question about camping.

[shawn and gwyn]

  well. Gwyn and i have slowly been getting the gear we think we need to do some camping off the back of the bikes..  we picked up a 2 person light weight tent, a couple good self inflating sleeping mats, and some 30 deg sleeping bags.  now i can get all this into a medium sized duffel bag across the passenger seat of one bike. i dint plan on doing the cooking thing.. find someplace to eat before stopping for the night..

  now the question we have is what else might i need other than the basics i have mentioned. i am like any typical first timer trying something new.. and packing lots of stuff i dint need.. LOL.. so i am looking for advice on what is needed.. and what isn't..
 
thanks..
 

[Playinthestreet]

Preprogram in all the hotel 800 reservation numbers on your cell phone and "don't leave home without it"

[RickC1957]

  Even if your not doing the cooking thing...I need coffee first thing in the morning..I would bring small camp stove and coffee maker....no instant crap for me. You'll need some kind of portable light. And a back up plan...in case you have ridden 500 miles that day, arrive at campsite after dark in a hard rain. Problem with motorcycle camping, you have to plan for the worse conditions and be prepared, that equals to carrying too much crap.

[Jeff N]

Preprogram in all the hotel 800 reservation numbers on your cell phone and "don't leave home without it"

  So true.

A little heating stove. A cutting tool so you can hack up some fire wood.

Travel as the great Peter Egan does. Pack along all those old clothes you would otherwise throw away. Wear them as needed and discard in rest area bins along the way. This lightens the load and creates room for souvingniers.

Don't forget waterproofs.

[St_rydr]

I pack a small stove called jet boil offers some nice accessories, coffee press, stand for a pot if needed, comes with a small cup that boils water in about 40-60 seconds. Also we have flashlights that strap to our heads is nice to be able to see in the dark with your hands free to set up camp or do a repair in the dark. (yes i look like a dork!) My g/f and I are newbies to bike camping as well...looking forward to more tips. Anything hot to drink on a cold rainy days is great. http:// www.jetboil.com

[Against The Wind]

http://www.wetleather.com/reference/camping.html

http://www.ibmc.org/

[Bryan]

Camel-bak, bunch of trail mix, small heating stove, water proof matches and a large metal mug to boil eggs in, one of those flash lights with the handle you turn to make the light work, wet wipes, gator aid, and a thermos flask.
 You can buy soup with the ring pull lids, boil it up in the mug and put in the flask in the morning, so at night you have a hot meal you can eat without unpacking the bike. Boill several eggs in the morning and eat them through out the day, they make a good ready meal.
 The camel-bak, fill with ice and then water, its free at most gas stations I went to. Drink often and you wont feel sleepy or too tired through out the day.
 Every time you stop for any thing eat some trail mix.
You can stop to eat real meals at night if you wish, but liveing like I did through out the day kept me away from spending hours not rideing my bike.

  You really dont need a lot of stuff, I take three T shirts, 2 pair of jeans, I pair of underwear for each day, shaveing kit, asprin. I cut my hair short so I dont have to worry about combing it, like that I can go any whear without looking too rough.

 Calucate, you expexted miles, you days on the road and how much you want to spend on meals.

I do $12 for food, gas $20 and camping $15, that is my limit, I often do it for less. That is almost $50  a day  almost $800 for two weeks, below $400 for a whole week.
 That is enough to get me 400 miles a day almost 3000 a week.

[shawn and gwyn]

getting some very good advice so far.. getting some good ideas.. on things i never would have thought about.

[basco]

Try http://www.motocampers.com/

[axelwik]

Keeping it light and simple is the best advice.  I've been camping off the back of a motorcycle for the better part of 25 years and it looks like you have most of the basics covered.  Like others have said, bring a small headlamp that staps to your head... the little LED lamps work great and the batteries last a long time.  I bring a pillow case that I stuff with a down vest or jacket, and some sandals or camp shoes.  I tend to get up early to get on the road, then stop at the first cafe I see for breakfast.  Because of that I don't usually bring a stove.  

And bring some warm clothes and hat for the evening and morning.  It can get cold.  I usually bring a down vest or jacket because they pack small, and a stocking cap to keep my head warm.  I also carry some of those chemical heat packs for when it's really cold.  If I'm cold around camp I'll put some in my jacket, then when I warm up I put them inside the sleeping bag for a nice toasty bed.  Wet wipes are nice for cleaning up.  You really don't need much else.

[Snowbird]

Take a credit card with you.

[LyleJunior]

The previous posts pretty much have you covered. I use sterno to heat things if needed. I won't cycle camp without a pair of thongs, shorts, extra T-shirt and some bio-soap. I camp at places that have hot showers and the thongs are great in public showers also while walking to them and around camp. Wear the shorts and T shirt around camp & to and from the showers. Don't forget a towel and washcloth. A warm shower feels great after a long ride.

[Rob707]

Looks like everyone has most of the camping things covered.  If your mattress a Therm-a-rest they make a pretty cool chair that the mattress folds into.  It doesn't take up much room and is great to have, much better than sitting on the ground.

[sagerat]

Go to your local Army/Navy surplus store and buy one of their waterproof duffles.  Mine was made by Tex-Sport and cost about $35.  I can fit my sleeping bag, Thermarest, and bivvy sack inside.  

[XXMAN]

Make sure you have something to drive tent stakes in unless stakes are not needed.

[Tyler]

Suggestion for a bag to pack everything in (isn't it fun spending someone else's money? ). A friend of mine has one and raves about it. :2cents

http://www.magsbags.com/grandtouringbag.html

[Orson]

...I need coffee first thing in the morning..

That's me too

I think I read somewhere that a person could die if they don't drink coffee within 1 hour of waking up.

so, it's hotels for me. Camping is just too dangerous.

[R.Markus]

I camp at places that have hot showers and the thongs are great in public showers also while walking to them and around camp.

I refuse to camp with another male that walks around in a thong.  

[toddrod]

duct tape....

I haven't gone moto camping, but I remember in a few threads about this subject that this seemed to be really good advice. It's mostly a contingency item.

[stk0308]

Make sure you have something to drive tent stakes in unless stakes are not needed.

Stakes are always needed.  A good tent is an anchored tent.  Don't trust just having some stuff in it is going to keep it in place.

I would suggest getting a tent rated for one more person than you expect to sleep.  I've been alone in some 2 person tents that barely fit me(on a thermarest) 2 saddlebags, my riding gear, and a tankbag.  A tent fly would help as a place to put your boots, but it's alittle less secure than having everything in the tent with you.  I've found some Remington tents have a good tarp fabric bottom, so I don't carry extra plastic to place the tent on, like some do.  And make sure it's not a very complicated design.  2 poles(preferably shock corded), and 2 pieces of fabric are the best.  I've seen som hideously complicated tents in my life.  4 poles, none the same length, and made of separate segments.  2 roof pieces, over another 2 pieces of housing....blah.  I could have put up, took down, and put back up my old Timberline, alone, in the dark!  In the time it took the couple who where putting up that other tent.

I didn't read every post but I'd also suggest a good small soft cooler.  Especially if your a soda drinker, like my family is.  We don't do coffee or tea so we hardly ever needed a camp stove.  If we were cooking we'd do it on a fire, or in a cafe    Soft cooler so that you can pack it down empty, or with a minimum of things in it, on the bike.

[RickC1957]

That's me too

I think I read somewhere that a person could die if they don't drink coffee within 1 hour of waking up.

so, it's hotels for me. Camping is just too dangerous.

  And people who drink cola for wake up juice....should be shot!

If I want to go camping....I go camping....when I want to sport tour...I go sport touring...I never mix the two...anyone who does needs an intervention....I'll try to de-program Vivid and Jammin this weekend...I think both have taken serious knocks to the skull and I must do something drastic to bring them back from the dirt side  

[Rabidsnipe]

Maybe someone has mentioned but I didn't see it.  Make sure you've got something to wear over your head at night when it's cold.  That's where you'll lose the most body heat.

[Rabidsnipe]

  And people who drink cola for wake up juice....should be shot!

If I want to go camping....I go camping....when I want to sport tour...I go sport touring...I never mix the two...anyone who does needs an intervention....I'll try to de-program Vivid and Jammin this weekend...I think both have taken serious knocks to the skull and I must do something drastic to bring them back from the dirt side  

I personally find it that much more satisfying to wake up in the morning and pack up all my gear, strap it on the bike, and then ride away leaving nothing behind.  It has a much more romantic feel than just shacking up in some cheap motel.

[RickC1957]

I personally find it that much more satisfying to wake up in the morning and pack up all my gear, strap it on the bike, and then ride away leaving nothing behind.  It has a much more romantic feel than just shacking up in some cheap motel.

Your shacking up with the wrong person   I personally just don't find camping a thrill after a long day of touring, but to each his own. I talk alot of smack, but I have never denied anyone the joys of their road experience  

[Snowbird]

Make sure you have something to drive tent stakes in unless stakes are not needed.

Plastic mallets are available in big box retailers' sporting goods sections and they work surprisingly well.

[PhilBiker]

Munchies, beverages, toothbrush/toiletries (will the campsite have shower facilities?), some kind of light or candle or lantern.  A pillow (clothes stuffed into the sleeping bag sack then wrapped in a pillowcase usually works well for me).

[goodhawk]

Mostly what Vstromer said - I'l emphasize - #1 -- STAY WARM and DRY. Electric vest is maybe best thing I've bought. Use it on BRP even in June.  As mentioned, good rain suit, waterproof boots, gloves ( winter golves.)
#2 - keep things dry inside sidebags ( even if sidebags are' waterproof' - grocery store plastic bags are OK, 4 0r 5 each side.)
Have you been on longish cycle trips ( 4 days ) - You already have tent & bags, but I'll second the mention - get tent for 1 person more than rated.  For me, 30 deg bags are a little too much - if it's that cold, I'm headin fer a hotel.
I keep a smallish backpack on the pillion seat with the 'need quick stuff ' - decent small camera, rainsuit, winter gloves, electric vest , flashlight with new batteries. vicegrip, phillips and blade s'driver. One thing I'll mention - a service man. ( haynes or factory) that covers your bike, in a plastic bag at bottom of sidebag. ( also at bottom of sidebag - set of quality wrenches, tireflat kit ( I use the ' sticky rope' seal plus CO2 cartridges. others take a pump)
enjoy, take a day off once a week to rest, stop at the good spots.

[Tyler]

Mostly what Vstromer said - I'l emphasize - #1 -- STAY WARM and DRY. Electric vest is maybe best thing I've bought. Use it on BRP even in June.  As mentioned, good rain suit, waterproof boots, gloves ( winter golves.)

Also, bring rubber medical gloves (can get them at any drugstore) to wear under your "waterproof" gloves. No glove stays truly dry in the rain and if you wear the rubber gloves under your riding gloves, it helps to keep your hands dry and gives them an extra layer of protection from the elements.

[Tar Snake]

Plastic mallets are available in big box retailers' sporting goods sections and they work surprisingly well.

I bring a hatchet that I mostly use as a hammer for tent stakes, but occasionally I've used it to split wood. The duct tape was a good idea too I fixed a seam in the floor of my tent with duct tape last year and it's fine ever since. Get the tiny little rolls Aerostich sells, they don't take up a lot of space.

Did anyone mention a tarp to use under the tent to protect the floor? I use my old plastic "Tube Tent" (It's just a plastic tube) as a tarp, it takes up very little space.

[dm_gsxr]

http://www.schelin.org/personal/planning/preride/stage2.html

That's my preride checklist. I typically camp two days out of three. I've done more and sometimes less but it works out to be 2 out of 3.

The list is updated before each ride, I print it and go over it as I pack adding or deleting as necessary. Then I update it and print it out as a "what do I have" checklist while on the road. Keeps me from forgetting things in the motels or campsites


North of Seattle


Newfoundland


View from Newfoundland campsite

I really like camping, most of the time. The mosquitoes in Nova Scotia were trying to start the 'busa when I woke up one morning

Carl

[Elseanno]

As you may have noticed, everyone has a different idea of 'bike camping'. IIRC, you said you weren't interested in cooking. (even if you are I'd try the first trip without it since you will be working out so many systems)

Personally, I don't mind camping but don't want to cook, or carry cooking supplies/food. I can't give advice there. Here are my findings in terms of comfort & workability:

1) The biggest & tallest tent you can reasonably carry. remember, if the weather goes to hell you are going to be in wet  muddy gear in your tent with all of your stuff. For ol' Elseanno the backpacking tent won't work... how do you get out of your gear without getting your sleeping bag wet if you can't at least kneel straight up? Oh yeah, some one mentioned simple to put up. GOOD IDEA.

2) My body hurts. Specifically, my shoulders. I can't sleep on thermarest type matresses. I have also been disappointed with their insulation and find myself slipping off of them. For almost the same space as two thermarests, you can get a nice queen size air mattress and a 'D' cell powered pump. Three advantages here:
A. comfort
B. insulation
C. you won't slip off/ the two of you will not have the therma rests seperating. You can  then zip sleeping bags together and snuggle.

3) Lights. You should have one in your riding jacket, one in your tank bag/saddle bag and one in your camping stuff. If you have the room a nice little electric lantern is nice because it lights the area.

4) Keep your stuff dry. If you don't have hard bags then platic bags or even drybags.

5) Stay warm. Have a beannie or something. wear some nice smartwool socks. Have at least an electric vest/jacket. If you get cold get on the bike with the electrics, hypothermia is no joke.

I suggest ramping up. sleep out one night or every other night for a few nights, adjust as neccesary.

Good luck and have fun!

Elseanno

[BUSAFETT]

I've never done a camping outing with my cycle..  This really is getting the gears turning in my head  

Nobody tell the wife.  


BUSAFETT

[Rabidsnipe]

Your shacking up with the wrong person  

 

[Rabidsnipe]

I don't know if someone has mentioned it yet, but if you don't have a rain fly and depend on the outer surface of your tent to keep you dry, I'd be sure to seal all the seams in your tent.

[VIVID1]

I also drink coffee in the morning, but I don't mess with coffee when I'm camping, Red Bull works just as well, or those little Starbucks cans of expresso  

[Specter]

I stumbled across this site, and ended up getting the lantern and stove kit for $20. Its so ingenius I had to support him, even though the materials are all nearly free. The lantern and stove work exactly as advertised and weigh nothing. perfect as part of my emergency kit too.

http://www.minibulldesign.com/   Check out the videos.

[Groody]

Thermos.

Most parks are not too far from your friendly gas station. Fill it up for a buck. Plus, you can use it for water/soda as well.

To me, unless you are going to have cooking stuff with you, its much much simpler just to take a thermos along.

Then, you can get hot water at a gas station or supply buidling, then take along easy to fix meals-oatmeal, cup of soup, etc.  Granted, the meals aren't extravagent, but they're cheap,easy to pack, and take up hardly any room at all.

Last trip I did, I packed the oatmeal/soup in a small tupperware container. Added hot water to it, filled the thermos with coffee, and that was that!!

 

[RickC1957]

As you may have noticed, everyone has a different idea of 'bike camping'. IIRC, you said you weren't interested in cooking. (even if you are I'd try the first trip without it since you will be working out so many systems)

Personally, I don't mind camping but don't want to cook, or carry cooking supplies/food. I can't give advice there. Here are my findings in terms of comfort & workability:

1) The biggest & tallest tent you can reasonably carry. remember, if the weather goes to hell you are going to be in wet  muddy gear in your tent with all of your stuff. For ol' Elseanno the backpacking tent won't work... how do you get out of your gear without getting your sleeping bag wet if you can't at least kneel straight up? Oh yeah, some one mentioned simple to put up. GOOD IDEA.

2) My body hurts. Specifically, my shoulders. I can't sleep on thermarest type matresses. I have also been disappointed with their insulation and find myself slipping off of them. For almost the same space as two thermarests, you can get a nice queen size air mattress and a 'D' cell powered pump. Three advantages here:
A. comfort
B. insulation
C. you won't slip off/ the two of you will not have the therma rests seperating. You can  then zip sleeping bags together and snuggle.

3) Lights. You should have one in your riding jacket, one in your tank bag/saddle bag and one in your camping stuff. If you have the room a nice little electric lantern is nice because it lights the area.

4) Keep your stuff dry. If you don't have hard bags then platic bags or even drybags.

5) Stay warm. Have a beannie or something. wear some nice smartwool socks. Have at least an electric vest/jacket. If you get cold get on the bike with the electrics, hypothermia is no joke.

I suggest ramping up. sleep out one night or every other night for a few nights, adjust as neccesary.

Good luck and have fun!

Elseanno

Perfect reasons....why I don't  

[basco]

Non-campers are not allowed to post here.  

You too can have fun if you have the right gear. And its cheap if you do camp more than once.

[Bryan]

Yellowstone last summer.



Best thing I ever did with a bike.

[2Pokey]

Never forget the empty large mouth bottle. For those times when its cold, raining and muddy at 3 am and you really need to go. Also never forget what that bottle is for!  

[jschmidt]

Never forget the empty large mouth bottle. For those times when its cold, raining and muddy at 3 am and you really need to go. Also never forget what that bottle is for!  

And for the ladies, the Lady J...

[Zerosum]

I need coffee first thing in the morning..I would bring small camp stove and coffee maker....no instant crap for me.

I agree... I think a french press would be the simplest way to make coffee... all you need a way to boil water and the french press... voila: coffee.

[JCS]

Non-campers are not allowed to post here.  

You too can have fun if you have the right gear. And its cheap if you do camp more than once.

Does this mean I can give it a shot?


We regularly camp off the bikes. 2 people + 2 bikes. We also over pack badly to cover most situations. But we are usually comfy.

For 2 people plus gear from 2 bikes we use a 4 man tent. Plenty of room for people and gear. Make sure you have at least one vestibule for dirty stuff you don't want to take inside the tent. A full coverage rain fly is a must. Use seam sealer on the tent and fly before you leave home. Two doors also make life much more pleasant especially to wander out in the middle of the night for a nature call. You don't have to crawl over your partner to get out.

"Mateable" sleeping bags are the way to go if camping with your wife. Use elastic or nylon straps to hold the self inflating mats together. You will actually sleep cooler on an inflatable air mattress than on the self-inflating pads. The pads help insulate you from heat loss to the ground.

You can pack small pillows or improvise one. Either works.

The collapsible coolers work well. You can also stash a 1 or 2 gallon collapsible water bag inside while travelling. These come in handy at the campsite.

Instead of duct tape check out gaff (or gaffer's) tape. Sticks just as well but does not leave all the sticky residue when you remove it. It is more expensive though.

Gerber makes a hatchet (Pack Ax)that packs in a small space. Use it for tent stakes, a hammer and to use building a campfire. Ours also has a knife that lives in the handle. This tool is also useful to ward off other ST-Ners that are after your beer of whiskey!

Parachute cord makes a good rope for extra lines for multi-purpose use. Extra guy lines for the tent in windy conditions, to hang coolers away from pesky raccoons after munchies, clothes line, whatever. Available at most hardware or outdoor stores.

Microfiber pack towels sound strange but work well and dry fast. We made a mesh bag that can strap on top of the bike. If the towels are still damp when you leave in the morning drop them in the mesh. The wind while riding will soon have them dry.

A multi purpose soap that can be used for  your body, hair, dishes, etc. can be useful.

A multi-tool (Leatherman, Gerber) is a must.

After you try moto-camping, you may rethink cooking at the campsite. You can get as elaborate or simple as you want. We have a full kitchen that packs very compactly. I can get into that if you want.

[R.Markus]

I pack the following:

Eureka Solitaire 1 person tent

Woods Outdoors City light sleeping bag

Thermarest

Jetboil and enough Ramen for the week or so. Very compact for a stove/cooking set.

LED headlamp. Great for those late night arrivals when your setting up your tent in the dark (and rain).

Basic toiletries, toothbrush/paste, soap, and shampoo (for those rare occasions I feel the need to shower).

I carry extra clothing for cold days and extra socks in case my feet get wet. I don't change clothes on trips, I'll spend 8-10 days in the same shirt/pants/underwear/socks (YMMV).

Camelback. It has a lot of uses. It can be a water hauler, drink system, bike de-thawer, water storage, etc.

I have found this setup to work very well for solo trips. It's comfortable to sleep in down to about 40 degrees, below that I'm sleeping in my riding gear. I just use whatever is around for a pillow, usually my jacket.

This list doesn't include my bike tools or other items I keep in my riding vest.

[Tar Snake]

I pack the following:

LED headlamp. Great for those late night arrivals when your setting up your tent in the dark (and rain).

Excellent idea! I found a nice Petzl LED headlamp by the side of the road a few years ago and I can't camp without it now. I love to read and it's way easier with a headlamp then trying to aim a flashlight and hold the book open.

Also while riding I tend to stop and eat dinner somewhere or ride all day until dark so a headlamp and a tent that's easy to set-up make life good.

[nsalas]

 I've been moto-camping and backpacking for a while and two things that have really made a difference for me; the lead headlight fro setting camp in the dark and the thermarest compressible pillow.  I always thought a pillow was just more crap to carry when space is limited, I'd just stuff  my fleece into a stuff sack and make a pillow out of it but it wasn't the same.  The thermarest pillow really makes a difference in comfort, it expands a lot but then it is still easy to compress.

Regarding cooking, I had a very big bare bones stove with a big cannister which was too much trouble to haul along, so I don't carry it all the time.  I even you use to grill when if firewood was available, but it got to be to much hassle.  Still, on big trips out of state when you are not familiar with the roads and distances and  the sun will go down and  you are still in the middle of nowhere; it comes in handy.  Once in the middle of Idaho I had to camp in the side of the road and  ramen saved me from a night without supper.  A small backpacker's stove that uses the small cannister can cost anywhere from 40-80$, worth the investment if you plan to camp a lot.

[forester]

  well. Gwyn and i have slowly been getting the gear we think we need to do some camping off the back of the bikes..  we picked up a 2 person light weight tent, a couple good self inflating sleeping mats, and some 30 deg sleeping bags.  now i can get all this into a medium sized duffel bag across the passenger seat of one bike. i dint plan on doing the cooking thing.. find someplace to eat before stopping for the night..

  now the question we have is what else might i need other than the basics i have mentioned. i am like any typical first timer trying something new.. and packing lots of stuff i dint need.. LOL.. so i am looking for advice on what is needed.. and what isn't..
 
thanks..

Check the list and enjoy...

Backpacking/Bikepacking list                           
                           
1.  Pack(s) to store gear in.                           
2.  Sleeping bag(s)                           
and pillow or pillow-sized fleece bag to fill stuff with to use as pillow.                           
3.  Sleeping bag pad                           
4.  Bivy sack/tent (check stakes and poles are accounted for & seams look good)                           
5.  Nylon straps (2)                           
6.  Nalgene quart bottles (2) or 2-3L reservoir (Camelbak, etc.)                           
7.  2L Cooking pot w/lid (for boiling water) and lexan utensils                           
8.  White gas/multi fuel cook stove                           
9.  Stove fuel (~1/4L per day; depends on stove - test at home first)                           
10. Petzel headlamp (Tikka, Tactikka, etc.); extra batteries                           
11. Toilet paper without the cardboard center, toothbrush/paste/floss                           
12. Liquid camp soap, deodorant                           
13. Matchstick (extended length) butane lighter                           
14. Stove paste (if possibly below 32F or high elv.)                           
15. Matches                           
16. Spare butane disposable lighter (no generics)                           
17. 100' of 550# test parachute cord                           
18. First-aid kit (add disposable plastic poncho, iodine tabs, ibuprofen & chemical hand warmers                           
w/valid expiration date here)                           
19. Map(s)                           
20. Compass                           

Rules of thumb/tips…                           
Don't forget the basics…Wallet, cash/credit cards spare set of keys, cell phone, clothing…                           
Polyester and wool work great in winter.  200 weight malden mills material (polartec) is my favorite.                           
Gore-tex should be reserved for temps of 35 - 85F during precipitation events.                           
Cotton works great in summer.                           
Always wear wool or polyester on your feet when hiking.                           
Avoid polypropylene unless you like to stink.                           
Cotton/poly long underwear great to sleep in year 'round if reserved for sleeping only.                           
2 warm meals a day + ample healthy snacks minimum.                           
1/2 the number of your weight in lbs. = approximate ounces of water you should drink each day.                           
Bring water to rolling boil to destroy organic contaminants.  Inorganic removal requires filtering.                           
Choose backpacking meals (mountain house, etc.) that require water only to add to the bag.                             
Thus never allowing any substance to grace your pot except for water (no cleaning).                           
Make sure to cool the boiled water down sufficiently before pouring into your containers.                           
Bandana and a leatherman multi-tool on person all the time, so those items are not listed.                            
A firearm may be a useful tool when camping.  Choose and use at your own risk.                           
Some fish hooks, aluminum foil and some clear fishing line can also be handy for camp use.                           
A GPS and associated map software works great, but it doesn't replace a map and compass.                             
Know how to use them both.                           
Remember, hypothermia and dehydration are your worst enemies.  Stay warm and stay hydrated.                           
Spices are really a nice luxury, as is a book, notebook/pencil combo for long winter nights.                           
Other potentials: Camera, chapstick, hand/suntan lotion, avalanche shovel, etc.                            
         My recommended pack sizes:                  
Overnight = 2500 cu, in. or less pack. <20 lbs.  Weekend = 3000 cu, in. or less pack <30 lbs                        
Week = 4500 cu in or less pack <45 lbs.  Expedition = 6000 cu in or less pack <65 lbs.                        
      More than 65 lbs. place caches or plan ahead                   

[Jammin]

I talk alot of smack, but I have never denied a nyone the joys of their road experience  

You need to be smacked for all the smack that you talk  

Sport-Touring and Camping go perfectly well together. It adds to that feeling of being out in nature, riding her roads, seeing her scenery and spending the night with her...     motels.. sheesh  

Plenty of good advice here.   If someone hasn't mentioned it yet, bring a little coaster to put under your kick stand in case you need to park on grass near your tent.

[Tyler]

If someone hasn't mentioned it yet, bring a little coaster to put under your kick stand in case you need to park on grass near your tent.

In a pinch, a flattened aluminum can will work...  

[Orson]

Sport-Touring and Camping go perfectly well together.

Who told you that?

someone is gonna read this thread and think camping might be fun!

people sayin' they don't need coffee first thing is just flat out wrong.

the Prime Directive is to strafe twisties. If someone has camping gear stacked as high as their head, they are violating the Prime Directive.

This is serious business and you folks need to stop spreading disinformation before someone gets hurt!

besides...some hotels leave chocolate chip cookies on your pillow  

[dm_gsxr]

In a pinch, a flattened aluminum can will work...  

Heck, in a pinch take a soda bottle, squish all the air out and put the cap back on. I used it to support the bike while lubing the chain when my normal flat piece of wood was being used for the kickstand.



Carl

[LENSMAN]

   I haven't seen anyone mention riderwearhouse (aerostitch).  Go their website. All kind of goodies for camping and advice.  Definitely bring raingear; bug spray/ sunblock for warmer weather, etc.  Riderwearhouse sells  microfiber towels that are supposed to dry very quickly.  If you haven't gone long distances before, the air hawk saddle would be good to have, just in case you get saddle sore.
A weather channel radio is almost a necessity.
Personally, I'd splurge on a good mattress.  Also, the AMA has a towing service, I think. That would be good to have. safe trip.

[Albie]

   I haven't seen anyone mention riderwearhouse (aerostitch).  

Uhhh, cause everything they sell is about 25% higher then you can find it elsewhere.

[dm_gsxr]

Uhhh, cause everything they sell is about 25% higher then you can find it elsewhere.

I think they're great as a catalog of neat stuff. But when I'm ready to buy, I'll do a 'net search and will find it cheaper elsewhere about 90% of the time. I have purchased a few things there that I can't find or if the price + shipping is only a buck or two off.

Carl

[CLAY]

re: the coffee fix- I have a really good thermos.  I fill it up with coffee the night before where you eat or at a gas station, and it's hot in the morning.  The best thing to do is pour hot water in your thermos to warm it up, then dump it out and add the coffee.  Doing this I have hot coffee in the morning with no need for fire or cooking.  This way we can ride an hour or so before breakfast.  Works for me!
   I also get a little crazy and grab a small foldable camp chair as well.  Some places you can buy a little wood and make a fire at night- the camp chair comes in nice.  That's if you have room though...

[CBRXXBLACKBIRD]

I have also thought about camping on a motorcycle but with my luck and the weather   I keep backing this one off.

[Jammin]

Who told you that?

someone is gonna read this thread and think camping might be fun!

people sayin' they don't need coffee first thing is just flat out wrong.

the Prime Directive is to strafe twisties. If someone has camping gear stacked as high as their head, they are violating the Prime Directive.

  Seriously though, I think the Moto Camping thing transcends to a more philosophical level... Sport-Touring is a journey, it's about traveling somewhere, riding awesome roads, meeting cool people, etc... Back in the day, this was probably done on foot or horse (except riding the twisites part) and definitely camping was part of that journey.. now, we've just substituted the horse for a motorcycle (mechanical horse)... ok, I'm getting too deep here, but you see why I love the moto camping..  

And besides, regarding the gear while railing, it's just a matter of strapping things down real good, so that it's all part of the bike.  

And I pity all you suckas that have to have coffee first thing in the morning. Thank god I never got addicted   I prefer to get up, pack up, ride a 100 miles and then get breakfast  

And Orson, if you're staying in hotels while sport-touring that leave chocolate chip cookies on your pillow... your sport-touring credentials might be questioned    Are you getting a massage at night as well...
If one doesnt like the camping, then at least find the cheapest motel  

[Jammin]

Uhhh, cause everything they sell is about 25% higher then you can find it elsewhere.

True dat, but their one-off items are great, like the Triple Digit Rain Covers - has worked great for me for rain in the summertime. Yes, a little pricey at $45, but they've already made up their worth.

[Oddball]

A sense of humor.  So what if that is a rain cloud coming your way or you have a flat.  Get over it and move on.  And leave the watch at home.  Do not be a slave to time man.  Same with the phone, shut it off unless someone is dying.  You are not that important that anyone needs to get a hold of you when you are having the time of your life.  If you are feeling any sort of stress identify the problem and let it go.  Don't have a plan, just ideas that you can string together and roll with.  Yea I'm not just talking about camping when you are riding, but it still applies to any trip you take.

[Rabidsnipe]

Same with the phone, shut it off unless someone is dying.  You are not that important that anyone needs to get a hold of you when you are having the time of your life.  

Sorry, but phone contact is a prereq for riding so says my wife.

[dm_gsxr]

And besides, regarding the gear while railing, it's just a matter of strapping things down real good, so that it's all part of the bike.  

And for pity's sake, use straps and not bungie cords. Nothing like hitting the higher numbers and having things stretched out behind you  I use straps to hold gear on the bike and bungies (a bungie net specifically) to keep stuff from flapping and to temporarily hold things like sweatshirts and rain gloves when I don't need them.

And I pity all you suckas that have to have coffee first thing in the morning. Thank god I never got addicted   I prefer to get up, pack up, ride a 100 miles and then get breakfast  

+1 there. Never aquired the habit. I did have a Diet Coke habit but I broke that one three weeks ago today.

Carl

[R.Markus]

And for pity's sake, use straps and not bungie cords. Nothing like hitting the higher numbers and having things stretched out behind you  I use straps to hold gear on the bike and bungies (a bungie net specifically) to keep stuff from flapping and to temporarily hold things like sweatshirts and rain gloves when I don't need them.

+1 on that...especially when dual sport camping. I use two straps and then cover everything with a bungie net. I just stick spare things here and there in the net when I need to.

[goodhawk]

DM  Now THAT'S a sport / touring rig.  Don't need no 'wing . . . ( not that there's anything wrong with that . . .)

[Pursang]

You guys really need to check out the Jetboil mentioned a couple of times already in this thread.You can get a French press kit for it and be drinking excellent coffee within minutes of waking.

A friend had one and would have coffee brewing at rest stops in minutes.You'll be the envy of your friends.

Seriously cool gadget!

[Orson]

And Orson, if you're staying in hotels while sport-touring that leave chocolate chip cookies on your pillow... your sport-touring credentials might be questioned    Are you getting a massage at night as well...
If one doesnt like the camping, then at least find the cheapest motel  

 
I use the dart board method! Wherever I land at 5 or 6 P.M. that's where I'm stayin'! Leads to some interesting sleepovers.

and If ya ain't got ice for a martini...you may as well be sleeping under a highway overpass  

dadgum barbarians!

 

[Z-Wolf]

Many have given you good advice  as what to carry on your trip. The only additonal advice that I can offer is practice. No matter if it's no more than a few short miles from home, it is important to make at least a couple practice runs before going out on the road on a long trip. On these practice runs you'll learn quickly what is "important to you" while camping. Be sure to keep a list of the things that you took along that you never used as well as the things that you really needed that you didn't have. Always be mindful of weight and space. If you can find something that does an eaqually sufficient job and it is lighter and/or smaller then your decision should be easy. Stay dry, stay warm and monitor the moral and phisical/mental condition of your spouse/riding partners. They may not be up to the task of the extra 100mi that you feel like doing before dark. Everyone feels better after a good nite's rest. jes my .o2

Z-Wolf

[2Pokey]

I always carry a copy of Woodall's North American Campground Directory in my map bag.
I usually try to find my next stop for the night about 2 hours in advance. If youre out on a weekend you can call ahead to make sure they have a spot open. The view from a cheap campsite will be much better than the veiw from a cheap motel.

[basco]

 
I use the dart board method! Wherever I land at 5 or 6 P.M. that's where I'm stayin'! Leads to some interesting sleepovers.

and If ya ain't got ice for a martini...you may as well be sleeping under a highway overpass  

dadgum barbarians!

 

Beer and Ice runs I usually do after camp is set up or after a ride. My collapsible cooler. And a Martini? What are you James Bond or something?

[stromgal]

I always carry a copy of Woodall's North American Campground Directory in my map bag.

I was unfamiliar with these. Is the one you mention better than their Tenting Directory, in your opinion?

[R.Markus]

I use the dart board method! Wherever I land at 5 or 6 P.M. that's where I'm stayin'! Leads to some interesting sleepovers.

I know all about that method...you end up in places like this:

[Orson]

What are you James Bond or something?

Hey, a guy can dream can't he?

 

[basco]

I was unfamiliar with these. Is the one you mention better than their Tenting Directory, in your opinion?

Did not know they had a tenting directory. Anyways, carrying around a book the size of a telephone book is not what I typically have room for.

[R.Markus]

Did not know they had a tenting directory. Anyways, carrying around a book the size of a telephone book is not what I typically have room for.

That is the same thing ia was thinking about it...that would be lke losing 1/4 HP.

[2Pokey]

Actually my copy of the campground guide is cut apart into smaller sections. But I am used to carrying around a big book. I used to tour on an HD, unfortunately the service manual was a  necessary part of the tool kit.

[basco]

I just use my Garmin 2610 to find the nearby places to stay if I haven't planned on staying somewhere.

[stromgal]

Showoff.  


The Garmin POI database includes campgrounds?

[basco]

Showoff.  


The Garmin POI database includes campgrounds?

Yes but not as detailed as your telephone book size camping guide.  

I used it when a few of us here got kicked out of the campground at ESTN 05 and had to find a new place to stay. I went to the GPS and had a phone number and directions. Can't be easier than that.

[R.Markus]

I used it when a few of us here got kicked out of the campground at ESTN 05 and had to find a new place to stay. I went to the GPS and had a phone number and directions. Can't be easier than that.

Thank goodness for Basco! You guys that got kicked out of there must have been happy Basco saved the day!  

[basco]

Thank goodness for Basco! You guys that got kicked out of there must have been happy Basco saved the day!  

  Yea right, you got kicked out also. In fact you were the main reason except for those routy Canadiens.  

[bpg]

Check out this site - makes it VERY easy to print out your own customizable gear checklists.  It will only print out a checklist for the stuff that you specify - and you can add 2 checkboxes per items, add blank lines and/or additional items, etc. - awesome for us high IQ-yet-no-short-term-memory types!

http://www.micapeak.com/info/mclist.html

MC camping is da bomb!  One of my favorite trips was an 8-day jaunt a few years ago on my ol' trusty Magna.  On the first night I made it a little further than expected into South Carolina (by riding well past midnight in the rain ), but I couldn't find any campgrounds in the area...  Soooo, I just started taking isolated backroads, then dirt roads, then eventually an old logging road carved into the side of a mountain, which I rode/duckwalked in about a half mile until I found a level spot:



Got absolutely hammered by thunderstorms that night, but stayed dry inside the tent.   Funny how smug, giddy, and content you can feel inside a warm dry tent when the weather just outside is miserable!

A few days later on the way back home, decided to check out a campground in Kentucky that I spotted on the map.  Another excursion WAY deep into the hills, couldn't wait to get there and chat with some folks!  Ended up the place was abandoned (i.e. weeds growing up through the concrete at the entrance building, rusted out fire-rings, small saplings growing in the sites, etc.!  Still had a good (albeit kinda creepy!) time!

     

[R.Markus]

  Yea right, you got kicked out also. In fact you were the main reason except for those routy Canadiens.  

My mouth does get me into trouble on occasion.

[lionlady]

It doesn't look like anyone mentioned how important it is to pack your tent separate from your clothes and sleeping bag.

Check out www.helen2wheels.com I've got a cord close sack that holds my entire tent (either a 2 person or 3 person), poles, ground cloth and Noah's Tarp 12 plus poles. You leave the stuff sack that came with the tent, etc at home and put everything in a cordclose sack. This way your tent is all together. You can also pack the tent if its wet without getting water, mud, crap on your sleeping bag, or clothes. Saves space too.

Use another H2W bag for sleeping bag and pad and a spare sweatshirt, etc.

+1 on the JetBoil system for morning coffee or instant oatmeal on site. Don't bother with the french press that is available. It is made of flexible plastic and will twist as you press it down...

P

[sagerat]

Probably the best thing about motel camping:  The Weather Channel.  

Still, I've really enjoyed motocamping off of the Ural.  I've also used a bivvy sack when rally camping from the GS which kept me dry as a bone during several t-storms in NM.

[R.Markus]

It doesn't look like anyone mentioned how important it is to pack your tent separate from your clothes and sleeping bag.

I didn't read a lot of this thread, but this is pretty important. Put the tent in easy access location that does not require you to open anything else to get to it. When you need to set it up in a storm it is nice to have the tent up without having to expose your dry gear to the weather.

[st2sam]

I have one question.
Which type of matress is better, foam, self inflating, or air-pump?  

[RickC1957]

I have one question.
Which type of matress is better, foam, self inflating, or air-pump?  

I found the ones in hotels very comfortable, I like Holiday Express rooms with the jacuzzi, beats camping all to hell, especially after riding 700 miles, and it's raining enough to build an ark  

[goodhawk]

ST - mattress - as mentioned, hotel mattress ( assuming decent hotel !)
cycle camping gear is somewhat similar to backpacking - not as much emphasis on weight, but still, small is better. All depends - I use a 2" thick 3 /4 length air mattress plus an underlayer of 1 /2" thick semi stiff foam 24" square, both to protect the air matt. and extra pad. Some people get by with the ultra compact 3 /4" thick backpacking air matt., that's too much , err, little, for me.

[Albie]

I have one question.
Which type of matress is better, foam, self inflating, or air-pump?  

Steer away from plain air mattresses. They offer no insulation. When temps drop down they will actually rob your body of heat. Go with foam or the insulated self inflating ones like Thermarest.

[bikerfish1100]

I didn't read a lot of this thread, but this is pretty important. Put the tent in easy access location that does not require you to open anything else to get to it. When you need to set it up in a storm it is nice to have the tent up without having to expose your dry gear to the weather.

i've gotten to the stage where if i have to open anything up in a storm to go to sleep- i'm opening my wallet, pulling out the credit card, and asking for a room with easy ground access to the bike.
however- i always pack any rain gear in a way that allows easy access without exposing dry stuff to the elements.

[Phanatik]

I'm switching hobbies: from backpacking to motorcycling.  I have been away from motorcycles for 29 years. I intend to do some camping from the bike, also.
Sounds like some of you have gotten very soft, heading for the first motel when the going gets a little tough. (I may turn out to be a softy too, though