

i know we often talk about new things we've bought but .....

13 replies

colleysmill · 21/07/2013 07:14

...... what's the oldest bit of camping kit you have and still use?

Last weekend dh and I were talking about some of the stuff we have in our van which we still use. Some of the bits that I donated I acquired off my dad after he sold his motorhome were some of that they had in turn "inherited" off my grandparents when they had campervans when I was a child.

All still perfectly useable I have 5 mugs dating around 1988 (thermasulate - still keep my cuppa hot), our camping blankets from when we were in scouts and guides (32 and 28 years old respectively), one sleeping bag that's about 20 years old (still fine too) and some knives and fork camping kits bought from the national trust in about 1990. I still have some plates from 1988 but I use the ones from my dad more these days!

Maybe I'm a sentimental old fool but I can't bear to not use them but I can't help wondering if we are the only ones still using stuff generations old!

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ChippyMinton · 21/07/2013 07:25

Between DH and I we have a load of stuff that still gets used.
I have my sleeping bag from the caravan holidays of my childhood - must be 40+ years old, I used it in the summer as it's thin!
Camping gaz burner and stacking pan set from teenage cycling trips, so 30 years old.
DH has a rucksack, bags and a roll mat that must be 30 yo.

My parents have been caravanning for 50 years, and whilst the vans have come and gone, their original set of green melanine crockery is going strong Smile.

I like 'old faithful' stuff though. DS1 (11) has just got his first proper rucksack which I expect to last him through scouts, cadets, DofE, gap year, university etc etc.

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colleysmill · 21/07/2013 07:34

So not the only one! :)

I like the old stuff too - its like a little appreciative nod to the past - I think I am probably trying to recreate some of the memories I have of being a kid for my dc.

Although my grandad would probably say "what are you doing with an old clapped out vw! Get a modern one!"

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Slubberdelatrinae · 21/07/2013 08:32

I'm still using most of the orange melamine crockery from my childhood. 1 plate, bowl and mug also has my maiden name initial drawn on the bottom from guide camp.

3 season sleeping bag must be nearly 15 years old.

Rucksack also 15 years old will be used this holiday when we back pack in France.

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Slubberdelatrinae · 21/07/2013 08:33

Thin striped sleeping bag from Argos circa 1985 is what the dog sleeps on in the tent.

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SoullessButSunny · 21/07/2013 09:30

We've got some saucepans and a kettle that were my nan and grandads.

Must be from the 70s/80s because we used them in the 90s when we went camping with them and they were old then!

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YoniAsOldAsYoFeel · 21/07/2013 19:40

I still have my bright orange plastic plate and mug from Brownies, still going strong from 1980

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colleysmill · 21/07/2013 22:08

This thread has made me feel much happier knowing its not just me!

If it still works don't fix it is going to be my new motto

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CoolaSchmoola · 21/07/2013 22:12

I have my parents campingaz stove circa 1970, ditto their stacking pans, larder, table, water carrier, and a load of other stuff too. All working perfectly so no reason to replace. Plus my childhood sleeping bag is still knocking about too.

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2gorgeousboys · 22/07/2013 21:13

We use a pan set that was my Grandfather's mess set from WW2. It's only used as an extra now but it thrills him to think it's still being used.

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zumo · 23/07/2013 07:08

Most of the newer camping stuff is no better, its just invented for us to buy
We have a Vango Force 10 cotton tent that's still as good as when it was new, wind proof and warm, its nearly 40 years old

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LifeofPo · 23/07/2013 09:44

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

FourArms · 23/07/2013 11:52

I bought a 3 way fridge from eBay that is ancient, but immaculate because the people we camp with have the same one. It belonged to their parents so theirs must be 30 yrs old and is still going strong :)

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Milliways · 23/07/2013 16:26

A Tilley Twosome gas burner - still cooks/boils a kettle quicker than any of our friends modern ones (it's over 30 years old - belonged to my parents, and in a real "vintage" box.

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