I've just been reading a book about ultralite backpacking. There's an interesting bit (there's a few actually) where the author describes the ultralite backpacker as someone who loves to walk, their love of walking drives them to carry lighter stuff and less of it, so they can walk further and faster ... he uses the term 'dawn till duskers', meaning they're walking from first light and don't stop until the light goes. He then explains that you have the opposite end of the scale and describes these people as 'campers'. Although 'campers' still walk and carry their stuff, they're much more focused on the camping rather than walking aspect. Camp comfort is a much higher priority to them, so their willing to carry heavier gear and also take those little luxury items that add weight.

I got thinking that this is pretty much the same within bikepacking, I think I generally fall somewhere between the two extremes but swing one way or the other depending on mood, route, etc.

Anyone consider themselves a rider, a camper or do the majority hover between the two?

*Sorry for rambling

i would consider myself a 'rider' (though not much of one as you've seen).

this whole 'bikepacking' malarky has only ever been about allowing me to stay out riding longer.

having said that i've always been interested in camping but i'm very much at the beginning of the learning curve when it comes to 'ultralite camping' and 'bikepacking' and this only really interests me in so much as it will enable me to go riding in places that would otherwise be pretty inaccessible.

it's all about the riding (for me).

Camping for me.

'The riding is only half the fun' :D

I dont see the camping as neccesity, I look forward to it. I also prefer to lay in and camp about an hour before sun-set. no dawn till dusk here! I have done my time racing around, its time to relax and enjoy.

G

I think I'm somewhere in the middle.
I love my riding but I also love camping, always have done even before I found mountain biking.
I thoroughly enjoy setting up my hammock after a days ride, making grub and chatting bullock's.
I'm normally not in a rush to get packed up in the morning so maybe I'm leaning towards a camper.

The trips I have booked are all going to require dawn till dusk, or as near as dammit my body can take.

Ron Turnbull talks about this in his book about bivvying, don't have it infront of me but basically the whole sleeping experience is so unpleasant that you get up as early as possible and don't lie down until the last minute, therefore getting the most out of each day, the camping/bivvying is a means to an end (which it is for me).

Nick wrote:.....the whole sleeping experience is so unpleasant that you get up as early as possible and don't lie down until the last minute.....

he/you have clearly never spent the night on a Mammut 'Comfort Pump Mat'.

it's like sleeping on your favorite sofa - but better!

(i, like you, had been of the opinion that a night spent outdoors is a bad nights sleep - FACT - but not any more!)

Think i'm a 50/50 but another major reason for me is so I can just get away from it all, not have to answer to anyone else, just please myself and be totally bloody selfish for a few days and nights. The wife does insists on at least one phone call a day though or else she'd have mountain rescue out looking for me and we don't want that now do we.

another major reason for me is so I can just get away from it all, not have to worry about other people, just please myself and be totally bloody selfish for a few days and nights.

This, although I'm lucky enough to spend a large part of my life living this way ... trust me the novelty never wears off

What's the book?

Book of the bivvy

What's the book?

You mean my book DNF? .... Ultimate Hikers Gear Guide by Andrew Skurka

I thought so :) it's a good book, his Iceland trip, that book and the tarp lunacy on this place are the reason my boots are taking me to Iceland :?

Got the turnbull book years ago, really couldn't stand it, in fact most Cicerone books leave me cold! Just finished the West Highland Way guide, I don't want flowery crap just give me facts!