The Best Bush Planes for Weekend Camping in the Mountains with Two People and Their Gear

When planning a weekend camping trip in the mountains with two people and their gear, the choice of a bush plane is crucial. Several factors come into play: payload capacity, short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities, and overall reliability. This article will explore the best options for your adventure, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.

1. Piper Super Cub

The Piper Super Cub is a popular choice for bush planes due to its excellent capabilities in payload and performance. It seats two people comfortably and has a decent payload capacity, ensuring you can carry all your essential camping gear.

Capacity: Seats 2 with a decent payload. Performance: Excellent STOL capabilities, making it ideal for rough, short airstrips. Range: Good fuel efficiency and range for weekend trips.

Pros of the Piper Super Cub include its lightweight design, easy handling, and robust aftermarket support. It's perfect for small trips that require close proximity to the mountain base.

2. Cessna 172 Skyhawk

The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is also a strong contender, known for its wide availability and ease of use. While not traditionally classified as a bush plane, it handles rough airstrips reasonably well and is suitable for longer weekend excursions.

Capacity: Seats 4 but can comfortably carry 2 people and gear. Performance: Good range and reliability for weekend excursions. Pros: Widely available, easy to fly, and parts are plentiful.

Choose the Cessna 172 Skyhawk if you prefer a more versatile option that can accommodate a larger group or additional gear, while still being manageable for short trips.

3. Maule M-7

The Maule M-7 is another excellent choice, renowned for its exceptional STOL performance and ruggedness. It seats 2-3 passengers with a good payload capacity, making it suitable for both small groups and brief trips.

Capacity: Seats 2-3 with a good payload capacity. Performance: Known for excellent STOL performance and ruggedness. Range: Suitable for longer trips with good fuel capacity.

Pros of the Maule M-7 include versatility and the ability to be modified for various missions. This plane is a robust choice for those who value multifunctionality in their aircraft.

4. Cessna 185 Skywagon

The Cessna 185 Skywagon is a powerful option for those who need a bit more capacity. It seats up to 4 people, making it great for two people with some gear. Its superior STOL performance and ability to handle rough terrain make it an ideal choice for mountain flying.

Capacity: Seats up to 4, great for 2 with gear. Performance: Superior STOL performance and can handle rough terrain. Range: Good fuel capacity for longer trips.

Pros of the Cessna 185 Skywagon include its strong reputation in the bush flying community. It's a reliable and versatile choice for those who prioritize both capacity and rugged performance.

5. De Havilland Beaver

The De Havilland Beaver is a legendary choice for bush planes, known for its exceptional STOL capabilities and ability to operate from very short runways. It seats 6 but performs beautifully with two people and gear, offering a good range for remote destinations.

Capacity: Seats 6 but great for 2 plus gear. Performance: Exceptional STOL capabilities and can operate from very short runways. Range: Good range for remote destinations.

Pros of the De Havilland Beaver include its legendary durability and versatility in various conditions. It's the perfect choice for those who value reliability and hands-on experience.

Considerations

Weight and Balance: Ensure the plane can handle your combined weight and gear without exceeding limits. Landing Sites: Consider the types of landing sites you'll be using. Some planes perform better on rough terrain than others. Experience: Choose a plane that matches your flying experience and comfort level.

Ultimately, the best choice for your bush plane adventure will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and the types of environments you plan to fly into. Both the Piper Super Cub and Cessna 185 Skywagon are often recommended for their balance of performance, capacity, and handling.

Conclusion

Considering all the factors, the Piper Super Cub and Cessna 185 Skywagon are often recommended for their balance of performance, capacity, and handling. However, the final decision should be based on your specific needs and the environments in which you plan to fly.