Tents

[acemcmac]

Originally posted by: imtim83
Ok thanks. I don't know how some people can chose what tent, sleeping bag, etc to get when bike touring or campiing. There so many choses its hard to know whats the best or top best to pick at times. Like one minute you may lean one way with a certain tent but then lean another way with anothet tent. I guess its just best to flip and coin and buy the tent, etc.

thats exactly why I reccomend the timberline. It's the best all around tent I've ever seen in the years I've been camping....

 

[WyteWatt]

Originally posted by: acemcmac

Originally posted by: imtim83
Ok thanks. I don't know how some people can chose what tent, sleeping bag, etc to get when bike touring or campiing. There so many choses its hard to know whats the best or top best to pick at times. Like one minute you may lean one way with a certain tent but then lean another way with anothet tent. I guess its just best to flip and coin and buy the tent, etc.

thats exactly why I reccomend the timberline. It's the best all around tent I've ever seen in the years I've been camping....

Thanks. Do you think a bike will fit in the tent as well? The reason I am not sure if I am going to get the timberline or not yet its because of weight. By the time you add everything for the tent its around 10 pounds.

 

[LaBang]

imtim83,

I'm a backcountry guide. If you'd like suggestions on specific items that work well for me I'd be happy to provide them to you. But I can't just relay years of knowledge and experience in one thread.

You'd be happy with this:
MSR Zoid 1 or 1.5
a Thermarest Prolite 3 or 4 or a ridgerest pad or something else
a down sleeping bag (more advice if you need it)
windshells

acemcmac likes his timberline, personally I think there are MUCH better tents out there. But the timberline isn't bad.

 

[LaBang]

You don't put your bike in the tent with you. There are a few models of tents where you can put it under the rainfly (MSR and Hilleberg make ones) but most people don't go this way.

BTW, where are you going?

 

[WyteWatt]

Originally posted by: LaBang
imtim83,

I'm a backcountry guide. If you'd like suggestions on specific items that work well for me I'd be happy to provide them to you. But I can't just relay years of knowledge and experience in one thread.

You'd be happy with this:
MSR Zoid 1 or 1.5
a Thermarest Prolite 3 or 4 or a ridgerest pad or something else
a down sleeping bag (more advice if you need it)
windshells

acemcmac likes his timberline, personally I think there are MUCH better tents out there. But the timberline isn't bad.

What about the tarptents or I wouldn't be happy with these? Do all of these tarptent model tents close up completely? Seems like the front or back is left open some.

 

[WyteWatt]

Originally posted by: LaBang
You don't put your bike in the tent with you. There are a few models of tents where you can put it under the rainfly (MSR and Hilleberg make ones) but most people don't go this way.

BTW, where are you going?

The reason I would like to put the bike in the tent is because of theif. I feel a lot safer and a lot less worried if its with me at all times.

I am going touring.

 

[LaBang]

They don't completely close up. They litterally are a cross between a tarp and a tent. They have mesh all around to keep bugs out and are rainproof but they aren't exactly tents. The advantage of such a setup is that they are MUCH lighter while still providing the protection of a tent. They are left open in the front and the back. Tarptents are made in some guys garage and are cutting edge. Henry Shires is really nice and provides great customer service. Many people use them for biking but you might be more comfortable with a real tent (MSR Zoids) because you are starting out.

 

[WyteWatt]

Thanks.

With a a down sleeping bag is there a big difference between one model or brand from each other in comfort?

 

[LaBang]

Yes, there are big differences.

 

[WyteWatt]

Which down sleeping bags have very good comfort but not extremely expensive please?

 

[Babbles]

I had a lightweight Coleman sleeping bag that worked well. I can't remember exactly which model it was (probably don't make it anymore), however you want to get a 'mummy bag' and it depends on where you will be camping on what type of bag you want. Most bags are rated on what temperature they can go down to while keeping you warm. A decent company will be Kelty, North Face, REI, and I liked my Coleman but they may not be considered high end, but price vs quality is good. You can probably score a good cheap bag in the ballpark of $70-$80.

What outdoor temperatures are you expecting?

Campmor link to sleeping gear

 

[WyteWatt]

Around 10 to 60 degrees.

 

[n0cmonkey]

/me :heart:s a-frames.

 

[Babbles]

I think this Kelty may fit your needs without totally breaking the bank. It is not rated for 10 degrees, but throw on a thermal top and you are good to go also it may be better for warmer temperatures.
THISalso looks like a decent buy if you are just going to do an occasional camping trip.

Also you need a sleeping pad. It isn't there to keep you comfy but rather to give you an air coushin between you and the cold ground. If you are only going camping this one time you may just want to get a cheap foam pad like this.
However if you are going to do a bit of camping you want a self inflated pad like this.

 

[WyteWatt]

How do you know which sleeping bags and pads are good to get?

 

[Babbles]

Like everything else, experience and talking to people! The bags I recommended are synthetic bags, but I have used a sleeping bag with Hollofil II in it and I never had an issue with it. You could find a camping store and ask questions, I recommend staying away from the big box stores and look for a place that sells nothing but camping/backpacking and 'real' outdoors gear - some place like REI.
Or you can find somebody who is/was a Boy Scout and see if they have ever been to Philmont, they then probably have enough experience to give decent advice. I mention Philmont because it is a ~10 day backpacking trip anywhere from ~50 - ~70 miles depending on your trek through the mountains of northern New Mexico. Pretty rough stuff really and usually by the time you train and do that trip, one has gained a few tidbits of knowledge here and there.

 

[WyteWatt]

Thanks.

 

[Babbles]

I did see that there is another poster who is a backcountry guide, so if you do plan on doing a lot of camping you may want to ask him about some high end down sleeping bags, but that is going to cost you in the ballpark of $200+ and I dont' know anything about what's on the market now.

 

[WyteWatt]

LaBang which sleeping bag would last a lifetime if you camp a lot please? It may be worth for me to buy something that will last a lifetime even if it is more expensive. Thanks.

 

[LaBang]

"last a lifetime" probably isnt' going to happen. People now can live to 110 yo!

But down with 600-900 fill power will last 20-30 years. I LOVE marmot bags. You don't need the top end models. Get an entry level marmot and it'll cost you about $200. REI bags are a little cheaper and still good.

The problem with sleeping bags is that the temperature ratings are very subjective. The cheaper company's bags won't actually keep most people warm at the stated temps.

head over to backpacker.com if you have more questions.

 

[WyteWatt]

Thanks.

 

[WyteWatt]

LaBang i know your a backcountry guide but just curious do you know what someone can do if they run out of food and water sooner than they think they would and they are in the middle of nowhere ? Like a forest, desert, snowy area, etc

Like 1000 to 5000 miles from the neartest place.

I know it can happen and wondering what do you do if it does?

 

[WyteWatt]

Did some more research on the Eureka Timberline and hearing a lot of stories about the Eureka Timberline blowing upside down on people at night or anytime during a strong wind because of the shape of the tent its not as strong. Is this true or can happen?

 

[CrackRabbit]

Ive had one blow apart on me in 60-70 mph winds, but up to that it was pretty stable.

 

[cavemanmoron]

Originally posted by: imtim83
LaBang i know your a backcountry guide but just curious do you know what someone can do if they run out of food and water sooner than they think they would and they are in the middle of nowhere ? Like a forest, desert, snowy area, etc

Like 1000 to 5000 miles from the neartest place.

I know it can happen and wondering what do you do if it does?

uh call mommy using "OnStar"


seriously:roll:
Where are you going?Antartica? 1,000 miles from the nearest place?>>

If you said like 50 miles from McDonalds,That I could believe.

Eureka was a great tent I used in the early 1970's.

Uh maybe you should take a few camping trips with the Boy Scouts,for starters,
Or at least go camping via Automobile to try your camping gear out first.

If you have a lawn in your yard you can as suggested ealier in the thread,try your tent in the yard.

Try doing a search for camping threads here at Anandtech?not sure if the older threads are still available,
but,some had some great advice,like the thread about camping in the Grand Canyon.

If you insist on touring via bicycle,you better get some flat tire proofing,added to the tires before hand,
I would also suggest a safety flag.And get a Good helmet.

Maybe get a bicycle trailer to haul stuff,also.

Older bikes had racks,and I have seen "saddle bags" on bicycles also.

http://www.bicycletrailers.com/

http://www.co.broward.fl.us/tpi02015.htm


http://www.bhsi.org/safequip.htm