Camping setups while sport touring?

[Shizoku]

I'm looking for a bit of advice on camping setups.
What I'm most looking for is info on tents and sleeping accoutrements that do not take up a lot of room, but at the same time, are funtional, easy to set up/break down, and comfortable.  

Dave in Valencia
 

[sleazy rider]

All you care to know and more.  

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,69229.0.html

[Shizoku]

All you care to know and more.  

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,69229.0.html

Great info on the tents...thanks for the link.
But how about sleeping bags, pads, etc?

Dave in Valencia

[sleazy rider]

Basically, think what you'd use on an extended backpacking trip.  Ultralight, compressible, name brand and you get what you pay for.  I have several different weight sleeping bags and pack according to weather forecast.  I've gone minimalist and just toss the bag on the floor of the tent, but i do take a Coleman camp pillow.  For cooking, I pack a Jet Boil with the cookpot.  Toss in a good quality spork with my military mess kit and pick up food on the way to the campsite at the end of the day.  Lounging around the campfire, a Monarch Butterfly chair gets the nod.  

Skip the cheap knockoff crap.  You'll regret is when you're in the middle of nowhere and it fails, guaranteed.  DAMHIK.  

[bubba zanetti]

Tent pole length is important to me. Many are just too long to fit in a hardbag. After years of discomfort with my sleeping pads ( I am a side sleeper ) I am very happy with my Neo Air. Really comfortable and packs really small.

A good down bag that I prefer to use like a duvet and a decent compressible pillow.

[Shizoku]

Basically, think what you'd use on an extended backpacking trip.  Ultralight, compressible, name brand and you get what you pay for.  I have several different weight sleeping bags and pack according to weather forecast.  I've gone minimalist and just toss the bag on the floor of the tent, but i do take a Coleman camp pillow.  For cooking, I pack a Jet Boil with the cookpot.  Toss in a good quality spork with my military mess kit and pick up food on the way to the campsite at the end of the day.  Lounging around the campfire, a Monarch Butterfly chair gets the nod.  

Skip the cheap knockoff crap.  You'll regret is when you're in the middle of nowhere and it fails, guaranteed.  DAMHIK.  

Thanks for the advice.  I think I found a couple decent tents...
http://www.alpsmountaineering.com/alps/products/tents/backpacking-tents/chaos
http://www.alpsmountaineering.com/alps/products/tents/backpacking-tents/hybrid-ce
Now trying to research bags and pads.  Trying to find a medium between comfort and space savings might be difficult...I haven't seen any good reviews on compression bags yet.

Dave

[Shizoku]

Tent pole length is important to me. Many are just too long to fit in a hardbag. After years of discomfort with my sleeping pads ( I am a side sleeper ) I am very happy with my Neo Air. Really comfortable and packs really small.

A good down bag that I prefer to use like a duvet and a decent compressible pillow.

I was wondering about the tent pole size issue.  I will be using hardbags as well.


Dave

[sleazy rider]

I have the Alps predecessor to the Hybrid-CE and the poles fit easily in my Givis.  IIRC, they're about 15" long when broken down.  Lots of room in the tent for gear too.  Get the footprint, as the floor is somewhat succeptible to wear from rocks and twigs.

[bluepoof]

Re pads:  I use a Exped 9 down pad with pump.

http://www.rei.com/product/780365/exped-downmat-9-sleeping-pad-with-pump

I've tried many others and this one rocks.  No need to use space for a separate pump or trash my asthmatic lungs.  I can easily sleep on my side or back and it's comfortable even after my disc injury.  

It folds up to 6"x9" but I use the Helen 2 Wheels method of packing (http://cdn.racerpartswholesale.com/downloads/HelenTwowheels.pdf), so I never fold it back up.  

Edited to add that the Helen 2 Wheels way of packing camping gear is awesome, so I'll copy and paste from their PDF.  I've been moto-camping using the following method for about 4 years and it works really well.  There are pictures on the above linked PDF.

1. Get the air out of your thermarest, close the valve, leave it rolled up. put it in the bag first.
2. Once the thermarest is in the bag unwind it. and let it unroll to the perimeter of the bag. In the hole in the center of the bag you are going to stuff the sleeping bag.
3. The ROLL TOP SACK is a compression bag, it is water- proof. Don't waste your time and energy folding and rolling the sleeping bag; don't put it in its own stuff bag. You always use these two items together; they are always dry. Save your- self precious riding time and aggravation. Just put them in.
4. You will probably have room for more stuff like a pillow. It's also a good idea to put a warm layer, like a polar fleece pull-over, in last. It will be easily acces- sible without unstrapping the bag while you are riding if the temperature drops.
5. Now you are ready to compress the ROLL TOP SACK. Start by holding the edges of the opening together firmly.
6. Punch it down. As the air escapes between your hands the flexible walls of the bag collapse on themselves and form a valve. Repeat this process to reduce the volume.
7. Once it is compressed as much as it will, roll the edges down tightly against the gear in the bag. You must roll it at least three times to create a waterproof seal, but more times are okay.
8. After rolling, bring the clips around and ... snap! your bag is packed, sealed and ready to go!

[Bravo12]

If you're touring alone, don't worry about fitting it all into your hardbags. My buddy and I have been using this bag - the MotoPak GT-Roll - across our passenger seats for a few years now, and our bags still look like new. The bags hold all of our camping gear. When I get home, I clean everything up and pack it all back in this bag. When I am heading out on a trip where I know I'll be camping, I can just grab the bag and throw it on the seat. This also lets me stay consistent with how I pack my saddlebags, whether I'm camping or not.

[tomek]

Big Agnes insulated air mattress is the shit . Comfortable because , well , it is filled with air .  
 It is insulated so you won`t freeze your ass  .

Packs to almost nothing and weights nothing also . About 100 bucks . Worth every penny , company stands behind their product .
Mine developed undetectable ( I shit you not )  leak , they just send me new one after they also failed  trying to find the puncture .lol.
Mine is 25X78 , 2.5 inches thick . Perhaps too comfortable , can`t get up in the morning .

https://www.bigagnes.com/Products/Detail/Pad/InsulatedAirCore

Eureka 2 people backpacking aluminum framed tent with couple vestibules , I don`t remember the model . Good quality and value a.k.a. not ridiculously expensive . About 200 bucks .  

I have old school down Sierra Design sleeping bag , served me well , more then 10 years old but some of high end synthetic ones are very nice now . I`m guessing they better  deal with the moisture .
       

[Bravo12]

My "low-end" XPG tent from Cabela's has served me well on two long trips over the past two years. Back in 2010, we did 4 weeks on the road, camping about 7 or 8 nights. Last month, we did almost 2 weeks up into Quebec and camped 10 out of 12 nights. I put 2 coats of Camp Dry on the rain fly and the solid portions of the tent every spring, and haven't had any issues at all with it. I can unpack it and have it up within 3 minutes. When the Hell Creek Campground was still bumping with bass (from a radio, not the creek) at 1am and we decided to get to a hotel in order to sleep, I broke camp and had EVERYTHING packed in about 5 minutes flat.

http://www.cabelas.com/view-tents-cabelas-xpg-8482-ultralight-tent-1.shtml

It's more expensive now, but I bought mine in 2010 when it was on sale for ~$70. I actually paid $90 in the store, but double-checked the Cabela's website price when I got home and it was listed as $20 cheaper. I returned to the store with my receipt and explained the situation, and they promptly refunded the difference. Great place to shop, if you can find one near you.

[tomttt]

I am a "cold sleeper" so the right bag and pad are of the utmost importance. I use a very light and small pack size down bag with a thermarest 2.5  thick sleeping pad that is self inflating. When temps are below 30*, I add a Goretex bivi sack, stops the wind and is well worth the weight and space. Spent two nights in sub 20* and 20-30 mph winds, sleep very warm, everyone else was uncomfortable with there "special" stuff, (gas heaters in drafty tents) lol. I used my equipment for backpacking prior to this, so it is light and does the job. Words like "goretex", "high loft down", "titanium", "aircraft alum. poles" are your friends.
Just my .02

[Strog]

I was wondering about the tent pole size issue.  I will be using hardbags as well.


Dave

This was the biggest concern for me when looking for a tent. Then I looked at other features that I thought I wanted (free standing, dual entry, etc.). If it was over 20" pack length then I crossed it off the list and look for more options. I ended up with a Eureka Apex 2XT but there's a lot of other great options out there that pack short(ish). Figure out what you need to fit in your luggage and work back from there.  

[timdow]

There are so many options.  The basics are the BIG THREE... sleeping bag, tent and ground pad.  Good idea to start with the tent.   The best idea if you think you will camp a lot is a two-man basecamp tent.  It is higher weight that a backpacking tent, but will be more sturdy and cost less than a lighter weight tent.  This will be around $200.  I recommend this one:  http://www.rei.com/product/794296/rei-half-dome-2-plus-tent

The sleeping bag and ground pad depend upon when and where you will be camping.  Lenght of the package is not all that important to me... I strap the BIG THREE to my passenger seat.  If you are carrying a passenger, you will have to plan for that.

I have used everything from a zip fleece and $8 ground pad to a down bag that compresses into the side of a football and a premium Therm-o-rest pad.  I recommend a synthetic bag due to lower cost and that fact that it keeps you warm when wet, and the therm-o-rest camp rest pad.

This is also an option: http://www.aerostich.com/high-tech-cot.html

[Cablebandit]

Re pads:  I use a Exped 9 down pad.

x10000  

Many cheapskates will balk at the price, but it's one of the best small air mattress out there.  The down inside of it keeps the earth from sucking the heat out you.

Like other have said, by name brand backpacking gear.  You get what you pay for.  Compression sacks are key.  If it's just me I can get my entire camping setup in one side case.  I I have Mrs CB along I can fit aan entire setup for 2 in just my top case.

[Shizoku]

x10000  

Many cheapskates will balk at the price, but it's one of the best small air mattress out there.  The down inside of it keeps the earth from sucking the heat out you.

Like other have said, by name brand backpacking gear.  You get what you pay for.  Compression sacks are key.  If it's just me I can get my entire camping setup in one side case.  I I have Mrs CB along I can fit aan entire setup for 2 in just my top case.

"...an entire setup for 2 in just my top case"

THAT is what I'm striving for!

Dave in Valencia

[Shizoku]

Re pads:  I use a Exped 9 down pad with pump.

http://www.rei.com/product/780365/exped-downmat-9-sleeping-pad-with-pump

Poof,
How long does it take to pump it up?

Dave

[Cablebandit]

I have 2 Expeds.  One with the integrated pump and one that uses the storage sack to inflate it.  I'd say it takes me about 2 minutes to inflate either one.

[sleazy rider]

This was my accommodations for nearly 5 weeks this summer.  





The tent/poles, 40* sleeping bag and chair all fit in one 35 liter Givi bag, along with a tent light and a few other small camping items.

[Croak]

x10000  

Many cheapskates will balk at the price, but it's one of the best small air mattress out there.  The down inside of it keeps the earth from sucking the heat out you.

Like other have said, by name brand backpacking gear.  You get what you pay for.  Compression sacks are key.  If it's just me I can get my entire camping setup in one side case.  I I have Mrs CB along I can fit aan entire setup for 2 in just my top case.

The problem with both the Exped and the Big Agnes insulated is that in warm weather, they become hot tubs.  Filled with your own sweat.  

[Shizoku]

The tent/poles, 40* sleeping bag and chair all fit in one 35 liter Givi bag, along with a tent light and a few other small camping items.

Sweet!  I think the Duc Multi topcase is a 48 liter, which I'm hoping will hold camping stuff for 2.

Dave in Valencia

[obx-rider]

1-up camping is pretty easy. About my only comment is use a 2-man tent...a 1-man is just too small. 1-up ultra light and  ultra small is just not necessary.

Extended 2-up touring camping is another thing entirely. Our first long camping ride we took our SD Clip 3 tent, our 1/2 length backpacking thermrest pads, synthetic material light sleeping bags, jetboil coffee making set, etc. We were doing a big CO, NM, AZ, UT loop and half way thru we shipped the camping gear home. It just weighted down the bike too much. And we were going from 90 degrees to snow...and the synthetic bags just didn't cut it,the backpcking pads not comfie enough.

Our next trip I started with the lightest roomy tent I could find. A Henry Shires tarp tent made of silnylon called the Rainshadow 2. Good sleeping pads were absolutely required and we got a Neoair for me and a prolite plus for the wife. Golite 40 degree down bags w/ lite wt long undies finished the essentials. The one thing we couldn't give up was coffee ... but we settled for Starbucks Via instant cooked over my Whisperlite stove.

We also went with fewer clothes and the ones we took were quick drying. Some gear had two functions... my polartec vest folded in the sleeping bag bag was my pillow. Our rain gear was an extra layer for cold. The key was to think like a backpacker ... save the ounces and the pounds take care of themselves. We were 25 lbs lighter the second trip.

We stay at nice motels every third day ... but looking back we don't remember those. What we remember is primitive camping on the Burr Trail in Utah ... or on the Rio Grande River in Big Bend ...

[sleazy rider]

Sweet!  I think the Duc Multi topcase is a 48 liter, which I'm hoping will hold camping stuff for 2.

Dave in Valencia

Watch your loading.  The camping gear does have some weight to it.  I keep it down low in a side bag and ensure both bags balance.

[obx-rider]

Watch your loading.  The camping gear does have some weight to it.  I keep it down low in a side bag and ensure both bags balance.

What he said.

Light fluffy stuff in the top case, heavy stuff in the sidebag, frequently needed stuff in a tankbag.

[bluepoof]

Poof,
How long does it take to pump it up?
Dave

About 70 pumps, so however long that takes you.  2 minutes sounds about right (hat tip to Cablebandit).

[Nodaclu]

The items listed here might be worth a look:

http://theoasisofmysoul.com/?p=18202

Scroll down a bit to the gear review.

[birdrunner]

Re pads:  I use a Exped 9 down pad with pump.

http://www.rei.com/product/780365/exped-downmat-9-sleeping-pad-with-pump

I've tried many others and this one rocks.  No need to use space for a separate pump or trash my asthmatic lungs.  I can easily sleep on my side or back and it's comfortable even after my disc injury.  

It folds up to 6"x9" but I use the Helen 2 Wheels method of packing (http://cdn.racerpartswholesale.com/downloads/HelenTwowheels.pdf), so I never fold it back up.  

Had Thermarest, but moved up.

The Exped is the warmest most comfortable sleeping pad you can get.  We   ours.  At night the ground cools quickly, and most heat loss is through the BOTTOM of your sleeping bag as your weight compresses it there, thus rending it's insulating value to close to useless.  Pure air mattresses are still cold as a single pocket of air doesn't stop heat convection.  The downfilled Exped  solves those issues.   IIRC they were designed for ice climbing and winter camping.

[birdrunner]

I have 2 Expeds.  One with the integrated pump and one that uses the storage sack to inflate it.  I'd say it takes me about 2 minutes to inflate either one.

Ditto,

[ripdaddy]

    Some like to cook on tour, I don't.   A box of pop tarts, bag of dried fruit and water are all I bring now.  It's easier to stop at restaurants than break out the gear and then clean up.  That said, I have seen other riders put together some pretty slick meals over their little camp stoves and make it look easy.  

[bomber]

take everything out if the bag it came in and put it in a stuff sack -- I see many folks with tents bungies across the back of their seat . . . get a stuff sack for the tent, a long, narrow bag for the poles, anad your packing alternative suddenly multiply manyfold . . . .

Me, I like to get everything into my two hard bags (a bit more of a challnege if I'm cooking, but still doable) -- this makes leaving the bike out of sight for a few moments less nerve wracking, it lessens that chance of stuff falling off, and it makes getting on and off the bike easier (I am not as bending as I used to was).

[highside]

+1 on stuff sacks.

A trip to REI should set you right for just about everything. While weight requirements for moto camping arent as strict as for backpacking, it still matters and lots of crappy heavy gear adds up real fast. Avoid cheaping out on camping gear for moto camping.

[Mastros2]

We're actually looking at our gear again.  We have a small 4-man tent (Kelty Grand Mesa 4) but maybe looking at a 2-man tent for solo trips. Also, we have 2 REI 3.5" sleeping pads and 30 degree down bags.  Since size isn't too much of a concern, we went with the 3.5" pad for comfort.

Recently, we purchased some compression sacks for the tent and bags to get them smaller.  

If you keep your gear dry, the down bags pack much smaller than synthetic bags. Closeouts are nice too!

[CLAY]

This was my accommodations for nearly 5 weeks this summer.  



The tent/poles, 40* sleeping bag and chair all fit in one 35 liter Givi bag, along with a tent light and a few other small camping items.

I have a setup like you sleazy, but this tent (it comes with a compression sack):
http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=713889&destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct.jsp%3FproductId%3D746705&WTz_l=YMAL%3BIK-516763#productChart

I also have this bag:

The Cabelas XPG backpacker mummy bag (it comes with a compression sack).  The rolled-up sleeping pad rides above the camping side case bungeed to the handle.
I too can get the tent, poles, sleeping bag and cook stove/pans (a one-man set) in one side case.  

I usually carry my camping gear in the left side case and all my rain gear in the right side case.  That way in worst case scenario and I need to pull over on the highwayto get on the rain gear, I am working on the right hand side of the bike away from traffic.  My top case then contains any food supplies but is usually just a catch- all for odds and ends, mostly empty (unless we just got groceries for the night and morning).  I also usually strap a larger fold-up chair on.  I'm afraid I'd tip over on Sleazy's chair after a campfire bender.  

A piece of camping advice (prolly common sense that most people do)- we usually stop in the evening at a local grocery store and grab groceries for that night's meal and the next morning's breakfast.  The only thing I usually take along are some of the "just add water" meals from the grocery store.  Not the high-end expensive ones, but the cheap .99 ones that are chicken noodles, or chicken-rice or whatever.  They are cheap and light.  The groceries we buy locally are the bigger things like meat and eggs and such.  I also carry a small stainless grate.  One guy buys a bundle of firewood (if the campsite doesn't have any) for cooking the meat on, I have a backpacking stove for cooking the sides on.

I have used that setup all around the country from warm weather along the Blue Ridge to the best camping spot ever on James Bay:

 The bike is parked on Canadian Shield rock and my tent is right next to it on a deep bed of moss.  No pad needed that night!  

Man I'd love to do that trip again...  

[sleazy rider]

We're actually looking at our gear again.  We have a small 4-man tent (Kelty Grand Mesa 4) but maybe looking at a 2-man tent for solo trips.

You'll save hardly any packing room.  I had an REI one man style that got sold when the Alps 3 man tent was purchased.  I appreciate having the elbow and head height in the bigger tent, especially when the bugs are thick.  Take the small chair inside and read ebooks on the iPad before going to bed.

[Mastros2]

You'll save hardly any packing room.  I had an REI one man style that got sold when the Alps 3 man tent was purchased.  I appreciate having the elbow and head height in the bigger tent, especially when the bugs are thick.  Take the small chair inside and read ebooks on the iPad before going to bed.

That is what I am thinking now. I do appreciate the extra space.

[CLAY]

I have always gone with a two-man for solo- it just gives you a bit more room for gear.  

Plus it's great in case you are at a dirt-bike weekend and some drunk dude crawls in there with you, right Ed?  

[Trekker]

Moto-camping is easy if you break it down to manageable sections.
Shelter- I use a Eureka Backcountry 2 tent for it's ease of setup & small pack size. Down sleeping bag & a pad get packed into a waterproof bag strapped (w/ ROK Straps) to the rear seat (keep the sleeping gear separate from the tent). Always stake the tent down... DAMHIK
Clothes- pack light, take 1/2 of what you think you need... except socks & undies. Pack a minimalist wash kit.
Gear- all the stuff needed depending where you eat.

Develop a packing system and stick to it. It makes it easier to find stuff in the dark.

Try to think of multi-use items... like water shoes/sandals for use off the bike & in the shower....
Think pack size instead of pack weight.
You can learn a lot by checking what other riders have when out on an adventure.

[sammyseaman]

I have always gone with a two-man for solo- it just gives you a bit more room for gear.  

Plus it's great in case you are at a dirt-bike weekend and some drunk dude crawls in there with you, right Ed?  

 

[ConPilot1]

I need a better/more comfy mattress. I have an original full-size forest green Thermarest self inflating foam mattress. It's been a great piece of gear, I purchased it damn near 20 years ago and it's still
perfectly functional although it needs a little lip action on the valve to inflate it fully. However it's big, and it's kinda heavy, probably due to the internal foam content. Same with my tent. I want to get something lighter weight eventually. Mine's a 4-season REI, great tent, bombproof but a bit overkill for light spring/summer camping, but when the weather gets kinda cold, it's the shit for deep fall/cold spring campout. At least 15-20 degrees warmer in the tent with a live breathing body in there.

Sleeping bags are another story. IMO you need 2. A light spring/summer 40° bag, I bought a new Marmot this year and I love it. Not quite enough for deep fall though.
I'll be on the hunt for a quality fall/cold spring bag, probably a North Face, Mt. Hardware, Marmot, or similar. I've been eyeballing the North Face Cat's Meow which seems to be a very highly rated bag for the price albeit pushing the 20° temperature rating. Most users love the bag, but consider it more like a 30° bag. Same with my new Marmot 40 Minimalist. 40 would be pushing it. I'd call it a 50° comfort level bag.

I've been camping all my life and have seen gear come and go. Good gear lasts near indefinitely with proper care aside from mishaps. Cheap gear you'll end up replacing every few years and/or loses any kind of
resale value whatsoever should you want to sell the old to upgrade to newer stuff. Top level gear can get quite expensive though, so many times for me it's been a compromise of price/quality.

My advice is to buy the best you can afford and keep your gear selections focused on what you're going to use it for. Minimalist/backpacking/MC camp gear is very different from car camping gear. Coleman stuff is usually quite robust and works well, but you're NOT going to pack an arsenal of Coleman gear on a motorcycle.

[Peter_MA]

I bought an Exped Synmat mattress (synthetic insulation not down) and it is the best thing I've ever used in 50+ years of sleeping in tents. I'm a side sleeper and every other pad or blowup I've had hurts my shoulders and hips. The insulation keeps the cold ground away and I have not found it to be hot as someone mentioned even in the heat of summer. The ground temp is usually lower than body temp and if it isn't it would help keep the heat away. It does blow up in a couple of minutes with the built in pump with little effort and it packs incredibly small.

[Robert Ford]

My FJR loaded and ready to go last summer. I was out for three weeks and met my wife for a few days in the Adirondacks.



The top case carried my sleeping bag, cooking stuff, food, and water. The side bags had clothing, and my wife's helmet. The tent and the rest of my wife's riding gear was on the seat.

Typical camp setup:



The tent is a mid range Coleman Exponent ($80) that has served me well for 3 years and about 50 nights.

[Giaka]

[Bigpoodle]

Well, there are several different varieties of "sport touring," and best-gear choices will depend on which one(s) you do. This thread contains some good suggestions for all of them.

If you're riding someplace to set up a base camp and then explore an area with multiple (unladen) day rides (e.g., many STN and other group rallies), you might be willing to carry a little more weight and take on a little more setup time in order to have a more comfortable base camp to return to each night. This is particularly true if you plan to spend quality time in camp, not just setup-conk out-pack up-ride out. So a tent at least one size larger than the number of planned occupants makes sense, as might cooking gear, cushier sleeping pad, etc.

A similar approach might be in line if you're not doing big mileage per day and your preferred riding style is at the touring end of sport touring.

If the camping part is strictly a low-cost crib for the night, and especially if you're moving camp every day, then the minimalist suggestions make more sense. The more riding you plan to do with all your gear loaded, the lighter you want the load.

Other factors are whether you're traveling solo or in a group (i.e., can you share some luxury items, spread across several bikes, and still keep the loads light?) and budget constraints (I don't mean buying cheapo gear, I mean do you have to camp because you can't swing the motel bills and still do the trip you want).

[Breaker19]

I have a Coleman 2-person tent that I bought at Dick's Sporting Goods 1+ years ago. I have used it 3 times camping off the bike now, it's great. It wasn't expensive and it's easy to set up. I don't think one has to use up a whole lot of brain power selecting a tent and these suggestions in this thread are excellent. Just get something that you can afford and that will work.

For a sleeping bag, I have a Cabella's (I think it's a +40 degree job), very thin and lightweight synthetic material, that rolls up nice and tight. The ones I don't like since they take up so much room. But the furthest north I've MC Camped is Hampton, GA in late Summer... I guess if I were camping in colder weather I'd think differently (but then again, I wouldn't do that anyway)...

I (we) don't cook or carry cookware/food except for that typical Walmart bought small camp burner and a little pot for some coffee.

We (the guys I usually camp with) chipped in and bought a "shelter" (tent looking gizmo) but not the easy-up, those are too heavy... this one has the flex poles just like a tent. One guy carries that (this last trip, on his tow-behind trailer towed by a Concours 1000), but it's small enough to strap on a seat or seat back. I highly recommend this, it saved us at Atlanta Motor Speedway (HOT!) We bought this at Gander Mountain in Ocala, FL.

I carry the "absolutely can't get wet" items in Walmart bought "dry bags." There are better dry bags out there, but they're pricy. The Walmart bags are like a thick plastic; I don't particularly like them, but they get the job done. I keep my pillow, sleeping bag and (2) towels in the dry bags. Everything else that needs to be protected (clothing) goes in the bike's luggage.

I also strap a folding chair to the bike... that's really important! Gotta have a place to sit!

Other than that, just remember what Beavis said, "TP for (your) bunghole!" Campgrounds are often out in the bathrooms... lol

[cruisin]

My solution when looking for a way for the wife and I to carry enough clothing for 6 to 7 days AND a tent of adequate size was to build a cargo rack that was easy to install & remove.  I fabricated this rack from 1/2" square tubing so that it fits the OEM luggage rack of an RT and is held in place with a boat trailer lock.  

I sized it at 15" x 30" to accommodate a sports bag we purchased of the required size (14 x 14 x 29) to hold our West Winds 9 x 12 tent, poles, rain fly, and ground cloths.

This exact set-up probably wouldn't work on a sport bike, but a similar one of reduced size just might be the ticket to a stable way to carry your gear if your pillion seat is occupied.

[Real ZX-10]

I'm looking for a bit of advice on camping setups.
What I'm most looking for is info on tents and sleeping accoutrements that do not take up a lot of room, but at the same time, are funtional, easy to set up/break down, and comfortable.  

Dave in Valencia
 

Dome tent, a lot of ground sucks (either too hard or too soft) for tent pegs.
Thermarest sleeping pad.
Down bag to compress small.

Don't have food in your gear/tent, ever..the smell stays after the food is long gone..Bears smell what Humans can't.
Stop at a restaurant for eating.

Basic back packing fare.

[Tripps]

I see a lot of pad suggestions, anyone else use a go-cot? My wife and I made do with pads for years, a fellow motorcycle camper showed me his go-cot, I've been a user ever since, my wife insisted. They pack really small, when I go with my wife, we pull a trailer, but solo I strap everything on the 860 lb gorilla, made it like this from Buffalo, NY to Key West and back last fall..

http://www.campingcot.com/?section=original

[stew71]

I see a lot of pad suggestions, anyone else use a go-cot? My wife and I made do with pads for years, a fellow motorcycle camper showed me his go-cot, I've been a user ever since, my wife insisted. They pack really small, when I go with my wife, we pull a trailer, but solo I strap everything on the 860 lb gorilla, made it like this from Buffalo, NY to Key West and back last fall..

http://www.campingcot.com/?section=original

You packed lightly, I see.  

[Tripps]

You packed lightly, I see.  

LOL, I expected that, On my Sprint, I do, but I could carry a cooler on the Rocket if I wanted.

[ScotchFan]

REI is your friend.  Buy good gear and you won't regret it.  I like down, but it cannot get wet.  There are many good pads, I have a thermarest and an Exped.

REI half dome tent.  A small tarp is nice.

Coleman dual fuel gas stove and a titanium cooking kit. 

Carry a soft cooler.

Fire starter, clothes, toothbrush, clothes and a credit card.

[expatbrit]

For sleeping bags, I'm a big Agnes fan. Good, warm bag and a comfy pad. Mine went with me up Kilimanjaro and has done bike trips, though it was too light for the former.

The insulated pad makes a huge difference and is truly comfy. Plus the bag packs smaller.

Also have what seemed a silly expensive memory foam and inflatable pillow. I love it; the last piece to a good nights camping rest.

Tent on the pillion seat, light sleeping stuff in the top box. Awesome.

[Rammer]

ScotchFan,  beautiful rw&b VFR!


I experimented with 4 different pads before settling on the Exped Synmat. A way too cheep pool toy air mattress, a too thin self inflater, a way too heavy, but comfy, Coleman air bed, and a too thick, too hard to pack self inflater. The Exped packs smaller than 1/2 a loaf of bread.

I have a 40° Woods brand sleeping bag that works pretty good, as long as it doesn't get too cold at night. If it's going to be cooler, I bring along a fleece bag to through over the top.

I've experimented with tents too. The biggest mistake I ever made with tents was buying one on-line and not realizing how big the "packed" tent was. I now have 2 main tents. A cheap Coleman 7x7 Sun Dome for camping in one place for a while. There's plenty of room to settle in and unpack. For traveling, I have a Marmot 2 person. Just enough room to keep things inside and off the bike.

[cyjo]

This past summer while camping with friends I tried a camping hammock for the first time:

http://www.rei.com/product/754773/eno-doublenest-hammock

It was very comfortable, no pad and was just a bit bigger than a softball packed up.

Here's a pic of the setup:


hammock camping by joeyschmitt, on Flickr

[Cheddarhead]

ScotchFan,  beautiful rw&b VFR!

+1..."Love" the Captain America color scheme!

This past summer while camping with friends I tried a camping hammock for the first time:

http://www.rei.com/product/754773/eno-doublenest-hammock

I have a Hennessy Hammock for camping.  Love it!

Too cold for hammock camping?

I'm smart enough to stay at a Holiday Inn Express!

[mxvet57]

I have always gone with a two-man for solo- it just gives you a bit more room for gear.  

Plus it's great in case you are at a dirt-bike weekend and some drunk dude crawls in there with you, right Ed?  

You just won't let that die will you.  

[mxvet57]

I have a Hennessy Hammock for camping.  Love it!

It was quite entertaining watching you set it up for the first time.  

[Cheddarhead]

It was quite entertaining watching you set it up for the first time.  

Not sure how I feel about having you "watch me" as I'l setting up a tent, Ed...

But, You (and others) did yeomans duty moving stuff out of the rain for those of us still out and about...so I guess it's OK...at least in large groups.

Of course, the hammock sleeps only one...so that's OK, too.  

[st2sam]

Very comfortable and easy to carry,
the whole deal, AC or heat, fits in my back pocket...















     

[Kneescrubber]

Very comfortable and easy to carry,
the whole deal, AC or heat, fits in my back pocket...




 










      

[Cablebandit]

Look! Someone that actually fits in a double bed.  

[Orson]

There is no camping in sport-touring.


(photo courtesy of vivid1)

 

[Hardware]

There is no camping in sport-touring.


(photo courtesy of vivid1)

 

This pic has been around since about the 3rd day after Al Gore invented the internet.  There's been all kinds of speculation on its provenance and location, but for all the times I've seen it, I just noticed the city by-law sign in the background.  I had to enlarge the image but it looks like this pic was taken in Twentynine Palms, CA.

[Orson]

It's from vivid1's California trip report  

[Cablebandit]

 I had to enlarge the image but it looks like this pic was taken in Twentynine Palms, CA.

Could have just looked at the file name.  

[Hardware]

I'm turnin' bright red...

[chriskoz]

This past summer while camping with friends I tried a camping hammock for the first time:

http://www.rei.com/product/754773/eno-doublenest-hammock

It was very comfortable, no pad and was just a bit bigger than a softball packed up.

Here's a pic of the setup:


hammock camping by joeyschmitt, on Flickr

I love this setup. I took it on the Appalachian Trail last year. Snow on the ground, no problem. Took it canoeing on the Potomac. Wet ground, no problem. Best thing ever.

[Shizoku]

Lots of great info and thanks everyone for their input.
I ended up picking up the following:


http://www.alpsmountaineering.com/alps/products/tents/backpacking-tents/jagged-peak


http://www.alpsmountaineering.com/alps/products/bags/lightweight-mummy-bags/blue-springs


http://www.alpsmountaineering.com/alps/products/pads/air-pads/ultra-light-air-pad

Also picked up a tent floor saver from ALPS and later this month will be field testing everything camping on the
beach north of Santa Barbara.

Thanks again for everyone's input!  If all goes well, we will be using this stuff in Alaska in 2014!  At which time
I'll be asking for about input on bear protection!

Dave in Valencia

[sleazy rider]

You're gonna love the room in that tent.