4 minute read

Gear to Go Camping

ZIPS DON'T BREAK. PEOPLE BREAK ZIPS.

Yep it is fair to say, no zipper ever woke up in the morning deciding it was going to break itself. Rather, like any moving parts, zippers need maintenance. If you don't put oil in your car, or air in your tyres, how good do you reckon they would go? So let's have a look at a couple of neat products that aid in zipper maintenance and repair. Firstly, Gear-Aid Zipper Cleaner and Lubricant, because prevention is better than the cure. The Zipper Cleaner and Lubricant is designed to remove sand, dirt and salt deposits that can make a zipper stick. An inbuilt handy brush on the top removes debris and delivers the cleaning formula right between the zipper teeth. Finally it leaves behind a clear, protective and lubricating film to prevent corrosion of zippers. Use it regularly and experience the joy of gliding zippers for longer!! Secondly, when you've failed to prevent the zipper sticking and tried to rip it clean off the product, or have just had a bad day and ripped the zipper apart (much like the writer here has done), the ZlideOn Zipper Repair is a patented Swedish innovation, produced in a family owned foundry on the Swedish countryside (just near where the Swedish Chef lives). Their mission is to provide a replacement zipper option for those times when you have broken your zipper. Their website has a very informative section on choosing the right size and then how to cut, open and put on the new zipper.

And as a cheeky third bonus in this maintenance and repair section of Gear to Go, is a humble can of Atsko WaterGuard Spray. This silicone spray is our go-to solution for customers at Go Camping & Overlanding who have a 'leaking' tent. While there are many specific solutions on the market for canvas, Gore-Tex and the like, the Atsko Water-Guard Spray is the one-stop solution for someone who needs to get the quickest outcome for water management. Most fabrics have some form of water repellency that wears off over time with use and this can of silicone spray works to restore the beading effect as quickly as possible.

These products are available from Go Camping and Overlanding. 9/58 Erindale Road, Balcatta www.gocampingoverlanding.com.au

CAMP-A-BOX

Back to Sweden we go (remember, that's where the ZlideOn is made), and to the town of Borås (which surely is really close to where the Swedish Chef lives!!) Inspirational outdoors folk, Ingvar Svantesson and Jan Andersson, created the company Wildo (WILD Outdoors) back in 1979. They continue to manufacture products in Sweden such as the Camp-ABox and a heap of other cool little eating tools. Function was crucial to the design and remains to this day, lightweight, durable and as compact as possible. Perfect for all you Suzuki Jimny owners!!

Available from Go Camping and Overlanding. 9/58 Erindale Road, Balcatta www.gocampingoverlanding.com.au

Wacaco Octaroma

Finally, a reasonably sized coffee cup that is aimed at people who don't like to fill up with one litre of joe! The Wacaco Octaroma ticks all the boxes as the perfect to-go tumbler. A 180ml capacity is perfect for a standard flat white, double-wall stainless steel construction with vacuum insulation, a leak-proof lid, and a thin lip design for a comfortable drinking experience. Your only hesitation should be which color to pick from the five available! Available from Go Camping and Overlanding. 9/58 Erindale Road, Balcatta www.gocampingoverlanding.com.au

OVERLANDING PATCHES

Lastly for this edition's Gear to Go section, a gratuitous plug for Go Camping & Overlanding, who have released a beautiful range of 'Overlanding Patches'. Now, if you need some education on what an overlanding patch is, think of it as a swappable collectible (like trading cards of old) that is inspired from army identification patches. One side of the patch is the hook velcro, the other, a myriad of wonderful designs. The hook side of the velcro attaches to any 'loop' material, such as your car drawers, your vehicle roof liner or that bit on your backpack you wondered about (the soft velcro bit). The Go Camping & Overlanding campfire design is the perfect way to show off your allegiance this summer to one of the most enjoyable elements of camping in WA - winter!! Get yours from Go Camping and Overlanding. 9/58 Erindale Road, Balcatta www.gocampingoverlanding.com.au

PLANNING A TRIP ALONG THE CSR?

This is the only guide you need!

A wealth of information is provided to help you plan your trip, along with detailed Hema maps showing the location of all the wells and other sites along the length of the Canning Stock Route.

Product features: • History of the Canning Stock Route • Preparing for your trip • Where to buy fuel and supplies • Where to camp • Detailed maps of the entire CSR • Trip notes and interesting facts from Halls

Creek to Wiluna and all the wells in between.

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www.western4wdriver.com.au/shop