Stealth bivy tour across Canada.
03-23-04, 05:52 PM
#1
pedalphile
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Stealth bivy tour across Canada.
I'm planning a trip across Canada next summer and I've got some ideas that I thought I might run across you folks, seeing as you're chock full of useful tidbits.
I'm thinking of taking just a bivy sack and a tarp, partly to save space, but mostly to make "stealth camping" easier. My biggest concern is security of my gear. I won't be able to fit my panniers in the sack with me. So here are my questions:
Does anyone have any theft stories or concerns about across Canada?
Has anyone devised some scheme of tying your panniers to your big toe to alert you of a theft, or something equally clever?
What is "stealth camping" like in the East (Ontario, Quebec)?
Is this a ridiculous venture and should I just bring a tent like every other tourer out there?
What's the absolute best way to ensure my bike is safe?
Is being in a bivy going to drive me absolutely insane?
Is it really wrong to be absolutely insane?
P.S. "Stealth camping" is discussed in depth in a thread called "Stealth Camping". You can search for it.
Any comments are welcome, from the encouraging to the scathing to the assinine to the insane.
I'm thinking of taking just a bivy sack and a tarp, partly to save space, but mostly to make "stealth camping" easier. My biggest concern is security of my gear. I won't be able to fit my panniers in the sack with me. So here are my questions:
Does anyone have any theft stories or concerns about across Canada?
Has anyone devised some scheme of tying your panniers to your big toe to alert you of a theft, or something equally clever?
What is "stealth camping" like in the East (Ontario, Quebec)?
Is this a ridiculous venture and should I just bring a tent like every other tourer out there?
What's the absolute best way to ensure my bike is safe?
Is being in a bivy going to drive me absolutely insane?
Is it really wrong to be absolutely insane?
P.S. "Stealth camping" is discussed in depth in a thread called "Stealth Camping". You can search for it.
Any comments are welcome, from the encouraging to the scathing to the assinine to the insane.
03-23-04, 09:28 PM
#2
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Keeping your bike safe: I take only a good-quality, lightweight padlock and a medium-weight coiled cable. I think that's enough deterrent to all but the "professionals".
Panniers: Thread a cord under your tarp and over your bivy, and then through each pannier so that half your gear is on each side of you. Then tie one end to your bike frame, the other to a fixed object. You might include a small bell in the system--anything that will serve as a deterrent.
Actually, if you're really stealth camping, such security shouldn't be necessary, but it'll be good for public camping.
I've never used a bivy, and don't think I'd do well using one for that long a trip. I do see that you'll save a good 4 pounds using tarp/bivy rather than tent/bag, but here are the problems I see with using a bivy, all having to do with moisture:
1. Here in the east, you'll find humidity along with varying temps. Can you add/subtract sleeping clothing easily enough in a bivy? It's fairly easy in a tent, and of course you have your panniers in there with you, and your whole "wardrobe" within easy reach.
2. If you awaken to rain and decide to stay put another day, isn't the bivy going to get pretty claustrophobic? I've laid over in my one-man tent with minimal discomfort, but I don't think I'd manage well in a bivy. (And remember, in a tent a guy with a can can kneel and pee.)
3. If it's raining when you break camp, you can get into your dry raingear and bag all your stuff before emerging from a tent.
I'm also not sure a tarp is any less visible than a tent of the same color. I think your stealth camping would actually be easier with a tent, especially a self-supporting one.
You should pick spots where the attention of passersby does not remain in your direction more than an instant. The inside of a bend in the road, rather than the outside, for example. Alongside a straightaway rather than near a stop sign or at the end of a Tee-intersection. Opposite any eye-catching feature, not in its line of sight. If you find that despite your best effort you're still somewhat visible, keep your head down when you can, and stay still when someone passes. Motion and bright light turn heads more often than anything. Let the tent block your cookstove from view. The little blue flame wouldn't be noticed, but watch out for that flickering orange flame when you fire up--it'll illuminate your whole tent; best to crouch between stove and tent.
In 8000+ miles of loaded touring, and whether stealth- or public-camping, I've never had a problem with theft. I doubt you'll have a bit of problem either--just camp sensibly and with respect. No private property without asking. It's easier seen if you imagine yourself the owner with a stranger settling in uninvited. Most would resent it; some would be terrified. You don't want to cause that. Public, non-fee property: if it's not posted, I'm always willing to consider it. Public property with fees (state/provincial parks, etc.): The public has spent tax money setting aside that land with the expectation that fee collection will help support it, so I pay up...and gladly, too, if there's a hot shower at day's end.
It's fun to steath-camp. You think different thoughts. Your mind amplifies each little sound. Every shadow is "something else". You may not sleep well, but to have passed the night without event is a very good thing. And when you later enter the diner for breakfast, a little swagger need not be suppressed.
Panniers: Thread a cord under your tarp and over your bivy, and then through each pannier so that half your gear is on each side of you. Then tie one end to your bike frame, the other to a fixed object. You might include a small bell in the system--anything that will serve as a deterrent.
Actually, if you're really stealth camping, such security shouldn't be necessary, but it'll be good for public camping.
I've never used a bivy, and don't think I'd do well using one for that long a trip. I do see that you'll save a good 4 pounds using tarp/bivy rather than tent/bag, but here are the problems I see with using a bivy, all having to do with moisture:
1. Here in the east, you'll find humidity along with varying temps. Can you add/subtract sleeping clothing easily enough in a bivy? It's fairly easy in a tent, and of course you have your panniers in there with you, and your whole "wardrobe" within easy reach.
2. If you awaken to rain and decide to stay put another day, isn't the bivy going to get pretty claustrophobic? I've laid over in my one-man tent with minimal discomfort, but I don't think I'd manage well in a bivy. (And remember, in a tent a guy with a can can kneel and pee.)
3. If it's raining when you break camp, you can get into your dry raingear and bag all your stuff before emerging from a tent.
I'm also not sure a tarp is any less visible than a tent of the same color. I think your stealth camping would actually be easier with a tent, especially a self-supporting one.
You should pick spots where the attention of passersby does not remain in your direction more than an instant. The inside of a bend in the road, rather than the outside, for example. Alongside a straightaway rather than near a stop sign or at the end of a Tee-intersection. Opposite any eye-catching feature, not in its line of sight. If you find that despite your best effort you're still somewhat visible, keep your head down when you can, and stay still when someone passes. Motion and bright light turn heads more often than anything. Let the tent block your cookstove from view. The little blue flame wouldn't be noticed, but watch out for that flickering orange flame when you fire up--it'll illuminate your whole tent; best to crouch between stove and tent.
In 8000+ miles of loaded touring, and whether stealth- or public-camping, I've never had a problem with theft. I doubt you'll have a bit of problem either--just camp sensibly and with respect. No private property without asking. It's easier seen if you imagine yourself the owner with a stranger settling in uninvited. Most would resent it; some would be terrified. You don't want to cause that. Public, non-fee property: if it's not posted, I'm always willing to consider it. Public property with fees (state/provincial parks, etc.): The public has spent tax money setting aside that land with the expectation that fee collection will help support it, so I pay up...and gladly, too, if there's a hot shower at day's end.
It's fun to steath-camp. You think different thoughts. Your mind amplifies each little sound. Every shadow is "something else". You may not sleep well, but to have passed the night without event is a very good thing. And when you later enter the diner for breakfast, a little swagger need not be suppressed.
__________________
An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered. - G. K. Chesterton
An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered. - G. K. Chesterton
Last edited by meanderthal; 03-24-04 at 08:33 AM.
03-24-04, 06:41 PM
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One word comes to mind........ Mosquitos! Tent or no tent, have a way to protect yourself from them....
Stealth camping is easy in many places while in others it's best to use your wits in securing the best place. Asking permission works often as long as you do it right. Sometimes asking permission will lead to whole new experiences... Lots depends upon your interpersonal communication skills.
Carrying a lock....hmmmm.. Only you can decide. Lugging one around in a pain, yet it do allow for a bit more freedom. I remember once cycling up Rogers Pass in BC when I found my riding partner's bicycle on the side of the road at a trailhead. I left my bike there unlocked as well and proceded on a 1/2 day unscheduled hike. Only after about 3 hours did I grow concerned that next to the road was approaching $2,000 of bikes and equipment. The hike was great and we returned to the bikes safe and sound. For a situation like that I would have been happier to have a lock. But heck, I would never want to carry it! hmmmm
Wells
Stealth camping is easy in many places while in others it's best to use your wits in securing the best place. Asking permission works often as long as you do it right. Sometimes asking permission will lead to whole new experiences... Lots depends upon your interpersonal communication skills.
Carrying a lock....hmmmm.. Only you can decide. Lugging one around in a pain, yet it do allow for a bit more freedom. I remember once cycling up Rogers Pass in BC when I found my riding partner's bicycle on the side of the road at a trailhead. I left my bike there unlocked as well and proceded on a 1/2 day unscheduled hike. Only after about 3 hours did I grow concerned that next to the road was approaching $2,000 of bikes and equipment. The hike was great and we returned to the bikes safe and sound. For a situation like that I would have been happier to have a lock. But heck, I would never want to carry it! hmmmm
Wells
03-25-04, 02:02 AM
#4
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Learn to set up a tarp properly, use a waterproof bivy so you can put the legs outside the tent cover and you'll find yourself much more comfortable than in a tent. Most bivy have a mesh cover on the upper part and some have a pole to keep the fabric away from the face. Personnally I still use a small tent because I have it but I'd rather have a bivy. When going light, I use a tarp only. I never go with a tent only.
The idea behind stealth camping is not to be seen so I wouldn't be too concerned about theft. Keep all your stuff next to you and you can always tie things together as meanderthal posted. I'd be more concerned about theft during a quick stop at a store for example.
The idea behind stealth camping is not to be seen so I wouldn't be too concerned about theft. Keep all your stuff next to you and you can always tie things together as meanderthal posted. I'd be more concerned about theft during a quick stop at a store for example.
03-25-04, 08:09 AM
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You might check out a Integral Designs SilShelter.
I'd think it would fit the bill perfectly. Let me follow that statement up by saying that I've never been on a tour before; just getting into it. I have done a bit of ultralight backpacking though, and the SilShelter is my shelter of choice for solo and two person outings. You just can't beat the versatility of this thing. You can set it up low to the ground for storm protection, or you can set it up in one of numerous open configurations to allow air flow on nice evenings. You can even set it up as a vestibule for another tent. If the mosquitos are thick, you can add bug netting. Buy some 2 or 3 mil paiters plastic, cut to size, and you have a waterproof floor. The shelter itself weights 16 oz and packs down to 4" x 8".
Some real world results....I had my SilShelter out last weekend and it survived (barely) a night of full broadside winds gusting to 30 mph. I was staked into sand with regular skinny stakes, and they all but pullled. Had I been on solid ground, the shelter would have stayed firm without question.
This probably sounds like a pitch, but I assure you I'm not affiliated with Integral Designs. I just like mah tent!
I'd think it would fit the bill perfectly. Let me follow that statement up by saying that I've never been on a tour before; just getting into it. I have done a bit of ultralight backpacking though, and the SilShelter is my shelter of choice for solo and two person outings. You just can't beat the versatility of this thing. You can set it up low to the ground for storm protection, or you can set it up in one of numerous open configurations to allow air flow on nice evenings. You can even set it up as a vestibule for another tent. If the mosquitos are thick, you can add bug netting. Buy some 2 or 3 mil paiters plastic, cut to size, and you have a waterproof floor. The shelter itself weights 16 oz and packs down to 4" x 8".
Some real world results....I had my SilShelter out last weekend and it survived (barely) a night of full broadside winds gusting to 30 mph. I was staked into sand with regular skinny stakes, and they all but pullled. Had I been on solid ground, the shelter would have stayed firm without question.
This probably sounds like a pitch, but I assure you I'm not affiliated with Integral Designs. I just like mah tent!
03-25-04, 08:50 AM
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Three words: GO FOR IT.
I converted to a bivy life last year for mountaineering, backpacking, and biking. The sack I use is the Integral Designs Unishelter Expedition ($295 CN at MEC: https://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1080225531572). It's a bit heavy for a bivy, but it's roomy with lots of space above your head, it's totally bombproof ,and manages moisture better than my double-walled one man tent as evidenced by use in humid and cold Northern Michigan. I also bought the Integral Designs Siltarp (https://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1080225531571) to go with it so I can cook and organize gear if I wake up to a rainstorm.
As for securing your gear, you should check out a product backpackers use called a Pacsafe. It consists of a mesh steel web that is designed to be wrapped around your backpack and locked to a solid object (such as a bicycle and/or a tree). They come in different sizes and I'm sure you could fit one around a pile of panniers and lock it to your bike and a tree with a cable lock. Here's a link to one at REI: https://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...ory_rn=4501757
One more thing: make sure you hang your food or the microbears (chipmunks) will make hay with your food.
Good luck on your trip and have a great time!
B.
I converted to a bivy life last year for mountaineering, backpacking, and biking. The sack I use is the Integral Designs Unishelter Expedition ($295 CN at MEC: https://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1080225531572). It's a bit heavy for a bivy, but it's roomy with lots of space above your head, it's totally bombproof ,and manages moisture better than my double-walled one man tent as evidenced by use in humid and cold Northern Michigan. I also bought the Integral Designs Siltarp (https://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1080225531571) to go with it so I can cook and organize gear if I wake up to a rainstorm.
As for securing your gear, you should check out a product backpackers use called a Pacsafe. It consists of a mesh steel web that is designed to be wrapped around your backpack and locked to a solid object (such as a bicycle and/or a tree). They come in different sizes and I'm sure you could fit one around a pile of panniers and lock it to your bike and a tree with a cable lock. Here's a link to one at REI: https://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...ory_rn=4501757
One more thing: make sure you hang your food or the microbears (chipmunks) will make hay with your food.
Good luck on your trip and have a great time!
B.
03-25-04, 12:18 PM
#7
pedalphile
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Thanks for the comments guys. I figured I'd add a few more comments:
In order of most preferred to least preferred, here are my camping options:
1. Pay the very low fee for a Federal or Provincial Campground (if they have tent only areas). I never cheat on these, 'cause it's just morally despicable.
2. Ask permission to sleep on private land. This is fun 'cause you get to meet interesting people and share stories.
3. "Stealth" camp on public land. Out of sight. Very nice for the solitude, and you get that outlaw thrill.
4. Private Campground. Preferably one with tent only areas and not too busy. I think this is really where I have the highest risk of getting my stuff stolen.
5. Cheap motel. Ahhh, hot shower.
As for gear, I'm happy to see that you all suggest the Integral Designs Siltarp, 'cause that's what I've got, and to anyone else reading this thread, it surely is the king of tarps.
I've currently got the MEC South Col Bivy (https://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1080237736788)
But I think I might upgrade to something with a bit lower claustraphobia factor for the tour. Something like what Braumeister uses, with a pole over the face area.
Meanderthal, excellent suggestion with the anti-theft bell on the panniers! I think that pretty would pretty much qualm my theft paranoia.
Mosquitos are a problem I have yet to addresse in my planning. I'll maybe try to work out something with bug netting as jhattan suggested.
The cross Canada trip is not happening for a full year
but I'll be using this summer as stomping grounds for my gear setup. I'll be sure to let you guys know how things work out in the testing.
In order of most preferred to least preferred, here are my camping options:
1. Pay the very low fee for a Federal or Provincial Campground (if they have tent only areas). I never cheat on these, 'cause it's just morally despicable.
2. Ask permission to sleep on private land. This is fun 'cause you get to meet interesting people and share stories.
3. "Stealth" camp on public land. Out of sight. Very nice for the solitude, and you get that outlaw thrill.
4. Private Campground. Preferably one with tent only areas and not too busy. I think this is really where I have the highest risk of getting my stuff stolen.
5. Cheap motel. Ahhh, hot shower.
As for gear, I'm happy to see that you all suggest the Integral Designs Siltarp, 'cause that's what I've got, and to anyone else reading this thread, it surely is the king of tarps.
I've currently got the MEC South Col Bivy (https://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1080237736788)
But I think I might upgrade to something with a bit lower claustraphobia factor for the tour. Something like what Braumeister uses, with a pole over the face area.
Meanderthal, excellent suggestion with the anti-theft bell on the panniers! I think that pretty would pretty much qualm my theft paranoia.
Mosquitos are a problem I have yet to addresse in my planning. I'll maybe try to work out something with bug netting as jhattan suggested.
The cross Canada trip is not happening for a full year
but I'll be using this summer as stomping grounds for my gear setup. I'll be sure to let you guys know how things work out in the testing.
