Sam Jones: Dirtbag camper who doesn’t mind a touch of luxury
Sam has been championing Cycling UK’s ongoing bikepacking/camping challenge of #12nightsoutin1year.
What’s the chief thing you look for when choosing kit?
Durability – the last thing you want is for your shelter or sleep system to fall apart mid-trip. That’s a recipe for disaster and in the wrong conditions can prove quite dangerous. If that means taking something a wee bit heavier, then so be it. It doesn’t matter how lightweight your kit is, because if it fails you’re just carrying useless deadweight.
What’s your favourite piece of camping kit?
Has to be my Helinox Chair Zero – packs kind of small and only weighs 500g. Ending the day with a comfortable seat makes all the difference – especially as you get older! No wet bum or damp knees and makes cooking that bit easier too. I don’t take it on every trip, but for longer tours it’s an essential luxury.
Advice for a good night’s sleep?
Go to bed with a full belly, especially during the colder months as that will help keep you warm during the night. Above all though I’d say is practice! The more comfortable you are with sleeping outdoors, and working out what works for you, the better you will sleep. Also don’t knock an inflatable pillow!
Any unexpected luxury items?
Solar powered fairy lights! Makes a dark night a less lonesome place when alone, and a joy when with pals.
Favourite camp breakfast?
If I’m washing up it’s a cup of tea, followed by real coffee and a Clif bar… but if someone else is carrying the pans then nothing beats an al fresco fry up!
Any tales of bad camping kit choices?
I brought a Kelly Kettle (wood-fuelled stove) on a bikepacking (malletpacking?) trip I took Timmy Mallett and his pals on once upon a time. I hadn’t quite mastered the particular skill of lighting a real fire in the wild at that stage, and consequently spent a lot of time coaxing the stove to life – first to the amusement of Timmy and his pals, and then frustration at the delay in getting their morning brew.
