Camping

jijifer · Post by **jijifer** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 12:02 am

If you've done, you've probably photographed it. Can you post your pictures here of your loaded buddy ready for a weekend of camping?
I'm needing tips and tricks as camping and scooting is about to be my reality. I've only got the back rack with plate for the givi trunk. I think the front rack would optically confuse me. What do you strap to your rack, seat and back? do you also have a fuel can on board? Do you carry a campfire chair?

bluebuddygirl · Post by **bluebuddygirl** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 12:47 am

I have done it, and I went through my photos and I have none of the buddy loaded up, just of it sitting serenely by the picnic table at the campsite.

Here is what I did though. I have a box on my back rack. I used that, and saddle bags (that I made) and of course, the pet carrier. I fit my tent and some clothes in the pet carrier, I put other clothes and soft stuff in the saddle bags as they were going to be against the polymer sides of the buddy (I do not use the word plastic when it comes to my scoot) and the hard stuff and any other items were stuffed in the box. I have also put a dry bag on the seat behind me strapped to my box. I could not have fit a chair, but most campsites have picnic tables, and I dragged mine closer to the fire. I have camped on three different occasions with the scooter, and if I can find any pics I will post later, but there are none on this computer that show the loading. (I always think of pictures after the fact)

Checked other computer and nothing, and oh yeah, my tent is that small. I have that photo.

r0sa · Post by **r0sa** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 3:48 am

LOVE the pic!!!

KRUSTYburger · Post by **KRUSTYburger** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 5:23 am

I don't have a pic of a Buddy fully loaded with camping gear, because we trailered them
when we went camping for the Big Easy Weekender last year... but I did get pics!

yeah, it rained a lot... and it was freezing. good times.

Skootz Kabootz · Post by **Skootz Kabootz** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 7:43 am

Check out Alix's photos from her peace scooter trip... whole lotta packin' goin' on there.

Milktown · Post by **Milktown** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 4:56 pm

pictures from my first attempt at alaska

DennisD · Post by **DennisD** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 5:04 pm

I would like to know how much weight you are carrying on your scooter to include rider and gear. I'll bet the total for most is less than 200 pounds. Please prove me wrong as I would love to load some gear along with my big butt (225lb) and take off on a camping trip.

Scalpel · Post by **Scalpel** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 6:32 pm

Here's a couple pics from The International Donut Debacle:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/scalpel3000/3965386284/" title="Setting off to the Great White North by scalpel3000, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2670/396 ... e9a774.jpg" width="500" height="430" alt="Setting off to the Great White North" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/scalpel3000/3964614449/" title="The Courier by scalpel3000, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3495/396 ... a5d107.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="The Courier" /></a>

Scalpel · Post by **Scalpel** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 6:33 pm

DennisD wrote:I would like to know how much weight you are carrying on your scooter to include rider and gear. I'll bet the total for most is less than 200 pounds. Please prove me wrong as I would love to load some gear along with my big butt (225lb) and take off on a camping trip.

I'm about that, and as you can see from the previous post, I did fine on a 110. Just pack LIGHT. The less gear you take, the better.

DennisD · Post by **DennisD** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 7:10 pm

Thanks! What a great trip report. Yes, I am now properly motivated.

siobhan · Post by **siobhan** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 7:12 pm

This subject is near and dear to my heart. I am a huge camper and took a very, very wet trip last year on the Buddy. I'm prepping for the 2010 trips which will be divided between the scoot (in-state) and some of my bikes (Canada and other New England states).

Neither of us carried fuel containers because we were in civilization. I'm loving the Rotopax containers and may get one for the Canada trip.

Stopped by a lake looking up directions on a map (note the insane rain).

What I did last June:
1) front rack carried one sleeping bag (no compression sack)
2) in my milkcrate (attached to back rack) was a small cooler (plenty big for 2 people for 5 days), shovel, flashlight
3) Cortech Sport saddle bags over back of seat
4) Cortech Sport tail bag on top of saddle bag
5) on top of tailbag was another sleeping bag (no compression sack)
6) pet carrier had both of our clothes (it's dry under there), two pairs of Tevas, and my teddy bear
7) glove box held water

Everything had to be wrapped in trash compactor bags (small size, thick plastic) because it rained and rained and rained. I rode about 300 miles round trip, including over a huge (very windy) bridge.

What I learned:
1) Waterproof compression sacks are an absolute requirement. I have purchased Sea to Summit sacks.
2) My sleeping bags were too big. The b/f and I have since gotten new bags which compress down nicely with the compression sacks.
3) My insane insistence that we bring a 2-burner Coleman stove was wrong; I never needed more than one burner at a time. I will be bringing my 1-burner this year.
4) My tent is too big. I have since gotten a new backpacking tent (REI has goooood sales, jump on 'em!). It's still a 3-person tent but I want the room to store my gear if it rains and when I'm out riding. We're going to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland for about two weeks and will be staying multi nights at campgrounds. I don't want to ride the Cabot Trail with all my crap strapped to the bike. The tent weighs about 5 pounds with the footprint. It's about 22" long when packed.
5) I don't need a cooler.
6) Good sleeping mats/pads are required. Spend the money and get the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core mats.
7) Get micro towels for the shower/swimming. They weigh about 3 ounces and fold into the size of a packet of pocket tissues, yet they work.
8 ) Bring two sets of toiletries.
9) I've been slowly collecting a handful of moisture wicking tops and underwear with no seams (both his and hers). They dry overnight. And get good socks (without seaming). I have a couple of pairs of PhD SmartWool socks from REI. I am only bringing 2 sets of clothes to Canada.
10) And yes, BRING A CHAIR. I was so glad we both had chairs. I got a cheap-y mini chair from KMart that is the envy of other riders because it's comfy, lightweight, and fits really well across the back of the seat.

Getting ready to head to the Cape:

mr bill · Post by **mr bill** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 7:42 pm

Hello Jijifer,

My vote is leave the chair at home,
but many find this bit of comfort worth
the additional burden. I take only what I need
as little as possible. Every outing will have different needs.
Sometimes only a credit card is enough.

Any how best of luck on you sojourning

Here is a link to a fun scooter camping vid you might like.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxUpDrtB ... re=related

Cheers.

jijifer · Post by **jijifer** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 8:50 pm

such great advice!!! Most of my camping will be at 4K ft or Sea Level and some of it in the Desert where it'll be 95 in the day and 40 at night. I can't imagine the tent that fits in the pet carrier! I was figuring I needed (gear wise):

1) sleeping bag good to 30degrees
2) sleeping mat (have a borrowed one)
3) 2 person tent (any bigger and it's a waste of space)
4) battery operated lantern

The first trip is a camping rally where we'll be fed. The RBSC rally had lots of chairs for around the campfire but I think folks brought them with them in cars - 1/2 the folks hauled to Tahoe. I'll figure something out.

My sleeping bag is WAY bigger than what you have Siobhan so I need to a) figure out how to roll it even tighter or something. I have to get a tent so recommendations are welcome. Seems like Saddlebags are the way to go, eh?

gonna try configurations that don't require the front rack. Seriously when my handlebars turn and that front stuff doesn't, I get confused. Silly but true.

siobhan · Post by **siobhan** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 9:30 pm

Hey jijfer,

I have a Black Diamond Apollo lantern. It's amazingly bright and folds into nothing. I also have a head lantern thing like miners wear (obviously without the hardhat

) for walking in the dark. If nature calls, gotta get to the Buck or Doe in the middle of the night.

If you think it's going to be cold, you can always put a silk sheet or thin fleece blanket into the sleeping bag (a single silk sheet is cheaper than the bag liners). The bag was my big bugaboo because I had my cheapy Coleman bag for car camping. It just doesn't work on the bike because it's too heavy and bulky. If you can borrow a down bag, you're golden.

Saddlebags are the way to go. I have gotten better, bringing less stuff, but we go for weeks at a time into the middle of the woods. Once I get somewhere, I like to hike, swim and kayak, so I use the bags for food.

Tents with aluminum poles are lighter and better quality. That said, if you're not camping a lot, it doesn't really matter. The Eureka tents are good for the money.

REI has an outlet section: http://www.rei.com/outlet. You can have stuff shipped to a local store to avoid shipping fees. There are two riders who work at my local REI so I always work with them when I'm there. They understand when I start messing with something trying to figure out how the weight will be distributed. Another place is BackcountryOutlet -- very reasonable. http://www.backcountryoutlet.com/

Don't bring a lot of clothes. You won't need them. Do bring layers. Forget about looking cute. It's about relaxing, playing cribbage, telling stories, and making fires.

I have to have a chair because after hiking or riding all day, my body hurts. There's nothing like sitting off the ground in front of the fire.

I love camping and camp often, so I try to buy good gear that will last. Some of the stuff I have is rather expensive, but I also try to pick stuff up on the forums I'm on or through craigslist (that's where I got my saddlebags).

I also bring a wind-up radio and first aid kit. I don't bring a cellphone so the radio is my key to the weather.

Milktown · Post by **Milktown** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 9:33 pm

going from chicago to alaska this is how i packed my buddy. compression sacks are a must for whatever you can fit in them. in all i had prolly around 40 or 50lbd of gear with me(with full gas tanks) plus i weigh about 170. i was right at the limit of my rear suspension and i bottomed out a couple of times. when i go again this may i am upgrading the rear shock.

TOP BAG
- spare tire
- tire patching kit
- cloths(two pars of pants and a couple shirts i think)
- REI half dome tent 2 hc(best tent i ever bought)
- extra pair of shoes
- thermarest
- sleeping bag
- towel
- usa/canada road atlas

SADDLE BAGS
- gas powered camping stove
- 2 spare 1.25 gal gas tanks
- random tools(common sockets, pliers, screwdrivers)
- two spare oil filters
- two extra spark plugs
- plastic bags
- lots of bungee chords/rope
- flashlight(wind up)

UNDER SEAT
- 1gal drinking water

GLOVE BOX
- gps
- ipod
- random food(mmm combos)

jijifer · Post by **jijifer** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 9:44 pm

Milktown. I missed this - when did you ride to Alaska?!!! I'm from and I've done my time (6yrs) living in Chicago. what an awesome trip. My camping will be pretty plush in that there will be "facilities" and I'm never more that 150miles from home. The first will be with loads of other scooters, the second is a 3day concert in the desert with a camp site, also with facilities. I'm a little heavier than you so I wonder how much weight my suspension can and should take. I have the fancy adjustable shock on the back. hmmm....

jijifer · Post by **jijifer** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 9:49 pm

what are "compression" sacks?

Milktown · Post by **Milktown** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 9:55 pm

i went in the summer of 08. unfortunately my buddy did not make it and i broke down in the middle of the canadian rockies only about a hundred miles from the alaskan border. at the same time that happened the company i was working for went bankrupt and i lost all my vacation pay that i was supposed to be redeeming on that trip so i had to call it quits. crated up the buddy and flew back home to find a new job. im going for attempt number two in may. the plan is from chicago il, fairbanks ak(maybe even the arctic circle if i have time), then down to san diego and back to chicago.

Post by **Lostmycage** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 9:56 pm

jijifer wrote:what are "compression" sacks?

This should help.

Sorry, I couldn't help, lol.

Milktown · Post by **Milktown** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 9:58 pm

they are like magic! they work best with sleeping bags and clothes you can get them at any camping goods store

jijifer · Post by **jijifer** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 10:18 pm

Milktown wrote:i went in the summer of 08. unfortunately my buddy did not make it and i broke down in the middle of the canadian rockies only about a hundred miles from the alaskan border. at the same time that happened the company i was working for went bankrupt and i lost all my vacation pay that i was supposed to be redeeming on that trip so i had to call it quits. crated up the buddy and flew back home to find a new job. im going for attempt number two in may. the plan is from chicago il, fairbanks ak(maybe even the arctic circle if i have time), then down to san diego and back to chicago.

Well, you're not far from the Arctic Circle once you're in Fairbanks. Go there in June and you can scoot in daylight 24hrs! Check out Circle Hot Springs. I found this picture when I googled it:

That's TOTALLY accurate. I went one January. It was -45 degrees but the water is like 80? So I ran out of the locker room to jump off the diving board only to have my feet freeze to the board!! My friend, splashed some water and freed my feet. Submerge - re-emerge and you're hair freezes INSTANTLY (as seen here) but it also will break really easy, too, so watch it!! It gets into the high 70s by late summer in Fairbanks because it's close enough to the Arctic Circle not to see the sun go down for long. Conversely winter is SUPER cold.

What an adventure! I hope you make it one of these days!

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 12:42 am

Here's a picture I snapped of Flash, "loaded down" for a week-long scoot, camping in state parks last summer.

That's my sleeping pad, sleeping bag, a little pillow, and (mostly hidden) my tent and towel in a sack, all strapped to the rear rack. Clothes are in the pet carrier. Not pictured is the Tactical Bailout Bag hanging from my shoulder, which held my camera, rain gear, water, and other bits and bobs. Basically, I packed as if I were going backpacking, but without the 12lbs of food and kitchen, so my gear was pretty minimal.

(The photo was taken in the green county at the tip of the mitten, in my sig below.)

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 2:42 am

jijifer wrote:Well, you're not far from the Arctic Circle once you're in Fairbanks. Go there in June and you can scoot in daylight 24hrs!

I spent a week in Iceland about 15 years ago, just after Summer Solstice. It's just south of the Arctic Circle, so the sun did go down every night... but not far enough to get dark. One night in Reykjavík I went to the bar, and partied until the sun came up... around 1am.

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 2:42 am

And here's the scoot unpacked at the state park at the northern end of the Leelanau Peninsula (the light blue county at the tip of the "pinky finger" of the mitten).

My packing list* is here.

*That list was for a weekend practice run, but it was pretty much the same as what I did for the full week.,

bluebuddygirl · Post by **bluebuddygirl** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 3:10 am

A couple of additional packing light ideas. http://www.antigravitygear.com/ This site has some great stuff, but the big thing they have is tyvek by the foot. Tyvek makes a great cheap, super small, and light ground cover. Also, if you plan on washing anything, Purex has those laundry sheet now. Rather than having to pack liquid or powder, you can just take a sheet or two. Or, take a small bottle of Castile soap and use it for you, your hair, dishes, and hand-washing your laundry.

My super small tent is a Coleman Exponent. We also have a 2 person Peak tent (they don't make those anymore) that could also fit in the pet carrier. The Exponent is not good if you are at all claustrophobic. I finally invested in a good compact sleeping pad ( I bought an old stock Thermarest Pro-lite) I got my husband a Big Agnes which is cheaper, just as light and compact, but you have to blow it up. Both roll up to about the size of a large Nalgene bottle.

I have decided that I am going to spend 5 days on the Appalachian trail over Spring Break. I did this a couple years ago on Spring Break and build up my backpacking gear that time. I will have to post pics, even though I am not taking the scooter. Seems like we have a lot of camping enthusiasts here.

Post by **ericalm** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 3:49 am

siobhan wrote:Getting ready to head to the Cape:

Hmm, how to explain to the wife that an R75 is essential camping gear?

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 4:36 am

bluebuddygirl wrote:Or, take a small bottle of Castile soap and use it for you, your hair, dishes, and hand-washing your laundry.

Dr. Bronner's magic soap is good for just about everything... except eating or as a lubricant (personal or mechanical).

Post by **Lostmycage** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 5:00 am

ericalm wrote: Hmm, how to explain to the wife that an R75 is essential camping gear?

The picture should suffice. If not (and you can't back-track on this one, make sure you don't show the pic) just explain that it is a necessity, but only describe it as an "R75", then blur in a bunch of other things like a hammock tent and compression bags and miscelaneous racks, straps, camp chairs, soaps and bear deterrents. When she gives you the OK, then the subsequent WTF?! casually explain the merits of the "camp bike" and how you'd already OK'ed it with her.

Good luck with that.

bigbropgo · Post by **bigbropgo** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 5:19 am

This has been a great thread to read so far. I would have to think you have more than enough info to prepare a good pack list. check out (Google search) ultra light backpacking or hiking. There are some extreme guys out there that pride themselves on cutting every ounce of weight possible. Including unnecessary equipment weight. Some of the gear is a bit expensive but cool. I am posting from my phone but I'll try to find some links to a sleeping bag cover that is more or less also your tent. Pretty extreme but would cut a few pounds for sure. Best of luck.

Ed Hit · Post by **Ed Hit** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 1:31 pm

bigbropgo wrote: but I'll try to find some links to a sleeping bag cover that is more or less also your tent. Pretty extreme but would cut a few pounds for sure. Best of luck.

Google Bivy sack. First result is an article from REI on them.

siobhan · Post by **siobhan** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 2:15 pm

ericalm wrote: Hmm, how to explain to the wife that an R75 is essential camping gear?

Um, the same way I explain to my b/f that another old Honda is a necessity..."But hon, it's only [fill in random low number that doesn't include fix-up parts] bucks!"

And I second the Dr Bronner's soap. It cleans everything and makes for good reading!

Post by **Lostmycage** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 2:27 pm

I'd suggest going and lurking in the ADVrider forums. Those guys pretty much live for this stuff and a lot of them have the packing down to a science. They also have a multitude of listsings of camp sites (including motorcycle friendly ones).

Chances are if you're thinking about doing something on a bike, someone over there has done it to a much greater extreme and posted their trials, tribulations and triumphs.

Some of the ride reports are just wonderfully penned.

Go Look.

DennisD · Post by **DennisD** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 2:44 pm

TVB wrote:Here's a picture I snapped of Flash, "loaded down" for a week-long scoot, camping in state parks last summer.

That's my sleeping pad, sleeping bag, a little pillow, and (mostly hidden) my tent and towel in a sack, all strapped to the rear rack. Clothes are in the pet carrier. Not pictured is the Tactical Bailout Bag hanging from my shoulder, which held my camera, rain gear, water, and other bits and bobs. Basically, I packed as if I were going backpacking, but without the 12lbs of food and kitchen, so my gear was pretty minimal.

(The photo was taken in the green county at the tip of the mitten, in my sig below.)

While watching the Canadian women thrash the Americans in hockey last night I looked over at my wife and said, "we should load up the scooters and go camping". I didn't expect her to be excited at all as her sense of adventure is no where near mine. She surprised me by saying, "Okay, but let's wait until its a little warmer. Where do you want to go?"

WOW!

Tierra del Fuego?

Southern France to Siberia?

I think we'll hit a state forest campground first. It will be about 120 miles round trip and there are a couple of out of the way good places to eat. Baby steps. I am excited.

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 3:02 pm

When I was reequipping myself for camping several years ago, I considered a bivy sack, but went with an ultralight tent. The one I bought* was twice as heavy as a bivy, but still less than 3lbs, and it was worth the advantage of having (barely) enough space to change clothes without being eaten by skeeters, room to flop around a little in my sleep, and a place to bring a few items in when stuck in the rain. Replacing dad's old heavy-cotton National Guard sleeping bag with a nylon bag rated only down to freezing saved me several pounds and about a cubic foot.

*Sierra Designs "Lightyear"

Scalpel · Post by **Scalpel** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 7:19 pm

Lostmycage wrote:I'd suggest going and lurking in the ADVrider forums.
...
Go Look.

I'll second that suggestion. They also have a scooter forum, as well as an amazing story of one man's scootering journey from Australia to England. ADV is definitely a great place to visit.

jijifer · Post by **jijifer** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 8:46 pm

Lostmycage wrote:
jijifer wrote:what are "compression" sacks?
This should help.

Sorry, I couldn't help, lol.

I googled it. Wasn't sure how you figure out what size you need. But I went with xl figure I get other stuff in there, too!

Next question: bungees or straps?

bluebuddygirl · Post by **bluebuddygirl** » Sat Feb 27, 2010 5:15 am

jijifer wrote: Next question: bungees or straps?

or both in one. Rok straps for motorcycles (they make 'em for other things too, but this style and length is bike specific. http://www.valueteckenterprises.com/page4.html

Please note that I picked this site only because it had the best picture. Shop around. I bought mine on e-bay. They are elastic straps, adjustable with a quick release, designed with loops on the end so that they don't scratch your bike. You simple thread them around your rack and put the long end of the strap through the loop, fasten with the quick release and then tighten. Tried them and they are so simple and secure.

bigbropgo · Post by **bigbropgo** » Sat Feb 27, 2010 5:42 am

Its really two different tools that can do the same thing. You wouldn't use bungees to tie a scoot down on a trailor and its not always necessary to use a ratcheting tie down to secure gear. But they are both good and useful. bungees are quick and universal. A good ratchet strap shouldn't ever fail. Get both, do some testing and you may end up using both. Not really expensive to buy either one.

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Sat Feb 27, 2010 1:48 pm

jijifer wrote:Next question: bungees or straps?

I started with the same strap that I've used to attach my tent, bag, and pad to my backpack. It's strong enough to hold them, but for some reason there's always more wind on my scooter than when I'm hiking, so I added a couple bungees to hold them down more securely.

siobhan · Post by **siobhan** » Sun Feb 28, 2010 10:10 pm

jijifer wrote:Next question: bungees or straps?

For long (multi-day fun) trips, straps. I also use nets and bungees, but the main tiedowns are straps.

Bungees for trips to Target and Trader Joe's. Stupid, yes, but I'm too lazy to carry the straps all the time. I always have two different sized bungees in the pet carrier.

DaBinChe · Post by **DaBinChe** » Mon Mar 01, 2010 9:02 am

most folk carry WAY more then they need. For you to know what to bring you have to know what type of trip you will be doing: how many days/miles, environmental conditions etc. Use backpacking type gear to minimize weight/space.

For sleeping bag use a 20* bag. Just cause it says 20* doesn't mean you will be comfortable at 20*, it only means you will SURVIVE at 20*. Also when they say 20* they assume you are in a tent with warm clothes on atop a sleeping pad. For me a 20* bag will keep me comfortable down to about 40* out in the open with no tent or any type of shelter and in my undies on top of a sleeping pad. A tent/shelter will keep you about 5* warmer. Layering up on clothing will add warmth as well. I prefer to use a synthetic bag cause they are lower cost and are more versatile in varying (wet) conditions then down, but down does pack smaller. A good sleeping pad not only makes it more cushy in the comfort department but also more warmth. I use a egg cartoon shaped type closed (don't absorb water) cell foam. This is the most comfortable shape and is very lite weight. Down side to foam pads is they are kinda bulky. Self inflating mattress are comfortable but don't insulate very well and can punture easily, not good for the desert (too many needles). And as for a tent I just use a cheap simple one that cost about $20 at walmart.

Oh and don't use compression sack/bag on sleeping bags if you want to maintain the rated warmth of the bag. It only takes one time use to turn a 20* bag into a 30* bag and will get worse the more you use it. I turned my 20* into a 50*+ cause of compression bag. I just loosely stuff my sleeping bag in a dry bag along with my clothes. The one I use (yellow bag in second pic) can be had at walmart for less then $15 in the camping department. Use your clothes as a pillow.

Rain suit is a good idea if not too keep you dry but use also as a windbreaker.

Don't recommend a lantern but instead a headlamp, it should be the only light you need thus reducing space/weight.

On most of my road trips I eat out so no need to cook.

various types of trips calls for various packing/gear:

Weekend trip for the tahoe ralley, mild conditions, summer time. Went tentless, just sleeping bag/pad and clothes, no cooking gear:

Week long trip to Seattle, mild condition, summer. Tent is blow the foam pad and use a dry bag to hold clothes/sleeping bag.

Week long trip to Denver, late spring, every type of condition:

DennisD · Post by **DennisD** » Mon Mar 01, 2010 2:47 pm

As far as using a stuff (compression) sack for your sleeping bag, it does make it smaller and you can fluff the bag in the dryer at home to maintain the rating. I've done that on a couple of bags, usually not more than once a season. Works quite well. Also, the price difference in a 10 degree and a 20 degree is not that great. Go for the 10 degree.

siobhan · Post by **siobhan** » Mon Mar 01, 2010 2:59 pm

DaBinChe, great, great pics!

I would recommend bringing a backpacking pillow, though. It takes up minimal space and makes you so much more comfortable. After a long day of riding, I like a good sleep.

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Mon Mar 01, 2010 3:52 pm

DaBinChe wrote:For sleeping bag use a 20* bag. Just cause it says 20* doesn't mean you will be comfortable at 20*, it only means you will SURVIVE at 20*. Also when they say 20* they assume you are in a tent with warm clothes on atop a sleeping pad. For me a 20* bag will keep me comfortable down to about 40* out in the open with no tent or any type of shelter and in my undies on top of a sleeping pad.

IMO it makes more sense to wear clothes when I sleep than to carry a warmer (heavier) bag that'll keep me warm without them. If I have warm clothes with me, why not use them? Clothing helps protect the bag from my sweaty skin as well. I've been OK down to ~45°F in a 32°F bag (in a drafty tent, on a foam pad) that way.

DaBinChe wrote:A tent/shelter will keep you about 5* warmer.

Yeah, most tents aren't really designed to keep you warm. They'll cut down on the wind and maybe trap a little warmer air, but they're mostly good for keeping the bugs away and the rain off. Even "4-season" tents are just sturdier versions of 3-season tents, designed to keep the snow off you too.

DaBinChe wrote:Use your clothes as a pillow.

I used to do this. I've decided that I'd rather carry an old throw pillow from the couch; it's not nearly as lumpy.

Hey, I've been there! OK, maybe a little bit east of there...

KABarash · Post by **KABarash** » Mon Mar 01, 2010 5:34 pm

DennisD wrote:fluff the bag in the dryer at home to maintain the rating. I've done that on a couple of bags, usually not more than once a season. Works quite well.

Toss a couple tennis balls in with it as well...... I do this regularly with my old bag, It's almost 40 years old!! This 'old friend' has kept me warm at -40* and it weight less that 4lbs!

Post by **Lostmycage** » Mon Mar 01, 2010 7:18 pm

KABarash wrote:...kept me warm at -40* and it weight less that 4lbs!

Is that a typo?

KABarash · Post by **KABarash** » Mon Mar 01, 2010 7:20 pm

Lostmycage wrote:
KABarash wrote:...kept me warm at -40* and it weight less that 4lbs!
Is that a typo?

Nope......

Post by **Lostmycage** » Mon Mar 01, 2010 7:58 pm

Guess they don't make them like they used to (bags or folks).

jijifer · Post by **jijifer** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 3:37 pm

DID IT!!! So I guess my gear isn't backpacking friendly. This was as compressed as it gets! This is me after getting home after a 2 day camping trip! At least there's still a smile under my helmet!

and when I say I live next door to a Big O Tire I mean NEXT DOOR

Post by **Lostmycage** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 4:01 pm

Well done.

There's a scooter in there somewhere, isn't there?

So, give us a pack list already!