BajaNomad

equipment question

huesos - 6-24-2013 at 01:07 PM

It's been a long time. All my equipment is gone. I need to ask the opinion of the board on which is the best brand to procure in the following categories:
Ice chest large volume
Stove light weight
Cot for outdoor sleeping
Tent for Winter use light weight
I will be using these for truck camping on the coast.
If I have left something out, let me know.

SFandH - 6-24-2013 at 02:27 PM

There's a million brands for camping equipment. Generally, you get what you pay for.

Travel light and make sure you have real comfortable sleeping arrangements. Be prepared for wind, lots of it. Flying, biting insects too.

Cisco - 6-24-2013 at 02:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by huesos
It's been a long time. All my equipment is gone. I need to ask the opinion of the board on which is the best brand to procure in the following categories:
Ice chest large volume
Stove light weight
Cot for outdoor sleeping
Tent for Winter use light weight
I will be using these for truck camping on the coast.
If I have left something out, let me know.


Pelican is the best ice chest I have ever owned with a 7 or 8 day minimum ice hold in Baja. They are well designed for travel and have a lifetime warranty against anything so it's a one-time buy deal even though they are expensive.

Bwana_John - 6-24-2013 at 02:34 PM

Ice chest large volume- Yeti

Stove light weight- MSR(backpacking), PartnerSteel(car camping)

Cot for outdoor sleeping- Roll-a-cot (Get the Roll-a-table also)

Tent for Winter use light weight- The North Face

msteve1014 - 6-24-2013 at 02:40 PM

2 smaller ice chests may be better than 1 big one. 1 you will open a lot for drinks, the other you hope you will only open 1 time a day, or less, for food. Saves ice. Also a really big ice chest is a pain to move. The REALLY good ice chests will keep ice longer, but are REALLY expensive.

bajacalifornian - 6-24-2013 at 03:59 PM

Re: Cot for outdoor sleeping, I continue to use an old wood/canvas army cot . . . folds back on itself. A friend just purchased one in aluminum. Not light. Still like mine.


Have a look at Pendleton's roll up blanket. Works well with a light bag. I use two for flexability. Stay simple.

P.S. Dang it . . . Welcome to Nomad!

[Edited on 6-24-2013 by bajacalifornian]

David K - 6-24-2013 at 04:11 PM

Coleman :cool:

durrelllrobert - 6-24-2013 at 04:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Coleman :cool:
They are having a sale right now:

http://enews.coleman.com/q/FYSnLXIRl4GxR38lCC-DYqN4g58LGT-TV...

Why even mess with ice?

durrelllrobert - 6-24-2013 at 04:28 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by msteve1014
2 smaller ice chests may be better than 1 big one. 1 you will open a lot for drinks, the other you hope you will only open 1 time a day, or less, for food. Saves ice. Also a really big ice chest is a pain to move. The REALLY good ice chests will keep ice longer, but are REALLY expensive.

If you can afford this $529 baby from Home Depot you will be set:




This Whynter Portable Fridge / Freezer offers premium quality and innovative design to your frozen/refrigerated needs. This freezer is great for RVs, boats, campsites, fishing trips and is truly portable so you can take your fridge / freezer anywhere! All you need is either a standard household 110 Volt outlet or a 12 Volt power source, like an automotive battery. Whether on a day trip or major expedition, you can easily keep your food and beverages chilled, or frozen with this benchtop freezer. The Whynter portable freezers should not to be confused with less effective 12 volt novelty and beverage type "coolers". The Whynter portable freezer / fridge is a true freezer / refrigerator which cools between -8°F to 50°F. A cost effective and mobile solution for your recreational and critical freezing requirements.

•65 qt. or 107 cans (12 fl. oz.) capacity
•Compressor cooling system, which operates as a refrigerator or freezer
•Adjustable temperature range -8 degrees Fahrenheit to 50 degrees Fahrenheit
•Fast Freeze mode rapidly cools to -8F
•Voltage power AC (110V - 75W / 2.5A) or DC (12V - 4.5A Car Lighter Socket)
•LED temperature control and display
•Functions even when tilted 30 degree
•Tough and solid outer casing with side handles
•Two removable wire baskets
•MFG Model # : FM-65G
•MFG Part # : FM-65G

JohnMcfrog - 6-24-2013 at 05:06 PM

ice chest = 52 quart Xtreme chest -- 1.5 weeks with frozen 12 oz water bottles(Coleman product).
stove = msr pocket rocket -- part of my 9 lb. desert setup(tent, bag, pad)
tent = 3 person Sierra Designs dome tent (Zilla may be it now) Kearsarge
to Whitney, spring snow camping use cords that wrap rocks or (parachute
rock holders in place of stakes)
cot = coleman with large cell foam pad on top is very nice.\\

Junaito

[Edited on 6-25-2013 by JohnMcfrog]

David K - 6-24-2013 at 05:25 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by durrelllrobert
Quote:
Originally posted by msteve1014
2 smaller ice chests may be better than 1 big one. 1 you will open a lot for drinks, the other you hope you will only open 1 time a day, or less, for food. Saves ice. Also a really big ice chest is a pain to move. The REALLY good ice chests will keep ice longer, but are REALLY expensive.

If you can afford this $529 baby from Home Depot you will be set:




This Whynter Portable Fridge / Freezer offers premium quality and innovative design to your frozen/refrigerated needs. This freezer is great for RVs, boats, campsites, fishing trips and is truly portable so you can take your fridge / freezer anywhere! All you need is either a standard household 110 Volt outlet or a 12 Volt power source, like an automotive battery. Whether on a day trip or major expedition, you can easily keep your food and beverages chilled, or frozen with this benchtop freezer. The Whynter portable freezers should not to be confused with less effective 12 volt novelty and beverage type "coolers". The Whynter portable freezer / fridge is a true freezer / refrigerator which cools between -8°F to 50°F. A cost effective and mobile solution for your recreational and critical freezing requirements.

•65 qt. or 107 cans (12 fl. oz.) capacity
•Compressor cooling system, which operates as a refrigerator or freezer
•Adjustable temperature range -8 degrees Fahrenheit to 50 degrees Fahrenheit
•Fast Freeze mode rapidly cools to -8F
•Voltage power AC (110V - 75W / 2.5A) or DC (12V - 4.5A Car Lighter Socket)
•LED temperature control and display
•Functions even when tilted 30 degree
•Tough and solid outer casing with side handles
•Two removable wire baskets
•MFG Model # : FM-65G
•MFG Part # : FM-65G


You have a link to one like that, but runs on propane, as well? 4baja showed me his Fridge/ Freeze at Camp Gecko back about 10 years ago... 110v, 12vDC, and propane! It wasn't big, but since you don't need ice, it doesn't have to be.

David K - 6-24-2013 at 05:30 PM

This tent has been the greatest thing ever... I can put it up or take it down easily, by myself, in a couple of minutes! Tall enough to stand in, too...



Coleman 10' x 9' 'Instant Tent' ("sleeps 6")






[Edited on 6-25-2013 by David K]

tripledigitken - 6-24-2013 at 05:35 PM

I would shop REI for a tent. Knowlegable staff to help. I have a Sierra Designs but their brand is excellent too. Same advice for stoves.

Ken

You need a sturdy tent for Baja!!!




[Edited on 6-25-2013 by tripledigitken]

SFandH - 6-24-2013 at 05:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Coleman :cool:


I disagree. I bought a Coleman 6 man dome tent and went to Bahia Concepcion for a few months. The floor ripped all along the front beneath the seam. The sun dried it out. Plus the zippers were small and fragile. Fiberglass poles. Aluminum is much better. I threw it away. Junk.

Their stoves rust. I have an all stainless steel stove now.

Their lanterns are too bright for me. I'm a hurricane lamp and head lamp kind of guy. Keep it dim.

Coleman used to be good when there wasn't much competition. It's been surpassed.




[Edited on 6-25-2013 by SFandH]

monoloco - 6-24-2013 at 05:39 PM

I've owned a lot of tents over the years and have come to the conclusion that a cheap dome tent works just as good as the expensive ones when it comes to Baja camping. I have had both kinds and have found that the sun is what destroys them and that there is not much difference in performance, it's not like you are going to encounter heavy rain, snow or freezing temps. It's good to just get 2-3 person tents with good ventilation to limit the wind load, the big ones turn into a parachute, all you will be doing is sleeping in them anyway. If the wind comes up during the day when you are not using it just slip the poles off the ends and let it lie flat and it will save it from getting shredded or breaking the poles, and you can pop it right back up in a couple of minutes when the wind dies.

David K - 6-24-2013 at 05:44 PM

I did dome tents for years... they are fine... but, this Instant Tent from Coleman takes out the need to put together and collapse the bungee cord poles... It just unrolls, folds open, and the four legs telescope to raise. Perfect windows/ screen area, too. It wasn't expensive either.. got it at Target...

Barry A. - 6-24-2013 at 07:23 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SFandH
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Coleman :cool:


I disagree. I bought a Coleman 6 man dome tent and went to Bahia Concepcion for a few months. The floor ripped all along the front beneath the seam. The sun dried it out. Plus the zippers were small and fragile. Fiberglass poles. Aluminum is much better. I threw it away. Junk.

Their stoves rust. I have an all stainless steel stove now.

Their lanterns are too bright for me. I'm a hurricane lamp and head lamp kind of guy. Keep it dim.

Coleman used to be good when there wasn't much competition. It's been surpassed.




[Edited on 6-25-2013 by SFandH]


"rusty stoves" display character, and lots of use-----all my stoves are rusty, and have lots of character, and are propane.

I use propane lanterns by Coleman, with adjustable flame so that you can totally control light output.

All my camping equipment, including Coleman products, is in excess of 40 years old and is all going strong. I have almost never used tents, tho, as I am claustophobic. We use big wide cots in the open, or stay inside our tiny camper when too windy or rainy, and heavy canvas on telescoping steel poles and industrial springs between the poles and the canvas (to absorb wind-shock), with steel construction stakes holding the guy-lines, for shade if we need it.

In my opinion, keep it simple and you will have a better time of it, but not so simple that it falls apart in the wind.

Barry

Sean&Kelly - 6-24-2013 at 07:57 PM

Go to rei.com. REI stands behind all of their products and have great customer service.

shari - 6-24-2013 at 08:11 PM

I find lower profile tents much better in baja winds...not a high dome tent....and I agree about no matter what the cost, they dont last long in the sun and wind...I buy a tent every 2 years at segundas and usually pay around 400 pesos for one...a good one with lower profile.

We also use the 2 regular size cooler system...one of those silver 7 day ones jut for ice and things you dont use often so you arent opening it all the time and another for daily use..make certain they have the drain spout on the bottom and keep that open at all times so the water drips out...I put the cooler up on something so the drips go into a pan I use for dishwater or dog water.

I LOVE my solar lamp and flashlight for camping too...headlamps for cooking...we dont bring a stove at all...just a grill and we make a BBQ pit of rocks to set the grill on...we are low maintenance campers.

[Edited on 6-25-2013 by shari]

monoloco - 6-24-2013 at 08:12 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Sean&Kelly
Go to rei.com. REI stands behind all of their products and have great customer service.
REI=Return Every Item. I went to REI to buy a new pair of shoes, the ones I happened to be wearing were ones I also purchased at REI and were falling apart after wearing them to work everyday for a year, I told the sales girl that I wanted another pair like them, she asked me if I had purchased them there, I said yes and she told me to ask for a refund, I ended up walking out of the store with a new pair of $120 shoes for $12, the difference between what I paid for the worn out ones and the price of the new pair. They do stand behind the things they sell.

CortezBlue - 6-24-2013 at 08:28 PM

I have one word for you, Craigslist

RnR - 6-24-2013 at 08:41 PM

Add a SunShower to your list. They heat fast in the Baja sun and are great for washing salt off after swimming, or whatever.

Curt63 - 6-24-2013 at 09:32 PM

Coleman gear has been great for me.

Barry A. - 6-24-2013 at 09:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by RnR
Add a SunShower to your list. They heat fast in the Baja sun and are great for washing salt off after swimming, or whatever.


Yesssss, sunshowers are just great. My wife and I find that the little 3 gallon one is perfect for both of us-----get wet then turn off the sunshower----shampoo and soap up with bio-degradable soap (Camp Suds)------then rinse off fast. Makes you feel like a king!!! (or queen, in my wife's case). :biggrin: We have a tarp that attaches to the side of our little camper if you need privacy.

Barry

redhilltown - 6-25-2013 at 12:22 AM

Coleman Xtreme coolers...great bang for the buck.

Block ice from ice company is da bomb (not the crap in the markets). If really going off road for many days I'll pack one cooler with just block ice and some dry ice plus some frozen veggies/fruit...tape it shut...then use it as needed after day three or four.

Isolated beach camping in Baja means coyotes and they are thirsty for your water...yum...they KNOW what is in your water containers and they KNOW how to drag them off when you are deep in rem sleep...ask 10 baja campers their coyote water stories and you'll get 50 answers.

I personally hate lanterns and the light for basic camping...too bright and right in your eyes...I use something like this

http://www.ebatts.com/blog/post/duracell-powerpack-450watts-...

And I attached l.e.d xmas lights to our canopy for the best soft lighting and then use a spot light with lower wattage bulb for cooking...plus in a pinch it has the compressor and jumpers (though I would recommend a better air compressor but these are still better than the cheapie plug ins). recharge as needed on the road.

I agree on the tents...just a good basic tent...REI half dome worked for me for 20 years

Oh...and wine. Any style but white zinfandel works fine.

:tumble:

Santiago - 6-25-2013 at 01:54 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by redhilltown

Oh...and wine. Any style but white zinfandel works fine.

:tumble:

OK, we need clarification. Are you saying any wine with the exception of White Zin?? or any wine is fine, including White Zin?

redhilltown - 6-25-2013 at 04:41 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Santiago
Quote:
Originally posted by redhilltown

Oh...and wine. Any style but white zinfandel works fine.

:tumble:

OK, we need clarification. Are you saying any wine with the exception of White Zin?? or any wine is fine, including White Zin?


Ah yes! I can see how my wording was confusing ;D

Just messin but White Zin is not one of my faves...then again, if it was the ONLY wine around on a hot day on a secluded Baja beach??? Pour me another!!!!!!!

tiotomasbcs - 6-25-2013 at 05:05 PM

And... tear the mattress off your bed & tie it on top of vehicle!! If not, find some type solid, egg shell, Costco, REI, large mattress! Don't scrimp w/cost cause a comfy nite... know what I mean. You'll have a blast even if you forget the tp?!:no: Very hot in BCS during the next 4 months. Enjoy.

David K - 6-25-2013 at 05:23 PM

Think we scared the OP away...? 'Huesos' didn't realize how passionate we are with our camping equipment, eh!?

redhilltown - 6-25-2013 at 06:02 PM

I think DK, the further you go off the beaten track, the more you love your equipment as you really need to count on it!!!

He does mention lightweight stoves and I'm sure some purists will knock me down on this one but if you are just doing light cooking/water for coffee, you cannot beat the single burner butane stoves that can be found at Sports Chalet and similar places...BUT, to save some money, go to an Asian market (such as Mitsuwa) and they are usually cheaper (20-25 ish). These stoves are great in Baja in that they are lightweight and simple...you may want to think in advance of a wind screen of some sort as they don't have anything as such like the typical Colemans.

Butane sucks at high altitudes and in the cold and propane is your better bet there but for most of Baja they are great...just bring enough canisters!!!

David K - 6-26-2013 at 08:34 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by redhilltown
I think DK, the further you go off the beaten track, the more you love your equipment as you really need to count on it!!!

He does mention lightweight stoves and I'm sure some purists will knock me down on this one but if you are just doing light cooking/water for coffee, you cannot beat the single burner butane stoves that can be found at Sports Chalet and similar places...BUT, to save some money, go to an Asian market (such as Mitsuwa) and they are usually cheaper (20-25 ish). These stoves are great in Baja in that they are lightweight and simple...you may want to think in advance of a wind screen of some sort as they don't have anything as such like the typical Colemans.

Butane sucks at high altitudes and in the cold and propane is your better bet there but for most of Baja they are great...just bring enough canisters!!!


Indeed... at our age, we are into simple and easy... and while I never want to give up 4WD camping, the easier I can make it on Baja Angel and I, the better chances I can keep doing this for more years without needing a camper, RV, or motel.

This Coleman Instant Tent is the best thing since sliced bread.

We have a nice air mattress that I plug into to 110v outlet in my Tacoma bed, with an extension cord to pump up.

We have a combo Coleman propane stove with one burner and a grille.

We have 3 battery lanterns... although we only use them if we need to do anything requiring light after dark, and enjoy the stars and campfire otherwise.

A folding table and chairs.

Two Coleman Xtreme ice chests, one for drinks and one for food or one filled with just ice to replenish the other. Block ice lasts the longest.

If more than 1 day, a Coleman Instant sun canopy... again an easy to set up one.

MMc - 6-26-2013 at 02:18 PM

Start off, with the reason a person likes something is the reason another dislikes it. There is not just one answer.
If you have a friend that camps, barrow it, check it out. If you have not camped in a while, are you still up for it? It would be a shame to spend big bucks on something and never use it twice.
Ice chest: we use 100 qt for most of our food and Ice storage, 50 Qt for drinks. I can pick up a full 100 Qt by myself, bigger then that they are real heavy. If you add some closed cell foam on top inside the chest it helps keep ice longer. We fill a chest with blocks, cubes in the gaps & proteins top with dry ice, place the foam on top of all. This ice chest is always in the shade with towels or sleeping bags on it. This is only opened when we have to. The dry ice makes the ice super cold and will last longer. (refr. ice-house ice vs store ice). Remember to remove tomorrows proteins today so they will defrost and help keep the food chest cold as well.

The food ice chest, we put the ice in boxes inside the chest this keep the food dry and slows the blocks melting. The less air that moves around the ice the slower it melts, Water is worse then air for speeding up the melt. If you wrap the veggies in paper they last longer in the ice chest. This also get a 1' layer of closed cell foam on top of the food.

Drink cooler is the ice eater. If you can get the drinks cool before they go in, the less shock to the ice. We will put drinks in a tide pool to precool them. You get the idea. The better the chest here, the longer the ice will last. I have not used the electric style. I am very remote when I camp, so we KISS it.

There are three levels of ice chest.
The standard, ($)They have been around for years. Block of ice by itself will last 18-24 hours.
The extreme,($$) same block will last 4-5 days.
Super duty.($$$$) Same block will last 5-7 days.
We tested in backyard last summer in days that were about 95 degrees.

Stoves, What are you going to do on it?
If are only going to boil water, Jetboil ($$$$) will boil water very fast. It is terrible at just about any other kind of cooking.
White gas. Hot, adjustable flame. Coleman built a company on this. If you want to use "White Gas" it is very hard to find in Baja, However unleaded works just fine.
Propane. Easy and cheap, easy to find. Most car campers use it. A 5gal bottle will last months. If you are going with the small bottles take extras. My 2 and 3 burners tend bulky and heavy.
Most sporting goods stores sell some version of these, you want BTUs and plenty of flame control. Mexico sells some super hot propane stoves. My 3 burner is a converted white gas nick named Titan V3. Got the converter in Ensenada.
Lots of backing packing stoves are light but don't control flame very well. The ones that do are a little more dollars. If you have a Jetboil kind of stove make sure you take plenty of fuel, it will be very hard to find in Baja.

Tents. Lots and lots of tents made these days.
Single wall tents are eather coated nylon or a “Gortex like fabric” they do not breath well. Hot and possibly damp.
Polyester fly don't break down in sunlight like nylon does. They do tend to last longer
A lot of the high end mountaineering use a poly fly.($$$$).
Tents with large areas netting in the tent, they will get more blow sand in them. The tents with less netting will be very stuffy in hot and humid.
NEVER GET A TENT WITH FIBERGLASS POLES, they always break. These are used to keep the price of the tent down. Aluminum are better, Anodized Aluminum are best. Many will tout the mfg. of the pole (Eaton is one of many).
The bigger the tent the bigger the sail in the wind. The smaller the tent the less living room.
Dome tents are roomy and get be set up without stakes. Flys do need stakes.
Tunnel tents are a hot seller right now. Roomy, great in the wind, need stakes for both the tent and fly.
Flys will wick water into the tent if the fly and the tent are touching.
Always use a footprint under the tent. If car camping I use a heavy vinyl as a footprint. A footprint helps slow rocks from wearing through the floor. The footprint must be smaller then the tent and fly. The water will run off the tent and fly, under the floor and will wick inside.
When you get a new tent always reseal the seams. The guy that sealed it in China or Vietnam never cared about you drowning in your tent during that big storm.
Most of the time we take a 4 person, 3 season backpacking tent with a fly for the 2 of us weight is 8#. We leave the fly off a lot. I have 4 season tents for when it might be bad.

Cots, We don't use as my tents are to low for them. We use Therm-a-rest pads 2+? inches thick. Very Nice!! ($$$$). We stay on them in the tents so we don't put holes in the tent floor.

There are a lot of factors that go into the right system for you. How much space? How much weight? How much cost? Only you can answer. Barrow and pick up used when you can.
Sierra trading and Campmor both have Special Deal Sections.
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/
http://www.campmor.com/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=ppc...
Cabelas have some different big tents and gear.
http://www.cabelas.com/
Backcountry also has some different gear.
http://www.backcountrygear.com/. Barrow and pick up used when you can.
Sorry I went on so long.

MMc - 6-26-2013 at 02:50 PM

I forgot, Go to a hardware store and replace your tent steaks with the 12" nails for 18" rebar. Something big buried in the sand also works as a steak. Called a dead-man.

redhilltown - 6-26-2013 at 10:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MMc
I forgot, Go to a hardware store and replace your tent steaks with the 12" nails for 18" rebar. Something big buried in the sand also works as a steak. Called a dead-man.



THIS...is a great post. 90% of the stakes that come with tents are utterly useless. Toss em and upgrade.

Tents

Skipjack Joe - 6-27-2013 at 12:26 AM

Tents for baja winter camping are very different than summer camping. For the summer you are looking for something airy that basically provides shade. A tent for the winter needs to stand up to some pretty strong winds. Staying cool is usually not an issue.

I've used this geodesic dome tent from cabelas with aluminum poles in 40mph gusts and we were totally comfortable. The Alaska Guide Tent. The wind was so strong it flipped my aluminum boat and motor completely over.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Camping/Tents-Shelters/Family...

It's 4'8" tall, almost large enough to stand up. At $350 it's less expensive than most of the REI 2 man tents you have to crawl into.

Check the ratings. 4.8 out of 5.0 with 350 reviews on the website.

Before buying this tent I purchased a $99 dome tent through amazon that was well rated. The wind was so strong that the tent poles bowed completely to the ground leaving the walls flat on top of us. Then it would spring back up. This went on all night until the poles just bent and stayed that way. It had been a fine summer tent through several sierra and oregon trips. But baja winter winds can be really strong at times. If you've ever driven through Mojave you can get an idea of how it can be.

I bought this tent for Alaska but it did very well in baja. It's constructed from ripstop nylon and will last for years. It's not a backpacking tent but it's fairly light.

The winds are very fickle and vary in intensity throughout the peninsula. You may get lucky and not have a single windy day and curse yourself for not buying a coleman standup tent. If you're in the upper Cortez in late Dec, Jan, Feb you will likely encounter some strong winds on some days.

There have been many good suggestions here. Get those really large 12" nails at the hardware store. In sand you will need to dig a hole before driving the nail in and cover hole with sand. Sometimes I roll rocks over the buried nails to keep them from coming out.

Sleeping in that tent is more comfortable than the camper for me. Just place a large thermarest inflatable bedding on the floor and you're good to go.

Good luck

Kgryfon - 6-27-2013 at 01:13 AM

Check out the Burning Man festival pages for tips on how to survive in desert conditions. I made a portable swamp cooler from plans I found on their website. Solar powered. Used the melted water from my ice chest to feed it. Used solar panels to re-charge a battery, hooked the battery to a computer server fan attached to the top of a 5 gallon bucket and a submersible water pump, added tubing, etc. Worked pretty good, but was probably overkill as we were out and about most of the time, but was a nice respite from the burning desert heat. Anyway, they have plenty of tips on desert survival and self-sufficiency that would translate well to Baja camping.

MMc - 6-27-2013 at 06:54 AM

what would those Burning man guys know... They are just highly creative people that think outside the box. They couldn't come up with anything original :lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:
By the way, their art is amazing. Cool people as well.

Kgryfon - 6-27-2013 at 05:11 PM

Yes, they are, and yes, the art is amazing, and the people watching is beyond belief!

I finally stopped taking pictures because if you tried to take a picture of everything that deserved a picture you would never stop! Everywhere you turned was a feast of imagination, art, and just plain old wierd/fun/unusual stuff of going on.

I think I will go at least one more time before I retire and head down to Baja. It was an amazing experience the last (and only, so far) time I went in 2011. Except for the music. That was crap. I did find some onclaves of Blues, jazz, and rock and planted myself, but most of the art cars are pumping out that technobeat crap at an incredibly loud volume. Did I say technomusic is crappy? Well, it is.

sunshade/canopy+tent

Whale-ista - 6-28-2013 at 12:36 PM

Great advice here. Having used and sold lots of gear at various times over the years, at REI and A-16 in San Diego, I've acquired lots of stuff and learned what lasts, and what ends up in trashcan.


KISS is so true. the pleasures of camping fall away when you have to deal with lots of stuff.

Also, look at boating shops for ideas on storage, e.g., string hammocks to hang gear in vehicles, tents or under canopy. they take up No space during transit, then you can fill with camp gear and fruits, veggies, etc. you buy at final mercado before you get to camp.

Bring carabiners or other hook-type items to quickly hang hammocks, lanterns, wet clothes etc. to loops on canopy or inside tent. Bring lots of extra line to tie down tents, canopies and string lines for drying towels, wetsuits etc.

North Face tents are great, and pricey. I have used REI geodome tents (4 person size) for 20+ years; one was stolen but the 2nd has been very sturdy and, as mentioned, can be returned for replacement or service if/when it fails.

Look for ones that come with Aluminum shock-corded poles, full rain fly (not just a little piece on top- rain blows sideways!). and definitely use a good tarp underneath, and an old rug on the floor, to prevent rips/tears.

As mentioned: keep tarp tucked under edge of tent so water doesn't flow under floor. And agree re:tent stakes. get big yellow plastic and/or metal ones, and bring small nylon stuff bags to be filled with sand and buried for added anchor.

Obviously pack a good shovel, hammer, axe (for firewood) for pounding poles, digging up stakes etc.

Recommend using tent along with a sturdy canopy to protect from sun and provide a good outdoor patio/kitchen/living room area. Sun is a blessing in the winter in baja, but a curse in the summer. Bring a good canopy to get out of elements when you want to sit around and not bake to a crisp.

Don't count on one-piece pop-ups; good for day at beach, and easy set up, but not suitable for a windy baja weekend (or week long) camp-out. Get one with sturdy aluminum poles that can be replaced individually if damaged by wind/careless setup/transport. With the onesie popup, once one leg is damaged the entire assembly has to be trashed.

I bought one at Costco many years ago that is built like a tank, can be staked out well, and has survived many stormy trips. But... I don't think they make them like that anymore, so not sure what to recommend. It takes 2 people to set up, but has never failed us in extreme wind. In fact, we anchor the tents to the poles for added security during stormy weather.

tables depend on your activities. If you want a full kitchen set up, bring a big one, or a small one with a piece of plywood to set on top. Agree the rollup tables are good, sturdy, compact... and pricey. I had one for years, lost it somewhere, and now use simple plastic fold ups from CostCo or target.

I place wood on top to protect from heat of Coleman or Primus gas stoves. If others bring tables, we place plywood inbetween to act as additional counter/table space.

I have a Primus propane, a Coleman white gas, and a Coleman multifuel: gasoline or white gas. Heck, tequila might work in it for all I know... I look forward to trying it one day in a pinch.

I also like to bring inexpensive plastic bins (Big Lots) with lids to store, carry and organize gear, then use them for low "coffee tables" in camp, and/or to store things outside and keep safe (mostly) from dust, wind, critters. get same size/model, different colors to organize. then, As you empty them out, just stack them together for transport home.

Label them if you get several. leave one packed with kitchen gear for easy packing for future trips.

Don't forget a plastic dishpan to store/dry dishes, carry water for various purposes. Should fit into kitchen box.

And finally... bring friends, toys, and the intent to have fun! nothing like sitting back and enjoying the quiet,the view and a cold drink with friends around the campsite.

Thanks for the input

huesos - 7-2-2013 at 04:20 PM

Thanks to everyone who replied to this post. All of my experience was with the least expensive type of equipment. All of it worked but it was good to read about better grades of basic gear. Not much has changed with Baja truck camping for surf except for the shear thrill of discovery in being one of the first at a perfect break. Now I am getting closer to taking on the trip again. I look forward to running into some of you on the peninsula.

Hook - 7-2-2013 at 04:45 PM

For tents, I've liked North Face, Sierra Designs............and for a big modified dome, I like Eureka! tents.

Costco had some knockoff Slumberjack cots for 1/3 the price of the Slumberjack cots. Really sturdy, but not that light. I still prefer to use a Thermarest on the cot to prevent the sag when you sleep on your side. The REI brand of "Thermarest" is a great value.

MSRs are great backpacking stoves but I always had trouble getting them to simmer. I still have an old reliable Coleman propane stove. It's rust has rust.

REI is just the greatest damn store. Luv the place. Been a member since membership was 5.00.

MMc - 7-2-2013 at 05:27 PM

huesos, ask your friends and neighbor's if you can barrow some stuff. Take care of it and figure out what you like.

David K - 7-2-2013 at 06:10 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by huesos
Thanks to everyone who replied to this post. All of my experience was with the least expensive type of equipment. All of it worked but it was good to read about better grades of basic gear. Not much has changed with Baja truck camping for surf except for the shear thrill of discovery in being one of the first at a perfect break. Now I am getting closer to taking on the trip again. I look forward to running into some of you on the peninsula.

Likewise... Please keep us in the loop on your trips!

woody with a view - 7-3-2013 at 02:22 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Barry A.
Quote:
Originally posted by RnR
Add a SunShower to your list. They heat fast in the Baja sun and are great for washing salt off after swimming, or whatever.


Yesssss, sunshowers are just great. My wife and I find that the little 3 gallon one is perfect for both of us-----get wet then turn off the sunshower----shampoo and soap up with bio-degradable soap (Camp Suds)------then rinse off fast. Makes you feel like a king!!! (or queen, in my wife's case). :biggrin: Barry


prell shampoo will lather in salt water and costs about a buck! not as green as camp soap but i doubt it really matters....

jimgrms - 10-13-2013 at 07:29 AM

Great big ice chest weigh a lot,don,t forget a gorilla or two to lift them in your truck.

outdoor gear !

captkwbn - 10-14-2013 at 09:11 AM

As I have lived on the road most of my life. I have found the "ZODI" shower system works the best and the coleman dual fuel 533 for HOT cooking with a MSR wisper light great for low temp cooking/heating...self inflating air beds like a THERMAREST..and the first thing I do when I buy a new tent is throw away the stakes...they are useless IMO..."back in the sandbox"....LOL...K&T:cool:

mtgoat666 - 10-14-2013 at 09:32 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
Quote:
Originally posted by Barry A.
Quote:
Originally posted by RnR
Add a SunShower to your list. They heat fast in the Baja sun and are great for washing salt off after swimming, or whatever.


Yesssss, sunshowers are just great. My wife and I find that the little 3 gallon one is perfect for both of us-----get wet then turn off the sunshower----shampoo and soap up with bio-degradable soap (Camp Suds)------then rinse off fast. Makes you feel like a king!!! (or queen, in my wife's case). :biggrin: Barry


prell shampoo will lather in salt water and costs about a buck! not as green as camp soap but i doubt it really matters....


if fresh water limited, try 2 sunshowers. first with salt water for soaping up. second with fresh water for final soaping up and rinsing off.

Doug/Vamonos - 3-27-2014 at 03:17 PM

The best deadman for tying down canopies and tents is a piece of plywood about 8"x8" with a hole drilled through the center and a yellow nylon rope pulled through and tied. Dig a hole and bury it. Use the tag end of the rope to tie to whatever you want to secure. The wind will not remove it. It may destroy your tent, though. When it comes time to remove the deadman just wrap the rope around your arm and lean away and you can usually pull it out. This saved my camp many, many times at Punta Chivato when the wind picked up.

Pappy Jon - 4-10-2014 at 07:28 PM

Gosh, I can't believe this thread is still alive. Yes, we are passionate about our camping. And like others I have my, um, very strong opinions. I camp light, and usually solo. If it doesn't fit in the 4Runner it doesn't come along. And it not only needs to fit, it needs to pack only as high as the bottom of the windows so I can see out the back.

Propane, the only fuel I use. I don't use the small bottles but instead have a 10# bulk cylinder. It takes me forever to use up that much fuel and I swear I need to get the tank recertified each time I refill. With that I have a two port post, something like this: Century 30" 2 Piece Post.

I use the side port for the stove. On the top port I have an old Century Mighty-lite (#5400) lantern. This little single mantle lantern is perfect for my needs. Not very bright, small to pack, but gets dinner cooked when I land in camp late.

For a stove I've used Century/Primus. I've had issues getting parts from the company. They are always non-responsive, so I end up getting a new stove. Currently I'm using a Brunton. Of course, they are now sold/made by Primus, so I can't win. Nice stove, except for the piezo, which has never worked on any of the Primus stoves I've owned.

Tent. I camp alone, and my tent of choice is a Mountain Hardware Lightwedge 2. About a year ago I had this thought of taking a skirt along, and bought what I'm sure was the last Lightwedge 3 in existence. Love this tent.

Bakepacker. Every time I pull this thing out for a newbie they look at me like "WTF," especially when I tell them I'm making cornbread for dinner ... and they are welcome to some. Once they try it, they are hooked. I have a buddy that insisted on Bakepacker every night the last time we were in Baja. Cornbread, blueberry muffin, apple cinnamon muffin, banana bread, they all work. Just don't forget the butter.

Ice chest. Ya, I have one, but I never put ice in it. I used to, until I made a comment about having to constantly track down ice while down in Baja. A buddy loaned me his Engel fridge the next trip, and it was a done deal. Now I use my nice Coleman stainless steel 54qt chest for the canned/boxed/bagged food.

As a side note, when I used the ice chest the water was recycled into the solar showers. Those have already been discussed, so I won't.

Engel fridge. I have the 34 qt. The one I borrowed was the 45qt. It was too tall for the back of my 4Runner and I couldn't get the lid open high enough to get inside. The 34qt works fine, and for just me it is enough. I also use the remote Engel Wireless Fridge Thermometer because I got tired of freezing my eggs.

Solar panel. The fridge has a habit of killing the battery if I sit in camp. I have two choices ... run the engine every now and then ... or go solar. I have two set-ups. The first one I bought was a Zamp Solar 40W portable. It comes in a nice carry case and has a controller built in. Last year it did pretty good keeping up with two Engel fridges. This year I built my own set-up using a pair of 10W panels. I hinged them together, and didn't bother with a controller. It worked just fine. But, it wasn't too hot this year and the fridge didn't cycle very much. It's only 18" x 8 " x 2.25" folded.

To keep track of the battery I have a Martel QM 100V digital volt meter on the dash.

For a camp pad I use a thick Therm-a-Rest BaseCamp Sleeping Pad, cuz I'm not backpacking.

Finally, I carry a bunch of toys. They include: a Garmin GPSMAP 60csx to track my travels; the 60csx rides in a RAM windshield mount; Delorme inReach satellite communicator (saved my bacon); Kestrel 2000 Wind Meter, just because sometimes I want to know; a 12V AA/AAA battery charger and plenty of batteries; a Black Diamond LED headlamp; and to keep the toys charged I have a Blue Sea Dual USB Charger Socket on the dash (for tablet, phone, inReach, MP3).

For TP I used those little Kleenex pocket packs. Oh, and baby wipes ROCK!



[Edited on 4-11-2014 by Pappy Jon]

stoves

captkw - 4-10-2014 at 09:08 PM

coleman 533 and other dual fuel,,I have a MSR for back packing and Baja backup..also a" EmberLit" backpacking wood burning stove that's really cool !! Igloo "extreme" coolers work well..amazing what happens when you add insulation to a cooler...LOL and only block ice !!! I dont recommend any thing that needs 12 volts,, yet..having a drained battery in the boonies ....SUCKS!!! K&T:cool:

Jack Swords - 4-11-2014 at 06:00 AM

Hope that "wood burning stove" is not used in the High Sierra in CA, as they are prohibited above timberline. That is especially important in light of last year's fires and the potential this year even below timberline.

I have used a backpacking wood burning stove in the coastrange and in Baja, but do not like the blackened pot. Otherwise they are an alternative to a camp fire.