Gear and equipment forum

Agree with Irieman. Most of the time it just isn't worth the extra weight and bulk. You don't need just a tent either ... after a few days of trying to sleep on rocks and tree roots you soon realize you need a decent mattress too (well I do anyway!)

This said, most of the time my camping equipment is in languishing in storage in Bangkok. I just take it with me when I know I'm going to need it. I bought a cheap tent at Tescos in Ranong years ago and it's paid for itself many times over, but I don't use it (or my mattress) anywhere except for camping in national parks. Most beaches have very affordable basic beach hut accommodation which is much comfortable than a tent.

It's often problematic to travel with lots of luggage in SE Asia too. Carrying a huge backpack in the blazing heat is no fun and there's often limited space on transport for luggage. I think you'll find it a major hassle carrying a tent etc around with you all the time.

If you really want to be equipped to spend the occasional night "under the stars" on a totally deserted beach then I'd recommend getting the most lightweight hammock with a mosquito net you can find instead. It's perfectly adequate for a night and a hammock is always useful, even when you aren't camping!