Motorcycle Camping

[FastEddie]

I'd like to start a thread strictly devoted to camping. I whet my appetite for camping by reading these notes: http://www.wetleather.com/reference/camping.html I started looking at sleeping mats, camp stoves, and lanterns. I went to Adventure 16 in Oceanside and saw a stove system called Jet Boil that is suppposed to boil a liter of water inside of three minutes. It comes in two sizes - personal and (unpersonal) jumbo. Anybody have experience with these units?

I went to Sports Authority and found that Coleman has a line of premium products called Exponent. They have a very compact gas lantern (that uses the same canisters as the Jet Boil) that requires no glass globe. It was marked down because the season is over so I picked one up to test drive it. I'll let you know how it goes.

Looks like the gold standard in sleeping mats is ThermaRest. I have a mat from Target branded GreatLand, but it is only 20 inches wide so there is nowhere to rest my elbows. I haven't tested the thermal properties as it's too uncomfortable because of its size. Any body have experience with sleeping mats for use on a bike?

[tmcgee]

I've got the litre sized Jet-boil and no complaints about it for solo use.

[BooneDog]

Another A+ for the Jetboil. You won't go wrong with that, either size depending on what you need. I have the 1 liter where the stove/cannister fit into one small size. It's so easy to use that I use if for all kinds of things, beyond true camping.

As far as a gas powered lantern. I don't know about that. LED type lights have become so efficient with batteries that last SO long, that's what I use for light.

[garandman]

I favor gas fueled stoves as on longer trips it's easier, lighter, and cheaper than trying to bring enough canisters, or find them. Also easier to know whether it's full, half-full, or almost empty.

Been using a Coleman Peak One gas stove for 25 years, rebuilt once. Their new model is slightly lighter and more expensive. Fairly compact, fast, and good flame adjustment.

A lot of bikers prefer cots to sleeping pads, but I use a self-inflating one. They are available in many sizes and thickness, and are tough to beat. Digging out depressions for your hips and shoulders helps a lot with comfort.

In my experience, most folks seem to buy tents designed for three season mountaineering when what they need is one with good ventilation and bug screening. They aren't that expensive.

Nowadays, if I don't have a french press or some other way of making coffee, I ain't going!

[nighthawk]

I have the Thermarest Basecamp Large, at 6'3" it is long and wide enough for me and comfortable. Go with the Jetboil.

[footloose]

I'm a backpacker also and know that lots of backpackers use the JetBoil because it's reasonably light and quick to heat up a simple meal. You're not going to be able to cook any culinary wonders with it though. It's really designed to heat water for hot drinks and prepare a dried food meal. It's also a little bulky. That may be not as much of a problem on a bike where you may have more room than if you're carrying in a backpack.

There are also backpacker stoves available that are tiny, lightweight and fit into a small pot. You screw on a small canister of white gas. I have the MSR Whisperlight.

http://www.msrcorp.com/stoves/pocket_rocket.asp

There are lots of other brands of similiar stoves. I happened to find mine on sale a couple winters ago.

I have a Theremarest also that I used to use when bike camping. It is very comfortable but once again quite bulky and large. It had to be strapped crossways across the seat and I felt like "here comes a sleeping pad down the road with a bike attached". It got relegated to kayak camping and I now use the same pad for the bike as I do backpacking. I use a Big Agnus Insulated Air Core mat that inflates to 2.5 inches thick, has a layer of Primaloft insulation on the bottom and rolls up and fits in a stuff sack that is much smaller that a loaf of bread. It only weighs 24 oz.

http://www.bigagnes.com/str_pads.php?id=ia

You might find it helpful to check out some backpacking gear forums for a while before you spend a lot of money on gear. There is so much more gear out there now that is lighter, smaller and more thoughtfully designed.
One good forum I spend some time on is backpacker.com. Check out the Gear and Cooking forums for ideas.

[roger123]

I have and use both the JetBoil and the large size Thermarest. Both very good products IMHO.

I also use a Eureka Teragon 9 tent. It's always the biggest at the campsite, but hey, I'm not carrying it on my back so who cares! Plenty of room to spread out and if it rains I can bring my camp chair in and read the latest moto-rag in comfort.

+1 on the LED lights. I have a "headlight" one as well as several others in various locations (Zippers of the jacket and tank bag) as well some others laying around. Batteries last forever and the light is good.

One of my buddies has a candle lantern though that adds some nice ambiance (sp?) to the mix. Got it at Wallyworld.

Going on a MC camping trip next weekend to the Willville MC campground off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Anybody interested?

[dlfunk]

+1 again for LED headlamps. My Black Diamond has one LED thats bright enough for most stuff and illuminates a large enough area, and it has an incandescent bulb if you need a little more light. I love my Thermarest inflatable for backpacking, but I wouldn't say it insulates from the cold ground very good. Maybe there are some newer models that do. Foam pads are probably better for that (and cheaper, and won't puncture if your cats discover it).

[O-9]

I use the MSR pocket rocket, heats water in no time at all.
To sleep on, I use the cot from Aerostitch.

[wolf1]

For real freedom feeling on a bike ride I take this simple list.Blue tarp, skeeter mesh,bedroll.I take a very small hard cooler a larger soft cooler,headlight and flashlight.TP is a must!The next thing I pack is my gold card.See I can get a good senior coffee at Mickey Dee's 24 7'sfor 70 cents.I usually find a family place to eat or wing nite at the local pub.Two nights under the stars and one night under the sheets and showers of a Hampton Inn campsite,hmmmhmmmmmmm good.Nothing like real country carryout BBQ enjoyed at the rest area after sunset.I've gone to packing light cause I like stuff ,I buy stuff stuff and more stuff.I could outfit a small militia for a month.

This is mostly rant I know but smaller is better.Let's see where's my future farkle list?

all the best,
wolf1

[JGL351]

While travelling I prefer "gorilla camping" to campgrounds, most state and provincial campgrounds have flush toilets and showers for $20. Gorilla camping is free. Alternate nites in the campground works for me, if the weather is really wet and cold small hotels are a warm luxury. When gorilla camping I usually find an out of the way, quiet spot just before sunset, small road side picknic areas, day use parks, small clearings on forest access roads etc. I usually sleep in a "jungle hammock" all you need is 2 trees 15 to 18 ft apart, dont worry about the ground in between because you are suspended above it. I use a short camprest self inflating pad in the hammock to help insulate my back. The hammock is fully enclosed with bug screen and a roof to shed rain. I also carry a large nylon tarp to cover the hammock in case of a driving rain, which rarely happens if you are under trees. I carry a coleman whisperlite stove to heat water for tea, coffee, hot chocolate, etc and for breakfast porrage (oatmeal) I usually eat in small town " mom and pop" restaurants (not franchize chains) or go to a real deli and have them build a sandwich. Forget about the lantern, a small LED light is all you need to find your way arround your camp after dark. My day is sunup to sundown, in the Northern States and Canada in the summer that is 5:00am to 10:00pm and 7 hr sleep, repeat.

[larolco]

I've got a Coleman Peak One that has worked great for me hiking, biking, boating. It boils quickly, especially if you use the aluminum windshield/pot base thingamajiggy that sits on top of the burner. I find it's good for a couple of days on one tank of fuel. You'd want to test that for yourself, though. It depends on how many pots of coffee you like to make in the morning.

For sleeping, I recommend the thick Thermarest. You can go for various lengths. If I was hiking, I would carry a shorter one, but on a bike, hey, you don't have to carry it. Go for the biggest, thickest Thermarest you can get. You will be thankful in the morning.

As for lanterns, I don't take one on the bike, but I know Coleman makes a battery operated lamp that should handle the bumps well.

I carry a little maglite flashlight to get around in the dark, and it shines enough light to read by if you want to read.

Sundown, for me, is time to crack a beverage. I don't need much light besides a campfire for that.

[PDXStrom]

MSR Wisperlite stove - I have had it for over 10 years. bombproof!!!

Thermarest - I have a selection of sizes depending on the amount of space and level of comfort that I need.

I am going to add another thought here...Water filters
I use the PUR hiker. There are many on the market. This one is just simple and effective.

Sleeping bag - Western Mountaineering ultralite - It weighs just over 1 lbs. 3 season bag. Very warm and versitile.

I have too many tents to discuss each one. They vary from single person bivy's to cabin tents. The largest I ever bring on the strom is a 2 person. I am partial to Black diamond and Marmot products

A great two person tent is the BlackDiamond Lighthouse. It's a single walled tent. Good for three seasons. Very light and easy to set up. It only wieghs 3 lbs.

IMHO it is best to get gear advice from backpackers. There is nothing like spending more than 7 days on a trail to teach you what you really need and how to pack it. When I switch to taking the strom I feel like I can bring a palace along. Including folding seats, folding plates, etc

[tmcgee]

I did a ton of reading on camping and gear over the past year or so. Backpacking magazine has an annual gear guide that's a good starting point for research. EMS and REI are right up there on the resource list too.

Comprehensive books about gear are "Backpacker's Handbook" and "The Complete Walker."

Googling "motorcycle camping" "stealth camping" and "bicycle camping" brings up some good links.

Going on group rides, whether camping or not, is a great way to compare notes.

[Todd]

I took a trip to Alaska from Massachusetts and then did a 4 corners ride around the US. Prior to leaving, I tried using a Thermarest that I'd purchased and found it was not as comfortable as I wanted. I'd see the Go-Kot advertised at Whitehorse Press and decided to give it a try. I got it about three weeks prior to my trip and I gave it a shot. It was awesome!!! It gets me up off the ground and is very comfortable. It goes together quickly and is sturdy.

Its downsides are that its longer packed than the bike is wide so it sticks out abit when I put it on the rear seat. Its a little heavier than I'd like with the spring steel legs. But in terms of the comfort for sleeping, it can't be beat. My wife got to use it when she met me for two weeks and I truly missed it, and she bought herself one when she got home.

I also love my Jetboil as I can get a reasonable cup of coffee in about two minutes.

[mtlee]

I use the MSR pocket rocket, heats water in no time at all.
To sleep on, I use the cot from Aerostitch.

Hey, 0-9 - do you mean this one?

http://www.aerostich.com/files/images/detailed/4105_1h.jpg

I'm pretty intrigued by it, but I'd want to hear high marks on it before I blew the bucks. How does it do in colder weather - do you have to put down a pad to prevent yourself from freezing?

[Colin]

I use a 30 year old thermorest and a pad of closed cell foam. It packs up small and keeps the chill off. I am finding my old bones would like a bit more padding though.
I have always avoided air mattress since they do not provide much insulation and everyone I have ever had to deal with has leaked.

I bought a Primus multi-fuel stove for a trip through BC last summer and really love it. It is a little quirky until you get used to it but it packs up tiny and puts out a lot of heat. It works with LP gas,white gas, gasoline/petrol, diesel and kerosene - even aviation fuel.
A good cook set is next on my list.

I often just use a heavy duty spaceblanket lean-to but this year I used a two-person tent with a fly. It kept me dry and bug free. The space that would normally hold the second person was used for my side bags and pack.

Get a good sleeping bag rated to below whatever temperature you think you will encounter. It is easier to unzip a bag that is too warm than to endure one that is too cold. The one I found this year has side zippers to regulate the temperature.

I find that a head mounted led flashlight is very useful. They are very small and give you hands free looking in the dark. They are surprisingly bright. Good models will allow high/low/spot/flood beams. I usually also carry a mini-mag light.

[edge]

Three weeks camping in the Viv highcountry Aus and found it very comftable.
I took a fuel stove but wish I had taken my small gas one ,fuel messy slow to get going and by the time you add up bottle etc takes up more room.
With tents I took my three man for plenty of room but shipped it home and bought a two man hiking one just nice for me and gear and took up half the room.
There is nothing like going on a trip the learning curve is up and extreme,but still enjoyable.
Even though your on a bike when you start punting one over some ordinary terrain you quickly learn to travel light.

[RodC]

G'day All!
I've been looking around for a comfortable but compact chair I can strap on the bike for a tour I'm doing in May into central Australia. A while ago I bought a 3 legged stool. Useless bloody thing! A leg bent on me while I was leaning back to grab something. What I liked about it was it was it didn't take up much room on the bike and was easy to attach to the bike. Thing I didn't like was that it was uncomfortable after a little time, and it was weak.

What sort of chairs brands, model, names etc can some of you recommend? What sort of chairs do you use?
RodC

[Bright Side]

Well I use to camp and carry all the gear for it including stove, food, utensils, and such. Now I camp lite! I carry a Camel pop up tent, Sleeping bag, sheet, and an air mattress.

1. The Camel pop up tent I have had for 12 years and it still does the job.

2. Sleeping bag is a Coleman.

3. Air mattress is a double wide cheap-o that you buy for cheap and throw away when it leaks. I carry a electric air pump to inflate it because of its size. The sheet goes on the mattress, then me, then I cover with my sleeping bag. Of course if it get cold, I use the sleeping bag as it was designed for. I tried the Thermarest and hated it. Sleep is important to me as is waking up well rested for the next day.

4. Camp stove. Use to carry but found out that I can purchase food around the camping area before I get there and tuck it away, ride, and when hungry pull it out and eat. My favorite is a Subway. Or cooking dogs on an open fire. I also carry a small water bottle for the obvious. Coffee in the morning is a must. Well I know this is cheap . . . I either hop on the bike and ride to a coffee place or if someone is camping close by and is making coffee, I show up with my cup. Haven't been turned away yet.

5. Camp chair. I carry the cheapest bought at a grocery store for a couple of bucks. Really $2. When they crap out, I buy another.

6. Lights. I have a ball cap that has LED light and that's it.

Plus I only like to camp when I can set up and stay a couple of days and ride. I just hate setting up camp and taking it down everyday, but I do it.

[rhbell]

I use strictly what I already have, there would be better options for smaller / lighter and I plan to correct this year.
-Coleman Peak stove and mini-lantern
-MSR bottles for fuel (a I litre fuel can fits perfectly in the tube on the Wee)
-Woods 3 lb bag (this is one area I need to downsize - look up the Woods Yukon 800 and you'll see what I mean
-the outback oven - I'll carry this on my back if I have to - this little gadget -basically a 10" non-stick fry pan with lid and dome blanket works on the PEAK and allows me to bake, rather than fry foods and I can make desserts, biscuits etc in it, all with add water mixes.
-a 2 litre plastic, collapsible water jug
- the rest of the usual stuff for eating
-my Thermarest. Love it but at 6-3", not going to downsize this although it's a bit big.

One area I found I can save bulk on is towel - get one of the full size capmer towels - more like a chamois but work as well.

bike camping to me is like what riding the range (a modern version) must be to a cowboy. I dread the day when I have to stop doing it. One accessory I carry is a BAss PRo waterproof boat bag. The bag, Thermrest and a few other things go in it and get's strapped across the seat and bags behind me. Waterproof and easy to acess.

Safe rides

Bob

[BDragon]

I suppose the trick is pack small and light. I can fit most my camping gear in one Givi E41 Case.

Sleeping bag - North Face Mummy style bag (warm and ultra compact)
Sleeping Mat - ThermaRest Prolite 4 (comfy and ultra compact)
Pillow - Thermarest pillow ( small to pack and plumps up for comfort)
Tent - Eureka 2 person tent (could go smaller and lighter but why?)
Cooking - JetBoil w/ cup & pot attachments ( small and quick)


This is my motorcycle camping gear. This is a great setup. Not cheap but well worth it if you camp on your bike after a long ride. After a long ride comfort and warmth is what you want but before the ride it's light and compact you want. This gear gives me all of that.

[chilihntr]

My one indispensible item is a Big Sky 20oz coffee mug/press. I bring my baggie of course ground favorite coffee and boiling water and in minutes I have a large mug of great, french pressed coffee. You can buy these online or at REI. I have one for my wife and one for me. They also make great gifts.

[chilihntr]

Try 1/4 cup for 4-6 minutes.

[oh2RideMore]

Love to backpack, and that lightweight stuff comes in handy when camping on a bike.

Tent: Sierra Designs sirrus3 or clipflashlight, depends on num of people
Bag: Marmot Fusion 15F mummy bag
Pad: Themarest Camplight series self inflating
Stove: MSR Simmerlite, had since summer 2003, needed a rebuild, too cheap to buy another
Pans: MSR Black lite set
Coffee: Melitta coffee filter single cup maker. Sits on top of cup, uses any filter, add coffee, pour boiling water, perfect drip. Also have a GSR Lexan coffee press, but filter always gets clogged unless use larger grounds. And with the lexan poly nalgene Bisphenol thing, will not use another lexan product with heat.
Headlamp: Black Diamond LED/Krypton combo; petzl pikka led;
Clothes: synthetic base layers, pair of jeans, hiking pants/shorts, wool socks, mostly light weight drys quickly clothes.
Have a givi top case, and bought a set of Nelson Riggs 900 used. Going to do a couple of weekend trips soon to sort out before summer ride to Vancouver BC. Camping is the most affordable and enjoyable way to immerse yourself in a new environment.

[KRS]

-MSR bottles for fuel (a I litre fuel can fits perfectly in the tube on the Wee)


And... with the fuel bottle the tube makes a nice mortar to keep the crotchies away :weapons_73:

KRS

[KRS]

I like my Snow Peak Giga stove. It fits into this little white plastic box that is very small

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e207/azfyrfyter63/stove2.jpg

[KRS]

And then it screws onto the fuel canister (no contaminated fuel, no clogged orifices, no leaking flammable liquid, etc.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e207/azfyrfyter63/stove1.jpg

[KRS]

The top folds down and voila

At only 3.5 ounces or so, it can't be beat

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e207/azfyrfyter63/stove.jpg

[KRS]

Two fuel canisters fit inside the Snow Peak Mini-Solo pot and mug (shown here), which includes a mesh bag they fit into (not shown).

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e207/azfyrfyter63/stove3.jpg

And the pot and mug are large enough but small enough :)

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e207/azfyrfyter63/stove4.jpg

[WannaWee]

I once met a rider whose sleeping bag, rolled up without a stuff-sack, came loose and found its way into the rear wheel of his bike.

The wheel locked up when he was going about 70 mph. Fortunately he was on a straight stretch and he stayed upright.

Just something to think about when packing.

[cybietech]

I'm getting ready for a 10 day 6000km run out to the east coast Port Hawkesbury NS then down along the US. This past weekend did a trial pack and camp. Rather find out what does not work when you are close to home than a 12 hour ride out.

http://bp1.blogger.com/_OEjcSCm-fLY/SDoddKaBM-I/AAAAAAAAAAw/0HhaklXQCNE/s320/IMAG0022.JPG

http://bp1.blogger.com/_OEjcSCm-fLY/SDocgKaBM9I/AAAAAAAAAAo/CYlD9VwRVr0/s320/IMAG0023.JPG

If you traveling day after day spending only one night in any one camp ground are there any tips that will help me avoid the ... dang that that was obvious lessons ?

[Jamie Z]

If you traveling day after day spending only one night in any one camp ground are there any tips that will help me avoid the ... dang that that was obvious lessons ?
Carry less stuff.

It's my view that the less stuff you have, the easier it is to set up at night, the easier it is to pack up in the morning, and the less likely you are to lose or otherwise misplace anything vital.

Jamie

[roger123]

Here's my set up:

Packed up on the Blue Ridege parkway;
http://inlinethumb06.webshots.com/12677/2135685320042150490S600x600Q85.jpg

Topcase holds my sleeping bag, axe, snacks, and misc junk.

Tank bag has the Glock, Jetboil, walet, camera, extra gloves, GPS case, flashlights and other small crap.

Right side case has my clothes and the left has extra camp shoes for lounging around the fire and my shaving bag.

Seat bag has my Thermarest (in it's nylon stuff sack), also wrapped in the thermarest is my thermarest pillow and fleece jacket liner. Also holds my Eureka Apex 3 tent, small collapseable cooler and small camp chair.

Here's a shot all set up:

http://inlinethumb28.webshots.com/16667/2071949970042150490S600x600Q85.jpg

The Wee makes a pretty good mule:

http://inlinethumb03.webshots.com/42434/2033395970042150490S600x600Q85.jpg

[badtux]

My bike used to look like Roger's when I traveled. Nowdays all my stuff fits into two Givi E35's and a Givi E45, with my (tiny) tank bag carrying only things like my camera and spare gloves and such that I want immediately handy. I basically decided to treat motorcycle camping as if I had to carry all that stuff on my back while backpacking, and shoved everything I thought I "needed" into a backpack and put it on my back. Then said "oof" and started hauling stuff back out and either getting rid of it or getting a lighter alternative. Thus, e.g., since if I'm on a motorcycle I don't camp in the rain (that's why they invented hotels!), I went to a lighter down sleeping bag (Kelty Lite Year) rather than the heavier synthetic one I was using. I went from using a two-man dome tent to a Tarptent Lunar Solo (quite well sorted solo tent, surprisingly roomy given its miniscule weight and packed size). I went to a tiny little Snow Peak canister stove rather than a bulky liquid-fuel stove for heating the water for my morning mocha (dunno what else you can call a tablespoon of instant coffee crystals and a packet of hot chocolate mix with water poured over it). I quit carrying so much food with me, lord knows that if somehow I get stranded in the middle of nowhere starving to death is not going to be my problem (I'm carrying an extra 30+ pounds of food around my middle already, y'know!), so some "energy bars" and pouch tuna and ramen noodles do the trick (and reality is that I rarely eat my own cooking on these shindigs, I'll stop at a roadside dive and sample the local cuisine then ride on until I find my camping spot).

The only exception to the "if it doesn't fit, it doesn't go" is that when it's cold out, I'll strap a Wal-mart blue foamie to my E45 (using the provided helmet strap on its "luggage rack") to give me extra insulation from the ground. Also, when taking backcountry trips on the KLR, I'll strap on a pair of tank paniers stuffed with tools and fluids for dealing with breakdowns or with the possibility of being stranded in the back-country. Otherwise, I've discovered I need much less than I thought I did. And oh yeah, if all else fails, a Givi E45 makes a dandy camp chair to keep your rear end off the cold ground, as well as an impromptu jack stand for getting a tire off the ground :thumbsup:.

[BlueStrom]

I have heard several people mention that they pack a gun while camping. How necessary do you all think this is? What are the laws regarding carrying a gun and has anybody ever aactually needed it?

Thanks,
Jim

[Jamie Z]

I have heard several people mention that they pack a gun while camping. How necessary do you all think this is?
:devil_16: :devil_16:

[roger123]

What are the laws regarding carrying a gun and has anybody ever aactually needed it?

They vary from state to state.

Yes and I didn't have it. Therefore the dog that I had hit had to die a slow painful death on side of the road vice being able to eat a bullet and die with some dignity. No rocks to smash his head in with.

[badtux]

I have heard several people mention that they pack a gun while camping.

On the legal side of things, please note that firearms are illegal in all national parks. There are no federal regulations regarding firearms in transit, but most states have laws requiring firearms in transit to be unloaded and secured in their case in a locked box and/or trunk (*not* the glove compartment). Some states prohibit ammunition from being in the same vehicle as a firearm in transit, others require that if ammunition is carried in the same vehicle, that it be located in a separate locked box. Because standards are not uniform, it is your responsibility to contact each state's police department that you're going to pass through and inquire as to what their particular requirements are.

[iron_llama]

Jim-
Whether a responsible person carries a gun is a very personal choice, reached after extensive introspection and soul-searching. I have had situations where I wished I had a gun (had to put a deer down with an axe- long, bloody process) and situations where I'm glad I had a gun (Rottweiler turned tail and ran right before I shot it; confronted in a grocery store by someone I had arrested months previously).

Before you decide to carry a gun, take a CCW course, and learn the laws in your state. You are responsible for staying informed and legal. As a former Maricopa county prosecutor put it, "As a gun owner, I encourage responsible people to carry pistols legally and responsibly- and may the vengeful smiting hand of God strike down those who do so irresponsibly."

I have heard several people mention that they pack a gun while camping. How necessary do you all think this is? What are the laws regarding carrying a gun and has anybody ever aactually needed it?

Thanks,
Jim

[MMG781]

Be sure to check out Campmor, www.campmor.com. They carry many name brand items that people have listed in this thread, but have great deals. I've purchased a Kelty V2 tent, Kelty 40 deg bag, numerous self-inflating pads, and other smaller items from them and have been perfectly satisfied with the cost and quality of the items.

I have to throw in my vote for the MSR Whisperlite stove. I've used that bugger on countless backpacking trips and it hasn't so much as hiccupped, even in -20 F temps on Camel's Hump in VT in February! It's not a light as the trendy Jet Boil, etc, but it's bombproof. I know of people who motorcycle camp with the Whisperlite and use gasoline from the bike's tank to avoid carrying two separate fuel types. While MSR recommends against this for this model stove, my friend has had no ill-effects (although, try this at your own risk!)

[Axelwik]

If I'm just going for an overnight I pack very light... lightweight sleeping bag, shorty Thermarest, bivy sack, down vest, toothbrush, a little packet of wipes, fleece jacket and a rain jacket. That all fits into my tail trunk.

In my (very) small tank bag is a water bottle, flashlight, spare gloves, and a beer opener.

No need for side cases.

I usually eat in restaurants.

For more than a few nights the side cases go on and so do luxuries like spare clothes, tent, bigger mattress, camp chair, coffee stuff, etc.

[ScottG]

This has been a very useful tread to read through.

You know what they say, "a picture is worth a thousand words".

How about adding a few more pictures to this tread and a breif desciption of what you carry or helpful tips when camping from the Strom. Even bad experiences can be useful to learn from.

Keep the info coming.:-D

[805gregg]

I've tried most all of the thermorest pads and ended up with a Big Agnes inflatable matress and foam pad in a bag that the matress fits in, I never feel the ground. Most of the camping gear for motorcycles needs to be back packing size to fit all the gear.

[garandman]

We're looking for a three person backpacking tent. REI has the Quarter dome on sale for $215, but there are a number of others that are popular. We want a three season tent that's moderately light (6-7 lbs) but durable, with good ventilation. We certainly don't need anything technical. Suggestions?

UPDATE: I bought a MSR Muthu Hubba (3 theoretical person) and Hubba Hubba (2 theoretical person).

[gypsy_wwt]

I agree with JGL351. I use a Hennesy hammock and a 3/4 length thermarest. I have a gortex bivi bag and an old army basha for emergencies. I have a CAT body warmer that goes inside my w/proofs during the ride, and around my feet inside my s/bag on really cold nights. I have a Northface Polar -18C bag, as I get older I feel the cold more.
My Peak 1 stove has about 20 years use, so not as old as some. I tried the whisper lite and went back to the peak 1.
For lighting camp fires (even in heavy rain) I carry vasalene and tampax, and an old army steel striker. Hasn't failed yet.
For morning coffee I use a s/s mug, put the fresh ground coffee in, then pour on boiling water till mug is almost full with 1/2 inch to the rim, stir. Wait 1-2 minutes then drizel cold water on top so that the grounds sink. I carry the coffee in a ziploc bag inside the mug to save space.
For cooking I carry an 8" wok, with a non stick frying pan as a lid, & stir it with a stick.
I have an enamel mug, to heat water in, do my washing up with and generally abuse.
Towels, I have pertex with one super absorbent cloth for my head and face (very hairy).
I use a headlight type 5 LED light for camp, and reading in my hammock.
I use the collapsible Platypus type water bottles for storage and one of the plastic throw away ones for collecting/purifying (recycle).
I use an Asus Eee PC to keep in touch and write my journal. I can power this off my Wee as well as from a power point. And on long trips I download books from the Gutenberg project.

[rbertalotto]

I've been motorcycle camping for about ten years. After filling my basement with various brands and types of camping equipment, this is the gear that I've used for the last few years. It has been on 5 week Alaska trips, three cross country trips and numerous week long trips. Tried and tested!

Roy’s Camping Quick-Pics

TENT
Cabelas XPG Dome Two Man $179.00
Four Man $239.00

COT
Byer Allagash TriLite Cot $ 59.95

SLEEP PAD
Thermarest BaseCamp
Regular Self Inflating Mattress $ 59.97

PILLOW
Thermarest Large Compressible Pillow $ 27.97

SLEEPING BAG
Personal Choice $30.00- $200.00


GEAR BAG
Ortlieb Rack Pack $77.00-$104.00
Eagle Creek Pack-It Cube (REI) $ 8.00- $ 22.00

Toiletry Kit
Eagle Creek Koala Kit $ 27.50

STOVE
Coleman Exponent Multi Fuel Stove $ 59.95
MSR Dragonfly Multi-Fuel Stove $129.00
Trangia Westwind Alcohol Stove $ 26.00
Jetboil Personal Iso-Butane System $ 99.95
Grilliput $ 29.95
Firewood $0-$ 5.00

COOK GEAR
REI Campware Nonstick Cookset $ 49.50
Snow Peak Titanium 3-Piece Cookset $ 44.95

COFFEE POT
Coleman 9 cup Aluminum #810A708T $ 9.95

FOLDING CHAIR
Walmart-Target-Etc $ 7.00


LINKS:
Cabelas http://www.cabelas.com/
Byer Cot http://domsoutdoor.com/product.asp?pn=1-010849
ThermaRest http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___99450
Pillow http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___43023
Stoves http://www.campmor.com http://www.rei.com
Cook Gear http://www.rei.com
Coleman http://www.coleman.com
Grillput http://www.advdesigns.net/grilliput.html

[KRS]

I've been motorcycle camping for about ten years.

Go home dude, your family misses you !!! :D :cool: ;)

[rbertalotto]

Thanks!..........I needed that...........ROTFLMAO

[Media Weasel]

While travelling I prefer "gorilla camping"

And up here, all we gotta worry about is skeeters. Gorillas ain't to be messed with.

[chris swann]

I have heard several people mention that they pack a gun while camping. How necessary do you all think this is? What are the laws regarding carrying a gun and has anybody ever aactually needed it?

Thanks,
Jim

if its for grizzly bears a little gun wont work

[2mstone]

Originally Posted by rbertalotto
I've been motorcycle camping for about ten years.


Go home dude, your family misses you !!! :D :cool: ;)

Either that or invite us to go with you! :D

[bcboy]

I've had a Hennessey Hammock for 2 years and found it to be the best solution for camping. check the website for details. No mattress pad needed and the best sleep I've had including my own bed at home. I also just ordered a kermit chair for comfy lounging in camp. It's pricey but packs small and looks great.

cheers

[bcboy]

Pack real small and comfy but you'll pay $$$

[batmo]

A few years back I started camping off the bike with a couple of my riding buddies. Luckily one of them was an experienced hiker and mountain climber so we went to school on him. He made me throw away my "Girl Scout tent and sleeping bag" and upgrade to better and lighter equipment. The following equipment goes on the bike every camp trip.

Kermit chair
Eureka Pinnacle Pass 2XTA tent and 5x7 footprint
Marmot 15 degree synthetic bag
Exped 7 down sleeping pad
Gerber camp axe (small)
Leatherman "Wave" multi-tool
LED headlamp
Platypus 1 & 2 liter water containers
Jet Boil stove with coffee press

These are the essential items that I've found to work for me.

[dt2.0]

I am a backpacker and would concur on the jetboil and the Big Agnes inflatable sleeping pad. It packs down very small and is fantastic to sleep on. It is just as comfortable or more so than any cot I have ever slept on. Little pricey, but well worth it. Mine has been everywhere.

[msi1259]

After trying a couple of self-inflating mattress', I went to the Big Agnes also - the packed size is so much smaller then a Thermarest. My goal was to pack the bike using the OEM side and top cases only, nothing strapped on (except a small tank bag). A MSR Hubba Hubba 2 man tent, the Big Agnes, a summer sleeping bag (Woods light), a Woods fleece sleeping bag liner, and a headlamp (Petzel Tika XP) all fit in one side case (loaded case weighs 18.5 lbs). Pictures at
http://picasaweb.google.ca/msi1259/DL1000_Camping# .

I'm also using Eagle Creek compression bags (http://www.rei.com/product/658659 - one way valve in the bottom of the bag, Zip-lock type closure) on the other side to pack my clothes - I stand on it with the case open on the ground. While riding, it packs down even tighter, as the one way valves allow it to compress from jarring. I try to pack to get the cases about even in weight.

Someone suggested putting in a tent loft (a small mesh shelf that hangs from the roof) and using the headlamp (with the diffused lens) pointing down in the loft to make a "room light". This works pretty slick... The spoon on the headlamp with an elastic is to stop it from turning on accidentally in the case.

I use the insulated liners from my Belstaff jacket/pants as stuffing in a bag for a pillow. The top case is kept for stuff I use while riding or for quick access. The tank bag has my iPod, cell phone, dark face shield, ear plugs, camera, etc...

[coop74]

Here is a picture of my bike and Tige's bike on the road heading back down from Alaska.

I carry a cheapo chair, 8 bucks, a two man tent that weighs just under 5 lbs that I have had for about 8 years. Alum poles and separate rain fly. It has a vestibule on both sides. It packs down to about the size of a large loaf of bread. I have an older synth bag with a flannel lined inside. It is huge, in a pinch two folks could fit in it. With a compression sack it packs down to about 18inches long and about 15 inches in diameter. larger then the tent. It is rated at 30 and that is about right because at 30 it just does keep me sleeping good. For the Alaska trip i purchased a small coleman inflatable mattress. Yes the inflatable mattress is far more comfortable then my thermorest but it will let you get cold off the ground. I found that by using a reflective safety blanket under the tent as a ground cloth that it helps. I am considering going back to an updated thermorest. I carry a jetboil which works very well. I also carry a 5 gallon soft side water container that goes nearly flat when empty. It has a pouring spout which if you have a spot to put it makes for potable water at your site. Enough to refill your camel back to start the day. For the 3 of us on the road to Alaska about half that amount was right for evening needs and morning breakfats.

I thought about the trip for a year before going. I choose the strom over all of the other big adventure bikes for reliability and roadworthyness. Just as you see it loaded on the way up I went off road chasing some big mule dear on the prairie. For adventure riding it is hard to be the strom for the buck!!!

In the left case is all the spares, tools and maps and things i dont need to get at quickly. In the right case is a bag I carry all my clothes in and try to get the weight balanced. On the rear is the main bag with tent and tenting stuff. in the picture you will see a red fuel cell with 1.25 gallons of extra fuel. In the tank pannier are jackets, hats, and handy very light weight stuff I need to get at quickly if need be. In the tank bag, hell who knows what is all in the tank bag. It is a black hole of do dads, batteries, camara, mp3 player, phones, my small internet tablet, some first aid things and junk

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wUZAIiIhKvg/SIvTJJ6N0wI/AAAAAAAABJw/L3AyJIcwoK8/s512/IMG_0276.jpg

Coop

[clovett]

After trying a couple of self-inflating mattress', I went to the Big Agnes also - the packed size is so much smaller then a Thermarest. My goal was to pack the bike using the OEM side and top cases only, nothing strapped on (except a small tank bag). A MSR Hubba Hubba 2 man tent, the Big Agnes, a summer sleeping bag (Woods light), a Woods fleece sleeping bag liner, and a headlamp (Petzel Tika XP) all fit in one side case (loaded case weighs 18.5 lbs).

I got a Big Agnes system with left and right zippers for me and my woman so we can make one big bed out of it. The bags are rated at 40 but I also got the air core and with that nylon blanket I carry from the poncho we did 28 degrees in the smokies with no problem. We don't usually do cold weather it kinda sneaked up on us! But in the summer I have two Thermarest pads I carry. The bags are a super lightweight with down filling and pack small, weigh nothing. The Thermarest pads are not square but are more mummy size instead of rectangular as the system requires. This allows the sleeping bag to trap the ground temp and effectively gives us air conditioning in the bags because the bag won't let the temp out and the pads don't cover the entire bottom of the system. Works like a charm.

[EchoFiveNovember]

You know what's The BEST?
Let me tell you. I've got a military issued "sleeping system". I'm not sure if that term is used by the civilian population, but that's what they call it, so that's what I call it. I don' know no betta. It's got three parts, a warm weather bag, cold weather bag, and goretex liner that are designed to snap together, all neatly stuffed into a compression sack. I sleep in one bag and then use the goretex and other unused bag, stuffed in the compression sack, as the pillow. I rarely get better sleep. Even though the compression sack is bigger than usual because of the 3 parts, it can be muscled to the size of a basketball. Also, I LOVE the Thermarest inflatable pad, and it's never let me down. I've got one that has the Marine Corps digital pattern, so obviously it's tough, comfortable and makes me feel safe at night.
I've used these in Iraq in August and the Sierra Nevada's in Feb (pillow was a little thinner, though), and they've never let me down. If you can find one of these things on ebay, buy it, it's worth every penny.
Match this all with a decent two man two part tent, and I'm ready for some pretty horrendous conditions that I will sleep through like a baby. All this stuff is all I need for a night, it's easy to pack or mount, and weighs less than 15 lbs.
Don't get me wrong, i'm no spartan, especially this coming August when I ride West coast to East coast on my Strom, I'll probably be able to host movie night for the camp ground in surround sound, hahaha. But in my opinion, these items are worth the haul. As the saying goes, don't take it if you can't
Now, I have a couple questions.
Q1: Who knows about this gorilla camping? this to me sounds like what i want to do instead of camp sites, but in my world of rules and regs, this seems like it falls into the realm of squatting? That's just what i wanted to do, though... find a spot, squat, drink my blue label over a steaming hot, chemically heated MRE and reflect on my day. Please fill me in, if anybody knows.
Q2: Kansas? anybody know anything about it? it looks like a bad time with grid square road systems and NOTHING to do. Please fill me in on this one, because maybe the reason why I've never been there is because of my gut instinct that it's not worth going to. Pardon me if I offend anybody. Don' know no betta.

[tmcgee]

Q1: Who knows about this gorilla camping? this to me sounds like what i want to do instead of camp sites, but in my world of rules and regs, this seems like it falls into the realm of squatting?

This is far easier in the west and extreme rural areas of the east. You can pretty much forget it anywhere else.

Google "stealth camping" and it should bring up a list of hits.

[tmcgee]

I got a Big Agnes system with left and right zippers for me and my woman so we can make one big bed out of it.

I've had a Fat Agnes 15 degree bag for 3 years and on the last trip decided that stuffing the pad into the bag pocket was an extra step I'd rather not do. It works okay and all that, but my 40 degree bag is less hassle.

Just saying... ;)

[KRS]

"boondocking" is the slang, the forest service / blm call it "disbursed camping".

We do it all the time.... no one else around but the coyotes,

KRS

[garandman]

You know what's The BEST?
Let me tell you. I've got a military issued "sleeping system". I'm not sure if that term is used by the civilian population, but that's what they call it, so that's what I call it. I don' know no betta. It's got three parts, a warm weather bag, cold weather bag, and goretex liner that are designed to snap together, all neatly stuffed into a compression sack. I sleep in one bag and then use the goretex and other unused bag, stuffed in the compression sack, as the pillow. I rarely get better sleep. Even though the compression sack is bigger than usual because of the 3 parts, it can be muscled to the size of a basketball. //Still a whole lot bigger than the new sleeping bags.

Unless it's late in the season I use a poncho liner or two.

http://xbradtc.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/poncho-liner.jpg?w=450&h=450

[ep!c]

Gorilla camping is a lot of fun. I live in the west and rarely pay to camp. Last march I rode the sr 101 from Washington to northern California to see the redwoods and enjoyed free camping the whole way, but one of my favorite things about this trip came on a particularly cold and rainy day when I found FREE hot showers at an Oregon state campground.( I didn’t stay there) That’s right, all the free hot water you can stand! (hard to beat when your cold and wet)
I usually ride until dusk or dark and then begin keeping an eye out for a safe place to set up camp. Sometimes I end up within earshot of the interstate, other times I have slept on private property behind buildings, in farmers fields and on state forest land. As a rule of thumb and to avoid detection, I try to arrive late and leave early and never to leave any trace that I was ever even there. I have yet to have any problems with this technique . I find this type of camping really adds to the adventure of the trip by not keeping a strict itinerary.

[KRS]

I have slept on private property behind buildings, in farmers fields and on state forest land.

Farmers begin cutting hay pretty early in the day...... would hate to see you on the Darwin Awards :)

[eegah]

Here in PA a 20 degree mummy bag is pretty good for 3 seasons, and they pack light. One suggestion I havn't seen here is to use a "sleep sheet" liner, which is just an old single size sheet folded in half, and sewed up like a sleeping bag. Only sew it up about half way on the side. This makes a sleeping bag warmer in the cold, and you can unzip your main bag and be cooler in warmer weather by using the sheet alone. Also, if you use your bag a lot in the summer with this liner, you do not have to wash your bag as often, just the liner, as it soaks up all your sweat.
To pack a sleeping bag and tie it on the bike i do this- put the sleep sheet in the stuff sack, stuff the bag into the stuff sack, then put the sack into a kitchen size garbage bag. I then squeeze all the air out of the sack by hugging it with my arms and legs, and tie it shut. This will then fit into a nylon "gym bag" style duffel bag of about 8" round by 18" long, which can be tied on the bike and is completly waterproof and also does not blow around in the wind. The garbage bag can be re-used for a few days, but you have to carry extra ones for and extended trip. If you know it is not going to rain, you can skip it.
A "two person" tent of about 7'X7' is also good becasue you can get yourself and all your gear into it in the rain. If you are traveling two-up you can get your passanger and all your gear into it also. After rolling the tent up, put it insidee a large trash bag, and then into it's carry sack, to waterproof it (if it is tied onto the bike outside a case).
Another suggestion is buying a roll of plastic sheeting, and cut your own ground cloth for under the tent, and also cut a piece for inside the tent, which is cut to extend a few inches up the sides. Then, no matter what kind of weather, you or your gear will never get wet, becasue even if the tent floor leaks, the inside plastic will protect it. This extra sheet of plastic rolled up with your tent will not be noticed. Me and the girlfreind woke up in the middle of a pond, which had formed in the rain around and under our tent, making the tent floor feel like a waterbed, but we didn't get wet due to this plastic liner.
I use a closed cell foam pad for sleeping on long trips, and no pad on short trips, (in warmer weather), but- i sleep on the floor at home and am used to hard stuff.
My pillow is my dirty clothes bag, which gets more comfortable the more days I am out.

[pwrcrzr]

For those of you that haven't seen this grill, check out ADVrider.com. For $29.90 delivered it's hard to beat.
http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=465913
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=452272
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=470753

I'm grillin brats as I type:
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i119/Rainier_Tom/CIMG0444.jpg

I am going to have to check that out

[ep!c]

Farmers begin cutting hay pretty early in the day...... would hate to see you on the Darwin Awards :)

Exactly. That’s part of the adventure I was referring too.
but I’d still rather be run over by a tractor than Wake up with NO COFFEE!:D

[LoneRider7722]

I use a colman exponet gas stove. Use gas rignt from the tank....led lights for me..but i did add a folding water jug to my arsenal this past season.

Giga tent Mt Washingto 3 season tent
Kelty cold creek bag 10 degrees
thernarest mat
hiking stick

[organicrider]

I use the MSR pocket rocket, heats water in no time at all.
To sleep on, I use the cot from Aerostitch.
I agree. MSR Pocket Rocket is great. Used it on a 2 day trip in Colorado. Easy, small, efficient.

[stevewz]

I've been a backpacker far longer than I've been a motorcycle rider. My brother was in the Special Forces and taught me a lot about camping discretely (it's spelled 'guerilla', not 'gorilla'). It got to the point where we'd camp guerilla style even when we didn't need to, because that's how our packs were set up. Here are some things he taught me that apply whether your gear is carried on your back or on the back of your bike:

1. Pack the same way every time. You should be able to find your gear in the dark because you've memorized where everything is.

2. Avoid packing things that have a single purpose. They take up more room than is necessary and you can usually find something else that can double for that task.

3. Never use a container that remains the same size when empty. This means flexible, collapsible water containers (bota bags, Camelbacks, etc.).

4. Waterproof everything. Freezer Ziplocks are amazing and versatile. Carry some heavy duty Hefty Bags; they roll up tiny and are as useful and versatile as duct tape.

5. Sleep small. This means use a bivy or ponchos or hammock instead of a dome tent that has an 8' footprint. You can sleep under a fallen tree or any other tiny space and truly be hidden. This also allows you to sleep on slopes and in other areas you could never pitch a tent.

6. Don't cook. Get your dinner and breakfast meals in town before you head into the woods to pitch a tent. You can eat your meal without having to bust out noisy and time-consuming cooking gear and be on the road before anyone knows you're there (plus camp fires leave traces of your presence). You can also eat in the dark if you don't have to cook your food first.

7. No brainer here: leave no trace. That means pack out what you pack in (no garbage), and don't destroy the foliage in order to make your bed.

8. A general note, and others have made this suggestion as well, don't pack full before you leave the house. Leave some room in your cases and bags. You can never pack things as tightly when out and about as you can in the comfort of your own home. I try to leave one side case (Givi E21) completely empty when I pack, then when I'm sure I have everything, I spread my gear around amongst all my cases and bags. That way I'm certain I've got some flex room.

[dekruyter]

Great Guerilla camping advice, above, by SteveWZ, especially 2, 3, and 4; as far as meals, I usually do 1 or 2 out, and 1 or 2 at camp (breakfast or din din). Lunch is almost always on the road.


As far as a stove, when you decide to bring one, I upgraded from the pocket rocket, mentioned above, to a Snow Peak Lite Max Stove......one of the best lightest one's out there.

"The advanced Snow Peak LiteMax stove is the world's lightest backpacking stove at 1.9 oz with an amazing output of 11,200 BTU's. From the company that revolutionized backpacking stoves with the tiny yet powerful GigaPower Stove, the Lite Max stove sets the bar even higher."
.