Take Camping Gear or Not

[fm61]

I was traveling in South America (Chile, Argentina and Uruguay) this summer for two and a half months. I did the southern part and my bike is now in Montevideo in storage.

It is a R1200GSA and I have a lot of camping and cooking gear on it. I have used the tent about half the time. The other nights i was in Hostals.
The plan is to do about 3 months every year and work my way up north.
What has changed now is, that my wife is coming on the trip too and we will be two up on the bike. So i have to make some changes.

I am thinking to go without camping gear because i can not see us camping much in Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and Columbia. Also reduce the cooking gear to a minimum.

If I lose my tent and mats and Sleeping bag, it would give us a lot of space.
What i am not sure of is if it is a good idea to travel without the camping gear just from a safety point of view.

So, I would be glad to hear a few thoughts on this.

[mark manley]

I think you would be alright without it, I camped quite a lot in Argentina and Chile but not at all in Peru and Bolivia where it was cheaper and hotels were quite easy to find.

[John933]

If I was on my own, I would take the camping kit. But with two of you. Leave it behind. She will be better pleased with B&B's.
John933

[Walkabout]

Originally Posted by fm61

Also reduce the cooking gear to a minimum.

If I lose my tent and mats and Sleeping bag, it would give us a lot of space.
What i am not sure of is if it is a good idea to travel without the camping gear just from a safety point of view.

So, I would be glad to hear a few thoughts on this.

Once you have got past that decision point, then you could replace all of your camping/eating gear with survival gear which is lightweight and compact in that it is designed never to be used and the design factors do not include "comfort" -
Bivvy/survival bags for use only in extremis and cold rations which aren't really necessary in that people can survive for some days without eating much, if anything.
+ a source of potable water (the latter is essential).

[mollydog]

Originally Posted by fm61

I was traveling in South America (Chile, Argentina and Uruguay) this summer for two and a half months. I did the southern part and my bike is now in Montevideo in storage.

It is a R1200GSA and I have a lot of camping and cooking gear on it. I have used the tent about half the time. The other nights i was in Hostals.
The plan is to do about 3 months every year and work my way up north.
What has changed now is, that my wife is coming on the trip too and we will be two up on the bike. So i have to make some changes.

I am thinking to go without camping gear because i can not see us camping much in Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and Columbia. Also reduce the cooking gear to a minimum.

If I lose my tent and mats and Sleeping bag, it would give us a lot of space.
What i am not sure of is if it is a good idea to travel without the camping gear just from a safety point of view.

So, I would be glad to hear a few thoughts on this.

I think you've got it spot on!
Perhaps a tiny stove for Tea? ... but leave all the rest behind.

Going without gear will require more careful planning, forward scouting of routes and daily destinations. Research Hostals and alternates ahead.

Most times not an issue but in very rural and remote dirt road areas you may not find accommodation. I've stayed with locals in very modest dwellings in these cases ... so almost always a way!

Your daily mileage may have to be more conservative, making sure you land in a town or village with a Hostal and restaurants. So smart to space out your trips the way you have. I love this approach! Ride Safe!

[fm61]

Thanks for all your replies.

I probably will leave the camping gear and only take my stove and a little pot for hot water.

With two on the bike i probably will look for the better roads too.

Now i have to decide how to get everything ready. I don't even have a back seat on the bike. Bud planing is half the fun.

Thanks again guys

[Tiffany]

It's great to hear that your wife is going to join you! I always travel with full camping gear for both people when there are two of us on my bike - but it is very much personal choice. Compact but decent camp gear is essential for the way I travel and I camped in every country in South America, as well as staying in hostels. But I also meet people who never camp and who have a great time.
If you are sticking to decent roads (not always possible in Bolivia ) and travel from town to town then you will be fine.
Remember with two up you will not be travelling as many miles each day, it's not much fun for those who are on the back for very long days (I usually share the riding with my pillion passenger).
Have fun and enjoy yourselves
Tiffany