Been collecting touring gear for spring camping: Video

[djkenny]

The last 6 months or so I have been slowly acquiring bike camping goods. Lots of review reading, keeping up to date on sales, going to used gear sales at REI, even found a few items at Freddies, etc.

I posted a video on my new blog about simple living, discussing the gear.
http://simplelivingsanity.blogspot.com/

I would love to hear more recommendations.

Thanks!

djkenny

[Alan]

Right on, Kenny! Looks like you are pretty much set to go with a good choice of gear! CycleWild went out to Milo McIver last weekend and had nice weather, and before that their February trip to Battleground Lake was OK, too (light showers and stayed in yurts). I don't see their April trip posted yet, but I'm sure it'll happen.

For me, gear changes over time and takes multiple trips in quick succession to sort out the right things. Lists like CGOAB Neil's are a sanity check for stuff I forgot. I think I'd like to get some more cycle-specific clothing, particularly shorts and jerseys, and maybe shoes. I was very glad I had bike gloves, last time! Personal toiletries are simple and obvious, but things like suncream need replacing regularly. I carry a first aid kit for comfort stuff (splinters, nicks, aches and pain) as well as stuff I will hopefully never need (flat gauze, absorbent pads, latex gloves). It weighs less than 1/2 pound and is smaller than a Subway sandwich. Finally, some basic bike repair stuff, at least a spare tube, patch kit, levers and pump.

[djkenny]

The First Aide and Bike Repair Kit stuff seems to be the last of the needs as far as I can tell. I might want to pick up a less-warm sleeping bag for the Big Agnes dual insulated core style pad. I have the 15 degree Down Lost Ranger one and I am a little bit concerned it might be "too warm" for those 50 degree summer nights. Ya think? I might be fine with the cotton liner and sleeping on top the bag though too. I know that Big Agnes makes some synthetic bags that also work with the pad that are over 30+ degree.

Those rides with Cycle Wild sound like fun. I will look out for April date adventures. Is there an email list?

[zpl]

Originally Posted by djkenny

Those rides with Cycle Wild sound like fun. I will look out for April date adventures. Is there an email list?

Yep:

http://groups.google.com/group/cyclewild

Scott

[Alan]

Originally Posted by djkenny

...I might want to pick up a less-warm sleeping bag for the Big Agnes dual insulated core style pad. I have the 15 degree Down Lost Ranger one and I am a little bit concerned it might be "too warm" for those 50 degree summer nights. Ya think? I might be fine with the cotton liner and sleeping on top the bag though too.

Yep, I think you'll be too warm if you're all zipped up in that winter bag on a summer night! But unzipping it, using it as a blanket or just over part of you, adding in a liner, and combining those adjustments with layers of clothes, and you can probably find a comfortable temp. For example, on a warm evening start out with a stocking cap and jacket, with the bag open down to your waist. If you cool off get too cool in the wee hours, pull the bag over you and zip it up if needed, shedding the jacket as desired. Layers!

[djkenny]

Well said. I figured I will try it out on that summer night int he future, if it is too hot... I may get a light weight non down one from Mountain Hardware or the like. Just as long as I have my thickish Big Agnes pad, I am cool. Heck, maybe a less warm Big Agnes bag pre owned or something?... we will see.

I found another, albeit likely more bulky, biomass type stove on line today. Kelly Kettle: You can boil water AND cook the food above.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMCR-ie9H_w

[Matt P.]

Originally Posted by zpl

Yep:

http://groups.google.com/group/cyclewild

Scott

That's the announcement-only list for events. Events can also be found on the calendar:
http://www.cyclewild.org/calendar/

and the Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cycle-...72474709440021

and there is a discussion list for general conversation:
http://groups.google.com/group/cwdiscussion