63 replies to this topic

[catsbum]

Morning Campers

The last time I went camping was with my Dad in a 1962 VW Camper. We went to 'Sidges' Every year via Andorra. 1976.

So, you'll understand why I'm a tad nervous about this run.

Here's my list of why I have:

Tent
Sleeping Bag
1 Ltr Kettle
3 piece cooking pots
Single cooker with 2 gaz


Still to get:

Roll Mat
Compression sack for bag
Tins of food
Mug
Knife n fork



What else?

[stu]

I believe they now have food in France, Cats. Prolly no need to take it with you. And the water is largely drinkable.




You bin watching too much Wrong way Down??

[ChrisG]

Torch.

Water bottle, just a cheap plastic bottle of water will do but you don't want to have to wander off to the stand pipe every time you want to top up the kettle. I use one of those metal Sigg ones 'cos I know it won't break in my luggage and work paid for it anway.

I always keep sun cream and insect repellant with my camping kit.

Matches or lighter.

Tin opener (as you plan to take tins), or better yet Swiss army knife so you have knife, tin opener, bottle opener and corkscrew (well it is France) all in one.
I don't tend to carry much food with me, other than some form of coffee, and maybe one meal in case I can't get to a shop. If we're based in one place for a while it's easier to get food there.

Some form of plate can be usefull, but may be included in you pan set (mine has an ally frying pan I use as a plate and I lug a seperate frying pan.

If your pans are non stick you'll want something plastic to stir them with.

A cloth and a small bottle of washing up liquid can be very usefull, but doesn't need everyone to carry one.

A good camper always knows where his towel is! Microfibre towels are great as they pack really small,
but if you're taking a normal towel they're also quite usefull for stopping things rattling about in your panniers.

Camping in the UK I usually take plenty of gore-tex, hopefully I won't need this for the RTT

Worth getting one of those insulated thermal mugs as I find I tend to have a drink on the go while wandering around doing other things on campsites so it's nice if my coffee keeps warm for a bit.

Basic foam rollmats are quite thin. Z-Mats pack up about as small but the eggbox design means there a lot more comfortable, self inflating ones are even more comfortable but bulkier and heavier, for ultimate comfort I used to travel with a double airbed and electirc pump but I've switched to a self inflator to reduce the luggage.


I decided to invest in some new kit this year too. Khyam biker tent and my new petrol powered stove turned up the other day, just waiting on the groundsheet and fuel bottle. Was suprised to the tents seams aren't all sealed in the factory, you're supposed to put it up, apply some sealant to the seams, and then not pack it away for 48 hours.

Oh and I've started on the French CDs to see if I can improve slightly on my hazy recollections of 20 year old GCSE French

Edited by ChrisG, 23 May 2009 - 08:45 am.

[sidestand]

Torch.


Camping in the UK I usually take plenty of gore-tex, hopefully I won't need this for the RTT

Dangerous assumption there, Chris ! - We do the trip every year to SOF & it inevetibly pisses it down at least one way

Edited by sidestand, 23 May 2009 - 09:23 am.

[aircooled68]

The last time I went camping was with my Dad in a 1962 VW Camper

62 Vdub mmmmmmm

[stu]

Toilet paper. The one camping essential.

[danceswithmopeds]

Dont forgat to pack one of These and a handy lecky pump.


Then you'll definitely want a tube of this; http://www.plastidip...e_solutions/VLP

[TDMick]

Morning Campers

The last time I went camping was with my Dad in a 1962 VW Camper. We went to 'Sidges' Every year via Andorra. 1976.

So, you'll understand why I'm a tad nervous about this run.

Here's my list of why I have:

Tent
Sleeping Bag
1 Ltr Kettle
3 piece cooking pots
Single cooker with 2 gaz
Still to get:

Roll Mat
Compression sack for bag
Tins of food
Mug
Knife n fork
What else?

Cooking pots etc want to be stainless, Teflon is ok, but will wear off, aluminum ends up in your stomach. IMO take stainless pots pans plates and KFS and a brillo pad.
Kettle is important if your brewing a lot ally will leach into the water (you can taste the difference).
Stainless will last a life time of SERIOUS abuse.

I'd use a petrol cooker as you're unlikely to run out of fuel , and most of them will work on Diesel, meths , practically and liquid fuel, and you're not carrying a pressurized gaz cannister around .

Kip (roll) mat >probably want a self inflatable one as it's easier to deploy and packing away isn't likely to be rushed. You can wrap your sleeping bag up in it (practice this), and do away with a stuff sack, then strap it across the back of the bike.
Take many bungees, you can twist two together and string them up between two points and you have a clothes line
Wash kit >wrap in your towel or put in a plastic box
Towel > get a micro porous type that wicks the water away or cut a hand towel in half.
Flannel Ditto
Toothbrush > chop it in half
Toothpaste > half a tube
Sewing kit
Basic first aid kit plus Burn-ese, and insect repellent

tent repair kit
Socks >put them in a ziplock placcy bag with some talc in, swop them regular.
Food> take only stuff you REALLY want and know you can't get over there plus coffee /Tea sugar and milk powder.
Water> get a hydration pack, these can be used as a water carrier, and with a filter you can get clean potable water from almost any source, plus you can have a swig whilst your riding if you want.


Mick

[TDMick]

What about a barbeque, its a must have!!!

[attachment=1363:bow.gif]

[sidestand]

BMW really DO think of everything, don't they ?

I give that a maximum of 3 trips out before it tears the pannier to shreds & drops off !

[stu]

Awful lot of survivalists going on this one - I seem to remember lots of eating in inexpensive bars and cake shops being the norm on other RTTs.

[TonyDevil]

Dont forgat to pack one of These and a handy lecky pump.

Awful lot of survivalists going on this one - I seem to remember lots of eating in inexpensive bars and cake shops being the norm on other RTTs.

yeh i noticed that too, its gotta be the credit crunch....

[MarkyMark]

Toilet paper. The one camping essential.

Wet wipes - can wipe bum or have stand up shower with no water.

[ChrisG]

And of course in Marks case don't forget your garage

[danceswithmopeds]

Just noticed this p.m. Argos's monthly sale has a load of camping gear in it.