Well, I am excited about taking another trip, and I can't stop thinking about the logistics. A trip to the gear store to see about the warranty on my camp chair, and to buy a new gadget, only served to stoke the fire. Two of the most important things when we travel are our accommodations and meal preparation. Sleeping well is an important part of traveling happily and, more importantly, safely. Preparing our own meals makes for fresh unprocessed foods, and it cuts down on expenses when you make your own food compared to eating out. If you are properly prepared both are easily accomplished.

   

     When we first started traveling on our motorcycles, we used my backpacking equipment. It is lightweight, compact, and durable. Our accommodations were a two person three season tent, two inflatable sleeping pads, and two zero degree sleeping bags. We used the tarps for covering our gear on the road as a ground cloth for the tent, and we had a small vestibule for our travel bags. We were comfortable, and we managed to stay dry through some pretty intense evening rainstorms. It was on our honeymoon trip to the north rim of the Grand Canyon that the idea of upgrading came to mind. We were camping with some friends that drove their pickup truck, and during a heavy downpour we all sat in their tent's vestibule (in our chairs with a small table) and played cards. After realizing that we could not really both sit up at the same time in our small tent, changing clothes while laying down was a pain in the neck (sometimes literally), and we were riding motorcycles and not backpacking, we decided to upgrade our accommodations.

     We traveled with this setup for about two and a half years. It is a four person tent with a large vestibule, which made for plenty of room for us and our gear. We still used the backpacking sleeping pads to save on room and weight. We even rode out an intense thunderstorm in Grants, NM one night, eating a cold dinner because it was just to windy and rainy to cook safely with the gas stove. After a failed warranty repair, our gear store gave us a credit for the tent (If you are curious about brand names, leave a comment, and I will get back to you as soon as I can), and we have upgraded again. It is still a four person tent, but with an added vestibule (garage). We have also upgraded to a queen size air mattress that we inflate with a 12 volt air pump. We also bought a footprint for the tent to replace the tarp we used to carry. It is easier to set up, and takes up less space. In the end, the 15 pounds of gear we gained makes for a much better sleeping experience.

     Our camp kitchen is also based on the backpacking equipment from the good old days. Fortunately we are using the 20 year old stove to make for good new days as well. I have rebuilt the white gas camp stove once, with a kit from the manufacturer. In a pinch, the stove will also run on unleaded gasoline, but I am afraid of the potential smell and/or taste that might impart to the food. White gas travels well, burns clean, and can be purchased at most outdoor gear suppliers and hardware stores. I was even able to buy a quart at a store in Yellowstone National Park on our last trip. Another advantage is using refillable gas containers and reducing the waste of disposable fuel canisters. White gas stoves take a bit of getting used to, as there is a priming burn to deal with, but once you are practiced, it makes the most sense. Coleman fuel is around $15.00 for a gallon, and I have never used more than a half gallon on a month long trip. 

     We also carry a backpacking pot and pan kit, folding bowls, thin flexible cutting boards, a small kitchen knife, metal collapsable roasting sticks, a coffee press, two small insulated coffee cups, 40 oz water bottles, a two gallon collapsable water bladder, and more. Everything nests within everything else, and it all fits in an oval shaped dry bag in a package about 16in wide x 8in thick x 16in tall. I also carry a cooler that can fit our daily needs plus a 7 lb bag of cubed or a block of ice. Carrying eggs can be a pain, so we are going to try cracking them into a small sealed container and using scrambled eggs for breakfast. I will be sure to post examples and pictures on our upcoming trip. I will also discuss the end of the travel day shopping trip and how to shop for meals for two people.

     I could go on and on about every little aspect of our trips, and I will be sure and do so as we travel.    

If you have any insights, suggestions, or questions, feel free to comment. I will get back to you as soon as I can. In the mean time, remember an adventure is only a thought away.

     Hi All. I have spent years honing my ability to travel carrying everything I need in a backpack and later on my motorcycle. Two themes have emerged from the experience. One is the ability travel lightly, and the other is to be able to do it on the cheap. Everyone should take the time to travel, unwind, and not worry about breaking the bank to make it happen. I hope to share my experience making all three happen, in order for you to do so as well. Sit down, hold on, and get ready for a ride you will not forget.

     I learned early on in my backpacking experiences what was extraneous and what was essential. When carrying everything you own on your back, it is easy to understand that every ounce matters. After every backpacking trip I thought more and more about what I could do without. Winter camping required at least a three season tent where I camped. A good cook stove was also important, and I still think white gas trumps other fuel sources. Of course you need a good mess kit, with a pot, pan, a bowl or plate, drinking cup, utensils, some way of making coffee, and so on. An appropriate weight sleeping bag and sleeping pad are also important, as is the means to carry all of the equipment while keeping it dry and ready to use. As you can see, the list can grow quickly. Understanding the bare essentials can be understood through recommendations, however experience is the best teacher when it comes to what to carry. Weight allowances also change with the means of travel. I pared my summer backpacking load to 25 pounds or less, but I can carry a bit more on the motorcycle. And of course I could carry even more if I were to go camping in my car. The point is, the simpler, the better, There is no reason to make a relaxing escape more complicated than it needs to be.
 

     Cost is the main consideration in deciding on what type of trip to take when you have some free time. I have to preface the whole experience with the understanding that there is an initial investment in equipment. Backpacking and camping in general both require buying the basic camping supplies. A tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, flashlights/headlamps, cooler, cooking stove/pots, camp chairs, water containers, and so on. There are many things that make the difference between surviving, camping comfortably, and realizing you have overburdened yourself to the point of discomfort. Start simply, and you will figure out what suits your style and means of travel over time. Basic camping necessities (for two) will cost between $300-500. This will get you on the road. Other options include travel trailers or recreational vehicles, which can add considerable initial and residual costs to your travels. I will stick to the idea of tent camping. After that the cost is the combination of gas, food, and lodging. A National Parks Pass will save a bundle, as will a membership to a national camping chain or motel chain.

     The first thing we all have to do for a road trip is fuel up. For my calculations of trip costs, I am assuming starting with a full tank of gas and all of the basic necessities for the trip. This includes the vehicles, gear, and related costs. I have to add, we pay $80 for an annual National Parks Pass (which saves us a bundle, and if you are over 65 or a veteran, it is free or only $10 for a lifetime pass). After the initial leaving town stop, all fuel, lodging, food, and incidental costs should be accounted for. My wife and I both ride our own motorcycles, and I account for the fuel for both during our trips. So far, we have been able to travel for under $100 per day on our trips, including fuel, lodging, and food.

     We are going to stay in Visalia, CA at our regular national camping chain and visit Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Forest on a four night trip. We will leave Sparks, NV on Monday, October 3rd, and return home on Friday, October 7th. Five days on the road, and under $500. I will post the trip, show the costs, and give tips on how to make it happen. I already booked the campsite for four nights. We will have power and water available at our tent camping site for $127.92 for the trip (we saved 10% with our membership to the national camping chain, and we earned some points toward some free camping). So far, that is $31.92 per night (for four nights), or $25.58 per day for the five days of travel.

     Stay tuned for the play by play starting October 3rd...