On Sat, 19 Apr 2003 20:30:11 -0000, "Ali" <
[email protected]> wrote:
> WE'll be camping / B&B-ing, though there seems to be a bit of a paucity of campsites adjacent to
> the route and we may rough it on the odd night depending on weather.OK, new request: equipment
> must-haves?comments on routes?All ideas gratefully received. Ali
>
Start making a list of equipment now so that as you think of things you can add them to the list. If
you don't you'll inevitably forget something important. (I can let you have a copy of mine to start
you off if you like). But only take stuff whicvh you are sure you'll need. Someone once said "before
you go lay out all the stuff you'll definately need then discard half of it."
It's surprising how quickly the weight can mount up so if you're buying new stuff make sure it's as
light and bulk-freeas possible. This is especially true of the biger items such as tents and
sleeping bags. Take the barest minimum of clothes and go for lightweight things that you can wear in
layers if it gets cold. I don't know how you propose to distribute the weight between yourself and
the 10 year old but when I go alone I limit myself to an absolute maximum of 20 kilos.
My personal favourite bits of camping kit are a three quarter length Therorest sleeping mat (about
50 quid a go but infinitely better than roll up sleeping mats and blow up jobs.) a LED head torch
for easy reading at night and a compass which gets much more use than you might imagine.
When loading paniers keep the heavier kit in the back ones which will help keep the bike stable. I
use two panniers at the rear and two at the front. It's a good idea to make sure they have
waterproof covers otherwise you should pack everything in plastic bags. Don't take so much that the
panniers are completely stuffed as you'll find that you then have no room to carry food etc which
you buy on the way.
Avoid using rucksacks by carrying everything on the bike but it's a good idea to buy one of those
lightweight day bags which fold down to the size of a pair of socks. You can use this for extra
carrying space if it's really necessary.
I also use a handlebar bag which clips on and off. Keep anything of value in this so that if you
have to leave your bike with panniers still attached - for shopping etc - you can keep your
valuables with you. Mine also has a clear map reading pocket on the top which is easier than
stopping at every turning to extract your map from a pannier.
Personally I wouldn't bother with campsite books (unless you tear out and carry only the relevant
pages) but rely on the Ordnance Survey maps to locate camp sites.
Hope this helps.
RT
