| Author | Message | ||
     Crusty |
I went over to REI this past weekend to look at an Exped Synmat 9 sleeping pad, and they didn't have one. They had a bigger and thicker Synmat 10, but the freakin' thing was way too big when it was rolled up. However, there was an REI branded Thermarest pad that was 3 1/2 inches thick. I put it on the floor and laid on it; even though it was underinflated, my hips and shoulder weren't touching the floor, so I figured, "What the devil; it's fifty bucks less" and I bought it. I looked at the stoves, but the stove area was pretty disarrayed, and I couldn't make heads or tails of it; so I put off stove purchases for now. They also didn't have the sleeping bag I'm interested in (a Marmot Rockaway 35 degree bag). With sleeping bags, I don't want to get one that's too warm, but I also don't like shivering through the night, so I think a 35 degree bag is a reasonable compromise. It's funny; I went to REI with the purpose of buying a fast drying towel and just looking at the other stuff; but instead, I didn't even look for a towel and bought a pad. Oh, well. I think I'm going to buy a Space Blanket or two, as well; they pack small and can be used for a number of things. I've had my eye on an '06 Sportster that my friend Guido has in his shop, and yesterday, I went over to start the haggling process. It's only beginning, so we'll see how it goes, but I think I'll be looking at other Sportsters as well and that Buell S3-T is still calling me even though I decided to go with a Sportster. An S3-T is a just a Sportster that doesn't vibrate, makes twice the power, corners like it's on rails and has really good brakes. It just looks different. (Prettier, in my eyes) I've fired the first shot in selling my Norge by putting it in the Classifieds over at the Wild Guzzi forum; hopefully, it'll sell fairly quickly. It should, I'm asking 3 grand less than book value. Then I'll take the money and buy whichever bike I decide on. We'll see how it goes. One of the things I really would like to do this summer is see a few Flat Track races. I called the IMDA (Promoters of the Springfield Mile) and requested the seat I prefer (front row on the Finish Line) for both the Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend races. I also called the promoter of the Indy Mile and DuQuoin Mile races, but they don't have tickets available yet. So, things are moving along. Not as quickly or smoothly as I would like, but it's progress. All I have to do is just keep doing the next right thing, and eventually, it will all come together. | ||
| Reepicheep |
S3-T would be nice. I'd also consider a $3500 06 Uly with hard bags. | ||
| Blackm2 |
I would highly recommend Big Agnes sleeping bags. They make a sleeve that the thermarest slides into so you don't slide off in the middle of the night. Also would recommend down, not the synthetic. Synthetic makes ME sweat. Those thicker pads are awesome. After walking 15 miles with a 40+ pound pack, when you go to lay down on the thinner ones, you FEEL it. I've never gotten better sleep on the trail than with those thick pads. | ||
| Strokizator |
My brother-in-law and I took a long trip last year and camped most of the time. He made up a few penny stoves and we used a lot of freeze dried foods. Walmart carries the same brand as found in the sporting goods stores and some of it is pretty good. The sweet & sour pork over rice was tasty but the scrambled eggs breakfast tasted like someone tore up an old kitchen sponge. Late in the trip we bought a bag of laundry detergent pods instead of paying the stupid high prices the laundromats charge for single use boxes of powder. Should have thought of that sooner. Plus, at some point in your trip you'll find a cute chick who needs some detergent and you can come to her rescue. The benefit of the penny stove is that you can make several from stuff you already have laying around and fuel (denatured alcohol) can be found in the paint department of just about any hardware store. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Okm_irIXFw I admire you taking this trip on a Sportster. He had a Goldwing while I was on an FJR and we looked like the Beverly Hillbillies heading down the road with all our gear aboard. Gotta think the Norge would be a nice ride. Good luck. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I have an MSR Whisperlite multi-fuel stove I've owned for 25 years. Burns white gas, kerosene, gasoline, paint thinner, etc. You can't go wrong with it. | ||
| Etennuly |
Congrats on making a command decision. I'm hoping you have a great trip no matter what gear you take. If your travels have you passing East Tennessee I got a room, shower, and a meal for ya. Just shoot me a PM when you have a plan. | ||
| Ourdee |
Jetboil is nice if you don't mind being a slave to butane canisters. | ||
| Thumper74 |
I love my Marmot bag! It's for sale. If'n you head north, I've got a spare couch, tools, bike lift and, possibly, a NoMar tire changer on the way | ||
| Thumper74 |
I have a JetBoil and love it, but the canister thing sucks. I also have a 1 quart paint can set up as a hobo stove and love it! | ||
| Azxb9r |
If size and weight are an issue with the stove, look into the jet-boils. I have one that I use for back packing and it is excellent. | ||
| Mnscrounger |
+1 on the whisperlite. They are definitely worth the money, and thrifty on fuel. a couple years ago I was on a early season BWCA trip for 5 days with four scouts &two adults. Nearly every meal was a boiled pot of something, not to mention the wash water, and we barely used 6 oz of white gas. |
