Explore, set up, relax. Your ultimate Camping Checklist.
With camping season in full swing in the US, Tim from our team shares his tips on finding that perfect slice of wilderness. Plus, he reveals his packing essentials for making the most of the great outdoors.
Where did you go camping?
I was camping in Grizzly Flats at a specific location my Dad called Pipi Valley. The funny thing is, it's 20 miles from the actual Pipi Valley on the map. My dad wanted to keep the area he found with his friends in the 1970s a secret. So, to maintain tradition every year or two, my friends and I meet up in this remote location on the river that has a massive swimming hole and waterfall waterslide. I think it's one of the most beautiful places to primitive camp in California.
What does your set up include?
I have a Jeep Renegade Deserthawk. For its pint size its actually quite capable and has taken me deep into the backcountry off-roading on some fairly extreme terrain. I outfitted the roof with a Rhino platform rack to mount my king size bed roof tent with an annex. On the hatch I have two roto style packs for storing fuel and my 2X2 tie-downs. On the hitch I'm rocking a folding dual mini moto carrier that effortlessly transports my two UBCOs; a Special Edition 2X2 and a Hunt Edition 2X2. Inside the jeep, I have a few molle panes, same ones as on my Hunt Edition, on the backrests which hold my critical gear.
What do you look for in a camping spot?
Most camping spots I tend to gravitate towards are remote and far from your average REI type camper. It needs to have a swimming hole nearby too.
Essentials to pack
I usually have the back of the jeep full to the brim with stuff, but here’s my basic list:
- Walkie Talkies
- Axe/Shovel combo
- First aid kit / rattlesnake bite kit
- Water jug
- Folding kitchen table w/sink
- Portable gas stove
- Stackable cooking gear kit
- Stackable plates & utensils kit
- Folding chairs & tables
- Folding solar panels (800w)
- 1500w solar generator
- Sleeping bags/pillows
- Large cooler
- Day pack w/ soft cooler
- Dogs and their gear
- 2 x UBCO 2X2s.
What activities do you do while there?
On arrival, we unpack all our gear using the 2X2s to get the heavy stuff down the hill. It makes quick work of everything allowing us more time to hit the river and swim. Most of the days are spent hanging out at the waterfall or hiking deep into the forest to find the other cascading falls and swimming holes. To get farther out, we use the 2X2s on the logging trails which are a blast around the corners with their amazing all-wheel drive system.
Why do you take the UBCOs?
The main reason we take the 2X2s are for the fun factor. Yes, they make setting up camp a breeze, but they are far more exhilarating than just any eBike or moped. The fact that they have AWD means you can pretty much point them at anything with confidence and get through it or over it. So just taking them out for a few hours in the woods at a time is incredibly fun and they always help us discover something new in the area we have been going to for decades.
How do you charge the bikes in the woods?
Currently I use a solar generator with 800w of solar panels (4 x 200w folding panels). This gives me just enough juice to charge a battery or two during the day. Usually when I'm not using the bikes I hook them up to the solar generator with the solar panels to give the bikes some extra energy. It’s not a perfect system, but it gets me some free miles from the sun I wouldn't otherwise get being so remote.
Any other tips?
One of the best ways to find hidden gems like this camping spot is to use satellite maps. My advice is to follow the dirt roads, then go deep into the woods and see if they meet up near a lake or river. You'll be surprised where some of those old roads will take you!