TOPIC Hijack ;-) MC camping secrets [Archive]

skiphunt

10-04-2006, 11:58 AM

Squeaky

10-04-2006, 12:01 PM

I like to have coffee in the morning

Jetboil! I'm wanting one myself, but haven't dropped the cash yet.
Great for ramen noodles, soup, coffee, tea, cocoa... anything you can just add hot water to.

http://www.nitro-pak.com/images/Jetboil-s.jpg

Big Bandit

10-04-2006, 12:03 PM

skiphunt

10-04-2006, 12:07 PM

Jetboil! I'm wanting one myself, but haven't dropped the cash yet.
Great for ramen noodles, soup, coffee, tea, cocoa... anything you can just add hot water to.

http://www.nitro-pak.com/images/Jetboil-s.jpg

Is that cannister a standard size? How would you know how much fuel you have left before a trip?

skiphunt

10-04-2006, 12:08 PM

I use an MSR Whisperlite Multifuel Stove, it will run on the same thing the bike does. I just fill up the stove, when I am filling up the bike. I also bought a plastic thing at HEB that holds the triangle type coffee filter and sits on top of my coffee cup. Heat water, pour into filter, drips through coffee right into cup. Simple, small and lightweight.

Nice! I'm a little lazy.. and have got used to having to drink Nescafe in Mexico. So just getting the water hot would be all I'd need to do. I even premix the Nescafe with sugar so that I only have to carry one container.

Squeaky

10-04-2006, 12:12 PM

Is that cannister a standard size? How would you know how much fuel you have left before a trip?

The canister is specific to the Jetboil, but they say it lasts a while. I would just always have a backup fuel cell with me. They are selling them in so many stores now, you could probably just pick up another backup once you swap over (assuming you're still in the U.S.).

What I like about it is the size and ease of use. I often go for cocoa and tea on a trip, so I'm carrying an insulated mug anyway. All the stuff this comes with fits inside the mug when you pack it up.

Head over to an REI and play with one. They usually have one out for demos.

skiphunt

10-04-2006, 12:14 PM

skiphunt

10-04-2006, 12:17 PM

Big Bandit

10-04-2006, 02:41 PM

Another tip... I have one of those plastic inflatable coolers. It packs down to about the size of a softball.. then you just air it up and it becomes a decent cooler that'll hold a couple bottles of wine ;-) and perishables for two.

In a pinch... I'll just turn my raincoat or rain pants that are made of that rubberized fabric.. inside out and tie-off the sleeves or legs to hold in the water, dump a bag of ice inside, and hoila.. instant cooler. When finished, dump out the water and shake it dry.

I use a dry bag. It folds up small but you can put ice and whatever inside. Because it is not insultated the ice usually melts in 4-6 hours. I normally do this when I go for a day ride and return to the same camp. I stop by a store and pick up supper and drinks, ice it down and it keeps everything cold until bedtime, by which it has all been consumed anyway. Where did you buy the blow up cooler? That would offer some insulation.

mhutch

10-04-2006, 03:03 PM

The canister is specific to the Jetboil, but they say it lasts a while. I would just always have a backup fuel cell with me. They are selling them in so many stores now, you could probably just pick up another backup once you swap over (assuming you're still in the U.S.).

What I like about it is the size and ease of use. I often go for cocoa and tea on a trip, so I'm carrying an insulated mug anyway. All the stuff this comes with fits inside the mug when you pack it up.

Head over to an REI and play with one. They usually have one out for demos.

Other companies make canisters that will work and you can pick them up at any outdoor store like REI, Academy, etc. I believe that they are a propane/iisobutane mix. They are standard and I use mine for my camping light and jetboil. The jetboil canister is nice because it fits in the cup for storage and I dont think the other brands will (too wide).

You can shake the canister and get an idea how much is left.

I use folgers coffee singles because they pack themselves and they will not spill or make a mess and they taste better than star$'s (imho)

I timed my JB this weekend and it took under three minutes to boil 2 cups of room temp tap water in under three minutes. Nice.

Squeaky

10-04-2006, 03:06 PM

We used a fold-up insulated cooler on our trip. The idea was to make the last stop before making camp at a gas station or convenience store where they'd allow us to fill our Camelbaks with ice fromt he fountain machine. Put the ice-filled bladders in the cooler, add whatever food & drink we wanted to keep cold for the night, and go. By morning, we'd be eatig the last of the food and the Camelbaks would already be filled with clean drinking water from the melted ice.

mlinkibikr

10-04-2006, 04:17 PM

Here's a fair weather sleeping tip. I have a nylon mesh hammock that rolls into a fist size ball. Sling that between two trees. Tie off another rope a couple of feet higher and flip a tarp over that line. Tie out the edges of the tarp giving you a nice shelter peaking over your hammock. Throw the sleeping bag up into the hammock and sleep in comfort, off the ground and away from those pesky ants. The tarp will keep the dew off of you.

Dave.

beverly200rider

10-04-2006, 07:58 PM

I enjoy cooking while camping and consider a good set of nesting pots an essential item. The air pocket in the center of the very compact GSI non-stick set that I found at REI is just large enough to cradle my MSR Superfly adjustable cannister stove. Folding utensils stack on top just inside the drawstring mesh bag that holds the pots. The bag is great after clean up for hanging up the utensils to air dry.

Flatworld folding mugs, plates, and bowls are awesome, too. They clean up easily and fold completely flat. They're also kind to the environment:no paper plates to haul or packaging to throw away. Available at Whole Earth Provisions and REI.

A collapsible thermal-lined plastic lunch bag (zippered) becomes a cooler in no time. Just add ice (or pack with blue ice and perishables for short weekend trips).

A collapsible 10-liter water jug with a spigot and handle packs down to the size of a Frisbee.

Packing tip: roll clean clothing into your sleeping bag along with a pillow case or draw string cloth laundry bag. Put the clothes in the pillow case/laundry bag when you unroll the bag. Instant pillow. Swap out with dirty clothes. Instant laundry bag.

Big splurge item: plunge pot for coffee in the morning. Yeah, hubby and I are particular about our coffee. This is the one luxury item that we afford ourselves on a camping trip. The one big justification to carrying it along is that you can pack a lot of stuff in it, like plastic utensils, coffee, and other nonperishable items.

punk_emo_tx

10-04-2006, 09:32 PM

Nice Hi jack Skiphunt

JETBOIL stove

I took one on my last MC trip. It lived up to all the hype. I did learn two things about the Jetboil the hard way ( didn't read the directions).
1. Light the stove before you put the cup on.
2. When storing, put the fuel can inside the cup upside down.

Last time I went to Arkansas I took a lot of pictures of camp grounds and their facilities with the intention of starting a "cheap places to motorcycle camp in Arkansas" thread. Unfortunately my pictures are too big I guess to upload. Maybe I'll figure out how to resize them. A good camp I found was Haw Creek Falls on 123. Only $3 to camp and I was the only one there.

+1 on the folding cups.

Hairsmith

10-04-2006, 10:07 PM

Boiling water the old fashion way.
Kelly Kettle (http://www.kellykettle.com/)

http://www.kellykettle.com/images/kk_pint.jpg

beverly200rider

10-05-2006, 05:49 AM

Boiling water the old fashion way.
Kelly Kettle (http://www.kellykettle.com/)

http://www.kellykettle.com/images/kk_pint.jpg

Nice! I like my canister stove, but the Kelly Kettle appears to be really cool to have because of fuel versatility. I've underestimated cooking times with my canister stove and come up short on fuel a couple of times when trying out new recipes, especially when cooking dried beans/legumes. This takes care of that problem and eliminates a prep step (buying a fuel canister) during packing. I've been entertaining the idea of getting a second stove because I really like to cook outdoors and often need to have two burners going at once. Looks like I just found the second stove.

The accessory kit packs inside the 2.5 pint version. Sweet!

Thank you for sharing this!

Thanks for starting this thread, Skip!

Voltar

10-05-2006, 07:19 AM

I use an MSR Whisperlite Multifuel Stove, it will run on the same thing the bike does. I just fill up the stove, when I am filling up the bike.

I use the same stove for the same reason. I always am aroung gas when on the bike.

Personally, I like it much better than a Jetboil. It just seems like it can do more.

Voltar

10-05-2006, 07:23 AM

Or go with a $35 integrated solution; a military hammock. I have one of these that is perfect for warm/hot weather.

http://www.vtarmynavy.com/jungle-hammock---olive-drab.htm

Here's a fair weather sleeping tip. I have a nylon mesh hammock that rolls into a fist size ball. Sling that between two trees. Tie off another rope a couple of feet higher and flip a tarp over that line. Tie out the edges of the tarp giving you a nice shelter peaking over your hammock. Throw the sleeping bag up into the hammock and sleep in comfort, off the ground and away from those pesky ants. The tarp will keep the dew off of you.

Dave.

Voltar

10-05-2006, 07:31 AM

- A CD make a good signal mirror and shaving mirror.

- wrap duct tape around something flat, like a CD cover, and you can carry a lot in a small space.

- spend a few buck on a roll of 14 gauge wire a Home Depot. It is the perfect tool to use if a shoe string breaks, you need to wire a cup or something to your backpack, use as a bungee, make clothespins, blaugh, blagh, blaa...

- LED headlamps and flashlites rule the word of darkness when small and light is key

- carry a pair of cheap flip flops will make the end of the day, bathroom trips at night, and getting ready in the morning a lot more fun.

Hairsmith

10-05-2006, 08:57 AM

A CHEEP camp/survival stove.
PePsi-Can stove (http://www.pcthiker.com/pages/gear/pepsistove.shtml)

http://www.pcthiker.com/media/gear/pepsistoveimages/pepsistove/pepsistovefire.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6a/Pepsi-can_stove_lit.JPG/200px-Pepsi-can_stove_lit.JPG

Skid

10-05-2006, 09:00 AM

Well, I am going to add a ripstop military style poncho. It has eyelets in it so that you can tie it up and use it as a tarp. On our trip we tied it up to help block the wind.

I am sure you can find them cheaper than this site; it was just the first one I found that had a decent picture. http://www.armynavydeals.com/asp/products_details.asp?SKU=4865&ST=2

Also, don't forget the 550 cord.

Skid

scratch

10-05-2006, 10:42 AM

As you can see, I don't have a clue about how to pack light:
http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/3365/11tf4.th.jpg (http://img177.imageshack.us/my.php?image=11tf4.jpg) :doh:

After a recent two-week trip, my suggestion would be to pack the lightest/thinnest clothing possible, especially if you can expect mild weather. For instance, work-out pants instead of jeans. A camping chamois towel packs a lot better than a regular bath towel too.

BTW, anybody here ever tried Esbit tablets (http://www.esbit.net/dynasite.cfm?dssid=4409&dsmid=67817) for cooking?

punk_emo_tx

10-05-2006, 11:15 AM

BTW, anybody here ever tried Esbit tablets (http://www.esbit.net/dynasite.cfm?dssid=4409&dsmid=67817) for cooking?

Those little fuel tablets might be handy to start camp fires.

NUTT

10-05-2006, 11:32 AM

We have a saying in the Army...

Pack light, freeze at night.

mhutch

10-05-2006, 11:52 AM

Here is a site that has loads of information on everything hiking related including building your own stoves, packing essentials, etc.

http://hikinghq.net/

Hairsmith

10-05-2006, 03:31 PM

Another cheep stove.
Pocket Cooker (http://www.campingsurvival.com/fopocost.html)

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/campingsurvival_1913_139188354

beverly200rider

10-05-2006, 06:18 PM

Another cheep stove.
Pocket Cooker (http://www.campingsurvival.com/fopocost.html)

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/campingsurvival_1913_139188354

So many options, so little time.

Another good one...thanks!

beverly200rider

10-05-2006, 06:19 PM

- LED headlamps and flashlites rule the word of darkness when small and light is key

- carry a pair of cheap flip flops will make the end of the day, bathroom trips at night, and getting ready in the morning a lot more fun.

+1
Don't leave home without 'em.

Squeaky

10-05-2006, 06:36 PM

I go with river shoes. Makes walking around easier in rocks & leaves, and they pack down just about the same as flip-flops.

Voltar

10-05-2006, 08:40 PM

BTW, anybody here ever tried Esbit tablets (http://www.esbit.net/dynasite.cfm?dssid=4409&dsmid=67817) for cooking?

I have. They are light and the stove small, but it take about one tablet to boil a 1/2 quart of water so you need to have lots of tablets.

So... now I just use them to 'cheat' when I want to start a fire quickly.

punk_emo_tx

10-05-2006, 08:57 PM

How much are those tablets and where are they sold?

Oh, REI, might have know. I'll try a pack. Only $6.

Hairsmith

10-06-2006, 10:47 AM

Rainmaker

10-06-2006, 04:16 PM

We have a saying in the Army...

Pack light, freeze at night.

You must be in a mech unit :rofl: I lived by this niffty moto for 3 1/2 years and put up with the extra weight on my back, it was worth the sacrafice mostly. However, we never knew when we were coming back. On a camping trip you have an idea. I felt that on the 2wk trip we took (4bikers and a (missing ) monkey) that we had way to much gear. A military poncho, some bungee chords, a hammock, and a stick supplied by mother nature works for any tent/sleeping set up. It all packs small and weight is light. For cold weather add a poncho liner (AKA woobie) it's the best invention yet. In bad weather make a lean-too with the poncho,stick and bungees close to the ground and scratch a small ditch around it for drainage. I used this on a dive trip and everyone laughed at me as they were pitching there $400 tents. A storm blew through that night and when I awoke tents were down all over the place . It took me 30 seconds to take my setup down and I spent the next hour laughing at everyone else trying to clean up there mess and looking for dry spots to hang there gear to dry.

Voltar

10-06-2006, 06:03 PM

Also, why a compression bag instead of a dry bag? Or is there much difference?

The compression bags that I like are made of light weight thin nylon. If I need to make it a dry bag I put all my stuff in a Hefty trash bag and then compress it.

The dry bags are heavier, bulkier, and more $$$.

mnapuran

10-06-2006, 11:41 PM

Surprised no one posted this: http://www.hennessyhammock.com/

TexasShadow

10-07-2006, 06:45 AM

Jetboil! I'm wanting one myself, but haven't dropped the cash yet.
Great for ramen noodles, soup, coffee, tea, cocoa... anything you can just add hot water to. Hmm..... I like that!! Where do you find one of those gems? (wondering how much it weighs, too)

Addendum: Found the system online for a variety of prices. Probably cheaper than REI.

TexasShadow

10-07-2006, 06:53 AM

Some have commented about compression bags. I have looked them up, and they look good and obviously make things more compact. But are they water proof?
Also, why a compression bag instead of a dry bag? Or is there much difference?I used several compression bags and put those items in dry bags or the side cases. The former are worth their weight in gold!

Another gem I found are Coleman 'compression' bags for clothes. They are like large Seal-a-Meal bags, different sizes, and fantastic. Insert folded clothes into bag, lay on floor or hard surface, zip bag close and start rolling the bag from that end, squeezing the air towards the other end, which has a one-way air exhaust. Once bag with items are rolled and air squeezed out, you can either lay it flat or rolled up.

I used two bags, large and medium sized for all my clothes (didn't really have much), rolled them both up and put in one sidecase: large rolled bag on the bottom, medium inserted vertically at one end of sidecase.

I'm in the middle of writing a blog post on the luggage system I used on the trip to Utah, with pics of the various bags, attachment gear, etc.

TexasShadow

10-07-2006, 07:05 AM

A camping chamois towel packs a lot better than a regular bath towel too. My light fleece coolmax sleeping bag liner doubled as a giant towel. And dried faster than I did.

-for hang drying laundry, towels, etc: bike handles, control levers, mirrors and seat :)

beverly200rider

10-07-2006, 08:52 AM

Links to the Flatworld (Orikaso) folding cups and bowls that I mentioned in a previous post:

http://www.orikaso.com/cup.html
http://www.orikaso.com/bowl.html

They may look a little odd, but they work great, and pack flat and light.

Squeaky

10-07-2006, 08:54 AM

Another gem I found are Coleman 'compression' bags for clothes.

Travel Space Bags (infomercial, also sold at WalMart) are just like that. I have one that holds my bulky rain and cold weather gear, but I've found that for everyday clothes you can also use 2gal Ziploc bags. Pack one day of clothes in each (including underwear and socks), and sit on them to remove the air before sealing them off.

The great thing about having separate bags for each day of clothes is that you can grab-n-go at the campground when you head for the showers without having to dig through all of your luggage. Put the dirty clothes in the bag and reseal, and now your dirties aren't mixing with the clean stuff.

beverly200rider

10-07-2006, 09:20 AM

Travel Space Bags (infomercial, also sold at WalMart) are just like that. I have one that holds my bulky rain and cold weather gear, but I've found that for everyday clothes you can also use 2gal Ziploc bags.

+1
I carry several spare zip locs and plastic grocery bags for shuffling things around, disposing of garbage, and for protecting things from water. It's amazing how versatile a plastic bag can be.

beverly200rider

10-07-2006, 09:55 AM

Surprised no one posted this: http://www.hennessyhammock.com/

That looks really comfy. Have you tried one of these? I'd love to hear what folks who have tried both the hammocks and the tents have to say about the pros and cons of each.

punk_emo_tx

10-07-2006, 02:53 PM

TexasShadow

10-07-2006, 04:51 PM

I attended a "light and fast" backpacking class at REI and the instructor ( who has hiked the entire Appalachian Trail )showed how using compression sacks don't make your pack( saddle bags/ tail bag ) smaller. He had a good demonstration how the compression sacks created VOILDS ( wasted space ) between them. The compression sacks just added exta weight, size and expence.
Just thought I'd throw something in thats against the grain of other post. I think this issue is a YMMV-thing.

I have two compressions bags, one small vertically compressed square one that was stashed in my sidebag. Alongside it was the bag with my inflatable Big Agnes pad. Any voids between/around them were filled with whatever fit. I know that if these were not pack thusly, they would never have fit.

The other is a long horizontally compressed one that I squeezed my mesh gear into, reducing it down to less than half normal volume, and then into the dry bag with the square Thermarest folded pad (and whatever else I could squeeze in the voids). Again, without that compression bag, the mesh gear would not fit anywhere.

I understand the instructor's reasoning, but I don't consider it universal across all situations.

TexasShadow

10-07-2006, 04:53 PM

That looks really comfy. Have you tried one of these? I'd love to hear what folks who have tried both the hammocks and the tents have to say about the pros and cons of each.Hammocks are the cat's meow unless you have a bad lumbar spine :(

TexasShadow

10-07-2006, 05:59 PM

Links to the Flatworld (Orikaso) folding cups and bowls that I mentioned in a previous post..... Found them on Campmore.com site. they do look odd, but functional. Ordering a set.
Also found all the Jetboil systems there, too.
Cool..... :) :rider: ----> :eat:

punk_emo_tx

10-08-2006, 05:20 AM

TexasShadow

I don't claim to be an expert in packing. Hopefully I will aways be learning new techniques. :giveup:

The saddle bags them self are the compression bags. I'm amazed how much I can stuff inside as I slowly zip them up. When backpacking light and fast every oz. is critical. Two extra compression bags and a heavy and bulky dry bag would probably not be used.

On a side note...I rode for five hours in the rain without the rain covers on my saddles bags. I stayed at a motel that night thinking I'd have to dry out all my gear. To my surprise everything was dry. This leads me to believe dry bags would be over kill. Three cheers for the free and light shopping bag. :clap:

I do use a nylon waterproof bag to hang my food in at night:eat:

I'll be picking up some of those esbit? fuel tablets today. Those look like a winner. I can't wait to see what new tips I'll find in this thread.:popcorn:

TexasShadow

10-08-2006, 08:05 AM

I don't claim to be an expert in packing. Hopefully I will aways be learning new techniques. :giveup: We should all be receptive to learning something new :)
On a side note...I rode for five hours in the rain without the rain covers on my saddles bags. I stayed at a motel that night thinking I'd have to dry out all my gear. To my surprise everything was dry. This leads me to believe dry bags would be over kill. Three cheers for the free and light shopping bag. :clap: I wish I had that same fortune, but I did not. My sidebags leak, the liners are not waterproof, and unless everything is double bagged in plastic, it gets wet. I rode through several hours of rain the first day, I and everything in my sidebags were soaked. (I did rent a motel room and hung everything up to dry).

Nor are they large enough to accomodate a long road trip like the one I just returned from. Over the entire two weeks, nothing in the two dry bags were even damp, which was good because they contained all my camping and mesh gear.

That is why I commented that YMMV. Different setups and situations may dictate different equipment and methods of packing.

That's also why I intend to get Al panniers next year for these long trips. More room and less water inside. :trust:

punk_emo_tx

10-08-2006, 12:15 PM

If I could only figure out what YMMV means....:confused:

mnapuran

10-08-2006, 01:07 PM

You Mileage May Vary :)

punk_emo_tx

10-08-2006, 01:22 PM

:doh:

SL350

10-08-2006, 02:39 PM

my bike camping and general camping tips are the same. No one wants to clean dishes while camping. Consider cooking at home, freezing in freezer bags, and boiling water at campsite to reheat. Boiling water is easy to clean, burnt spaghetti is not.

A few years ago I experimented with the coffee in tea like bags. It was almost coffee if you put two bags in one cup. Much better than instant but I believe it is part instant, part real coffee.

Squeaky

10-08-2006, 09:40 PM

beverly200rider

10-08-2006, 10:46 PM

One more I was reminded of this weekend... No matter what you think the weather will do, Mother Nature will surprise you. Overnight temps got pretty darn chilly and other than my riding jacket I didn't have anything with long sleeves. I did my best to bundle up, but staying asleep was difficult.

Thanks for the reminder. I've had good luck rolling a pair of light weight thermals (long-sleeved undershirt, long pants, and socks) into my sleeping bag when packing for cooler weather camping trips. Thermals, provided they have flat or no seams and made of a breathable/wicking material, are really comfortable to sleep in. At least, that has been my experience.

Voltar

10-09-2006, 05:20 AM

Where did you go?

That reminds me of another tip. I always bring one of those stocking hat things to keep my head (and the rest of me) warm.

One more I was reminded of this weekend... No matter what you think the weather will do, Mother Nature will surprise you. Overnight temps got pretty darn chilly and other than my riding jacket I didn't have anything with long sleeves. I did my best to bundle up, but staying asleep was difficult.

SL350

10-09-2006, 10:29 AM

cold weather camping - double socks, sleep in old style cotton warm-ups, put the do not disturb sign on the door. Sleep late.

Squeaky

10-09-2006, 11:11 AM

Where did you go?

College Station for the CMRA races. I never imagined it would be cold up there, but it happens.

Some good came out of it though - if I wasn't freezing (walking around the pit area in my PJs and wrapped in my sleeping bag) I might not have joined Chatterbox and the Big Spank Daddy in the cornerworker meeting. I ducked in there to talk to Cindy for a minute and stayed because the room was heated. After the meeting, I asked if they still needed people for the day and was assigned turn 3 - and got PAID to get one of the best seats in the house for some great races! Got to see Ty Howard set-lose-set-lose-and set again the new short track record @ TWS! :clap:

beverly200rider

10-09-2006, 09:10 PM

Has anyone tried solar cooking with a portable panel cooker like this one while camping:

http://solarcooking.org/cookit.htm

Seems like this might be a good way to carry a lightweight, collapsible slow cooker. Looks like it could be cheap and fun to try at least. Cardboard and aluminum foil. Maybe I can take apart one of those aluminum windshield sun shades...:cool2:

punk_emo_tx

10-10-2006, 02:12 AM

I bought a pack of the Esbit fuel tablets. I put one on a bick tonight and lit it. It burned for 15 mins. It burned full strenght for the first 13 mins. and about 1/4 strenght the last two mins. Can't wait to try it out while camping.

Voltar

10-10-2006, 05:24 AM

I did a 150 mile footrace across the Sahara Desert were we had to carry all our food for the race with us. I used a solar stove like this to heat my Mountain House type meals. It worked pretty good, but then again it was like a zillion degrees so I probably could have just sat it in the sand for 15 minutes or so.

I'm gonna find that thing and try it at normal temps instead of fire. I think it would work pretty well for mild heating.

Has anyone tried solar cooking with a portable panel cooker like this one while camping:

http://solarcooking.org/cookit.htm

Seems like this might be a good way to carry a lightweight, collapsible slow cooker. Looks like it could be cheap and fun to try at least. Cardboard and aluminum foil. Maybe I can take apart one of those aluminum windshield sun shades...:cool2:

bedlam

10-10-2006, 10:51 AM

:brainsnap Surprised no one posted this: http://www.hennessyhammock.com/

There was a review on this product in this month's BMW Owner's News

He had good things to say, except that he found that some type of pad b/t your body and the hammock was required. As I recall (from my rapidly declining memory...sucks to be getting old :rofl: ) he found that his thermarest was too slippery.

But overall, the reviewer liked it a lot.

Personally, I just think I'd be embarrassed to have to tie the thing up about 10 ft in the air so that my big ol' butt doesn't drag the ground when I climb in. Or, with my luck, the poor tie-off ropes would give up their mighty struggle in the wee hours of the morning. Then my fellow campers would be subjected to a shockwave of about 5.5 on the Richter scale followed by a string of cursing. Not pretty. :brainsnap

tx246

10-10-2006, 05:20 PM

i like dry bags. they are indestructible and they keep the water out. all of the saddle bags ive owned would let water in if the bike was in motion. i do use the saddle bags too but put raingear/stuff that it does not matter if it gets wet. i dont ever want my sleeping bag/tent wet and it goes into a medium dry bag. i use 1 inch endless straps (found in walmart automotive)and loop through the grabrails on my zrx/fj to secure the dry bag. by the time ive cinched it down tight the air has left the dry bag and has become much smaller. ive looked for ways to secure stuff on bikes for 20yrs and this is the best method that ive been able to come up with for the sleeping bag/tent. clothes get rolled up and put in the tank bag (no wrinkles). i use the pillowcase/dirty clothes method.

punk_emo_tx

10-12-2006, 05:29 PM

beverly200rider

10-12-2006, 07:16 PM

I have some pictures I'd like to post but it says they are too big. I see other pictures posted that are even bigger than the ones I'm trying to post. What am I doing wrong?

I enjoy the posts with visual aids.

When you click "Manage Attachments" there's a table that shows max file size for each file type and for some max width and heigth. Are your pics within those maximums?

mlinkibikr

10-12-2006, 10:05 PM

I did a 150 mile footrace across the Sahara Desert were we had to carry all our food for the race with us.

Did y'all catch what he just said? Hey - I saw the movie but the dude got to ride a horse and stay in oasis' with a bevy of lovely princesses around. You ran a 150 mile footrace? :hail:

punk_emo_tx

10-12-2006, 11:25 PM

Are your pics within those maximums?

I checked a few of my pix. Most are in the high 100k range. The manage attachments says 97.7k max? I have no problems posting on another national board.

beverly200rider

10-13-2006, 03:28 AM

Did y'all catch what he just said? Hey - I saw the movie but the dude got to ride a horse and stay in oasis' with a bevy of lovely princesses around. You ran a 150 mile footrace? :hail:

:rofl: Good one.
I caught it. Nothing shocks me on a forum. I mean that in a nice way. Whether it's truth or fiction, it's entertaining.

But, hey, Voltar, that was a little bit of a grenade. Mind telling us a few details about how you signed on for a 150-mile footrace across a desert? And what were you packing? It gets hot here, too. To keep it on topic with the thread, how about sharing some heat survival tips?

:popcorn:

Voltar

10-13-2006, 06:07 AM

Did y'all catch what he just said? Hey - I saw the movie but the dude got to ride a horse and stay in oasis' with a bevy of lovely princesses around. You ran a 150 mile footrace? :hail:

Oh, the one through the Sahara was "easy". The 150 miler through the Amazon Jungle was a bit harder. Took me seven days, I think. Same deal, everything on your back.
http://p.vtourist.com/1163123-Travel_Picture-Estado_do_Amazonas.jpg

Voltar

10-13-2006, 06:20 AM

To keep it on topic with the thread, how about sharing some heat survival tips?:

Rock Salt is your best friend. A small hunk every hour of so makes a HUGE HUGE HUGE difference if you are sweating and it is a whole lot smaller, lighter (and cheaper) than a sports drink. Better too, I think.

Eat your calories, don't drink them (unless it is beer).

Eulogite

10-13-2006, 07:16 AM

A military poncho, some bungee chords, a hammock, and a stick supplied by mother nature works for any tent/sleeping set up. It all packs small and weight is light. For cold weather add a poncho liner (AKA woobie) it's the best invention yet. In bad weather make a lean-too with the poncho,stick and bungees close to the ground and scratch a small ditch around it for drainage.

As an owner of several high-tech tents, my first thought was to dismiss this method as being primitive for the sake of being primitive. However, my interest is piqued and I'd like more information. Are these woobies available at military surplus outlets? Do you have any pics of your setup?

beverly200rider

10-13-2006, 06:11 PM

Oh, the one through the Sahara was "easy". The 150 miler through the Amazon Jungle was a bit harder. Took me seven days, I think. Same deal, everything on your back.

You are awesome! :hail:

Voltar

10-13-2006, 09:00 PM

You are awesome! :hail:

No, not really. Just persistant.

beverly200rider

10-17-2006, 06:32 AM

Another cheep stove.
Pocket Cooker (http://www.campingsurvival.com/fopocost.html)

Bought it, got it, and can hardly wait to try it out.

It even has its own carrying case with a loop for attaching it to other bags or whatever. Nice.

I had to make a few adjustments with a pair of needle-nosed pliers to get the base panels to snap in place snugly, but it looks like a solid unit.

Stay tuned for test results...

TexasShadow

10-17-2006, 01:37 PM

Bought it, got it, and can hardly wait to try it out.
Stay tuned for test results... Awaiting..... I'm curious about this one.

On a related note: ideas for reducing wet tent/gear?

Spent 1/2 night and one day last weekend in downpour. Tent not H2O-proof on the bottom, and one of my boots leaks like a sieve (still sopping wet :(

Other than setting the tent up on a platform, any other suggestions? (didn't dig trench, no shovel, and don't think it would have mattered anyway)

Tips on drying out the inside of leather and Goretex-lined boots? <sigh>

Don't believe anything that claims "water-proof".........

Big Bandit

10-17-2006, 01:53 PM

Awaiting..... I'm curious about this one.

On a related note: ideas for reducing wet tent/gear?

Spent 1/2 night and one day last weekend in downpour. Tent not H2O-proof on the bottom, and one of my boots leaks like a sieve (still sopping wet :(

Other than setting the tent up on a platform, any other suggestions? (didn't dig trench, no shovel, and don't think it would have mattered anyway)

Tips on drying out the inside of leather and Goretex-lined boots? <sigh>

Don't believe anything that claims "water-proof".........

You probably need a new tent. Is the the tent new or old, cheap or expensive, have the seams been sealed? I have rolled over in the middle of the night and felt 1" of water between my tent floor and groundcloth and the tent stayed dry. A quality tent with a good seam seal job is indeed waterproof. However, I have seen Walmart tents leak on the first night they were used.

Air dry the boots, never force dry leather. Open it up and sit it on the porch, it is supposed to be 94 in central Texas today. You can't fix the Goretex but you can waterproof the leather on your boots. Mink oil is wonderful, buy it right next to the shoe polish at HEB. It will make your leather last forever and waterproof it as well.

tx246

10-17-2006, 03:35 PM

this is a tip for wet boots. i know this sounds hokey, but it works. take pages of newspaper and wad them into loose balls. stuff em into the boots and the newspaper absorbs the water capilarry (sp) style. pull the wads out every couple of hours and put in new ones. works like a champ.

TexasShadow

10-18-2006, 07:57 PM

You probably need a new tent. Is the the tent new or old, cheap or expensive, have the seams been sealed? A relatively new Eureka. Used it a few nights on the Moab trip, including freezing rain and snow. But Sunday was a torrential downpour. I'll try sealing the seams at the bottom. And get a better ground cloth.

I set the boot on the back porch this morning and just brought it in. It is not quite dry, but no longer soggy wet. Will reseal all those seams, too. Pack it with mink oil when the leather is warm. Right boot was fine......

Big Bandit

10-19-2006, 01:57 PM

Wow, Eureka makes a good tent. Most of my tents have been Eureka's and the only ones that have leaked were very old. I am pretty sure they seam seal the floor at the factory these days but you still have to seal the rest of the tent.

Yeah with the mink oil it is good to be warm I have actually set the can of mink oil on the stove and melted it and applied it as a liquid. I have also used a hair dryer to warm it and the leather. Before Goretex I have mink oiled several pair of leather boots and stood in 6" or more of water and never had a drop get in.

TexasShadow

10-20-2006, 05:39 AM

Wow, Eureka makes a good tent. Most of my tents have been Eureka's and the only ones that have leaked were very old. I am pretty sure they seam seal the floor at the factory these days but you still have to seal the rest of the tent. Part of the problem may have been the fast floor fly. I was sent the wrong one and it's a bit small for my tent.

What do you seal the seams with? Will do that this weekend after I wash the mud off it :eek2:

Also considerng a second tent, one with a bit more weather protection and free-standing. My Eureka is almost 95% mesh above floor (but light as a feather).

Suggestions?

Daryl

10-20-2006, 09:07 AM

http://rvclassified.com/faimages/64305-fa.jpg

TexasShadow

10-20-2006, 01:34 PM

http://rvclassified.com/faimages/64305-fa.jpg

Too many wheels ;-)

beverly200rider

10-21-2006, 09:24 AM

What do you seal the seams with?

We have a relatively new Eureka tent that I plan to seal before our next trip. I purchased Kenyon seam sealer 3. It's water-based and the packaging indicates that it's non-flammable and doesn't contain Toluene (nasty carcinogenic stuff). I don't recall where I purchased this, but if you have an Academy or REI nearby, I'm sure the folks there can help you find a good sealer.

Where in central Texas are you?

beverly200rider

10-21-2006, 05:45 PM

OK, as promised, my test results of the pocket cooker are here:

http://web.mac.com/christinefish/iWeb/Site/Photos.html

Enjoy!

TexasShadow

10-21-2006, 06:43 PM

We have a relatively new Eureka tent that I plan to seal before our next trip. I purchased Kenyon seam sealer 3. ....
Where in central Texas are you? I picked up sealer for tent and boots, but couldn't find anything for my jacket (JR Ballistic). The one sealer they had for synthetics requires heat activation: putting the garment in the dryer for 50 min. I don't think my jacket would like that too well.

I'm NW of Fort Worth. Central plains sorta ;-)

TexasShadow

10-21-2006, 06:55 PM

OK, as promised, my test results of the pocket cooker are here:,,,,Thanks for posting those.

I looked for one of those at Cabelas today; no luck. I did find the JetBoil Group set, but not what I really need (or want to spend the $$ on) right now.

This would do nicely providing a smaller pot/kettle can go on it for boiling water and doing coffee (priorities ;). What are the dimensions of the open top?

BTW, just for kicks and giggles, and I'm curious which is justification alone, I bought a pouch of freeze-dried mint chocolate chip ice cream, supposedly for astronauts.
Hey, kick two birds with one stone: I wanted to be an astronaut and I love ice cream. It will be desert after my freeze-dried "Jamaican BBQ Chicken" on T-day in Texas canyon country. :rider: ---> :eat:

beverly200rider

10-21-2006, 07:08 PM

Thanks for posting those.
This would do nicely providing a smaller pot/kettle can go on it for boiling water and doing coffee (priorities ;). What are the dimensions of the open top?

The burner supports are 3" apart (from farthest outer edge of the support to farthest edge on the other side). The pot in the pictures has a 6" diameter base. I ordered the stove online from the link earlier in this thread.

Looking forward to your trip report!

TexasShadow

10-21-2006, 07:16 PM

The burner supports are 3" apart (from farthest outer edge of the support to farthest edge on the other side). The pot in the pictures has a 6" diameter base. I ordered the stove online from the link earlier in this thread. That will do nicely.
I saw very compact titanium cookware in Cabela's: a shallow pot and a lid that serves as a fry pan, and a large bowl. All three nest together nicely. I uttered an explative when I saw how much they were. When perusing my Campmor catalog during lunch, I saw them again for almost 1/2 the price in Cabelas. I'll order those, too. I can make an omelet in the am with coffee. Reminds me of when I was in the Badlands for four days :mrgreen:

Looking forward to your trip report! The danger is that I might not come home :zen:

BTW, there were three Stroms at Cabelas today :)
Stroms roool!

Hairsmith

10-21-2006, 09:24 PM

OK, as promised, my test results of the pocket cooker are here:

http://web.mac.com/christinefish/iWeb/Site/Photos.html

Enjoy!

Great report Christine,:clap: :clap: I read it on a Mac. also.
Just before I posted a link to the Pocket Cooker I received a couple of them. Nice little unit for the money.
All this talk of bike camping, and cooler weather has me looking forward to going. I still need to add a tent to my equipment. Has any one used a Bivy Sack instead of a tent ?

beverly200rider

10-21-2006, 10:41 PM

I still need to add a tent to my equipment. Has any one used a Bivy Sack instead of a tent ?

Nope...a little too confined for my tastes; however, for solo super lightweight camping, I might consider a Walrus Zoid 1.0:

http://www.backcountry-equipment.com/tents/walrus_zoid.html

It looks like the best of both worlds: tent and bivy.

Squeaky

10-21-2006, 10:48 PM

I'm still using a cheap WalMart tent. Not light, not small, but easy to put up and take down and it hasn't leaked yet. Big enough inside for a queen-sized air mattress, too.

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/3213/44003079mpi7.jpg

beverly200rider

10-21-2006, 10:55 PM

I like the extended tarp underneath! Good idea!

Voltar

10-22-2006, 08:23 AM

Has any one used a Bivy Sack instead of a tent ?

I have one of these. Pretty cheap and packs on the bike easy. Works fine for my use.

Cabela's North Star™ Bivy Shelter
Item:IG-512726
$59.99 - $69.99

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/Item/51/27/26/i512726sn01.jpg

TexasShadow

10-22-2006, 08:53 AM

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/3213/44003079mpi7.jpg
Question: have you used this setup in the rain with the extended tarp underneath?
The reason I ask is I learned yesterday that the ground fly/tarp should not extend out beyond the perimeter of the tent floor. It will catch water inbetween tarp and tent floor and can enter the tent.

*That* explains why I had water in my tent last weekend. Usually the ground fly does not extend beyond my tent floor, but it did last weekend.

TexasShadow

10-22-2006, 09:11 AM

I have one of these. Pretty cheap and packs on the bike easy. I have one similar to that but with more headroom and wider: Eureka Spitfire 2. I love this tent and it goes up licketysplit. But....

It's not the best for inclement weather. As you can see below, I camped in freezing rain, snow and wind in Colorado at 7K feet. I spent most of the night pushing snow and ice off the top so it didn't collapse on me.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i20/lzvolk/MV_snow1.jpg

A side view of the tent last weekend. I should have pulled the fly tighter over the tent body; the rain pooled on top :(
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i20/lzvolk/ESPcamp3.jpg

I'm considering a good 3.5-season domed tent for bad weather (cold inclusive :)

Big Bandit

10-22-2006, 02:41 PM

Looks like this is turning into a tent thread. I am a big man so I like to use a two man tent. I am comfy and have room for gear. I bought a Kelty Gunnison 2 almost two years ago and have been very happy with it. Check it out here, http://www.rei.com/product/47819818.htm

It packs small, is light, fast to set up and take down, does great in foul weather and is realatively inexpensive. It also has two vestibules for gear storage.:clap:

TexasShadow

10-22-2006, 06:21 PM

Looks like this is turning into a tent thread.Nah :)

I'll digress then: camp food. Compact, light, quick and east to prepare. A fire and one pot can go a long way.
Instant oatmeal packets
Frozen chili/stew in double freezer bags
Camp soup: frozen bag of veggies, cut jerky pieces, bullion cubes, dashes of seasoning.
Flour tortillas and PBJ
Protein bars
Others?

On my 2-week road trip, I had 6 envelopes of protein mix stuffed in my tank bag. I'd pull one out and pour into a small plastic bottle of milk from a convenience store when gassing up, shake the heck out of it and wallah: quick meal. One time I needed to eat but couldn't get milk. The store had small bottles of Gatorade; perfect. Poured half into my Camelbac and then a packet of the protein mix into the bottle, shook and....not too bad :)

Then there's the time at a campground I was given a small container of vanilla ice cream to put in my coffee in substitution of cream/milk. Since I had some left but no spoon, I used strips of leftover elk jerky to scoop it out to eat. Not bad.

Voltar

10-22-2006, 08:01 PM

Looks like this is turning into a tent thread.

OK, how about this?? I never have *had* to use it, but I have used it just because I think it is kinda neat.

rei.com
Magnesium Firestarting Tool
$5.25 Item 407152
http://images.rei.com/media/407152Prd.jpg

Squeaky

10-22-2006, 09:56 PM

Magnesium Firestarting Tool
http://images.rei.com/media/407152Prd.jpg

Paging Rainmaker. Rainmaker to the camping thread please.... :giveup:

beverly200rider

10-22-2006, 10:04 PM

OK, how about this?? I never have *had* to use it, but I have used it just because I think it is kinda neat.

Magnesium Firestarting Tool

Hmmm. Remember those chemistry class demos with magnesium?:shock: Does it come with warnings?

Cool idea, though.

beverly200rider

10-22-2006, 10:11 PM

Nah :)

I'll digress then: camp food. Compact, light, quick and east to prepare.

Yes, a safer topic.
Polenta, lentils, oatmeal, bouillon, potato buds, jerky, and trail mix go a long way. Supplement with fresh fruit and veges along the way at road stops. I'd love to know more about foraging, but with my luck would eat something poisonous by accident.

Favorite camping/hiking cookbook:
"The Hungry Hiker's Book of Good Cooking" by Gretchen McHugh. An oldie, but goodie.

Squeaky

10-22-2006, 10:15 PM

I like the concept of cooking with just water.
Ramen noodles
Oatmeal
Coffee, Tea, Hot Cocoa (yummmm when you add some flavored creamer!)
Pre-packaged backpacker food (a little pricey, but a good splurge)

Perfect meals for a Jetboil!

Squeaky

10-22-2006, 10:17 PM

Question: have you used this setup in the rain with the extended tarp underneath?

Nope. It was a dry one-nighter. Didn't even put the rain fly on that night.

The one time it rained on me (Hill Country, the TWT group got hail and sleet and I got a drizzle), I was under some tree cover and there wasn't anything pooling. I didn't even have a tarp under it that night.

Rainmaker

10-24-2006, 09:29 AM

OK, how about this?? I never have *had* to use it, but I have used it just because I think it is kinda neat.

rei.com
Magnesium Firestarting Tool
$5.25 Item 407152
http://images.rei.com/media/407152Prd.jpg
Hah! a novelty at best possibly due to user error:rofl: (there's a video of this in action ). I was pretty excited about my new fire starter which I felt was a must for our Four Bikers and a Monkey trip. I scraped and scraped and scraped and scraped:yawn: :yawn: :yawn: :yawn: :yawn: :yawn: :yawn: :yawn: :yawn: and Scraped. The moment of fire was soon to be upon us :zen: Poof it was over. I'll stick with a wind proof lighter

Voltar

10-25-2006, 05:40 AM

I scraped and scraped and scraped and scraped:yawn: :yawn: :yawn: :yawn: :yawn: :yawn: :yawn: :yawn: :yawn: and Scraped. The moment of fire was soon to be upon us :zen: Poof it was over. I'll stick with a wind proof lighter

I think the point is that a lighter is better, but the Mag Fire is full proof with nothing to go wrong.

Gilk51

10-29-2006, 10:00 PM

You need to use an old Boy Scout trick - dryer lint to start the fire...

Voltar

10-30-2006, 05:07 AM

Nice trick. Anyone ever made a 'prision match'. I have for fun, but not for prision use. ;-)

You need to use an old Boy Scout trick - dryer lint to start the fire...

TexasShadow

10-30-2006, 06:11 AM

You need to use an old Boy Scout trick - dryer lint to start the fire...So you pack dryer lint on your bike?

Hmm.... I'll have to clean out the dryer lint basket and take it with me next weekend :mrgreen:

Squeaky

10-30-2006, 10:40 AM

Hmm.... I'll have to clean out the dryer lint basket and take it with me next weekend :mrgreen:

Me thinks hetkind will have to "thermally treat" your dryer lint! :lol2:

Not sure how cold it'll be getting overnight up there. Will a 40 deg bag do it, or do I need to go shopping?

Daryl

10-30-2006, 11:01 AM

Dryer lint - check the very bottom of your pant pockets........:mrgreen:

TexasShadow

10-30-2006, 12:56 PM

Not sure how cold it'll be getting overnight up there. Will a 40 deg bag do it, or do I need to go shopping? Not sure and may not know for sure until closer to the weekend. We've had a few <38F nights here, but the last few have been ~50-54F.

I often stick my 35F mummy bag inside the 50F Big Agnes bag and have to unzip both in the middle of the night. Except for when it snows.......

One option is a fleece liner for your bag (I'm picking up one of those before the Texas CanyonRun trip). They can add ~5-15 degrees warmth depending on wght of fleece (lightweight to heavy weight). And cheaper than a new bag.

TexasShadow

10-30-2006, 12:57 PM

Dryer lint - check the very bottom of your pant pockets........:mrgreen: I get more lint on my feet from socks than I do in my pants pockets. :eek2:

Squeaky

10-30-2006, 12:57 PM

One option is a fleece liner for your bag (I'm picking up one of those before the Texas CanyonRun trip). They can add ~5-15 degrees warmth depending on wght of fleece (lightweight to heavy weight). And cheaper than a new bag.

I actually have a fleece bag already for those warm nights when all you need is a throw blanket to snuggle with. ;-)

If Snoopster & Rainmaker don't make it up there with me, I'll just borrow one of theirs. Semi-mummy style, and rated for 0 or 15 deg or something.

TexasShadow

10-30-2006, 01:00 PM

If Snoopster & Rainmaker don't make it up there with me, I'll just borrow one of theirs. Semi-mummy style, and rated for 0 or 15 deg or something. Cool! I mean, warm..... or something..... ;-)

beverly200rider

10-30-2006, 05:34 PM

Smart Wool socks and thermal underwear do wonders, too for staying warm in a sleeping bag and add that extra layer if needed on the bike.

TexasShadow

10-30-2006, 07:46 PM

Smart Wool socks and thermal underwear do wonders, too for staying warm in a sleeping bag and add that extra layer if needed on the bike. I found the cold-weather UnderArmors to be incredibly serviceable and efficient for both riding and camping in the cold. They are light, thin and wick dampness away from the skin, wash in a sink and dry quickly, roll up into a compact little package when not wearing them. I think there was only one day the entire 14 days on the road that I did not wear them (and wore them at night when it snowed). They were worth the bucks.

I washed them, honest.......

Squeaky

10-31-2006, 12:12 AM

Smart Wool socks and thermal underwear do wonders, too for staying warm in a sleeping bag...

So does a camping partner! :trust:

Hairsmith

11-01-2006, 01:23 PM

Received my kelly Kettle (http://www.kellykettle.com/) this week. Finally had a chance to fire it up this morning. Since I was at work did not want to scrounge tinder from the shrubs and flower beds, so used a camp candle I keep around. This is a tin about 3in dia. with corrugated cardboard lining the inside for a wick and filled with wax/parifin. From cold water to just starting a boil three minutes, in five minutes it was a frothing roaring boil.
I enjoyed my chocolate coffee drink, and playing with the Kelly Kettle. There will be a place found on the bike for it to be added to the camping kit.

http://www.kellykettle.com/images/kk_pint.jpg

beverly200rider

11-01-2006, 07:04 PM

Nice! About the camp candle...is that a home made one or something you bought? Sounds very useful.

Hairsmith

11-01-2006, 09:49 PM

Nice! About the camp candle...is that a home made one or something you bought? Sounds very useful.

The camp candle is just a name I came up with for something that I put together. They can be made any size, but even the 3in diameter one that I have now will shoot flames well over six inches high. They were right out of the top of the Kelly Kettle.
I make them from whatever wax/parifin that I can come up with. Great use for those old Christmas candles that were in the attic and melted. Most of the time I try to mix in some citronella for the help it gives with bug's in camp.
I do recommend using a tin with a lid because these things are almost impossible to blow out! Nice little heat source or even a mini camp fire when a real fire is impossible to have.

SL350

11-01-2006, 11:04 PM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddy_Burner

diggers1300

11-02-2006, 10:21 PM

TexasShadow

11-03-2006, 08:30 AM

In a blowing rain storm with a mostly mesh tent and rain-fly, use some small but extremely strong magnets every 18" at the bottom of the fly will go a long way to help keep you dry. I got the magnets at RadioShack. Put one outside and one inside every 18" to hold the fly and tent together. (Also can keep a nippy wind at bay ;) ) A good idea; I'll have to look for magnets large and strong enough for that purpose. I used to have long rectangular cow magnets, but I can't find them to buy anymore.

sherob

11-03-2006, 02:41 PM

You might want to check out www.motocampers.com, a site dedicated to camping on 2 wheels ;-) Product reviews, opinions, campsites... ;-)

bedlam

11-06-2006, 03:34 PM

Dryer lint - check the very bottom of your pant pockets........:mrgreen:

I once made a mistake of borrowing Howard's (hetkind) sweatpants. I stuck my hands in the pockets and YEEESH! the crud I pulled out. I started calling him Howard Mulchpockets (variation of Spongebob Squarepants). I'm not sure if that crud would burn or not, tho. :giveup:

Sometimes, boys are just gross. ;-)

beverly200rider

11-06-2006, 06:11 PM

OK, calling all "buddy burner" users: How do you clean the soot off the bottom of the pan when you use a "dirty" fuel source? If sand is available, I bet that works well. What if no sand is available? I tried a small home made buddy burner (small Iams cat food can) with my pocket stove this past weekend while camping at Blanco State Park. It was a little too small for boiling water, but it really created a good flame. Clean up of the bottom of the pan was a pain, though. Thoughts? Suggestions?

Thanks.

hetkind

11-06-2006, 07:39 PM

Me thinks hetkind will have to "thermally treat" your dryer lint! :lol2:

Not sure how cold it'll be getting overnight up there. Will a 40 deg bag do it, or do I need to go shopping?

a 40 degree bag should do, or we can issue you a nice warm cat, or if it gets unusually cold (like below 50 degrees) a nice cuddly nanny goat. And this offer does not extend to SINGLE MEN.

Howard

Big Bandit

11-07-2006, 08:27 AM

SL350

11-07-2006, 10:17 AM

Big Bandit

11-07-2006, 12:55 PM

Maybe use aluminum foil on the bottom of the pan?

I have made many of these but usually in a coffee can. That is too big for motorcycle camping. When we did it in cub scouts I remember using a big can of coffee for the "stove" and putting the buddy burner inside. Can't remember how it was punched out though.

With a church key! Take the triangular end and hook it on the bottom and punch triangles in the sides all the way around. Wow! I remember doing that in Cub Scouts, I had forgotten all about it.

beverly200rider

11-07-2006, 06:59 PM

Dawn and a green scrub pad works pretty well. Also you can coat the bottom of your pan with liquid detergent before use and that makes clean up much easier. Don't ask me why.

Cool. Thanks. I just did a quick search on Google and you are right--this tip showed up repeatedly in the results. :thumb: Haven't found an explanation of the chemistry behind it, but this works for me. Supposedly it works on old build up as well. Apply soap, use over heat source, wash, and off comes the old soot, too. Hmmm...gonna go reclean a pot now...

TexasShadow

11-17-2006, 02:09 PM

To further hijack this a bit:
For those who bike/camp/hike, what do you do about hiking boots?? :ponder:

My leather boots are heavy, big, bulky and heavy, big and ......

Space on the bike is becoming an issue on these longer adventures when I want to go hiking. Especially in winter when more clothes/camping gear is required.
(sigh....is summer here yet?)

I have 4 days coming up in the canyons and I'm at a loss what to do about sturdy, supportive boots to hike in. Hiking in sport bike boots is not an option. But the hiking leathers I have would occupy 3/4 of one side bag.

Ideas?

scratch

11-17-2006, 02:27 PM

I have 4 days coming up in the canyons and I'm at a loss what to do about sturdy, supportive boots to hike in. Hiking in sport bike boots is not an option. But the hiking leathers I have would occupy 3/4 of one side bag.

Ideas?
Assuming you have room on top of your back seat or tailpack, put the boots in a heavy-duty trash bag (in case you run into rain) and secure them with a stretchy cargo net. Just takes a little test loading and creativity to figure out. :thumb:

<edit>

I see that you ride a V-Strom. If you don't have a luggage rack or platform already, you could probably fabricate one without too much trouble. Here's what me and a couple of buddies made to replace the passenger seat on my bike:
http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/4913/1qa3.th.jpg (http://img86.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1qa3.jpg)
(click on thumnail for larger image)

And here's how it looks loaded with a sleeping bag, pad, tent, tailpack and saddlebags hooked to it -
http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/3365/11tf4.th.jpg (http://img177.imageshack.us/my.php?image=11tf4.jpg)
(click on thumnail for larger image)

Despite how precarious that load may appear to be, it never caused me any significant problems over the course of a two-week trip and was secure up to extra-legal speeds. ;-)

TexasShadow

11-17-2006, 02:41 PM

Assuming you have room on top of your back seat or tailpack, put the boots in a heavy-duty trash bag (in case you run into rain) and secure them with a stretchy cargo net. Just takes a little test loading and creativity to figure out. :thumb: Ah. Hmm. Might have some room on the two bags strapped on the pillion seat and luggage rack.
If I get home before dark from Canton on Sunday, I can try fitting them on somewhere. I'll have the camping gear loaded then. Loading back up Wed night and heading to Panhandle canyons, so I'd like to have this resovled before then (and avoid buying another pair of boots).

Those Al panniers are lookin' more and more attractive......

Squeaky

11-17-2006, 03:11 PM

I don't really hike, but I walk a lot on trips. I've found that my riding boots (Tourmaster Solution), with an added arch support/heel cushion, work perfectly. Waterproof, not too high on the calf for walking but high enough for riding protection, and easy on/off with zipper and velcro. Best $120 I ever spent.

Gilk51

11-17-2006, 03:20 PM

I see that you ride a V-Strom.
On the DL650, there is actually room on the left side of the bike opposite the muffler that is on the right side. I have seen creative use of this space by using a 4" diameter PVC pipe mounted as a second "muffler" but used as storage (painted black, of course). There might be a way to rig a holder for your hiking boots in there...

Just a thought - might look at that tomorrow...

Squeaky

11-17-2006, 03:21 PM

On the DL650, there is actually room on the left side of the bike opposite the muffler that is on the right side. I have seen creative use of this space by using a 4" diameter PVC pipe mounted as a second "muffler" but used as storage (painted black, of course).

I love how people have used that space on the Wee. It would be the perfect spot for tools, since getting under the seat while loaded with gear is a painstaking process. :doh:

CBAT

11-17-2006, 07:29 PM

I bought the bike so I wouldn't have to hike any more.:lol2: I do plan on carrying a pair of light hikers, AKA tennis shoes in case I decide to do some walking.

Voltar

11-18-2006, 06:50 AM

TexasShadow

11-21-2006, 08:53 PM

On the DL650, there is actually room on the left side of the bike opposite the muffler that is on the right side. I have seen creative use of this space by using a 4" diameter PVC pipe mounted as a second "muffler" but used as storage (painted black, of course). There might be a way to rig a holder for your hiking boots in there... I don't think there would be enough room to accomdate boots.

But I am planning on mounting a PVC tube on the left. I just have to determine *how* to mount it. I might have to have some brackets welded for it. Pat offered to help with that (he welds). I have to come up with a schematic for them.

I intend to use it for the tripod and the new tool 'kit'.

This might be a good December Project.

TexasShadow

11-21-2006, 08:56 PM

I bought the bike so I wouldn't have to hike any more.:lol2: I do plan on carrying a pair of light hikers, AKA tennis shoes in case I decide to do some walking. I like to bike and hike :clap:

I'm going to have to invest in another pair of boots for packing on the bike, but for now (aka in two days), I *think* I can fit one boot in each side case. I'll jam stuff inside the boots (in plastic bags, of course).

I'll be experimenting with that tomorrow night when I pack up. This is going to be vewy vewy interestink. :mrgreen:

hetkind

11-22-2006, 08:13 AM

But I am planning on mounting a PVC tube on the left. I just have to determine *how* to mount it. I might have to have some brackets welded for it. Pat offered to help with that (he welds). I have to come up with a schematic for them.

Once you have the ability to weld, many, many tasks get much easier...we have decent welding facilities here at the Shinysideup.

Howard

TexasShadow

11-22-2006, 08:49 AM

Once you have the ability to weld, many, many tasks get much easier...we have decent welding facilities here at the Shinysideup."Ability" is multifactorial: knowing how and having equipment :)
I did some welding decades ago and have wanted to pick it up again. Would have to learn everything all over again from a willing and patient teacher. :mrgreen:

hetkind

11-22-2006, 09:01 AM

"Ability" is multifactorial: knowing how and having equipment :)
I did some welding decades ago and have wanted to pick it up again. Would have to learn everything all over again from a willing and patient teacher. :mrgreen:

you are more than welcome to come play with our welding and cutting equipment, we have fuel-oxy cutting, AC stick welding and a brand new hobart 140 mig/flux core rig. We can also provided some limited coaching/teaching. Not so hard to do basic work...

Howard

TexasShadow

11-22-2006, 12:18 PM

you are more than welcome to come play with our welding and cutting equipment, we have fuel-oxy cutting, AC stick welding and a brand new hobart 140 mig/flux core rig. We can also provided some limited coaching/teaching. Not so hard to do basic work...Basic is all I'm interested in. I don't intend to sculpt with it ;-)

I would be interested in some guidance on braces for mounting a PVC tube (fake muffler) on the left side of Whee for tripod and tool kit. I thought this might be a good December project, along with the electrics.

Squeaky

11-22-2006, 12:28 PM

Basic is all I'm interested in. I don't intend to sculpt with it ;-)

Ooh, I could! :mrgreen:

TexasShadow

11-22-2006, 12:34 PM

Ooh, I could! :mrgreen:
I would *like* to, but I don't have the expertise or equipment.
I have wanted to weld my own gates [1] for the ranch; owls and wolves, something to give character and frighten trespassers away. :eek2:

[1] By far the most COOLEST gates and fence I've ever seen are around Stephen King's house in Maine. Bats, spiders, spider webs..... There is a fantastic welder/sculptor just N of me here. His work is awesome; very artistic. If you ever come up this way, we could visit his shop :)

Addendum: found the link to the site: Vulcan's Forge (http://vulcan-forge.com/) His work is awesome.

bedlam

11-22-2006, 01:01 PM

One of our pals, Hal, is a blacksmith. Not sure if you noticed the pot rack above our woodstove, but he did that. He can do some VERY high-level work. He's a supercool, artsy kind of guy, with lots of neat stories. (One of my favorites was about the time he ended up playing bass guitar for...get this...a Cajun band in San Fransisco. :rofl: :rofl:

He was supposed to be at our tech day, but got sick. :twitch: But fear not! If you hang out w/us enough, you'll eventually meet Hal.

Jill

hetkind

11-22-2006, 01:03 PM

basic welding equipment is fairly inexpensive, a basic Lincoln AC225 "buzz box" is under $200 with helmet, gloves and sample rod, the new hobart mig/flux core unit with gas kit was $450, and THAT plugs into a 120v outlet. The Lincoln Electric Company makes many of their instructural welding publications available a very low cost.

Now, our friend Hal is a very good welder and blacksmith, and certainly we can schedule a welding tech session with group instruction followed by one on one, hands on training. Basic arc technique, how to light a torch and cut flat steel with a fuel gas-oxy torch and basic wire feed flux core techniques on sheet metal.

The goal is to be able to cut and form brackets out of sheet stock, with cutting, grinding, bending, drilling and welding procedures. Yes, you will be able to wack steel with a hammer and make it do what you want it to do...

Do we want to schedule a date in January?

Howard

CBAT

11-22-2006, 07:13 PM

If you set up a school, I'll be there if there is any way on this earth. That would be fantastic! I've always wanted a little basic instruction in welding. And, that would be the excuse to buy some basic tools. Count me in!:clap:

TexasShadow

11-22-2006, 07:44 PM

Now, our friend Hal is a very good welder and blacksmith, and certainly we can schedule a welding tech session with group instruction followed by one on one, hands on training.

Do we want to schedule a date in January?

Ooh, ooh, ooh!!!! <raising hand really high> I would love that!

I'll bring ice cream. I should have room for it on the bike next time. :mrgreen:

TexasShadow

11-22-2006, 07:47 PM

But fear not! If you hang out w/us enough, you'll eventually meet Hal. Sounds like a character and I love stories :)
I look forward to meeting him.

Squeaky

11-22-2006, 08:05 PM

Do we want to schedule a date in January?

YUP!
I'm in as long as I'm not busy for whatever weekend you pick. Might be easier to claim a spare bed than camp out again if it's a small affair, but I wouldn't mind sharing with Goodman! ;-)

TexasShadow

11-22-2006, 08:11 PM

YUP!
I'm in as long as I'm not busy for whatever weekend you pick. Might be easier to claim a spare bed than camp out again if it's a small affair, but I wouldn't mind sharing with Goodman! ;-)I could throw a tarp over Whee and sleep in bags and on pads in the pole barn :)
(how to anchor tarp down??)

TexasShadow

11-22-2006, 09:46 PM

Well, I fit my big clunky work/hiking boots into my side cases.

I, um, put some food items in ziplock bags and stuffed them down into the foot and top of the boots. :mrgreen:

Squeaky

11-22-2006, 09:50 PM

how to anchor tarp down??

Easy - Ammo cans! :mrgreen:

TexasShadow

11-22-2006, 09:57 PM

Easy - Ammo cans! :mrgreen:And a coyote or two!

Squeaky

11-22-2006, 10:05 PM

And a coyote or two!

Aww, heck - just sleep in the house! ;-)

Packrat

11-28-2006, 12:14 AM

I go with river shoes. Makes walking around easier in rocks & leaves, and they pack down just about the same as flip-flops.

Me too, even wear them in the shower and hang them on a carabiner to dry.

Packrat

11-28-2006, 12:18 AM

Also, why a compression bag instead of a dry bag? Or is there much difference?[/QUOTE]

I Use compression bags of different colors to compress stuff and then put them in the dry bags. I sewed a small zip lock bag flat on the end of the stuff sacks to hold the contents list.

Packrat

11-28-2006, 12:30 AM

.you can also use 2gal Ziploc bags. Pack one day of clothes in each (including underwear and socks), and sit on them to remove the air before sealing them off.

For LD Rallies I save "rally rags" - old scivies, t-shirts and socks in zip locks so I just grab one a day and throw then away after a shower. If you wear a 'Stitch and the same boots that's all you need.;-)

However, I do carry an empty 12" X 24" torpedo bag in the bottom of my top case with two straps for the unexpected treasure acquisitions (yard sale, surplus store, or sale items, etc.) you might find with no space available! I know, ya'll never go shopping!:rider:

Packrat

11-28-2006, 01:05 AM

Magnesium Firestarting Tool

I cheat - I cut a regular firestarter log into small pieces that will fit in a 35mm film container and use them to start fires.
No hassle, no stress, small & waterproof. :giveup:

I bet those heat tabs would work well in a short can under that folding camp stove - might try that. No hunting for wood, control duration, easy clean up. Just like the old C-rat days......:eat:

Big Bandit

11-28-2006, 08:18 AM

SL350

11-28-2006, 10:20 AM

Packrat,

I use a saw and cut burger sized portions from Duraflame firelogs. It can start big logs without kindling.

What I need now is to split some Mesquite logs that I cut this summer. Those rascals are tough!

bedlam

11-28-2006, 01:02 PM

Magnesium Firestarting Tool

I cheat - I cut a regular firestarter log into small pieces that will fit in a 35mm film container and use them to start fires.
No hassle, no stress, small & waterproof. :giveup:

Oh, man...I've got to get my dear Howard (hetkind) to describe the "Airhead Firestarting Method"... :rofl: :mrgreen:

hetkind

11-28-2006, 03:22 PM

If you make that welding instruction day the 2nd or 4th weekend in January I can come up and help instruct. I have a B.S. & M.A. in Industrial Arts and have been welding for 30 years. I am a shop teacher. I also know a little bit about blacksmithing and would love to me Hal.

I guess the 4th weekend of January works, January 27. I would like to keep this kind of small so everyone gets a chance with all the tools, but if we have two instructors, we can go a bit bigger.

And since it will be smaller, all can sleep inside, either on a spare bed or bag on the floor, we have plenty of room.

I would love to have help instructing from a shop teacher, perhaps if I shut up I will learn a bit...the goal here is to learn how to cut, shape, form and connect metal enough to make simple brackets and accessories...

I also suspect a small "lab fee" might be in order to pay for steel stock, rod, wire and gas, like in the $10 range!

now, let me just run this by Jill before we set the date in concrete.

Howard

bedlam

11-28-2006, 04:08 PM

Jan 27th? Sounds fine to me.

We're on.

We'll start rebuilding the bonfire... :)

Jill

TexasShadow

11-28-2006, 04:25 PM

Jan 27th? Sounds fine to me.

We're on.

We'll start rebuilding the bonfire... :)Another Druid Circle? :)

Count me in. I'll bring sleeping bag stuff to camp out on floor.
If I can fit it on the bike, I'll bring a salmon on ice. My favorite pink meat.
By that time, I should have all the photos/slideshow done. Slide show?

Can Bernard and Wiley come too? :mrgreen:

Squeaky

11-28-2006, 06:04 PM

Can Bernard and Wiley come too? :mrgreen:

Of course! Max would be hearbroken if they didn't! :-P

hetkind

11-28-2006, 06:17 PM

Oh, man...I've got to get my dear Howard (hetkind) to describe the "Airhead Firestarting Method"... :rofl: :mrgreen:

airhead fire starting method.

prepare fire pit, drink one can of beer, move motorcycle well away from fire pit. Pull fuel hose from petcock, turn petcock on, fill beer can with gasoline. Close petcock, replace hose.

Pour most of can on gasoline on wood, dampen one end of stick with gasoline. Throw empty can on wood. Light end of stick with lighter, toss on fire, stand back. Enjoy.

Does not work so well with fuel injected motorcycles!

Howard

Voltar

11-28-2006, 08:00 PM

I guess the 4th weekend of January works, January 27.

Where would this fun take place. I'll bring my tent.

hetkind

11-28-2006, 08:21 PM

The welding tech session will be back at the shinysideup motorcycle rescue ranch in Canton, Texas...we will provide directions and details later, but certainly, early arrivals and camping is most welcome.

Howard

Squeaky

11-28-2006, 08:36 PM

Tracker

11-28-2006, 08:38 PM

airhead fire starting method.
Pour most of can on gasoline on wood, dampen one end of stick with gasoline. Throw empty can on wood. Light end of stick with lighter, toss on fire, stand back. Enjoy.
Howard

I admit to using gasoline in the past, but after seeing a video of a small bonfire explode from trapped gas fumes when gasoline was used, I'd be awfully careful!
http://www.leavelles.net/smilies/cycle012.gif

CBAT

11-29-2006, 08:18 AM

Hairsmith

12-07-2006, 01:58 PM

Any one have or tried one of these ?

Hennessy Hammock (http://www.hennessyhammock.com/)
http://www.hennessyhammock.com/images/Coiba-National-Park.jpg

Squeaky

12-07-2006, 03:43 PM

Any one have or tried one of these ?

Hennessy Hammock (http://www.hennessyhammock.com/)

I've wanted to, but haven't dropped the cash yet.
There's an entire section on hammock camping in here. (http://hikinghq.net/forum/index.php)

Voltar

12-07-2006, 04:06 PM

I've wanted to, but haven't dropped the cash yet.
There's an entire section on hammock camping in here. (http://hikinghq.net/forum/index.php)

My opinion, don't spend the money for a the name brand Hennessy Hammock; not that they are not of high quality, etc.

Put $37 into the JUNGLE HAMMOCK on this link:
http://www.imsplus.com/ims33.html

I have had mine for at least five years. It sleeps too cold in for winter use, but it is wonderful for summer camping because air is all around you. I can say that I have tested the built in roof and netting against rain/insects and the hammock won the battle. It is a very good product if you are considering a hammock.

Tx Rider

12-11-2006, 01:34 PM

What are some of your best motorcycle camping tips and secrets? ie. most efficient packing.. clothing choices that cover you in multiple climates without taking up too much room, etc.

One thing I don't have covered myself is that I like to have coffee in the morning and always have to just drive off somewhere nearby (if not TOO remote) to get coffee. It would be nice to have a compact way to heat up water for coffee or soup without having to buy specialized fuels or need electricity. Tips?

I use one of these, it'll burn fuel right from your gas tank on your bike, though it does run cleaner on white gas or coleman fuel it'll burn about anything. It's been a cult standard for climbers since the mid 1800's. It's about 4" in diameter and 5 inches tall, and the little pot is enough for a nice mug of coffee. I've seen small camping aluminum coffee percolaters that this stove fits right into as well.

Svea Stove (http://www.packstoves.com/optimus%20pages/optimus%20svea%20stove.htm)

I use this to make my coffee right into a mug, or used pop can with top cut off of it. REI coffee maker (http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=438&parent_category_rn=4500495&vcat=REI_SEARCH)

A lot of folks have gone to small alcohol stoves for ultralight packing and small size, but ya gotta carry alcohol with ya.

Penny brand alcohol stove (http://www.csun.edu/~mjurey/penny.html)

Storebought version (http://www.brasslite.com/OrderForms/turbo2FOrder.html)

Teeds

12-21-2006, 07:18 PM

I would love to get some gear feedback from the Canyon trip.

From my perspective (40 odd years of climbing, canoeing and mountain climbing) comfort is directly proportional to the amount of money you are willing to spend on gear.

I have used a tarp as a tent since my early Boy Scout days and intend to carry one (just cuz') on the Mexico trip. I will also have an inflatable pad (Big Agnes) and a lightweight (for me anyway) sleeping bag. I will have a flannel liner as well.

For my trips to the Boundary Water Canoe Area where is rains every day and sometimes all day, I carry a Eureka Two man tent for myself, so I have room for drying gear. It has a tarp front porch as well for canoe bags and cooking.

I use a Coleman Multifuel stove as they are basically fool (that's me) proof. Cooking is generally top shelf as weight is of little concern in a canoe ... Port is a nice way to finish a day ... Decant it into an acrylic water bottle so the sediment doesn't get stirred up and you don't have to worry about glass. Bailey's makes a nice addition to coffee around the campfire at night as well.

A prepackaged coffee/filter thingie and a medium pot of water make four cups of coffee in mere minutes. Easy and you can keep your friends in coffee as well.

Another fire starter is to melt wax, stir in sawdust and pour the resulting mess into small paper catsup containers like they have at Wendy's. Cutting up fire starter is a neat trick, I need to try that one.

Regarding the packing comments, for wet weather protection in the BWCA, we pack everything in zip locks, etc. and then pack tightly into heavy (6 mil) plastic bags and tie off the ends before placing them into the water resistant canoe bags.

I am using the "burpy" travel bags for the Mexico trip. Wolfman Luggage is waterproof as it is really actually a dry bag. I will carry a spare dry bag (for shopping) along with an assortment of zip lock bags to encase things in as well. I will have FedEx slips ready to go for "big stuff" I might find.

I also intend to adhear to the "use it and lose it" method of travel and will finally clean out some of my holey underwear.

Regarding hiking shoes, I know people will think I am crazy, but as long as I am not doing technical rock, I am fine in my Tevas. In fact, that is all I take with me to the BWCA and is usually gets below, or near, freezing every night while I am there. Wool socks extend the range of Tevas nicely and I can walk in and out of water without worry.

We could break this one thread into a dozen or so if we wanted to. :trust:

hetkind

12-27-2006, 06:52 AM

A big advance for Jill and I were a pair of very compact slumberjact sleeping bags, combined with a pair of thin foldable foam pads and a high quality Eureka tent, with vestibules. The vestibles are an ideal place to keep boots, jackets and helmets safe and dry. And all this gear, complete camping gear for two, fits in a single H2W bag and that bag easily straps to the luggage racks on the various bikes. And if you do it right, you can also fit in a set of three season armoured gear in the same bag as you wear your mesh gear.

And the best piece of gear I have bought recently? a armoured First Gear rain jacket.

Howard