Top Reasons Why Your Wife/Girlfriend or Family Do Not Go On Trips with You? [Archive]

articulate

11-03-2010, 04:26 AM

....without having to compromise all the time. It makes the trips that we do go on together much nicer.
Ah, that's a good point. But dang, didn't you buy her a moto? At least she gave it a shot.

...being spontaneous...
The gf doesn't always have the same enthusiasm.
Oh! Good one. I doubt it's totally universal, but that's my experience too. My wife likes it when we sit down and make a plan together. I find it fun too, but I'm also down with heading out with just a vague idea of where I'm headed. She likes a balance; she doesn't care for a hard-nosed plan with a spreadsheet and hour-by-hour plans, but she doesn't want just a willy-nilly whatever plan either. That's better for the solo stuff anyway, I think.

trailrunner

11-03-2010, 04:43 AM

Cause I'm single?:ylsmoke:

goodtimes

11-03-2010, 04:45 AM

Ah, that's a good point. But dang, didn't you buy her a moto? At least she gave it a shot.

Actually, she is on her second bike. She rides on occasion, and enjoys it -- but she isn't up for any trips beyond half-days of poking around the back roads. Nothing wrong with that -- motorcycles aren't for everyone.

Jnich77

11-03-2010, 04:47 AM

I said "no" thats why....lol

Haggis

11-03-2010, 10:51 AM

She's got to work that weekend...someone's got to be responsible. Other than that Michelle is always ready to jump in one of our rigs or another and share an adventure with me and the kidlins.

LACamper

11-03-2010, 11:44 AM

She'll go as long as we're staying in a cabin or hotel. She won't camp any more.

97tjguzzy

11-03-2010, 12:41 PM

doesn't like peeing in the woods, and I don't really like campgrounds...

i have mentioned the PETT systems...she is less than enthused.

billwilson

11-03-2010, 12:59 PM

i am blessed
my wife suggested the rig :victory:

shogun

11-03-2010, 04:12 PM

mhiscox

11-03-2010, 04:33 PM

doesn't like peeing in the woods, and I don't really like campgrounds...

x2 :(

I have mentioned the PETT systems...she is less than enthused.
I have bought the PETT system . . . she is less than enthused.

I have enclosed various potties in every tent structure known to man . . . she is less than enthused.

QED: No hard walls around the potty, no wife on the trip.

seanz0rz

11-03-2010, 04:34 PM

my fiance loves camping, and some offroading, just not the crazy rock stuff (which is fine, im not wild about it either).

expo style, the main hurtle is the bathroom situation. the thought of pooing in a bucket does not appeal to her. i would like her to try it once though, but an opportunity has not presented itself yet. she is very hesitant to go on these trips because of that simple fact.

any one have any bright ideas to convince her otherwise?

i have the fold out shelter thing, the standard bucket with double doodie bags and a snap on toilet seat

Were I a bettin man, I would venture that 99% of the issue is the bathroom. Either a lack of bathroom (remote camping), or a public bathroom (public camping). I know women that wont use a public bathroom, and are thus tethered to home even around town.

There may be additional reasons, and you'd probably need years of analysis to bring it out, but there it is. There are psycho disorders that are gender-specific, this may be one.

actually, i am this way. i will avoid public bathrooms at all costs, and to an extent, even friend's private bathrooms. i love my bathroom, with my toilet seat and toilet paper and soap, etc. BUT, i recognize i have a need when away from home, and i love being outside much more than i love my bathroom, so i deal with it.

Moody

11-03-2010, 05:18 PM

Despite Hilary owning a solid -20 degree down sleeping bag, and plenty of cold weather gear to boot, she usually says, "Have a good time!" when I head out in the winter.

She poops in the PETT. (I'd be killed if she knew I was posting this)

Edit: COLD is the #1 reason.

nwoods

11-03-2010, 06:25 PM

I have a regular and frequent need to Just Get Out There. My wife would prefer to go somewhere New most of the time, and for me, "New" means more logistical efforts and trip prep. So I more often Just Get Out There to familiar routes and locations and she stays home. These tend to be just simple day trips to local trails. When we have the chance to plan and ramp up for a proper trip (usually a weekender), she is definitely on board, and will gladly weather through just about any condition, but cold or wind are buzzkills for her...or worse, cold and windy!

Example, I've done the Mojave trail with her twice, and without her twice, and she's done it without me once (she lead the group!). I am going to run it again soon, and she is not very interested in doing it. Her reasons are that she's already done it, and it's likely to be a bit on the cold side this time around...

bugnout

11-03-2010, 06:38 PM

Its the bathroom thing. She's willing, but always wants to know in advance what the facilities are going to be like.

I've countered with: "If they don't meet your standards we can go someplace else." -- So far that has worked pretty well, no need to move.

last year, I took her to Lake City CO and drove the trails and passes. She actually pee'd outdoors, no shelter, just squated. I of course had to stand guard. This was a major break through.

This year, we got a popup and she's decided she's ok with the bucket toilet we have rigged up inside....Making progress.

My goal is to take her canoeing in Quatico Prov Park where she's going to have to lean against a tree most of the time. no facilities at all. We will see...

Errant

11-03-2010, 06:44 PM

Hmmm this is a tough one for me, since I'm the girl...

The Adam Blaster

11-03-2010, 06:45 PM

She's worried about our 2yo being cold in a tent. In our region of the world, it's actually a legitimate concern, even in the summer it can get quite cold overnight. We need some sort of enclosed hard-sided camper unit or else she won't bring our 2yo son, and therefore she won't go. And we lead such busy lives, we try to spend as much time together as a family as possible. So, if they don't go, I don't go.

I also think she's a bit concerned (over-concerned maybe?) about keeping him super-ultra-clean in a camping setting. She's a bit of a germa-phobe and it's not getting better as the years go by... lol

I keep saving my pennies and paying my house down as fast as I can so I can afford a nice quality unit adn drag them both with me in whatever direction I choose. :D

datrupr

11-03-2010, 07:35 PM

No problems, my wife loves it! and she makes the suggestions a lot of the time on when we should go camping. And while she would prefer a shower, she makes do with "baby wipe" baths before bed and when she gets up. Just not fond of the cold wipes in the morning.

Errant

11-03-2010, 07:39 PM

Just not fond of the cold wipes in the morning.

Tell her to stash them in her sleeping bag the night before. They will be toasty warm by morning (or at least body temp) :)

jim65wagon

11-03-2010, 08:43 PM

No such problems here, my wife frequently plans trips for us and plans the meals. I can pack the truck after work, and the next morning we bug out. She enjoys being out as much as I do, but we both believe in those simple creature comforts that make life just feel special....you know, a good cup of coffee, a hot shower, a slab of porterhouse over a fire....

theksmith

11-03-2010, 08:59 PM

GF goes a lot actually, but some things she won't do:

- no trips longer than 3 days without a shower (problem solved now that i have on-board-shower!)

- no trips where you have to poo in a bag and bring it with you (canyonlands, the rubicon, mojave rd, etc)

- hardly ever any spur-of-the-moment trips, because she has a "real" job and also because she is a self-described "planner" where as i am "anti-commitment/planning"

:smiley_drive:

James86004

11-03-2010, 10:35 PM

i am blessed
my wife suggested the rig :victory:

Me too! I told her John was selling his Dormobile, she said, "Oh! Lets buy it!"

She would rather pee in the woods than use a campground toilet - she says they are always too dirty.

trump

11-04-2010, 02:11 AM

1. Getting her schedule to line up
2. Finding someone to sit the dogs (130 lb Lab mix and 70 lb Shepherd mix don't make easy traveling partners w/ an ext cab Tacoma.)

Get past that and she's a low maintenance adventure seeker.

...As long as the day doesn't include 10hrs in the vehicle ending with a 2hr detour up and down a 10000 ft mountain.:oops: Learned that one the hard way this summer.:snorkel:

6string

11-04-2010, 02:36 AM

I am a truly blessed man...

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f8/craiglow/Gulf%20Coast%202009/IMG_1075.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f8/craiglow/Southern%20Ozark%20NF%202009/IMG_2048.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f8/craiglow/Gulf%20Coast%202009/IMG_0934.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f8/craiglow/Southern%20Ozark%20NF%202009/IMG_2078.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f8/craiglow/Snow%202010/IMG_0405.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f8/craiglow/ExPo%20Oct%202010/IMG_3938.jpg

... and that's just the last 12 months! (I need to put a ring on it.)

tdesanto

11-04-2010, 04:41 AM

I need to put a ring on her.

This is what I always recommend. People always ask me what's the secret. I always reply, "marry right".

T.Low

11-04-2010, 06:31 AM

I married a Summa Cum Laude Recreation Major, Spanish Minor (boy, do I love travelling thru Mexico!).

We met paddling the San Juan Islands and soon began white water slalom racing, racing tandem sea kayaks, mountain biking, and solidified our relationship as a defensive pairing in the local beer leagues (thats hockey for you desert boys :ylsmoke:).

She's the best trip planner, the best navigator, and the best travel companion a guy could ever have.

She'll pee whenever nature calls, wherever nature calls her.

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee258/wannahuckmastinky/Sunshine%20Coast%20BC%2009/SunshineCoastAug09069k.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee258/wannahuckmastinky/Sunshine%20Coast%20BC%2009/SunshineCoastAug09084k.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee258/wannahuckmastinky/Owyhee%20May08/TJOwyhee_065.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee258/wannahuckmastinky/FS%2038%20Snowfari%202/FS38Snowfari2018.jpg

Her reason for not going would be on the occassion that she feels the need to spend time with her sister (the city girl ) inwhich she usually suggests I go enduro riding all weekend (with her brother): the one thing I do that she does not.

Honu

11-04-2010, 10:53 AM

with the trailer no issues :)
how about 2 week trip while she was 5 months prego

I am lucky cause before the trailer ? that would have been a no go

I spent 6 months one time straight out of a two man tent ! had lots of stories all good for her but we talked about why not go and the trailer fit the bill to taker her along for long trips and I kinda wanted one anyway :)

Albin

11-04-2010, 01:30 PM

#1 reason my wife doesn't join my son and I on our (usually) biyearly summer desert trips:

No Walmarts out here.

http://www.rocketcityrockcrawlers.com/pubpics/2008_Summer_Desert_Trip/Al_08_10/07-21-08-16-52-02_IMG_0846_Albin.JPG_s.jpg

Flounder

11-04-2010, 02:05 PM

If my wife didn't go, I wouldn't go. Then again, if my wife and I didn't enjoy many of the same things, we probably wouldn't be married.

The only time my wife doesn't join me on an outdoor adventure it's because she lacks the skill or ability to follow me. Mountaineering trips, bikepack trips and things of that nature she stays home. That in itself is a bummer. I'd rather share as many of our life experiences as possible.

burn_e

11-04-2010, 03:17 PM

K2ZJ

11-04-2010, 03:57 PM

Did you expect a war out there or why the heavy artillery?

Yeah! Is there a rouge zombie population there? Where is the rest of your team? Did everyone survive!?!? :rolleyes:

You take one gun to shoot for fun or practice, and you are ready for war? Last time we took the girls shooting there were 25 of us and 15 were girls. We had at LEAST 3 guns per person! My 4 year old girl loves to shoot! :Wow1:

On Topic: My wife gets "sick of bouncing around the Jeep" after an hour, so she stays at home, where it safe from gun toting war mongers! I mean where she can sit and read in peace. We go camping a bunch but only a few days at a time without a shower. That is her requirement.

RusherRacing

11-04-2010, 04:13 PM

My wife is all about traveling :)

Her only requirement to camping is it must have a toilet.. She is fine with outhouses etc. Also a limit of 3 days without running water and hot showers.

Now if I am camping at the race track she wants nothing to do with it.
- Racing is my time with the boys.

Albin

11-04-2010, 05:07 PM

Did you expect a war out there or why the heavy artillery?

That's my expert Jack Rabbit Killer with my AR-15 Carbine. He got about 23-24 jackrabbits that summer trip, including one Felony jack rabbit.

He stole his first gun from me when he was 6 (my Ruger 10-22), and his second shortly thereafter (Ruger .22 auto). After that, I wised up - he's been trying to steal that carbine from me since he first shot it at 10 or 11, he was 13 in that pic, he's now 16.

Thanks,

Al

taco2go

11-04-2010, 05:43 PM

I'm also in the camp of folks where our conflicting work schedules is the primary reason I may do a trip on my own. Both have weekend calls that sometimes don't coincide.

Interesting thread though.....collecting data, or just curious?

VikingVince

11-04-2010, 08:38 PM

From various girlfriends over the years:

~Too much driving/sitting in a vehicle...for a weekend trip, you drive several hours to get to the trail. (either on Fri nite or Sat morn). Most of the day Saturday is spent driving. Sunday you drive some more to finish the trail and then more driving to get home. (I've started to share this dislike...now prefer taking longer trips and basecamping somewhere). It took me a while to realize that I'm having the fun driving/negotiating the trail while the other person is just riding along.

~bathroom/shower issues. I have the PETT system and Zodi shower...okay with me but popularity varies with different women!

Flounder

11-04-2010, 09:49 PM

From various girlfriends over the years:

~Too much driving/sitting in a vehicle...As a couple we both hate just sitting in a car bouncing through the woods. For that, I'm a terrible overlander. I like the journey, usually love the destination, but the simple act of bouncing around in my Rover is enough to make me bonko. That's why I could never go "wheeling" for the sake of it. I understand why many people love it. I just have to be more engaged in the journey. I'm also way too active to sit too long. I'm also fearful of wasting away my young and fit years with my butt cheeks mated to a car cushion as my belly grows towards the wheel. Get me out walking, running, riding, hiking......

AxeAngel

11-04-2010, 11:10 PM

That's my expert Jack Rabbit Killer with my AR-15 Carbine. He got about 23-24 jackrabbits that summer trip, including one Felony jack rabbit.

He stole his first gun from me when he was 6 (my Ruger 10-22), and his second shortly thereafter (Ruger .22 auto). After that, I wised up - he's been trying to steal that carbine from me since he first shot it at 10 or 11, he was 13 in that pic, he's now 16.

Thanks,

Al

Maybe I am too old, maybe i am too liberal, maybe I am just not enough of a man, but I dont understand the desire to kill an animal for the sake of it.

On the other hand i lived in south africa and have hunted extensively, mainly to cull animals and then on safaris - generally only buck. I still dont understand the need to kill an animal for the sake of it. For food, by all means. To ensure the greater success of the herd, by all means.

And for the record, I'm under 30, a former wall st animal, and i still dont understand the need to kill a defenseless animal for the sake of it and brag about it to all my online friends.

-Sam

Haggis

11-04-2010, 11:30 PM

What ever...:rolleyes:

articulate

11-05-2010, 12:01 AM

Interesting thread though.....collecting data, or just curious?
I'm basically curious, but it's turned out to be a seriously fun topic to watch. Bathrooms, cold, wind, boredom in the passenger seat - those appear to be the main deal breakers, and they're understandable.

Keep going.

grahamfitter

11-05-2010, 01:37 AM

I consider myself lucky that she-who-drinks-tea-with-spoon-in-mug is quite happy going and stopping pretty much anywhere.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gz-y-wcOhAI/TLUZiferzDI/AAAAAAAACLA/KdTx28UHfT8/s800/DSC_3895.jpg

Winter camping (that's Northeast winter) is out, though.

datrupr

11-05-2010, 02:30 PM

I'm basically curious, but it's turned out to be a seriously fun topic to watch. Bathrooms, cold, wind, boredom in the passenger seat - those appear to be the main deal breakers, and they're understandable.

Keep going.

To cure the boredom of the passenger seat, I let her drive some of the mild technical stuff and she loves it. She knows the only time I am a control freak is when it comes to driving (meaning I have to drive), and she feels good that I let her drive some off road and appreciates the lessons I give her(she is getting pretty good too).

Wyowanderer

11-05-2010, 02:41 PM

I've found that doing the work of picking up the supplies and packing the camper is the most effective way to convince a lady to go. If all she has to do is hand you a duffel and get in, she's pretty likely to want to go.
Being a good cook and pampering her a bit during the trip doesn't hurt, either.
I try pretty hard to cook things SHE likes, not just steak & potatos.

As for bathroom cleanliness, a container of Clorox disinfectant wipes sure helps if you're in a campground.
In the sticks, the bucket and some SSS "Emergency Clean-Up" really help to keep the smell to a minimum.

nwoods

11-06-2010, 05:45 PM

To cure the boredom of the passenger seat, I let her drive some of the mild technical stuff and she loves it. She knows the only time I am a control freak is when it comes to driving (meaning I have to drive), and she feels good that I let her drive some off road and appreciates the lessons I give her(she is getting pretty good too).

My wife loves to drive. The harder the terrain the better. It's a mixed blessing. I want to drive too! Moab was the best, because I would take my Land Rover and she would rent a Jeep, and we'd take turns playing follow the leader.

I have found that the only place she truly listens to my instructions are when I'm spotting for her :-)

http://nwoods.smugmug.com/Jeep-Adventures/Trail-Runs/John-Bull-Trail-II/JohnBull-II-20080531-17/305282882_FpLi8-L.jpg

http://nwoods.smugmug.com/Jeep-Adventures/Trail-Runs/Joshua-Tree-Christmas-2008/Berdoo-20081226-10/445942292_MryNh-L.jpg

K2ZJ

11-06-2010, 06:48 PM

My wife loves to drive. The harder the terrain the better. It's a mixed blessing. I want to drive too! Moab was the best, because I would take my Land Rover and she would rent a Jeep, and we'd take turns playing follow the leader.

I have found that the only place she truly listens to my instructions are when I'm spotting for her :-)

I have tried that. She refuses to drive claiming if she breaks something I would be mad.

wanderer-rrorc

11-07-2010, 01:32 AM

I have tried that. She refuses to drive claiming if she breaks something I would be mad.

my wife was and still is like this...

the woods trucks I always tell her "you will NEVER be rougher on it than I am..and I like fixin her..so beat on it!!"

the DD..."its under warranty...and fully insured..Im not worried..enjoy"

Northern Explorer

11-07-2010, 02:13 AM

my fiance loves camping, and some offroading, just not the crazy rock stuff (which is fine, im not wild about it either).

expo style, the main hurtle is the bathroom situation. the thought of pooing in a bucket does not appeal to her. i would like her to try it once though, but an opportunity has not presented itself yet. she is very hesitant to go on these trips because of that simple fact.

any one have any bright ideas to convince her otherwise?

i have the fold out shelter thing, the standard bucket with double doodie bags and a snap on toilet seat

I purchased a Thetford Porta Potty Post #24 (http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13848&page=3). The similarities between this and the real thing go over much better with my wife then the bag type toilet.

I showed her the chemical disinfectand/deoderant that goes in the black water tank and told her it looks like coolaid when I empty it. She has never and will never see me empty it.

James86004

11-07-2010, 02:48 AM

I have tried that. She refuses to drive claiming if she breaks something I would be mad.

My wife broke both axles on the Dormobile within a few seconds. I was mad, but I got over it pretty quickly. 40 year old Rover axles which probably led a hard life are not known for their strength. It certainly made it easier to spend the money for a Salisbury.

Mr. Leary

11-07-2010, 04:11 AM

I am a truly blessed man...

I know the feelin'.

... and that's just the last 12 months! (I need to put a ring on it.)

...so get after it! ;)

Mr. Leary

11-07-2010, 04:15 AM

Potty is not too much of an issue any more, but it took her a few trips to get comfortable in the woods. Comfort level for her went up when I built the trailer. Now she wants to go on trips as much as I do!

Cold is still an issue, and will probably continue to be so... certain equipment has mostly alleviated the issue. She's really fond of the double sleeping bag and the RTT.

burn_e

11-07-2010, 01:25 PM

Well, short camping trips with bonfire-and-red-wine-under-the-stars-romance - any time. :camping:

Offroad Expeditions and extended off road drives - never again
(she get motion sick (me too, on the passenger seat :smilies27 ) and is scared of several thing that come across you on such trips)

Try to keep the balance between

K2ZJ

11-07-2010, 05:35 PM

My wife broke both axles on the Dormobile within a few seconds. I was mad, but I got over it pretty quickly. 40 year old Rover axles which probably led a hard life are not known for their strength. It certainly made it easier to spend the money for a Salisbury.

I would be mad for a second, but not at her. I know she would be a great driver, and if I am spotting, I would hold my self responsible for most things anyway. Even a newer rig is subject to breakage under any circumstance, so it is inevitable not matter who is behind the wheel.

Vermejo

11-07-2010, 06:39 PM

This is why she doesn’t go with me much anymore…

http://newmexicobackroads.smugmug.com/NEW-MEXICO/Summer-Southern-New-Mexico/DSC1200-copy/963286963_b8GQy-L-1.jpg (http://newmexicobackroads.smugmug.com/NEW-MEXICO/Summer-Southern-New-Mexico/12924349_oJ3HN#963286963_b8GQy-A-LB)

Just kidding. She’s great when it comes to camping, long days on the trail & dealing with the unexpected. One of the coolest things is how patient she is through my constant photo stops. Unfortunately, her current work schedule gives her very few vacation days and she works most weekends. Hopefully this will change as we enjoy traveling together.

http://newmexicobackroads.smugmug.com/SHOWCASE/Great-Sand-Dunes-NP/DSC0025-copy-2/1023116974_5yScq-L-2.jpg (http://newmexicobackroads.smugmug.com/SHOWCASE/Great-Sand-Dunes-NP/13932904_jjRBV#1023116974_5yScq-A-LB)

Albin

11-09-2010, 02:34 PM

Maybe I am too old, maybe i am too liberal, maybe I am just not enough of a man, but I dont understand the desire to kill an animal for the sake of it.

On the other hand i lived in south africa and have hunted extensively, mainly to cull animals and then on safaris - generally only buck. I still dont understand the need to kill an animal for the sake of it. For food, by all means. To ensure the greater success of the herd, by all means.

And for the record, I'm under 30, a former wall st animal, and i still dont understand the need to kill a defenseless animal for the sake of it and brag about it to all my online friends.

-Sam

If you understand the need to cull animals - then you should understand about killing pests, which is what a jack rabbit is. No different than killing hogs in Texas or Alabama - DNR in both states will tell you to kill all the hogs you want, take the meat or leave it, your choice. It's pretty much the same way with jack rabbits out west, although jacks don't do nearly as much damage.

[thread hijack over]

Al

mesha

11-23-2010, 05:39 PM

My wife won't come if the girlfriend comes and vice versa. Other than that she always comes unless I ask her not to so I can hang out with my boy.

Storz

11-23-2010, 10:01 PM

I guess I am lucky, my wifes loves camping :)

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/837131/fullsize/dsc05303.jpg

cmgraves

01-15-2011, 08:34 AM

Mine story is change in pace with the majority of the posters so far. My wife loves camping, loves the outdoors, no problem without a shower being on the road or bathing in a freezing glacier lake. She has no problem squating in the middle of a forest to pee, even pooping in a hole. Its the money and time. Given a choice, she would rather build an acre garden, raise farm animals, take in foster dogs, remodel the house, go to an orphanage, volutenter to the needy, etc....

Ugghh, I was anticapted of getting over the hurdle of high maintenances in the back country was all it took. Never saw this coming!

Rubicon_Fan

01-15-2011, 09:58 AM

I think I'm a lucky guy too! She doesn't mind peeing in the woods, or going without a shower for couple of days... She actually loves fishing and driving the jeep :) I guess I need to hurry up with whole ring thing there :)
http://184.72.239.143/mu/1855a6fc-7d9c-fc79.jpghttp://184.72.239.143/mu/1855a6fc-7dd1-f78d.jpg

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

rammland

01-15-2011, 11:03 PM

when you end up marrying a hippie my wife is along for the ride as long as the dogs can come too

IdaSHO

01-16-2011, 12:02 AM

Who would cook if my wife didnt come???? :snorkel:

shortbus4x4

01-18-2011, 02:10 PM

Bathrooms, showers, and long driving times are what my wife has issues with. Luckily you can find quite a few campgrounds that have showers and good bathrooms. For some reason she feels the need to style her hair no matter the location or who else is around.

Blain

01-18-2011, 03:51 PM

Boy did I have me a winner!!! She loved pretty much everything out doors, drove a Cherokee (lifted/tires) her Dad drove an Xterra (shrockworks, tires, lift: Which is how I ended up meeting her) Got them both out wheeling with me a few times. Couple day trips to a local off road park. Did a weekend trip to Rausch Creek!! Tent camping, fires, cooking out side. All though they did have a nice bath house complete with showers and flushable toilets. Her whole family came along, she drove with me it was a great time! Never got to do a long expedition type trip but I think she would of enjoyed it. Not sure how I would of sold her on the no shower/toilets though. She loved driving though, but never got behind the wheel even though I offered a bunch of times. Unfortunately things didn't work out..:(

Patiently waiting, while I'm stuck on my rear diff. What a trooper! I'm under the X trying to figure out how to get unstuck without breaking anything.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs537.snc3/30447_406175514822_637559822_4564874_4386841_n.jpg

Showing her some 3 wheel action!
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs014.snc4/34046_406178464822_637559822_4565041_710789_n.jpg

Her Dad's Xterra (w/bumper) Mine's the other white one.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs189.ash2/45248_421398618508_757288508_4962587_8263951_n.jpg

swampjeep

01-19-2011, 05:30 PM

were i a bettin man, i would venture that 99% of the issue is the bathroom. Either a lack of bathroom (remote camping), or a public bathroom (public camping). I know women that wont use a public bathroom, and are thus tethered to home even around town.

this

she doesn't like using ANY toilet that isn't home... she will use public ones after a couple days unwillingly LOL, but doesn't want anything to do with a porta potty, I have one (had it before I met her) and she says no way. She doesn't want to go in our tent or camper (if we were to get a camper).

Mamontof

01-19-2011, 06:14 PM

Only in over night standing my ex have her reasons as : Luck of comfort of sleep (size of bed ) , no shower as elephant in a lake before go to bed and in the morning , toilet comfort , AC in summer and heat in winter , luck of room change a close .
Typical ...reasons of comfort

Only if we have a "Travel van" ...with all service inn , she well be only travel except time to make money to travel even more :smiley_drive:

Scoutman

01-19-2011, 08:04 PM

The quickest way for me to loose my wife's interest on trips is sitting in the vehicle. When we go 4 wheeling there can be a lot of down time either bs'ing or fixing someone's broke rig. She has her own Jeeps and sometimes drives, but for the most part I do unless she wants to. She usually wants me to drive the really tough stuff as that's just not her thing.

Camping, she's awesome! Would rather use the woods than go to a campground dirty bathroom. Has no problems with showering in the wilds or taking sponge baths. We've backpacked for a week at at time with no showers, tent camped in 12* weather, and ran adventure rallies together (I drove, she navigated). We've even primitive camped 8.5 months preggers! :Wow1:

We're a great team and for that I'm lucky (married for 10 years now).

These days with a 3 year old son and a 3 month old daughter, things have slowed down a bit. We still get out there but it's not as frequent as I'd like mainly cause of all the prep and planning that comes with little ones. It'll get better and I'm excited about the possibilities.

Mamontof

01-19-2011, 08:25 PM

Who would cook if my wife didnt come???? :snorkel:

What Man do not know hay to cook :Wow1:, hay to hell people catch a woman ?

Simple start cook in a camp site , and at night you not a lone :elkgrin::ylsmoke:

They way to heavy to live

CanuckMariner

01-19-2011, 10:58 PM

Interesting topic Mark.:coffee: My or rather her top ten reasons:

As you know we Canucks have to travel a great distance to get to the deserts, so that eats up quite a bit of vacation time. She only has 3 weeks a year and saves some for an annual mother/daughter trip with her mom and sister. She is also an international figure skating judge so uses some of her time for events, like US/Canadian National Championships, or Mexico, etc.
You may well ask, why not camp closer to home? She says too many bugs, mud, cool dreary days in the mountains. A lot of trails close to home have been closed for various reasons, so the outings are limited. Camping at a camp ground just doesn't do it for me, I like the primitive.

My wife too is a sun and desert lover, so that's a good thing, but alas they are 2-3 days away - one way! - so that eats up a week or so just getting there and back.
She said she couldn't go days without a shower, so I got a shower (Helton), works great and fast once we are finished with a day of trailing and also water for cleaning.
She said she was not interested as I had no toilet, so I got a toilet and one of those spring loaded stalls that triples for a shower/changing room/toilet.
Then she said the truck was too small to sleep in, so I got a RTT knowing full well she would not want to sleep on the ground.
She asked how do you cook as you can only eat hot dogs, etc. so long before you need to change your diet, so I got a stove (Cobb) and I got a separate pocket rocket like stove just to heat water for cleaning, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, etc.
She is a fair weather girl and I cannot control the weather, so that's a point, eh?
women in general I have found, except for you lucky few, tend to want to have things like their kitchen at home. Meals are at certain times of the day and if you miss 'em, that's not good!
My wife is not found of eating on the fly in the cab of the rig, nor driving long distances with out a coffee, snack break every couple of hours. This can eat into quality trail time, no?

Soon she will be retiring and I hope then she will at least try a day trip first, say lunch and dinner on the trail. Then try an overnighter, then maybe a weekend. If this goes well, then might hook up with a few couples and try it for a weekend with more women on the trip and just some easy trails.

I made two mistakes with her in my early years with her. I took her camping when we fist started dating and I wanted to do a climb on a local hill here. She was on her own for the day and that didn't go over well. Also she had to help carry some of the weight to get to the base of the couloir to make the ascent. That no doubt didn't help, but I pack much lighter when I am on my own and a much quicker hike. So that didn't help at all. My bad!

I took her sailing off the Malacca Straits when we lived over seas. Just a single mast/sail on a 12 foot skiff out for a wee sail for the afternoon. Little did we know that a slight squall was brewing and we got caught in it. yes we got wet and it took a bit of time to bail and sail our way back to port. Nothing serious but the experience was enough so that we didn't by that yacht and sail around the world. My bad again!

So, I have realized that this isn't going to happen fast, so I am biding my time until she retires and we move south closer to the sun, sand fun and deserts. Will keep you posted on my progress, as that time nears.:costumed-smiley-007

Harald Hansen

01-20-2011, 09:24 AM

My wife won't go since she's pregnant! :wings: Other than that she's game. She even battles her car sickness for our sakes (she drives or at least sits up front all the time. AC also helps if she's feeling nauseus.)

ccarm

01-24-2011, 08:33 PM

One of the biggest things is getting her to be involved. Overland/backcountry trips rock when you are driving or navigating; but, when you are just sitting in the passenger side doing nothing and being jostled around it can get pretty dull. Teach her to drive, have her navigate. All of these things help me to get my girlfriend/other friends into the wild, and we always come back with a batter connection and stories because of it.

ScoutII

01-24-2011, 09:44 PM

Being cold outside during the winter or sleeping at 10,000 feet.

I bought two boxes of Hotties. ( Those things that heat up when you open them ) One size attach's to your socks and some you can put in your pockets. That has worked so far as her fingers and toes used to get cold no matter what she wore.

As for toilet, the wag bags and a five gallon pail work fine during the summer months. I just cut the top off a cheap HD toilet seat to put on top of the pail.

As for sleeping at high elevations would need to bring oxygen. Fine during the day, but come time to go to bed and it's hard to relax when your hyperventilating.

HWY22

01-29-2011, 05:00 AM

Keeping it interesting for all is what has worked for me. Of course getting some basics that make it comfortable for her like a RTT, Ref., on board hot water shower and a fun kitchen.

My wife and 6 year old now enjoys getting out. We fly fish with my son, take turns mountainbiking while the other takes down camp and drove till they caught up, I always bring our climbing gear, swimming gear, day packs, and snow gear.

Guess, we also live in a wonderful part of the country where it can snow anytime of the year.

JPK

02-09-2011, 04:06 AM

My wife will pee in the woods but poopin' in a bucket..., well...

So the bathroom issue, cold, heat and boredom in the passenger's seat.

My son its boredom, my duaghter it boredom and the bathroom issue.

My wife was sportier when she was younger, but now she can create an unreasonable fear in her mind, but quick. Her four useless, boring, do nothing sisters and their usless, do nothing, boring husbands/ex-husbands don't help either.

Her current phobia is black bears. We have them in western MD but your more likely to be donked over the head by a falling limb than see a bear in daytime (unless maybe you're looking for one.)

To overcome the objections this summer, I'm having a tear drop built with a RTT on top to accomodate my whole family, with heat and hot water too. And I'll make sure there is a swim, hike or some fishing during the day to avoid the boredom of just riding.

For the bathroom issue, a pop up "shower room" and this: http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c341/Nilrik/JONNY2_L1.jpg

Almost like home, and it seal tightly (I'll use the treated waste bags for easier clean up, but this thing actually has a pump out!

JPK

andie99

02-23-2011, 03:01 AM

Gf does not go because she needs to look and be with kids on weekends. And she would rather watch movie or dine out rather than going somewhere else. I don't know why. :sombrero:

Runt

02-23-2011, 04:37 AM

She will go in the woods, travel/hike & paddle for days, sleep in the vehicle, sleep in a tent, sleep with out a tent, go with out a shower for days and days, bath in glacier fed river/lake, snar rabbits for food (I have to kill them) :Wow1:.....but if our little girls are not happy and we do not have what it takes to make them happy she would say "nop". Here is the problem...."fix it":). Only happened a couple times and it was around keeping the girls warm. At 4 and 6 they get cold easy. The most important thing to her is keeping our little girls comfortable which comes down to tempature. I heavilly modified a Chalet Arrow into a "Off Road Arrow" and it keeps the girls warm:victory:. Keeps them all happy for now:camping: .

java

02-23-2011, 01:56 PM

My wife is awesome, we met volunteering for seach and rescue so that was a good start!

but she has had every other weekend during the summer booked for camping for the last 6 months. we pack the car and she tells me where to drive :)

4x4x4doors

02-23-2011, 01:59 PM

Some things are "me" things, some things are "she" things, some are "we" things. We are happy with that. We both need our time.
She doesn't like the woods -- hypersensitive to poison ivy (can see it, doesn't need to touch it) and there are snakes out there. There's no reason to reason against it, just accept it as fact and move on.
She's fine to ride though. We have learned whether over highway or byway that we both need to stop and get out and walk around every couple of hours. When the driver stops for gas on the highway, we ALL get out and walk around. Leads to a much more enjoyable trip physically. Also helps to break the "gotta get there right now" mentality to make the trip more of a recharge.
Cooking in the car, keeping another kitchen/sleeping area clean and functioning has all the downsides of staying home without the tools to make it easy, thus no benefit.
Loves to ride and walk the beaches though.

Box Rocket

02-24-2011, 10:25 PM

Seriously? Who's significant other doesn't go on adventures with you?

A few selections of my wife (yeah she's awesome) either in the passenger seat or at the wheel.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k254/boxrocket/cruiser/IMG_1561.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k254/boxrocket/cruiser/drift.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k254/boxrocket/cruiser/wdwmkr.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k254/boxrocket/cruiser/hood_test.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k254/boxrocket/cruiser/0006.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k254/boxrocket/cruiser/Michelle_rub.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k254/boxrocket/Skull%20Valley/_MG_4103.jpg

...ok, ok. I'm not totally immune either. Biggest problem for me is the bathroom. Still looking for the silver bullet fix for this issue. The PETT is as good an option as I've found so far, but still not ideal.

OnTheTrail

03-09-2011, 07:42 PM

I was lucky that my ex girlfriend was into going on my trips. I always found a restroom at least once a day that had running water. On the weeklong trips we would stay at a hotel at least a couple times for a shower.

I have tried taking my parents camping. It's not their thing. I think it's the fact that they grew up very poor in a small town in Mexico. Where there there were no paved roads and no electricity for most of their early life. They just don't think it's fun.

want2travel

03-10-2011, 06:06 PM

Female here...with a boyfriend who LOVES off-roading and camping. I'm willing to go (I like adventure, travel, and camping too), but these have been issues for me at various times:

1. Heat - I HATE being hot. I'm not fun to be around when I'm hot. Take me on a trip in the spring or fall - even winter - and I'd be happy.
2. Too much driving - I hate being in the car. Why do I want to drive 6 hours to arrive somewhere in the middle of the night...just to get up early to drive all day and the next...and then drive 6 more hours home?
3. My schedule - I was working 12 hour days as a teacher (yes, I was usually at school 12 hours a day) and he'd want to go on a weekend trip that required 6 hours of driving each way. I couldn't even fathom it being fun because all I could think of was how exhausted I'd be on Monday.
4. The company - trips with people I know are far more appealing

Here's the deal. If off-roading/camping/whatever is not her thing (i.e. she wouldn't do it if it weren't for you) and you want her to be there, you should do everything in your power to make her comfortable. My BF did this when he wanted me to go shooting with him. He arranged for people to help make me feel comfortable (I had never shot before), he got a gun he knew would be easy for me to use, we went on a chilly fall day (hallelujah!), he didn't make me do the planning or the work, he worked it around my work schedule, etc. And I had a good time! I'd even go again.

He's yet to follow that plan with off-roading, but maybe someday!

Greggk

03-12-2011, 12:20 PM

my wife, kids, and dogs loving going, just so they can all get away from military life even if just for a short while.

john101477

03-12-2011, 12:40 PM

Wife Kid and Dog all love to go. If it is a difficult trail that I know is going to be a little to rough, I will usually just go alone or with the dog. My wife puts up with the frequent stops I make for pictures and stuff. I do not mind the hours of driving but she is not a fan of sitting for long periods of time. Luckily the stops I make tend to make up for the driving I do. She knows that any trip with me is going to be slow with lots to see.

EMrider

03-12-2011, 01:26 PM

Were I a bettin man, I would venture that 99% of the issue is the bathroom. Either a lack of bathroom (remote camping), or a public bathroom (public camping). I know women that wont use a public bathroom, and are thus tethered to home even around town.

There may be additional reasons, and you'd probably need years of analysis to bring it out, but there it is. There are psycho disorders that are gender-specific, this may be one.

My case exactly. My wife takes grooming and being clean seriously. I can let it slide for a few days when in the wild. :wings:

The kids see it my way of course, and thankfully my wife is supportive of a few camping trips per year, but she stays home. Compromise and balance keep it all good.
R