- Location
- Never Far From Nowhere
Ok, stop that. No Machmen stories this go around.
San Rafael Swell trip, Feb 9-12
- Thread starter sixstringsteve
- Start date
Ok, stop that. No Machmen stories this go around.
sixstringsteve
Well-Known Member
- Location
- UT
joseph is a machman. Meat weakens their abilities and expo gear makes them stronger.
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So I've secured the days off from work for this, just in case. But now I need to make sure I get my clearance and preparations. What all would I need for a trip like this? I'm pretty much bare bones here and don't know where to begin. But I'll be sleeping in my 4Runner for sure. About how many miles are expected to be covered?
JL Rockies
Binders Fulla Expo
- Location
- Draper
I've never been to the swell but I know that AF Canyon is where the Machmen meet. Until proven otherwise, I assume the worst.
sixstringsteve
Well-Known Member
- Location
- UT
I'm guessing we'll cover about 200 miles. I know you're new to camping, so here's a basic list of what I recommend bringing. I have a ton of spare camping gear, so if you're missing an item, let me know so I can bring mine.
camping stuff:
- warm clothing - it may be freezing, it may be chilly, it may be wet, and it may be windy
- sleeping pad to insulate you from the "bed" of your truck (I have one you can borrow, just let me know)
- a decent sleeping bag (I have one you can borrow if needed)
- plenty of water (i'll be bringing about 10 gal because I over-prepare). I'd say 2-3 gallons should be fine.
- camera
- shoes you can walk/hike 2 hours in (you don't need anything fancy). I usually bring a pair of sandals too. Even though it'll be chilly, sandals are nice if your shoes get wet and you need something to drive/walk around in. A second pair of shoes might be nice, might be overkill.
- basic first aid kit
- firewood (no nails)
- camp chair (again, I have spares if needed)
- pillow
- matches/lighter
- trash bags (plastic is fine)
- paper towels
- flashlight/headlamp
- hand warmers or gloves (if you get cold easily)
- utensils - cup, plate, knife/fork/spoon
- Toilet Paper (and a shovel). We won't bury our TP, we'll put it in the garbage (kinda like when I lived in mexico) but we can bury the other "stuff"
- snacks
- food for the entire trip (ice, cooler, stove + propane if you want to cook, etc):
Vehicle stuff:
- tow strap (I have two if you don't have one)
- spare tire in good shape
- equipment to change your spare
- required tools to do basic repairs
- I recommend bringing an extra 5 gal gas can (full of gas) just in case. If you don't have one yet, the MotoX stores sell some cool white 5 gal "liquid containers" that work great and don't have the stupid EPA valve on them
- make sure your vehicle is reliable and won't leave you stranded 50 miles from civilization
Stuff that's not necessary but makes you feel like a man:
- pocket knife/leatherman
- hatchet
- more matches/lighters
- guns (if you're into that sort of thing)
- books to read
- notebook to write stuff in
- pie iron from iconic camping (I'm sure Stephen can pre-season one for ya and bring it down with him)
- benchmark road atlas for utah: I've been highlighting all the places I've visited so far and making notes in the margins. These are amazing maps, and they're excellent for documenting your current trip and planning future trips. This is money well spent if you plan to continue to do more trips like this.
- shovel
- flare gun
I have a 2-burner stove we can share if you'd like.
a few tips I've learned:
- if you use Dry Ice in your cooler, your ice won't melt as fast. Buy a piece at your local grocery store (you usually have to ask for it at the checkout register). Buy a piece about as big as a brick. Don't touch it with your bare hands, it'll burn you. I'm not kidding. Put it in the bottom of your cooler, then put a layer of ice cubes over it. It'll be plenty cold for the 3 days we'll be there. Plus, we can just leave our coolers open at night and the ice should re-freeze.
- Just like Davy and his wife taught at the last training day, dress in layers, and a lighweight waterproof shell is really nice for camping.
- bring a beanie or two
- another neat trick is to get a nalgene style bottle and fill it with hot water and put it in your sleeping bag. These make nice little warmers.
- also, if you get cold while sleeping, a $9 fleece sleeping bag liner will raise the temp in your sleeping bag by about 20*. i didn't believe it at first, but it makes a HUGE difference. Talk to Davy about 'em, his wife's store sells 'em and I HIGHLY recommend them in cold weather.
- lots of gear isn't required for camping. Bring what you have, and have fun. In fact, too much gear is sometimes worse The cool thing about camping is that it's trial and error, and everyone has different preferences. Each time you go camping you'll realize what you forgot and what you could do without.
camping stuff:
- warm clothing - it may be freezing, it may be chilly, it may be wet, and it may be windy
- sleeping pad to insulate you from the "bed" of your truck (I have one you can borrow, just let me know)
- a decent sleeping bag (I have one you can borrow if needed)
- plenty of water (i'll be bringing about 10 gal because I over-prepare). I'd say 2-3 gallons should be fine.
- camera
- shoes you can walk/hike 2 hours in (you don't need anything fancy). I usually bring a pair of sandals too. Even though it'll be chilly, sandals are nice if your shoes get wet and you need something to drive/walk around in. A second pair of shoes might be nice, might be overkill.
- basic first aid kit
- firewood (no nails)
- camp chair (again, I have spares if needed)
- pillow
- matches/lighter
- trash bags (plastic is fine)
- paper towels
- flashlight/headlamp
- hand warmers or gloves (if you get cold easily)
- utensils - cup, plate, knife/fork/spoon
- Toilet Paper (and a shovel). We won't bury our TP, we'll put it in the garbage (kinda like when I lived in mexico) but we can bury the other "stuff"
- snacks
- food for the entire trip (ice, cooler, stove + propane if you want to cook, etc):
o Thursday: dinner
o Friday: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
o Saturday: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
o Friday: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
o Saturday: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Vehicle stuff:
- tow strap (I have two if you don't have one)
- spare tire in good shape
- equipment to change your spare
- required tools to do basic repairs
- I recommend bringing an extra 5 gal gas can (full of gas) just in case. If you don't have one yet, the MotoX stores sell some cool white 5 gal "liquid containers" that work great and don't have the stupid EPA valve on them
- make sure your vehicle is reliable and won't leave you stranded 50 miles from civilization
Stuff that's not necessary but makes you feel like a man:
- pocket knife/leatherman
- hatchet
- more matches/lighters
- guns (if you're into that sort of thing)
- books to read
- notebook to write stuff in
- pie iron from iconic camping (I'm sure Stephen can pre-season one for ya and bring it down with him)
- benchmark road atlas for utah: I've been highlighting all the places I've visited so far and making notes in the margins. These are amazing maps, and they're excellent for documenting your current trip and planning future trips. This is money well spent if you plan to continue to do more trips like this.
- shovel
- flare gun
I have a 2-burner stove we can share if you'd like.
a few tips I've learned:
- if you use Dry Ice in your cooler, your ice won't melt as fast. Buy a piece at your local grocery store (you usually have to ask for it at the checkout register). Buy a piece about as big as a brick. Don't touch it with your bare hands, it'll burn you. I'm not kidding. Put it in the bottom of your cooler, then put a layer of ice cubes over it. It'll be plenty cold for the 3 days we'll be there. Plus, we can just leave our coolers open at night and the ice should re-freeze.
- Just like Davy and his wife taught at the last training day, dress in layers, and a lighweight waterproof shell is really nice for camping.
- bring a beanie or two
- another neat trick is to get a nalgene style bottle and fill it with hot water and put it in your sleeping bag. These make nice little warmers.
- also, if you get cold while sleeping, a $9 fleece sleeping bag liner will raise the temp in your sleeping bag by about 20*. i didn't believe it at first, but it makes a HUGE difference. Talk to Davy about 'em, his wife's store sells 'em and I HIGHLY recommend them in cold weather.
- lots of gear isn't required for camping. Bring what you have, and have fun. In fact, too much gear is sometimes worse
The cool thing about camping is that it's trial and error, and everyone has different preferences. Each time you go camping you'll realize what you forgot and what you could do without.
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sixstringsteve
Well-Known Member
- Location
- UT
Noe, that list is longer than it needs to be, and you don't need all that crap. But, I figured it'd be better to list it all since you're starting out. Don't go out and drop $500 at cabellas (unless you know you already love camping). Between Davy and me, we probably have enough gear to cover everyone coming. And the other guys have tons of gear too. Post up if you need to borrow something.
Even though it'll be cold, I can't imagine a cooler first campout. It doesn't get much better than this!
Davy, anything I missed on that list?
Even though it'll be cold, I can't imagine a cooler first campout. It doesn't get much better than this!
Davy, anything I missed on that list?
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sixstringsteve
Well-Known Member
- Location
- UT
or if you're a real lumberjack like moody, you can bring a tarp and your amazing sleeping bag and survive for months on end.
JL Rockies
Binders Fulla Expo
- Location
- Draper
I fixed the link to the Benchmark Atlas Steve. It's imortant to buy the proper gear from a proper and supportive company run by enthusiasts.... especially one who delivers to your expedition.
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JL Rockies
Binders Fulla Expo
- Location
- Draper
By the way, that whole list will do nothing to protect you from Machmen.
sixstringsteve
Well-Known Member
- Location
- UT
thanks, I forgot Stephen sold those. I fixed my link.
Last edited:
- Location
- Never Far From Nowhere
Great list, Steve. Thanks for the plug!
I do indeed sell Pie Irons, a requirment to be one of the "cool kids" around the campfire. I can season it for you too.
I also sell some pretty awesome single burner white gas stoves, which I prefer to propane.
One thing that Steve didn't mention was having a map or atlas. Always a good idea. I have those too. I'm happy to deliver to anyone thats coming on the trip!
I do indeed sell Pie Irons, a requirment to be one of the "cool kids" around the campfire.
I can season it for you too.I also sell some pretty awesome single burner white gas stoves, which I prefer to propane.
One thing that Steve didn't mention was having a map or atlas. Always a good idea. I have those too. I'm happy to deliver to anyone thats coming on the trip!
scoutabout
None
I hate this thread is SO many ways. Have a safe and fun trip.
- Location
- Never Far From Nowhere
I could do some Pie Iron cooking for ya, Davey. What do you want? Cheesesteak? Muffaletta Sandwich?
JL Rockies
Binders Fulla Expo
- Location
- Draper
Only 'cause you don't know they're there.