Motorcycle Camping
From AirheadsWiki
One of our club canons is: "Airheads are earthly people who like to camp." If you haven't already... add, "experiencing the freedom and simplicity of a sleeping bag tied to motorcycle," to the list of things to do before you die.
Contents |
[edit] Preparation
Try to plan ahead as much as possible, there is nothing worse than sitting in the freezing rain wishing you packed a jacket. The more you camp, the more you will learn what you need and don't need. So for starters, it is ok to take more than you need as opposed to less. After all, this isn't backpacking so you don't have to worry about having it on your back.
[edit] Camping Gear
- A tent is not always necessary as you can always sleep under the stars, or under a tarp during rain. Otherwise they are good for privacy and keeping the bugs out. If you choose to get one it should be big enough for you to move around in without touching the sides -- and thus creating an small rain storm of condensation. That usually means a "2 person" tent. A tent with a rain protected vestibule is handy for storing your wet riding gear seperate from you and your sleeping bag.
- A ground cloth or heavy pieces of plastic are important to put underneath tents to protect your tent from tears and keep the water out.
- A sleeping bag prevents you from riding drowsy, get the best one you can afford.
- A sleeping pad goes underneath your sleeping bag and keeps the ground from stealing all your body heat.
- A stove comes in really handy when it is raining or a camp fire isn't cutting it. When fire danger is high, camp fires may not be allowed.
- Using waterproof compression sacks keeps your stuff dry and small.
- Flash lights make sure you have a couple with extra batteries and bulbs. An LED headlamp is especially useful.
- Even if you are going for the "where ever the wind takes you kind of trip" a good map never hurts as a backup.
- As mentioned above, this isn't backpacking, so whilst many will tell you to "only ever buy the best you can afford", you can really get away with quite a bit of cheaper gear whilst MC touring. Stuff that has been proven to work perfectly, with substantial monetary savings include second rate, cheaper (and usually thicker and more comfortable!) self-inflating matresses, the larger versions of dual fuel stoves (the Coleman Sportster is two thirds the price of the backpacking versions), and slighly bulkier tents.
Always try your gear out at home. Then you will know everything is complete and works.
[edit] Personal Gear
- Don't regret not bringing a camera.
[edit] Tools
- Fuses
- Tire pressure gauge
- Tire irons
- Patch kit or spare tube
- Wrenches
- Screwdrivers
- Electrical tape
- Zip ties
- A few nuts and bolts
[edit] Clothing
Your mother called and wanted to remind you to pack more underwear! Seriously, you will need to accomodate both riding gear and camping clothes....
[edit] Food
Screw the food, where's the beer?!?!? When planning what food to pack, make sure you have a good meal right before. Never pack hungry or you may end up with 25 candy bars and a six pack.
Also this depends highly on:
- How much you like to cook.
- Your cooking skills.
- What kind of cookware you are carrying.
Also keep in mind that the open road can be very mentally taxing. So be sure to plan for some "brain food" in other words - protein.
Try a new Camp Recipe!
[edit] Luggage
- Side bags
- Tank bags
Hard vs. Soft
[edit] How to pack
Listen to your inner self when something doesn't look right. Because if you think it might fall off, it will. Like that bible metaphor, build your house on rock.
General rules:
- Strap everything directly to the bike either with ropes or bungee cords.
- Don't pack wet stuff with dry stuff, i.e., tent on the luggage rack, not in the luggage.
[edit] Camp Spots
[edit] Selection
Sh*t rolls down hill and so does water, so look for the following:
- You want elevated ground to make sure your spot isn't going to collect water.
- Fire ants really hurt, so don't put your tent on their home.
- Shade and cover are important on sunny and rainy days.
- Water is the source of life, and a good thing to have close by. Besides there is nothing like falling asleep to the sound of a babbling brook.
[edit] Leaving
Leave it better than you found it so that the rest of us can enjoy it too.
Make sure all your gear is clean and dry. Ready to go next time!
