Camping essentials!

While I was writing about my beach cum camping vacation in my last blog, I came up with an idea for this one...camping essentials! In the last couple of years M and I have camped many times in and around Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana and now in California. Everytime on such vacations, we commend ourselves for buying the 'right' camping gear, esp. the 'pocket rocket'! Believe it or not, it is quicker to make pasta on this one than making it at home. So, here's a list of our favourites along with links to their pictures:

- REI Half dome tent - This one sleeps two, and is the one of most popular tents around! We have the '03 model.

- Petzl Headlamp - M loves this one!! It's the ease of not having to carry a torch or lamp around in the night and the fact that its white light, makes this our favourite.
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=32354328&memberId=12500226&storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226&langId=-1

- MSR Pocket Rocket Stove - this one is ultra sleek. It is compact yet powerful. It amazes us everytime we use this one! The name 'PocketRocket' says it all! The fuel is MSRIsoPro that needs to be bought separately. REI stocks this(and many more!).
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=14104244&memberId=12500226&storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226&langId=-1

- Coleman Rechargeable Twin-Tube Fluorescent Lantern - the one that I especially like on this one it is rechargeable from household current and 12V sources...which means you can even charge it from the car! Cool... right?
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=633&memberId=12500226&storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226&langId=-1

- Thermarest -This camp mattress is a good buy.
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39064992&memberId=12500226&storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226&langId=-1

- Open Country Backpack Cookset - the separate clamp handle can be used with all the pans that come in this cookset is a nice feature. You don't have to worry about 'handling' your pans!
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=13886&memberId=12500226&storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226&langId=-1

If you are an online shopper, campmor.com is a good site to shop. We found some good deals on this. rei-outlet.com is another one.

Toast....to all you campers out there!