I've been dreaming for a while about camping cycle touring with the family, and am looking to do either the River Weser or the Donaueschingen - Passau tours in Germany in mid-late July.
We are a family of 4: 8 year old and me on a tandem, 10 year old and husband by themselves, with husband pulling a Bob trailer.
I'm really seeking reassurance about kit. I suppose it will pay off to camp, but getting lightweight gear is sooooo expensive, and it feels kind of scary to be investing so much money up-front when we've never done this before. I'm pretty sure this is something we want to do (we did do a 4-day cycle trip - staying in hotels - about 18 months ago and we just loved it), but it would be an expensive mistake.
A few questions:
1. Tents: Everyone recommends Hilleberg and we would need a 4-man, so pretty big. I think this will be £800+ and it's still over 5kg... Is that right?!! It seems so much - but that's probably because I haven't done this before!
2. Sleeping mats: I'm happy to invest in this because I value my sleep. Exped for the grown-ups seems to be the advice on here. Does anyone have experience with kids - can I get away with less quality for them? I'd appreciate any recommendations.
3. Sleeping bags: With young-ish kids, there is no way we will be doing touring in the colder seasons. And in a few years' time it is likely we will be living in Australia. So am I right that there is no point getting more than a 2-season bag? Can anyone recommend brands and sellers? What is a good weight to aim for? What do you think of getting junior size bags to reduce price/weight?
4. Panniers: Ortlieb gets mentioned a lot. I'm willing to invest in the right stuff, but don't have money to burn. Is this the right brand for us?
I realise this all sounds pathetic - I really am looking for reassurance after reading a lot on these forums. It has been really helpful to read the threads, but I'm nervous about the money involved when I have little personal experience. And buying for 4 quadruples the costs of any mistake!
Thanks for any help you can offer.
We are a family of 4: 8 year old and me on a tandem, 10 year old and husband by themselves, with husband pulling a Bob trailer.
I'm really seeking reassurance about kit. I suppose it will pay off to camp, but getting lightweight gear is sooooo expensive, and it feels kind of scary to be investing so much money up-front when we've never done this before. I'm pretty sure this is something we want to do (we did do a 4-day cycle trip - staying in hotels - about 18 months ago and we just loved it), but it would be an expensive mistake.
A few questions:
1. Tents: Everyone recommends Hilleberg and we would need a 4-man, so pretty big. I think this will be £800+ and it's still over 5kg... Is that right?!! It seems so much - but that's probably because I haven't done this before!
2. Sleeping mats: I'm happy to invest in this because I value my sleep. Exped for the grown-ups seems to be the advice on here. Does anyone have experience with kids - can I get away with less quality for them? I'd appreciate any recommendations.
3. Sleeping bags: With young-ish kids, there is no way we will be doing touring in the colder seasons. And in a few years' time it is likely we will be living in Australia. So am I right that there is no point getting more than a 2-season bag? Can anyone recommend brands and sellers? What is a good weight to aim for? What do you think of getting junior size bags to reduce price/weight?
4. Panniers: Ortlieb gets mentioned a lot. I'm willing to invest in the right stuff, but don't have money to burn. Is this the right brand for us?
I realise this all sounds pathetic - I really am looking for reassurance after reading a lot on these forums. It has been really helpful to read the threads, but I'm nervous about the money involved when I have little personal experience. And buying for 4 quadruples the costs of any mistake!
Thanks for any help you can offer.