Gary's C&O Canal Towpath

Bicycle Camping List

I am well aware that I could have travelled a lot lighter, but I was a Boy Scout and the one thing that has stuck in my mind is " BE PREPARED". I'm the type of person that would rather wish I hadn't brought something as opposed to I wish I had brought it. Besides, the canal towpath is basically flat, so weight isn't a real big factor. Just because I'm roughing it, doesn't mean I'm not going to enjoy myself!

• Sleeping
  • Tent
  • Poles
  • Pegs
  • Groundcloth or footprint -- use under tent to keep bottom dry
  • String or rope -- I used this for a clothes line. If it rains, I would use it on the tarp over the picnic table or tent.
  • Rope clips -- clips for streching rope tight
  • Tent repair tape
  • Tarp (4X6 Plastic) -- I used this to wrap up my sleeping bag for travel, then if it rains I use it over the table or tent.
  • Sleeping bag
  • Pillow -- Self inflating
  • Air mattress -- Therma-Rest self inflating
• Food
  • Instant Coffee
  • Tea Bags
  • Sugar
  • Cream
  • Power Bars
  • Figs, Munchie bars of some sort, Cheese Crackers, Candy (for lunch and after dinner)
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Camping food for breakfast and dinner (I don't eat lunch)
    • Mountain House dehydrated food (I liked the dinners with noodles the best & I like the powdered eggs you have to cook)
  • Powdered Gatorade -- Good for mixing with water that just doesn't taste right.
• Cooking Utinsels
  • Stove
  • Gas (I use canned propane/butane)
  • Matches & Lighter
  • Water Bottles -- 2 large and 2 small (enough to last dinner and breakfast if pump doesn't work)
  • Oil
  • Pot -- big enough to boil water for food and coffee
  • 7" Teflon coated skillet with foldable handle (for eggs)
  • Gloves or Pot Holder
  • Cup -- with measurments on side (Used for measuring water, then drinking)
  • Paper Plates
  • Knife
  • Fork
  • Spoon
  • Small Spatula
• Toiletries & Cleaning
  • Toilet paper
  • Kleenex
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Shower to Shower Powder
  • Mouthwash
  • Mirror
  • Soap
  • Washcloth -- one for me/one for pots
  • Towel -- small cloth and then paper, larger towel if possible swimming
  • Pot cleaning pad/sponge
  • Kitchen Sink -- No joke, it's an inflatable basin (washing face & hands or skillet & utinsels)
• First Aid Kit
  • Basic first aid kit (bandaides, ointment, etc)
  • Alcohol
  • Peroxide
  • Knee braces
  • Rolaids -- The food's not bad, but you gotta be prepared!
• Clothes
  • Padded Cycling shorts
  • Padded Cycling undershorts
  • Cut-Offs
  • Underware -- I wanted a rest from my cycling shorts
  • T-Shirts
  • Bluejeans
  • Socks -- 1 pair for each day plus one extra pair
  • Rubber overshoes -- I wore these in the morning around the campsite because fo the dew on the grass.
  • Shorts or Bathing Suit -- If during hot summer may want to swim.
  • Sweatshorts for sleeping
  • Coat
  • Windbreaker
  • Rain Poncho
  • Head sweat bands
  • Plastic bags for clothes (clean & dirty), wet stuff
• Misc.
  • Water Filter -- Water from pumps was rusty. (I didn't have one this time, but I will next trip)
  • Insect Repellent
  • C&O Maps & Books
  • Tools -- Basic tools, 1 extra tube, patch kit, spokes (store in seat tube)
  • Tire Air Pump
  • Lock and Cable
  • Fire Starters -- I like a fire at night plus if the stove quits I know I can boil water over a fire.
  • Flashlights -- I took 2 small ones.
    • Spare Batteries
    • Spare Blub
  • Candle Lantern
    • Extra candle
  • Wallet -- Small (Drivers license, Health card, and a few dollars)
  • Sewing Kit -- Very small
  • Bungees & Straps
  • Binoculars
  • Camera
  • Weather Radio
  • Seat -- I have a foam cushion that I took to sit on.
  • Plastic Bucket (folds up)
  • Wisk broom or brush -- (small) For cleaning off picnic tables, tent floor, etc.
  • Change for pay phones
  • Key to get back in my House -- Very Important!

Last updated by Gary Mumma on 8/13/2004