Securing your stuff while you're away

[nyener]

I've only motocamped one time. It was at a big BMW rally near the Wisconsin Dells. I wasn't too worried about leaving my tent, sleeping bag, clothes, etc. while I was out and about. I'm planning on doing more camping this year. I plan to setup in State Parks near some great roads. I will sometimes be with other motocampers and on other trips I may be alone. What's your experiences? Do you pack up each morning even though you'll be returning to the same campground in the late afternoon? Do you leave your tent setup and take every thing else? Do you leave everything at the camp site you won't need during the ride that day?

[dannyk]

Terry, I camped for years with the bike and otherwise, I find that if camped at a rally etc., with other bikers things are pretty much safe, on the other hand I have been camped at a state park and after we went to bed at night seems like things that weren't tied down left of their own accord. I have a friend and his wife that were camped at a koa and went to see some local attractions in California, they left their leather riding suits in their tent, and when they returned, nothing left. My take on it is trust no one, that way you won't be sorry. It all depends of course where you are camped, if its in a secure campground with someone to kind of watch over the place probably no worries. Danny

[Trailace]

dannyk,
I have never had an issue leaving my stuff at the campsite. However I usually only leave my tent, bag and pad behind. Sometime I do leave it all but keep it under my rain fly.

I usually stay in state and national parks or way off the beating trail.

Rick

[sandman]

I pack my tent, sleeping bags, air mattress on top of the bike, all the important stuff is in the saddlebags,tankbag and backpack.

When I leave the campground I've got everything important on the bike. If someone trashed my campsite I'd just find a Motel and the only loss would be the camping gear.

Gordon

[Mellow]

I pack my tent, sleeping bags, air mattress on top of the bike, all the important stuff is in the saddlebags,tankbag and backpack.

When I leave the campground I've got everything important on the bike. If someone trashed my campsite I'd just find a Motel and the only loss would be the camping gear.

Gordon

Same here... I keep almost everything in the bike most of the time.

[mongo]

I have been camping since I was in elementary school, 44 now never lost anything, never noticed anything moved. Maybe I am playing the odds.

[Dketchum]

I too have camped all my life...
I usually stay at either National parks/State parks or commercial campgrounds (KOA etc)
Have never had so much as a twig moved..Kind of a campers code thing I think..

Of course, I have always used common sense and valuables - camera's, mp3 players, GPS , phones etc. are kept in bike.

[Big Bandit]

Camped all my life, left all my camping gear in camp while gone. No problemo!

Like Dketchum pointed out though, I always take the valuables with me.

[Rich Johnston]

I usually do two good trips a year. One is a week long ride/camp trip with my Pops. We usually set up at one of the M/C only campgrounds for a couple of three days. Most years we start at TWO for a day or two. Then we do 3 days at Blueridge M/C camp and 3 more at Willville M/C Camp. Never had a problem with things getting gone. I leave my trailer and all of my gear in camp. I do keep things neat and tidy and hate to have a messy looking camp, so alot of stuff gets stored in the trailer. But it's never locked. The only thing that I worry about is my pistol and it's always with me or on the bike.
The Boss and I do a two week run to New England (we even rode to New Brunswick Canada on our honeymoon) to visit her Yankee family. When we're in travel mode we ride all day then camp for the night and then move on. We stay in state and private campgrounds once we're north of Willville. I keep a better eye on my stuff and again, we've never had a problem. Every one we've met have nice to us. It seems that when you're camping in a non-M/C campground every one wants to see our setup. I suppose we've just been lucky. Or maybe it is some "campers code" as mentioned in an earlier post.

[Howlingmad]

Good question I've often wondered myself. I've not had a problem yet, but I don't go far from the bike either. My concern is usually when you leave the bike for a little while to walk around a park or whatever. It would be nice to not have to worry so much.

Has anyone used a pacsafe?
http://www.thesavvytraveller.com/agraphics/tools/pacsafe/pacsafe/pacsafe_055.jpg

Seem kinda pricy, but then again...

[Trailace]

That will keep honest people honest but if they want your stuff it would be gone. :(

[805gregg]

Go to the adventure rider site, I saw a guy how went to panama and he had one on his BMW covering his soft pack, maybe good insurance for quick run into the store.

[805gregg]

Go to the adventure rider site, I saw a guy who went to panama and he had one on his BMW covering his soft pack, maybe good insurance for quick run into the store.

[Blues Traveler]

I too have never had any problems with stuff disappearing from our campsite. Although we have been picky about were we stay. Same as mentioned before, we always take anything of value with us and keep it locked up on the bikes.

Of all things I never really thought about disappearing: Had the camp host at Furnace Creek Death Valley come around to are campfire one night and ask that we put all our liquor away before we bedded down for the night. Seems the local kids move through the campgrounds collecting bottles, "free booze". DAMN (very cleaver) KIDS!

[LandRover]

I've been staying at State / National Parks as of late. I leave the tent and sleeping bag, but everything else stays on the bike.

Slightly off route: Has anyone ever been refused entry into a Park while on the bike? It's not happened to me, but I do worry about this as I head to my destination for the night ....

[Trailace]

Slightly off route: Has anyone ever been refused entry into a Park while on the bike? It's not happened to me, but I do worry about this as I head to my destination for the night ....
I have never been refused! One time after a long day of riding I arrived at a campground and found it to be full. I did not want to keep riding so I talked to the park attendant and he told me to set my tent up anywhere. Witch I did and I paid for the non-site.

Non-Site
http://blink.smugmug.com/photos/7584455-M.jpg

[Big Bandit]

I've been staying at State / National Parks as of late. I leave the tent and sleeping bag, but everything else stays on the bike.

Slightly off route: Has anyone ever been refused entry into a Park while on the bike? It's not happened to me, but I do worry about this as I head to my destination for the night ....

I am aware of some private campgrounds that do not allow motorcycles. I think you are safe with anything run by the government.

[JCS]

Years ago I was turned away from on Ohio state park campground. I did get in but there is a story there. I think the statute of limitations has run out by now. One very irate ranger chasing one very p***** off rider comes to mind.:)

[Mellow]

Years ago I was turned away from on Ohio state park campground. I did get in but there is a story there. I think the statute of limitations has run out by now. One very irate ranger chasing one very p***** off rider comes to mind.:)

Sounds like a very interesting story...

[Mellow]

I don't know... where are you going to attach this to? A tree or picnic table leg?

Anyone that's really intent on stealing your gear will probably be dumb enough to bring a cheap pair of bolt cutters.

I figure it's just easier to keep most of your stuff with you on the bike all the time. With the exception of the tent/sleeping gear. Yes, it does amount to $200-$300 but you've probably saved 10 times that by camping vs. staying in a hotel. It would still suck but at least you'd still have your clothes and could stay at a hotel or buy some cheap gear at wal-mart.

Good question I've often wondered myself. I've not had a problem yet, but I don't go far from the bike either. My concern is usually when you leave the bike for a little while to walk around a park or whatever. It would be nice to not have to worry so much.

Has anyone used a pacsafe?
http://www.thesavvytraveller.com/agraphics/tools/pacsafe/pacsafe/pacsafe_055.jpg

Seem kinda pricy, but then again...

[silverbub]

two incidents come to mind reading this thread:
#1....few years ago...as i was about to go into neighborhood grocery on a sunday morning...a late twenties/early thirtys guy in an older van who seemed "edgy" like he was on the run was approaching numbers of us in the parking lot as we approached the store door...he asked: "say, would you want to buy some really good camping equipment?"..."i have run out of cash on MY camping trip", he said...and "i need some gas/food $ to get back home...soooo...i will sell you 'my' tent, bags, and cooking equipment real cheap"...yeah, right!...the stuff he had was absolute top grade equipment...obviously did not seem to match with the rest of "his profile"...he sold a couple of top notch down bags & similar couple of tents to some parking lot guys who are local bicylists...who apparently do not have guilt pangs about buying someone's stolen items...me, i passed on the "offer"...but i remembered the incident & just knew someone out in camping land had purchased their top grade stuff & returned to an empty campsite!...

#2...i have spend many hours over last couple decades in state or usa-corps campgrounds in the quest of fish in federal lakes or state lakes...mostly sleeping in my van or truck bed with topper...my routine in "stalking the elusive largemouth bass" was to be on lake before sunrise and return about midday to nap/eat & rest before going out again on lake for evening...MANY times during the times between 11AM to about 4PM i would notice slowly cruising suspiciously gawking dudes in their vehicles...(not all happened to be "beaters", either)...slowly driving the campgrounds...casing out the campsites...and PARTICULARLY NOTING THAT I HAPPENED TO BE STARING BACK AT THEM FROM MY CAMPSITE!...needless to say there were numerous times when i would chat with the local campground attendant that evening that he/she would inform me that yes there had been some theft in the campground that day...and they especially appreciated receiving info from me as to the suspicious types & their vehicle/license #...so, my advice is to leave at the site ONLY what you are willing to find missing upon your return...for me, doing bike touring/camping if i am using my better tent(s) & bags & stuff...then i pack up before leaving...if i am wanting to be more lazy...i will set up the cheaper bargain tent/bag on that trip at the site & if it is stolen...then the thief was really tempted by low grade stuff & i am not out much $...so, depending on my attitude for trip...the low $ stuff has some virtue for convenience & base camps...for over- niters & on the road again next morning...better gear is taken...your camping attitudes might vary!:) :sb1:

[Mellow]

Great first post!

I never thought about using the cheaper stuff I have sitting in the garage for the times when we do make a base camp and ride out from that location every day over a multi-day trip.

I would say 90% of the time, I set up just before dark, head into town for dinner then back to sleep, then pack everything up in the morning and off on the next leg of the journey.

There are many times we've gone to the Big Bend area and this advise would come in handy.

[Trekker]

One of the ideas I keep toying with is towing a small cargo trailer that I can lock gear in and leave at the campsite. The tent would be left up, along with the sleeping bags and such, but the gear used on the table could easily be placed into the locked bin for security. The trailer could also be cable locked to a tree or table for further security.

Anytime I have known someone that had gear stolen it was the small stuff- lanterns, stoves, cooksets, etc. And, I don't leave anything of great value in my tent anyway.

Keeping the trailer small would help me to NOT bring too much stuff.

[Mellow]

One of the ideas I keep toying with is towing a small cargo trailer that I can lock gear in and leave at the campsite. The tent would be left up, along with the sleeping bags and such, but the gear used on the table could easily be placed into the locked bin for security. The trailer could also be cable locked to a tree or table for further security.

Anytime I have known someone that had gear stolen it was the small stuff- lanterns, stoves, cooksets, etc. And, I don't leave anything of great value in my tent anyway.

Keeping the trailer small would help me to NOT bring too much stuff.

I had a uni-go and it is small enough I never felt it was even behind me. I used to keep all my stuff there... You really don't even feel like you need to unhook it yet you can easily keep all your camping stuff in there.

[Trekker]

I love the look and function of the Uni-go trailer...... but the cost is a bit much. If I could find one for less than $1k I might pull the trigger. (not holding my breath!)

[Mellow]

Yes, they are not cheap... hey, maybe we can get TurboCity Tom to go into the trailer business and build us a lightweight single wheeled trailer... just enough for camping gear so if you are 2 up, you can still camp ...... or take her shopping... :(

[Mark]

Last time I camped in the Grand Canyon we saw a guy walking through the camp stuffing STuff into *his* bedroll, later we learned that there had been a thief trolling.
I guess *his* bedroll was just the bag he used for the rest of the STuff he lifted.

I've been camping since the '50s in state, county and federal parks and never had anything disappear. I also know I'm statisticly ready for something to go missing.

I usually leave my tent and bags when we camp; and probably will continue to do so.

Mark

[headdoc427]

Yes, they are not cheap... hey, maybe we can get TurboCity Tom to go into the trailer business and build us a lightweight single wheeled trailer...
I'm in I'd buy one immediately.

[Trailace]

Good question I've often wondered myself. I've not had a problem yet, but I don't go far from the bike either. My concern is usually when you leave the bike for a little while to walk around a park or whatever. It would be nice to not have to worry so much.

Has anyone used a pacsafe?
http://www.thesavvytraveller.com/agraphics/tools/pacsafe/pacsafe/pacsafe_055.jpg

Seem kinda pricy, but then again...
Two of my buddies just got back from a 5-week ride south of the border and they use one of these. They said they would not go back without it.

[Fastfwd]

Great thread…. I’ve been contemplating this myself with a trip coming up. My quandary is this, is it safer to leave my stuff at the camp or leave it on the bike where I’m going to go into town for the evening? I almost question if leaving it at a campground is safer? I can’t really lock it down on my bike. A couple of bungee cords unhooked and somebody could walk off with some pretty valuable camping equipment.

The tent is for sure going to be setup and left in place and my Thermarest can stay too, but I’m not so sure about leaving a $250 sleeping bag in my tent while I’m checking things out around town/sites.

[G wizz]

I’m not so sure about leaving a $250 sleeping bag in my tent while I’m checking things out around town/sites.

Fastfwd:
Give some though to leaving your high priced sleeping bag home, and getting a cheap one from some where like Wally World, if you're afraid of getting it stolen. Then you wouldn't be out much if it did get lifted.
I for one, wouldn't take anything expensive to a campground, and go away and leave it there, just to worry about having it stolen. There is lots of equipment out there that don't cost a weeks pay, that, if it does walk off, you won't be out much.
Only other alturnitive would be to not let your high end stuff out of your sight. That way you won't have to worry about loosing it.
I know, it's sad that there are creeps out there that don't give a second thought about snagging on to other peoples belongings, and I don't know of a way to stop it, but I'm not going to give up camping becouse of it.

G wizz

[Fastfwd]

Yeah, the bag is probably my biggest concern….I can’t see anybody wanting to steal my old clothes. The only thing is that the bag is meant for packing small and light and this is the perfect use for it. I’ve got a nearly 20 year old sleeping bag that I could bring, but it would be stacked taller than my head on the back of my bike and I can’t deal with that.

One of those pack net/locks would come in handy…….

I’ll probably end up hauling my bag with me on the bike and do my best to keep an eye on it. If I’m really paranoid about it – then I’ll just bring it in with me wherever I go. I bought a nice compression sack to stuff it in today along with a few other items. Might as well make some use of that handle on it and keep tabs on my stuff.

[Mr. Guy]

Another idea is camouflage. Cover up your good stuff with an old army wool blanket to make it look like all you have is junk. Most of the time they'll only steal stuff if it looks expensive.

Guy

[fredric]

I usually leave things on the bike, but put the half cover on. Out of sight, out of mind.

[HarpoF6]

I have a pac-safe I bought from my backpacking days long ago and have used it to secure my T-bag to the bike- peace of mind when I stop for a bite or in a store. If you have the money, its nice to have. On multi day rides and staying at a base camp, I usually have a trailer with me that I can lock up stuff, and lock the trailer to a tree or something secure if needed. Valuables (GPS, Camera, etc) always take with me on the bike. Like others said, at biker rallies, its usually safe. Never had anything missing all these years.

[ImRubicon]

I have seen things disapear in a hotel also so . if its not on you its replaceable .
I do keep the unigo hooked up because its too light and costs too much to replace .
I leave camping gear as if they want my smelly old tent or sleeping bag . Ten year old stove or my dirty clothes. I do not leave my wallet or any thing else of value .
I have thought of welding a hoop on the unigo tounge so I could use one of those bike locks and lock it to the grills ?
That would give me a lot more lockable space in camp

[Peacekeeper]

Been staying in National and State parks for 35 years and never has anything taken by another person. Had some animals carry stuff away and had a bear trash a site once looking for food, but that’s it. Anything of value, such as cameras, video recorders, money, and other electronics always stay in the tour pack. The stuff I leave at he camp is basically tent, bag and cooking stuff. Most campers have some dignity while in campgrounds but you never know it today’s times, and if they steal my tent or bag I am always at least a days ride to a Wal-Mart or REI. In all reality, the only sure way is to break camp and pack up, otherwise you are at risk for theft.

[Fastfwd]

It dawned upon me this afternoon that posting your itinerary and your list of gear on a message board might not be the brightest move either. No offense to anyone here. LOL I was thinking of myself. This seems like a pretty obscure board though. Probably not much chance in tipping off would be thieves here. You never know though I see people on other boards being scammed by other posters all the time.

[G wizz]

It dawned upon me this afternoon that posting your itinerary and your list of gear on a message board might not be the brightest move either. No offense to anyone here. LOL I was thinking of myself. This seems like a pretty obscure board though. Probably not much chance in tipping off would be thieves here. You never know though I see people on other boards being scammed by other posters all the time.

Fastfwd:
Geeze ... I didn't want to hear that! ... I shurly wouldn't want to find out I'm commuticating amongst a den of theives.
Just kidding guys ... I trust you won't rip me off. - Wouldn't get anything worth much if you did.

G wizz

[Black and Blue]

I wouldn't worry too much about our people here on this forum, but I have found out that somethings that are posted here do find their way to the search engines, like Google and Yahoo. They key on certain words that someone plugs in for searching. I personally found this out when we posted our Alaska ride report. Be careful what you post on any forum.

Ernie (Blue)

[Sharpie]

Been staying in National and State parks for 35 years and never has anything taken by another person. Had some animals carry stuff away and had a bear trash a site once looking for food, but that’s it. Anything of value, such as cameras, video recorders, money, and other electronics always stay in the tour pack. The stuff I leave at he camp is basically tent, bag and cooking stuff. Most campers have some dignity while in campgrounds but you never know it today’s times, and if they steal my tent or bag I am always at least a days ride to a Wal-Mart or REI. In all reality, the only sure way is to break camp and pack up, otherwise you are at risk for theft.
Same here and in fact, I've had people leave stuff for me when I'm away from camp- firewood, water, food...

[Mellow]

Most campers watch out for each other... it's sort of an unwritten rule type of thing. Everyone knows they are all vulnerable and in the same boat so they 'keep watch' for suspicious things.

Most campers are good people just out for a nice family-oriented experience.

As with anywhere else in the world... if you keep your eyes open you can usually spot those people that don't 'act' like normal campers. I've never had any issues at State or National parks. I have seen some suspicious people at KOAs and city parks but you have a lot of people that never camp going to those and with so many eyes around it's not the best location for bad activities.

My thought process is my camping gear has paid for itself 10 times over vs staying at hotels so even with getting new gear now and then, it's all paid for... So, if someone really needs my tent/sleeping bag SO bad they have to steal it... I hope they use it and it helps them out.

[fredric]

So, if someone really needs my tent/sleeping bag SO bad they have to steal it... I hope they use it and it helps them out.

Joe, please send me your camping schedule, dates and places.

[Jeff in Ferndale WA]

Until recently,most of my camping has been in an RV,but I've always left things like lanterns,chairs,camp stoves etc,out when not around the camp.Majority of the time,I've stayed in state parks and never had anything disappear.
With the recent tent trip,we did the same.Sleeping bag left in the zipped up tent,food in the cooler,everything else left around picnic table.
Electronics,wallet,firearms,on my person or locked on the bike.

Maybe my time is coming.:eek:

One time,when I was much younger,had a park ranger confiscate a green leafy substance that he found us using...:o Speculations was that he kept it for personal use;)

[Mellow]

Joe, please send me your camping schedule, dates and places.

OK.. but remember, they call them Fart Bags for a reason. P^

[Trekker]

One time,when I was much younger,had a park ranger confiscate a green leafy substance that he found us using...:o Speculations was that he kept it for personal use;)

Dude! I hate having to use leaves to wipe with. :rolleyes::cool::D

[Trailace]

Unlike most of you rich guys (Joe) I don’t have the money to buy nice new stuff each year so all my gear is over 10 years old. So nobody would take it.

But seriously I have never had an issue with this in my forty plus years of camping. But when you’re on a long ride in the middle of nowhere you still think about it. For example while camping on the TAT II in the middle of Nevada 40 miles for the nearest pave road I still put on my stuff under the rain fly. :lol

[Jeff in Ferndale WA]

Since I have a new Roll a Home on order,I checked into insuring it and the contents of it.
I can insure the trailer and contents for 53.20 a year,so I'm not going to worry about anything getting stolen.
I will put things out of sight,and take my wallet and handgun with me,but the rest of the gear is replacable. It would even give me an excuse to buy something new!