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AKtundra
Junior Nomad
Posts: 26
Registered: 11-1-2011
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Packing tips for the desert and Mexico
Still in the planning stages of a possible, largely camping based trip down Baja. I do a lot of camping here in Alaska ( took the family on our first
fly-in rafting trip in 1999, and every 2-3 years or so, wind up with a month were I have spent more nights in my tent, than in my own bed. We have
done several trips that were remote enough that it was 10-12 day float back to the road system/landing strip.
If we come down, we will be flying to SD, with checked bags. Regardless of what we bring, there are some things that just do not make sense to pay a
bag fee to bring. ( definitely not worth bringing back, will likely stop at a thrift store before heading to the airport) First stop will be walmart
to pick up essentials not worth bringing as checked bags. I can pack light, but I do not know desert camping, nor Mexico. I see a LIST in the FAQ
section, and will page through the replies.
I see pic's of folk's Baja camps and realize i am not going to be able to bring that much gear. I see common patterns that i do not see in my own
camp (pop up shelters & awnings for instance) What are some of the things unique to desert camping ? What are the "oh crap" things that are hard
to find in Mexico if we forgot 'em or run out ?
[Edited on 11-14-2011 by AKtundra]
[Edited on 11-14-2011 by AKtundra]
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BornFisher
Super Nomad
Posts: 2128
Registered: 1-11-2005
Location: K-38 Santa Martha/Encinitas
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Really need to know what months you will be in Baja, but the rule of thumb is don`t bother with a road plan because within 24 hours that will be gone.
And bring half as much crap and twice as much money as you think!
Good luck, maybe some SD folks could lend you some camp stuff!
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vgabndo
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3461
Registered: 12-8-2003
Location: Mt. Shasta, CA
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Mood: Checking-off my bucket list.
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Welcome aboard.
Bornfisher makes a good point about keeping it light and with muchos pesos. You could over-plan the caca out of this. That would be my technique. 
We need input. Renting a vehicle?
Undoubtedly, there are people who cannot afford to give the anchor of sanity even the slightest tug. Sam Harris
"The situation is far too dire for pessimism."
Bill Kauth
Carl Sagan said, "We are a way for the cosmos to know itself."
PEACE, LOVE AND FISH TACOS
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Curt63
Super Nomad
Posts: 1171
Registered: 3-28-2009
Location: San Diego, Ca.
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Mood: Fish tacos and Tecate
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Be prepared for wind. Shovel, air compressor, water jugs, gas jugs, Sp Eng dictionary/phrase book, good tires and emergency cash.
Most important:
Patience, smile and wave at strangers, slow down from the rat race pace
[Edited on 11-14-2011 by Curt63]
No worries
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KASHEYDOG
Senior Nomad
Posts: 649
Registered: 2-21-2007
Location: CARLSBAD,CA 619-990-0270
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Mood: SO MANY TACOS, SO LITTLE TIME... Gotta Go, See ya there.... 
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You're gonna do what ????????????
Hey Aktundra, I suggest you go back to the play book and get the one titled how to survive in the wilderness of the BAJA, California desert. If you
continue with your current plan you will need to buy and leave everything it takes to survive in a place where there are few stores, no water, no camp
sites as we know in the US. Do you realize just how remote Baja is Or are you going on some "guided camping tour " of Baja???
Maybe I'm not understanding what you're thinking But if I'm right you need to come here on a trial run and stay in some of the places you're thinking
of and EXPERIENCE it first.
BTW ... what are you thinking of driving down there. First thing to remember and understand is Baja is not the U.S.A, it's a foreign
country and many car rental companies do not allow their cars to go to Mexico. You'll need Mexican auto insurance, passports, Mexican visas
to travel beyond a certain distance, roadside assistance. This is not going to be a pitch a tent we bought at Wall Mart yesterday thing.....
Again, I suggest a dry run first. Come down and check it out. Stay in some hotels and drive around. Sight see. I can tell from you're current plan
that you've never been here. It's much different then you've imagined........
And no I am not, as suggested earlier, lending you my stuff. It's taken me many years of "Wall Mart" trips to accumulate all the right stuff. No
offence.......
However, you're welcome to call me if you'd like some advice.
[Edited on 11-14-11 by KASHEYDOG]
Don\'t mess with the old dog...... Age and skill will always overcome youth and treachery! Brilliance only comes with age and
experience.....  ....  ....
Are you getting the most out of life OR is life getting the most out of you ?? 
Twenty years from now you\'ll be more disappointed by the things you didn\'t do then the things you did.
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AKtundra
Junior Nomad
Posts: 26
Registered: 11-1-2011
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Kasheydog, I appreciate your reply !!!
Over the course of any given year i spend 2-3 weeks a year in my tent, for the last 20 years. And I cannot recall the last time I camped in a
campground ! ( we don't have many here in Alaska either, at least not in the places I travel) I regularly serve as an outfitter for groups as large as
20-25 ( many of which are flying in to ak). i recognize that just because I have camped above the arctic circle, in a rain forest, at altitude, or on
beaches with NO ROAD access, does not mean I know squat about the desert. But hopefully I can evaluate the risks, and proceed with my eyes wide open.
(and bring lots of pesos to retreat to a hotel!)
Not sure how I can experience it first, without..... experiencing it ?
I plan on bringing my usual camping gear with me. My reference to walmart, was to get groceries, fuel, and the things that are not worth paying xs
baggage fees To bring with or take back ( why pay $50 to bring bulky water jugs, blue tarps, when I can buy them in SD?).
I have planed my own fly-in trips above the Arctic Circle, fly-in trips into the rain forest both in "bush" planes. I am kind of viewing this a a
fly-in trip to the desert, just happens to land in SD and be on a regular jet !
I have made arrangements for a stock SUV ( with Mexican insurance) with the understanding it will be taken to Baja. Do not plan on using a tour
company. plan on coming down this winter. Plan on alternating a few nights camping, with a few nights in a hotel. plan on spending a week or two
unless the money runs out. And plan on calling Kasheydog if I see a bug or feel like an espresso !
I do appreciate the comments Kasheydog, and do not feel like I am arrogant enough to dismiss them.
Thank you
[Edited on 11-14-2011 by AKtundra]
[Edited on 11-14-2011 by AKtundra]
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mcfez
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8678
Registered: 12-2-2009
Location: aka BN yankeeirishman
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So you have your basic camp gear. Have Gear - Will Travel.......sounds like you know your stuff.
Tires - Mini air compressor is a must for Baja...reducing your air pressure is a must for sand/washboard road. Can of "Fix It". 4 Road flares".....a
must.
Water - I always carry 5 gallons for drinking and for the car.
Safety - One can of "Wasp Spray" . This is good for bears and bad guys. Most weapons are illegal in Mexico.
If you plan to fish off any floating device....fishing license for each person. You can buy on line.
Batteries for the camera.....VERY costly in Mexico. If you are buying film for the camera...you must be a old goat :-)
Take a freezer lock bag..put in a copy of your(s) DL, facial picture of all, copies of medical prescription(s), emergency phone numbers, 100 bucks
worth of USD's and Pesos. Hide in your car somewhere smart. All this is for if you get stuck somewhere, one of you get lost, ect. Be prepared for any
adventure!
Baja Almanac
http://www.baja-almanac.com/
Dont be stupid to travel without this!
Penny candy / lollypops for the kids at the villages you may visit
Funny...I used to travel nearly the same way as you do! Carry on bag and the ziplock packet. Buy what we needed once we arrived at our destination. No
luggage waits...no carry. Beat everyone to the Taxis :-)
Old people are like the old cars, made of some tough stuff. May show a little rust, but good as gold on the inside.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65410
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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have a look at my Shell Island camp pics. things we bring incl. shade and tent plus table and chairs, ice chests, stove and lanterns, fire wood,
simple foods to cook for dinner, sandwich fixens for lunch, whatever you like for breakfast. this is because we are not around civilization camping.
lots of drinking water. we use sea water for dishes and cleaning. we bring 5 gallon water jug for rinsing and cooking but never use it all.
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wilderone
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3894
Registered: 2-9-2004
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AKtundra - you'll have a wonderful time. I have flown into Cancun with a Navy seabag full of camping gear, rented a car and camped for two weeks.
The desert in winter: there are times when the temperature gets to freezing, and there are times when the wind blows, incessantly - maybe even three
days. You will need cold weather clothing, gloves, caps. Get something that will double-duty for rock scrambling gloves, sun protection hat,
layering with good techno fabrics. The rest of the time it will be perfect. Your stove and fuel will be a consideration because you can't fly with
fuel. If you'll be shopping in San Diego for fuel, no problem, unless you need a specific fuel cannister that local stores may or may not have. You
can get away with a $39 tent if you bring extra stakes and guy lines. Tie these to big rocks, bushes, your car when the wind blows. You won't need
awnings and stuff like that. Camp at places with palapas, near cliffs that provide shade, trees. Thrift stores are a good source for clothing so you
don't use checked baggage space. Get some styrofoam coolers once you get to San Diego to pack your food in. Be sure to go to a Henry's Market where
they have bulk bin stuff - oatmeal, nuts, dried fruit, dried soups, trail mix. Within a one-mile radius of Rosecrans and Midway Drive, there is a
Target, Big 5 sporting goods, Henrys, Big Lots, Goodwill, Amvets Thrift, Sport Chalet. And there are good 99 cent stores for toiletries. There are
tons of places for you to explore without having to take a lot of offroad risk. You going to see the whales at Scammons Lagoon? Easy dirt road and
great camping there. Have fun!
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shari
Select Nomad
Posts: 13052
Registered: 3-10-2006
Location: bahia asuncion, baja sur
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Mood: there is no reality except the one contained within us "Herman Hesse"
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AK...you are an experienced camper and you need less gear in baja. We are minimalist campers and dont even bring a grill because they are easy to
scrounge, beachcomb...we usually find old lobster traps and burn off the plastic covering...but usually can find some old grill type thing that
someone else has used and left behind (the mexican way)
and remote camping means lots of burnable stuff for cooking...we bring one frying pan, one pan for boiling water, tin foil, chopsticks, one tin plate
& cup each...it's easy...you dont need all the crap many campers bring. Just put rocks in your tent for wind...I wrap my jeans or sweater around
them so they dont tear the tent.
We dont even bring much food as there is lots of seafood around, clams, scallops, fish, lapas, depending on where you camp...or fishermen willing to
give you a fish...we just throw it on the makeshift grill and eat it! no muss, no fuss.
It will be easy to just go to a second hand store and get what ya need for a few bucks... many places you dont even need 4X4 if you air down...anyone
who camps in Alaska will be fine here...
we look forward to your trip report
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65410
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by shari
AK...you are an experienced camper and you need less gear in baja. We are minimalist campers and dont even bring a grill because they are easy to
scrounge, beachcomb...we usually find old lobster traps and burn off the plastic covering...but usually can find some old grill type thing that
someone else has used and left behind (the mexican way)
and remote camping means lots of burnable stuff for cooking...we bring one frying pan, one pan for boiling water, tin foil, chopsticks, one tin plate
& cup each...it's easy...you dont need all the crap many campers bring. Just put rocks in your tent for wind...I wrap my jeans or sweater around
them so they dont tear the tent.
We dont even bring much food as there is lots of seafood around, clams, scallops, fish, lapas, depending on where you camp...or fishermen willing to
give you a fish...we just throw it on the makeshift grill and eat it! no muss, no fuss.
It will be easy to just go to a second hand store and get what ya need for a few bucks... many places you dont even need 4X4 if you air down...anyone
who camps in Alaska will be fine here...
we look forward to your trip report |
Good suggestions from a Canadian to an Alaskan! The electric air pump for your tires (and accurate gauge) is unavoidable if you come to deep sand or
beach driving... even with 4WD.
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Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9011
Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
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Mood: Inquisitive
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Geez, somebody bring an old grate down for Juan and Shari, will ya??!!! Even a piece of expanded metal or something.
Yeah, you could also scrounge for food like them. But I've seen both of them; they've got, like, 1% body fat. That doesnt sound like ANY of my friends
who live in AK.
If you go by my itinerary, just bring enough food for that first night at Santa Inez. Hit a fish taco stand in San Quintin on the way down. One called
La Pasadita has always been good. But I havent been through there in about 5 years now. Maybe it's gone............but I doubt it.
Then, shop at Saul's in Mulege for your foodstuffs for the rest of the week.
There is nothing outside of a four season tent that could take the winds that can occur in BOLA; rocks or no rocks. If you've camped much, you know
that. While the tent might not move, it will lay nearly flat if it doesnt have enough support. And two shock-corded poles is not enough support.
Sleeping in SUVs sucks, dont you know? Everything out at night; everything back in for the day. Bring a decent tent. This would EXCLUDE anything made
by Coleman.
Bring layers of clothes. Plan on potentially having to endure nights in the upper 40s and days in the upper 70s. Santa Inez COULD actually hit the 30s
at night. But it's only one night each way.
Layers on the bed, too. A 3-4lb Holofil-type bag and a single wool blanket should get you through anything. Down-filled not necessary; in fact, too
hot.
Cots are nice but too bulky/heavy and they can punch holes in a tent bottom, unless you want to carry something to prevent that. So, a Thermarest is
best. I find full sized air mattresses too noisy and too bulky.
For campware, bring a couple of Rubbermaid bins with snap on lids in the 10-15 quart or so size. Load your campware into these, excepting your stove,
of course. These now double as basins for washing dishes, hands, anything.
Paper plates, of course. Dont cheap out on these. Get the Diamond or Dixie brands; something substantial that stands straight out when you hold it
with heavy food on it. Go with conventional utensils; plasticware sucks.
Borrow backpacking cookware, if you can. A boiling pot that holds enough pasta for two is all you need, with a collapsible handle.
When camping, I have ditched a propane or briquet grill for a griddle that fits on the camp stove. It has raised ridges on one side, a flat surface on
the other. I cook meats on the ridged size, eggs and stuff on the other. Fits across an entire two burner stove. VERY handy. Grilled cheese sammy,
tuna melts..........OH YEAH!!!
For a stove, a two burner is nice. Propane, of course. Who wants to carry fuel that can spill? Who wants to deal with pouring it? Haz mat spills are
dangerous.
Constantly working off the back of an SUV tailgate also sucks. Beg or borrow one of those nifty roll-up tables and use it in conjunction with the
tailgate.. A conventional, light-weight lawn chair fits under it perfectly. Instant dinner table. I hate holding a plate while eating. I hate eating
off a corner of whatever is supporting the stove.
Buy your drinking water as you go, by the gallon. But you should carry about 3-5 gallons of wash water. The Reliant/Reliance brand with the spigot is
nice but those develop holes real fast, I have found. Oxymarooon in my experience. I prefer the thicker plastic water carriers that are similar to gas
cans before CARB ruined them.
Showers? Check into a hotel every third or fourth day. You're not going to get that sweaty this time of year. You can still wash your hair every other
day in the basins, if need be. Solar showers ARE great but they're best in areas with trees or something to hang it up at 8 feet or so.
For lights at night, they make some nifty, small LED lanterns now. I'm not a fan of Coleman lanterns; someone always has their's set on supernova.
They're kinda loud, too. Just be courteous, if you bring one.
Sanitary facilities? Your base camp should have one at Concepcion. If elsewhere, bring an entrenching tool.
The wife has REALLy sold me on the anti-bacterial wipes for washing hands, faces or anything D-E-L-I-C-A-T-E. We also recently found some exfoliant
wipes for faces at Wally World. Very tough material; doesnt leave wisps of fiber even on three-day old beard growth.
For cleaning other non-skin items, I like carrying Windex. It leaves no soapy residue like SG, 409, Fabuloso, Fantastic, etc. and can be used on
almost anything, including..........get this, windows.
i'll let some of the motorheads fill you in on stuff for the vehicle........
[Edited on 11-15-2011 by Hook]
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paranewbi
Senior Nomad
Posts: 913
Registered: 4-15-2011
Location: San diego
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AKtundra...welcome!
U2U me for my contact info...live in Imperial beach 2 miles from border 3 exits up from the TJ crossing you'll be going thru.
Have beach chairs, water carriers, tarps, poles, etc... lots of camping gear...all that stuff you can't carry on a plane. You can stop by and pick up
anything you want to use. Drop it off on your way back to airport.
Even a 2 person kayak if your into it...and snorkel gear for 6! And I know Fez's shrimp bait recipe, but you have to give me a couple of weeks to brew
it up for you.
Been camping in mex since the 70's so I want to see you and your family enjoy it! Probably never have to repay the favor...my car won't go north for
some reason.
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paranewbi
Senior Nomad
Posts: 913
Registered: 4-15-2011
Location: San diego
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P.S. I have everything Hook listed above...don't cart it, come get it. Might kill wife and I to watch you go without us though.
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shari
Select Nomad
Posts: 13052
Registered: 3-10-2006
Location: bahia asuncion, baja sur
Member Is Offline
Mood: there is no reality except the one contained within us "Herman Hesse"
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YOU are the bomb Paranewbi!!!!! way to step up to the plate amigo.
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Ateo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5938
Registered: 7-18-2011
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Sounds like you know how to survive. Unless you're going into the middle of nowhere part of Baja (which I doubt on your first trip) you'll be fine.
Water, food and shelter. I did this for the first 10 years exploring baja. I brought canned food and water - that was it. I slept in small tents,
surfed and swam during the days, and never died. I never even had proper immigration documents. I thought I was on the fast track to turning into
pure energy, so who needed anything!?!?
Now that I have a wife and kids, I still try to keep it simple. But now I bring lanterns, sunscreen, propane, extra blankets, pillows, ice chests,
canopies (if you have no room bring wide brim hats), extra gas cans, immigration docs, carne asada, fix a flat and goo and air compressors, and about
50 other things. For the most part it's all convenience stuff.
If you're traveling light, and you're tough Alaskan style, then rough it. Many have and many do every day of life thru-ought the world. Have a good
time. Sounds like fun! Enjoy!
Again, I have no secret things you'll need on your journey. Water, food and will gets you far. Everything else can be found, fixed with duct tape
(duct tape!!!!!), or traded for.
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AKtundra
Junior Nomad
Posts: 26
Registered: 11-1-2011
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My goodness paranewbi, I appreciate the offer to borrow the camp gear !
I will bring some smoked salmon fillets to repay your kindness!
I need the wife to gather her courage, and confirm she can get the time off !
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KASHEYDOG
Senior Nomad
Posts: 649
Registered: 2-21-2007
Location: CARLSBAD,CA 619-990-0270
Member Is Offline
Mood: SO MANY TACOS, SO LITTLE TIME... Gotta Go, See ya there....
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| Quote: | Originally posted by AKtundra
I need the wife to gather her courage, and confirm she can get the time off !
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Do I hear someone dancing backward all of a sudden ??
Does that mean you've been doing all this without permission???
Does that mean you've wasted all our time... ... ..
When your wife gives you the OK get back to us... OK
Sorry Nomads. But I had a feeling this newbie wasn't real from the start. Now that he has a REAL offer of assistance all of a sudden
he may not be able to come.
He's lost my confidence.
I'm done.
I have to deal with this stuff every day at work.
I know it when I see it.
BTW.... What is the difference between the 2 threads
Packing tips for the desert and Mexico
AND
What's the Bucket List for a first timer?
If I'm wrong I apologize in advance and I'll buy dinner for the first Nomad to see him in Baja before spring 2012.
[Edited on 11-15-11 by KASHEYDOG]
Don\'t mess with the old dog...... Age and skill will always overcome youth and treachery! Brilliance only comes with age and
experience..... .... ....
Are you getting the most out of life OR is life getting the most out of you ??
Twenty years from now you\'ll be more disappointed by the things you didn\'t do then the things you did.
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redhilltown
Super Nomad
Posts: 1130
Registered: 1-24-2009
Location: Long Beach, CA
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Critters.
Baja Coyotes are THIRSTY. Especially the dry beach areas because they can always find food but water is difficult. Every night as you go to bed
coyote-proof your camp...just assume they will come. They can open coolers and they can drag off many many gallons of water, bite through the plastic
and take a shower. I would bet everyone on here has a coyote water story. Crows and other birds can likewise make a mess of your food if you leave
it handy during the day and leave your camp for a while.
And like the coyotes, if you are on the Cortez just assume the wind will come. It may or may not but always best to have prepared for it ahead of
time. Chasing a canopy across slippery rocks at 3 a.m. really isn't much fun...really...it's not!
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Skipjack Joe
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8088
Registered: 7-12-2004
Location: Bahia Asuncion
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I have a coyote story to tell. And this seems like the right time to do it.
My son and I camp at Gonzaga every Christmas vacation. Last year we set up camp quickly and sped off in our aluminum boat to catch fish. We left about
12 one gallon bottles of water around the tent. Well, you guessed it. They came around and managed to twist off every sealed bottle top. Yes, they had
learned to chew on the cap in a twisting manner. They were so skilled at it that most of the opened jugs were open and upright full of water when we
returned.
The tragedy from their perspective was that they had learned how to open them but not how to drink from them. The few overturned bottles had water
that spilled into the sand and filtered through it below.
But they are fast learners. The year before last we left all of our drinking water laying around and it remained untouched. Next year they will chew
into the tent. I'm convinced it's only a matter of time.
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