Tents and Camping off the bike

[brumby33]

Well, it won't be long before the warmer weather starts and the thoughts of more rides and trips come to be planned including camping, bikepacking and the good old fashioned bicycle Touring.

I've decided this year before i get too old and decrepit that I'm going to give this camping business a go, even if it means not going far but i've always wanted to do the lighter side of camping on a bicycle and a motorcycle as I have both and will use both.

If all goes well, I'm going to start with my Motorcycle, a Suzuki 650XT V-Strom adventure tourer this coming late October into late November using a tent, matt & sleeping bag for most of my accommodation en route and sometimes staying in a Motel every say 3rd night or if the weather turns to crap.
So I'm looking at a good tent set up and have likely decided on the Naturehike Star River 2, a double skinned 2person tent with what seems to be a decent amount of space.
I was originally looking for a 3 person tent for the motorcycle but thought if i was going to use it on the Bicycle, it could end up heavy and too bulky. I want a tent that I can use easily on both modes so i can learn to camp off the bike.

I realise it's not going to be easy at first, my agility isn't the best getting in and out of a small tent, my wife reckons I'll get the sh!ts with it and end up motelling it anyway I tend not to agree, wives are the biggest critics of their husband's wants, desires and capabilities But by watching heaps of You tube camping videos, putting in my mind of what to take and what not to take, how to pick a camping spot, where to camp and where not to camp etc so learning a lot from those who do it although much of it is American or UK based.

I don't think we and the yanks do it that much differently but only the altitudes can be very different. Jeez our camping gear is expensive compared to that in the US, like we pay triple of what they pay.

So, apart from severe minimalist camping like hardcore bikepacking which i'm not prepared to do, have many of you recently or prior done much in the way of camping not only from the bicycle but from Motorcycles as well and any advice you can forward. While motorcycle touring is no stranger to me, but motorcycle and bicycle camping is. It's going to be an interesting 6 Months coming hahaha.

Cheers

brumby33
(Dave)

[Aushiker]

I am coming at this from a bikepacking perspective rather than a bushwalking perspective. So with that in mind on the bike and motorcycle packability comes before weight, but weight is still important.

[1] Shelter ... I would consider a 3F UL tent over the Naturehike. They appear to be the better option from forum discussions (e.g., Bushwalking forum). Secondly, both can be brought from Aliexpress. The Naturehike tents are, in my experience, much cheaper from Aliexpress. Given that they are both Chinese brands, you might as well buy them directly from China anyway.

[2] Sleeping mat ... a comfortable sleep is important. I would not skimp on this. I suggest a Thermarest NeoAir Xlite or the Sea to Summit competitor. They pack down very small and blow up to a thicker, more comfortable pad. Snowys are generally very competitive on price with these.

[3] Sleeping bag + pillow (the Nature Hike pillows are not too bad) + plus liner to keep the bag clean. I prefer a quilt, but I suspect that they may be out of your ideal price range.

[4] Cooking system: I have gone now with a Jetboil Flash (which works for me camping with my son as well as solo), and surprisingly, it takes up the same amount of room as my previous cooking system: Toaks Titanium 850ml pot + Soto Amicus Canister Stove + canister.

I take a Sea to Summit cup and an Orikaso folding plate to eat and drink from. That said I mostly eat from the pot if it is just me.

[4] Luggage - this will get costly as you will need specific gear for the bike and the motorcycle. On one bike, I have Ortlieb Fork packs on the front and use a rack, two Ortlieb panniers on the rear, and a frame bag (they are expensive). I have front and rear racks on the other bike used for touring, so I use Ortlieb panniers front and rear.

On the motorbike, I had Naz panniers on the rear and/or a tail bag (a big duffle bag would do the trick) + tank bag.

[5] Clothing - Clothes to ride in to keep warm at night (thermals, puffer) and jacket/pants to keep dry. I might take two of some items if out for a week; otherwise, wear the same each day.

Hopefully, that is a quick start guide. I am happy to provide more specifics if that helps.

[zebee]

I love my Sea to Summit mats. I used to use the Exped synmats (blow up with in built pump) for motorcycle camping but they are a bit heavy for a bicycle. The Sea to Summit ones seem not very thick when inflated but are very comfortable even for side sleeping.

I bought a Tarptent Notch back when the A$ was decent against the $US. Heaps of room inside and a lot of vestibule space too.

As an all weather transport rider, wool is the go. Woollen T shirts and long sleeved shirts woollen longs. They keep you warm even when wet and are comfortable in a very wide range of temperatures. You can get them on Ali Express or sometimes a mob like Bluey will have a sale on ebay. Longs are harder to find but try Decathlon. How you fit them with chamois shorts is up to you, I ride recumbent so don't need those!

For a pillow the Nemo or King Nemo is the go. Not cheap but superbly comfortable. I tried a few inflatables and none of them were as good as the Nemo air plus sponge setup.

Probably a bit expensive for someone who is only going to camp now and then but Enlightened Equipment camping quilts are very light and very warm. I have the synthetic rather than the down ones as I find synthetics are easier to clean and manage getting damp better. I have never used a sleeping bag since getting the quilts.

If you aren't worried about bike packing but are fine with standard panniers and rack then you don't need anything special. Get large cheap panniers and pack your gear in plastic bags. Ebay is a good place to start.

The current motorcycle has cavernous hard panniers but I also got a set of massive bright yellow PVC throwovers from ebay https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/266316562329 "Motorcycle Saddlebags Waterproof" should find similar ones. Big and waterproof and adjustable so should clear the pipe on the vstrom. I can measure if you like.

[brumby33]

Thanks Andrew,

You mentioned a quilt, any brand or type in particular?

So we're coming up to the warmer months, would a quilt be better than a sleeping bag in Summer? I can imagine a SB could be stinking hot so maybe one that can open right out perhaps would be enough just to take any chill off but give you breathability?
I agree about the matt, get the best possible to get good sleep, i'm prepared to pay good money for a good matt and the one you recommend seems reasonable and not over the top. I need this to be a good experience, not a "I fkn hate camping" experience.
When you mentioned 3F (not sure what 3F means) is that 3 person or something else? Would a 3 person tent be too big and heavy for a Bicycle touring outfit? on the Motorcycle it'll be ok but on a bicycle, not sure.

As for luggage i'm well equipped, 2 x Ortliebs on the rear and 2 x ortleibs (smaller panniers) for front Tubus rack to go onto my Vivente Patagonia. Ortleib handlebar bag too, i could go with maybe some smaller top tube bags and a half frame bag as well. I'm using the 2 smaller Ortleibs on the rear rack of my Trek Marlin 7 MTB at the moment. One the Motorcycle I had 2 large 35 ltre Givi hardcase panniers on the sides and a RJays hard case top box on the back, i need to get a tank bag though.

Cooking gear i have something similar to a Jetboil but it's not one of those but it goes ok but i still might go for a single Trangia system yet and leave the little gas one for coffee and tea and my porridge lol.

Unfortunately, I also have to take a travel cpap device and battery set up but i'm willing to invest in one so as to leave my main house one at home. The battery will allow me 2 nights straight. On the Motorcycle I can charge it as i go through the ciggie socket but on the bicycle, i need to find a place and a few hours to kill to charge them. I take 2 battery packs, one for the cpap and the other for the phone and ipad.

Cheers

brumby33
(Dave)

[brumby33]

I love my Sea to Summit mats. I used to use the Exped synmats (blow up with in built pump) for motorcycle camping but they are a bit heavy for a bicycle. The Sea to Summit ones seem not very thick when inflated but are very comfortable even for side sleeping.

I bought a Tarptent Notch back when the A$ was decent against the $US. Heaps of room inside and a lot of vestibule space too.

As an all weather transport rider, wool is the go. Woollen T shirts and long sleeved shirts woollen longs. They keep you warm even when wet and are comfortable in a very wide range of temperatures. You can get them on Ali Express or sometimes a mob like Bluey will have a sale on ebay. Longs are harder to find but try Decathlon. How you fit them with chamois shorts is up to you, I ride recumbent so don't need those!

For a pillow the Nemo or King Nemo is the go. Not cheap but superbly comfortable. I tried a few inflatables and none of them were as good as the Nemo air plus sponge setup.

Probably a bit expensive for someone who is only going to camp now and then but Enlightened Equipment camping quilts are very light and very warm. I have the synthetic rather than the down ones as I find synthetics are easier to clean and manage getting damp better. I have never used a sleeping bag since getting the quilts.

If you aren't worried about bike packing but are fine with standard panniers and rack then you don't need anything special. Get large cheap panniers and pack your gear in plastic bags. Ebay is a good place to start.

The current motorcycle has cavernous hard panniers but I also got a set of massive bright yellow PVC throwovers from ebay https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/266316562329 "Motorcycle Saddlebags Waterproof" should find similar ones. Big and waterproof and adjustable so should clear the pipe on the vstrom. I can measure if you like.

Thankyou Zebee, yeah some great suggestions, so what brand of quilt you have, i'll check them out. I use a doona at home but often find that in Winter, I still stick my feet out to cool down a bit, I'm quite a warm sleeper, hot even at times. It's gotta be pretty cold for me to hug the blankets lol.

I have already good luggage on both the Vivente Touring bike and Suzuki V-strom, got full set of Ortleibs on the bicycle and a full set of Givi hard cases on the Strom. Just need the goodies to fill them

I want to start camping off the Motorcycle first because I can carry more weight and i won't end the day fully exhausted, I think I should have the camping thing sorted by 20 days in November, then I'll attempt to do it via Bicycle albeit not as far first up. I'm not too far from some of the Victorian rail trails so i can practice on them perhaps even if it's in a Caravan park. I've just got to build up endurance. I may be a bit over the hill to try and start this caper but i'm pretty resilliant, I just gotta realise if it gets too hard, it's more difficult to catch a train home

Cheers

brumby33
Dave

[Aushiker]

When you mentioned 3F (not sure what 3F means) is that 3 person or something else? Would a 3 person tent be too big and heavy for a Bicycle touring outfit? on the Motorcycle it'll be ok but on a bicycle, not sure.

3 FUL is the brand name. This is the link to their website but the prices may be better at Aliexpress. The tent I would get from them if I were buying is the Lanshan 2 Pro. It does need 'trekking poles' but you can specific tent poles separately. One such option is the Durston Z Flick.

I was/am looking at a replacement tent and was seriously considering 3FUL but have decided to go for a Durston X-Mid. It's more pricey, but.

I have never considered a 3 person tent. I never felt the need for the space versus the extra weight, but I do come from a bushwalking background. That said, I still find a 2 person tent a bit luxurious, having used 1 person tents for a long time. My current tent is a Tarptent Double Rainbow. It is really more than enough for one person.
I can still cope with getting in and out at 64 years old

Regards
Andrew

[Aushiker]

Quilts. I use mine all year round. I find it very warm in winter, and as you say, it provides much more flexibility when it warms up. I do use a liner with mine, a Sea to Summit old-school thermo reactor. It never lived up to its warmth rating, but it works well, keeping the quilt clean and being an option on warm nights instead of the quilt.

I have a Katabatic Gear quilt Alsek 22 F. They are expensive but.

Since I bought mine in 202O, there are more local quality options. If I were in the market today, I would be touching base with Undercling-mike at the Bushwalking Australia forums. As far as I can gather, he only sells via the forums and may not have a website. I do know his quilts are seriously rated in the forums. The only issue is he has been quiet of late

Another option is Enlightened Equipment quilts. They are sold by Backpacking Light, maybe others as well.

Another Australian manufacturer which appears to be well-rated is Nerve Gear.

I would stay away from the mainstream brands/Aliexpress when it comes to quilts or sleeping bags, for that matter. I get the impression that they manufacture as cheaply as possible to sell for as much as possible using the brand name to inflate the price.

Meanwhile, cottage industry manufacturers must make top-notch gear to stay in business.

[brumby33]

Quilts. I use mine all year round. I find it very warm in winter, and as you say, it provides much more flexibility when it warms up. I do use a liner with mine, a Sea to Summit old-school thermo reactor. It never lived up to its warmth rating, but it works well, keeping the quilt clean and being an option on warm nights instead of the quilt.

I have a Katabatic Gear quilt Alsek 22 F. They are expensive but.

Since I bought mine in 202O, there are more local quality options. If I were in the market today, I would be touching base with Undercling-mike at the Bushwalking Australia forums. As far as I can gather, he only sells via the forums and may not have a website. I do know his quilts are seriously rated in the forums. The only issue is he has been quiet of late

Another option is Enlightened Equipment quilts. They are sold by Backpacking Light, maybe others as well.

Another Australian manufacturer which appears to be well-rated is Nerve Gear.

I would stay away from the mainstream brands/Aliexpress when it comes to quilts or sleeping bags, for that matter. I get the impression that they manufacture as cheaply as possible to sell for as much as possible using the brand name to inflate the price.

Meanwhile, cottage industry manufacturers must make top-notch gear to stay in business.

Thanks Heaps Andrew, this information is a great help to ensure buy good equipment, I will check links out over the next couple of days.

Whilst I know some money that can be saved to buy products directly from China and outside but i'm still a big believer of supporting Australian retailers. You may have seen what has gone on with Australian bicycle retailers having to merge to survive, and including to support a local adventure and camping business here in Albury, anything one imports from overseas has to pay GST now on arrival thanks to Gerry Harvey whereas it used to be under AUD $1,000 now it's from $1.00 not to mention that by buying from Australian retailers, we are protected by consumer law.

Many thanks for all the info....appreciated it.

Cheers

brumby33
Dave

[zebee]

I use https://enlightenedequipment.com/revelation-apex/ which is the synthetic quilt with a footbox you can open so you can easily stick feet out or shut them in.

Most backpackers prefer down which does pack up smaller but the synthetic ones pack up small enough for two wheels and are much better if you get damp such as in a humid climatge. Plus way easier to wash.

[brumby33]

I use https://enlightenedequipment.com/revelation-apex/ which is the synthetic quilt with a footbox you can open so you can easily stick feet out or shut them in.

Most backpackers prefer down which does pack up smaller but the synthetic ones pack up small enough for two wheels and are much better if you get damp such as in a humid climatge. Plus way easier to wash.

Zebee, that looks exactly what i'd be wanting and once it gets warmer, I don't want the restriction of a sleeping bag. Thanks for this.....

brumby33

Dave

[zebee]

Zebee, that looks exactly what i'd be wanting and once it gets warmer, I don't want the restriction of a sleeping bag. Thanks for this.....

EE are a US maker so that's a US site with US prices. Backpacking lite have them too. I thought a much higher price but you will probably want https://www.backpackinglight.com.au/col ... t-40-f-5-c which is a good price.

Zebee