Diva:

I was probably lucky, got my hands on a heavily discounted REI mattress 3.5 inches, at $35. They were out of stock this morning, but an order of 5 was cancelled today and I got one of those. So, then that's taken care of. Thanks for offering to help out 

The tent on my list is offered with fibre OR alu poles (more expensive). I think I decided on the fibre poles for price and the fact (?) that they are shorter in the pack. I might be wrong on the length issue though. I will think about your advice about strength and check the pack size measurements.

"Your" bag looks good too, might reconsider.....

Look like good choices all but if I might I'd like to make some suggestions since I've found that camping while on a bike is similar to backcountry camping in that space and weight are serious factors to consider (although on the bike my experience has been that every inch of space or pound saved has meant room for more beers, lol.)

For a tent, check out this Mountain Hardware 2 person / 3 season model.  It's more expensive but 2 1/2 pounds lighter.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/0,1098T_Mountain-Hardwear-Skypoint-2-Tent-2-Person-3-Season.html
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/0,1098R_Mountain-Hardwear-Skypoint-2-Footprint.html

for a sleeping bag I've been a fan of the NF Cat's Meow for many years.  It's light (2lbs 12ozs for the long version), warm and very compact for a sleeping bag.

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___47923

+11ty billion on Divas comments re dry sacks.  Just because your sleeping bag will still insulate you if it's wet doesn't mean its comfortable wet.


Now that we've talked gear for a few pages why don't you clue us all in to the great trips your planning in the coming year!

My plans are not very specific yet, but I will be able to go 3-400 miles from home, spend the night for free and go back the next morning. Mid summer it's never really pitch dark here (land of the midnight sun). I can ride safely until at least 10 pm and start again at 4 am.

I will report from my trips when time comes. From the capitol Oslo I'll be able to cover the south coast, beaches and beer. Or go west, mountains and twisties. Basically I'll be able to cover all of the southern half of my very long homeland in a two days/one night trip. I hope to do several such trips.

To give you a clue where 300 miles can put me, here are a few pictures from my "touring Norway" thread

Was that 3rd pict taken near Bergen, by chance??

Looks like where I did some hiking around Bergen a few years ago. 

Norway has some beautiful countryside.   

Quote from: DesmoDiva on January 21, 2009, 03:37:16 PM
Was that 3rd pict taken near Bergen, by chance??

Looks like where I did some hiking around Bergen a few years ago. 

Norway has some beautiful countryside.   

The picture is from a peak, Dalsnibba, 5,500 feet south/above Geiranger - a popular stop over for cruise ships.
I would guess about a couple of fjords north of Bergen. Let's say 100+ miles.

Quote from: stopintime on January 21, 2009, 03:25:27 PM

Roads like that make me pitch a tent.

Quote from: stopintime on January 21, 2009, 03:25:27 PM

Gorgeous.   I like the cloud hanging over the lake.....and the switchbacks beside it [moto]

Quote from: BastrdHK on January 24, 2009, 02:29:39 PM
Gorgeous.   I like the cloud hanging over the lake.....and the switchbacks beside it [moto]

In fact that's the innermost part of one of our deepest fjords, it cuts somewhat 100 miles in between mountains.
The road up to the right of the cloud was amazing. I dropped my bags at a hotel and went up there three times, working on my cornering - next day the same thing on the road up to where the picture was taken.

Craigslist can be a good place to find some used gear.  My tent, a Sierra Designs flashlight backpacker's tent, was had for $20, including rain fly and ground cover.

I sleep on a Thermarest Ridgerest, sort of a strong styrofoam roll-up pad.  My only concern about air mattresses and cots is that they don't insulate at all underneath.

I have two sleeping bags--one from Sierra Trading Post rated down to only 35 degrees, the other, new, from REI.  The REI bag is something else: it's women's-specific in extra-long. When the salesman told me they make "boy" and "girl" sleeping bags, I raised an eyebrow and expected something pink with half the stitching for twice the money.  Was I wrong--it was much more comfortable (and it's blue, with no flowers in the design anywhere).

REI online has an outlet where bargains can be found.

+11ty billion on the North Face Cat's Meow.  Mine has a few hundred miles backpacking and god knows how many nights camping on it (or in it).  It does run a bit more but like some have said, a good sleeping bag can make or break your trip, plus I intend to keep this one until it falls apart (whcih will be some time I'm betting).  When my dad and I started looking to buy ours, we went to as many outfitter's shops as we could to "try on" different bags.  You'd be amazed at how much different one brand feels compared to the next.  You're on the taller side right?  I'm 6'4" and the majority of the bags that I tried out weren't nearly long enough to fit in comfortably.  Synthetic is definitely the way to go.  Down is worthless in wet weather.  Also +1 on the garbage bag inside the actual sleeping bag stuff sack.  I've been through a few downpours with just that setup and it works perfectly (provided you have a decent stuff sack for your sleeping bag). 

As far as tents go, have you looked into buying a bivy shelter?  A buddy in college had this one



and it was ridiculously nice.  It doesn't have the upper screen/head bubble that i prefer, but it weighs in at about a pound and a half and as you can see, is totally waterproof.  If you're not planning on camping with other people the single shelter is the way to go, especially for portability.   

As far as where to buy this stuff everyone else has already listed the places I shop, so you should be set.  Craigslist is a good idea, you just have to watch out for stuff people haven't taken care of (not airing out tents, improperly washing sleeping bags, etc).  It took me years to pick up all the stuff I use for camping (mostly due to cost) so don't expect to just buy all at once, unless you really wanna splurge  .

There are several ultra-light solo tents out there that offer a lot more head room and shoulder room than a bivy sack.  Plus it won't give you the claustrophobic feel of being in a cacoon.  See the list of ultra-light solo tent at REI.com

http://www.rei.com/search?cat=4500001_Tents+and+Shelters&cat=4500666&hist=cat%2C4500001_Tents+and+Shelters%3ATents+and+Shelters%5Ecat%2C4500666%3ASolo+Ultralight+Tents

Quote from: stopintime on January 21, 2009, 03:51:15 PM
The picture is from a peak, Dalsnibba, 5,500 feet south/above Geiranger - a popular stop over for cruise ships.
I would guess about a couple of fjords north of Bergen. Let's say 100+ miles.

Great pics.  I was in Norway 4 years ago and loved it.  Can't wait to go back

Hi, I just put the items in a CampMor shopping cart to check out shipping rates to Norway, Europe. No overseas shipping

These are such great deals, no way I can find similar locally. Most products sold here are for serious winter/expedition purposes ($$$$$$$$)

Excuse me for asking (might be considered too forward) - anyone willing to act as a middleman - receiving the package, forwarding it to me?
I would pay you in advance for your trouble, shipping and other costs.

Total value about $133. Total weight 9 lb and 22oz. City Oslo, zip 0267, Norway.

PM Sent.

Guys,

thanks for helping me find AND get good equipment

Yesterday I went for a ride and camped one night to test this camping thing. It was mid fourties during the night.
The North Face sleeping bag kept me warm (almost) - I put my woolen underwear back on.
Coleman tent is well vented and worked well - I expected some trouble raising it, but it went well and took only 15 minutes.
The (discontinued) 3.5" REI self inflatable mattress was a great idea - niiice.

The bag and tent was in the expanded DP rear bag. I strapped the mattress to the passenger peg and grab rail.
If I go on trips for more than one night, I have a tank bag for clothes and stuff.