what to pack for a 5 night organized tour?

[KabyMom]

Hi everyone!
I am trying to put together my shopping list of "stuff" I am going to need to ride the Tour deKota in June.

We are allowed two "medium sized bags".

I've been able to find some great info on this site about what to carry on the bike each day... I have an expandable wedge bag under my seat for tubes, tools, patch kit, CO2 pump, cartridges, etc. My shopping list to buy yet, includes a road morph pump and either a bento box or a handlebar bag, I haven't decided yet...

Clothing? I'm planning a jersey and shorts for each day. What else should I plan on bringing for on the bike and in camp?

Then what about camping? I don't have any decent camping stuff anymore, (we have a 5th wheel and haven't seriously tent camped since Boundary Waters trips back before kids!) I'm looking at a couple of Eureka tents, Pinnacle Pass 2XTA or a Backcountry 2. Are they decent or should I fork out a few more bucks for something else?
Sleeping pad? I keep hearing about thermarest pads but there are a ton of different models; is there one that you would recommend?
Sleeping bag? Do I need to get a spendy Mummy one, or will one of the cheap rectangular ones we already have work as well?

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me...my husband says I'm obsessing about this, but really I'm just super excited!!!

[Trek420]

Congrats, enjoy your event.

I'm borrowing this from the AIDS Lifecycle, so thanks Ben Armstrong one of our training ride leaders who writes:
=======================
With that in mind, I thought you might like some tips on what to bring and how to survive in camp:



1. Tent pegs. Tents are provided, but tent pegs aren't. Officially we are not meant to use them – I believe it’s a restriction with some of the places we stay, however, I recommend you bring some anyway as the tents we are provided with don’t have any. It gets windy at sunset, and as a result you will see tents blowing around a lot. Bring 4, you will appreciate having them.

Editors note-I have never brought tent pegs. Just find your luggage, and tent, roll the tent out, unzip the door and ...throw your bag inside. The weight of the bags will keep your tent from flying away. DO NOT put up your tent and then go get the bags. :) Now back to Ben's tips.



2. Don’t zip your tent closed all the way. If the dew point is higher than the minimum temperature, then it will cause a huge amount of condensation and all your stuff will get wet and then have to be packed wet. If you get back to camp late you might not have enough time to dry your sleeping bag out and there is nothing worse than sleeping in a wet sleeping bag (trust me I made this mistake in my first year), the answer to this is not to zip your tent shut so as to get some ventillation.



3. Camping towel. These are very useful as they dry quickly.



4. Clips. Of course to dry all this stuff you need to be able to attach it to your tent. In the U.K we call them bull dog clips (black things with silver levers), but I have absolutely no idea what you call them. Hopefully you get the idea.

Editors note, Ben,, they are called clothes pins.



5. Bring a warm coat, gloves and a hat. It gets cold and windy at night, especially around dinner time when they are making announcements. Bring something really warm to wear. I am bringing one of those North Face goose down coats to make sure I am toasty and they pack really small.



6. Get a camp mat. I’d recommend a thermarest as they are very comfortable (as sleeping on the floor goes) and self-inflating – but anything that raises you off the ground will do. The floor gets very cold at night. If you do have a thermarest, you might want to consider the chair kits. If you are at your tent there is no where to sit with a back rest and so these things come in handy.



7. Make sure you have a torch (I mean flashlight). If using porta-potties for a week was not bad enough, there are people in this world who seem incapable of using them correctly. When you’re desperate to go in the middle of the night you really want to know whether you have been unfortunate enough to choose one that has been used by such a person sooner rather than later. Torches are a must – don’t go to the bathroom without one.



8. Choose your bag carefully. You will have to drag your bag a long way from the trucks to where you are camping in some campsites. Something that is easy to haul around, like a duffle bag with wheels is ideal. Almost all the bags are either green, blue or black. If you can, use a bag that is a different color, it will make finding it easier, if not tie something distinctive to it as checking every bag for your number is a pain.



9. Tie something to your tent bag. Again, finding your tent can be difficult, especially if you are one of the first back. If you tie something to your tent bag then you will find it faster.

Editors note: find something that lights up!! Be creative, fun. I used a flashing lit tiarra. Nice to have a beacon to find your tent at night. Turn it off when you get back to the tent.



10. Bring your own supply of ibuprofen. And please don’t give any to me. The medical tent has only a limited supply and can run out. The chances are you will need some so bring a big bottle. If you are allergic to anti-inflammatory’s like me, then you might want to get use to icing, you can also try a few of the herbal remedies like arnica.



11. Coffee/french press. Coffee in camp is awful (on purpose - its a diuretic and really bad for dehydration). However, if like Julie Brown, you can't live with out your Peets, then bring your own.

also...check out the thread here:

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=3435&highlight=packing

[DeniseGoldberg]

I don't know if it would help you to see the list of stuff I take on a self-contained tour. Obviously you don't have the same weight concerns since you're not taking your stuff on the bike with you. But some of my thoughts might be helpful anyway.

If you're interested, I put together an article that is essentially my packing list. You can find it at http://denisepacks.crazyguyonabike.com.

Happy dreaming, and have a great trip!

--- Denise

[SadieKate]

Gear isn't always enough weight depending on the wind conditions. If Trek had been with us in the Canyonlands last week, she'd still be down in the Maze hunting for all her belongings.:p

Sand/rock anchors are cheap and work extremely well, assuming you have rocks or something to use for additional weight.
http://www.mountaingear.com/pages/product/product.asp/imanf/Mountain+Hardwear/idesc/Snow+and+Sand+Anchor+%2D+4+pack/Store/MG/item/531252/level3_id/0/level1_id/0/level2_id/0/N/948%204294967278

I am a big advocate of semi-rectangular bags for comfort. Mummies can be very constricting and are really only useful when you need to minimize weight and dead air space. For our supported tours, we use Big Agnes Yampa bags. 40 degrees, down and the 2" thick BA self-inflating pad slips into the bottom so the bag doesn't rotate with you as you change positions. If you have the space for your big ole bag and it works for the temps you'll be in, it would probably be fine, just beware it may take up more space than you allowed. We also use cotton/silk liner sheets so the nasty polyester isn't against our skin and they add a couple degrees of warmth.

A couple extra carrabiners can come in handy, are versatile and are more secure than clothes pins. I use a pair to keep sandals clipped to my day bag so they're handy without having to dig into my luggage. However, I go on small tours of 7-10 people so dangling stuff from luggage isn't an issue.

A laundry line with pre-installed clips and hooks can be strung between poles. A folding wash bucket.

Headlamp like a Petzl Tika or a flashlight that converts to a lantern.

www.campmore.com and www.sierratradingpost.com will both have stuff at good prices.

[Kimmyt]

Let me add some advice, this is from a frequent camper (though I've never done a bike-trek)



1. Tent pegs. It gets windy at sunset, and as a result you will see tents blowing around a lot. Bring 4, you will appreciate having them.

Editors note-I have never brought tent pegs. Just find your luggage, and tent, roll the tent out, unzip the door and ...throw your bag inside. The weight of the bags will keep your tent from flying away. DO NOT put up your tent and then go get the bags. :) Now back to Ben's tips.

I would highly advise against the 'bag in the tent' trick to weigh it down. Although, come to think of it, you'll just be setting up camp and going to sleep, so it's not like your tent will be untended. Most tents will come with pegs, but they will almost all be cheap aluminum ones. Pay a few extra bucks and get the heavy duty ones that won't bend when you hit a small rock. You can find them at REI or even at Target or Walmart in the camping section. Another good idea is four lengths of cord to tie your tent to. If you buy a decent tent that has a rainfly, you can use the cord to tie the rainfly or the tent poles to trees, bumpers of cars, rocks, etc. in the instance you can't use a stake. I always use them, ever since I was camping in the desert once and the wind got so strong that it blew my rainfly right off my tent, and I had to jump out of my tent buck naked in the full moon (both kinds, I guess!) and run after it.



2. Don’t zip your tent closed all the way. If the dew point is higher than the minimum temperature, then it will cause a huge amount of condensation and all your stuff will get wet and then have to be packed wet. If you get back to camp late you might not have enough time to dry your sleeping bag out and there is nothing worse than sleeping in a wet sleeping bag (trust me I made this mistake in my first year), the answer to this is not to zip your tent shut so as to get some ventillation.

Or to buy a halfway decent tent. Most tents you buy outside of the crappy ones at Wallyworld will be made for ventilation. You can adjust the vents and you can also sleep without the fly on to maximize ventilation if the night is warm and dry enough. Specifically look at tents made for backpacking. Don't think that means expensive. Eureka makes some mighty fine tents for sub $200. (both those that you mentioned will work and will fit two sleepers snugly). A good rainfly that comes down to the ground on all sides allows for a much more waterproof nights' sleep if you are in an area that may get rain while you are on your trek. Most tents will not come with a footprint (that is a tarplike thing that goes under the tent to keep it from getting mired in mud/more waterproof, etc. You can buy one that matches your tent for $30 more or you can use a cheapo tarp. Or you can go without and hope you don't get a puddle under your bottom.



3. Camping towel. These are very useful as they dry quickly. [/b]

Yes. These things absorb water like no-ones business. If yoiu will be showering during your trek, invest in one. If you won't be showering, I find that a pack of baby wipes is might fine. Wipe yourself down morning and evening and put the used wipes in a ziplock baggy to dispose of properly.

[quote]goose down coats[/quotes]

You can get these on sale right now at outdoor retailers, as it is getting warmer. REI has a men's and women's model in their outlet center right now.

[quote]6. Get a camp mat. I’d recommend a thermarest as they are very comfortable (as sleeping on the floor goes) and self-inflating – but anything that raises you off the ground will do. The floor gets very cold at night. If you do have a thermarest, you might want to consider the chair kits. If you are at your tent there is no where to sit with a back rest and so these things come in handy.

Definitely get a mat. The earth will suck all the heat out of your body as you sleep if you don't. Thermarest makes good ones, but I have found that after sleeping for some time on mats that nothing keeps me warmer than an air mat. The small backpacking kind. They roll just as small as many foam-cell pads, however they are more expensive.




7. Make sure you have a torch (I mean flashlight). If using porta-potties for a week was not bad enough, there are people in this world who seem incapable of using them correctly. When you’re desperate to go in the middle of the night you really want to know whether you have been unfortunate enough to choose one that has been used by such a person sooner rather than later. Torches are a must – don’t go to the bathroom without one.

Screw flashlights. Get a headlamp. They are lighter weight, brighter, smaller, and allow you to do things hands-free. You can get them for under $30 and the lights last ages. Good ones are made by Petzl and can be found at any outdoor retailer. Just remember not to talk to someone while you are wearing yours because you will blind them and they will hate you forever.

:)

Have fun!

[Dianyla]

Good ones are made by Petzl and can be found at any outdoor retailer. Just remember not to talk to someone while you are wearing yours because you will blind them and they will hate you forever.
I have one by petzl that has a little flip-up red lens window that makes for much friendlier light in the tent and around people. Also, if you get one with a ratcheting adjustment you can angle it out of the way easily.

[KabyMom]

Wow! Thanks for all the great replies!

I've got shopping lists at both REI.com and campmor.com just about ready to go. I don't really have anywhere locally to purchase good camping equipment so it's online shopping for me.

Can't decide on a tent.... I'm looking at Eureka Mountain Pass 2XT, Eureka Pinnacle Pass 2XTA, REI Clipper (on Ebay), Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight 2. The Eurekas on campmor.com are a little less expensive than the Flashlight but I keep reading what a great little tent it is. The Clipper looks like a nice tent too....$109 + $19 shipping on Ebay. Any input on these?

[DeniseGoldberg]

...Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight 2. The Eurekas on campmor.com are a little less expensive than the Flashlight but I keep reading what a great little tent it is. ...Any input on these?
I have a SD Clip Flashlight2, and you're right, it is a sweet tent. I've been very happy with it in both dry and wet weather.

--- Denise

[Hammer]

Hey Kabymom,

Have you read the Tour de Kota Forum at the Argus Leader site? Someone started a thread on what to bring based on last year... though the ladies here are much more thorough! :) And not many people are posting to it... I would think it would scroll a little faster.

http://www.argusleaderonline.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=258

Summary: Ear Plugs to drown out potential snorers... Tylenol PM... other stuff seemed to be run of the mill... oh yeah, a few people stay in local hotels.

On camping: I've heard that cot tents are an alright deal

[tamara_69]

We camp lots with our kids, and my DH camps with the Boy Scouts. In our experience, a 2-man tent is great for one guy and his backpack, and a 3-man would be better for 2 people with gear. Also, for a tarp to put under it, you can't beat Costco. Two really great ones (ugly blue) for about $15. The quality for price is unbelievable.

Good luck!

[yellow]

Can't decide on a tent.... I'm looking at Eureka Mountain Pass 2XT, Eureka Pinnacle Pass 2XTA, REI Clipper (on Ebay), Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight 2. The Eurekas on campmor.com are a little less expensive than the Flashlight but I keep reading what a great little tent it is. The Clipper looks like a nice tent too....$109 + $19 shipping on Ebay. Any input on these?
Re: tents...I always prefer tents that can be freestanding (that is, it's not necessary to stake them in order to put them up). They are typically (though not always!) easier and faster to put up and you can unstake and move the tent around if you need to. They should be staked even though they are freestanding, for the reason SK mentions above (bye-bye gear!). I also hate tents that you have to slide the pole through a sleeve to put it up. I want to be able to put my tent up fast in the event of bad weather.

Another thing to consider: it's really nice to have 2 doors!

We have both Eureka and Sierra Designs tents (I think we have 5 tents total plus a couple of bivy sacks!). I have complaints about all of them (!), but like both brands well enough. Can't go wrong with either, I'd think.

[Barb]

I have a eurika back country 2. Really a good tent. I am taking it on my 6 day in Michigan. Here are the other must haves for me:

shower shoes
ear plugs
ibuprofen (or tylenol pm ..zzzzzz!)
I am also bringing icy hot. Sure it smells but ohhh the relief!

I got my self inflating mattress from cabela's. It's sort of heavy, but well worth it. It blows up to about 1.5 inches and has foam in it.