Campers, I need tent, sleeping bag advise...
#43
01-31-2010, 10:31 PM
I'm getting a little long in the tooth to enjoy tent camping as much I used to (a lot), but I still will on occassion.
What I will suggest, in general, is don't skimp or go cheap grade.
If you're not very experienced in camping out, find and talk with a good outfitter, forget about WalMart (for your own sake), local pro shop is best, or Outdoor World, REI, Cabellas, etc.
Get the good stuff. Think like a backpacker. Small and light, but top grade. You won't regret it, you'll stay dry and warm in the worst weather and you'll use it for many years to come and not just for Sturgis.
What I will suggest, in general, is don't skimp or go cheap grade.
If you're not very experienced in camping out, find and talk with a good outfitter, forget about WalMart (for your own sake), local pro shop is best, or Outdoor World, REI, Cabellas, etc.
Get the good stuff. Think like a backpacker. Small and light, but top grade. You won't regret it, you'll stay dry and warm in the worst weather and you'll use it for many years to come and not just for Sturgis.
#44
02-01-2010, 09:13 PM
Road Captain
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Puyallup, Washington
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Thanks!
#45
02-01-2010, 09:34 PM
6th Gear
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Pomona,NY
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I use a Timberline 4 tent, it has room for all my stuff, and it's very good in the rain. A Coleman air mattress with a battery powered pump. I have a North Face down sleeping bag for the cold seasons, and a cheapo walmart one for the summer months.
#46
02-01-2010, 10:52 PM
Get at a minimum a 0 degree bag, -15 is better.
Poly-cotton lining is a must.
Sleeping on nylon for more than a day sucks.
Down filled are the lightest.
Sleeping comfortably makes all the difference.
Sleepless nights lead to really long days.........
I bought one of these bad boys too, wish i'd had one back in my backpacking days.
http://www.luxurylite.com/cotindex.html
Pricey but worth every penny.
Air mattresses are a PITA and more trouble than they're worth.
Poly-cotton lining is a must.
Sleeping on nylon for more than a day sucks.
Down filled are the lightest.
Sleeping comfortably makes all the difference.
Sleepless nights lead to really long days.........
I bought one of these bad boys too, wish i'd had one back in my backpacking days.
http://www.luxurylite.com/cotindex.html
Pricey but worth every penny.
Air mattresses are a PITA and more trouble than they're worth.
Last edited by silvrbill; 02-01-2010 at 10:58 PM.
#47
02-01-2010, 10:57 PM
I am both a avid backpacker and a avid motorcyclist, both seperate though. I would look for an REI near you and check out there stuff and get advice. You can then truly see the size of what you are buying. A good single person tent is made by REI and can fit in a saddlebag. You can check out the different sleeping bags, i use a down bag that folds and compacts to fit in the other saddlebag. They have a good return policy and very knowledgeable, just my two cents
#48
02-01-2010, 11:40 PM
Get at a minimum a 0 degree bag, -15 is better.
Poly-cotton lining is a must.
Sleeping on nylon for more than a day sucks.
Down filled are the lightest.
Sleeping comfortably makes all the difference.
Sleepless nights lead to really long days.........
I bought one of these bad boys too, wish i'd had one back in my backpacking days.
http://www.luxurylite.com/cotindex.html
Pricey but worth every penny.
Air mattresses are a PITA and more trouble than they're worth.
Poly-cotton lining is a must.
Sleeping on nylon for more than a day sucks.
Down filled are the lightest.
Sleeping comfortably makes all the difference.
Sleepless nights lead to really long days.........
I bought one of these bad boys too, wish i'd had one back in my backpacking days.
http://www.luxurylite.com/cotindex.html
Pricey but worth every penny.
Air mattresses are a PITA and more trouble than they're worth.
Unless I'm winter camping in snow, there's no way I could sleep in a 0 degree, let alone a -15 degree sleeping bag.
For 3 season camping, a 15 to 20 degree bag should be sufficient for most. You cold sleepers might need the extra warmth of a 0 or -15.
I love the fluffy goodness of my down bag but poly filled bags are getting better and better.
As others have said, get quality backpacking gear from REI, EMS, Cabela's, etc... Good gear will last a long time.
#49
02-01-2010, 11:56 PM
I gotta disagree a little here with you silvrbill...
Unless I'm winter camping in snow, there's no way I could sleep in a 0 degree, let alone a -15 degree sleeping bag.
For 3 season camping, a 15 to 20 degree bag should be sufficient for most. You cold sleepers might need the extra warmth of a 0 or -15.
I love the fluffy goodness of my down bag but poly filled bags are getting better and better.
As others have said, get quality backpacking gear from REI, EMS, Cabela's, etc... Good gear will last a long time.
Unless I'm winter camping in snow, there's no way I could sleep in a 0 degree, let alone a -15 degree sleeping bag.
For 3 season camping, a 15 to 20 degree bag should be sufficient for most. You cold sleepers might need the extra warmth of a 0 or -15.
I love the fluffy goodness of my down bag but poly filled bags are getting better and better.
As others have said, get quality backpacking gear from REI, EMS, Cabela's, etc... Good gear will last a long time.
I'd just rather have the option of unzipping my bag a little rather than having to put on extra warmth during the night.
Nothing wrong with poly bags either, it's not like we're totin' the equipment on our backs.
Firm believer in the poly-cotton linings, it's like you're sleeping on sheets.
I also know staying off the ground makes a world of difference in comfort AND warmth.
