Bennington Triumph Bash

So not having camped in many, many, years I've been doing some research so I can get the gear I need over the Winter and prepare for next years riding season packed and ready. Figure on doing a shake down run nearby the house before the BTB and get the kinks out before I find out I should have brought more than a fifth (or some of Jimmys nitty nite in a mason jar) to get a good nights sleep. My brother has been doing some weekend camping trips this summer and he says if there's one thing you should bring it's a thermarest 2' camping pad. Other than that I believe Hedge pointed out that Wal-mart has the rest of whatever a person needs. Took a look and they do seem to have everything neccessary for the weekend warrior at more than competitive prices.

Would appreciate knowing if there is anything ie: tent, sleeping bags, cooking accessories, brand names, etc. that anyone is particularly happy with and would recommend as a good purchase? Doesn't have to be Mt. Everest certified just good bang for the buck stuff.

Found this site for those of us putting together checklists http://www.roadrunner.travel/article-5965.php


Thanks, Todd

Todd,

When I was riding down with Jeff and Mike last year they both were talking about a hennessy(sp?) hammock for motorcycle camping trips. I started checking them out when I got home. It is a tent, hammock, rain fly, tarp all wraps up into a nice small pack that weighs about 3 pounds total. it wraps up to about the size of a football. I like the idea because now I just need a light blanket and no pillow. It only needs to be hung between two semi solid points like trees, rocks, even motorcycles. I checked their website and was a little shocked at the price at first. When I priced all of the items I would need to purchase I passed the cost of the hammock. check them out here

http://www.hennessyhammock.com/catalogue.html

That's really nice. I bet LL Bean even has something like that, Mr Mainer! If we work out the "ship it up there" thing, I'm sending up my double size 6" thick air mattress Either that or I'll just stay in a hotel again, haven't decided. I'm not a big drinker, so it's not an issue.

Yeah Brett, a guy I work with has talked about that hammock and he uses his when he goes hiking and says he's quite comfortable in it as long as the temp doesn't drop too much. Will likely do a tent but will take a good look at it. BTW, nice shot on the Moose!

Hey Benny, a few more Bennington runs and you might just become a big drinker. Ya gotta do the camp man, that's were the funs gonna be.


Todd

Before my Canada trip last July, I replaced all of my ancient camping gear. I'm very happy with all of it.

Tent is a Eureka Apex 2. Under $100 online, quick and easy to set up and take down, packs small and light, it's big enough for me and my gear, and it has good ventilation so it doesn't get all wet inside from condensation overnight.

Sleeping bag is a Mountain Hardwear 35-degree synthetic one... basically the cheapest bag they make, but it works great. On the Gaspé trip a few weeks ago, there was one night that got pretty damn chilly, and the sleeping bag kept me warm even sleeping in just boxers and a t-shirt. Also, it compresses down into a 12"x6" stuff sack, which makes it easy to pack.

Sleeping pad is an EMS-branded self-inflating one, a copy of a Thermarest but about half the price. It's a compromise between comfort and portability -- a thicker one would be more comfortable, but also too bulky to pack easily.

I also use an inflatable pillow because I can't stand sleeping without having my head on something, and a wadded up t-shirt doesn't cut it.

I haven't bothered to buy any cooking equipment because I just get food on the road.

--mark

Mark thanks, thats the kind of stuff I'm looking for. Been checking out the Eureka tents so it's good to hear they work well. Also, I've called the EMS store near me to find out about their pads, and yeah, they are about half of the price of the thermarest so it's great that you can vouch for it. I like the inflatable pillow idea as I've read you can fill up a pillow case with clothes and use that but it sounds a little lumpy to me. Of course anything would beat the "back in the day" look with peoples heads sticking out from a sleeping bag up against their rear tire. That Mountain Hardwear bag sounds perfect and at the least it will be something to compare with. I figure for the cost of two nights in a hotel I can outfit myself well enough to have a real good time without a lot of sacrifice. Realizing that doing the camping thing will allow for at least one extra long trip a season.
Will be bringing a large stew pot filled with utensils and spices in order to make some help yourself bowl a assburn chile. Other than that I will likely just get whatever else I need from the store or restaurant as well. Was thinking about one of those coffee makers from Jetboil but it might be easier just to buy it from the campground store if it's available.



Todd

I have two test to camp on the bike. I like the Tadpole 23 by Northface, great for one person and gear. I have a 3 person Eureka Apex also for warmer weather and a guest.

My sleeping bag is good for 40f and I have a 2" thick therma rest pad and cam pillow as well. On colder weather I pack a fleece blanket too.


check out campmor

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Home_

And aerostich

http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/index.html

I used my saddlebags as beer coolers!


Tito

Ton Up!

TonUp wrote:I have two test to camp on the bike. I like the Tadpole 23 by Northface, great for one person and gear. I have a 3 person Eureka Apex also for warmer weather and a guest.

My sleeping bag is good for 40f and I have a 2" thick therma rest pad and cam pillow as well. On colder weather I pack a fleece blanket too.


check out campmor

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Home_

And aerostich

http://aerostich.com/catalog/US/index.html

I used my saddlebags as beer coolers !

Tito

TonUp!

I'll remember to bring my Spiderman suit !

Tito, good to hear from ya man! Definetly eyeballin the Eureka line as it looks like a toss up between the Apex style and the Tetragon (likely the 7 model). Going to Cabelas in the next week or so specifically to checkout the tents and pads. Yeah, this year I'm planning on having a couple beer coolers on each side of my bike too.

Steve, you'll have to wear it on Fri. cause by Sat night everyone will be so gassed I'm not sure they'll even notice ;+)



Todd

Steve!


I am looking forward to an ass kicking from you again my brother! Bring it you crazy mother fucker! Spiderman rules!



Tito

Ton Up!

Being born and raised in NJ (many years ago) I've been a Campmor guy since they began. Hard to find better deals on camping equipment. I was an Aerostich customer when they first started. (God I'm old!) My take on Aerostich camping gear is that their gear is decent but over priced. I'd go to Campmor in a heartbeat. As I've said before Tuoko, I have stuff you can borrow to see if it works for you. BTW, my Eureka tents are good gear for the price and I have one kick-ass Northface tent that is awesome and expensive.

TonUp wrote:I have two test to camp on the bike. I like the Tadpole 23 by Northface, great for one person and gear. I have a 3 person Eureka Apex also for warmer weather and a guest.

My sleeping bag is good for 40f and I have a 2" thick therma rest pad and cam pillow as well. On colder weather I pack a fleece blanket too.


check out campmor

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Home_

And aerostich

http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/index.html

I used my saddlebags as beer coolers!


Tito

Ton Up!

Bruce, thanks, considering how much stuff I want to get for my bike and me this year. I may well be taking you up on the offer. Figured I'd put this camping thread out to get some good ideas not just for myself but for those who might be new to it or haven't camped in a while. It's not like rocket science but with a little forthought and planning this could turn out to be one of the best trips ever or a tough time being cold, wet, hungry and tired. I'm personaly looking towards having a wicked good time with a little roughing it thrown in for the kicks.



Todd

Wal-Mart and Sports Authority have decent camping depts.
I've got a Coleman tent and sleeping bag, and an air mattress.
Was plenty comfortable in NY at the BA.com rally.In fact,
I've camped at 4 BA.com rallies.
Now to get thru the winter,
Uncle Charlie

Hey Uncle, there you are. Good to hear from ya! I'm going to go over to the super Wal-Mart as the regular one near me has run out of most of their gear. Also planning a trip to Cabelas on Sat. specifically for the mattress pad. Cabelas has their own brand, as well as, other makers.

See ya round the fire, Todd

Even Costco has some gear...