Moving to the Cold and Dark Side, Maybe

[roginoz]

I decided I'd try camping at some of this year's rallies, and maybe save thirty to forty bucks a night. It's been roughly thirty years since my last ill-equipped attempt at motorcycle camping. After reading the threads on tents and doing some on-line research, I picked up a Eureka Pinnacle Pass 2XTA tent at the local Sportsman's Warehouse today. Reduced from $129 to $90, and I got another $10 discount for buying their $2 "Sportsman's News" DVD at the checkout stand. So, $82 and tax later, I'm ready to start shopping for a sleeping bag and mattress. I'm thinking a twenty degree bag, and maybe one of the Sevlor mattresses Mellow mentioned. (A friend told me yesterday that I was too old and fat for a thermarest pad...)

[NoBull]

I really like my thermarest, but really really like my generic version better. Thermarest packs down like a tennis ball can, the other one is twice the size but twice as comfy...

[Mellow]

Roger, you're only as old and fat as you feel.. I feel young and thin.. sorry, I just shot Dr Pepper out my nose and almost choked on my chewy chocolate chip cookie... anyway, I digress...

I have a very thick thermorest and I've never liked it as much as the sevylor mattress. You'll be surprised how comfortable you can get camping... and the best part is your trips are now two different trips.. a riding trip and a camping trip..

I started camping to save money, that was my motivation but after my first trip I decided it was the only way to travel.. .for me anyway.

[Ron_WI]

You might want to check out the Big Agnus Park Series (http://www.bigagnes.com/str_bag_home.php) bags. They are a bit roomier than regular bags. The Big Agnes System is different than the traditional sleeping bag on top of a sleeping pad. Instead, they unite the two. The pad slides into an integrated sleeve on the bottom of the bag, and the top two-thirds of the bag is insulated in the traditional style. They eliminate the bottom insulation. The sleeve with a pad provides the insulation. This design provides a secure foundation and keeps you on the pad all night.

I've heard lots of good comments about these bags on their Insulated Air Core (http://www.bigagnes.com/str_pads.php?bid=3) pad. Others have given great rivews of the Exped Downmat 9 Delux (http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?id=0031768516865a&navCount=2&podId=0031768&parentId=cat601642&masterpathid=&navAction=jump&cmCat=MainCatcat20075-cat601642&catalogCode=IH&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601642&hasJS=true) air pad. Although it's a little larger than the Big Agnes air pad, its supposed to fit their bags.

I haven't tried these products yet myself but that's where my research has led me. If you haven't see it, take a look at the Motorcycle Campers Forum (http://www.motocampers.com/).

[roginoz]

Thanks for the info, guys. I just ordered a Big Agnes Hog Park 20 degree bag, and and insulated air core pad.

[Mark]

Don't you just love the way this site steps up and helps you identify things you just didn't know you had to have?
Man... what a great site... :)

Sounds like a you are now *really* ready to camp!
hmmm... you do have a stove, coffee maker and more flashlights than you can count already... Right?

Mark

[mjhenne]

Aerostich catalogue has some nice titanium stuff (among other must have goodies) in the camping section...