So what do you recommend for a first timer to bring with them?
Can you ship things ahead, or do you generally bring everything with you?
Thanks,
-dan
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Dan, we've done it both ways. For years, we hauled EVERYTHING. With our Pathfinder's 1460 pound useful load, this was possible.
With an eye toward the future, however, in 2010 I acquired a 16' trailer that we now keep off-site in the Oshkosh area. The week of OSH, a farmer buddy hauls it to near the North 40 for us.
Inside are bikes, tables, chairs, awnings, etc. We use the bikes (and a little trailer for the bike) to schlep all of our gear to our campsite. Since you never know where you're plane is going to be parked, that's as good as it gets.
Because of this arrangement, it is now possible for us to attend OSH in ANY aircraft, from a Cub to a C-130, and to not have to haul much of anything other than our clothing.
In your case, however, you FOR SURE want two things:
1. A tent that is windproof. This tent doesn't exist, but get one that SAYS it's windproof, at least. I bought a mountaineering tent last year with fully 26 tie-down points, guaranteed to withstand gale force winds. The inevitable storm during the week snapped one of the poles.
This is my third tent in the last 11 years. They ONLY get used at OSH, and they routinely get shredded there.
2. A queen-sized inflatable airbed. These things have changed Oshkosh 100% for the better, as they are as comfortable as your bed at home. They come with a battery-powered air pump. The good ones will only need one shot of air during the week.
After that, everything is negotiable. A nice folding chair is good. A little campstove for making coffee is nice, but if you hook up with us, we've got everything you might need, thanks to the trailer -- including a real coffee maker.
We share nice, in exchange for beer.
Bring clothes for everything from 50 - 110 degrees. I've had both extremes in the same week in OSH. (And people say I'm nuts for moving to an island in the Gulf. The weather in the upper Midwest is WAY more violent than anything we've seen here. And here, we get four days warning. In OSH, you get MAYBE 20 minutes, if you're lucky.)
You will need a big, floppy, light colored hat that shades your ears. Spray on sunscreen is a must. Loose fitting cotton clothing is your friend. Two pairs of comfy shoes, broken in LONG before OSH, are essential.
You will walk MILES each day. If you're not in shape for that, start walking NOW. I estimated that I walked between 25 - 30 miles last year, not counting the distances we rode our bikes. (You can't take the bikes on the grounds, so they are only useful for getting from your campsite to the main entrance. This can be a mile or more.)
The hottest I have ever been was in OSH -- and I live in South Texas. It can be brutal, so have a way to carry water with you, and drink it constantly. Dehydration there is a real problem. (And don't rehydrate with booze. Ask me how I know. Better yet, ask Steingar.
)
Don't bring your folding chair onto the grounds. It's simply not worth the aggravation to carry all day.
Make a list of things you want to see. After 30 years we have developed a methodical way of seeing OSH that ALMOST allows us to see it all in a week. We usually miss something, but it's usually minor.
For example, we will set one day aside for the Warbirds, one day for Vintage, etc. We check the big exposition buildings throughout the week, simply because SOMETIMES the big manufacturers roll out "show specials" midweek. (This was far more common back when there was actual competition in avionics.)
There's plenty to see and do. If you love aviation, you will be like a goofy little kid all week. The first time you go, you will be overwhelmed. Take it all in and enjoy it!
I'll start a new thread on it later.
