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Old 09-18-12 | 10:04 AM
  #457  
nun
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,670
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Bikes: Rivendell Quickbeam, Rivendell Rambouillet, Rivendell Atlantis, Circle A town bike, De Rosa Neo Primato, Cervelo RS, Specialized Diverge

Originally Posted by staehpj1
That reminds me. The one thing that I have not liked about my ultralight setups is that I kind of miss having panniers that stay on the bike with all my gear in them except my sleeping stuff and clothing for the morning. With light dry bags instead of panniers I tend to wind up with more stuff strewn under the tarp and a few more minutes in the morning spent packing it up. The fact that I have so few items does help though and I can still be underway faster than almost anyone else I have observed in camp.

It is a minor trade off though.
This is why I still like the saddlebag and front bag setup. My saddlebag stays on the bike nearly all the time and keeps things organized. I also pack similar items is stuff sacks to keep the clutter down. When I get into camp I set up the tent first and then the sleeping pad, pillow and bag/quilt. All empty stuff sacks go inside the compression bag I use for the tent, which in turn goes in the saddlebag. As I'm usually in campsites with showers my next move is to put on my kung fu shoes and go to the shower block with my front bag, and a change of clothes. I shower, wash what I was wearing that day by stomping on it in the shower, wring it out really well and put on clean clothes, usually a L/S shirt and my convertible long pants. Back at the campsite I hang my clothes up to dry, collect wood for a fire and make tea or something to eat. Then, if necessary, I'll hang food and toiletries up a tree and put riding shoes, cook set etc in my saddlebag and close the lid tight to keep stuff dry if it rains. When I go to bed I take my front bag which has everything I need, all electronics is in a small nylon bag, so I have head lamp, iPhone and battery to hand. If the iPhone battery is low I put it on charge. If I think it will be cold I'll take my Driclime jacket and long johns/tights. My kung fu shoes are the only thing I put in the vestibule.

In wear my clothes from the previous night the next day. I'll sometimes make tea and porridge.....but my preference is to strike camp asap and head to a local diner for breakfast.

Last edited by nun; 09-18-12 at 10:16 AM.
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