Food and Camping

[Catrin]

I've think I've fallen in love with camping at a certain park for the mountain biking. I can take my time, no rush, totally relaxing. Also great hiking if my legs need a break :cool:

I seem to have developed this....eating problem. No cooking supplies this year, I will do that NEXT season. So I've been taking things like fruit, PB and bread, cliff bars, shot blocks, chocolate milk in the cooler. Town is quite close if I decide to go into town for coffee or a hot meal.

So what is the problem? Actually DOING that - apparently I would rather play on the trails than eat :rolleyes: This wouldn't be a problem if my body didn't actually need fuel! Breakfast is fine, it is later in the day that there is a problem.

Obviously I am taking the wrong stuff to eat - so am looking for other ideas for non-perishable food items that are appropriate/healthy food for mountain biking. So what would YOU take to eat that doesn't require cooking?

[surgtech1956]

Jerky, yogurt, pudding cups, cheese, cereal, lunch meat, salad(vinegar & oil dressing), tuna in those little packets. How long did your ice last? Sometimes we would freeze water either in a 2 liter bottle or gallon milk jug and put in a cooler, this would last longer. You don't want to cook anything? If you have a campfire, you can bring those 'pie irons' and make things like grilled cheese, grilled pb&j, cinnamon rolls, pizza pockets. You could still cook over a campfire and still keep it to a minimum.

[PamNY]

+1 on freezing a jug of water for the cooler. Lasts longer and is less messy.

If you have a cooler, cheese and boiled eggs come to mind. Tuna or other fish canned or in packets would work. Smoked fish is a possibility, too.

How long are your trips? For short trips, you could make pasta or grain-based salads before you leave home (again, if you take a cooler).

You might take a small, disposable charcoal grill if you don't want to invest in a camp stove or build a campfire. It's fun to have at least one nice dinner. You could also make a grill out of an aluminum pan if you have a safe place to put it at your campsite.

When you get ready assemble camp cookware, check thrift shops and yard sales. I got a Coleman stove and all kinds of pans for little money. Sierra Trading post also has good deals at times.

You really are making me want to go camping.

[Catrin]

Good ideas, thanks. I just drew a blank when packing for the weekend. I do have a nice cooler, and of course there is ice at the camp store. That isn't a problem :) I wasn't sure how often I would be free to refresh the ice since I was volunteering at a MTB race event this weekend, so was leery about taking perishable food such as home-made chicken salad.

Trying to get healthy food to go along with my evening beer by the fire :)

[Trek-chick]

I like to pre-cook some things before we go camping or RVing. Especially that first night when we roll into the campground late and the last thing I want to do is cook.

I like to make up some tuna macarroni salad, potato salad, sandwiches and put in Tupperware in the cooler.

[Catrin]

I like to pre-cook some things before we go camping or RVing. Especially that first night when we roll into the campground late and the last thing I want to do is cook.

I like to make up some tuna macarroni salad, potato salad, sandwiches and put in Tupperware in the cooler.

This is a great idea, I just need to get another cooler - one for food, another for beer and water. Water and beer? BEER!!! (sorry, couldn't resist it)

Hopefully if I go to all of this effort to pre-cook food it will encourage me to stop and eat :rolleyes: I just get so caught up in what I am doing, whether it is hiking or riding, that I just don't feel hungry until I reach the starving-could-eat-a-tree-with-bark stage :o Cliff bars are great, but can't live all weekend on them!

Thankfully my new Soul is very well suited to hauling stuff like coolers. I can leave the food cooler in the car and I can just return to my car when it is time to eat. Also keeps the food safe from those pesky raccoons.

[limewave]

I second pre-cooking. The rest of the family is all about eating as many hot dogs as possible, I just can't handle that. So I make rice with beans or roasted veggies, etc. Cans of Amy's soup or some of her burritos are good and easy to travel with.

[OakLeaf]

No suggestions for food, but for your cooler, I'd recommend getting some of those plastic gel-filled ice packs. Smaller than water jugs, so they're easier to distribute around your food, and not so heavy that they'll crush sandwiches, etc., plus they don't take so much room in the freezer.

[limewave]

We freeze blocks of ice in sterilite containers. Get any size you want, big or small. They fit well inside the cooler. We keep blocks of them in our freezer so they are ready to go.

[indysteel]

Catrin,

I can't remember if you're a fan of beans, but I have a salad made with basmati rice, black beans, garbonzos and black eyed peas, red and green pepper and celery dressed with seasoned rice wine vinegar that would probably keep just fine on ice for at least a couple of days. It's to be served at room temperature. I can send you the recipe if you'd like.

[Catrin]

Catrin,

I can't remember if you're a fan of beans, but I have a salad made with basmati rice, black beans, garbonzos and black eyed peas, red and green pepper and celery dressed with seasoned rice wine vinegar that would probably keep just fine on ice for at least a couple of days. It's to be served at room temperature. I can send you the recipe if you'd like.

I do need to be cautious with beans, but would like to try it. This sounds like something that wouldn't spoil too quickly, so sure, send me the recipe. Thanks!

[indysteel]

I do need to be cautious with beans, but would like to try it. This sounds like something that wouldn't spoil too quickly, so sure, send me the recipe. Thanks!

I thought I had it on my work computer, but I can't seem to find it. I'll look for it at home and get back to you.

[Pax]

I like to pre-cook some things before we go camping or RVing. Especially that first night when we roll into the campground late and the last thing I want to do is cook.

I like to make up some tuna macarroni salad, potato salad, sandwiches and put in Tupperware in the cooler.

I like to make a big container of black beans and cous cous, it's one of those things that can be eaten cold or hot, yum!

[GLC1968]

I would think in terms of a gourmet picnic for inspiration. I mean - you can pack anything if it's precooked and good to eat cold. Some things not yet mentioned: How about grilled marinated chicken? Summer sausage, fancy cheeses and pita chips or crackers? Fruit salad? Cold pizza (a lot of people love this!)? Olives, hummus, chopped veggies, dips, etc. Cucumber and tomato salad. Wraps and stuff to stick in them?

You could go to your local gourmet food store and browse their prepared food cases for ideas.

I would bet that not wanting to eat is probably easily solved by packing some foods that you love and that you'll look forward to eating!

I'm typically a backpacker when I'm camping, so the luxury of a cooler and no weight requirement is making me drool with jealousy! Get creative!

[Catrin]

I'm typically a backpacker when I'm camping, so the luxury of a cooler and no weight requirement is making me drool with jealousy! Get creative!

I think I was so busy focusing on having a tent, etc., etc., that I gave no thought at all for food until the last minute and then there wasn't time to do anything. I mean, I even forgot a rag to wipe off my chain :rolleyes: Lesson learned, and thanks for all of the creative suggestions!

I am typically not very creative in my diet, though I do enjoy good food. I CAN combine creativity and the fact my body gets to work on these trips means that I don't have to be quite as restrictive as usual ;)

[jessmarimba]

I LOVE cold pizza after running or biking. Or if you have a fire, pre-cook it and then just stick it in foil and re-heat.

Also good for cooking (or reheating) if you have fire but no cooking "stuff" are hobo packs (yay, Girl Scouts) - we would either let these cook for hours, or you can pre-cook meat & potatoes and then add the rest to re-heat. Essentially any meat, in small pieces, little potato chunks, and then whatever veggies you want (corn, tomato pieces, carrots, beans, broccoli, get creative) and wrap it in foil with some butter and spices, shove the foil packet into the coals/wood/bottom of the fire.

[Sky King]

keeping things cold - Buy a small chunk of dry ice - try 3 lbs to start. You may have to ask in the meat department. Be sure to wrap it well, It will keep things very cold - we set some cardboard over it as it will freeze everything if you aren't careful. BUT the positive is no melting ice, no need to pour off water and lasts a long time - 3 days for us.
My DH has an extremely high metabolism (wish I did) he eats six times a day (at least) so having attractive food is always a challenge am stealing some ideas from this thread

[Catrin]

I've been borrowing camping supplies, but have been taking advantage of post-Labor Day sales. I got THIS tent (http://www.kelty.com/p-361-eden-4.aspx) - though elsewhere for $100 off retail :)

The electric box at the campsite I reserved for this weekend is quite some distance from where I will pitch my tent, so I need a long extension cord. There is also a chance it might rain, so I need to make certain I get the right kind of cord.

Does anyone know if a "landscape" extension cord is the same thing as an "outdoor" cord? I am going to get an 60-80 foot cord...pretty much as long as I can afford to get. I figure an "indoor/outdoor" cord isn't going to be sturdy enough. The purpose for it is occasional use to blow up my air bed, coffee pot, power up my electronics, radio...nothing that really requires a lot of juice. It isn't like I am powering an RV :)

I didn't realize until I had already ordered it that the integrated pump on my air bed requires electricity - thought that is probably more friendly than a bunch of "D" batteries...and frankly I don't see myself camping on a non-electric site very often. Well, outside of certain events and I will need to do something different for those events.. ***** that I didn't notice it requires electricity to blow up....sigh

Thanks for the tip on dry ice, since I am taking chicken this weekend I will certainly look into it!

[kmehrzad]

Another great and easy dish is combining rice, lentils AND raisins then steaming them together. The raisins plump up nicely, add a touch of sweetness to the mixture and the lentils provide the protein. It's a favorite of mine.

[limewave]

Does anyone know if a "landscape" extension cord is the same thing as an "outdoor" cord? I am going to get an 60-80 foot cord...pretty much as long as I can afford to get. I figure an "indoor/outdoor" cord isn't going to be sturdy enough. The purpose for it is occasional use to blow up my air bed, coffee pot, power up my electronics, radio...nothing that really requires a lot of juice. It isn't like I am powering an RV :)

I don't know the difference b/w the cords . . . It seems like you could find what you need at a Home Depot or Lowe's. Or you could check out the "camping and outdoor" section of your local general store. My car has a built-in air compressor which is surprisingly handy.

[Chile Pepper]

I like to freeze a hearty beef stew to take camping. It works as an ice block the first day or two and then makes an easy dinner, just heated over the camp stove.

[Catrin]

From what I can tell there isn't any difference between the two kinds of cords. I just need to make certain that what I get has a high enough amperage for what I will use it for.

I won't have a camp stove, and won't be picking one up. Eventually will get a propane grill over the winter, and will get a "hot pot" for this weekend. Since I will almost always have electricity, a cheap hot plate will do everything a camp stove would do for me, and there is something quite nice about having a propane grill - even if I don't have a fire.

I did order a couple of campfire cooking tools - double-sided thing where I can toast sandwiches, and long forks for sausages/marshmallows/etc. I am thinking the forks would also work for quartered pre-roasted chicken breast..mmmmmmm THIS weekend I will have a fire :)

I am really looking forward to this weekend, the evenings are projected to get down to the high 50's, so I might get a little chilly. I did spring for a 30 degree sleeping bag so that should be fine. I will know by the end of the weekend if I need warmer clothing for fall camping!

[limewave]

I believe most campgrounds offer 30 amp service. Some have 50 amp service for large RV's.

[Catrin]

Yes, my chosen site offers 30 amps. I do know massive RVs park in that campground, I've friends who are there almost every weekend with theirs.

[withm]

I've been borrowing camping supplies, but have been taking advantage of post-Labor Day sales. I got THIS tent (http://www.kelty.com/p-361-eden-4.aspx) - though elsewhere for $100 off retail :)

The electric box at the campsite I reserved for this weekend is quite some distance from where I will pitch my tent, so I need a long extension cord. There is also a chance it might rain, so I need to make certain I get the right kind of cord.

Does anyone know if a "landscape" extension cord is the same thing as an "outdoor" cord? I am going to get an 60-80 foot cord...pretty much as long as I can afford to get. I figure an "indoor/outdoor" cord isn't going to be sturdy enough. The purpose for it is occasional use to blow up my air bed, coffee pot, power up my electronics, radio...nothing that really requires a lot of juice. It isn't like I am powering an RV :)

I didn't realize until I had already ordered it that the integrated pump on my air bed requires electricity - thought that is probably more friendly than a bunch of "D" batteries...and frankly I don't see myself camping on a non-electric site very often. Well, outside of certain events and I will need to do something different for those events.. ***** that I didn't notice it requires electricity to blow up....sigh

Thanks for the tip on dry ice, since I am taking chicken this weekend I will certainly look into it!

Can you use your bicycle pump to inflate the air matress? Taking an extension cord seems to defeat the purpose of camping. Electronics? Why not just take a book and enjoy reading in the quiet solitude of the campsite? Please re-think the radio. If you need music take an Ipod. Your neighboring campers may not appreciate being forced to listen to someone else's music. I've done lots of car camping but never brought along any device that requires electricity. If you need all those things, why not just stay home?

If you google camp stove, you can find all varieties of gas or propane or alcohol stoves starting as low as $10-$15. Look in your local paper - I bet someone has one to sell. Check Craig's list too.

[Catrin]

... If you need all those things, why not just stay home?

If you google camp stove, you can find all varieties of gas or propane or alcohol stoves starting as low as $10-$15. Look in your local paper - I bet someone has one to sell. Check Craig's list too.

Withim - We all go camping for different reasons - and believe me - every time I've gone camping at this park I've had to listen to quite loud music from other campsites - my low level music isn't going to disturb anyone. The radio is a way to deal with that...if it is quiet I won't use it..but that campground is a huge party on the weekend, generally speaking, especially at this time of the year. I don't go for the camping, I go for the mountain biking.

I appreciate that you are giving me advice from your experience, but there are many ways to camp. I am not comfortable using propane at this time, next year I might experiment further but this year I choose not to go that route. I am paying for an electric site and am going to use it :) My reason for going camping might be different than yours, but I am sure I enjoy it just as much.

[Irulan]

Can you use your bicycle pump to inflate the air matress? Taking an extension cord seems to defeat the purpose of camping. Electronics? Why not just take a book and enjoy reading in the quiet solitude of the campsite? Please re-think the radio. If you need music take an Ipod. Your neighboring campers may not appreciate being forced to listen to someone else's music. I've done lots of car camping but never brought along any device that requires electricity. If you need all those things, why not just stay home?

If you google camp stove, you can find all varieties of gas or propane or alcohol stoves starting as low as $10-$15. Look in your local paper - I bet someone has one to sell. Check Craig's list too.

Everyone's idea of "camping" is different.

Question for you, would a battery operated or propane operated item be "better" than one that plugged in?
I camp mostly primitive style, and we have a few essential that require some sort of power, battery operated headlamps and a propane stove mostly.

I read on my electronics while camping. I can take more books in less space. :D

I personally don't go to campgrounds that offer electrical outlets much as I can't stand being that close to people and their RVs. I totally agree with not invading audio space. But as for the other stuff - who am I to judge other's ideas of camping? I'm sure some folks think that my style of camping is not for them as much as I think their style of camping is not for me. ;) What any one person "needs" while camping is a completely subjective list.

[kmehrzad]

I am really looking forward to this weekend, the evenings are projected to get down to the high 50's, so I might get a little chilly. I did spring for a 30 degree sleeping bag so that should be fine. I will know by the end of the weekend if I need warmer clothing for fall camping!

Catrin, Count on the sleeping bag to be good for 40+ degrees ... From the research I've done, the bags are usually 10+ degrees off (colder). Wouldn't hurt to err on the warmer side by bringing your wool. :-)

[Catrin]

Catrin, Count on the sleeping bag to be good for 40+ degrees ... From the research I've done, the bags are usually 10+ degrees off (colder). Wouldn't hurt to err on the warmer side by bringing your wool. :-)

:eek: Good I got the more expensive sleeping bag then...I suspect that a trip to Good Will will be in my short term future as well, I just realized I've no jacket that actually FITS me, not one for camping that is :eek:

[ridebikeme]

Catrin,

I'm glad that you are enjoying camping; it truly is such a relaxing atmosphere! I agree with many here that "camping" means something different to everyone, but in reality it's simply about getting " outside." Perhaps the same thought process as people riding... it's about the adventure NOT about what you are using or not using. So enjoy yourself and have a great time!!

Keep us in the loop as to how your weekend goes; I'll definitely look forward to reading it! :D



http://chasecyclery.blogspot.com

[Catrin]

Catrin,

I'm glad that you are enjoying camping; it truly is such a relaxing atmosphere! I agree with many here that "camping" means something different to everyone, but in reality it's simply about getting " outside." Perhaps the same thought process as people riding... it's about the adventure NOT about what you are using or not using. So enjoy yourself and have a great time!!

Keep us in the loop as to how your weekend goes; I'll definitely look forward to reading it! :D


I've done it a few times now, never camped in my life before this summer - just learning so many new things at 51 :) The main purpose is to give me more time to mountain bike and not have to burn a ton of gas rushing back and forth from Indianapolis. It is very nice to be able to relax before and after riding, and just being able to take my time riding and not having to worry about how long it is taking me. Mtb for a few hours, go relax and have a snack, go riding some more or perhaps go for a hike...repeat the relaxing bit...sweet!

As it turned out my new tent is a few inches shorter than advertised. Backcountry.com apparently had incorrect information from Kelty, and they are going to allow me to return it after my trip. I no longer have the box (figured I couldn't return it after using it), but that doesn't matter. Since their information was wrong they are even going to refund the shipping charges. This is great, it is still a 4 person tent so will have plenty of room for my gear, and it is only 5 inches shorter than me rather than a foot, so it could be worse...

[limewave]

I love camping too. We travel with an RV with our two youngsters. It's incredibly convenient. Before the kids we had a tiny RV that we'd take up into the mountains and do long day hikes. We would do 10-hour grueling hikes on the AT. I loved having the luxury of a hot shower and full kitchen when we got home in the evening. It was so much fun. I miss back-packing, but I'm sure as the kids get older we'll start doing that again.

It is all about the outdoors :)

[goldfinch]

Yes, my chosen site offers 30 amps. I do know massive RVs park in that campground, I've friends who are there almost every weekend with theirs.

These plug in boxes also have a 15 amp outlet to plug in your extension cord. You don't need an expensive landscape cord, but the longer the cord the higher the gauge you may need. Here, I found a handy chart: http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ContentView?pn=Extension_Cords_Reels&langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

My experience with sleeping bags is that the temperature ratings are inconsistent and inaccurate. So toss in a blanket or two.

[ridebikeme]

The temperature ratings on sleeping bags are indeed a challenge! :rolleyes: What I have found that works well is taking an insulating layer for both top and bottom, that way if the temps are cooler you an wear either one piece or two. It's also something fairly light to carry if you are backpacking or riding self contained. And as always, it can double for simply sitting around the campsite.

Hope the weather forecast is cooler than last weekend Catrin!:p It's too bad that we didn't live closer; we are about to do an overnight mtb trip going self contained.

Jackie
http://chasecyclery.blogspot.com

[indysteel]

Last year, DH and I went camping in early October with our 40-degree bags. I'll admit that we were somewhat novice campers, and I didn't appreciate that the bags are probably only good to 50 degrees. Well, the temperature overnight dropped about 10 degrees colder than anticipated on top of that. It was a very long night, even with a lot of layers, hats and gloves. We now have true winter bags, in addition to our summer bags. Given when we do most of our camping--mid summer and fall--I'm hoping the bags will cover us. When it's truly hot out, we usually bring bag liners, too.

My advice is to bring more layers/blankets than you think you'll need for fall or early spring camping, just in case it turns colder than forecast. Bring a hat and gloves, too.

[Catrin]

Thanks for the advice Indy - I don't have much in the way of warm outside clothing that isn't bike specific - but I've enough for a weekend. The highs are supposed to be in the upper 70's, the lows in the upper 50's, but of course that can change. My new sleeping bag is a 30 degree bag that I hope is worth the price I paid for it.

I am taking extra clothing in case I get wet - there is only a 30% chance of thunderstorms each day, which means there is a 70% chance it won't storm ;) I did purchase a couple of campfire cooking tools, and I will have a fire this time - so I can do some rudimentary cooking/warming up over the fire and that will be just fine.

I've learned the hard way that I hate to leave the park once I am there - even to eat, so I am making certain that I am taking enough food in this time, not just bike fuel. Nothing fancy, but anything tastes good alongside a fire on an early fall evening with a beer :D ;)

[Irulan]

Last year, DH and I went camping in early October with our 40-degree bags. I'll admit that we were somewhat novice campers, and I didn't appreciate that the bags are probably only good to 50 degrees. Well, the temperature overnight dropped about 10 degrees colder than anticipated on top of that. It was a very long night, even with a lot of layers, hats and gloves. We now have true winter bags, in addition to our summer bags. Given when we do most of our camping--mid summer and fall--I'm hoping the bags will cover us. When it's truly hot out, we usually bring bag liners, too.

My advice is to bring more layers/blankets than you think you'll need for fall or early spring camping, just in case it turns colder than forecast. Bring a hat and gloves, too.


The quality of your insulation/pad UNDERNEATH your bag is an important factor in warmth. Regular blowup air mattresses are not very insulating, and neither is regular opeen cell (egg crate) style foam. What will keep you warmest aside from the bag is something that has a closed cell foam component. My favorite is my "Luxury Rest" by Thermarest.

Stay away from cotton blankets, sleeping bags and jammies. Wool or synthetics provide the best insulation without holding moisture.

I don't see how one could not want at least a cup of hot tea or coffee in the morning. Plus, I think the body needs hot food to regenerate. I don't suppose there's any science to that. I just think eating cold food a few days in a row would be tiresome.

[Catrin]

The quality of your insulation/pad UNDERNEATH your bag is an important factor in warmth. Regular blowup air mattresses are not very insulating, and neither is regular opeen cell (egg crate) style foam. What will keep you warmest aside from the bag is something that has a closed cell foam component. My favorite is my "Luxury Rest" by Thermarest.

Stay away from cotton blankets, sleeping bags and jammies. Wool or synthetics provide the best insulation without holding moisture.

I don't see how one could not want at least a cup of hot tea or coffee in the morning. Plus, I think the body needs hot food to regenerate. I don't suppose there's any science to that. I just think eating cold food a few days in a row would be tiresome.

Thanks for the tip on insulation. I do have an air mattress...

I am getting a "hot pot" for hot water for coffee, and will be able to heat up/cook stuff in my campfire. I purchased a set of long metal sticks with forks on them (whatever they are called) and a cast-iron double-sided thing that allows me to make hot sandwiches. I suspect that either will allow me to heat up pre-roasted chicken, and am taking some chicken sausages. I won't be eating all cold food...

[indysteel]

The quality of your insulation/pad UNDERNEATH your bag is an important factor in warmth. Regular blowup air mattresses are not very insulating, and neither is regular opeen cell (egg crate) style foam. What will keep you warmest aside from the bag is something that has a closed cell foam component. My favorite is my "Luxury Rest" by Thermarest.

Stay away from cotton blankets, sleeping bags and jammies. Wool or synthetics provide the best insulation without holding moisture.

I don't see how one could not want at least a cup of hot tea or coffee in the morning. Plus, I think the body needs hot food to regenerate. I don't suppose there's any science to that. I just think eating cold food a few days in a row would be tiresome.

Thanks for the recommendation as to the Luxury Rest. We have cots for car camping, but need to buy sleeping padd for a trip to Utah next April. We otherwise have wool blankets from an Army surplus store that we throw into the car for good measure. Still, I'm looking forward to finally having a toasty winter bag this year.

[Irulan]

I've been camping (tent/backpack/primitive/rafting) for some 35 years. :D
IMSHO, I think fires are way more work than a stove and I never make them.
-you can't see the stars at night
-dangerous: even campground campfires can start wildfires. Most people don't really put them all the way out with a bucket of water when they leave.
-dirty: ash floating around and melting your clothes, soot on all your pots and pans. People attempt to burn trash that doesn't really burn.
-destructive: some people strip the forest for their campfires, cutting green trees etc. Multiple fire rings get built, and the fires scar the campsites.
-cost, some places you buy wood to burn.

This is why we ( DH and I) do not make fires when camping. Whatever makes you happy, though. Some people really like the atmosphere of one, however, I don't need it.

[limewave]

I've been camping (tent/backpack/primitive/rafting) for some 35 years. :D
IMSHO, I think fires are way more work than a stove and I never make them.
-you can't see the stars at night
-dangerous: even campground campfires can start wildfires. Most people

We had campfires every night last weekend and we spent most of our time around the fire looking at the stars. No trouble seeing them at all.

[Irulan]

;) You see a lot more of them without the ambient light of a fire.

[indysteel]

Okay; I now have my eye on Thermarest's Prolite Plus pad for our trip to Utah. It's supposed to be warm, easy to pack, and comfortable.

One thing that confuses me though, Irulan. REI lists mosts Thermarest pads, including the one you mentioned (which they call Luxury Map) as open cell. Certain pads list warmth as a feature, even though they're open cell pads. Am I not understanding something? Thermarest's own website does not list open or closed cell in their own specs--unless I'm just not reading their specs correctly. In any event, I can get the Prolite Plus pad for a good price at a couple of different places.

[Irulan]

Okay; I now have my eye on Thermarest's Prolite Plus pad for our trip to Utah. It's supposed to be warm, easy to pack, and comfortable.

One thing that confuses me though, Irulan. REI lists mosts Thermarest pads, including the one you mentioned (which they call Luxury Map) as open cell. Certain pads list warmth as a feature, even though they're open cell pads. Am I not understanding something? Thermarest's own website does not list open or closed cell in their own specs--unless I'm just not reading their specs correctly. In any event, I can get the Prolite Plus pad for a good price at a couple of different places.

The open cell foam I refer is used by itself, not encased in a waterproof shell. Example - using a foam rectangle of egg crate for your mattress. It absorb damp which transfers to your body. Remember the old Ensolite pads we'd take backpacking 25 years ago? They were closed cell foam. So,even though it was only 1/2" thick, it didn't transmit moisture.

Anything REI carries is going to be fine. It comes down to cost, weight and level of comfort that you want.

[Catrin]

Camping trip went well, and I like the tent so much I've decided to keep it. I can still stand and change, just have to bend my head a little. It would be nice if I didn't have to bend so low to get in/out but frankly that isn't a problem. I paid a very good price for a quality tent, and I had it up in <25 minutes. For someone who has never pitched a tent before I thought that awesome!

Food was fine, got a new cooler and the temps weren't hot anyway. Did a little camp-fire cooking, and had my morning coffee. Air mattress was a washout though - nothing wrong with it but I've already ordered a cot to replace it. Besides cooler weather is coming and I just don't want to be on the ground sleeping. At least I now have a good air mattress for visitors :)

All in all a great weekend - lots of fun on the mountain bike with only a few new scratches.