Tent?
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,345
Likes: 0
From: Metro Denver
Funny UK, America would not want me on Dancing With The Stars
believe me hehehe.
Thanks for the advice guys, I am asking in the touring forum because you guys are as worn out as I am and have come up with ingenious ideas for comfort in harsh situations, you have more $ to spend on these ideas, the younger ones in the General section are more durable than we are and would give advice like a blanket and pillow with cheeze whiz and crackers.
Would appreciate advice on bags etc etc
Couldn't you just make an appearance on Dancing With The Stars for a midlife crisis challenge?
believe me hehehe.
Thanks for the advice guys, I am asking in the touring forum because you guys are as worn out as I am and have come up with ingenious ideas for comfort in harsh situations, you have more $ to spend on these ideas, the younger ones in the General section are more durable than we are and would give advice like a blanket and pillow with cheeze whiz and crackers.
Would appreciate advice on bags etc etc
Couldn't you just make an appearance on Dancing With The Stars for a midlife crisis challenge?
Masterblaster,
We're not worn out...we're just "well versed!"
Wish I could join you in the 2010 Hoka Hey...that sounds like an absolute blast; unfortunately, I have far too much already booked on my 2010 calendar for June / July / August
Potential Sleeping bag options (note: yes, they're expensive, but worth the $$ to keep warm/comfortable, especially on this challenge you'll be doing!!)
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
REI is the place I would start.
Every few years I buy a new tent for camping in locations that vary from AZ, NM, TX, IL, WI, MN, Canada etc. I start with reading Backpacker Magazines annual "Gear Review" issue to get an education then I head to REI and meet the gear up close and personal.
I spent 11 years in Boy Scouts and I learned long before becoming an Infantryman that a ground cloth is worth it's weight in gold and insulating yourself from the heat sapping ground are key to comfort and sleep that equals recovery.
REI sells tent specific ground cloths (exact shape as the foot print of a specific tent). A perfect ground cloth will be just a tad (inch or so) smaller than the actual tent foot print. this will prevent water (rain) from hitting the ground cloth and getting between it and the tent floor. The ground cloth itself keeps moisture from penetrating the tent floor and sapping you of body heat.
ThermaRest makes great inflatable but really tough insulating sleeping pads. The one I prefer is a 3/4 inch thick 3/4 body length pad. They self inflate to about 90% full and deflate in second too. They pack up pretty small (6ish" dia x 10ish" long roll). You can get full length pads and last I looked they were available in a 1 inch thick version too. I choose the thinner/shorter/lighter version since I carry it on my back.
Tent pref for me - a dome tent that does not require stakes if I know the weather is going to be really good. Make sure your tent selection has repair sleeves/splints for fiberglass poles. Had to fix a pole once..... glad I had the repair stuff.
Every few years I buy a new tent for camping in locations that vary from AZ, NM, TX, IL, WI, MN, Canada etc. I start with reading Backpacker Magazines annual "Gear Review" issue to get an education then I head to REI and meet the gear up close and personal.
I spent 11 years in Boy Scouts and I learned long before becoming an Infantryman that a ground cloth is worth it's weight in gold and insulating yourself from the heat sapping ground are key to comfort and sleep that equals recovery.
REI sells tent specific ground cloths (exact shape as the foot print of a specific tent). A perfect ground cloth will be just a tad (inch or so) smaller than the actual tent foot print. this will prevent water (rain) from hitting the ground cloth and getting between it and the tent floor. The ground cloth itself keeps moisture from penetrating the tent floor and sapping you of body heat.
ThermaRest makes great inflatable but really tough insulating sleeping pads. The one I prefer is a 3/4 inch thick 3/4 body length pad. They self inflate to about 90% full and deflate in second too. They pack up pretty small (6ish" dia x 10ish" long roll). You can get full length pads and last I looked they were available in a 1 inch thick version too. I choose the thinner/shorter/lighter version since I carry it on my back.
Tent pref for me - a dome tent that does not require stakes if I know the weather is going to be really good. Make sure your tent selection has repair sleeves/splints for fiberglass poles. Had to fix a pole once..... glad I had the repair stuff.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,380
Likes: 14
From: Atlanta
I have the Clip Flashlight from Sierra Designs, and it's perfect for what I wanted: small, light, not expensive. Not sure how it would do with your cot, but with a ThermoRest, it's a great option.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,519
Likes: 2
From: St. Augustine Florida
I used to use a tarp, cordage and bungies and attached to the bike as a lean to or complete cover. Depending on waether conditions and climate. Hot pipes and other engine components put off enough heat to stay warm until ya fall asleep. If Warm outside, allow a gap between the ground and the tarp for ventilation or install in the direction of the wind. You will figure out the first time you are too hot or too cold.
Good luck and be safe.!
Good luck and be safe.!
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 296
Likes: 1
From: South Carolina
For sleeping bags: http://www.bigagnes.com/ I use the storm king with integrated pad
For tent: http://mountainhardwear.com/Home.aspx I use the lightwedge 3
Of course, when backpacking, I just used a Contrail tarp tent: http://www.tarptent.com/. However, have to warn you, this isn't great in freezing temps... best for late spring to early fall... in the south!
As with any camping endeavor... if it's a short stay, one time use... just about anything will work. Can suffer through. However, if you're looking at a lot of use, long-term investment... you get what you pay for. I do TONS of camping and backpacking with my son in the Boy Scouts... plus camping on the bike too.
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 234
Likes: 0
From: Heritage Park - Friendswood, TX
I really like this idea... I would love to do this. In the Marine Corp we just swept away the rocks enough to make a slight dip and it was just fine. Depending on where you are don't be surprised if you have to sweep a few crawling 'things' off your face while you sleep. I swept what I thought was a mouse off my face once in the Mohave Desert... I upped myself onto one elbow to see a Tarantula crawling over my Deuce Gear... Not one to be bothered by bugs I tried to find it to kill it - no joy - assumed the sleep position... LOL! Had one buddy that started to roll his bag up to find about an 8" -10" baby rattler under his bag. Things out there just love that you are warm! Almost always though it just some tiny thing that is looking to stay warm... don't be freaked out. Just sweep it off and dance around like Ricky Bobby in his skivvies then go back to sleep - ha ha!!!
