Gadget Corner
I am always on the lookout to spend my hard earned on some sort of gadget that I really need just didn't realise it. This is my personal choice and I welcome comments and feedback or even possible alternatives.
Please Note! The website links detailed below are where I purchased the items from or suitable alternative websites I have found because I can't remember where I bought the item from. These are not the only source for these items.
Tent
Many options here and can I pick one? No, unfortunately not. I've managed to get it down to three. These selections are based predominantly on weather conditions, site facilities and how far I am travelling.
Option 1 - Kyham Biker
I seem to keep returning to this one. Good in the wet, not so good in high winds. It is also quite bulky when packed so you need to bear this in mind. Quick to erect and pack away. Footprint essential as bedroom area floor is not the most robust.
Available freely throughout the internet.
Option 2 - Coleman Phad X3
Smaller than the Biker but offers good wind protection I think this is due to the fact that the poles cross and support each other. Therefore under extreme wind conditions the load is shared. I find it packs down well and is light. Not advisable for the taller biker. I'm 5ft 9" and find myself having to sleep diagonally to try and avoid touching the inner and outer tent together. Coleman don't offer a specific footprint for this tent but I highly recommend one. I just purchased a tarp from Decathlon and tuck it between the inner and outer tent forming a sort of bath tub groundsheet.
Available freely throughout the internet. Think I bought mine off Amazon whilst it was on offer.
Option 3 - Decathlon T2 Ultralite
Packs so small and is very light. Entrance to the tent is an art as the porch area can accommodate nothing more than a pair of boots and a helmet. But for pack size it has a good sleeping area. Again, like the Phad X3, no specific footprint available. I use a decathlon tarp again.
Whichever tent I am using I always have an insulated picnic type blanket to cover the sleeping area floor. Helps keep warm, easy to clean and protects the floor from above.
Lighting
Torch - LED Lenser - L7
Great little torch.
Tent Lighting Option 1 - RCO Candle Lantern
Nice little lantern that also takes the chill off.
Click Here for website
Tent Lighting Option 2 - Tesco LED Light
Handy light designed to be hung in the tent. Has two settings, on or off. It also has a magnetic hook to enable the light to be pointed straight down and an integrated hook for pointing horizontally.
Click Here for website
Seating
Helinox Chair One
Packs small and is very light. Rated up to 145kg kilos so I haven't got to worry yet. Very comfy but the flexibility/movement of the chair takes a little getting used to.
Sleeping
Winter Sleeping Bag - Snug Pack Antartica
Although bulky to pack, thats the last thing on your mind at four in the morning when everyone else is shivering.
Sleeping Bag - Snug Pak Expanda Panel
If you don't like the confinement of a mummy sleeping bag this is a good addition. Really increases the shoulder width, yes I have wide shoulders, no ther reason for buying this ;)
Summer Sleeping Bag - Decathlon Quechua S0 Ultralightdown
Packs small, very warm. A little tight. I think the trick is don't try and turn in the bag, turn as one. Comfort 1 Degree C, Limit -5 Degrees C, extreme -22 Degrees C
Decathlon Quechua Outer Bag
Lightweight outer bag to increase the temperature range of your sleeping bag. Adds between 5 and 8 degrees. Also handy for sitting in inside the tent if it turns cold and you don't want to get in the sleeping bag.
Mat - Exped Downmat 9 Pump DLX
The easiest way to get a good warm nights sleep. Highly recommended. Packs small and comfortable. I have used this on Dartmoor when my drinks bottle froze overnight! Cold comes from the ground and this is a good way to avoid a long sleepless night.
Vango Halfmoon Pillow
Not a lot to say really. Fits nicely into the rounded hood of the sleeping bags I use. I also use a small inflatable pillow.
Cooking Equipment
Stove - Jet Boil Flash
Packs small, everything packs in to the main cooking pot. Boils a litre of water extremely rapidly due the use of a FluxRing®. High efficiency heat transfer allows your gas to go farther. The neoprene sleeve allows the stove to be held in the hand whilst hot. The on the side indicate when the contents rech 100 degrees.
Frying Pan - Jetboil Frying Pan
Works with the Jetboil Flash with the addition of a pan stand. This also uses the patented FluxRing® and allows good heat transfer to the pan.
Heating Food - Hot Packs
Flameless heater. Just add water. Ideal for heating up a meal when cooking with a conventional stove is not safe or possible.
Food
Look What We Found
They offer a number of good wholesome ready to eat/reheat meals. Available mailorder and also on some Supermarket shelves.
Click Here to visit website
Show me yours
If you have a favourite gadget then send me an email with a picture
(and/or link to a web site where I can download one) along with a few
words, about the same as I have done above and I will get it added
to the site.
Nick Fern webmaster@bmwclubuk.net
For a complete listing click the Calendar link on the menu above.
  |
Valentia Island Hotel weekend
|
|
| Date: 20/03/2026 to 22/03/2026 | ||
| Irish | ||
|
2 nights B&B and one evening meal (Saturday night) €205 per person (sharing) €305 (single room).
Book the hotel directly on: 00353 66 9476144 and mentioned the BMW Club weekend when booking.
(S . . .
|
||
| ||
 |
Cornwall Lunch time cafe meet
|
|
| Date: 20/03/2026 | ||
| South West | ||
|
A tip to Cornwall to Britannia Inn. |
||
| ||
 |
Slot Car Racing
|
|
| Date: 22/03/2026 | ||
| Southern | ||
|
No Information |
||
| ||
 |
Hamish's 4th Sunday
|
|
| Date: 22/03/2026 | ||
| Scottish | ||
|
No Information |
||
| ||
|
|
HongXin restaurant
|
|
| Date: 22/03/2026 | ||
| Oxford | ||
|
Buffet |
||
| ||
  |
Nigel's Spring Gathering
|
|
| Date: 27/03/2026 to 29/03/2026 | ||
| Scottish | ||
|
Hotel & Camping weekend see Around the Compass |
||
| ||
|
|
"Spring Carvery Lunch"
|
|
| Date: 29/03/2026 | ||
| South East | ||
|
Lunch - Please book with Social Secretary ASAP
NO RUN |
||
| ||
 |
Stratford Ride
|
|
| Date: 29/03/2026 | ||
| Midland | ||
|
Midland Section 1st Ride-out of 2026 to Stratford-upon-Avon. |
||
| ||
| Regular meets for the next 7 days:- |
|
|
Home
Membership
Calendar
Forum
Registers
Sections
The Club