Camping with the bike, what do you bring and other tips?

wonderings said:
How did you strap those over your panniers minidisco?
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I found an obscure posting on ADVrider for these tiny little loop-on-a-bolt thingies (for lack of a better description) and I drilled - as per their instructions - into the corners of the panniers so as not to mess up any of the inner workings. I bolted the loop onto the pannier, using plenty of caulking and having drilled the hole just shy of the thickness of the bolt, to maintain waterproof-ness. I also added a small rubber flat gasket under the washer, for added peace of mind (now it's turned all brittle, I could have done without).

I did the same thing to the top of the top case. I have the cheapie GIVI box E52, so the material is quite flimsy - can't strap weights or bulk to the top, but it's sufficient to strap on the odd few things for short hauls and short duration, and at low speed. The rest get bungie'd to the built-in plastic slots on the GS, and on the rear I mounted an oversized aluminium top rack with extra slots (onto which I have the 2 water bottles clipped on a $1 aluminium carabiner). Perfect setup - and when I'm not on a trip, the carabiners make the perfect helmet clips!

Mounting holes: see the "flat tabs" just above the rounded corners on the side case front flap? I drilled into the middle of those: one in each "tab". If you're extra keen on it, send me your email address and I'll send you detailed pics & instructions.
 
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One of the most important items is a camp chair. Especially if you camp "rough" (AKA pull off down a gravel road and find a clearing) where there are no picnic tables.

Any of the 10$ crappy tire specials work good.
 
If you are a light sleeper, try to avoid campgrounds that are too close to a busy highway (unfortunately KOAs tend to be). In a tent, at night, those cars and trucks passing by can be really loud.
 
tiborgh said:
If you are a light sleeper, try to avoid campgrounds that are too close to a busy highway (unfortunately KOAs tend to be). In a tent, at night, those cars and trucks passing by can be really loud.
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I always ask for the most remote site they have. Most camp grounds have been accommodating in this regard.
 
Try to avoid KOAs...in most cases overpriced and too many kids. Stayed at one that was $45...granted we needed a service site (electricty) that night but still....highway robbery!

I love park campgrounds. They're quite beautiful - lots of interesting vegetation (crazy mushrooms and such) and bugs to keep you amused. :D They're generally quieter and cheaper. My experience has been $10-30 versus most private ones $20-40 (again, talking serviced sites). If you don't need any potable water / electricity you should be able to find even cheaper if not free sites.

If one of your main reasons for camping is to save some money but if you had the choice, you'd stay in a hotel? Use something like Priceline. You can sometimes find hotels with better location, a free breakfast, etc. for CHEAPER than a nearby KOA (moreso in the US though). Gives me a chance to do smaller laundry like socks and undies. I then take the shampoos and coffees in the room to use while camping subsequent days....saves space, saves money.
 
Bookmarked. I tried it, searching Philadelphia PA, near a specific art gallery and found several affordable options. Prior attempts were frustrating on other resources.
Thanx.
 
Pearlzzzzz! said:
Bookmarked. I tried it, searching Philadelphia PA, near a specific art gallery and found several affordable options. Prior attempts were frustrating on other resources.
Thanx.
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I f you end up in Philly be sure to take the Eastern State Penitentiary tour. Well worth it.
 
One thing I know I WON'T be bringing on future camping trips is my wife! :)
 
Just too picky. I'm more of a "minimalist" she requires everything but the kitchen sink (and close to shopping). :)
 
Triple said:
Just too picky. I'm more of a "minimalist" she requires everything but the kitchen sink (and close to shopping). :)
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After loading the camping gear, what shopping can you do? :p
 
^ Oh....trust me. It can be done. Where there's a will, there's a way (to fit in purchases).
 
seems a lot of tents are pillions...:D

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In the saddle bags are a week worth of clothes, snack stuff, a deep plate or largish bowl, utensils, extra maps, flip flops, shoes, etc.

Tank bag holds the rain suit, camera gear, maps, spare glasses, etc.

In the roll is the tent, sleeping bag, inflatable pad(Thermarest), on this trip the bottom of my leathers...all wrapped in the orange ground sheet.
 
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Riceburner said:
seems a lot of tents are pillions...:D

gap02.jpg


In the saddle bags are a week worth of clothes, snack stuff, a deep plate or largish bowl, utensils, extra maps, flip flops, shoes, etc.

Tank bag holds the rain suit, camera gear, maps, spare glasses, etc.

In the roll is the tent, sleeping bag, inflatable pad(Thermarest), on this trip the bottom of my leathers...all wrapped in the orange ground sheet.
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Do u put the used underwear w/ the snacks? :D
 
This is the setup I ended up going with, taken somewhere in PA

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Tank bag has my DSLR plus a couple lenses, compact camera, sunglasses, pocket knife, random little things

One saddlebag has my clothes, toiletry bag, and a pair of casual shoes.

Other saddlebag has a Eureka El Capitan 3 man tent, minus the poles, and a few little things.

Tailbag has GSI Pinnacle Backpacker cookset with a MSR Dragonfly stove inside, sleeping bag, tent poles, fuel bottle for the stove, and some small stuff I can't remember. The Thermarest is strapped to the top

Givi was purposely half empty so that I could buy stuff and have room to carry it. In it is my laptop, iPad, chargers for everything, jacket and pant liners, and a rainsuit.
 
gettum while they're hot, ie. do it while your young cause the dynamics change if you have to piss every couple hours in the nite. There's a reason why lots default to a motel yet shlepp campgear on a trip never to be used. Camping is a lot more like being a street person than a snazzy brochure would suggest. ymmv
 
I have got it down to a science for me , you might be different due to type of camping , i Hate paying to camp so i usually find dirt roads that lead to water ( via gps on my iphone ) . multi use items are a staple for bike camping my iphone ( gps , phone , entertainment , ect ) swiss army swisschamp , swiss tool , multi fuel stove that runs off gas ( then i have extra fuel for my bike too ) pots and pan set that folds into itself , water bottle (stainless steel ), travel coffee mug, deep plates that can be used for bowls ,spork knife combo (all stainless), a good lighter and backup matches ,battery charger for camera and head lamp batteries ( also has a usb so i can charge my phone or other usb device ) mini hatchet that doubles as a hammer ( not some crappy tire one get a good one ) collapsible lightweight saw , 2 man tent with 2 vestibules , sleeping pad and bag , and a bunch of stuff im forgetting .
lots of good tips here so far , change before going to bed , and also pee are great tips .
multi purpose items in my books are indispensable , as well as QUALITY gear ..
A cheap tent will easily kill a good trip when it folds over in a storm , or leaks .
keep a good knife and always keep it sharp , oh yea i have a collapsible fishing rod too
keep a good first aid kit with any meds you might have to bring .
***if your in bear country be prepared *** bear bangers , spray , whistle .
flask of your fav bevvy
and if you are going long distance CHOCOLATE ......
buy one of those big bars . every time you stop have a small piece its great for your spirit , wakes your mind and well its chocolate .. its a staple on ALL my trips ..
 
I will carry one fixed blade sharp knife, its a screwdriver, slices/dices/cut my steak. and a plastic fork/spoon is ok. I dont bother with tent pegs, i put the bags in it and the northface tent is designed for mountain landscapes (50mph winds) and so far it stays put. Getting a hot coffee 1st am is key so I have a wee burner that makes coffee, then I pack and go find breakfast. I put a cheap plastic cover over the bike, getting on a dew covered seat first thing sucks.
My favorite pc of gear is a high available credit visa card. When the sky opens and the rain comes sideways or you find snow on the forecast its a great option.
 
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