Motorcycle camping checklist

[The Voice Of Reason]

Hi, my name is Voice, and I believe in checklists. This is the one I use for motorcycle camping. While it works ok for me, I made it myself, so I'm sure there is plenty of room for improvement. Please have at it!

VOICE OF REASON'S
MOTORCYCLE CAMPING CHECKLIST

Campsite items:
Tent (2-person for just me, 3-person if traveling 2-up)
Sleeping bag
Sheet (if warm)
Thermarest pad (3/4 length if packing light; otherwise the big one)
Pillow (also Thermarest)
Chair (still looking for a good alternative here)
Folding table (it's tiny, handy, and civilized, albeit silly)
Repair tape

Cooking items:
Stove (dual-fuel; white gas or unleaded)
Cooking pot
Plate, bowl, cup (if traveling light, just a cup and a spoon)
Plastic silverware
Folding cooler (for daily shopping trip)
Flask, filled (pre-mixed Manhattans, thank you)
Coffee press
Coffee
Cutting board (the knife is in my pocket)
Cooking supplies (spices, oil, utensils)
Cleaning supplies (soap, sponge)
Collapsible water jug
Recipes/menu plan for x days (ideas for those shopping trips)

Personal items:
Clothes for x days (re-use, wash-and-wear, less is better)
Shoes (comfortable walking shoes)
Flashlight and batteries
Camera
Hat
Spare glasses
Pen and paper
Travel kit (shaving gear, toothbrush, comb, etc.)
Camp towel
Swimming suit
Bug spray/sunscreen
Normal pocket stuff (knife, cellphone, wallet, keys, etc.)

Motorcycle items:
Tools (always on board, but I'll list them anyway)
Tire repair kit (ditto)

Thanks!

[davidmc]

My advice is to ditch the small table and chair. Unless you are camping in the wild, these are completely unnecessary. These will take up way too much valuable space. Even the most primitive USFS campgrounds typically have picnic tables.

I leave any camping "luxuries" at home as traveling light is much more enjoyable. But YMMV....

[TravellingStrom]

Take a proper knife, fork and spoon, they weigh bugger all and do the job better, you will be glad you did.

Weight on a 650 is no hassle if riding solo, so take the chair, not sure on the table, but sounds good. Sometimes too many people, not enough tables.

[apexeric]

Chair (still looking for a good alternative here)


Look up Kermit Chair.

http://www.kermitchair.com/

Awesome quality. Great value.

Eric

[ladukebob]

Chair (still looking for a good alternative here)


Look up Kermit Chair.

http://www.kermitchair.com/

Awesome quality. Great value.

Eric

the name Kermit chair keeps popping up and so I checked out your linky. $129 for a camp chair!!!! Are you insane? Not the way I go through camp chairs.

[Cheff]

I dont take chairs, you can always make due just about anywhere. In the desert I just make my self comfortable in the sand :)

You forgot the Machete and/or Ax, this is a must especially if out in the woods when there is no designated spots.

I carry a tent but hardly ever use it unless it will rain. I love camping out in the stars, even when backpacking in the Sierra, I normally wont use my tent. I will set it to put my stuff in but I sleep out in the open.

Take a look at Jetboil for stoves, they are the best by far. I own several and the jetboil beats them all hands down.

[Boondocker]

I have done a lot of backpacking, but never camped out of a motorcycle. I just got my new 2-man tent from REI and think I have everything else. I'm going for a quick overnighter this weekend, just a maiden voyage sort of thing to get feel for what's not right.
Funny thing about the chair...I used to have this little fold-up stool that I loved. It was worth carrying on my back and folds small enough to fit in any cycle luggage. I'm hoping to find another.

[The Voice Of Reason]

I appreciate the comments and input. Just for the record, the folding table is a little aluminum job that stands about 4 inches high and folds into a 4x4x12 inch sack (approximately). It's a little luxury I like to have in the tent to hold my glasses, cell phone, and flashlight at night, so I can find them more easily if I need them and don't worry about rolling over on them while asleep.

As for the chair, I looked at the Kermit but the price was a bit steep for something that I will leave at the campsite while walking about the park (or wherever it is I'm staying). I try to take equipment that I am willing to risk having stolen, and I'm not sure the Kermit fits. The now-classic nylon bag chairs from Wal-Mart and similar places for under $10 seem to work almost as well; they don't pack up as small, but they don't weigh much more (maybe 7 lbs., vs. 5 for the Kermit), and they are comfy. Sitting all evening at a picnic table is not my idea of comfort, and once I've cracked open the flask (usually while cooking dinner) I'm not going to get back on the bike. Something Kermit-sized but cheaper would be great, but so would free gasoline, and I'm not finding either one!

[apexeric]

As for the chair, I looked at the Kermit but the price was a bit steep for something that I will leave at the campsite while walking about the park (or wherever it is I'm staying). I try to take equipment that I am willing to risk having stolen, and I'm not sure the Kermit fits. The now-classic nylon bag chairs from Wal-Mart and similar places for under $10 seem to work almost as well; they don't pack up as small, but they don't weigh much more (maybe 7 lbs., vs. 5 for the Kermit), and they are comfy. Sitting all evening at a picnic table is not my idea of comfort, and once I've cracked open the flask (usually while cooking dinner) I'm not going to get back on the bike. Something Kermit-sized but cheaper would be great, but so would free gasoline, and I'm not finding either one![/QUOTE]


Well, i have to agree with you, the Kermit is pricy. I've had mine for several years and never had any issues with it. It has lasted through many camping trips. Like you, once I've uncorked a bottle of wine I'm set for the evening. Lot's of good laughs in that chair!!

I fold mine up and put it in my tent when I'm not around. Folding it up takes about 2 minutes.

Have fun,

Eric

[randyo]

a soft collapsable cooler, big enuf to make a beer & ice run

[Stromin'Nroman]

VOICE OF REASON'S
MOTORCYCLE CAMPING CHECKLIST

..............................Flask, filled (pre-mixed Manhattans, thank you)
Coffee press
Coffee..............................


I've slimmed the list down a bit for ya'.

[The Voice Of Reason]

Quote:
Originally Posted by The Voice Of Reason

VOICE OF REASON'S
MOTORCYCLE CAMPING CHECKLIST

..............................Flask, filled (pre-mixed Manhattans, thank you)
Coffee press
Coffee..............................

I've slimmed the list down a bit for ya'.
__________________
Stromin'Nroman NC28729, USA
[End Quote]


Well done! Why didn't I think of that? Of course, I can always stop and BUY coffee in the morning....

The Voice of Reason

[Cheff]

a soft collapsable cooler, big enuf to make a beer & ice run


Na, that's what Caribou Luggage is for :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/darkcheff/Banff/Cooler.jpg

[Tollster]

Ok, my wife always argues that I overpack, little does she know, its so she can't fit on the bike with me. Heres my basic list, don't laugh as you never know when you could be in a bind.

CAMPING/SLEEPING EQUIPMENT
air mattress
sleeping bag
bivouac bag/sack
sleeping bag waterproof-bag
candle lantern
sleeping hood (hat)
candle lantern candles (spares)
sleeping pad (insulated)
compass
sleeping pad chair/sling
ear plugs
sven saw
feces shovel
tent
flashlight
tent rain fly
flashlights (magnilites (2))
tent waterproof-bag
flashlight batteries (spares)
waterproofing spray and seamlock
ground tarps (1 per 2 days - split and trash 1/2 each day)
knife (Buck)
knife sharpener
nylon cord
pillow (travel)
poncho liner & stuff sack

COOKING/EATING EQUIPMENT
bags (plastic large garbage)
napkins
bags (plastic small trash, 1 for every 4-5 days)
paper towels
can opener
pepper
cup & spoon
plate
cup/beer stein
pot gripper
dish towel
pots
food
salt
coffee bags
soap/scrubber pads
coffee creamer
spoon(s)
coffee mug (insulated)
stove
coffee sugar
stove gas (white gas)
energy bars/raisins
stove wind screen
soy (2-3 small boxes)
water bottle(s) (2)
fork
water carrier (1 gallon)
jack knife
knife
match case
matches (farmers)
matches (in sealed plastic bag/bottle)
matches (waterproof)
Riding Gear
boot sock liners
rain totes & stuff sack
boots (canvas mukluks or rubber type)
rain suit
chaps
sailor hat for riding without a helmet on hot days
gators
shirts (long-sleeve, turtle-neck T-shirts)
gauntlets
ski goggles for riding without a helmet
gloves (cold weather)
ski warm-ups
gloves (electric & wire harness)
socks (cotton)
gloves (hot weather)
socks (neoprene)
gloves (rubber)
socks (wool)
gloves (wool liners and dish washing rain gloves)
spandex shorts
hat (wool)
sunglasses
helmet
sunglasses (spare)
jacket
underwear (insulated, long johns)
jacket (polypro ski)
jacket (wind breaker)
jacket liner & stuff sack
neck warmer/long scarf
pants (leather)
pants for riding (Levis)
rain gear (boots, vest, etc.)
Camp Clothes
camp shoes/slippers
swimming suit
changes of clothes (3-5, rolled up)
T-shirts
down vest
underwear
jeans
warm clothes for evenings/nights
jeans jacket
washing shorts
laundry soap
wind breaker
layers of clothing (like cross country skiing)
moosehead hat
pants
shorts
socks
sweat shirt
sweater

PERSONAL EFFECTS
backpack (small)
pen
book (paperback)
pencil
camera & film
post-it's
campground guides
radios/tape players with mini speakers
cellular phone
radios/tape players batteries (extras)
chapstick
reading glasses (if you are over 40)
cigarettes
sewing kit
contact lens stuff
shampoo
DoD lighter & fluid
skin moisturizers
ear plugs
sun glasses
electric razor
sun screen/block/lotion
fanny pack
tapes
first aid kit
toilet kit
fishing gear
toilet paper in sealed plastic bag
grease pencil
toiletries
hand cream
tooth brush & paste
hand soap
toothbrush
hand/nail brush
towel
hi-liter
visine
insect repellent/bug spray
wash cloth
knife
watch
maps & magnifier
weapon (optional)
prescription medicines
weather radio
membership cards (AMA, VRC, RPAA, Parks, campgrounds, etc.)
negotiables
cash ($25-$30/day/person)
checkbook
credit cards (gas)
credit cards (MC/Visa/AmEx/Discover/etc.)
travellers checks

BIKE PARAPHERNALIA
anti-fogger (detergent)
lamp, instrument panel (spare No. ______)
bags (large ziplock garbage)
lamp, taillight (spare No. ______)
bike rain cover
lamp, turn signals (spare No. ______)
bug rag
maps
bungee cargo net
padlocks & cables
bungee cords
radar detector & extra batteries
chain lock
rain-x
chain lock key (extra)
saddlebag key (extra)
chain lub
seatcover (sheep skin)
chain masterlink
seat rain cover
chamois (to clean windshield)
shoe laces (leather -- loop at one end for strapping)
cloth rags
sidestand plates
communicators (bike-to-bike radios)
stuff sacks (weather-proof)
duct tape
tank bag
emergency equipment
tarp (small reinforced or rain parka) (for gear during storms)
fork protectors
vehicle registration
fuel bottle (backpacking type, 2-quart filled with extra gasoline)
windshield polish
glue (gorilla snot)
glue (super)
helmet face shield/visors (clear, tinted, & extras)
ignition key (extra)
insurance certificate (for Canadian travel)
insurance papers & info
lamp, headlight (spare No. ______)

TOOLS
duct tape (flatten the spool)
tire pressure gauge
electrical system schematic
tire pump (small hand/foot)
electrical tape
vise grips
emergency blanket (Space Blanket)
wire & alligator clip
emergency warning light (trouble light)
wrenches (combination)
fuses (extra)
wrenches (crescent 4" and 10"; good ones)
Leatherman Tool
wrenches (metric Allen)
multimeter
wrench (spark plug)
pliers (channel locks, aka water-pump pliers)
gas-fired soldering
pliers (needle nose)
pliers (standard)
screwdrivers (assorted or set)
socket set
suspension adjustment tool
tire inflator
tire patch/plug kit

Ok seriously, thats the worlds biggest MC camping list.
Here is a link for MC Camping and MC hotel camping lists. Best of all the list works with Microsoft office so it has the chekboxes and its fully editable. Real nice and quick to print off, then you can check it off whn it packed and loaded, allot of other info here to guys.
http://micapeak.com/checklists/

[TravellingStrom]

Na, that's what Caribou Luggage is for :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/darkcheff/Banff/Cooler.jpg

I will cover your Caribous and raise you my Happy Trails :)

http://vstrom.info/vsri-gallery/gallery/d/76396-3/Panniers+As+Esky.jpg

Cheers
TS

[jwt]

I can't believe that someone actually proudly admitted they bring a "fanny pack"! Hilarious stuff. My packing for fishing trips usually consists of large or small stanley thermoses filled w/ black maxwell house. Always black. As for packing a chair, I just take one of my gobi sidecases off put my jacket on top and sit on that. Or take both off and use them as armrests and just sit up against a tree. Looking for a good longer telescopic fishing rod, though. This 4'6" $25 dollar wal mart job aint cutting it. Too short and flimsy. Binoculars are fun to have. Clean rags, hand sanitizer, BEEF JERKY-(that's and important one for me) plenty of clif bars a can of off, a large jug of water, sunblock. Tackle. Plasticware pilfered from various take out places. Flashlight.bungees and rubber bands for some reason.

[Boondocker]

My advice is to ditch the small table and chair. Unless you are camping in the wild, these are completely unnecessary. These will take up way too much valuable space. Even the most primitive USFS campgrounds typically have picnic tables.
I guess my definition of primitive precludes picnic tables. Besides, I would get all dirty for nothing sitting on the ground, and primitive doesn't include running water to clean up. I found a little chair (in my garage, go figure?) that was a delight on my last campout.


Funny thing about the chair...I used to have this little fold-up stool that I loved. It was worth carrying on my back and folds small enough to fit in any cycle luggage. I'm hoping to find another. I found the stool - $5.65 + 10.95 shipping, couldn't justify that.

I appreciate the comments and input. Just for the record, the folding table is a little aluminum job that stands about 4 inches high and folds into a 4x4x12 inch sack (approximately).
I thought a folding table was over the top until I had the opportunity to make my kitchen in the dirt. Fortunately, I found a chunk of 2x10 board and made an impromptu table. Now I own one of these from Campmor (http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___82056). It's so clever!
http://www.campmor.com/images/kitchenware/larger/82056_l.jpg
primitive camping - note chair and makeshift scrap wood table.
http://winnemore.smugmug.com/photos/305341575_Mvq32-M-1.jpg

[VtSTROM-K5]

Ok, my wife always argues that I overpack, little does she know, its so she can't fit on the bike with me. Heres my basic list, don't laugh as you never know when you could be in a bind.

CAMPING/SLEEPING EQUIPMENT
air mattress
sleeping bag
bivouac bag/sack
sleeping bag waterproof-bag
candle lantern
sleeping hood (hat)
candle lantern candles (spares)
sleeping pad (insulated)
compass
sleeping pad chair/sling
ear plugs
sven saw
feces shovel
tent
flashlight
tent rain fly
flashlights (magnilites (2))
tent waterproof-bag
flashlight batteries (spares)
waterproofing spray and seamlock
ground tarps (1 per 2 days - split and trash 1/2 each day)
knife (Buck)
knife sharpener
nylon cord
pillow (travel)
poncho liner & stuff sack

COOKING/EATING EQUIPMENT
bags (plastic large garbage)
napkins
bags (plastic small trash, 1 for every 4-5 days)
paper towels
can opener
pepper
cup & spoon
plate
cup/beer stein
pot gripper
dish towel
pots
food
salt
coffee bags
soap/scrubber pads
coffee creamer
spoon(s)
coffee mug (insulated)
stove
coffee sugar
stove gas (white gas)
energy bars/raisins
stove wind screen
soy (2-3 small boxes)
water bottle(s) (2)
fork
water carrier (1 gallon)
jack knife
knife
match case
matches (farmers)
matches (in sealed plastic bag/bottle)
matches (waterproof)
Riding Gear
boot sock liners
rain totes & stuff sack
boots (canvas mukluks or rubber type)
rain suit
chaps
sailor hat for riding without a helmet on hot days
gators
shirts (long-sleeve, turtle-neck T-shirts)
gauntlets
ski goggles for riding without a helmet
gloves (cold weather)
ski warm-ups
gloves (electric & wire harness)
socks (cotton)
gloves (hot weather)
socks (neoprene)
gloves (rubber)
socks (wool)
gloves (wool liners and dish washing rain gloves)
spandex shorts
hat (wool)
sunglasses
helmet
sunglasses (spare)
jacket
underwear (insulated, long johns)
jacket (polypro ski)
jacket (wind breaker)
jacket liner & stuff sack
neck warmer/long scarf
pants (leather)
pants for riding (Levis)
rain gear (boots, vest, etc.)
Camp Clothes
camp shoes/slippers
swimming suit
changes of clothes (3-5, rolled up)
T-shirts
down vest
underwear
jeans
warm clothes for evenings/nights
jeans jacket
washing shorts
laundry soap
wind breaker
layers of clothing (like cross country skiing)
moosehead hat
pants
shorts
socks
sweat shirt
sweater

PERSONAL EFFECTS
backpack (small)
pen
book (paperback)
pencil
camera & film
post-it's
campground guides
radios/tape players with mini speakers
cellular phone
radios/tape players batteries (extras)
chapstick
reading glasses (if you are over 40)
cigarettes
sewing kit
contact lens stuff
shampoo
DoD lighter & fluid
skin moisturizers
ear plugs
sun glasses
electric razor
sun screen/block/lotion
fanny pack
tapes
first aid kit
toilet kit
fishing gear
toilet paper in sealed plastic bag
grease pencil
toiletries
hand cream
tooth brush & paste
hand soap
toothbrush
hand/nail brush
towel
hi-liter
visine
insect repellent/bug spray
wash cloth
knife
watch
maps & magnifier
weapon (optional)
prescription medicines
weather radio
membership cards (AMA, VRC, RPAA, Parks, campgrounds, etc.)
negotiables
cash ($25-$30/day/person)
checkbook
credit cards (gas)
credit cards (MC/Visa/AmEx/Discover/etc.)
travellers checks

BIKE PARAPHERNALIA
anti-fogger (detergent)
lamp, instrument panel (spare No. ______)
bags (large ziplock garbage)
lamp, taillight (spare No. ______)
bike rain cover
lamp, turn signals (spare No. ______)
bug rag
maps
bungee cargo net
padlocks & cables
bungee cords
radar detector & extra batteries
chain lock
rain-x
chain lock key (extra)
saddlebag key (extra)
chain lub
seatcover (sheep skin)
chain masterlink
seat rain cover
chamois (to clean windshield)
shoe laces (leather -- loop at one end for strapping)
cloth rags
sidestand plates
communicators (bike-to-bike radios)
stuff sacks (weather-proof)
duct tape
tank bag
emergency equipment
tarp (small reinforced or rain parka) (for gear during storms)
fork protectors
vehicle registration
fuel bottle (backpacking type, 2-quart filled with extra gasoline)
windshield polish
glue (gorilla snot)
glue (super)
helmet face shield/visors (clear, tinted, & extras)
ignition key (extra)
insurance certificate (for Canadian travel)
insurance papers & info
lamp, headlight (spare No. ______)

TOOLS
duct tape (flatten the spool)
tire pressure gauge
electrical system schematic
tire pump (small hand/foot)
electrical tape
vise grips
emergency blanket (Space Blanket)
wire & alligator clip
emergency warning light (trouble light)
wrenches (combination)
fuses (extra)
wrenches (crescent 4" and 10"; good ones)
Leatherman Tool
wrenches (metric Allen)
multimeter
wrench (spark plug)
pliers (channel locks, aka water-pump pliers)
gas-fired soldering
pliers (needle nose)
pliers (standard)
screwdrivers (assorted or set)
socket set
suspension adjustment tool
tire inflator
tire patch/plug kit

Ok seriously, thats the worlds biggest MC camping list.
Here is a link for MC Camping and MC hotel camping lists. Best of all the list works with Microsoft office so it has the chekboxes and its fully editable. Real nice and quick to print off, then you can check it off whn it packed and loaded, allot of other info here to guys.
http://micapeak.com/checklists/
Your Effin Joking Right ??? Iwouldnt need that much shit for 3 months of camping .............@ the end of the known civilization:bom_glasses:

[jwt]

No motorcycle camping trip should be taken w/ out a fanny pack containing skin moisturizer.

[iron_llama]

Here's my packing list:

Keys
Ipod
Cell phone
credit card.






Okay, I'm joking. I'm sure my list will be as long and impressive as some of these other lists. If I itemize it when I get back, I'll post it here.

[WeThereYet]

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/8314/headtent1atb9.jpg

[jwt]

That picture gave me vertigo and extreme fear.

[Bright Side]

the name Kermit chair keeps popping up and so I checked out your linky. $129 for a camp chair!!!! Are you insane? Not the way I go through camp chairs.

I have got to agree with you. The Kermit chair is nice, but WTF, $129. NO WAY.
I carry one of those cheap chairs that are all one piece you buy from a discount store or your grocery store. They pack easily, cost next to nothing (I paid $1.98 for the last one I got), and work good. When they break, which will happen eventually they are easily replaced. I get the one without side arms because they pack easy.

[roger123]

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/8314/headtent1atb9.jpg

OMG, that's some funny sh*t right there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D:D:D

[roger123]

Check out this guys set-up!!!

http://www.motocampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1233

[motoman]

$300 on cheap pair of sunglasses or $130 on a kermit chair?

I have both!

kermit is great deal and the best camp chair out there.

Motoman.

[wayner]

Your Effin Joking Right ??? Iwouldnt need that much shit for 3 months of camping .............@ the end of the known civilization:bom_glasses:

Man by the time I got done taking care of all that stuff I would just stay home...
sorry to be rude but I hope my list never gets that long. :)

[Poser]

If I'm just going to one place to camp, I don't pack a tent, chair or cooking stuff. I eat at local diners. When I get ther I stop at WallyWorld and buy a cheap tent and a chair. Then I pack them up and leave them behind when I go home. Total cost, about $40, about 1/3 the cost of a one night stay at a decent motel.

[TravellingStrom]

The logic of that defies me??? I mean you camp to save money and enjoy it usually. So, if you buy a decent tent once, it costs the camp site fee each night and thats all, but you woul dhave to pay that anyway, unless you have a pass.

You can still buy local 'cuisine' but you save your self $40 a night in tent/chair costs, which can go towards food or drinks! You would save heaps in the long run and still have the means to go camping where there is no 'convenient' tent shop handy, um, which is most likely the places I intend to camp :)

Just my observation.
TravellingStrom

[Poser]

The logic of that defies me??? I mean you camp to save money and enjoy it usually. So, if you buy a decent tent once, it costs the camp site fee each night and thats all, but you woul dhave to pay that anyway, unless you have a pass.

You can still buy local 'cuisine' but you save your self $40 a night in tent/chair costs, which can go towards food or drinks! You would save heaps in the long run and still have the means to go camping where there is no 'convenient' tent shop handy, um, which is most likely the places I intend to camp :)

TravellingStrom

I only camp when I'm meeting with others who are camping (twice a year). I'd rather stay in a motel, but after sitting around the camp site sampling the moonshine made by others, I don't drive. So... I buy a tent when I need one but rarely haul it on my bike.

[Warhammer]

To revive a somewhat old thread... I carry this stool from Academy. It costs $4, is light and compact and, while not as luxurious as the Kermit, beats sitting on the ground.
http://www.academy.com/images/products/400/0332/0332-02207-0015-p1.jpg

[docsabre]

I bought one of these from Campmor and find it very comfortable, lightweight, packs up very small, cheaper than the Kermit Chair, and you can use it inside a tent. The supports will not damage your tent floor.

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___64550

[Warhammer]

I bought one of these from Campmor and find it very comfortable, lightweight, packs up very small, cheaper than the Kermit Chair, and you can use it inside a tent. The supports will not damage your tent floor.

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___64550

Hey, that looks pretty cool! Can you post a couple picks of it in use and floded up so we can get an idea of the size?

[Wingzofsteel]

Everyone,
I use the slinglight chair. It is one of the most comforable chair I have used in the past few decades. At $89.00 it is not cheep, but I think it is worth it. Take my advice and get the attachable head rest. See:
http://www.slinglight.com/

These chairs are built here in the US and is of top quality. I have taken mine everywhere (I have two as my wife and I travel two up). 18 oz. each.
-----------
Wingz

[Kieth]

I just look for a motel on my gps at the end of the day. I say a Holiday Inn with a black and white tv is roughing it.

Just kidding, I say do not take too much stuff..........the lighter the better. I can pack in 1 ranger dirt bag all of my camping equipment including a 50 degree big agnes sleeping bad, 2 man tent, cook stove, lantern, fuel, etc.

Light and small is better, not having to take the camp gear is the best answer.:var_39:

[Toto]

Pickup truck and bike trailer...or better yet...toy hauler.

[Stromquest]

The camping trip sounds trippy, it sure would be nice to see how the bike looks all decked out for a trip. Someone please post some pictures here.

[TravellingStrom]

The camping trip sounds trippy, it sure would be nice to see how the bike looks all decked out for a trip. Someone please post some pictures here.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh84/TravellingStrom/RTW/Aussie%20Leg/October/Day%2059/PA160001small.jpg

[pbeens]

The camping trip sounds trippy, it sure would be nice to see how the bike looks all decked out for a trip. Someone please post some pictures here.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/48/194296130_1fd6e90fc5_d.jpg

Itching to get on the road again... When will winter ever end??? (currently -15C here in Toronto)

[JGL351]

If you need to stash small items in the tent where they are easily accessed and safe, sew a small mesh pocket to the wall of the tent, many small tents have them as part of the design.

[BgDadddy]

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h281/rick68fl/DSCF4566.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h281/rick68fl/DSCF4539.jpg

[dt2.0]

For and inexpensive, packable chair, check this out: http://www.rei.com/product/783807

This is what I use while backpacking. Granted, it is not nearly as comfortable as a nice folding canvas chair, but much smaller and easier to pack. Can also double as a sleeping pad or add some extra cushion to the one you have.

Peace.

[Guns]

For and inexpensive, packable chair, check this out: http://www.rei.com/product/783807

This is what I use while backpacking. Granted, it is not nearly as comfortable as a nice folding canvas chair, but much smaller and easier to pack. Can also double as a sleeping pad or add some extra cushion to the one you have.

Peace.
Check out this one http://www.rei.com/product/765270 . Looks pretty nice and a more reasonable price than the Kermit....
Or this one too. http://www.rei.com/product/765272

[Poser]

I'm going camping this weekend. I'll take my Thermarest and sleeping bag and a 30 liter kayak bag of clothes. I'll buy a tent at WalMart when I get there.

Personally, I like to send my dirty clothes home in the mail and buy new stuff as needed.

[jayhawknavy02]

I used the original posters checklist, and it went great, here is mine with some variations:

1. Lighter
2. Newspapers (for starting a fire)
3. Paper Towels
4. Toilet Paper (if you don't mind the feel, you can drop the TP and use Paper Towels)
5. Flashlight or Lantern
6. Mountain House freeze dried food (1 per meal) - (very light and easy just add boiling water and taste great)
7. Two Automotive Rags (wipe off random stuff)
8. Mess Kit (small aluminum or other material)
9. Camera
10. Hat
11. Multi-Tool
12. Knife
13. Earplugs
14. Camp Towel
15. Compressible Camp Pillow (Therm-a-Rest)
16. Flip Flops
17. Sleeping Pad (Therm-a-Rest)
18. Water
19. Metal fork, spoon
20. Toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, deodorant)
21. Instant Coffee
22. Tent
23. Hatchet
24. Several small plastic trash or grocery bags (keep stuff dry and seperated in your cases/pack)
25. Laundry Bag (dirty clothes)

26. If no wood available: Jet Boil & Fuel and leave the hatchet at home to save space.

All this plus clothes fits in my 2 Givi and a gym bag.

[ozart]

23. If no wood available: Jet Boil & Fuel

What!? no wood?
ya gotta have a fire, even if it means burning the picnic table. :biggrinjester:

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu104/artheritus/campfire03.jpg

[jayhawknavy02]

Anyone know of a small coffee press or machine that won't get busted. I want coffee, but not instant. Some way to get real stuff in the morning.

Also, in some campgrounds in Death Valley, tables are not made of wood and there's really none around. Bring heat or be cold and hungry...lol.

[Voltar]

Anyone know of a small coffee press or machine that won't get busted. I want coffee, but not instant.

Try this:
http://www.aerostich.com/1l-nalgene-bottle-and-coffee-tea-press-1.html

But first, whip into a Starbucks and give their new instant coffee packages a try. They are very good; certainly good enough (for me) to warrant not bringing a coffee press with me anymore.

[ozart]

jayhawknavy02, Whats wrong with the french press for your jetboil? or... is that not what you're talking about.

[hillrider]

The coffee bags from Folger work for me. Brew like tea.

[Warhammer]

Anyone know of a small coffee press or machine that won't get busted. I want coffee, but not instant. Some way to get real stuff in the morning.

Also, in some campgrounds in Death Valley, tables are not made of wood and there's really none around. Bring heat or be cold and hungry...lol.

Personally, I carry a 12 cup percolator. I need WAY more than a cup or two of coffee when I'm out camping. However, I have been considering getting an AeroPress (http://www.aerobie.com/Products/aeropress_story.htm). Everyone who gets one of these seems to rave about them.

[moc]

For camping Big sky french press/mug. There are others out there (nicer and more expensive) but I like the 16 oz capacity, the fact it is insulated, it is plastic, (drop it in the rocks no big deal) all for around 12 bucks.

[Warhammer]

Well, I guess I've resisted long enough. I just ordered an AeroPress from Amazon.com. It was $27.95 with free shipping and it comes with a tote bag to pack it for camping. I'll post a review after I receive it.

[jayhawknavy02]

I don't always take a jet boil, I didn't know if there was a good "unbreakable" french press or another way to make coffee other than with a peculator.

I'm going to see about the folgers bags, that may be the way to go.

Warhammer, I'm really curious about the Nalgene Bottle press, I have one, take it with me so this would save me from carrying TWO things.

[The Voice Of Reason]

I think I may have found my chair:

http://www.alitedesigns.com/design-shop/monarch-chair/

It's a bit weird, with only two legs, but it rocks (in the forward and back sense, not the headbanging, "dude, this band rocks!" sense), it folds up very small, and it's reasonably light at 18 ounces. And, the cost isn't too bad, at about $60.

I've ordered one and I'll post a review when I've had a chance to try it out.

Voice

[The Voice Of Reason]

OK, the Alite Monarch chair finally arrived, and after a couple of days messing about with it I have to say it's the real thing. It packs reasonably small (say, 5" by 13"), it's light (about a pound and a half) and it works. Reading the reviews posted by others at the REI website, I was a bit concerned that it would be somewhat complicated to assemble, but not a problem. Color coded and everything.

It's smaller than I expected, and only lifts your rear about 8 inches off the ground, but it's comfy and stable enough (even after a few drinks!), and a side benefit of being a little bit low to the ground is that it fits inside my tent very comfortably; I think that will be nice if it's raining. It has found a permanent place in my camping checklist.

It may not be for everyone; your own legs effectively function as two of the chair legs, so it won't stand up when you do, and getting settled into it involves a learning curve. I thought I might have pulled a stomach muscle the first time I tried to sit in it, but at least I learned there are still some muscles in there somewhere.

Two thumbs up!

Voice

[motox-dan]

My advice is to ditch the small table and chair. Unless you are camping in the wild, these are completely unnecessary. These will take up way too much valuable space. Even the most primitive USFS campgrounds typically have picnic tables.

I leave any camping "luxuries" at home as traveling light is much more enjoyable. But YMMV....

It's all a luxury if you are just wanting to "survive". Just like backpacking, it's all about your desired level of comfort! :) How much weight do you want to "carry" to be comfortable!

[PhilinAZ]

My ck list
1 sleeping bag
2 12pack of beer
3 matches
that's all i need for the weekend :biggrinjester:

[Voltar]

You don't drink much. :)

My ck list
1 sleeping bag
2 12pack of beer
3 matches
that's all i need for the weekend :biggrinjester:

[PhilinAZ]

Nope wife has me tamed and I am getting older. :bom_helmet:

[hooliganrick]

The trouble with a coffee press is the clean up. I've used the nalgene bottle press on several trips. It does work well, but sometimes you don't have access to enough water for cleaning it out. It gets to be a bit messy. If I'm packing for a limited water type of trip, I use the coffee tea bags as mentioned brfore, or the paper filter over the cup setup.

[GlassEye]

The aeropress (http://www.amazon.com/AeroPress-Coffee-and-Espresso-Maker/dp/B000GXZ2GS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1268081356&sr=8-1) mentioned by Warhammer does make a decent cup of coffee although it can take a bit of practice to get it dialed in to your tastes. Also, you need boiling water from somewhere as it is just a coffee press. That said, cleanup is very simple and requires a minimal amount of water. Yields a strong, flavorful cup of coffee.

Another decent solution is a moka pot (http://www.amazon.com/Vigano-Itaca-Inox-4-cup-Coffee/dp/B000BYE68M/ref=pd_sbs_k_16). Depending on the type you get and the material of the handle, you can set this right on some hot coals and get a finished product. Very easy cleanup. Yields a strong coffee/americano type of flavor.

If you are looking for something approaching a true espresso, and you don't mind shelling out some serious dinero, you might try the Mypressi Twist (http://www.amazon.com/mypressi-TWIST-Portable-Espresso-Maker/dp/B002L16IRU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1268081571&sr=1-1), though you will need a source of boiling water. Cleanup is fairly simple. yields a simple espresso flavor (no great complexity).

[BgDadddy]

I use the aeropress and it rocks!

[Warhammer]

Well, I got the AeroPress and I've been using it for a couple of weeks. Here are my impressions:

This is a cool gadget and makes a damn fine cup of coffee. See the video in the link (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9siQ2y_sM9E)(not my video) for an example of how it operates. This is a really ingenious device and is really well thought out. Let me say right from the beginning that this does not make a true shot of espresso. However, it does make a VERY concentrated shot of coffee that is a pretty fair approximation of an espresso, and it does it with less fuss and for WAY less money than the real thing. For simplicity’s sake, I will be referring to these shots of coffee concentrate as “espresso” during this review. If you can’t handle that, just stop reading now.

Price and contents:
The AeroPress’ price varies depending on where you buy it, but it’s usually around $30. I bought mine for $27.95 (with the tote) from Amazon with free shipping. The set came with the brewer itself, 350 filters and a filter caddy, funnel, scoop, stirring paddle, and the tote/storage bag.
http://www.aerobie.com/ProductInfo/WebImages/aeropress/aeropress_system_new.jpg

Tote bag:
You have to search a bit, but some sets come with the bag and some don’t. It’s a simple nylon zipper bag. With a little experimentation, you can nest everything together so that it all fits inside the bag quite nicely with just enough extra space for about 3/4 of a one-pound bag of ground coffee.

Filters and caddy::
The filters are simple paper disks and 350 are included with the AeroPress. The caddy looks like it would hold about 700 filters and is a nice way to keep them all in one place. The instructions say that they can be washed and reused, but at about $5 for 350 filters, I don’t think it’s worth the effort.

Scoop:
The scoop is sized for portioning your coffee into the brewer. Here’s a slight quandary: the instructions say to use one scoop of ground coffee OR one scoop of whole beans (which you would, of course, then grind) per cup of coffee. But a scoop of ground coffee has more coffee than what results from grinding the same scoop of whole beans. Hmmm… Oh well, it’s really a non-issue to me since I will primarily use this brewer while on the road, thus I’ll be using pre-ground coffee.

Stirring paddle:
The stirring paddle is flared at the top to limit how far you can put it inside the brewer. There is no way that you can put the paddle in too far and snag the filter while stirring the coffee.

Funnel:
I found that the funnel is actually dual-purpose.
1. According to the instructions, it is for dumping coffee into the device prior to brewing. This is good for if you grind your beans just prior to brewing and you’re dumping the coffee straight from your grinder. If you’re using pre-ground coffee (as you most likely would when camping), the funnel is not needed since you'll be using the scoop.
2. Although it isn’t mentioned in the instructions, I have to believe that the fact that the bottom of the brewer perfectly nests inside the funnel is not coincidence. This allows you to brew directly into a travel mug, which may be too narrow to set the brewer on by itself.

Plunger:
The plunger not only pressurizes the brew and extracts the coffee, but it’s also a measuring cup. Numbers on the plunger correspond to the right amount of water to brew 1-4 shots of espresso. The plunger is also microwave safe, allowing you to heat your water in the plunger, saving you from using a separate cup. With a little experimentation, you can figure out how long to nuke your water to hit just the right temperature (175 F) for best brewing.

Brewer body
The brewer body has markings to let you know how much water to add for 1-4 shots of espresso. This is helpful if you heat your water in a separate kettle, rather than nuking it in the plunger. The business end of the body has the twist-off “screen” that holds the filter. A quarter turn removes the screen and the filter is placed inside. Making sure the filter remains flat, another quarter turn reinstalls the screen The coffee is dumped in on top and the body is placed on to of the coffee cup. (Be sure to place the body on the cup BEFORE you add the water if you want to avoid a mess. Don’t ask me how I know.) Dump in the water, stir for about 10 seconds, insert the plunger and press evenly and... voilà! You have an espresso. Just add hot water to dilute it to your personal taste.

Pros:

Makes one of the best cups of coffee I've tasted
Easy to use (once you've played with it a bit)
Quick
Easy clean up, even with limited or no water
Packs pretty small (mine came with a zippered tote bag)
Light-weight
No grounds/sediment in your coffee
Very low acid coffee (great if you get heartburn)
You even get the crema (or a close approximation) on your espresso
Brews directly into your mug or travel cup


Cons:

Relative to "normal" methods, it uses a lot of coffee per serving
Needs very finely ground coffee, so you'll have to grind specifically for this method
Max output is 4 shots of espresso per batch, so it's not the best if you're brewing for the whole camp. For 1-2 campers, it’s great!
Learning curve; you won’t make a great cup of coffee your first try or two.


Overall, I’m really happy with my purchase and this has definitely earned a place on my camping gear checklist.

[BgDadddy]

Jesus! He writes a friggin dissertation!

To summarize, it's very small, sells for around $30 and makes an awesome cup of coffee. I even use mine at home when I don't feel like making a whole pot.


Hi Warhammer! Did you miss me?? :-p

[Warhammer]

Hi Warhammer! Did you miss me?? :-p

Yeah... like an impacted wisdom tooth! :bom_tongue3: