Re: [Paddlewise] Camping - 3 worst mistakes

This is turning into a "what do you carry camping" thread, which interests
me, as I have been trying to fine-tune my lists. . .

I like Ralph's approach re minimalism.  Coming from backpacking, I was
thrilled to realize how much gear a kayak can carry.  So I bought just about
everything I could find that would fit -- folding chairs and tables, screen
tent, larger tent, etc etc etc.  On a recent three-day (solo) camping trip,
I left most of it behind, and didn't miss it.  Just my smallest tent,
Whisperlite and a little fuel, basic foods, water, Gatorade, Crazy Creek,
bag, mini-Thermarest and a book (which I never opened).  I was quite happy
with this.

A couple of things that I will carry on future trips (keep in mind I'm
getting old and soft): (1) a hammock, which I got at Kittery Trading Post
for $11.95 -- one of the best purchases I ever made (ahhh, now that's
luxury); (2) a "camp shower" by Cascade Designs -- I always regarded those
things as stupid, but this one is good quality and I found it worthwhile;
(3) a full-size Therma-Rest -- I had the little one (in the old days, I
didn't carry any such thing at all, being a tough guy...), but it just
wasn't quite enough for these old bones (which was made worse on the first
night I used it because I forgot that you have to blow the things up (duh);
(4) a good pillow of some sort (which I haven't bought yet but will, being,
as I said, old and soft now); (5) my little Coleman battery powered
"lantern" - I felt silly buying this "car camping" relif, but it was great
in the tent at night, no worry about flames etc.; (6) some wine in a Nalgene
bottle; (7) at least some of my nature field guides -- to me, that is still
one of the greatest pleasures of camping; the books help me identify the
world around me (trees, bugs, birds, etc), and help me to focus on that
world, rather than the one I left behind; they weigh a lot, but are worth it
(also carry pad and pencil to take notes); (8) a variety of footwear (eg, I
have some mocassins that are great for in the tent and when I first get out
of it; walking shoes for short hikes, Tevas for walking out into the water
to bath, wash dishes, etc). . .  There are lots of other items that are
obviously essential.  I listed these because they may not be on everyone's
list. . . .

Oh, biggest mistakes: forgetting matches (argggghh!), forgetting soap,
forgetting TP (I carry paper towels in a zip-lock bag).

Mark

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