An inexperienced camper.

boboneleg · Post by **boboneleg** » Sun Apr 10, 2016 10:20 am

Don't go roosting in streams just before setting up camp and getting your gear all wet :laugh:

SteveW · Post by **SteveW** » Sun Apr 10, 2016 10:35 am

boboneleg wrote:Don't go roosting in streams just before setting up camp and getting your gear all wet :laugh:

(thumbs)
Best advice yet!

johnnyboxer · Post by **johnnyboxer** » Sun Apr 10, 2016 10:35 am

Take a good paperback book if you're on your tod

andymac · Post by **andymac** » Sun Apr 10, 2016 12:50 pm

States?,,,,,, buy some pepper spray just in case.

Mike54 · Post by **Mike54** » Sun Apr 10, 2016 5:07 pm

Steve I hope you are going to a proper shakedown of all this kit mate (thumbs)

Redmurty · Post by **Redmurty** » Sun Apr 10, 2016 5:42 pm

http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/t ... at.919224/

been talking to this guy over there re my trip, seems a genuine bloke and may turn out to be helpful, runs a tool business but race's bikes and ran a bike shop

cheers Spud

SteveW · Post by **SteveW** » Sun Apr 10, 2016 6:25 pm

Mike54 wrote:Steve I hope you are going to a proper shakedown of all this kit mate (thumbs)

I've had the tent up in my garden and fried a couple of eggs on me Trangia, so that's me sorted.

I noted on the Trangia instructions that Meths isn't available in the States, but there are a couple of alcohol based fuels
That are available.
I've got my Frommer's "Best RV and Tent campgrounds Directory"

AustinW · Post by **AustinW** » Sun Apr 10, 2016 6:34 pm

Campsites are called campgrounds in USA. Camping pitches are called camping sites. Most Campgrounds in the states are RV parks really and getting a grassy pitch (site) is a rarity. They are also usually under trees but are huge and will include a picnic table and a fire ring of some sort - and most Americans will be using it. Take a groundsheet protector (a piece of poly about the right size will do) as the stones will ruin your groundsheet pdq. You also pay for a whole pitch/site which will actually be allowed to take a maximum of 3-4 tents and 6-8 people. You can save money by sharing the pitch/site if there are like minded people around when you check in. A tarp is handy and easy to put up on account of all the trees. Finally campgrounds will have a strictly imposed limit - if they are full they are full and won't let you squeeze into a quiet corner unless you can persuade someone to share a site.

We found Meths difficult to buy and they don't call it meths or methylated spirits either. Denatured alcohol might work, as might wood alcohol but it goes under various names depending on locale. We got it at some hardware stores where it was always near the paint section - with thinners and brush cleaners etc, but if we asked the staff didn't seem to have a clue what we were talking about. The good bit is that it's not coloured blue and is purer alcohol so burns clean and very hot.

Take or buy deet. Max strength you will get there is 25% but it worked for us. The mosquitoes tend to be big and slow but they get you through clothes so it's deet everywhere.

Our favourite camping meal was steak and salad. Huge sirloin steaks are about £3 and a bag of salad and dressing about £1. Cook the steak while tipping the salad out and mixing in the dressing cook for another 2-3 minutes and serve it medium rare washed down with great craft ales from a local brewery.

It's great is the USA you are going to love it.

AustinW · Post by **AustinW** » Sun Apr 10, 2016 6:34 pm

I forgot to add that "Kampgrounds of America (KOA) is a marketing franchise for a country wide chain of sites that are reliably clean and friendly, albeit they can be a tad on the pricey side as they often include swimming pools etc. The best bit though is that if the weather is real bad most of the campsites have basic camping huts for about £30 a night - double bed, heater, power, fridge, tables and chairs. Best to phone ahead if you want a hut.

ChasF · Post by **ChasF** » Sun Apr 10, 2016 6:45 pm

We camped for a whole year on our African trip - not every night but the longest stint was 42 nights. We were heavily loaded being two up on the bike. We had a spacious Vango tent which compared to other makes held up very well. We had thermarest mats which were great back then but I find them too small/narrow these days. The other thing I find essential nowadays is a decent pillow which I managed without in Africa. We had a Coleman petrol stove which we ran on petrol from the bike which although not recommended worked fine. The Coleman stove was definately our best investment.

These days I do everything to travel light. Would never take a table or chairs although if these are available on a campsite it is a big bonus. Don't bother with cooking kit anymore as one of the main features of trips these days is food and drink. If we save money by camping we treat ourselves to a decent meal in a good restaurant.