Colbrook Reservoir Sept 2024

Colbrook Reservoir Sept 2024

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I tested out the Alton 3x3 tarp and bugnet tent on a bikepacking trip to Colbrook Reservoir in Victoria’s Goldfields region. Discover how these lightweight and versatile pieces of kit stood up to the challenge

The forecast was looking ok. There was a chance of rain and some wind. I packed my gear, loaded up my e-bike, and set off on the adventure.

The train to Ballan was nice and quiet. I arrived at the station, unloaded my bike, and set off towards the reservoir. It was a gentle but steady climb up to the Wombat State Forest. Facing a headwind wasn't much fun, but the e-bike helped take the edge off everything.

I turned off Blakeville Road onto Binks Road. The surface was freshly graded, making for a smooth ride.

The track down to the reservoir is not clearly marked. There were some arrows painted on a tree, so I tried that. It was rough and uneven. Lots of deep ruts and slippery wet clay. There was a lot of water damage and the occasional fallen tree. I'm no mountain biker so I got off and walked the bike through trickier parts.

Rough track after a storm
Rough track after a storm

The first site I came to was a small clearing near the dam wall. It was a nice spot, but it was already taken. I continued along the track and found another clearing further around. The site was sheltered by trees and had a nice view of the reservoir. There wasn't a lot of flat ground, but I managed to find a spot to pitch the tarp.

Campsite with tarp set up like an a-frame
Campsite with tarp set up like an a-frame

Tied a ridgeline between two trees and set up the tarp in an A-frame configuration. I opened up one side to face the reservoir and closed the other side to block the wind.

Tarp set up like an a-frame with one side open
Tarp set up like an a-frame with one side open

It was quick and easy to set up. The tarp provided good coverage and kept the rain off. I set up the bugnet tent underneath the tarp.

Bugnet tent set up under tarp
Bugnet tent set up under tarp

Next came the mattress, sleeping bag, and pillow.

Bugnet tent set up under tarp
Bugnet tent set up under tarp

I couldn't fault the view from my campsite. It was peaceful. The water was calm, and the trees were reflected in the reservoir. When the wind picked up, I watched it form ripples on the water.

Twig stove set up
Twig stove set up

Went for a walk and collected some wood the twig stove. Set that up and my chair and was set to relax and take in the surroundings.

Dam wall
Dam wall

I lit the stove and boiled some water for a well earned coffee.

A shower passed over, but I stayed dry under the tarp with a coffee in hand and watched the rain drops hit the reservoir surface.

View from the campsite
View from the campsite

I fed the fire, cooked up some dinner, and relaxed while listening to the sounds of nature. Unfortunately, someone decided to share their music, but thankfully, they stopped after about half an hour, and it was back to the peaceful sounds of the bush. Nice.

After dinner, I cleaned up and packed everything away. I settled in for the night, pulling down the open side of the tarp and zipping up the bugnet tent. Warm and comfortable in my sleeping bag, I fell asleep to the soothing sound of the wind in the trees.

It was lovely to look out and see the water and trees under the moonlight. The wind picked up during the night, but the tarp held up well. I stayed warm and dry, listening to the rain patter on the tarp.

Bird visitor
Bird visitor. Blurry photo because it was taken on a phone the bird was very fast.

People often say camping is about getting back to nature, but I believe it’s also about reconnecting with yourself. It’s about slowing down and taking the time to appreciate the simple things, being present, and living in the moment. It’s about disconnecting from the world and reconnecting with yourself. In a tent, you close it up and stay out of the elements. Under a tarp, things are different. You remain open to the elements, yet you are protected and comfortable.

I highly recommend trying out tarp camping. It is lightweight, versatile, and provides a more immersive experience with nature. It is a great way to get out and enjoy the outdoors.

I wouldn't recommend it in extreme weather conditions. A tent would be better in those situations. But for mild weather, tarp camping is a great option. I know die hard tarp campers will use tarps in all conditions. You can get some great setups with a tarp that provide excellent protection from the elements. I'd prefer a tent in those situations. It is easier to for me to set.

Tarps are usually open so don't provide a lot of privacy. You can set up a tarp in a way that provides some privacy. But it's not the same as a tent. For that reason, I'd prefer a tent if camping in public such as a busy open campground. It's a personal preference.

Over the water looking to the dam wall
Over the water looking to the dam wall

How did the gear perform?

I'm not sponsored by Alton. I bought the gear with my own money. I wanted to test it out and see how it performed in the field. I was impressed with the quality and performance of the gear. I like to support local businesses where possible. Alton is an Australian company that sells quality gear at an affordable price.

The twig stove was great. It was easy to light and boiled water quickly. I put in some barbecue heat beads to sustain the fire and give some even heat to cook. The stove burns very efficiently and leaves very little ash.

The titanium mug was perfect for boiling water and making coffee.

The titanium frying pan was a good size for one. Titanium cookware is lightweight and durable. I'd also say it is over-hyped. Titanium is an excellent conductor of heat, so it hot where there are hot spots. It doesn't distribute heat evenly like cast iron or stainless steel. So you need to keep an eye on your food and move it around.

The tarp provided good coverage and kept the rain off. The tarp is light and packs down small. It was easy to set up and provided a good amount of shelter. I like the versatility of the tarp and the number of tie-out points. I could set it up in different configurations depending on the weather. The quality of the tarp is good. The stitching is strong and the material is durable.

The bugnet tent was easy to set up and provided good insect protection. It is well made. My only gripes with the bugnet are no loops to hang things inside like a light or my glasses. It could do with a pocket or two. Another door would be handy. But it was light and roomy enough for one person.

The camp table was a good height and size. It was easy to set up and pack down. The table is light and packs down small. The quality of the table is good. The stitching is strong and the material is durable.

The Gear

Category: Outdoors
Tagged in: posts e-bikes camping gear victoria