 tent shopping
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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OP
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Looking for a new tent for a possible trip with my buddy to Colorado this summer. Thinking 4 person tent cause most of the 2 person tents I've seen are a little small. Like to spend around $100. Did some searches and there are THOUSANDS of them out there so I would like to narrow it down with some advice on here. My main beef against the cheap tents I've had before was that they work alright the first night and then when you take them down in the morning, they're gonna be a little damp, then they leak the next night. I've tried the "waterproof" sprays and they are worthless. Any recomendations? (The best tent I ever used was the Coleman two man pup tent my dad and I used in scouts. We used that tent for 15 years and it never failed!)
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: tent shopping
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1 |
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Re: tent shopping
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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OP
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Quote:
R.E.I.
??? 
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: tent shopping
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 657
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 657 |
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Re: tent shopping
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22 |
Can't help you with US tents....but I offer you a little butchered Shakespeare.......
" Now is the winter of our discount tents....."
Er, must be medication time soon
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
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Re: tent shopping
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,727 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,727 Likes: 5 |
Rich, you don't get to have a large, quality tent for large cheap tent prices. That being said, check out Mountain Hardwear tents, they are bomb proof and water tight for a good price. I'm not going to say they are exactly in your price range, but with some bargain hunting you might be able to find something. When I'm backpacking, I try to find a good size to weight ratio, it's a balance, the lighter you go the smaller it packs down but if you are car camping it doesn't really matter. Also, like Wade said, REI has excellent quality stuff and they stand behind their products. On top of their own brand they carry other high end brands, no junk there.
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: tent shopping
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
" Now is the winter of our discount tents....."
Er, must be medication time soon
 methinks I heard old Richard snicker from the netherworld
(it's an esoteric matrix of souls who get that, meds too) 
Oh, tents. Yes, REI has stellar customer service and high quality. It's a co-op, owned by the workers.
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Re: tent shopping
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15 |
Eureka ! No seriously, Eureka Brands are great. the snizzle
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Re: tent shopping
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,207 Likes: 58
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,207 Likes: 58 |
I shop at Sportsmans Guide for that sort of stuff. It is worth joining the buyers club, they give you free shipping when you join and 2 10% off coupons plus the prices are lower to start with if you join. I have several Sportsmans Guide name products and they are all top quality. I pay about $75 for my boots and they last for years. I also bought my biker jacket from them for $75 again as good or better quality than my Triumph jacket that was like $600. (both of those jackets are discontinued).
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: tent shopping
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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OP
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Thanks for the tips, fella's.
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: tent shopping
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8
New Tires
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New Tires
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8 |
I've always owned North Face tents and been very happy. Also their sleeping bags. Like most exterior support tents, you can learn to assemble in the dark.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: tent shopping
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22 |
Quote:
Quote:
" Now is the winter of our discount tents....."
Er, must be medication time soon
methinks I heard old Richard snicker from the netherworld
(it's an esoteric matrix of souls who get that, meds too)
Oh, tents. Yes, REI has stellar customer service and high quality. It's a co-op, owned by the workers.
Thanks...I sometimes wonder if folks will get the jest...glad you did.
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
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Re: tent shopping
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10 |
Quote:
Quote:
R.E.I.
???
Rapid Eye Inducement ?
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: tent shopping
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10 |
Quote:
Can't help you with US tents....but I offer you a little butchered Shakespeare.......
" Now is the winter of our discount tents....."
Er, must be medication time soon
I can't remember which one it's from though, Henry V?
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: tent shopping
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,207 Likes: 58
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,207 Likes: 58 |
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: tent shopping
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22 |
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
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Re: tent shopping
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10 |
Ah yes, "Richard dee turd" as the Irish pronounce it.
I was forced to learn "the Merchant of Venice" when I was at school that finished me with "the bard"
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: tent shopping
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22 |
Quote:
Ah yes, "Richard dee turd" as the Irish pronounce it.
I was forced to learn "the Merchant of Venice" when I was at school that finished me with "the bard"
Then you'll appreciate this......I used to own a Reliant Rialto car.....and once phoned the garage with the immortal lines..." Hail Bassanio, what news on The Rialto?"
" Er,my names Ted."
Pearls before swine.
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
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Re: tent shopping
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 220 Likes: 2
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 220 Likes: 2 |
I have no idea what you blokes are on about....
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Re: tent shopping
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22 |
And you presume that we have?
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
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Re: tent shopping
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,279 Likes: 65
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,279 Likes: 65 |
Quote:
Quote:
Ah yes, "Richard dee turd" as the Irish pronounce it.
I was forced to learn "the Merchant of Venice" when I was at school that finished me with "the bard"
Then you'll appreciate this......I used to own a Reliant Rialto car.....and once phoned the garage with the immortal lines..." Hail Bassanio, what news on The Rialto?"
" Er,my names Ted."
Pearls before swine.
Now that got me LMAO
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Re: tent shopping
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,207 Likes: 58
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,207 Likes: 58 |
I have an air mattress on a folding frame I use and it's queen size.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: tent shopping
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,727 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,727 Likes: 5 |
I have a camp waterbed that I use in my tent. I have to fill it up in a stream but it's pretty awesome to sleep on
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: tent shopping
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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OP
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Quote:
I have an air mattress on a folding frame I use and it's queen size.
Wimp! 
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: tent shopping
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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OP
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
I've been using a small 1 1/2 man pup tent, a sleeping bag and a self inflating air mat. And the air mat is my nod to luxury! Gonna keep practicing old school until my bones get too brittle to hack it anymore.
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: tent shopping
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,727 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,727 Likes: 5 |
Quote:
I've been using a small 1 1/2 man pup tent, a sleeping bag and a self inflating air mat. And the air mat is my nod to luxury! Gonna keep practicing old school until my bones get too brittle to hack it anymore.
real old school would mean you make your own shelter out of sticks and leaves and mud like I do
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: tent shopping
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,207 Likes: 58
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,207 Likes: 58 |
I used to use a small tent, 2 man I think it was with 2 poles that hold it up and a sleeping bag. I have also just curled up along the road with just a sleeping bag next to my chopper. I am older and wiser now and have the luxuries available to me so I use them!
Are you serious about a water bed? I would think that would be cold with no heater.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: tent shopping
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1 |
My idea of roughing it, is staying at a Super 8 vs HI Express or the Steamboat Grand.  See there was this little tradition/invention called the "bed" that started in a little village in Scotland around 3200 BC. You guys might want to try it on your next trip.
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: tent shopping
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,207 Likes: 58
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,207 Likes: 58 |
That is what I did on my most recent trips since it has gotten just as expensive to tent camp as stay at a hotel so unless I am camping because I like to camp I stay at a hotel now.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: tent shopping
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,279 Likes: 65
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,279 Likes: 65 |
Quote:
I've been using a small 1 1/2 man pup tent, a sleeping bag and a self inflating air mat. And the air mat is my nod to luxury! Gonna keep practicing old school until my bones get too brittle to hack it anymore.
We still use self inflating and find them quite comfortable its the getting in and out of the tent I find the harder thing to do these days. If with friends and someone brings a shop vac then the inflatible is brought along.
OH wait we are talking about rode trips on the MC, no it's hotels and hot showers in the room if that is the case.
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Re: tent shopping
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,279 Likes: 65
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,279 Likes: 65 |
As a footnote to that you can also travel with one of these to help sooth the aching muscles, they work very well and only use a few AAA batteries. https://www.amazon.ca/Easy-Home-Handheld...ds=tens+machine
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Re: tent shopping
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7 |
Quote:
That is what I did on my most recent trips since it has gotten just as expensive to tent camp as stay at a hotel so unless I am camping because I like to camp I stay at a hotel now.
The wife of an old friend of mine defines "roughing it" as staying in a hotel without room service. He once told me that if he wanted to go camping he would have joined the Army instead of the Navy. On the other hand I know a guy with an RV that has a Jacuzzi and he calls it camping.
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
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Re: tent shopping
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,279 Likes: 65
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,279 Likes: 65 |
Quote:
Quote:
That is what I did on my most recent trips since it has gotten just as expensive to tent camp as stay at a hotel so unless I am camping because I like to camp I stay at a hotel now.
The wife of an old friend of mine defines "roughing it" as staying in a hotel without room service. He once told me that if he wanted to go camping he would have joined the Army instead of the Navy. On the other hand I know a guy with an RV that has a Jacuzzi and he calls it camping.
That is commonly known as "Glamping"
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Re: tent shopping
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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OP
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Quote:
That is what I did on my most recent trips since it has gotten just as expensive to tent camp as stay at a hotel so unless I am camping because I like to camp I stay at a hotel now.
That's no lie! Camping prices have really gotten ridiculous the last ten years or so. I used to tent camp for $5 to $7. Now a lot of places charge $22 and up for just a tent spot. National parks are usually the best bang for the buck. Still $10 to $15 at many parks and they are always neat and clean. On my road trips I usually alternate camping one night and cheap motel the next. The motel lets me clean up a bit but you meet the nicest people at camp sites. Plus, I can park the bike right next to the tent. It always makes me a little paranoid to park in a Motel lot, where sometimes your bike might be 50 feet or more from your door. THAT'S when I cover the bike with a tarp, lock the forks, tie the rear wheel with a cable and set the alarmed disk lock!
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: tent shopping
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22 |
At the risk of my own vanity, might I refer you to an article I wrote in my old club magazine...I'm useless at hyperlinks so merely recommend you to Google Amoc times Xmas 2012...article entitled ' On Tour With The Poor.'
Enjoy
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
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Re: tent shopping
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,932 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,932 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
Quote:
THAT'S when I cover the bike with a tarp, lock the forks, tie the rear wheel with a cable and set the alarmed disk lock!
don't ya have insurance
we should do this every weekend!
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Re: tent shopping
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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OP
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
THAT'S when I cover the bike with a tarp, lock the forks, tie the rear wheel with a cable and set the alarmed disk lock!
don't ya have insurance
Of course I do. But if I'm hundreds of miles from home on a trip, how good is insurance gonna make me feel? The insurance is not gonna buy me a brand new bike, only a bike of replacement value. (Minus the deductible, of course)And they aren't gonna be able to replace the custom gee gaws I made or installed, some of which are no longer available. Finally, "delayed financial compensation" won't include how crappy I'd feel having had my bike stolen and having to call someone to come and get me.
Fidelis et Fortis
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