Sunday, 4 August 2024

Vango Atom Stove

Good Afternoon from us at N,O,G,  hope you've managed to get out and about in the glorious weather.

Kit review for the Vango Atom Stove…

We have used this many times now, it is efficient, easy to use and does what it needs to do (sticks chest out and rightly so). However… we have noticed that after copious use the 2 little screw on the stove do gradually come loose.  It doesn’t stop its usage but we were concerned if it would topple the billy can or pan when cooking.

Is it just us who have noticed this or has it happened to other Vango stove owners?

Tightened them up no problem and it was sturdy again.

Let us know if you've had this problem on our Instagram page.


 

Thursday, 13 June 2024

Vango Kit Review

 

Honest reviews are what dreams are made of, so here we are... an honest review of a Vango Nitestar Alpha 450 sleeping bag and a Vango Trek Pro 3 Short self inflating mat.



The Vango S.I.M (self inflating mat) seems robust, good quality and instructions are easy to follow. It took a while to self inflate due to it being the first time used but it got there, needed a few breaths in but we were ok with that.  The safety lock on the mat is sturdy and it kept inflated which is the main object.  

It packed away very easily and the bag it came in was on the large side which is fine.  Slept soundly but the other half said he could do with extra padding (but I guess that is because the old bones need extra support haha) -  I have slept on these in the past with no problems. However, I do prefer a bit more comfort as a female side sleeper... we change we evolve, much like the camping equipment, I guess.


All in all, a decent quality S.I.M. packs away small, does what it says on the packet.  Purchasable from the usual haunts both online and shop wise.

The Vango Nitestar Alpha 450 (prototype)

The (prototype) Vango Nightstar Alph 450 is a 4 season sleeping bag - it is made up of Alpha insulation and I can confirm hat is a toasty number to sleep in.  from -9 to 15 degrees Celsius.  The night temp dropped to about 9 degrees when we were out and I was very warm for the duration.  Didn't have the zip fastened as I was warm with it open.  The total weight is 2300g so not the lightest but it is fine and dandy for car / van camping. 


The issue I had with it was that each time I  turned in the sleeping bag, its inner material clung to my clothes and followed me (If that makes sense)  not in a ghostly haunting way... maybe a sleeping bag liner would stop this happening.  Apart from that all was well and I'm looking forward to using it again.

Many thanks for reading our blogs... until the next one...








Sunday, 2 June 2024

No Brand Sleeping Mat



 

Thought we’d try a non branded sleeping mat, took the risk and shiver my timers it wasn’t bad at all.



We used an inflating device (plugged into the car or Jackery) one of the nozzles that comes with it were perfect to inflate it.  The valve is one which doesn’t let all the air escape once the inflating device is removed ‘winner winner chicken dinner’.

First impression - sturdy, well made and I like the colour 🤭.  First nights sleep was great, it was a solid 10/10 for me being a side sleeper.  

When you get in or out the airbed didn’t immediately plunge to the ground.  This is because it has small pockets of air over a large area which is distributed very well.  No air leaks either.

Night two, held its own with no need to re inflate which tick my boxes.  Another great nights sleep with no discomfort on the aging hips and shoulders.

Easy to deflate with no faffing.  Rolled up well and was able to get it into its drawstring bag no trouble.

Would I recommend it, as a budget sleeping mat yes, think it was just short of £20 on Temu.

Would be handy to pop in a B.O.B. or in the boot of the car ‘just in case’.

Weight and size in the photo.

Have a great a day from us at N.O.G.



 







Sunday, 26 May 2024

Glow Sticks / Raver Sticks




We have been using these for years when out camping.  We had some NATO ones but can’t seem to find those at the moment.


We find these work for about 2 nights, giving off a glow which means it is dark enough to sleep but you can still see what is what if needs be.

Also useful for power cuts, and maybe keeping some in the ‘bug out bag / car too.  

My children also loved them when we camped and they became a hit with other children too.  The cheaper ones (which are thinner and you can make necklaces / bracelets) are also great to occupy them and it’s all magical and hopefully memories made along the way.



If you are of a certain age you could have a reminisce of the 90s… raves, decent dance tunes and dancing the night away 🤭🥳🥳🥳



Tuesday, 14 May 2024

Vango Atom Stove

 



We had to buy a new stove on account of the last one nearly singeing our eyebrows off… not the best look.
Decided to get the Vango Atom from The Fell Store which is highly recommended for a friendly and fast service (web link below).
The Vango Atom is small and compact, comes in its own case.  We used the Coleman C500 cartridge, it is a standard screw-on gas cartridge type making it an ideal fuel source for camping stoves. The gas has a  Coleman's double safety seal resealable screw valve the C500 can be disconnected and reconnected to your appliance in complete safety without leaks which is reassuring.
Measurements are 40L x 40W x 60H.





It does what it should, boils water, no point in timing it as we are in no rush and it’ll take as long as it takes.
Cooked a steak with no problems and some bacon in the morning.  
Would N.O.G. recommend this Vango Atom?… absolutely.  Ticks all our boxes for camping, making a cuppa, cooking bacon, steak and hotdogs.
As always, never use a stove in your tent / caravan / home.  Outdoors is best and keep safe.



You can visit the Fell Store site by clicking HERE





Monday, 6 May 2024

Tent Peg Aviation Rules



If you’re an avid plane traveller who goes abroad on a camping adventure; this maybe something to consider.

Tent pegs

You need to think carefully if your holiday involves camping. Tent pegs are permitted - but only in the baggage checked into the hold. They can otherwise be viewed as a threat if you pack them in your carry-on luggage. Weight and size restrictions apply to tents themselves in the same way as your usual luggage.

Be a NOGGER and be prepared. 

Happy camping folks.

Friday, 12 January 2024

Our Merch Store is now open!

 



We are happy to announce that we are working alongside Brindle Books Ltd and Our Merchandise Store, to bring you branded Nearly Off Grid merch items. We have launched our N.O.G. hoodie in a range of colours, along with our N.O.G. enamel camping mug, and we will be adding other items regularly, so it's worth bookmarking the page and coming back to visit periodically to see what new items have been added. You can visit our Merchandise page via the menu bar at the top of the page.

Tuesday, 5 December 2023

UK Government Recognises Need for Self Reliance

 Greetings Noggers.

The UK Government have finally recognised the importance of having plans in place for the event of power cuts; exactly the kind of advice that we at Nearly Off Grid have been giving since we started.

Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden has been widely reported today to have made the statement whilst visiting DSTL* at Porton Down, in Wiltshire. (*Defence Science and Technology Laboratories).



Speaking during the visit, he said it was the Government’s duty to review individuals’ resilience in the event of a disaster that could knock out our communications and other systems.

Mr Dowden suggested that households should keep a battery powered radio, a torch and candles to hand in the event of a cyber attack, or any other incident which could causedisruption to the National Grid.

He has further announced that the Government would launch a ‘resilience website’ next year that will explain to the UK’s 28 million households what they might need to do to cope with a catastrophe, and what they could do to help others who may be more vulnerable.

Hopefully, all parties in the House of Commons will fully support this idea, so that the public can access useful and practical advice, no matter which party is in Government when the project goes live.

This development is obviously to be welcomed, as such preparedness to cope will not only benefit individual households, but the nation as a whole. A populace that is able to keep calm and carry on, will be better able to keep the country working.

Here at Nearly Off Grid, we would heartily recommend keeping eyes and ears open for the new website and any further developments. In the meantime, of course, you can always find simple and practical advice on surviving disruption to the grid on this website, along with those listed on our USEFUL LINKS page.

You can also check out our article on simple ways to cope with power outages HERE



In the often dangerous and unstable world we find ourselves, there is no doubt that we will be stronger and better able to survive and thrive as a nation of NOGGERS.

Saturday, 9 September 2023

Book Recommendation: FOOD FOR FREE by Richard Mabey

 

Food for Free by Richard Mabey


We can't recommend this book highly enough! Although Richard Mabey's 'Food For Free' has been in print for years now (in various formats), it's still the best book out there as an introduction to foraging, in our humble opinion...

Who doesn’t love free food?

Although blackberries have passed their peak after this year's bumper season, at least we have some in the freezer.

This awesome little book by Collins Gem - Food for Free - Richard Mabey, will inspire you to look for other free edibles.

Time to look for other items to snaffle in the wild.

To find out more, you can visit Richard Mabey's website by clicking HERE


Tuesday, 22 August 2023

Charge Your Phone For Free with the Elzle Solar Charger

 

A very handy piece of kit for travelling, camping, or when the grid goes down..



Hey up NOGGERS:

You don’t need to be totally off grid to use natures freebies.  Here’s one of our favourites.

The Solar Charger 26800mAh, Solar Power Bank with 4 Solar Panels, Flashlight, Dual 5V/2.1A USB Ports External Battery Compatible with Smartphones, Tablets etc./When you wake up to a  beautiful sunrise, open your curtains, open this little gem out and leave on the window sill all day.

After sunset, fold it back up, plug your phone into it via the usb.

When you wake on the ‘next’ sunrise; your phone is be charged, albeit not fully but it lasts me all day.  It most certainly feels good to know that you’ve used nature for one of today’s luxuries.

It also has a built-in super bright LED emergency lights with 3 modes(Steady-SOS-Strobe), SOS flashlight is designed for Outdoor Enthusiasts. Especially for go to outdoor activities.

However, it is a bit on the heavy side and I’m sure lighter can be found.

Built to last; Waterproof dustproof and shock-resistant, ideal for outside use. Long lifespan with more than 500 recharging times - time will tell.  I’ll use this daily so can get a good idea on how it performs./Would I recommend this?...Yep!