I just returned from spending 4 days camped out at a campground via my motorcycle in northern Mi (shout out for Moore's Motorcycle Camp Ground) with a group of like minded campers. I was the only hanger in the bunch so I pretty much had my pick of trees.
Things that did not work well:
1) I did not pack enough cold weather gear. Average temps indicated I should expect overnight temps in high 50s low 60s, not the mid 40s I experienced.
2) Food! I needed to pack a lot less. Everyone was cooking/sharing food and there was just too much.
3) Knots! I need to learn how to deal with them better when my hands are cold or I need to replace some of my knots with gear.
4) Homemade Down TQ: It will be retired to above 55F temps as it was just not warm enough when temps got to 50F
What worked well:
1) Nagelene bottle filled with hot water and stuffed in a sock. OMG, this was a life saver. I did not use it until my last night because I am stupid but it was great once remembered it. KUDOs to the HF gang for this most excellent tip.
2) Harbor Freight $6.00 wool blanket. This item was a major life saver. It is too heavy for me to hike with but it has earned a spot on my motorcycle. I used it starting the last night along with the hot water bottle and managed to sleep 10 straight hours.
3) Trangia alcohol stove. Love it! Worked like a champ. I could simmer on it and finding Heet was a non issue. Only down side was I needed to remember to place it inside my hammock because otherwise the alcohol did not want to light but I expect that would be the case with any alcohol stove.
4) JRB The Nest! I am impressed to say the least. My bottom side never once got cold. It did exactly what it was suppose to. Obviously I will be going back for a better TQ from them once funding allows for it.
5) My Homemade Bug Repellent. I am not a Deet Fan. I figure if it will eat the face off my cell phone, it must not be good for me. I made a batch of all natural repellent based on cloves and cat nip. It worked great. Everyone else was complaining about the mosquitoes but only bites I got were when I forgot to use my home brew.
6) HH Explorer w/BCUSA 10x10 Tarp was perfect. No issues at all.
I have a couple of pictures I will post once I get home but wanted to post this while it was fresh in my mind
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Originally Posted by MDSH
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