Gary's C&O Canal Towpath

Bicycle Camping List

I am well aware that I could have traveled 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 stretching 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 Utensils

    • • 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 measurements 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 & utensils)

  • First Aid Kit

    • • Basic first aid kit (band aides, 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

      • Underwear -- 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 of the dew on the grass.

      • Shorts or Bathing Suit -- If during hot summer may want to swim.

      • Sweat shorts 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 Bulb

      • 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!

Back to | 1997 Trip | or 1995 Half Trip | or Gary's Home Page |

Last updated by Gary Mumma on 9/22/2021