Motorcycle camping
#22
04-08-2020, 11:39 AM
In my 20s it was a ranger roll and a few change of clothes. Then it became a tent and sleeping bag. I quickly learned about quality tents and bags being wet and cold in the cheap gear.
I looked at what the long term and frequent campers were using. I learned that quality gear lasted a long time, and worked well. I learned to think about motorcycle camping gear as high speed backpacking. space being more of an issue than weight.
Eventually I went to a 3 man tent, as the smaller tents were no that much smaller when packed. And then I have space for my stuff inside the tent.
Also, separating out the different items helps packing. instead or putting the tent back into the original bag as sold,I separated out the items. The tent material was packed with other soft stuff. The tent hard stuff was much better with other hard stuff.
Depending on the motorcycle set up, I use one large bag (if I didn't have a trunk) to put everything into. That way you are strapping one larger bag instead of many smaller items.
I also quit using bungee cords and went to nylon straps. The Hellen Two Wheel starps were the best. I cannot find any equivalent but ROK straps are close.
I looked at what the long term and frequent campers were using. I learned that quality gear lasted a long time, and worked well. I learned to think about motorcycle camping gear as high speed backpacking. space being more of an issue than weight.
Eventually I went to a 3 man tent, as the smaller tents were no that much smaller when packed. And then I have space for my stuff inside the tent.
Also, separating out the different items helps packing. instead or putting the tent back into the original bag as sold,I separated out the items. The tent material was packed with other soft stuff. The tent hard stuff was much better with other hard stuff.
Depending on the motorcycle set up, I use one large bag (if I didn't have a trunk) to put everything into. That way you are strapping one larger bag instead of many smaller items.
I also quit using bungee cords and went to nylon straps. The Hellen Two Wheel starps were the best. I cannot find any equivalent but ROK straps are close.
#23
04-08-2020, 05:27 PM
Banned
#24
04-08-2020, 05:34 PM
Banned
In my younger days I hiked the Sierras John Muir Trail. You soon learn the value of good equipment.
A good 3 season tent, bag and pad are most important. Expedition quality is not necessary for 3 season camping.
Now I haul my Dyna behind my 4X4 truck. I like to do trips into the back country as well.
Usually stay in 1 campground for 3-5 days taking long loops across Sierras and Rockies. then pack and move to another spot.
A good 3 season tent, bag and pad are most important. Expedition quality is not necessary for 3 season camping.
Now I haul my Dyna behind my 4X4 truck. I like to do trips into the back country as well.
Usually stay in 1 campground for 3-5 days taking long loops across Sierras and Rockies. then pack and move to another spot.
Last edited by user 7172984932; 04-08-2020 at 05:36 PM.
#25
04-08-2020, 10:41 PM
Road Warrior
The following 2 users liked this post by Grandslam:
Deacon Blues (05-01-2020),
user 7172984932 (04-08-2020)
#26
04-09-2020, 08:37 AM
Seasoned HDF Member
After spending many years wilderness camping and portaging gear, the most important question I ask myself is "Can I (we) be warm, dry and comfortable with this gear in a day long downpour" ? I've learned to put the groundcloth liner inside the tent because when the floor starts to leak, eventually it will, you can take that piece of poly and turn the edges up the sides inside of the tent and the water can seep in and surround your gear without getting it wet. I'll never, ever put it under the tent again.
#27
04-09-2020, 08:43 AM
Seasoned HDF Member
I am actually just getting into this game too. Although, I have an extensive backpacking and camping past. But, I kind of have two setups: one is a quick, just me, down and dirty setup, that I can fit into a 70L dry bag, and tie onto the bike.
A one man Alps Mountaineering Lynx 1 tent (lots of headroom, decent vestibule, but it is just wide enough to fit my sleeping pad)
Nemo Cosmo 3D wide sleeping pad-I am a side sleeper, and not a lightweight person, this works great. I have slept a few nights on it already, and its comfortable. And easy to inflate to boo!
Thermarest compressible pillow-not an inflatable one. This one is a creature comfort. The inflatable ones I have never been comfortable with. This is like a mini My Pillow.
Sleeping bag #1: Paria Outdoors 30 degree down quilt. I dont sleep out much when it is cold, so this works most seasons.
Sleeping bag #2: Nemo JAzz sleeping bag. If I decide to pack a second dry bag for sleeping, this will go. Unfortunately, it is bulky (its made for car camping). But, this thing is luxurious. I put the sleeping mat in the bottom sleeve. There is a microfleece blanket independent of the sleeping bag, for warmer nights. There is a pillow pocket. No joke, this thing, with my Nemo mat, is akin to sleeping at home, in my own bed. The upside of this is, there is a double version available for couples, if thats your desire.
My cookset is a Stanley Adventure cook set, with a BRS 3000T. Fits right inside the pot thing, making it nice and small.
I also take a few other bits and bobs-a tarp, some rope, a knife for food prep, and a small hand axe as well as a hand saw.
If I am sleeping double, I have a Hyke and Byke Zion 2-which I cannot recommend enough. This is a LARGE 2 person tent, and I have crammed two of us, with gear, in it during a storm. Vestibules on both sides, as well as dual entrance. I HIGHLY recommend that tent.
A one man Alps Mountaineering Lynx 1 tent (lots of headroom, decent vestibule, but it is just wide enough to fit my sleeping pad)
Nemo Cosmo 3D wide sleeping pad-I am a side sleeper, and not a lightweight person, this works great. I have slept a few nights on it already, and its comfortable. And easy to inflate to boo!
Thermarest compressible pillow-not an inflatable one. This one is a creature comfort. The inflatable ones I have never been comfortable with. This is like a mini My Pillow.
Sleeping bag #1: Paria Outdoors 30 degree down quilt. I dont sleep out much when it is cold, so this works most seasons.
Sleeping bag #2: Nemo JAzz sleeping bag. If I decide to pack a second dry bag for sleeping, this will go. Unfortunately, it is bulky (its made for car camping). But, this thing is luxurious. I put the sleeping mat in the bottom sleeve. There is a microfleece blanket independent of the sleeping bag, for warmer nights. There is a pillow pocket. No joke, this thing, with my Nemo mat, is akin to sleeping at home, in my own bed. The upside of this is, there is a double version available for couples, if thats your desire.
My cookset is a Stanley Adventure cook set, with a BRS 3000T. Fits right inside the pot thing, making it nice and small.
I also take a few other bits and bobs-a tarp, some rope, a knife for food prep, and a small hand axe as well as a hand saw.
If I am sleeping double, I have a Hyke and Byke Zion 2-which I cannot recommend enough. This is a LARGE 2 person tent, and I have crammed two of us, with gear, in it during a storm. Vestibules on both sides, as well as dual entrance. I HIGHLY recommend that tent.
#30
04-30-2020, 10:39 AM
