Solo Scout camping fantasy lineup

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Scoutsie

Scout Community Veteran
Feb 10, 2024
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Boston, MA
Okay, this is to discuss your solo fantasy camping lineup with your new Scout. What gear would you have? Where are you going?

There are similar threads about discussing options, bed size, camp mode, and specs, but none for just rhapsodizing about what a trip looks like. For me personally, I spend a lot of time on YouTube watching Korean solo woman campers and I basically want this life. It’s somewhere between real camping and fancy camping. They go to campsites, but they have these neat little portable sinks and sometimes multiple stoves and heat sources and lights and have even taken the time and energy to consider interior design for their tent, picking out nice little accent pillows and faux flower arrangements and whatnot. Like just for an overnight. I don’t know if I would want plastic flowers in my car when I’m going to be in an environment full of actual life, but I guess it’s the thought that counts. Who doesn’t want to live a beautiful life?

I watch these videos and think back to my own campings days where we had tepid camper’s meals from Eastern Mountain Sports or prepared hobo stew over the campfire. The latter was really a Girl Scout thing where our leader had all of the girls remember to bring a can of something from home to throw into the dutch oven and, when combined with a base of baked beans, did in fact make a pretty tasty stew. I don’t remember if there was a meat component. The equivalent in these videos is budae chigae, or Korean army base stew, a subsistence dish of ramen noodles and rations made out of pure necessity in the years following the Korean war. It’s a survival food, a delicious meld of traditional Korean ingredients like kimchi with Western ones like hot dogs and baked beans. It made me think of that hobo stew. I’ve made budae chigae at home. I want to make this over a campfire like the women in these videos do. Everything tastes better when it’s made over a campfire.

I’ve also thought about stuff like sleeping. I have MS and air conditioning is kind of a must, so sleeping in the car with the seats folded down is probably the way to go for me. Some folks build platforms. Some folks get external heaters or AC units to put in the windows and run those independently of the ones in their cars, which doesn’t sound like it’s something that is going to be necessary with a Scout. I think all I need to worry about is “what kind of sleeping bag and rated for what kind of temperatures?” I run hot, so I’m not terribly worried about being cold.

For cooking, I love love love love love the [idea of the] electric induction stove that Rivian made to work with its vehicles. I think that is so friggin cool. It’s a great way to cook. I will always most prefer to cook with an open flame, but some stuff is just made so much easier with induction heat. It’s so fast! I have an induction heat water kettle and it’s the best thing that I ever bought. The spare might go with me on trips. 🤩 I’ve kind of soured on propane because I have known one story too many that started/ended with “the propane tank exploded” for my comfort level. I like wood-burning stoves, too. Those are neat and can come in size tiny.

As for shelter, I’m split on that. I like the tents that dock with the back of your vehicle and I like the 270 degree awning type. Don’t know which would ultimately be my preference without trying both?

As for destinations, I’d want to start with the Cape, I think. Definitely a coastal destination. 🤔 Then again, that is a place where women’s bodies turn up decades later, so maybe not.

A couple of links
 
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With a BEV, one can get quite fancy with the AC, kitchen, and other amenities.

There are some interesting small AC/swamp units out there that can be used in a tent if you’re not into sleeping in the back of an SUV.

My partner and I are discussing the options for a longer camping trip this summer. We tend to cycle through tent—>popup trailer—>travel trailer—>tent. We’re in the tent phase right now. If we had a trailer of some sort, we could throw a lot more solar at it and get farther from everything and stay longer. She prefers a trailer, and I prefer not to tow except when I really need to.

Depending on the setup, the kitchen is either in the frunk or connected to the truck with an extension cord or two.
Coffee is made either in a timed drip coffee pot so it’s ready before I am or with my induction kettle and french press. I make breakfast on the induction cooktop. Clean-up is easy with the kettle making hot water almost instantly and entirely silently.

Camp would be on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Or Bryce or Canyonlands…A State or National Park somewhere in the US Southwest.
 
For I'm picturing having the vehicle itself as my sleeping place and setting a tent up for the kids. I fully plan on sleeping in the airconditioned bliss that is the inside of an EV lol

For cooking I do have an electric BBQ I bring with me when I'm tailgating with my current ride but when camping I think I'll stick with the old wood fire, nothing beats the flavour woodsmoke brings to things.

As for locations, I'd love to see the Alberta Badlands (assuming they don't separate from Canada :rolleyes:) and I'd love to go back to the west coast of Newfoundland. Would be fun to go up to the Yukon though.
 
<snip>

For cooking, I love love love love love the [idea of the] electric induction stove that Rivian made to work with its vehicles. I think that is so friggin cool. It’s a great way to cook. I will always most prefer to cook with an open flame, but some stuff is just made so much easier with induction heat. It’s so fast! I have an induction heat water kettle and it’s the best thing that I ever bought. The spare might go with me on trips. 🤩 I’ve kind of soured on propane because I have known one story too many that started/ended with “the propane tank exploded” for my comfort level. I like wood-burning stoves, too. Those are neat and can come in size tiny.

<snip>

If you are interested in induction cooking, have you looked at the stand alone induction cook tops like Nuwave? You can get the Nuwave 10 inch cook top for about $100. It will work at home or while camping (with a power source, of course). I have a 12 inch Nuwave, and I prefer it ove gas cooking. I actually have it sitting on top of my gas range and use it instead of the gas burner! :D The Nuwave's have an adjustable input power setting, so they seem designed for camping where you might have to use a smaller battery for power.
 
If you are interested in induction cooking, have you looked at the stand alone induction cook tops like Nuwave? You can get the Nuwave 10 inch cook top for about $100. It will work at home or while camping (with a power source, of course). I have a 12 inch Nuwave, and I prefer it ove gas cooking. I actually have it sitting on top of my gas range and use it instead of the gas burner! :D The Nuwave's have an adjustable input power setting, so they seem designed for camping where you might have to use a smaller battery for power.
Oooh, I think I know the one of which you speak! I think Wirecutter recommended those specifically for travel because they’re nice and light. I was looking at the various Duxtop burners as they seem to be what leading internet food nerds use. Wirecutter hasn’t really led me astray yet. I was impressed that you can get induction burners hot enough to produce wok hei (although there are apparently people ready to die on a hill for that argument… I do some wok cooking and I’d not mind being able to do that outside where I can have nature’s air exhaust).
 
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Oooh, I think I know the one of which you speak! I think Wirecutter recommended those specifically for travel because they’re nice and light. I was looking at the various Duxtop burneds as they seem to be what leading internet food nerds use. Wirecutter hasn’t really led me astray yet. I was impressed that you can get induction burners hot enough to produce wok hei (although there are apparently people ready to die on a hill for that argument… I do some wok cooking and I’d not mind being able to do that outside where I can have nature’s air exhaust).
We have a Duxtop, love it. No CO, no excess heat. I almost never use our gas cooktop these days.
 
If you are interested in induction cooking, have you looked at the stand alone induction cook tops like Nuwave? You can get the Nuwave 10 inch cook top for about $100. It will work at home or while camping (with a power source, of course). I have a 12 inch Nuwave, and I prefer it ove gas cooking. I actually have it sitting on top of my gas range and use it instead of the gas burner! :D The Nuwave's have an adjustable input power setting, so they seem designed for camping where you might have to use a smaller battery for power.
Also check Goodwill - we have found two of them at our Goodwill for $15 each!
 
A few years ago I rode my motorcycle around 1,000 miles one way to Creede Colorado from East Texas a few and solo camped on federal land for about a week. I had been watching a lot of solo moto-camping videos and really romanticized the idea of travelling off of a bike.
20230715_064145_Original.jpeg


All of my gear had to fit in two 28L soft panniers and a 40L top bag. I was completely on my own and had to be very strategic. Also had zero cellular service the entire time and had to ride into town to use WiFi from local businesses to phone home.

My setup was an ultralight 3 man tent, tarp, jet boil, pot/pan, bowl, cup, camp table, chair (with full backrest), Thermarest sleeping pad, pillow, 32*F sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, spare air filters and tools, etc. but with limited space I had to plan ahead and do a lot of research in forums like www.reddit.com/r/ultralight to find more compact gear.

I went into town for water and fresh food but brought several Peak Refuel meals too (The Chicken Pesto Pasta is fantastic).

I bathed in local creeks and used baby wipes to freshen up.

Spent my days riding around the Alpine Loop and checking out the local towns.

It was fun but I also learned a lot and dont see myself doing that again.

Camping out of a much larger vehicle will be a lot easier and allow me to enjoy my time away more.

One thing I cannot emphasize enough is NEVER GO CHEAP ON YOUR SLEEPING PLATFORM. A good sleeping bag only goes so far. Have a quality mattress/sleeping pad is imperative. It can definitely make or break a trip if you wake up feeling like Mike Tyson worked you over in your sleep. If you are sleeping in the vehicle the R Factor isnt as important but you still dont want to skimp out on a low quality one. I am using a 10 year old Thermarest Trail Pro and its still going strong.

We still dont know if the load floor will be level with the seats down so you may need to come up with a solution for a "hump".

Some 270* awnings have "wall kits" to enclose them giving you a sizable shaded area and further protection from the elements. It also gives you a place to toss your gear or change clothes standing up out of sight from prying eyes. I think this is the route we will end up going. We had a really nice California King sized hard shell roof top tent with a massive annex but my wife hated having to use the ladder all night to pee. I cant justify buying another one if I am the only one using it.

Still anguishing between a Terra with a camper shell or a Traveler with a trailer.

As for food, having an on board fridge is a game changer. No soggy food or Ice Runs into town every few days. Whichever way I decided to go, I am getting at least one Dometic fridge.

I tend to prep all my food and meals before I leave.

Pro tip: crack a few dozen eggs and pour them in a nalgene bottle. This takes up way less space, doesnt risk broken eggs contaminating other foods, and if you left the yokes intact you can choose between fried or scrambled eggs.

I also marinate all my meats and put them in sealed containers. All veggies are precut and portioned in plastic bags to save time and space. All of my spices and herbs are labelled in plastic bags with enough of each for a few meals so I dont have to hear the shakers rattle around.


I have never used an induction stove but they sound fantastic and will definitely look into that. I also want to use my Instapot more when I camp once we have a vehicle with decent onboard power. I can make a mean Beef Bourguignon in that thing and really enjoy having that over some bow tie pasta. They are also pretty great for making rice to accompany other meals.


I think my first solo trip in the Scout will be to Garner State Park. I have fond childhood memories of that place and havent been in almost 30 years. https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/garner

I plan to bring my fat tire e-bike along a hit some of the trails when I am not stuffing my face or reading in my hammock.

Edit: This goes for men and women adventurers. Keeping a can of bear spray at camp is always a good idea for foes furry and otherwise.
 
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A few years ago I rode my motorcycle around 1,000 miles one way to Creede Colorado from East Texas a few and solo camped on federal land for about a week. I had been watching a lot of solo moto-camping videos and really romanticized the idea of travelling off of a bike. View attachment 6629

All of my gear had to fit in two 28L soft panniers and a 40L top bag. I was completely on my own and had to be very strategic. Also had zero cellular service the entire time and had to ride into town to use WiFi from local businesses to phone home.

My setup was an ultralight 3 man tent, tarp, jet boil, pot/pan, bowl, cup, camp table, chair (with full backrest), Thermarest sleeping pad, pillow, 32*F sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, spare air filters and tools, etc. but with limited space I had to plan ahead and do a lot of research in forums like www.reddit.com/r/ultralight to find more compact gear.

I went into town for water and fresh food but brought several Peak Refuel meals too (The Chicken Pesto Pasta is fantastic).

I bathed in local creeks and used baby wipes to freshen up.

It was fun but I also learned a lot and dont see myself doing that again.

Camping out of a much larger vehicle will be a lot easier and allow me to enjoy my time away more.

One thing I cannot emphasize enough is NEVER GO CHEAP ON YOUR SLEEPING PLATFORM. A good sleeping bag only goes so far. Have a quality mattress/sleeping pad is imperative. It can definitely make or break a trip if you wake up feeling like Mike Tyson worked you over in your sleep. If you are sleeping in the vehicle the R Factor isnt as important but you still dont want to skimp out on a low quality one. I am using a 10 year old Thermarest Trail Pro and its still going strong.

We still dont know if the load floor will be level with the seats down so you may need to come up with a solution for a "hump".

Some 270* awnings have "wall kits" to enclose them giving you a sizable shaded area and further protection from the elements. It also gives you a place to toss your gear or change clothes standing up out of sight from prying eyes. I think this is the route we will end up going. We had a really nice California King sized hard shell roof top tent with a massive annex but my wife hated having to use the ladder all night to pee. I cant justify buying another one if I am the only one using it.

Still anguishing between a Terra with a camper shell or a Traveler with a trailer.

As for food, having an on board fridge is a game changer. No soggy food or Ice Runs into town every few days. Whichever way I decided to go, I am getting at least one Dometic fridge.

I tend to prep all my food and meals before I leave.

Pro tip: crack a few dozen eggs and pour them in a nalgene bottle. This takes up way less space, doesnt risk broken eggs contaminating other foods, and if you left the yokes intact you can choose between fried or scrambled eggs.

I also marinate all my meats and put them in sealed containers. All veggies are precut and portioned in plastic bags to save time and space. All of my spices and herbs are labelled in plastic bags with enough of each for a few meals so I dont have to hear the shakers rattle around.


I have never used an induction stove but they sound fantastic and will definitely look into that. I also want to use my Instapot more when I camp once we have a vehicle with decent onboard power. I can make a mean Beef Bourguignon in that thing and really enjoy having that over some bow tie pasta. They are also pretty great for making rice to accompany other meals.


I think my first solo trip in the Scout will be to Garner State Park. I have fond childhood memories of that place and havent been in almost 30 years. https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/garner

I want to bring my fat tire e-bike along a hit some of the trails while I am there.
Great write up. Thanks
 
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