The tent
For touring I wanted a tent which was relatively light, compact and not too expensive. After doing a lot of research on the internet I settled for the MSR Hubba Hubba. It weighs about 2kg (including the additional footprint), so I was happy with the weight. I am also very happy with the size of the tent when packed away, as it is just a little bigger than my sleeping bag. I wanted to buy the tent in Sydney, but was shocked at the price at the time was $500+. So in the end I purchased the tent from overseas for about 40% less in price.
Using the tent is a breeze. Takes just a few minutes to erect/dismantle. Very straightforward to use. The tent is designed for two people, which gives me a bit more space to spread out and also if I want bring more of my stuff inside. At the time of purchase the tent came in mustard yellow, so not the best colour for stealth camping. But this has since been updated and the colour of the tent is now green.
The tent has always kept me dry, even in some heavy downpours. The tent has also held up well in some pretty strong winds. If I had to replace the tent I wouldn't hesitate at getting the new green model of the Hubba Hubba.
Using the tent is a breeze. Takes just a few minutes to erect/dismantle. Very straightforward to use. The tent is designed for two people, which gives me a bit more space to spread out and also if I want bring more of my stuff inside. At the time of purchase the tent came in mustard yellow, so not the best colour for stealth camping. But this has since been updated and the colour of the tent is now green.
The tent has always kept me dry, even in some heavy downpours. The tent has also held up well in some pretty strong winds. If I had to replace the tent I wouldn't hesitate at getting the new green model of the Hubba Hubba.
Sleeping bits
The sleeping gear is mostly stuff which I have owned for the last 20 years. I use a Thermarest mattress, full length, as my base. It is light, packs down small, haven't had any problems with leaks and best of all, very comfortable. The sleeping bag is an Ajungilak. Can't remember the model but do know it's a three season bag. Again this bag packs down very small in it's compression bag. I have never felt cold using this bag, sometimes a little warm, but that is easy to fix by unzipping it! After 20 years of use it is starting to so a little wear but think I'll be getting a couple more years of use out of it before it needs replacing.
Last year I purchased a 100% silk Cocoon liner to go inside my sleeping bag. This was to keep the main bag clean, thus it then needed cleaning less. I've also used the liner sometimes at hostels when the sheets provided are not that appealing and on warm nights when I've not needed to use the main sleeping bag. I've been pleased with this extra piece of equipment, it is very small and light.
On my first mini-tour from Sydney to Newcastle I didn't have a pillow. Instead I rolled up some clothes and used that instead. The following morning my neck was really stiff from a poor night's sleep. So before I began my Melbourne to Sydney tour I looked into a good quality camping pillow. I ended up choosing a Thermarest Compressible pillow. It might not pack down as small as an inflatable pillow, but it is very comfortable and when I wake up the following morning I usually feel that I've had a good night's sleep. Which to me is very important if I'm cycling for a few hours each day.
Last year I purchased a 100% silk Cocoon liner to go inside my sleeping bag. This was to keep the main bag clean, thus it then needed cleaning less. I've also used the liner sometimes at hostels when the sheets provided are not that appealing and on warm nights when I've not needed to use the main sleeping bag. I've been pleased with this extra piece of equipment, it is very small and light.
On my first mini-tour from Sydney to Newcastle I didn't have a pillow. Instead I rolled up some clothes and used that instead. The following morning my neck was really stiff from a poor night's sleep. So before I began my Melbourne to Sydney tour I looked into a good quality camping pillow. I ended up choosing a Thermarest Compressible pillow. It might not pack down as small as an inflatable pillow, but it is very comfortable and when I wake up the following morning I usually feel that I've had a good night's sleep. Which to me is very important if I'm cycling for a few hours each day.