It sounds like you are traveling solo as opposed to the above posters. If you aren't camping in the most expensive country of your journey, I don't think you will be doing much camping in Central America. I have met many solo travelers who ended up sending their camping gear home after hitting Guatemala where guesthouses are 10 bucks a night or less. It totally depends on your mentality I suppose. Some are solo travelers by choice and enjoy sleeping under the stars and the peace and quiet. Other people enjoy the company of others and don't mind staying in guest houses or couch surfing.

I am a minimalist and take the essentials for camping. Bivy bag, small down bag in a compression sack and the sheepskin on the bike seat for a pad, riding jacket for a pillow. I ride small bikes and don't have the space for anything else. I like knowing that I can sleep out if I have to, so I don't recommend sending all your stuff home. I don't like camping in the rain so gave up packing a tent long ago.

I used the sleeping bag a couple of times on the way to Panama and back when it was cold in the mountains but only camped out twice. Inexpensive guest houses and hostels are easy to find throughout Central America. After traveling all day it is nice to stop in at an inexpensive place where you can wheel your bike into the lobby or courtyard. Especially while traveling solo. Take a cool shower, chat with other travelers about the road ahead, check e-mail or ask questions on HU like you are doing now on the free wi-fi, that sort of thing.

I can't speak to South America as I haven't been yet. But I hear that camping makes sense in Chile and Argentina where accomadation prices are higher.

Kindest regards,
John Downs

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South America and back on a 250 Super Sherpa Minimalist Adventure http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=831076