Packing for a two up camping trip on the R12 GSA

[AdventurePoser]

Hi Everybody,

 

a few weeks ago, I asked for some input on packing for a long two up camping trip. I got lots of great advice, so thanks! Anyway, after being on the road for a couple of weeks I thought I'd give my two cents worth on packing for a long ride, two up. This set up worked well for us,so I thought I'd "pay it forward with some pics and descriptions for those thinking of taking a longer ride two up...

 

So, here goes:

 

First, the tank bag, a large RKA bag (not pictured, sorry) It is expandable. In here I put my iPad, a small Panasonic digital camera, two cell phones, and chargers for all electronics. These were stored in a small nylon bag so I could just pull the bag out when it was time to charge. Also in the tank bag went two pair of gloves, a BMWMOA "anonymous" book, pen, hilighter, sunglasses for two, helmet cleaner and small diaper for cleaning faceshields. Finally a ball cap and visor for Cindy, her paperback, and a small nylon zippered bag for personal necessities, ie, sunscreen, aspirin, lip balm, etc, etc.

 

Side cases....I have RKA luggage liners for all three cases. Great investment for organizing gear. When they are full, they fit the OEM cases exactly. Cindy was given the larger, right side case. I suggested she could bring anything she wanted, but it had to fit in that case...Cindy, being a highly experienced international traveler, had no problem packing exactly what she needed! Into her case went her clothes, personal things, travel kit, shower flip flops, and hiking shoes. Perfect

 

 

In the left side case, I packed a couple of pair of underwear, socks, pants with zip off legs, a couple of "technical" tee shirts and a LS shirt of the same material. This stuff can be washed in the sink of a campground/motel and will dry very quickly. No need to bring more. Still had room left over for a Patagonia pull over fleece and shaving kit.

 

In the top case, went the "camping/kitchen kit." This gear went into a medium size nylon duffel which fit nicely inside the RKA top case luggage liner.

 

 

The kitchen kit consisted of a MSR stove, a MSR "kitchen" which includes a cutting board, spice bottles, very nifty folding cooking utensils and even a microfiber towel. Then we carried a GSF nested cooking pan set which includes a 1.5 quart pot, a frying pan, four plastic cup/bowls, I tossed a lighter into one of the plastic cups and the pot holder to keep the set together. The GSF set then sits inside a waterproof nylon pot and cinches up at the top to keep everything tight. Very nice! You can find the MSR kitchen and the GSF cooking set at REI at reasonable prices...:clap

 

Since I still had sleeping bags and a tent to consider, I needed some extra storage, and I opted for the "small" Wolfman watertight bags:

 

 

 

Let's take a look inside....on the left side went a Mountain Hardware 3P tent, ground cloth, stakes, and a few pieces of line, etc. On the right side went two 20 degree sleeping bags, two Big Agnes insulated sleeping pads, and a sleeping bag liner for Cindy's bag, in case I couldn't keep her warm enough... The poles stayed in a nylon sleeve which needed to be strapped on the top of the Wolfman. Very neat and clean!

 

The very last item was a small backpack that was affixed to the top of the top case with short Roc Straps. Our shoes (her size 7s, and my size 13s) nested in here quite comfortably. The backpack really came in handily for so many uses, I doubt I'll ever travel without one again!

 

As you can see, this set up fit us ideally. It was tight, looked good, and allowed us to camp very comfortably. Oh, and before i forget, two Helinox chairs fit nicely on top of my side case luggage liners. I'm sold on these chairs!

 

 

I hope this helps in your two up packing endeavors!

 

Steve, On the Road

ps-Disregard the shoe in the last pic....it soon went into the backpack which rested on the top case!

[Danny caddyshack Noonan]

Nice setup Steve!

[tallman]

Chairs I had not seen.

Simple, small.

 

I love our sling chairs but it took a while last time to set up

because it had been a while

 

 

[AdventurePoser]

Thanks guys...the Helinox chairs are the best! Simple, sturdy, and can be deployed in seconds! Plus they are half the weight of the Kermit chair...

 

Check them out at www.bigagnes.com

 

 

[AdventurePoser]

Thanks guys...the Helinox chairs are the best! Simple, sturdy, and can be deployed in seconds! Plus they are half the weight of the Kermit chair...

 

Check them out at www.bigagnes.com

 

 

[Scarecrow]

I really like my kermit chair, but it is very heavy. I've tried a sling chair, but it wasn't as comfortable. I wish there was some place near I could try this chair out; it looks like it might work well for me.

[AdventurePoser]

If you don't have extremely wide hips, you'll do fine. A friend of mine who weighs about 250 found it very comfy. At 190lbs it's perfect for me...and for Cindy, well two of her could sit side by side!

 

Steve

[Marty Hill]

REI has them.

[noel]

I tried looking for the Helinox but did not find it at REI.com. Instead I found the Alite. It seems to only hold 250lbs as compared to 320lbs with the Helinox. And it cost $30 more/each.

 

Thank Steve for the tip. I'm gonna give them a try as I have a need for them in 2 weeks.

[noel]

This same chair is also found at store.mpgear.com

Use Code RTC712 and get 15% OFF.

[elkroeger]

Nice job. Any room for food?

[Lone_RT_rider]

If you don't have extremely wide hips, you'll do fine.

 

So they are meant strictly for use outside of the United States?

[Scarecrow]

REI has them.

thanks, I'll see if they have them in my local REI then. . .

[Scarecrow]

REI didn't so I ordered one and took it on my camping trip last week. My report: not bad, but not as stable as the Kermit on uneven ground. Also not as comfortable to sit up in; it forces you to sit back a bit.

[Trav1150]

Hi Steve, Your photos are not showing, only the text. Any reason that you are aware of? Thanks

Trav

[JR356]

Hi Steve, Your photos are not showing, only the text. Any reason that you are aware of? Thanks

Trav

 

His original post is almost a year old,probably pulled the pics or lost the link in that time.

 

JR356

[AdventurePoser]

Wow, I don't know....it's an old post, but if anyone is interested my solutions for packing the GSA for two up, I am happy to repost.

 

Steve