If you are a minimalist, know the weather is going to cooperate, and if you plan on eating out or purchasing food along the way, you may pack just a tent, sleeping bag and a few changes of clothes. If you have a family, or just like more luxury and conveniences, you may pack more. One of the more interesting trips I ever took was while I was in college, between jobs, between girlfriends and between classes. It was a motorcycle trip up the Blue Ridge Parkway.

All I took were three changes of clothes in a duffle bag strapped to one side of the bike, a sleeping bag strapped to the other, and a couple hundred dollars. No tent, cooking or other equipment. It was a blast...I met up with some other bikers, who I became friends with, and camped with. Luckily they had an extra tarp, that I was able to use as a cover on the one night it rained.

We toured the parkway, and hiked to a couple of waterfalls. The views were absolutely beautiful and with some of the hairpin turns, the 35 Mph speed limit was almost too high! The trip itself was largely unplanned as were the stops along the way. You can have a carefree type trip like this, easily if you are traveling alone or with just one other person, who doesn't mind this type of spur of the moment, unplanned, go with the wind type of a situation.

If you don't need a lot of structure, it can be really great when you know the only thing you have to worry about is being home by a certain date. It gives you the opportunity to explore and discover the side roads; and experience things you might not otherwise experience along the way if you are trying to keep to a strict schedule.

These days though, I wouldn't go on a trip like this without at least a tent. Ok just kidding...gotta have at least a 5 person tent to comfortably accommodate a couple of people, or an RV for those of you who like even more comfort. Gotta bring the kids and dogs if you have them, the kids' or dogs' stuff, Games and toys for the kids; and for the dogs...dog bowls, dog food, dog toys and tie-outs. Gotta have a guitar, guitar strings, guitar stand, maybe some bongos, a couple of music books, books to read, stuff to cook with, pots, pans, a Coleman stove (Ok, pack the whole kitchen).

Also, Coleman lanterns, flashlights, a radio/CD player, CDs (iPods and iPod players for those of you who are more technically advanced) batteries, extension cords, a water hose, rope, plenty of extra clothes, extra shoes, hats, sunglasses, games, one or two coolers (one for food and one for drinks), groceries, TP, Paper towels, plates, fishing poles, fishing tackle, swiss army knife, can opener, a canoe, paddles, cushions for the canoe, life vest, bug spray, sun block, first aid kit, the significant other, her stuff (may need a second vehicle for all this), floor protector for the tent, mat for wiping your feet off before getting into the tent, a bucket for water, garbage bags, cooking gear, utensils and plates, fold-out queen size bed (seriously), sleeping bags, pillows, blankets, table cloth, full size charcoal grill/smoker, a fold out picnic table, an electric fan, chairs, a hammock...and on and on...

Ok, so things have changed...we like our luxuries (essentials) these days, even if we're roughing it a little bit... So for those of you who like it structured, make a list and see who can stuff the SUV the fullest... for those who like to pack light...just the essentials please...Enjoy the ride.

Hiking Tents