I'd like to compile a list of the essential gear that folks take on airplane camping trips that they may not be able to take on a backpack trip. Virtually all my camping experience is of the backpack variety, so I'm looking forward to enjoying the added benefits of my new 150 hp pack mule at places like JC, Caveman, etc. At the same time, I'm not looking for the car camping checklist, as I still want to be conscious of weight and space.

I worked as a backpack guide, so I already have the backpack essentials. I'm looking for a list of those few magical additions that will allow me, as an airplane camper, to openly taunt my still-earthbound backpacking buddies.

I already splurged on an extra good camp chair, with recliner and foot rest. I'm also considering a light cot which would fit into a small two-man tent for those nights when conditions are too tough to just sleep under the wing. (I've never actually slept on a cot, but I consider elevating myself off the ground to be a first step in my evolution from knuckle dragging backpacker to full-fledged airplane camper?) I'm also making greater allowance for beverages and bullets than I previously did when packing my kit on my back. Any other suggestions to optimize my airplane camping experience?

(Sorry if this is a repeat of one or many earlier threads. I searched but didn't find.)

I found that sleeping on a cot is cold! The cold air circulating under you is a drawback. Also, every one I've ever slept on was noisy and not wide enough to be comfortable (and I'm not a big guy). I like the thickest self inflating pad that REI sells. Not too heavy, thick enough that you don't have to pick up every little stick or rock where you're going to sleep and very comfortable. A tarp or two come in handy, a good sharp ax, 5 gallon collapsible water jug (take a pack frame to haul this as the distances to water supply can be an issue), folding or roll up tables are handy as is a two burner stove so you can cook nice meals for your knuckle dragging dehydrated food eating buddies.

Beer - you can have cold beer now.

Everything posted above by Mr. Ed and Patrol guy! Also there a items like aluminum dutch ovens, lanterns, fire pans, charcoal, solar showers, table cloths, cutting boards, first aid kit (a real one), Ice, rope, shade canopy, GUNS w/lots of ammo, etc.

Collapsing table
More lighting
Better cookware
Collapsible cooler full of dry ice
Bigger dome tent
Nicer sleeping pad

Those are about it, and take up a pretty small space. It's nice to keep things simple.

I camped last year with some really light weight cots and loved it. Just laying around in the afternoon after fishing was awesome on the cots. If the wife is along we use a full size inflatable mattress which is nice. Folding aluminum table. Solar shower. It's fun to take some comforts along, and why not if you have room.

As much as a cot weighs, I would think a hammock would be more useful?

If I had a 150 horse power pack mule for camping I would load it with real food and a real coffee pot. One of those blue ones about a gallon in size and fresh steak, butter, carrots , turnips, spuds, onions, corn on the cob and such. I'd still go light on the pots and pans and cots and chairs. For cookin , a roll of tin foil to make stew and a stick to cook the steak on.

I'd really like to see your backpacking list if you wouldn't mind sharing. The tales of my family are legendary when it comes to over-packing. My mother once included a full chest of drawers on a weekend excursion to Lake Powell when I was a lad.

Honestly I have no idea how to pack light, and it is genetic. Any tips greatly appreciated.

gb

I like my Honda 2000 watt generator, 6 man stand up Cabela's tent, guns, EZ Up canopy, mt bike and laptop.

907Pilot wrote:As much as a cot weighs, I would think a hammock would be more useful?

My cots are amazingly light. And my butt drags when I hang my hammock in the sage brush.

Although, I could probably fit a couple trees and my hammock in the Maule.

With my O-300B powered C172TD, up here in Nevada at 5,000 MSL on a hot summer day... I take my usual backpack load and cut it in half so I can get this gutless wonder in the air.

Gump

OregonMaule wrote:I like my Honda 2000 watt generator, 6 man stand up Cabela's tent, guns, EZ Up canopy, mt bike and laptop.

Don't forget the kitchen sink

Clearly the level of camping comfort is directly proportional to horsepower as demonstrated by TCL@80hp. and Oregonmaule@235hp. So the formula for airplane camping might be: aircraft camping= horsepower x $ cubed

Wow Rob

I think I will always be sure to claim the camping / tie-down spot next to you

ZPilot wrote:Wow Rob

I think I will always be sure to claim the camping / tie-down spot next to you

Why? So you can hear a obnoxious generator running in the wilderness

If you note the red and white straight tail 182 next to Rob at Caveman.... that was me.
I never even heard a generator. I was minimal equip. that trip. Tent... thermarest pad. Sleeping bag. Slept well though. Cots can be cold underneath as noted. Chairs are optional... just walk around the campfire and avoid the smoke. Guns, well gotta have one. Laptop with ATT air card, gotta have it. Toothbrush.... essential. TV--good to have---- to shoot at.
good day....

flightlogic wrote:If you note the red and white straight tail 182 next to Rob at Caveman.... that was me.
I never even heard a generator. .

Oh..... Must have been a Yamaha generator??

With 150hp worth of space and weight, you're pretty much packing like a sheep hunt...pack 1/3 full, the rest empty for one load of meat and hope its not on first day so that you can get rid of few pounds of food!!

Well, here's my 2 cents worth, I wouldnt go without 3 items which will make your time spent inside heaven in any conditions

1- A tent fly... dont bother buying an expensive tent, buy an expensive, good quality 2 to 4 tent pole hood that drops down to the ground and has one or two windows... then buy a cheap net to lay overtop to keep 747 mosquitoes, bullshit flies and horseflies away. You can find those at a good army supply store.

2- A cot...get a good aluminum one that fits you good...now make sure you have a close cell foam to lay on top so you're not affected by the low hanging cold air

3- A cast iron dutch oven with a thick lid lip...you can cook and bake anything and everything in it, you can make a nice entree (my favorite is beans, bison pepperoni and cover the works with maple syrup) and then bake a cake using the upside down lid and coals. You can use it as a stool, you can use it as an anvil, you can scare the hell outta bears with it and so much more...I have a nice list of usage from my past 15 yrs in the Yukon/Alaska and would NOT go anywhere without it minus sheep hunting.

With those 3 piece of gear, you will have a fantastic esperience either on mountain tops or swamp infested valleys that do nothing but bread gazzillions of mosquitoes! Great to use under the wing as well. You can cook in or outside the fly...outside with open fire and inside with gas heater/stove

Now get your 150hp up to Atlin to test out the gear:lol:

gbflyer wrote:I'd really like to see your backpacking list if you wouldn't mind sharing. The tales of my family are legendary when it comes to over-packing. My mother once included a full chest of drawers on a weekend excursion to Lake Powell when I was a lad.

Honestly I have no idea how to pack light, and it is genetic. Any tips greatly appreciated.

gb

Me too. "What in hell happened to the handle on your toothbrush?"