Base camp tips

Hey everyone, just wondering how you guys break down your time in base camp and on the trail. Do you travel in the evening and set up a base camp so you can get an early start on the trail in the morning? Base camp every night and just do day hikes? Or does it all depend on what kind of people you're with?

I like to enjoy some creature comforts when I'm camping out of the car. I think I'm going to start bringing my laptop going forward so I can write a blog entry on my latest trip and look at pictures from the digital camera. I also have a queen size air mattress that I've never used, but I think I'm going to start bringing it with me from time to time.

What kind of stoves do y'all use? Or do you just use cast iron over an open fire? I'm getting a modular propane Camp Chef stove for Christmas with two burners. I wonder with all of these creature comforts if I'm going to eventually get a campground trailer or gasp... an RV. I don't see it happening, but I also never thought I'd consider using a large air mattress while camping (I purchased it for when my Dad comes to NC to visit over the holidays).

Base camp? Queen sized air bed? Cast Iron for cooking? Um ... I'm a backpacker and even when I have established a "base camp" to engage in some peak-bagging I've had to lug everything in on my back so I tended to avoid really heavy car oriented stuff.
My bed tends to be a mummy bag on an ensolite foam pad (thickness may vary with expected low temperatures) and my sole cooking pot is made of alloy ....
I suppose if you were going to set up a static camp and do day hikes or maybe engage in a bit of rock climbing or fly fishing - and could camp fairly close to a road - that stuff would be fine - but if you're going to backpack it all in a few dozen (or more) miles I'd suggest lighter equipment!
As for the salient point of your question - time breakdown -I tend to rise with the sun (summertime) or a bit before (wintertime) - make/eat breakfast - break camp and load my pack within 45 minutes and start walking - if it's really hot or humid I'll stop from 11 or so until around 1 - lounge about while I eat lunch, write notes, fix gear then hike until about 5:30 - 6:30 in the evening - set up camp - eat dinner - relax - maybe read a bit and then hit the sack.
I've found that schedule to work well for over 35 years of backpacking - so I doubt I'll change anytime soon. It allows me to cover a lot of miles at a pace that doesn't kill me (which has grown more important as I've grown older!) - I don't intend to offend - but RV's and campers - to me - are just a way to travel in your motel room - I know a lot of people who enjoy them - but to my eyes if you can get a camper into the place - for the most part - it ain't backcountry (I understand there are exceptions -especially in the desert southwest and Baja - for instance).

Steve

Gee Kirk, I kinda havta agree with Jay on this one.

Even when I camp from my truck, I still use the same sleeping pad, tent, and sleeping bag as I use when backpacking. I often use my Jet Boil if I am alone.

I did however purchase a two burner Colmen stove; for use when I am with friends who do not like to hike.

The most I usually take for creature comfort then is a folding chair.

Defenitely nothing cast iron. Way to heavy as I am always on the move.

I do like to pack up as much as possible in the evening so that after breakfast I can get out on the move as quickly as possible.

-John

who's Jay?

Huh! Who the heck is Jay?

Dunno where I got that name from.

Steve, you did not change yours since this post did you? :)

-John

Naw - I've been Steve for a tad over 48 years!