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Your thoughts on Tents, Sleeping Bags, Pads and Pillows

N

nelliott

Cowboyatheart
I haven't camped since my early 20's, now 55 heading quickly to 56 and am toying with the idea of good gear (yikes 2 grand to get it all just to sleep; yes I'm Canadian with Canadian $ so what do you expect when our $ is so low a snake could slither over it and not notice!).

I remember two things I did not like about camping:
1) couldn't stand up in a tent (that was small enough to pack and not weigh 400 lbs (canvas) and
2) sleeping on the crappy blow-up mattress pads.

It seems advances in technology have overcome these main issues :)

So I have been reading and researching....

Anyone use Nemo Products (Tents, Sleeping Bags, Pillows or pads)? Their sleeping bags, like Big Agnes, come with an attached slot for the sleeping pad.

I have read, in ADVRider, good reviews on their Tents, Sleeping Bags, pads and pillows...what are your experiences?

http://www.nemoequipment.com


Or Western Mountaineering also seem to get top rated reviews for their bags..(in BC Mountain Equipment Coop is the king of outdoor hiking and backpacking gear...http://www.mec.ca/Main/home.jsp)

mother site is : http://www.westernmountaineering.com

There is this post on this forum on sleeping bags, but no one was responding to my broader questions, I was not the OP; and it was kind of a highjack, here is the link to that thread http://forums.bmwmoa.org/showthread.php?84159-Sleeping-bag


And as far as tents go, aside from Nemo Tents, I see that the Hilleberg are top rated...(even though you can't stand up in them...and very expensive)

http://us.hilleberg.com/EN/

Or the larger, non double walled, but stand up in the Redverz seem to be getting lots of attention (warranted or not - I have no idea): http://redverz.com

What are YOUR Experiences and Thoughts?

Since not everyone adds links to the items they talk about below, I am editing this post to add some of links (watch out, some are Canadian sites, so you will have to switch to USA)

Nemo
http://www.nemoequipment.com

Western Mountaineering
http://www.westernmountaineering.com

Hilleberg
http://us.hilleberg.com/EN/

Eureka
http://www.eurekatentscanada.com/products/view/496?s=section_4

Marmot
http://marmot.com/products/equipment

Exped
http://www.exped.com/canada/en/products

Thermarest Pad
http://www.mec.ca/shop/therm-a-rest...aoTkhCkw8AnRK5K4MNWb2FNuB0czs8vxyEaAqqm8P8HAQ

CoolMax Sleeping Bag Liner

http://www.amazon.com/Sea-Summit-Ad...57&sr=8-1&keywords=sleeping+bag+liner+coolmax

http://www.rei.com/product/797111/sea-to-summit-coolmax-adaptor-liner-mummy

MEC
http://www.mec.ca/shop/camping/50130/

Redverz
http://redverz.com

REI
http://www.rei.com/h/camping-and-hiking

Big Agnes
https://www.bigagnes.com

Warbonnet
http://www.warbonnetoutdoors.com

Kermit Chair
http://www.kermitchair.com/photo_gallery/2010/07/08/delivery-in-canada.177632

Joey Chair - a third party link, not the mothership
http://travelchair.com/products/joey-chair-model-7808

Cabelas
http://www.cabelas.ca/category/tent-accessories/1358

MSR Dragon Fly Stove
http://www.mec.ca/product/5001-339/msr-dragonfly-stove/?h=10+4294966816+50052&f=10+4294966816

Primus Stove
http://primuscamping.com

GSI Pinnacle Camper Cook Set
http://www.mec.ca/product/5027-617/gsi-pinnacle-backpacker-cookware/

Sea to Summit Bowls and cups
http://www.seatosummit.com/camp-kitchen/

GoalZero Light
http://www.goalzero.com

Black Diamond Apollo Lantern
http://blackdiamondequipment.com/en...d1wSB_RHux8eHtACMchnnsxYLKvP-df264aAg1g8P8HAQ
 
Last edited:
Backpacking gear works great for motorcycle camping and it has indeed made dramatic improvements since the old days of canvas tents and aluminum exterior frame packs. Nemo makes awesome gear, although the only piece I have is their blow up pillow (very comfortable, BTW). I agree their tents get great write-ups, although when I've looked that them in the past they tend to be on the small size (their 2 person tent is about the same size as most mfg. 1 person).

I do a considerable amount of summer motorcycle camping and winter ski mountaineering camping. My gear includes:

1. Big Agnes Ranger down sleeping bag. I've dragged this thing all over the Cascades and it is still very warm and has held up very well. Like you mention, it has the sleeve for your sleeping pad which ensures you wake up on the pad. :) Being down, it packs down quite small.

2. Exped Down Sleeping Pad- Not cheap, but very, very comfortable and very, very warm. While this is not as important for motorcycle camping, it packs down to about the size of a Nalgene water bottle, which is very nice for ski mountaineering.

3. Big Agnes Copper Spur 2 person tent- can you tell I like Big Agnes gear? Ha! Again, it's been very durable, light weight, it's quick and easy to erect and it has great ventilation. I've been through a few big storms with it and it has stayed completely dry. It also has a small vestibule to store gear out of the elements.

4. Kermit Chair- kinda the gold standard for BMW touring. It's very comfortable, but there are other choices that are much lighter and just as comfortable.

5. Primus Stove- comes nested in a pot with a lid that does double duty has a frying pan. Very compact, heats up quickly and has it's own piezo starter.

6. Black Diamond Apollo Lantern- nice little light to keeps things illuminated when the sun goes down.

7. Sea to Summit Bowls/Cups- these are made from food grade silicone, are collapsable and take very little room to pack (I'm able to pack them in the Primus pot along with the stove). Being food grade silicone, they do not leave any kind of after taste. They also have a rugged nylon base, which can double as a cutting board.


Those are just a few basics I've had very good luck with. Hope this helps and good luck with your shopping!
 
larrygregerson said:
Backpacking gear works great for motorcycle camping and it has indeed made dramatic improvements since the old days of canvas tents and aluminum exterior frame packs. Nemo makes awesome gear, although the only piece I have is their blow up pillow (very comfortable, BTW). I agree their tents get great write-ups, although when I've looked that them in the past they tend to be on the small size (their 2 person tent is about the same size as most mfg. 1 person).

I do a considerable amount of summer motorcycle camping and winter ski mountaineering camping. My gear includes:

1. Big Agnes Ranger down sleeping bag. I've dragged this thing all over the Cascades and it is still very warm and has held up very well. Like you mention, it has the sleeve for your sleeping pad which ensures you wake up on the pad. :) Being down, it packs down quite small.

2. Exped Down Sleeping Pad- Not cheap, but very, very comfortable and very, very warm. While this is not as important for motorcycle camping, it packs down to about the size of a Nalgene water bottle, which is very nice for ski mountaineering.

3. Big Agnes Copper Spur 2 person tent- can you tell I like Big Agnes gear? Ha! Again, it's been very durable, light weight, it's quick and easy to erect and it has great ventilation. I've been through a few big storms with it and it has stayed completely dry. It also has a small vestibule to store gear out of the elements.

4. Kermit Chair- kinda the gold standard for BMW touring. It's very comfortable, but there are other choices that are much lighter and just as comfortable.

5. Primus Stove- comes nested in a pot with a lid that does double duty has a frying pan. Very compact, heats up quickly and has it's own piezo starter.

6. Black Diamond Apollo Lantern- nice little light to keeps things illuminated when the sun goes down.

7. Sea to Summit Bowls/Cups- these are made from food grade silicone, are collapsable and take very little room to pack (I'm able to pack them in the Primus pot along with the stove). Being food grade silicone, they do not leave any kind of after taste. They also have a rugged nylon base, which can double as a cutting board.


Those are just a few basics I've had very good luck with. Hope this helps and good luck with your shopping!
Click to expand...

Thank you. This is great info.
 
+1 on the exped. Used one for an Alaska trip and it was great. I see you are from Canada so MEC has some good tents. I use one of their name brand ones for a couple years with no issue but have heard good reviews on the Big Agnes also. A tent with a nice size vestibule to store your gear is nice. My rule of thumb for tent size is to get one bigger than you plan to use. ie if you are a solo traveler get a 2 man and if travelling as a couple get a 3 man etc

The Hilleberg tents are probably the best but yes very pricey. You say you were a bit adverse to camping so maybe a less pricey option tent is a place to start.

As far as the Redvez, i don't get the "garage" thing but being able to stand up and use it as a place to store gear, change and get dressed would be nice. The price of those for motorcyle travel is the size and weight along with the size of the foot print to set it up on level ground.
 
This is a very good thread and ALMOST makes me want to start camping again. :) Everyone else always looks so cozy and organized, but I can never seem to "get my nest made", never sleep good, and have to p every 10 min. However, I do enjoy being outdoors, so not sure why I hate it. The posts here have been very good concerning camping gear. :thumb
 
+2 on the Exped. No more chilled backsides for me! Ditto on the Kermit chair - awkward to pack but worth its weight when you get where you're going!

I use a Nemo Losi 3P tent and have been extremely satisfied with the design and construction. I went with the three person tent because Barley used to claw my back in his dreams; with the 3P I could put my riding gear between us and wake up unwounded in the morning.

I use a solar powered inflatable (collapsible) light inside the tent as it stores flat, puts out plenty of light, and doesn't require me to carry batteries. I also carry one of those small LED headlamps so my hands are free when loading up in the dark, etc. With solar powered iPhone and tablet rechargers getting down into the $60 range I'll probably add one of those to the mix as well. I didn't use to take the tablet but with darkness lasting so much longer than I can sleep I find Kindle books very entertaining and they pack way smaller than the paper variety.

Pete
 
I spent 31 years in the Army. I don't go "camping" anymore. I might stay in a cabin with bunk beds but even that is highly unlikely. :)
 
Hi nelliott,

Hey, the sleeping bag thread is still going strong. Not sure what your specific questions are? You might jump in there and ask if someone has not answered?

You and I are pretty close to the same age. I use to camp a lot. I have two sons that are Eagle Scouts and camping as a family is what we did for vacation. I have a pretty bad lower back and surgery is going to be in my future. Because of my back, I quit tent camping and started RVing with my wife. No more hard ground for me. Then at age 50, I started motorcycling. Then I got the crazy idea to ride and camp. I started off with my old back pack tent. Crawling in and out was a dumb idea for my back. I own a 10X10 single wall Cabela's Outback tent. I have made two trips with it. You can stand in the middle. Packed size fits great on the bike. Fantastic tent. I can put it up by myself easily. However, the 12 stakeout ropes are a pain in the butt. It is not self supporting. Great tent if you plan on staying for a while or have another person helping. Not if you are on the move daily. I am looking for a replacement. The new one must be tall enough to stand in, one person set up and preferably free standing. Oh ya, it has to stand up to wind, rain and snow.

As you have noticed, there are many different choices. When it comes to my sleeping bag and tent, I try to buy as much quality as I can afford for the use I am giving it. I do short 3-5 day trips to the Sierra Nevada Mt's. I have been caught in weather that was not predicted when I left home. 2 things I want more than anything: 1. I want my shelter to be adequate for the worst conditions I will be in 2. I want to stay warm when I sleep. All of my older not so fancy gear works fine for now.

For me, rediscovering camping (with some limitations) has been fun. I am adjusting some of my equipment to meet my needs. Tent and sleeping bag are on the top of my replacement list.

John
 
Hi John, you said "Hey, the sleeping bag thread is still going strong. Not sure what your specific questions are? You might jump in there and ask if someone has not answered?"

Yes I know that sticking by thread is going strong and I am watching it. You will note I put a link to that thread in the very first post here.. I had originally posted my questions above in that thread, but it was kind of like hijacking, given I was asking for information on a much broader topic. In addition, given the name of that thread, people that know something about tense or pillows or pads might not read it, nor contribute. So I thought I'd better post a separate thread with the link to the sleeping bags thread.

The information being provided above here is really great, and I very much appreciate it. As a note, I too have lower back issues due to a car accident when I was 18. It's amazing how many great things there are about getting old, but how many things suck :) as well.
 
Hi Nelliott,

I guess I missed the link. Glad you are getting the information you are after.

Ya, it sucks getting older with some medical issues. I have a standby team ready to come and get me if my back goes out on me. The truck and trailer is at home ready to go. So far, they have not been dispatched.

Good luck to you sir,

John
 
36654 said:
You've been smart for this long, why stop? Cheap Hotel:)
Click to expand...

Good question. I want to retire when I make 65 yrs old (or sooner if possible) so I must economize and save more money.
Or not retire.
or not travel.

hmmmm. I like to travel, and I would love to retire today, if I could, but I can't, so lottery ticket and economize seem to be my only choices. Other suggestions?
 
gfspencer said:
I spent 31 years in the Army. I don't go "camping" anymore. I might stay in a cabin with bunk beds but even that is highly unlikely. :)
Click to expand...

22 years active duty... 30 years total. 4 years 9 months in ranger battalion where camping was defined as laying on the ground for 10 minutes after 48 hours of humping a ruck... Aviation bivouacks... The worst... I guess that's how the regular army camps.

But I will tell you, being in charge of your own camp site... Your own gear selection, when to break camp, when to set up... Camping on your own terms can be... Spiritual and cathartic. I'm looking forwar to my camping trip in Fontana.
 
I would look at as nice a tent as you can buy, as big a tent as you can carry. The tent will be better with a fly (and vestibule). A cheap tarp for the ground under the tent. Sleeping bags, rated for the temp you intend to sleep in. A wool blanket to go inside the sleeping bag for padding and insulation.
For the pillow, depending on space, just a quality pillow case that you can fill with some of your clothing- to suite.
Most good outfitters will have tents set-up, is their an REI in your area? A trip to an event will give you a good look at tents as well. Everyone is different when it comes to tent size. A compact 2 person tent is great for one. A crappy nights sleep seems to haunt all the next day.
OM
 
No matter how good the hotel or tent, the first night not in my bed, is always a ruff night. After the first night... Much better.
 
nelliott said:
Good question. I want to retire when I make 65 yrs old (or sooner if possible) so I must economize and save more money.
Or not retire.
or not travel.

hmmmm. I like to travel, and I would love to retire today, if I could, but I can't, so lottery ticket and economize seem to be my only choices. Other suggestions?
Click to expand...

Considering that you probably look like the rest of us, trying your luck as a traveling Gigolo is probably not the best choice.

Seriously, have you tried craigslist? Post some WTB ads and try SearchTempest. There's lots of camping gear out there in closets and attics. Just look for a name brand.
 
36654 said:
Considering that you probably look like the rest of us, trying your luck as a traveling Gigolo is probably not the best choice.

Seriously, have you tried craigslist? Post some WTB ads and try SearchTempest. There's lots of camping gear out there in closets and attics. Just look for a name brand.
Click to expand...

Well even if the Gigolo thing worked :dance the cost of divorce would far exceed the benefits :)

Good idea on second hand stuff, but first I must have a clear vision of what gear to get.

I would like to read more "good and bad", pros and cons of Redverz tent. I like the fact that one can stand up in it, and I would likely get a ground sheet for the bay too, because my bike can stay outdoors.
So having the extra room for sitting in the dry when it rains is appealing.

I ponder, since it is singled walled, the following:

1. What is the condensation factor like - lots or little or none?
2. How durable is the material, the zipper, the poles?
3. How mosquito, noseeums, and other bug resistant is the sleeping area and the garage bay?
4. Ever find a nice camping spot but not have room to set it up because it is so large?
5. Any issues with set up? in the rain, in the wind, in the dark, in the rainy, windy, dark?
6. Is it a problem to pack on a bike because the bag is so big?
7. Anything else I should be aware of, but don't know enough about camping to ask?

Neil
 
I have a Marmot 3 person tent that works really well for me. Marmot sells a "footprint" for the tent to protect the floor. One of the things I like about this system is that I can set up the fly without the tent by using the footprint (the tent poles connect to the corners of the footprint). If it is raining, I can set up or take down the tent with the fly already set up, this way the tent stays dry. If there are no mosquitoes, I forgo the tent and enjoy the extra "floor" space provided by the vestibules.

i-9QLzKR2-XL.jpg
 
rdalland said:
I have a Marmot 3 person tent that works really well for me. Marmot sells a "footprint" for the tent to protect the floor. One of the things I like about this system is that I can set up the fly without the tent by using the footprint (the tent poles connect to the corners of the footprint). If it is raining, I can set up or take down the tent with the fly already set up, this way the tent stays dry. If there are no mosquitoes, I forgo the tent and enjoy the extra "floor" space provided by the vestibules.

i-9QLzKR2-XL.jpg
Click to expand...

Nice photo!
 
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