Is it worth bringing camping gear for Central/South America?
 

I'm currently in Des Moines Iowa, a thousand miles from home in Ontario Canada on my way to Tierre Del Feugo wondering how much I'll use the camping gear I'm hauling along. I enjoy camping but the stuff takes up awful lot of room, not to mention the weight. One of the reasons I changed to a DR from a KLR is the lighter weight. Now I find myself loading up on the poundage again.

Accommodation costs in the U.S. are manageable in the short term (kinda) but how much would I really be camping once outside of the States? Safety is a concern since I'm traveling alone. I'm hoping to do some couchsurfing along the way and stay in motels and hostels in the cheaper areas.

For those of you who have already done Central or South America and taken camping gear along would you do it again or forego the camping altogether?

So, do I leave the camp gear at a friends and just enjoy the ride a lot more or what? HELP? Would love to hear other peoples take on my dilemma.

Unless you really want to camp, leave it at home.

The motels/hotels are usually very cheap, around the 20-50 dollar mark, a lot higher and some cheaper as well. I usually wanted secure bike parking and WiFi, so sometimes I paid more for that.

Some of the Chile ones were expensive with not much for the price, but when you arrive late and don't book, you take what is on offer.

If you look at my blog, you will even at times find names/addresses and GPS marks of those hotels I found that had the requirements I needed. I never did get around to collate them all into a file :(

Cheers
TS

Only you can decide...
 

How much!!! Have you won the lottery!!!???

Sprint ST -

I couldn't imagine doing this trip WITHOUT camping gear. I bush camped all through USA, Canada, Alaska, Baja and Copper Canyon and a few other places in Mexico. National parks in El Salvador, more bush camping in Costa Rica and a bit in Colombia and Ecuador.
Lot's of bush camping in Peru and Bolivia (where I currently am) and lots more to come in Chile & Argentina (where I did a lot of camping in 2009).

It's not just about the price either. Getting off the beaten track and camping in the wilderness (especially in the Andes) is a big part of MY trip. Its not for everyone, but you have already said you enjoy camping.

I too ride a DR650 (having swapped from a F650) and its off-road capabilities have increased my opportunities to bush camp.

Only you can decide whether you should or shouldn't carry camping gear. I merely want to point out that the opportunity to use it is huge - your call.

Adam

Travelling Storm - Thanks for your input. I keep hearing about inexpensive rooms in many areas. I know there are also the more expensive areas. That's part of my dilemma.

Damn you Adam :confused1: Everything you've described is exactly what I do love about camping. Cost is a contributing factor in my decision and I certainly have NOT won any lottery. I don't really have to decide until tomorrow night. Lots of time lol.

I am admittedly ill-prepared for this ride knowledge wise. I often travel on the fly and usually have camp gear with me so that in a pinch I've always got my little house with me and don't get stuck by accident having to curl up under a log.

Thanks for chiming in.

Hi, Adam is right ....

I would never ever leave without camping gear and go on an adventure trip ....:nono:

It`s like in the old days, you sleep next to your camel, mule or horse and there is nothing better than the million star hotel and a nice campfire :thumbup1:

Better to spend the budget on gas, food and drinks bier

But if you prefer filthy hostels with crowds of drunken youngsters, etc. .... go for it :D or doh

Camping since I`m a kid, I or we had never any security problems and bush camping was at least half the time :clap:
For example, in Argentina and Chile we camped for 6 months straight through and didn`t stayed once in a hostel :innocent:

tent, sleeping matress and sleeping bag can be less than 5kg and doesn`t affect the handling :mchappy:

Thomas

www.miles-to-ride.com

PS: Hey Adam, still in SA :thumbup1: , next plans ?????

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

Bush camping in Central America is a little sparse. Very difficult to camp stealthily since people are literally everywhere.

However....... once you hit South America I couldnt imagine not camping. I camped some in Colombia all through Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. Brazil has great camping as does Venezuela as well.

If you dont want to carry the gear all the way, you could always start off with just a hammock through Mexico and Central America, then buy camping gear in Colombia.

I wouldnt hit South America without a tent and sleeping bag. Amazing camping all through the continent, especially in the Andes and altiplano.

Couldn't have put it better myself
 

AMEN!!! I couldn't have put it better myself. That million star hotel is pretty damn special...especially above 4000m :clap:

Yes I'm still in SA (Bolivia today - Chile tomorrow).

Up until a few weeks ago my plans were to head north to the Amazon but I just can't bring myself to leave the Andes (riding & bush camping on the Altiplano is just sublime) and so I've decided to stay longer in SA and ride further south, as close to the spine of the Andes as I can.
I'll be in my tent for the next two weeks solid :funmeteryes:
Just a quick note on kit...

I have a MSR Hubba Hubba HP (2kg), Mountain Equipment down (-10) sleeping bag (1.5kg), Thermarest prolite+ pad (500g). Total =4kg

What adds to the weight the most is food & water.

My total luggage weighs 30kg and that includes all spares (inc 2xtubes), tools, laptop, 2x cameras.

All up (excluding food & water) my DR weighs 217kg, a staggering 83kg less than my F650 did. This package has transformed my journey and allowed me to explore and not just tour.

Adam

The dilemma persists but I must go and install some peg lowering brackets before getting fixated again.

Cheers!

You've moved me to write up a register of weights. Another thing I'm always finding weighty is electronic gear. Cameras, laptops, phone, etc. and all the damned chargers and adapters they require. Guess there are always trade-offs that can be made.

Oh to just leave on an adventure without any of that stuff. Done it before but never on a long haul type trip.

I bought the Wolfman Expedition dry bag pannier system to somewhat restrict my load carrying ability (and I love their products). H'mmm, now I'm leaning toward taking my gear for fear of missing some of the great opportunities you describe Adam.

Don't do it!
 

Sprint -

:offtopic:But important...

I haven't got around to writing about this on my blog yet but I'd seriously thing twice about fitting a peg lowering kit.

Why? When I bought my DR from 'Man Mountain' it was fitted with a peg lowering kit. It wasn't until I went to remove them that I discovered the r/h one had been hit so hard it had pushed the frame mounting into the frame tube meaning the mounting bolts were no longer aligned with one another. This A: tilted the footrest forward & upward slighty and B: Put stress on the bolts - one of which snapped on a trail in Peru recently.

The lowering kit drops the mountings below the bash plate making them very vulnerable. There are VERY few people I would trust to repair the frame after this damage, hence I've put up with it.

Adam

Decades ago in my backpacking traveler days I started off around the world with a huge pack filled with stuff. Nine months later by the time I hit India I was down to a daypack with a toothbrush and some flip-flops. The thing is, I don't regret taking all the stuff I did. It was what I felt comfortable leaving on a long journey with. As time went by I became tired of carrying an MSR stove and nesting pots I rarely used and mailed it home. When the weather got cold in New Zealand I headed to Singapore and got rid of my camping stuff. By the time I hit Thailand I gave the big empty pack to a very thankful Thai fellow. It was a natural progression. Figuring out how to travel light so I didn't have to throw a pack on top of a bus and risk losing it. Buying clothes as I went. When it got chilly in Nepal, time to buy a hand knit sweater from a Tibetan refugee. When it gets hot in Goa give it away and buy a Kurta shirt from the local tailor for cheap.

Look at your journey as research and development. Take a lot of stuff you may not need. It won't kill the bike. You don't have to carry it on your back. The stuff you don't find useful, send home or donate to a local. And make sure to report back on what worked for you and what didn't so that others who follow in your footsteps can decide for themselves if it applies to them.

Many people love to cook and have a cuppa tea in the morning. I am not one of them. If you are, then take a stove. I find it just as cheap to eat in roadside stalls and buy fruit on the side of the road and groceries in the local tienda. I rarely eat in sit down restaurants as they are more expensive. I would take a water purifier pump before a stove (and matches, spare fuel bottle, wind break, spare jet, nesting pots, spork, etc.) as you will save more by not buying bottled water than by cooking your own meals.

Cheers,
John Downs

It's really up to you. What do you want out of your trip? Why not cross the border with it. You could send it back at any time.

HostelWorld will give you some hostel descriptions and locations. Maybe put a dot on your map at the cities where some are located. Then prior to passing though that city you could research them online. HostelWorld also has a app to use with an iPad, iTouch or iPhone.

Hostels Worldwide - Online Hostel Bookings, Ratings and Reviews

http://www.vagabondjourney.com/travel-tips/

daryl

Decision finally made
 

After struggling with the issue of bringing camping gear I have decided to leave it in Des Moines with the option of either having it shipped when I reach Colombia or simply buying what I need there.

There's just too much stuff and I really want to be in a position to enjoy some off-road riding and not be too burdened down.

I may very well regret this but I can envision being pissed off carrying all the stuff as far as South America and not using it. Then again I'll be equally pissed when opportunities present themselves and I don't have the gear.

So there you go. Thanks to everyone for the valuable input. If I could comfortably bring it I would but that's not turning out to be the case.

Cheers all. Hope to see some of you on the road to wherever.

Greg

Three cheers for Greg!
 

Greg,

I think that John is the sagest of all, and you followed his lead! Great decision!

I grew up over seas (Peru), so I didn't have to go thru the progression John talks about.... I just looked at the indigenous guy ahead of me on the trail thru the jungle.. Absolute essentials: a weapon (in order to eat), some salt, a machete (to build a lean-to each night), and shoes (usually carried unless traversing a sticker palm patch). That's it!

Of course, I am American so I take a few more things like a spare tube of each size, 1/2 lb tools, one change of clothes, a raincoat, a small camera, some cash and my ATM card, and a mini solid state laptop. All fits in a narrow backpack I put on my back or strap to my tank. No paniers, no rear rack pack, nothing.

The adventure IS the adventure! Don't ruin it with being prepared for any and every possible discomfort. The people you meet will rise to the challenge! The scenery is great, but the people of CA and SA (and almost anywhere in the world) will change your life! That's really what your whole trip is about, isn't it!

Enjoy! Toby :mchappy::mchappy::mchappy:

Now I feel sheepish (and not because of my Scottish heritage). Aren't decisions made with a built-in caveat regarding last minutes changes? At this last minute I packed the camp gear without cook stuff. The thought of some of those magnificent camping opportunities in SA and me without gear wasn't something I was comfortable with.

I've done the backpacking reduction thing, especially in warmer climes and I don't take much for those. This is different, sort of. Today I rode from 74 degrees in Des Moine to 46 degrees in Denver. Need different clothes for that I gotta tell ya, as I thaw out.

It'll take some time but I'll get stuff sorted into what I use often and what I don't. Not there yet.

There are plenty of sage contributors on this forum and I agree with you Toby that the adventure is the adventure. It has begun.

I hate to give my 2c
 

But I'd take it all. I camped a lot in South America, and used my tent and sleeping bag often, and every piece of cold weather clothing. Maybe because I was living off my bike for months.
At altitude you will need it, and cooking gear and food.
Jungle is another story. Hammock, bug spray and tennies.

If you do buy, you'll find prices a little higher than in the states.

Doite in Chile is a good camping store.


Zig

Camping is Fun
 

Yes camping is great, and for us on our trip it enhanced the experience.

You can do a lot of bush camping in South America because there is a lot less people around, so it is easy to find a quiet place for yourself.

Also, on my blog, I listed all the paid camping sites we stayed at so you can use that for reference. We camped as much as we could in Central America! Sorry there are no waypoints, we didn't have a GPS.

here is the list

Hey Adam

thats cool, every time I look at the pics of SA .... it`s just like a miracle. One night we could see a burning flame above us .... probably a meteroit or maybe some aliens landing :funmeteryes: .... goose bumps for sure ?c?

and btw, we are 2 with 2 bikes .... so we can split all the stuff and take huge amounts of food, water and drinks beer, well at least up to 4 days in the wilderness :Beach:

83 kg ..... that`s amazing, maybe I will measure our bike`s (KTM 690) someday, they should be less than your DR


Wish you all the best and enjoy every minute .... the ratrace kills me slowly, but surely :(
... the countdown is ticking, summer 2013 :D:D:D:D

Greets from Switzerland
Thomas & Andrea

Camping gear
 

I'm in a similar situation riding a DR650. I brought camping gear that all fit into a pretty small bag. I used it initially in Mexico, but have chosen to stay in hostels and hotels mostly. I hope to use it a little more in the future. It think that it will come in handy along the coast. While camping in warm climates that turn a little cold at night I will leave my riding gear near my side and use it as a cover instead of a sleeping bag.

You can check out my gear list on my website if you'd like. The Adventure Begins

I feel like I have too many electronics and will probably be sending some back home or trade it in for lighter gear.

I wish I had a water filter or a steripen.

Just don't skimp on your riding gear.

Bivvy Shelter as an alternative?
 

If weights a major issue, and your doing a combo of camping and hostels, cheap hotels etc I'm wondering if anybody has had a good experience with a Goretex bivvy shelter?
Have seen them well under a kilo and there seems to be a fair bit of space over the head and shoulders. Of course you cant sit up but if your in two minds over tent or no tent it might be nice to have one even if its just for emergencies. Any thoughts?

James

Bivy sacs are fine for emergencies or for very short stints. The downsides that you point out along with their claustrophobic nature, lead most people to take a tent instead though.

You can get a super light tent that doesn't weigh that much more but also offers more flexibility and usability just in case you do end up using it more than planned.

Hi James,

I have found the tripod bivy to be a nice compromise for minimalist camping . Here's a picture:

Tripod Bivy - Shelter - Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd.

I bought mine used. It packs down to nothing, single wall waterproof breathable. It's not for everyone, but when weight and space is an issue it's the bees knees.
Nowadys, for motorcycling though, I don't bother with a tent. If it's clear I camp under the stars. If it looks like rain, I first look for a picnic shelter, abandoned building, bridge, etc. Failing that it's a cheap hostel for a shower and bed. I may take the tripod bivy to South America though.

Cheers,
John Downs

Another change of heart
 

It seems my fickle mind is still playing games. I left Ottawa with all my camping gear. Debated while visiting someone in Des Moines whether or not I should be bringing it due to weight/volume. Decided Yes. Got to Denver and decided it was too much after all. Shipped it back to Des Moines. Saved about 15 lbs. and more importantly some valuable real estate on the bike.

Where I'm at now is that if and when I want one I'll pick up a hammock, a tarp, and a small sleeping bag. Never tried that before so what the hell. It's hard to tell where to draw the line sometimes isn't it.

Lots of interesting points of view in this thread. Each to their own.

We travel using a Hilliberg Keron 4 GT, it is for two of us and the dry space for 2 x jackets pants boots gloves etc is worth millions in inclement weather, perfect for free camping where facilities are a non event.

If it were just me I would have something smaller but with a good vestibule for storing shit.

Hmm, a tad off topic, but, I drank all the tap water from Prudoh Bay all the way to Usuahia, never had an issue and never bought any plastic bottles water

Cheers
TS

Doesn't matter what you decide to do. Your riding your own ride.

Its funny that you mentioned a hammock and tarp. I've been using one most of this spring and summer. The hottest nights being the worst spent in it. The wettest resulted in a 3" rain. While I stayed dry, even with ear plugs, I hardly slept at all, do to the noise. The coldest night was 37 degrees F.

After watching Shug's videos and sleeping in one, I can't see myself ever going back to a tent.

daryl

Hammock Forum: http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/
Whooooo Buddy Videos: Hammock Hangin' How-To PART 1... Essentials For Noobs Part 1 - YouTube

Check out MontBell sleeping bags.

Read reviews.

A company name you don't hear of much but have excellant reviews and very, very competitive pricing.

Just bought a +4 degree bag for $135 that only weighs 1.6lbs (long model). That's damn light for a bag of any temperature rating, not to mention it's not 300+ dollars.

It's not down so it's a big bigger, but it also stays warm when wet.

I also bought the Exped UL 7.5 air mattress over my Thermorest Prolite and saved another lb and half the size. Once again, it doesn't share the same thermo properties but for $90 it's a relatively cheap upgrade saving me weight and size!

Very few products out there from what I can see can compare to the above products for cost and weight. The Thermorest Neomat is nearly twice the weight, twice the cost, and crinkly/loud. It does have better thermo properties, but until S.A you won't need that I don't think.

Additional to this I switched up my cotton sleeping bag liner to a silk one. For 60$ I saved .75 lbs.

These costs add up, but they are "relatively cheap" for the weight and size savings. More-so helps people looking to buy camp gear then those who already have it like me, but I think the costs were justified unlike me wanting to spend $1200 on a new laptop to save 2lbs..(and solid state HD).

Good luck and hope to bump into you on my own travels! I'll be camping on beaches!

We´ve been in Chile and Argentina for a few weeks and will be travelling for several months. We´ve bought our camping gear and have enjoyed using it thus far. It is a little cheaper (not heaps) but its been a good experience as you´re meeting interesting people at the campsites. Plus you can get out to some pretty amazing spots in National Parks.

I´ll let you know how it goes as we´re heading down to Pätagonia and want to do a bit of camping there. Our gear is very basic so we usually try do no more than 2 nights before then going to a hostel