2D1N wild camping with JC

 

Exploring a new wild camping spot with JC

It was the Deepavali weekend and we decided to explore this new area for a quick 2D1N wild camping just outside of Kuala Lumpur. It was just me and JC. M can't make it last minute due to family commitments. I have been on many camping trips with JC and safe to say we are comfortable with each other's company. When exploring new place, best to keep the members to those that you are familiar with. 

The wild jungle camping kit

My wild jungle camping kit this time around

Camping kit for the jungle is fairly simple and usually the same regardless of how many nights. The only difference is the amount of food and supplies like medical and power for electronic devices like lights and camera. In one of the trips just before this, I had one of the coldest nights ever! The rest of the camping crew did not experience the same but before calling it a 'hantu' experience, I had a feeling it was due to the location of my campsite. The wind was constantly blowing thru and I was shivring the entire night!, So this time around, I brought my lightweight blankie and an extra pair of socks. the rest of the kit was fairly the same. Oh...except of the pack.

The modified Mystery Ranch Nice Frame

All packed and ready to go

After a whole day of modifying this retired Australian army Mystery Nice Frame, it is only fair that I give it a real test. Military packs are NEVER light and this was no exception. I did not weight my pack but I reckon it was close to 15kg at least. The pack itself would probably be close to 2.5kg. Mystery Ranch is such a renowned brand name and it is only logical that I give it a real carry. 

At one of the resting spots along the way

I had to attach two bergen side pouches to the setup cause the dry bag I was using was a bit too small to pack everything in. Items like fuel, sandals and some lighter items when inside the side pouches. With the side pouches, I was expecting myself to get caught in the jungle but it never did (at least not more times than I would normally experience). I carried a whole bunch of stuff I would normally not carry on camping trips (like a whole chicken and a folding chair that weighs 1kg!)

My verdict? No hot spots, it was a pleasant pack to carry for heavy loads. The pack somehow stay glued to my back which was awesome. It did not sag down as time passes (like some pack) and there weren't many noticeable hot spots. I was able to maneuver around the jungle even with my arms slashing through the vines etc without much problem. I guess it is true how some say this pack is to carry heavy loads. 

Will I use it again? Probably not. Simply cause it is cumbersome to dig into the dry bag. I have it set up in a way that it is probably most suited to carry a dry bag or something like MR's load cells. If I ever had to carry heavy loads again, then maybe yes. 

That folding camping chair

Hauling this into the jungle....was it worth it?

I never thought I would ever haul in a folding camping chair on a jungle wild camping trip but having a nice comfy seat is really worth it. Sitting directly on the jungle floor is never a good idea. This area where we were is home to all sort of creepy crawlies and leeches are just one of them. The chairs got us off the ground, rested out legs and at the same time allowed us to keep an eye out for leeches (and whatever else) that is trying to get on us. Folding camping chair is probably that small luxury item that made all the difference and I have to say it was all worth it.

To be continued...