I say tent camping is the ONLY way to really camp....sometimes it's a lot of work and setting up, but whenever I look back each trip has been worth it!! I hate to see people in their R.V's watching tv....why not stay home?
I used to be an avid backpacker but the old legs and back don't allow that anymore. DW and I have been using our truck camper for weekends the past two years. She loves it. It's fine with me but I miss the simplicity of being self-sufficient with just what you can carry on your back.
So, motorcycles to the rescue! My son and I are planning an extensive trip to Michigan's Upper Peninsula, carrying what we need on our bikes. At this point in the planning, it seems nearly identical to back-packing. A motorcycle can carry more weight than a person but not a lot more volume, so we're using all backpacking gear, like lightweight tents, backpacking stove, etc. We are also planning on being food self-sufficient for at least ten days, so we'll be taking the usual freeze dried meals.
We'll soon see if this old body can deal with sleeping on a 1 1/2" Thermorest (which is a lot fancier than I carried on my back) directly on the ground instead of a comfy mattress. The pleasure I will get from all the rest that tent camping entails goes without saying.
I enjoy most types of camping. I backpack a few weekends each summer. I go tent camping in the winter. I camp on islands and I car camp in tents. I also own a TT. Each style of camping has plusses and minuses for these 50 yr old bones.
Backpacking: definitely camping. I love the idea of wlking until I'm tired or hungry then finding a place to eat or sleep. The independance is great.
Winter Camping: most of my friends think I'm a lunatic but I love the solitude. I have yet to have someone who said they were coming actually make it on a winter camping trip.
Island Camping: Boston has a wonderful resource in the Boston Harbor Islands National Forest. The Islands are run by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). They are accessable by a "Water Taxi" that cost $12 round trip last year. Camping on the Islands is sort of half way between backpacking and car camping. I bring a garden cart with all my gear on it. The Islands have camp sites and pit toilets but no fresh water or any other services.
Car Camping: Since buying the TT, I haven't done a lot of car camping but it is a gateway drug
The TT: My wife was a Girl Scout Leader for 11 yrs. If I want to have her company, it won't be in a tent She has had her fill. We hike during the day and sit by the fire most nights. The TV usually comes on for the news in the morning over breakfast and when I'm waiting for her to get her butt in gear for hiking
I know I'm not typical, but I really enjoy most types of camping. It's all camping if you get out to the woods and sleep there.
DW and I in our Gulfstream Amerilite 21MB
Chevy Silverado 2500 HD - Duramax Diesel 6.6L - Allison Tranny
"We can categorically state that we have not released man-eating badgers into the area." - Major Mike Shearer - British Army - Basra, Iraq
FP, my riding buddy and I enjoy the motorcycle camping alot. We each have our small tents, I use a Coleman Peak 1 ministove with small gas cartridge - he uses a liquid-fuel stove. I'm eating while he's still getting his cranky stove going. Hehehe.
I use an inflatable air matress, though am thinking of switching to a self-inflating pad. My 'Slime' 12v electric tire pump does a good job of inflation, while I'm erecting my tent.
I have my bike modified with a larger cargo rack, two soft bags under the seat and two plastic boxes hanging off the cargo rack. A pair of tank pannier bags carrying my canteens & maps. I'm currently trying a bladder-pack too. I can easily load for a long weekend - ten days would be more tricky for packing!
I sometimes like to get into the woods locally too, as my bike is off-road capable. I can motor deep into the trees out of view of the roads & trails. I love the solitude.
I'd love to see a picture of your bike loaded and ready to go. I've got a large seatbag, a medium tankbag, and hard sidecases. I also have a tailbag but am not sure it will fit on the smallish luggage rack. What won't go inside can always be strapped on top!
I am ASTOUNDED that I used to be able to carry all the gear on my back!
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