Motorcycle Camping

Motorcycle Camping

Motorcycle camping is most akin to backpacking in that you don't have a lot of room to pack your gear. A knife, a few matches stuck in your pocket, and a blanket tied to your handlebars may seem adequate at first but from a practical point of view it hardly suffices in most situations. Despite the lack of storage space, to camp safely and more or less comfortably you need to meet your basic needs of food, shelter, and clothing. You'd be surprised, however, at the number of other things you can take along with a bit of planning.

Food, Water and Cooking

Buy food and water daily. These items can take up the most storage space, so plan to stop at a grocery store every day to pick up supplies. Sometimes you'll get stuck far from a store though, so carry a few meals that don't require refrigeration. Freeze dried meals from the camping stores are fairly decent but a foil wrapped pack of tuna or some instant oatmeal is much cheaper. For cooking, use a small backpacking mess kit, a fork and spoon, a pocket knife (used for many things) and backpacking salt/pepper shakers. Most commercial campsites have fire pits and sell firewood, but if that isn't available where you're at use a ring of rocks and build a fire from the wood available. Of course, take a disposable lighter to get it going. You'll need water, so think bottled. The individual bottles are much easier to stow than a large container, and you'll need about a 6 pack each day. For coffee drinkers, the Folgers singles are great and can be stowed anywhere. Lastly take a small bottle of dishwashing liquid.

Shelter/Bedding

About the most you can carry on one motorcycle is a small backpacking tent, and a sleeping bag. This is where a buddy system can really help as you can distribute gear between the bikes and save on duplication. If you're by yourself though, there are a couple of other small items that can add to your comfort. An inflatable backpacking air mattress, deflated and rolled up takes up about as much room as a one pound coffee can. It is well worth the space if you have it. You can use your clothing for a pillow but an inflatable pillow is more comfortable. Add a space blanket in case the temperature drops unexpectedly, and most of your need will be met.

Clothing

Take at least one change of clothing. If you have room, a couple is of course better, but one is a must for the times you get caught in the rain. Obviously you also need a change of clothing to have something to wear when using a Laundromat. Take your rain gear as well. It doubles as a jacket for cooler evenings.

Health/Cleanliness

You need at least one towel to be comfortable, and some shampoo (The shampoo can double as body soap). Carry a toothbrush and if you don't have room for toothpaste, use salt instead. Medical supplies - always have first aid kit with you and bring any prescriptions as well. Take bug repellent and sunscreen and contact lens solution (if applicable)..

Spare keys, a small flashlight, duct tape, cell phone, rope, trash bags, Ziploc bags, and aluminum foil are also things you'll find useful in your campsite. Your particular needs will add to the list. This list may sound like a lot of stuff, and it can be, but don't forget that you only need a little of most items. Think creatively. For your soap needs, look for sturdy container of a size that could easily fit into a pocket, and remember that a dish soap 'is' a soap and can be used for shampoo and body wash in a pinch. Aluminum foil is handy when cooking, but don't take an entire roll - instead just fold up a couple of squares. Duct tape is the same way - don't take an entire roll. In fact, take only a few strips and wrap them around something else so they practically take no space at all. If you live near a Container Store, I highly recommend a field trip to one before you go camping. They have all sorts of little bottles and bags that are real space savers on a bike.

In closing, the most important part of motorcycle camping is arriving safely at your destination, be it your campsite or your return home. Do not overload your bike, keep all the weight as low as you can and make sure everything is secure before traveling.

Ride safely.
Kent

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