Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
desert camping desert camping
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
Page 2 of 3 1 2 3
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 8 Dec 2004
Runner's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 302
Just to throw another thought out, I really hate tents in the desert! You miss the stars, the sunrise, the appearance of animal life in the dawn.

Even if you take a tent, try a night without!

I only use tents in sandstorm season and even then rarely. a poncho as a windbreak, a decent Karrimat-type insulator and a 3-season dossbag (or 4 season in winter) are the best solution - *dont* forget the windbreak, esp anywhere near a sea wind

Sleeping out in the air is wonderful! Smell the tea brewing in the fire embers, wake and see infinite stars over you, see the sunrise without getting up.....!

__________________
'91 LR 110 Def/Disco hybrid "Elsa"
Bring me the horizon....
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 9 Dec 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: germany
Posts: 104
hello runner,

i suggest you enter your tent for sleeping only!
of course everybody sits around a campfire and watches stars, scorpions and snakes in the evening. and in the morning we enjoy the sunrise through wide opened tent doors. while during the night's sleep, we too don't see anything at all except dreams. so there is no contradiction between using a tent and enjoying nature big time.

good luck to everyone
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 9 Dec 2004
Runner's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 302
"i suggest you enter your tent for sleeping only!"

I suggest you dont use a tent at all.

"so there is no contradiction between using a tent and enjoying nature big time."

I would respectfully disagree, for the reasons Ive already given.
Each to their own. My opinion (for what its worth) is that you lose the feeling of being in the desert when you're closed away in a tent.




[This message has been edited by Runner (edited 09 December 2004).]
__________________
'91 LR 110 Def/Disco hybrid "Elsa"
Bring me the horizon....
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 9 Dec 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: germany
Posts: 104
hi runner,

at home - you sleep under a bridge, right? no - for sure you prefer a roof above your head. so there's got to be something about that...

but anyway: some folks like tents, some do not. so what? they're all nice people, i believe.

greetings ;-)

[This message has been edited by desert soul (edited 09 December 2004).]
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 9 Dec 2004
Runner's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 302
Makes no odds to me what you do, mate.

I think the point about the futility of arguing on the WWW has already been made elsewhere....
__________________
'91 LR 110 Def/Disco hybrid "Elsa"
Bring me the horizon....
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 9 Dec 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK
Posts: 113
The Khayam tents are great except they are heavy, not good at all for bikers.

I can set mine up in about 1min 30secs....!

no need for pegs or ropes unless its windy.

Im looking for a ultralight one man tent 2kg or less that is free standing (none out there)

free standing is like chris scott describes above

since
(pegs in sand = hopeless, pegs in cacampsite also = hopless!)


amazing how tents are a big topic. but they can be SUCH a pain if the wrong choice is made.

they are always erected when youre tired at the end of the day

Karim
__________________
www.desertbiking.co.uk
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 9 Dec 2004
ctc ctc is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Lincolnshire, England
Posts: 249
One point ref the tent versus no tent question, the last time I was in Libya on the shitty side we had: a sandstorm, torrential downpours, cold biting winds and a violent hailstorm with stones the size of golfballs - no exageration (one of our vehicles back windows was smashed by one)! It isnt always clear starry nights in the Sahara!

A tent and (or) a bivy bag (Goretex ideally) is an asset on expedition whether you use it or not.

Ref dome tents - the ones with aluminium poles are the best. You can also get snow pegs, albeit at a price, which work in the sand for your guys otherwise burying tyres or jerrycans or shovels (as mentioned) works well. If you're looking for the ultimate modern dome tent for a group look no further than the "Vaude Base Dome" - it isn't cheap though but you can get a table and chairs up inside, cook and get out of the weather!


[This message has been edited by ctc (edited 09 December 2004).]
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 10 Dec 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: germany
Posts: 104
hello runner,

ever seen somebody try to argue with smilies? so please, stay mr. nice guy ( as everybody knows you are normally ;-) )

hello all,

i would also submit to the posting ahead of mine, that even just the prophylactic "erecting" of a tent (you can always sleep beside it) in the evening can be a blessing in case of rapidly changing weather conditions. this is not too unusual, according to my own experience!
one time we froze our asses off while sleeping "under the stars" in the teffedest range / algeria. free dropping temperatures and a wind straight from the south pole came as a horrible surprise. there was no chance in building a tent anymore.
one other time on our way back home we were took by surprise: heavy and cold rains came crashing down the desert sky, and we had 10 minutes of weak downpour to raise our tent, before the whole shit came down on us.
so a little preparations for the bad odds seems to make some good sense to me...

good luck, again
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 10 Dec 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2002
Location: London, UK
Posts: 635
great thread, guys.
my fave tent (Karim) is from Decathlon (branch near Canada Water in London). its a forclaz 2 (ultra?)light. 2-man/1+bike kit simple dome with clippy bits. must be about 2.1kg with pegs and outer, but I usually just tie it to the front wheel (when parked raher than riding into the teeth of a storm) or kick sand up the sides to stop the wind getting under it.
while I also like to sleep outside the tent, its a bit of an umbilical chord for a townie like me that keeps going off the rails.
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 11 Dec 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Vancouver, BC - now at large in the world
Posts: 411
I have a 3 person Sierra Designs Stretch Dome tent. I like a somewhat bigger tent, as then you have more space and keep some gear inside. It's about 10 years old and still going strong. Not cheap, but worth every penny.
__________________
http://www.nohorizons.net
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 11 Dec 2004
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Yelverton Devon UK
Posts: 11
Just one more thought if you have more than one vehicle to tie it to it may be worth considering a Hennesy hammock as an alternative to other tents
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 11 Dec 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK
Posts: 113
Rich
Is it one of these? and is it free standing (the ultralight one?)

http://www.decathlon-usa.com/us/prod...t/o_tent_h.htm

thanks Karim

------------------
<A HREF="http://www.desertbiking.co.uk
Water=Time,Fuel=distance" TARGET=_blank>www.desertbiking.co.uk
Water=Time,Fuel=distance</A>
__________________
www.desertbiking.co.uk
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 12 Dec 2004
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Exeter
Posts: 6
I've found that a cheap £30 tent from Milletts does the job very well. As Chris says, you can use snow pegs to pin it down in sand, and put anything heavy in it to hold it down on rock. The wind can blow it away so use the guys to tie it to your vehicle - preferably in the lee of it
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 12 Dec 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Carcavelos, Portugal
Posts: 44
Quote:
Originally posted by coolkarim:
Rich
'Is it one of these? and is it free standing (the ultralight one?)'
I've checked tent offer for my next year bike trip to Mali, and decided for the ultralight. It's not standing free, but this has advantages and disadvantages... as stated in previous messages. And it's light, esay to mount and fits on the Zega cases. My previous one was standing free (the inner part) and in Mauritania last year gave me some problems in windy nights. After the trip I can tell you how it works...

Regards,
__________________
Luis Lourenco
America Twin
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 12 Dec 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK
Posts: 113
I also tried using an army poncho strung up
between bikes (Austin Vince's idea..!)

advantages
light, no poles, can be used as a waterproof coat. quick and easy to setup

disadvantages
when it rains the roof fills with water
you are still in the 'open', and wake up covered in dew/condensation
as a waterprrof it falls to peices riding at speed
need minimum 2 bikes!

anyone agree?
cheers
Karim
...also trying to get topic desertcamping to the record books...

------------------
<A HREF="http://www.desertbiking.co.uk
Water=Time,Fuel=distance" TARGET=_blank>www.desertbiking.co.uk
Water=Time,Fuel=distance</A>

[This message has been edited by coolkarim (edited 12 December 2004).]
__________________
www.desertbiking.co.uk
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 2 of 3 1 2 3

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 13:11.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top