Minimal camping list?

[jd21029]

Planning a multi week trip for next year that will include camping probably one night out of three. Looking to build up for the trip by doing some shorter trips this year, but since I'll be in a motel most nights, I'd like to minimuze the amount of stuff devoted to camping.

I'm thinking I can get away with a tent, sleeping bag and mattress pad. I may bring something to make coffee if I can get something pretty compact with a french press (coffee in the morning is vital), but don't plan to do any other cooking in camp.

Is this an unrealistic list, or do people think I need lanterns, camp chairs, mess kit, camp stove, and other camping stuff?

What do people here bring?

[Mellow]

You got it right, tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag.. that's all you really need but I'd add a LED headlight and an LED flashlight.

I'd also get a naglene type plastic bottle to have water with you but it's not necessary.

Here are some coffee presses at campmor.com
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/campmor/search/main.jsp?command=text&ip_text=coffee&image.x=0&image.y=0

[sparkinator]

Is this an unrealistic list, or do people think I need lanterns, camp chairs, mess kit, camp stove, and other camping stuff?

What do people here bring?

+1 on what Joe said.

I don't think it is urealistic at all. Last year my first big trip was 13 days on the road, and I camped 9 of them. I carried a camp chair and never used it once. I'm more of the minimilist when traveling alone and camping. Some would classify is at sleeping in a tent versus camping.

I did bring plenty of lights (lantern and flashlights) and carried a pillow as well. As much time as I was going to be on the road, I wanted to make sure I got a good nights rest.

[Mark]

If you're going to have a coffee press you might consider a backpacking stove too...
I just hate cold coffee (except when its iced on purpose!) in the morning...

[jd21029]

Thanks for the suggestions. I can see Sparky's point about bringing a lantern. I already have a penlight in my toolcase, which I plan to make due. I don't know if I can count on a camp fire evey night; firewood may be hard to find at every campsite, and I suspect some camps will prohibit fires anyway. So a small lantern makes sense. I think I need to add that to the list. Any suggestions for something small but efficient? Anyone know how those hand cranked ones work?

For water, I was just planning on hitting convenience stores and buying bottled water anyway.

And yeah, if I bring a coffee press I know I need to bring a stove to boil water. I'm just thinking I can save a little space and some time packing up if I keep stuff to a minimum. I figure pack up, hit the road, and stop at the first place I see for coffee. Sound feasible?

This year I plan on doing a couple trips in the east first down the BRP, and then in fall up north through New England. The trip next year will be coast to coast, though, and I don't know how readily available coffee will be every morning.

Just trying to avoid equipment creep.

[Mellow]

Typically, we hit the road when we get up and if coffee is on the menu, the 1st place usually isn't far away.

Walmart, REI and other camping stores have tons of LED options. They work the best as the batteries last very long.

I don't think the handcrank ones are all that great, just don't last that long.

Campfires just depend on the campground.. some allow, some don't, also depends on any drought in the area.

Save your money on water.. the water in state and national parks is just fine for drinking.

[Finewest]

Camping light and small is a art and science. But worth it in the end! Being able to pack all the stuff you need in the bike is challenging to say the least. Finding items that can do more than one thing is a bonus.

I bring my small camp stove that uses gas cannisters that fit my small lantern so that saves room. I bring my small coffee peculator that I can fit all my coffee fixin's in such as sugar, powder creamer, and coffee. I got to have a cup in to morning! LOL. I have a Big Anges air mattress with a foam core that packs down to a extremely small size and is very comfortable. I also have a North Face down sleeping bag that packs down to a very small size. I have a small two man tent, but rarely use it except for a ground cover. I like sleeping in the open. I don't bring a laptop, so I pack a small PDA that plays movies, music, games, wi-fi, etc. I stuff my jacket, clothes, etc. in my sleeping bag's stuff sack for a pillow. I bring a spork; a fork and spoon all in one utensil. I, like Joe, eat out at the nearest town and bring back to camp any snacks and drinks I want. I bring a small soft insulated lunch bag for ice and drinks. I also bring a tripod camp chair no bigger than a small camera tripod. And of course a small LED flashlight. I also have a 2 liter Platypus water bag/bottle that rolls up to a very small package when empty. And of course my Sierra cup that I have had with me since I was 16 years old. That cup is the best camping item I have. Not only does serve as a cup, but as a bowl, a ashtray, and a small shovel if I have to dig a small latrine hole if in a primitive campsite.

All this with a change of clothes and my camera gear goes into my hard bags and my soft roll bag on the bike's rear rack. I stuff my sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and tent in a yellow waterproof sack. So the bike isn't overloaded and has a small profile when riding.

Make a list of stuff you want to bring and try to figure out how you can eliminate half of it, and see what's left over if it can be replaced with something lighter and smaller.

[nybryan]

plastic tarp and sleeping bag giggle

[dduelin]

+1 on your list as just right. I think if I was alone or with a small group no chair is necessary if the campground has a table. On the other hand, the two STOCs I went to had a bunch of us sitting around the campfire late into the night telling jokes and swapping lies. I wanted my own chair and plan to have one at CampStoc. I enjoy coffee and take this little stuff sack with everything I need to make coffee and heat water for instant grits or oatmeal. It is about 12" x 8".

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n291/dduelin/100_1189.jpg

This is what is in the bag. Most everything seen fits inside the 1 qt pot. The red thing is a Mountain Safety Research Pocket Rocket stove. The red and white container is enough gas for a long weekend. The baggie with a pill container has dish soap in the container and a square of scotch brite. Lighter and tiny roll of paper towels round it out. All that fits in the pot. The spoon and cup go in the red bag with a small tupperware of instant coffee and sugar packets.

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n291/dduelin/100_1187.jpg

[BlaSTr]

Wow!

I'm looking hard at motocamping this summer on my month long US ride. I figure I can spend $5-600 on camping stuff and recoup the cost in a few weeks of camping instead of getting motel rooms. I'll be going solo so while weight and size aren't that important now, I'm not interested in buying it twice so I'm looking for a tent big enough for 2.

Couple of questions, though.

1. When you bought your gear was size or weight more important?
2. I'm seeing 5-6# 2-man tents that are about 20" x 8". Is that too large?
3. I don't think I can put everything in the saddlebags and Givi but I'm going to try. If you've managed to get everything (tent, groundcloth, bag, stove, misc small stuff) in your bag what gear did you select?
4. Is the camp chair a niceity or necessity?
5. What did you do about charging batteries for your phone, camera, iPod, etc.?
6. Is it worth getting a National Parks Pass to save a few dollars?
7. Should I get some kind of mesh security bag to prevent my camping gear from going walkabout if I can't get it all into the hard bags?

Thanks for posting your ideas and experiences. Good stuff!

[ChipSTer]

You got it right, tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag.. that's all you really need but I'd add a LED headlight and an LED flashlight.

I'd also get a naglene type plastic bottle to have water with you but it's not necessary.

Here are some coffee presses at campmor.com
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/campmor/search/main.jsp?command=text&ip_text=coffee&image.x=0&image.y=0

+1..... (and a urinal for the middle of the night).... :22yikes:
:cool:

[Trekker]

Wow!

I'm looking hard at motocamping this summer on my month long US ride. I figure I can spend $5-600 on camping stuff and recoup the cost in a few weeks of camping instead of getting motel rooms. I'll be going solo so while weight and size aren't that important now, I'm not interested in buying it twice so I'm looking for a tent big enough for 2.

Couple of questions, though.

1. When you bought your gear was size or weight more important?
2. I'm seeing 5-6# 2-man tents that are about 20" x 8". Is that too large?
3. I don't think I can put everything in the saddlebags and Givi but I'm going to try. If you've managed to get everything (tent, groundcloth, bag, stove, misc small stuff) in your bag what gear did you select?
4. Is the camp chair a niceity or necessity?
5. What did you do about charging batteries for your phone, camera, iPod, etc.?
6. Is it worth getting a National Parks Pass to save a few dollars?
7. Should I get some kind of mesh security bag to prevent my camping gear from going walkabout if I can't get it all into the hard bags?

Thanks for posting your ideas and experiences. Good stuff!
1) Size is more important for me- smaller pack size is more better for me.
2) I pack a Eureka Backcountry 2 that is 15x6 packed. That fits in a pannier without any force.
3) I still use a waterproof bag strapped to my seat for the sleeping gear. That keeps it separate from anything that might be wet.
4) Chairs are not necessary, but sure nice.
5) I bring the AC chargers for batteries and the phone. If you're at a campground with a shower house, most likely there will be wall jacks to charge from.
6) Dunno- depends on how many times you plan to go to the Nat. Parks I suppose.
7) I've never had anything grow legs grow my campsites. Nor has anyone ever touched my tankbag which is always on the bike.

Check out Motocampers.com (http://www.motocampers.com/) for more stuff! :D

[Finewest]

If you install Powerlets on your bike, like I did - two of them plus a 12 volt one in the right pocket, then you can recharge stuff on the go.

[dduelin]

Wow!

I'm looking hard at motocamping this summer on my month long US ride. I figure I can spend $5-600 on camping stuff and recoup the cost in a few weeks of camping instead of getting motel rooms. I'll be going solo so while weight and size aren't that important now, I'm not interested in buying it twice so I'm looking for a tent big enough for 2.

Couple of questions, though.

1. When you bought your gear was size or weight more important?
2. I'm seeing 5-6# 2-man tents that are about 20" x 8". Is that too large?
3. I don't think I can put everything in the saddlebags and Givi but I'm going to try. If you've managed to get everything (tent, groundcloth, bag, stove, misc small stuff) in your bag what gear did you select?
4. Is the camp chair a niceity or necessity?
5. What did you do about charging batteries for your phone, camera, iPod, etc.?
6. Is it worth getting a National Parks Pass to save a few dollars?
7. Should I get some kind of mesh security bag to prevent my camping gear from going walkabout if I can't get it all into the hard bags?

Thanks for posting your ideas and experiences. Good stuff!

1. Size.
2. That's too big to pack in a pannier but you could easily strap it on the back.
3. I utilize a medium size dry bag to carry a sleeping bag, pillow, and one set of clothing - in other words stuff I do not want to get wet if I have to set up my tent in the rain. Mine is big enough to carry my cooking kit in too. This is strapped down across the pillion seat leaving the panniers for other clothing, the tent (mine has poles short enough to fit inside) tools, misc. and rain gear. Dry bags are sold in camping, boating, and sporting goods stores.
4. Niceity
5. I installed a power point in the rightside fairing pocket to charge a cell phone and power an air compressor.
6. I don't know that one.
7. I have little worth taking and that that is fits in my pockets or locking panniers.

[Wheels of Fire]

Some light sticks can come in handy.
Bring along some dryer lint in a ziplock baggie, shred it up with your tender to help start campfires, or a small bottle of charcoal lighter fluid.

[jester]

I'm also into Minimal camping.
camping solo I use a Hennesy Hamock and love it.
very small and no need for a ground pad.
3 minute setup and take down.
two trees are all you need.

Dan

[Speedracer612]

I camp monthly with the Scouts, so I get a lot of tips and tricks... You buy your gear based on the conditions you will be in... I take a 6 lb flannel bag if I have room...it's just that comfortable... You have plenty of room to carry with a good tank bag... powerlet to charge the toys, store all the toys in the tank bag and your rain suit. Left pannier for me is the sleeping bag...right pannier is the kitchen and dopp kit.. Clothes in the Givi, and a water proof duffle in the second seat... The duffle has tent, mattress pad, and full size pillow.

1. I always take a few of the very small plastic painters tarps...I place them as a liner inside the tent if rain is imminent... use your gear to keeps the walls up... If you have ever spent a night in the water flow path you will know why... If it is really cold you can also place it between the fly and tent... That plastic layer will hold in a tremendous amount of your exhaled air to 'heat the tent'

2. They make a lantern LED lid for the nalgene now (they are at Dick's)... They are nice and dimable..So now you have a lantern... A good tip in cold weather is to use your back packing stove to heat up some water...pour it in your nalgene and throw it in the bottom of your sleeping bag... two things... wrap that sucker or you will scald your feet... the heat is phenomal and last several hours. I guess if you have to use it as a urinal you could keep warm for a while on that...but I don't pee in my nalgene...

3. I also wrap duct tape around my nalgene... I then always have duct tape with me...

4. The duffle bag in my back seat also doubles for a back rest.

5. Headlights are very important especially with a 3 am Pee... I also pack flip flops for the trip to pee and use them inthe shower at state parks...

6. I use a two man tent... I have two one man tents... But there is so much more room in a two man... it is well worth it... then you extra roomt to keep extra gear inside if rain is coming...

7. The tiny duraflame logs can be cut down to a tiny size for travel if you want to start a fire it takes a lot of effort out of it..

The reality is the more you camp the more you figure out from others... Have fun....

James

[STeve1300]

You will know what you need immediately after your first trip....:D

If you mix camping w/ motel...and the first stop is the motel... think a bit on how you pack....

I've learned I can pack my "over nite kit" in one small duffel in a side case. In that bag I keep my personal toiletries, a couple fresh socks and underware, and an extra tshirt. Assuming I'm in a "safe" motel.... I do not have to unpack the bike at all... I bring in only the small duffel,,, and lock my GPS, tank bag, etc into the space vacated by that duffle. I throw a cover over the bike. Up & on the road in an instant if need be.

[sparkinator]

Wow!

I'm looking hard at motocamping this summer on my month long US ride. I figure I can spend $5-600 on camping stuff and recoup the cost in a few weeks of camping instead of getting motel rooms. I'll be going solo so while weight and size aren't that important now, I'm not interested in buying it twice so I'm looking for a tent big enough for 2.

Couple of questions, though.

1. When you bought your gear was size or weight more important?
2. I'm seeing 5-6# 2-man tents that are about 20" x 8". Is that too large?
3. I don't think I can put everything in the saddlebags and Givi but I'm going to try. If you've managed to get everything (tent, groundcloth, bag, stove, misc small stuff) in your bag what gear did you select?
4. Is the camp chair a niceity or necessity?
5. What did you do about charging batteries for your phone, camera, iPod, etc.?
6. Is it worth getting a National Parks Pass to save a few dollars?
7. Should I get some kind of mesh security bag to prevent my camping gear from going walkabout if I can't get it all into the hard bags?

Thanks for posting your ideas and experiences. Good stuff!

1. Last year I bought a Kelty Mistral 20 degree sleeping bag that is really comfortable and the price was good also (about 40 bucks), but it just too bulky. If I had to do it again, I would have spent the extra money and got a backpacking bag. My Eureka pinnacle tent with fly packs down to a third the size of my sleeping bag.

3. I don't have a topcase, so I got someone to build me a removable rack for the back. If you are going alone, a good dry bag for the back seat will hold plenty.

4. Took a chair and never used it. If I were traveling or meeting others, maybe the chair would have come in handy, but that wasn't the case.

5. I have a couple of 12 volt outlets for charging batteries, camera, phone, etc. I bought a 12 to 110 volt converter and could charge anything I needed.

6. I bought the park pass last year. I probably spent more by buying the pass, but it really was convenient. I punched a hole in one corner of the card and hung it around my neck along with my drivers license and debit card. I may have had to dig my wallet out 3 or 4 times the whole trip.

7. Nobody ever fooled with anything when I parked the bike. I was a little nervous when I parked at Zion NP and left my bike loaded down, but nobody even gave it a second look.

As far as gear, I carried WAY to many clothes. I wasn't sure how many opportunities I would have to wash clothes, so I was going to be prepared. I found at almost every campsite, there was some place to wash clothes. Usually it was a wash sink or something, so I would wash them and hang them to dry overnight. If they were still damp the next morning, I put them in a mesh bag and used a bungy tarp to secure them to the top of my dry bag. by the end of the day, they were fresh and air dried.

Good luck on your trip.

[Coop]

All you really need is a P-38 (John Wayne can opener) and a white plastic spoon.....and lots of bug juice.

[uptoblackwood]

I've got images and description of how/what I pack in side bags, top box and pillion bags when I camp/hotel it....in this thread:
http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24754

Forest

[BlaSTr]

Thanks for the great responses. I'm going to measure my panners and Givi to see what I can stuff in them. And I'll get a wet bag for everything else. Now of Dubya will pony up that money he promised.....