New to this site and camping.

[Ghostbuster]

New to this site and riding. Would like to try camping out has a list of recommend gear been put together for newbie wanting to give this a try and posted to this site?

[mongo]

If you are just trying it for the first time to see if you like camping from a motorcycle (or just camping ) I would not buy anything expensive. All you really need is a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping Pad, lighter and possibly a cheap foldable chair (unless you stay where there is a picnic table) and a good flashlite or two to start with. I am sure others will chime in but these are the essentials. If you like it then you can start replacing your cheaper gear with good and add on to the list, or if you do not like you are not out much $.

[Ghostbuster]

If you are just trying it for the first time to see if you like camping from a motorcycle (or just camping )

The answer to both questions would be YES!

In the last 6 months I've been to 20 states on my motorcycle and have passed by what appeared to be some great places to stay like the KOA campground just outside of Devial's Tower (sp ??).

[mongo]

KOA's are usually pretty much the same, they are nice, have stores, showers, are near points of interest, and laundry facilities on site. There is a list of campgrounds on this site that covers most of the states. There are some great state, national forest camps that are quite a bit cheaper ($7-$12) than KOA's ($16-$60). I don't know where you live but the south east is loaded with MC only campgrounds. I beleive I would take the first trip to a local CG, Just to get lined out. my .02 Camping is a great way to tour affordably, and lots of people would rather camp than motel. Have fun and ride safe.

[Mark]

Hi GB,

I believe I saw your Wing at Westoc... good looking Wing.

I you are thinging about getting gear for motorcycle camping all you have to do is ask yourself a couple of questions about any piece of gear.

1) Is it small enough that backpacker might by this item?
2) Do I have room to fit it in/on my bike?

Obviously the 1st question doesn't relate to some of the cots and folding chairs I've seen the BMW guys carrying...

KOA campgrounds have cabins where all you have to have is a sleeping bag...

Mark

[funny-biz]

Hi, GB!

I agree with Mongo and Mark. Find a local park or campground and spend a night or two with the bare essentials. Maybe borrow equipment from a friend if you can. That will give you a good feel for bike camping and whether or not it's right for you.

As far as equipment, you'll find some decent hints on this site and at:
http://users.pullman.com/viking/CampingList.htm
http://www.wetleather.com/reference/camping.html
http://www.bmwmoa.org/camping/camping.htm

Personally, I tend to overpack. Fellow riders usually pick on me until they need something. I've got a decent 9x7 tent (you'll rarely be sorry if you get the biggest you can carry); a good sleeping bag; a one-burner propane stove; a small camp cookset; a small ax (great for hammering in tent stakes too); flashlight/lantern; small tent fan; and some smaller things I've learned to bring from experience (cutlery, lighter, gloves, etc.). If I'm solo I use a self-inflating mattress, if I have company I bring a larger air mattress and pump.

The only equipment I'd really stay away from is Wal-Mart's, and maybe the cheapest entry level line of any brand. Good places to shop include www.campmor.com and www.rei.com.

You've already got some of the prerequisites: a good touring bike, miles under your belt, and a thirst for adventure.

Good luck!
Mark (the other one)

[Mellow]

It's definitely a moving target, you always strive to tweak your gear to get smaller, better functionality out of it.

But, the key is to be comfortable and then getting that comfort to fit on the bike.

If you have access to some cheap stuff just to try out camping that's a good idea however, to me, if you skimp on what you end up sleeping on, you will be miserable and most likely toss camping as an alternative alltogether.

I'm a cheap person... so for me, camping means I don't pay $$ for hotels. One 5-day, or 5 1-day, trips camping will pay for itself in what I would have spent on hotel rooms so I didn't mind spending $100 on a good backpacking tent (make sure it's long enough for you) and $120 on a good sleeping bag (synthetic packs larger and is cheaper and down packs smaller but more expensive) get one rated around 20 degrees IMO..

Then, get to walmart and get an air mattress... nothing is worse when camping than to get a bad night's sleep. If you plan on cold weather camping, get a thinner air matress, hot wheather and the thicker one will do.

The cabelas backpack bag works great on the wing rear seat.
http://blink.smugmug.com/photos/94217398-M.jpg

Aren't you in Allen or Mckinney? If you want to borrow some gear for a test, just hollar...

[GoldWingGL]

GB,
I agree with Joe and the others. If you are not comfortable and happy with the experience, you will chuck it forever. You don’t have to get the best stuff to be comfortable but it can help. Heck I’m one to talk, look at my setup…LOL
Hey Biz, I hope you are not saying don’t shop at Wal-Mart. We have some great stuff from there and the prices are good too. Of like stores, they have one of the best Camping Sections and Selections I have seen other than the REI type places. I still need to make a trip there to get some more things that we thought of on our last 2 night getaway to the Mountains.

P.S. Joe, you got some pics from your recent trip?

[Mellow]

P.S. Joe, you got some pics from your recent trip?

Still working on the ride report.. but Here (http://mellow.smugmug.com/gallery/1880874) are my pics.

[funny-biz]

Nothing personal Chris! I'm just another one of those anti-walmart guys. I'm also anti-Micro$oft, so dont' feel bad. I have bought some of my equipment from Wally World, though.

[GoldWingGL]

Biz,

It was not taken personal at all, but you should know, I Have worked at Microsoft….LOL

[ChipSTer]

Sounds basic, but don't forget a good insect repellant... Can't count the number of times I've loaned out mine to someone that forgot theirs.... :o
:cool:

[funny-biz]

Biz,

It was not taken personal at all, but you should know, I Have worked at Microsoft?.LOL

Ack! And you admit it in public!? :p

Bug repellent! You will want bug repellent. And sun screen, too. Those are those little items you learn about from experience.

[GoldWingGL]

Ack! And you admit it in public!? :p

Bug repellent! You will want bug repellent. And sun screen, too. Those are those little items you learn about from experience.

I did not work for Billy, but I did meet him when he was only a Millionaire?LOL
I worked for a Company that was contracted to work there back in 87. That place is 10 times the size now.

[GoldWingGL]

Still working on the ride report.. but Here (http://mellow.smugmug.com/gallery/1880874) are my pics.

Joe,

Those are some great pics. I see you were up right by me in one of my Favorite places, Mt Rainier. There are pics on my website from there, Camping and other day trips. We can?t get enough of that place.
I look forward to the Report as it looks like you had a great time.