I checked out the FAQs and it recommends cycling and clothing gear. But what are the recommendations or restrictions on camping gear? I think I read no suitcases?? What do we pack our things in? Are we permitted tent, sleeping bag, pillow, air mattress, flashlights, etc? It also said no plastic totes. whats the most efficient way to pack all the things?
This is my first M2C ride, but I have done several other week long tours in a couple of different states. I use a hockey bag to haul my gear & clothing in. Theyre good sized & pretty rugged. A bag with wheels can be a God-send if your camping spot is a ways from the gear truck. One packing trick Ive learned is to pack each days kit in a 1 gal. ziplock bag. That way at 6am or whatever, youre not having to keep digging through your gear bag, its all right there.
I like to use two waterproof duffle bags with wheels (Big Agnes). Think about the possibility your bag will be out in the rain. Be able to lift & load yourself, move to & from your campsite. Consider stand-out colors (tape, tie-ons). As for what to pack, consider doing some car/tent camping to discover what you like to have after riding. The list CNC has in their FAQ is too spartan for my liking. Google "what to pack for camping in tent" for some good ideas. Remember, no cooking, limit to two 40 pound bags.
An earlier M2C guide states:
"What to Pack
Participants who plan to camp during the week both indoor and outdoor, are allowed to bring two bags each weighing no more than 40 lbs each. During the check-in process in Swansboro, Cary and in Jefferson, Cycle NC staff will weigh your bags. If your bag is over packed, you will be asked to remove some items to meet the weight requirements. The more efficiently you pack, the easier it will be for YOU to carry them and less stress on our luggage handlers. Some campsites require you to carry your luggage some distance from the trucks to your campsite. The CNC Staff will attempt to position the luggage as close to the campsites (indoor & outdoor) as possible.
To ensure that your clothing stays dry, consider packing clothes in large plastic bags (Ziploc bags work great), press flat to remove the excess air and then seal. You will want to mark your bag in some manner (bright colored ribbon or tape) to help distinguish it from the other 2,000+ bags out there. Keep in mind that most bags are either black or blue. Please, do not bring bags with sharp edges or straps with buckles on the outside. We cannot afford to lose one of our luggage handlers due to an injury while loading and unloading your bag.
Only standard cloth or canvas bags and backpacks are permitted and should be 1.) waterproof or water resistant 2.) made of a sturdy material that will hold up to the day to day handling during the week and 3.) easily distinguishable. This is not the ride to bring your nice Samsonite or Swiss luggage. Bring a bag that you dont mind getting dirty, tossed around and possibly wet. Lastly, please put identification on everything you take on the ride. Lost items can be returned to owners."
Agree with previous posters. If you can't get all your stuff in the allowed two bags, you've got too much stuff. Wheels are good if the bags are heavy, but I like backpack straps. Even if your bags say they're waterproof, I recommend lining your sleeping bag stuff sack with a plastic trash bag, just in case. Nothing worse than a wet sleeping bag.
Just know that no matter what the claim is, no bag is totally waterproof. Excellent advice earlier, pack everything in ziplock bags, put your sleeping bag in a garbage bag. Your tent will be wet with dew and condensation even if it is not raining so pack that in a garbage bag so it doesn't get everything else in the bag soaked.
This will be my 5th ride. My first two were with my late husband, cycling buddy. I used duffle bags and spray painted our last names on the bags for easy access at camp site. Seemed to work great. I will use these bags again. Great question. cyclelass@gmail.com
