[Macasm]

Hi all,​

Theres is some excellent advice for equipment and camping gear on this forum but I thought I'd amalgamate it into one list as me and the missus are off later in the year.​

I have posted it in the hope of helping others considering what to take when camping, and for your suggestions on what, and what not, to take.​

Obviously this list is for two people in a cold climate with enough stuff for a huge trip, and is a little OTT - I would always advise that less is more - but anyone can be uncomfortable - even moreso when the wife is there!​

Comments welcome - enjoy!
(red items denote shareable kit)​

Camping​

Sleeping Bag --- Vango Summit 5000 – warm enough for all seasons (£95)
Sleeping Mat --- Vango Ultralight Full – warm-up easier than air beds
Sleeping Bag Liner --- Vango Mummy – extra warmth and easier to wash
Inflatable Pillow --- More comfy than clothes – air warms up
Head Torch --- Good for reading and keeps hands free
Tent --- Vango Alpha 400 or similar – can sit two comfortably with room for storage (£55)
Mallet --- With hook on bottom for pulling tent pegs up
Lantern --- Coleman Unleaded – can run on bike fuel (£40)
Pegs --- Clothes drying and keeping flies away (by hanging water carrier)

Cooking​

Camping Chair --- Necessary item for proper rest/socialising/reading
KFS --- get a Spork
Knife --- Tough – with necklace to save losing and hands-free
Multi-Tool --- No need for pliers – necessary for cans/bottles
Dried Meals x 3 --- In case of no immediately available shops – otherwise buy food daily
Saw --- Small folding saw – for making own fires and carving sheep
Firelighters --- Gel penetrates better and is easier to store than briquettes
Lighter --- Windproof super-flame or waterproof matches
Sponge --- With green pad for pans and taking flies off screens and visors
Pots & Pans --- Vango Non-Stick 2 piece – easier to clean and store nicely
Kettle --- Keeps bits and insects out of drinking water – stays warm longer
Stove --- MSR Whisperlite – small and can use bike’s fuel
Water Carrier --- Plastic sack type for easy storage
Bin Bags --- For waste, wet clothes and waterproofing
Tea/Coffee --- Sachets or in tupperware
Sugar --- Energy and taste
Salt & Pepper --- Maybe chilli or Tobasco sauce too
Cooking Oil --- Spray is easier to use and store
Bottled Water --- At least 2 litres if possible – maybe purification system (around £50)?
Aluminium Foil --- Folded squares – myriad of uses, mostly cooking

Personal​

Baby Wipes --- For self, toilet, bike, pots, lack of shower etc etc etc
Towel --- Nobac Travel Towel – anti-bacterial and easier to dry
Deodorant --- Roll-ons last longer and are smaller
Shower Gel --- Can also be used as lube for changing tyres
Vaseline --- Good for lips, sores, cuts and anal/sheep sex
Toothpaste/Brush --- Travel type – or sugar free gum if lazy
Insect Repellent --- 50% DEET spray like Jungle Extreme Extra Strength Liquid
1st Aid Kit --- With Savlon, Asprin, Immodium, Anti-Hist - Include any prescribed medication
Sunscreen --- Factor 30 to save space – spray more hygienic when sharing

Other Equipment​

Gore Tex Sacks x 3 --- Extra waterproofing and separation inside luggage
W/proof Sack or Panniers --- Ortileb Classic 89 litre or similar
MP3 --- If desired – don’t forget earplugs if wired to auto-com
Spare Batteries --- Buy best to last longer and save space
Books --- Solitude and inspiration or ‘gentlemen’s’ mag for lack of sheep
Mobile --- Charger - Switch off when not in use – good when losing each other
AA Card/ICE Card --- Phone numbers, NoK, blood type, allergies etc
Pens --- Perhaps paper too – in case of inspiration or suicide note
Whistle --- Once the horn has drained the battery – could save life in wilderness
Camera --- In protective case with large SD card
Compass --- Just to be sure at tricky junctions – mount on dash
Maps --- Better than Sat-Nav – shows the good roads and gives you a break
Puncture Kit with Superglue --- Myriad of uses for camping equipment repairs
Duct Tape --- If short on space wrap around a pen or screwdriver
Cable Ties --- Countless uses – 2 sizes and plenty of ‘em
All-Weather Radio --- Wind-Up – loud enough to entertain guests or frighten sheep
String/Rope --- You’re camping, you need string – good for suicide and towing
Bungees --- Preferably from the luggage – re-usable
Chalk --- Keeps ants away if sprinkled round eating area
Mint Gum --- Keeps flies away if stuck onto plates/pans

Riding Gear & Clothing​

Mozzi Head Net --- Definitely in Scotland – invaluable – Army Surplus
Earplugs --- For general riding, and sleeping next to sheep
Gloves x 2 --- One warm pair for riding, one warmer pair for bad days
Waterproofs --- All-in-one good but bulky – single layered easier to store and dry
Riding Jacket --- Waterproof and windproof for extra protection or caught short in rain
Riding Trousers --- As above
Helmet --- Remember to keep dry always – store in bin bag when off bike
Balaclava --- Must have – best thing for a warm head on bike or in tent
Scarf/Neck Warmer --- For sitting around fire not looking like an IRA member in balaclava
Sunglasses x 2 --- One always gets smashed – reduces headaches, useful when visor smashed by suicidal pheasant
Hat --- Necessary for mozzi net, keeps sun away, keeps warm or draws sweat
Trousers x 3 --- Not jeans – cargo pants or trackies for easy storage and drying
Leggings x 2 --- Warm as possible – they do come off – good for sleeping in
Shorts x 2 --- One pair suitable for swimming
T-Shirts x 5
Socks x 5 --- Warm as possible – at least two pairs of arctic
Fleece --- With thumb holes for mozzi prevention and warm hands
Camp Shoes/Sandals --- For showering, airing feet and midnight pissing

Tools & Bike Equipment​

Spare Bulbs --- For both bikes
Spare Keys --- For both bikes
Spare Fuses --- For both bikes
Hiv-Vis Vest --- Mountain rescue and roadside
Disposable Gloves --- Also good for hands in heavy rain
Lockable Chain Big --- to fit around both front wheels
Allen Keys
Tyre Repair Kit
CO2 Cartridges
Screwdrivers Flat and posidrive etc
Spanners 12, 10, 8 --- whatever your bike needs
Pliars --- Not if you have a Leatherman
Chain Lube --- Small tin or Scottoiler
Petrol Hose/Tube --- For filling cooker/lantern

 

[Shackleton]

Pants or Pants If that floats your boat

 

[Macasm]

I use a pair of her pants as a spare tent - sometimes her tights as a fishing net, but the EU told me off for upsetting the fishing quotas...

 

[samben]

I use a pair of her pants as a spare tent - sometimes her tights as a fishing net, but the EU told me off for upsetting the fishing quotas...

If she sees this you will need a spare pair if something mate.

 

[moon]

good list, thouroughly agree with most of it... (except the bits about sheep :sad3

my only comment would be, don't mount a compass on the bike, unless you have it adjusted (swung) by a professional it will be a pointless peice of kit, the bike is a big lump of metal surrounded by electrical current fields (especially near the dash) in these circumstances a magnetic compass will show you just about anything but north.

A cheap compass is sufficient, but keep it handy & walk away from the bike to use it.

:thumbleft:

 

[Macasm]

excellent compass advice - i will un-mount mine straight away!

I wish I had common sence too - I'd be dangerous with a brain.

 

[Aubrey]

good list, thouroughly agree with most of it... (except the bits about sheep :sad3

my only comment would be, don't mount a compass on the bike, unless you have it adjusted (swung) by a professional it will be a pointless peice of kit, the bike is a big lump of metal surrounded by electrical current fields (especially near the dash) in these circumstances a magnetic compass will show you just about anything but north.

A cheap compass is sufficient, but keep it handy & walk away from the bike to use it.

:thumbleft:

"a pointless bit of kit" I love it, brilliant! A pointless compass......

 

[Aubrey]

Try to avoid kit with only one use. Knife and leatherman etc.. take one or the other. Carry a spoon as all camp food is sloppy so its all you need. Keep it in your pocket in case someone offers you a bite of their dinner.

I have never needed a hammer, motorbike boots are big heavy things and work just as well. Also, one spare peg can be used to pull all the others out. Camping stores will sell you tools for everything and before long you wonder how people ever coped before. Remember perfection is reached when there's nothing more that you can get rid of, not when there's no more space to put something on.

Also, try therma-rest bedding systems, self inflating, v difficult to puncture (unless you're a real chopper), and will stay warm in sub zero temps which air beds will not (they frost on the inside and so you end up sleeping on ice, good if you're Walt Disney not good for biking). You can also get a very light weight strap system to turn them into a comfortable arm chair. Much easier than carrying 1 or 2 camp chairs.

Instead of expensive, messy, and fiddly petrol cookers try a "jet boil". Excellent self contained cooker, quick and easy enough to make a brew on the road side, and can even be hung in a tree while you put the tent up. Cannot recommend enough.

Remember the best sleeping bag is only as good as the hat you're wearing in bed. A good beanie is almost as good as a cheeky lady!

DO NOT USE petrol lanteens or stoves in your tent. They're unpredictable at the best of times, and dangerous at the worst. Tents are highly flamable, difficult to get in and out of, especially when you're in a sleeping bag.

If in doubt, try to put yourself somewhere between Bear Ghyrlls and the family of four who just turned up in the people carrier with roof box, trailer and self erecting tent you can park a 747 in.

 

[Aubrey]

Last comments on this honest. Ask yourself why am I camping? If its because its the only way you can afford to do x trips a year but you hate it. Halve the number of trips, save up and stay in a B&B. The camping will spoil it for you, and you'll be miserable from start to finish.

If its because you want to be outdoors, try to avoid using torches and petrol stoves etc... Slow everything right down (leave the ipod on the bike) enjoy the smells, the fire (if you have one) and sounds. Look at the stars, pass the hip flask, and talk to your friends without the noise and complications. Please turn your mobile phone off.

 

[Macasm]

Brilliant advice Alec - True about the pegs and petrol cookers - always do it outside.

The BnB reason thing - I agree entirely - I think every good camping trip deserves at least one night in one, budget permitting. Despite the showers, duvets and cooked breakfast, it can never beat that sence of freedom, isolation and accomplishment you get from camping in the middle of nowhere - also the feeling of self-sufficiancy is what makes it special for me - not being tied to a booking.

I also agree that scaling down is an excellent idea - I will look for a jet boil. I did mean therma-rest which is what I've got - you're right - your body can't warm the air in an air bed.

Lastly - I can leave my mobile on cos no bugger rings me anyway apart from the missus - and she'll be cooking the sloppy sausages... SPORK - the way ahead!

 

[YEN_POWELL]

I take a pillow case and stuff any spare clothes in it to use as a pillow.

I also peg down my cooker so it's one less thing to worry about toppling. Bad enough picking your dinner out of the grass without having to put the grass fire out as well.

 

[Mudwiz]

Wow - kit like that and I'll be loaded up like BTBloke!!

:cheers:.

 

[Frad]

Have you got one of them Goldwings with a trailer or what ????

 

[africajim]

LOL! I like this post, very funny!

Ok, I camp, I enjoy it, Fiona enjoys it, we prefer it and have a ball! I'm not a camp in the wild person though, campsites are very clean and tidy,they have showers, toilets, luxury! Also the other campers are interesting to talk to and always come over asking about the bike.

I travel two up so have to be very choosy about what I take along. Luggage; one side box each for clothes, once they're full that's it! Top box carries tent on carrier on top, inside two sleeping bags, a sheet and an airbed. The electric pump and battery powered lantern stay in there as well. Pillow is sheepskin off seat folded. The sleeping bags are Tesco's finest, £4.99 each! They're rectangular and can be zipped together to make a double, so much more comfier than mummy bags! Temp control is regulated by how much clothes you keep on! Not much with me and Fiona, never pitch next to our tent! :thumb:

Tank bag carries the gas, stove, cups, mess tins and almost everything else in the universe that you might need! All foodstuffs are bought at the end of the day so fresh, most campsites have a shop or are close to a store of some sort! Here's the Tiger all prepped and ready to rock!

B&B, yes, very nice, civilised, at either end of the season a good idea, especially in poor weather so I'm not knocking it.

 

[Rubberchicken]

The sleeping bags are Tesco's finest, £4.99 each! They're rectangular and can be zipped together to make a double, so much more comfier than mummy bags! Temp control is regulated by how much clothes you keep on!

However, those of us who aren't from Scotland and do get cold every now and then would like to point out that a good down mummy is nice and warm and can be the difference between being a right miserable b astard and a happy camper. ;-)

Especially if the grass looks like this in the morning:

 

[russh]

Wow - kit like that and I'll be loaded up like BTBloke!!

:cheers:.

Good list, however just take a BTBloke, it does accomodation, cooking , fire lighting (with help from Hudders) etc. etc. I wouldn't ask him to keep you warm in the sleeping bag though.

Sorry couldn't resist it - back on topic

 

[Macasm]

Have you got one of them Goldwings with a trailer or what ????

Goldwing? Is that one of them two wheeled caravan things riden by a moustached man and woman who think they're DJs, with matching anoraks, heine gericke pants and Cliff Richard blaring out whilst stuck in traffic?

If so, then no. The list is for two bikes, two happy campers sharing the load. On my own - and cos I'm keen on the self-sufficiancy ideal - I would more than half it. Opened ended arguement though as it depends on where and for how long etc - as does the sleeping bag arguement. Either way, you can't beat the warmth of an overweight wife who hasn't shaved her legs for 6 months cos you decided to grow a beard and she can't nick your gillettes any longer. Especially if she had a boil in the bag hot-pot and her natural gases warm the inner tent - just watch out for the methane lair a foot below ceiling height - no naked flames!

 

[Frad]

How would I fit my usual camping kit on my Bike ?

We normally need 2 cars a trailer :-D:-D:-D

I love camping but with the wife we have to have a bit of comfort

 

[HUDDERS]

Mudwiz[/LEFT];340131]Wow - kit like that and I'll be loaded up like

BTBloke​

!!

:cheers:.

I think you should print your camping list

How to travel light :nike:

 

[phil w]

Here's Mudwiz fully laden at National

He was short on space hence cup tied to side!!