Camping

[captainhook455]

If you don't clean your cookware properly then you will spend some time squatting in the woods. Be careful not to use poison ivy leaves to wipe your butt.

[bbro]

@glatt - I am getting new boots. I'll be hiking in the mountains in January, so I need them soon. I think the GPS would be helpful even if I am just hiking and I plan to do that regardless if I continue camping. I agree with the cost. I don't have to wait until fall, I suppose. I was looking for something to do to relax in April after a long training schedule, so I was thinking of trying then. I am looking at classes at REI, but some of those cost $70+ without any equipment cost.

@lumberjim - I will keep those in mind - thanks!

@Gravdigr - that's a good idea. I can look for one of those......I've gotten lost in a trailed park before. It's easy to lose the trail in the leaves!!

@monster - this isn't my first time in the woods, ever. I hike regularly.

@Pamela - sorry, that sucks

@Clodfobble - I always let someone know when I am hiking on the mountain trails far from home. At the local trails, there is constant cell service. I make sure to research the parks I hike at. There's one that will send out search and rescue if your car is still in the lot at closing, so they have suggestions on information to leave. I would do the same with camping. I think with camping, I have to check in and out with the rangers, so they would definitely know. I was even thinking of seeing if there was a GPS that someone could follow online.

@captainhook - I can buy biodegradable toilet paper - poison ivy threat REMOVED!

[monster]

sorry I offended by not being clear, I was talking about the camping, not the hiking. I wish you all he best whatever you decide

[glatt]

You seem pretty adamant about a GPS, and that's cool. It's your choice. You might want to check out apps for your phone first, because there are a handful of hiking GPS apps out there. An Anker battery charger to keep your phone topped off is a lot cheaper than a GPS unit. You download the maps to your phone, and then you don't even need a cell signal because the GPS will work without it if you have the maps on your phone.



tldr of the video is some good apps are:
Guthook's Hiking Guide
Gaia
Google Maps
All Trails

[bbro]

@monster - there was no offense. It just seemed like the assumption was there that I hadn't ever entered the woods. I appreciate the input, I just wanted to clarify

@glatt - Do you think it's not necessary on solo hikes? I've been doing longer mountain hikes lately and want to continue regardless of camping future. I figured it was something I could use that would help people find me, but I wasn't sure. I was going to do more research. There are some that can send out an SOS signal.

I used runkeeper last time and my phone barely (I accidentally shut it off near the end) lasted the entire hike which is why I was thinking of a dedicated GPS. Do you think these apps will still work without data and wifi? I think if I turn those off, I can squeeze some more battery out if it. How do you download the maps? Does that just come with the apps?

[glatt]

I've never used the apps, but my understanding of them is that you download the maps from the app (paid) and then you can turn off the cell signal and wifi to save batteries. You turn on GPS only, and the GPS tracks you in the downloaded map on the phone. There is no SOS feature.

I'd be curious to know how the GPS units you are talking about send an SOS. Do they use satellite phones? I've heard of the inReach. My sister has one of those that she uses when she and her partner are hundred of miles from the nearest road. It lets you send text messages for like a buck a text, using satellite service.

[bbro]

@glatt - I'll see if I can find it again and post it here.

[bbro]

Here it is. It's on this list
Direct to specific GPS link


There's another on this list that's more expensive
Direct to specific GPS link

This is the best "budget" one on both lists with no SOS option, but not a bad base model. Definitely more expensive than apps and a charger, though

[bbro]

Yea, I know I am moving fast, but I am excited....and bored at work. I looked at the campsites more and I think I can get away with spending approx $60 in equipment to give it a try. *This doesn't include the boots because I am getting them regardless of camping)

Here's a list of the amenities and the other one is similar in that it has fresh water, fire pits, and grill

• Site Type: Campsite Non-Electric
• Site Reserve Type: Site-Specific
• Checkin Time: 4:00 pm
• Checkout Time: 3:00 pm
• Type of Use: Overnight
• Min Num of People: 1
• Max Num of People: 6
• Pets Allowed: Y
• Min Num of Vehicles: 1
• Max Num of Vehicles: 2
• Driveway Grade: Moderate
• Driveway Length: 20
• Max Vehicle Length: 20
• Shade: Partial
• Tent Pad Length: 14
• Tent Pad Width: 14
• Capacity/Size Rating: Single
• Tent Pad: Y
• Campfire Allowed: Y
• Fire Pit: Y
• Grills: Y
• Looking For Category: Tent Site
• Picnic Table: Y
• Quiet Area: Y
• Distance to Body of Water: 6864
• Driveway Width: 15
• Parking Lot Surface: Gravel
• Proximity to Drinking Water: 105
• Site Access: Drive-In
• Site Surface: Gravel
• Tent Only: Y

I found some items on the cheaper side on Amazon
Charger (Per lumberjim's suggestion)
Sleeping Bag (Since both sites are drive up, I can pack extra blankets for "just in case")
Sleeping Pad
Tent (On back order, but the assumption is that it will be here soonish - couple months. If not, I'll look some more. I am assuming it is so cheap cause it's ugly.)

I won't need a stove because there's a grill. I don't need dishes because I'll have a car. I don't need water purifier because there's potable water onsite. I think with these, I can comfortably go in the Spring instead of waiting all year. Plus, since they are both drive up, if I need anything, I can go out and get it.

Thoughts?

[limey]

Looks to me like a reasonable starting point. I echo the remark that it is Very Edumacational taking a sly look at everyone else’s rig out at a site.


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[glatt]

Yes. Sly is important. You aren't gawking.

That pad looks pretty bad. So does the sleeping bag. I would skip the sleeping bag, use blankets instead for free from home, and take the money you save from the sleeping bag and buy a Thermarest solid foam pad like this one.

A sleeping bag should have a temperature rating to give you an idea of what it can do for you. This one does not. You have no idea how warm it will be.

The tent looks OK and the charger too, especially if LJ has used it and vouches for it. Although having the crank gives it a little more weight if you ever plan to backpack.

[lumberjim]

I've not used it, but I gave one to Spencer last year and it worked for him.

[bbro]

@glatt - I thought the bag did have a temp rating - good catch. Thanks! I was also looking at these two. Wouldn't a blanket let in a breeze? Or expose me to buggies? Maybe I can hold it together using binder clips for the time being.

@lumberjim - it's not expensive. I can give it a shot.

I also realize I forgot a damn lantern!!

Maybe this one? Or this one?

[glatt]

Originally Posted by bbro

Wouldn't a blanket let in a breeze? Or expose me to buggies? Maybe I can hold it together using binder clips for the time being.

There isn't much of a breeze in a tent. I have a sleeping bag and I usually unzip it and use it as a blanket unless it's really cold. And a trendy thing in backpacking these days is to get a quilt instead of a sleeping bag. Lighter, compresses more, and with a pad underneath it keeps you warm. The reason I suggested blankets to you is that you already own them. Save some money until you figure things out.

If you have your heart set on getting a sleeping bag, that Coleman Palmetto you linked to looks like the best one you have posted.

[bbro]

Originally Posted by glatt

There isn't much of a breeze in a tent. I have a sleeping bag and I usually unzip it and use it as a blanket unless it's really cold. And a trendy thing in backpacking these days is to get a quilt instead of a sleeping bag. Lighter, compresses more, and with a pad underneath it keeps you warm. The reason I suggested blankets to you is that you already own them. Save some money until you figure things out.

If you have your heart set on getting a sleeping bag, that Coleman Palmetto you linked to looks like the best one you have posted.

I can do just a blanket for now. My first reservation is in April, so I don't need to worry about it being too cold. It's in the 40s and 50s at night then. Do you usually take pillows with you?