Motorcycle Camping - The Basic Checklist

[Mellow]

Camping Gear List

Let?s start off with what is needed on a basic MotoCamp ride. Most riders that camp will find saddlebags and a soft bag (waterproof) on the rear rack or seat will carry all the necessities.

New riders to the camping world can become overwhelmed with all the camping equipment available today. One of the most difficult parts of a camping trip is deciding what to take.

After deciding what you want, or need, on a particular ride the next concern is where will it all fit? Don?t panic, it will all come together and with each trip your packing and decision making will improve. No mater how long a rider camps they find it a challenge to balance the size, weight, position and packaging of all their equipment, to reach their desired level of comfort and necessity. In the list below you will find what many campers consider necessities, comfort and luxury items:


Bare Essentials
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


___ First aid kit
___ Knife
___ Maps
___ Money/ID/credit card/ATM
___ Rain gear
___ Sleeping bag
___ Tent
___ Lighter/Matches
___ Basic tools
___ Flashlight
___ Hat
___ Medical insurance
___ Tarp - sometimes used in place of a tent

Toiletries Tote-bag
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

___ Small flashlight
___ Compass
___ Antiperspirant
___ Aspirin, Tylenol, or some other pain receiver
___ Antacids
___ Comb/brush
___ Bug Repellent
___ Finger nail clippers or nail file
___ Lip balm - some come with U.V. protection
___ Metal Mirror
___ Mouthwash
___ Personal medications--take extra
___ Quarters for the Showers
___ Shampoo
___ Shaving Accessories
___ Skin lotion
___ Small-diameter nylon rope
___ Sun screen
___ Toothbrushes
___ Toothpaste
___ Travel alarm clock
___ Tweezers
___ Watch
___ Whistle
Good Idea
(Makes camping a Little Better)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


___ Duffel/Utility bags (Clothes)
___ Air mattress/sleeping pad/cot
___ Air pump (If bring air mattress)
___ Camp towel
___ Compression sacks
___ Shower shoes/flip flops
___ Bike insurance information
___ Bungi cords/straps
___ Cell phone/charger
___ Extra batteries/bulbs
___ Extra stakes
___ Firestarter
___ Motorcycle maintenance basic list
___ Repair kit for air mattress
___ Sunglasses
___ Water bottles (Collapsible)
Comfort
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

___ Duct tape/electrical tape
___ Notepad/pen
___ Sewing kit- scissors, thread, a few needles and safety pins will do it.
___ Waterproof Storage Bags
___ Camera/battery/film/video
___ Axe
___ Lantern with fuel/mantles
___ Laundry bag
___ Plastic mallet for tent pegs Rock works if you can find one
___ Cup
___ Multimeters
___ Reservations info./confirmation
___ Ziplock bags
___ Bandana
___ 2-way radios/walkie talkies
___ Battery powered radio (with batteries of course)
___ Board for your kickstand.
___ Long Underwear
___ Shovel/scoop
___ Small roll of surveyor's tape
___ Stoves (I use a dual-fuel stove)
___ Sweatshirt/jacket
___ Swim suit/towel
Luxury
(Extra stuff for those with the extra room)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

___ Clothes Personal
___ Travelers check receipts
___ Water filters/purification/treatment
___ Windbreakers
___ Aluminum foil
___ Backpack/fanny pack
___ Binoculars
___ Blankets
___ Bug Head Net
___ Can opener/bottle opener
___ Fleece Sleeping Bag Liner
___ Guidebooks/trail maps
___ Hand wipes
___ Pillow
___ Scissors
___ Trash bags
___ Books/magazines
___ Camp chairs
___ Campfire grill/BBQ grill
___ Cards/games/toys
___ Clothes pins
___ Coffee
___ Collapsible buckets
___ Collapsible cooler
___ Disinfectant
___ Fishing gear/license/bait
___ Hammock
___ Waterproof marker
___ Work gloves
___ Compact camp chair (Thermachair
___ Containers for food storage
___ Cook utensils-spatula, knife, spoon
___ Cooking oil/Pam spray
___ Cooking pot
___ Cooking Utensils
___ Dish pan
___ Dish rags/towels
___ Dish soap
___ Drinks/snacks
___ Mat for tent entrance
___ Measuring cups
___ Musical instruments/song books
___ Napkins or paper towels
___ Popcorn
___ Scrub pad/brillo
___ Seasonings/sugar/condiments
___ Silverware/plastic silverware
___ Single serving coffee bags or tea bags
___ Thermos
___ Tissues
___ Tongs
___ Cup-O-Noodles
___ Cutting board
___ Freeze-dried food
___ Granola Bars
___ Hot chocolate/tea bags/coffee
___ Potato peeler
___ Potholders/ovenmitts
___ Footstool The attachment in the left column is a spreadsheet version of this list for printing.

This list covers most everything you might need or want while out MotoCamping. However there could be a few things we missed or overlooked. If you know of any other item please let us know so we can add them.

[Jammero]

Something to add to the bare essentials list.

An "ICE" card. In Case of Emergency. Phone numbers (who to notify), allergies, meds, etc. What ever else information you need for your individual situation.

Chalk. Draw a line around the legs of any table you have food on and it will keep the ants away. The chalk clogs up there antenna's (spelling?) up so they can't pass thru it.

Pack of mint gum (your preference). Put a stick of mint gum on your plate and it will keep the flies off your plate. Get enough potted mint plates on your porch or in your yard and it'll do the same thing.

Six 12" bungie cords. If you get caught in a spring storm or wet cold snap at any time of the year without your leathers.
Go to any gas station and ask for two old innertubes from flats they have fixed and cut them about 6" from the valve stem. Pull them up over your legs and put the valve stems in your front pocket and using anything you have put a hole on the back side and hook the bungie cord around your butt to hold it in place 'til you get home.

If you need something for your upper body see if the guy working at the gas station has any trash bags and cut a hole in the middle of the bottom for your head and two at the upper corners for your arms and put two or three thrifty nichols or what ever free press that is on hand put it under your jacket (if you have one) tuck it into your pants and get two more innertubes, cut the valve stems out and put a 12" bungee in front and in back to get you home. Use the duct tape you already have to close up the wrist and ankles. Trim as necessary for length and screw what it looks like. It beats catching pneumonia.

[msscull]

Several quart or gallon size Ziploc bags would also be good.

Fill'em with water, hang'em up near the food area & the flies will stay away.

[mongo]

Several quart or gallon size Ziploc bags would also be good.

Fill'em with water, hang'em up near the food area & the flies will stay away.

Never heard that one before, I'll have to give it a try.

As far as the checklist. This one is pretty good, just needs some juggling of catagories/items for each individual rider/camper.

[msscull]

This method is used here in Texas quite a bit, at least in the southern part.

When 1st saw the water filled Ziploc bags hanging I was outside under a pavillion eating lunch. I was wondering why in the world would anyone hang up all these bags of water.

So at the risk of sounding "not to bright" I asked someone. They said it keeps the flies away.

Until then I had not paid attention, but then I looked around & to my suprise, not a fly anywhere to be found.

I asked how/why it worked. The only explanation I got was "It has something to do with their eyes."

[Tombstone]

This method is used here in Texas quite a bit, at least in the southern part.

When 1st saw the water filled Ziploc bags hanging I was outside under a pavillion eating lunch. I was wondering why in the world would anyone hang up all these bags of water.

So at the risk of sounding "not to bright" I asked someone. They said it keeps the flies away.

Until then I had not paid attention, but then I looked around & to my suprise, not a fly anywhere to be found.

I asked how/why it worked. The only explanation I got was "It has something to do with their eyes."

Ok, I'm going to risk sounding "not to bright" also and ask; are the bags zipped closed, and how are they hung?

[msscull]

You can use 1 or 2 bags, I usually see 2 bags used.

Fill the 1st bag about 1/2 to 3/4 full of water & then insert into the 2nd bag. Run some sort hook throught he 2nd bag & hang up around the area of the food.

You may have to hang several bags, depending on the size of the area.

[Mr. Guy]

Hi Joe,

I noticed that tarp isn't on your check list. I prefer a tarp to a tent in the heat of summer. You get a nice breeze that just is not possible with a tent. This is probably a hold over from my backpacking days. I use this tarp.

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=12155&memberId=12500226&storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226&langId=-1

More than enough room and packs much smaller than a tent. If the weather looks nice I don't even bother to put it up. Sleeping under the stars has always been my favorite.

Thanks, Guy

[Mellow]

Hi Joe,

I noticed that tarp isn't on your check list. I prefer a tarp to a tent in the heat of summer. You get a nice breeze that just is not possible with a tent. This is probably a hold over from my backpacking days. I use this tarp.

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=12155&memberId=12500226&storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226&langId=-1

More than enough room and packs much smaller than a tent. If the weather looks nice I don't even bother to put it up. Sleeping under the stars has always been my favorite.

Thanks, Guy

Yeah, for me, a tarp is an extra item that I might use but probably won't.

I see a lot of dual sport guys take them.

We might need to adjust how we do this check list because if you are on or off the road, somethings have a higher priority than others.

[Mr. Guy]

Not a complete rework, maybe just add it in with shelters somewhere. Or maybe a heavy pack list and light pack list. When I use a list I usually just read through it and circle the ones I want, then check them off as I pack, so one list maybe best with two check columns: stuff to take, stuff is packed. What does everyone think?

Thanks, Guy

[Mellow]

Not a complete rework, maybe just add it in with shelters somewhere. Or maybe a heavy pack list and light pack list. When I use a list I usually just read through it and circle the ones I want, then check them off as I pack, so one list maybe best with two check columns: stuff to take, stuff is packed. What does everyone think?

Thanks, Guy

I added it in the Bare Essentials section with a note, sometimes used in place of tent.

[steve398]

Hi
First post from me as a newbie.. I'm off touring for bout 12 months round Europe, mostly camping with occasional motel stay - It's not an endurance thing for me, just pleasure, so joined your forum to get new ideas and views on products. It's been very good, thanks folks!

A couple of additions that I've found of benefit in past travels:

I wear dogtags with ICE info, blood group, name and DOB.
I also take all bike documents, obviously D/L, Ins, & MOT, plus maintenance logbook - a friend once suffered a breakdown in France on a new bike. The dealership declined to fix under warranty as they had no proof that servicing had been carried out at correct intervals.

Thanks

Steve

[Ironheadziggy76]

Welcome Steve! Good idea on the Tags, I used to have one of my old Army Dog Tags on my keyring until I remembered it had my SSN# on it. Then I got paranoid that if I lost my keys someone would have my SSN#, so I took it off. I need to have some new ones made with information I want known.

[Tx White Knight]

Welcome Steve,

Welcome to the site. Good info too. Thanks

I hang out on one site that you can send one of the folks all your info as insurance, meds, alergies, and such they will then print it out and them laminate it is so you can carry it in your pocket.

Enjoy you miles of smiles:tent8:

[G wizz]

Was wondering .... the tip about the zip-lock baggies and flys. Could the baggies be hung from spring type cloths pins strung on a rope ?
Also, woud this work to keep away those nasty little blackflys we have up north?

[anrfknm]

an extra pair of glasses if you wear them.

[Mellow]

an extra pair of glasses if you wear them.

Good advise... I do that but it's second nature and never thought about actually adding it to the list... thanks!

[bigTom]

Quote by anrfknm
an extra pair of glasses if you wear them.

Yep, that way you can use your glasses while looking for your glasses:) DAMHIK

Welcome Steve. Glad you are here!

[Flashdog]

I finally did what I had been meaning to do for a long time. I edited my wife's contact info. in my cellphone to "ICE Wife Sandra" prior to my last trip. She actually found that funny! EMS and law enforcement officers started to get more training on looking for these things. Kinda like Medical Alert bracelets.

[Mr. Guy]

Good advice Steve, I hadn't heard that before.

Guy

[jkane13]

I am pretty much counting on them nor anyone else getting past the pin number locking my mobile device! ICE is a cute idea, but I don't want someone else wandering around in my portable brain that keeps a lot more than just phone numbers in it.

Besides ... 90% of the time my wife would be riding next to me at the time! :)

[bluepoof]

Baby wipes!! They're a must-have for me on overnight trips -- a makeshift washcloth, sweat rag, hand wipe, something to wipe camping dishes off with....I love em!

[Yamifj1200]

Baby wipes!! They're a must-have for me on overnight trips -- a makeshift washcloth, sweat rag, hand wipe, something to wipe camping dishes off with....I love em!

They are also great to help prevent monkey butt on long rides.

Eric

[HOGCDR]

Here is my loadout list, I keep updating it after each ride or gear added.

[sawguard]

Here are a few of the ideas I've used on my MC camping trips:

Before leaving, make a copy of every document you keep in your wallet and
notify someone in your family or close acquaintance where the information will
be kept at HOME. Losing a wallet on a trip can be a serious problem(I have
done it) and with copies of your documents you can re-create it more easily.

Keep some cash and/or a credit card hidden on your bike somewhere so that at least
you will be able to pay for gas/hotel/tow, etc. to get home if the wallet disappears.

Key in your critical phone numbers, insurance, credit cards, etc.in your cell phone so that
you can easily make phone calls. Under stress sometimes it's difficult to think rapidly and
clearly.

Although some people plan on cooking in camp, I find that it causes multiple problems:
- you must carry additional gear for fire starting, and cooking
- you must carry food
- food and cooking in camp attract animals, a nuisance or perhaps even dangerous
I"d suggest a small, foldable ice chest for ice,water and snacks, but eat away from camp.

Carry toilet paper in your tankbag or other easy to reach place, when you need it, you need it
now !

If you don't have a GPS, and you're traveling through busy, but unfamiliar territory...fast speed
limits, interstate or trafficky city streets.... get a small notebook and write your turns in large print
for your next several miles, until you get away from traffic. Easier to look at the notebook's
large print than try to memorize turns, or read a map and watch for turns and heavy, fast
moving traffic.

I bought a cheap tarp, and trimmed it to size and a shape that is slightly smaller than the footprint of my tent, and I left a small flap about 2 x 2' to use in front of the entrance, for my dirty boots.
Using a ground pad protects the tent bottom and cutting it slightly smaller than the tent
footprint prevents any water that drips down the tent in a rain shower from running underneath
then tent. The small flap for the entrance can be rolled up under the tent if necessary, but allows
for a place to set boots, water bottle, ice chest etc.

Bathroom in a bottle:For the men in the camping group...I keep a plastic, quart size empty bottle in my camping gear in case the
call of nature "calls" me. In crowded campgrounds you may have to wake up very early or very
late in cold or wet weather to tramp to the bathroom. With a portable potty and a little maneuvering,
you can stay in your tent near your warm sleeping bag, not bother with shoes in the dark and still get some likely much needed relief. Watch your aim.

Buy an inexpensive small hand mirror, a whistle and a fire starting kit and keep them handy, in
your tankbag, or in your riding jacket. If something happens, you'll at least have a way to
signal others of your location and with a fire starting kit and a few balls of petroleum soaked
cotton, you'll have a way to start a fire should you need one.

Since I use a small hand axe to drive and remove my tent stakes and chop kindling if need be,
I also keep it at the head of my sleeping bag so that I can find it immediately and in the dark,
should I need it for any emergency.

I.C.E. Medics are trained to look in our wallets and on our cell phones for any numbers
listed as I.C.E....in case of emergency. Include those numbers in your wallet and cell phone.

I've tried for years to find the right light for use in camp and have come to the following
conclusions. Sometimes you need light that is cast over a distance and sometimes you need
light that is focused. I use two sources, a small LED bulb/battery powered lantern for
lighting my camp area for walking or to see better around areas, and I use a small
spelunkers' headlamp for focused light, reading, packing etc. Both can be had for less than
$30 from Wal-Mart. Get ones that use the same kinds of batteries to again lessen your camping
hassle. NO flame, no gas or other combustibles, less danger and hassle.

I use a small, circular, waterproof thermometer to help me dress for the day. Sometimes it's
difficult to judge riding temps while standing in still air, so I bought an inexpensive unit from
Formotion and veclroed it to my dashboard. A quick look tells me how to dress for the morning
ride.

I fashioned three 12V outlets as conveniences on my bike. GPS, Cell Phone, Radar detector.
Since they all use just a very few volts I can actually use all three simultaneously, or I can
use my heated gear when necessary.

Although my friends chuckle, I still use bungees as my primary packing accessory. With
webstrapping fashioned as hold downs, to prevent scratching my bike, bungees are easy to
engage, and remove, they keep constant tension on the load and are simply replaced.
I asked my wife to sew loops in both ends of 14 inch webstrapping and I wrap them around tie down
points on my bike or luggage rack, then hook the bungees to the straps. Simple, fast, cheap,
virtually mistake proof. Just make sure you hold both ends of the bungees as you fasten then to your loads.

Keep a small or medium size " blood clotting" agent in your first aid kit, available at
Cabelas and other adventure stores. It may save your life.

Since I ride my bike on camping trips, or to overnight away trips to meet with clients, I've
worked out what gear I need to include on the different kinds of trips. If anyone wants a copy of
my "camping gear" , or my Overnight bike ride to a client's gear," drop me an email.
sawguard@bellsouth.net


I have others, hope this helps my colleagues in camping.

[TJ Willy]

And when trying to 'learn' your kit and narrow down what your bring... especially from the non-essential list.... when you get home. Unpack the bike immediately. Make two piles. Stuff I used and stuff I did not use or found got in my way.

Pick from the stuff not used that you deem absolutely necessary.

Toss the rest. Write it all down.

Also, keep a logbook/journal for the days on the trip. Take note of the "glad I brought gear" and the "this is just taking up my space". Keep it handy when you pack for the next list.

[TJ Willy]

Good advice ... And I've used it.
After motocamping for, oh lets see, going on forty years now, I've gotten my list down to a spare pair of sox and a tooth brush.
Now I have plenty of room for ... nothing. P^

G wizz


See folks!!! The system works!


http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r262/theclencher/smiley_rofl.gif

[obx-rider]

I've moto-camped for years 1-up allowing myself all kind of indulgences in what I carry. I am now planning my first long distance 2-up trip and find I must exercise considerable self restraint to get it all on my ST1300.

I was originally going to ditch my Top Box and go with a couple of Helen Twowheel bags...but my wife expressed dismay at loosing the Top Box because she likes the security it offers her. So the Top Box stays. I'll probably order Turbo Tom's rack for the Top Box if only for a place to strap a couple of backpacking thermorest pads on. Anyone use one (the rack,not the pads)?

One of the good things is my wife is a very light packer. I will probably have to insist she take an additional item or three for layering (temps from 40-105 :eek: this trip).

I wish I had time for a 'test ride' weekend trip but we are launching straight into a 2 weeker: (I may load the bike for just a test ride around the block, that's all work allows.) Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah. Trailering it the near 2,000 mis to Denver then riding 2,900 mis. Yeah I hate trailering a bike but that allows the cover the most interesting riding in the time I have alloted.

Fortunately we backpack so I do have some light/compressible gear. If I have to leave behind my coffee maker and Kermit chair I'm going to be pissed...:mad:

[Ripshod]

This thread points out the diversity of camping styles. I look at it a little differently. Instead of paring down the load to what I absolutely need, I've assessed what I want, and have worked to devise a way to take it all safely and conveniently. Since I always travel one-up, I've tried to make the most out of any and all space which would have been used by a passenger. I keep the load laterally centered, low, and forward. That way, a gear load of 100lbs is completely doable and affects handling even less than a passenger would. I like to camp as much as I like to ride. The gear I take and the way I pack it reflects those preferences.

The gear list in the OP is great. Some of the Comfort/Luxury items on the list are things I'd consider to be essentials, but then I see my personal comfort (and luxury, to an extent) to be essential. For instance, almost all of the cooking and eating supplies are bare essentials for me because I see camping as an opportunity to eat well. In fact, my camp meals are routinely better than the average meal I get at home. It's a big letdown when due to weather or time on the road, I have to settle for a restaurant meal. I would never see Cup 'o Noodles and freeze-dried food as a luxury.

I'm not suggesting a change to the list at all. (Having said that, I might suggest adding 'Footstool' (http://www.st-owners.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=662&pictureid=9062) to the list of luxury items, though it's part of my basic gear) I'm just using this opportunity to express what an oddball I am as compared to the average motocamper. I'm a maximalist and proud of it!

[Trailace]

Added Footstool

[Ripshod]

Added Footstool

I was mostly kidding about that, but there's no harm in having it on the list.

Actually that's the most exhaustive motocamping list I've seen. It's giving me ideas but it sure ain't telling me where to put more stuff!

[JimH]

Hi Everyone,
I'm new to the forum, new to motocamping. I looking for tips and tricks and maybe pass some along to everyone.
About the check list. With out going into a lot of details I have backpacked in Florida, Georgia, South & North Carolina, Virgina, and New Mexico. My first experince backpacking my pack weighed 70+ lbs. The last couple of trips, my standard pack weighed no more than 20 lbs. Yes backpackers are fanitics about size and weight. Canoers on long trips are even more size/weight wise.
I guess what I want to say is "Less is more"
Cheers JimH

[Trailace]

Welcome to the site!

[JimH]

What about using a drybag to pack gear in? I have a large drybag with compression straps and rings to tie it in a canoe. It also has shoulder straps for portage.

[Trailace]

What about using a drybag to pack gear in? I have a large drybag with compression straps and rings to tie it in a canoe. It also has shoulder straps for portage.

That's what I use on the small DS.
http://trailace.smugmug.com/photos/579727095_pJ8RW-M.jpg

[JimH]

Rick,
Thanks for the info. I actualy have two dry bags, that i have used for canoe camping. I think one is med in size, and the other large. The large one is the one with shoulder straps for using as a back pack during portages. I'm going to start getting my back packing gear together and figure out how to pack everything on the bike. Thanks again
JimH

[SidecarMike]

Some nice customizeable checklists here. Even one for Credit Card Campers!:D

http://micapeak.com/checklists/

[dan1551]

Hey1 If you put 2 pennys in the ziplock it even works better.....something to do with thinking its eyes.... and cant focus on them!

[SidecarMike]

Mellow,
I'd like to adapt a copy of the Excel spreadsheet to our car camping, but it's asking for a password before it will let me add stuff.
Pretty Please???

:D

[Trailace]

Mellow,
I'd like to adapt a copy of the Excel spreadsheet to our car camping, but it's asking for a password before it will let me add stuff.
Pretty Please???

:D
Try this one but if it still does not work send me an email at motocampers@gmail.com and I will send it to ya.

[SidecarMike]

Try this one but if it still does not work send me an email at motocampers@gmail.com and I will send it to ya.
It still locks me out, but I figured out that I could copy the page, open a new blank workbook, and paste it in. I can edit it now. Thanks.

[Saddlebutt]

Lots of great ideas. We enjoy all the information on this forum. I read somewhere that one of the guys had made his own dry bags. Not able to locate that thread, was wondering if any of you have made your own dry bags. I have ours all finished except for the closure. Currently I thought I would just do a draw string/cord, but I know that is not the best plan on keeping the rain out. The bags are very easy to make, stronger than anything I have seen and alot less $. Thanks:tent6:

[smith8833]

Wal-mart has a great set of 2 duffle style dry bag's, one small/med the other large. They zip around the top which has great access. We use the med one for clothes, it goes in the sidecar trunk. The other is large enough for the two mats, micro fiber blankets (in there own small dry bag) camp stove, cooking kit, tent and misc. stuff. That goes on the trunk rack or across the saddlebags, just depends on how the rig feels. We haven't REFINED our list yet but the bags have been good.

[thatdude]

Hi Joe,

I noticed that tarp isn't on your check list. I prefer a tarp to a tent in the heat of summer. You get a nice breeze that just is not possible with a tent. This is probably a hold over from my backpacking days. I use this tarp.

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=12155&memberId=12500226&storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226&langId=-1

More than enough room and packs much smaller than a tent. If the weather looks nice I don't even bother to put it up. Sleeping under the stars has always been my favorite.

Thanks, Guyi wont leave home without my tarps. besides sleeping under it , they sure come in handy if you're caught in the middle of nowhere in a hailstorm

[hilld]

I know I am late to the "list", but one item that I do not see on there is a spare key for your bike, especially if it has some sort of chip in it to prevent it from starting. Keep in stashed somewhere on the bike, in case you loose your key.

I am getting ready for a 4 day camping/dual sport ride, so I am "trying" to pack light but not overdo it, as excess weight on the trails is not really a good thing. Getting my list onto a diet is a lot harder than you think.

Happy trails.

Derek

[lytle1gw]

I agree spare key is a must.

[kayakinbiker]

Yep even for local riding... I almost left my solo key at Timmie's last night whenI stopped for a coffee! The worker came after me and handed it to me..otherwise I would have had tp retrace my steps and figure out that I left it on the counter..funny thing was I live 2 blocks from there but a few more from work so it woulda been a fun last night before days off!...

[Indianscout]

I agree spare key is a must.

I carry two spares, one hidden on the bike and one in my jacket.

[SidecarMike]

I agree spare key is a must.
Agreed. I carry one of these around my neck, under my shirt with a key, an insurance card, and a MasterCard.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51frpXwItPL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

[hilld]

So rather than seeing the "bring everything including the kitchen sink" list, how about a you have to have list for M/C camping.

My list:
Tent
Sleeping bag and pad
Stove, fuel and cooking utils (pot, plate, cuttlery) & minimal spices/seasoning
basic toiletries
2 or 3 days clothing including waterproof jacket (clothing dependent on the season, but always be prepared for the unexpected change in the weather)
laundry detergent & clothes line
food for a day or two
basic tools for the bike including patch kit and air compressor
flashlight (I prefer a headlight)
first aid kit
copies of drivers license and other pertinent docs such as credit card


I didn't list helmet, riding gear, camel back, plexus, etc as that is expected.

Please feel free to post your minimalist list. I look forward to seeing yours.

Derek

[kayakinbiker]

You guys will seriously die when/if ya see how I use MY tarp! HAHA!! I just throw it over the tent and hold it down with any rocks I might find! Doubles as a critter alerter too! You can hear em walking onto the tarp in the middle of the night...if ya hear me say Gitouttahere, ya know the critters are around! Simple critter alerter! Done!....BTW if there is no rain forecasted, the tarp stays off....

[G wizz]

You guys will seriously die when/if ya see how I use MY tarp! HAHA!! I just throw it over the tent and hold it down with any rocks I might find! Doubles as a critter alerter too! You can hear em walking onto the tarp in the middle of the night...if ya hear me say Gitouttahere, ya know the critters are around! Simple critter alerter! Done!....BTW if there is no rain forecasted, the tarp stays off....

Soo ... "Gitouttahere" is the code word for "somethings out there"?
I'll try to remember that at the Camp Out ... :p

[kayakinbiker]

Agreed. I carry one of these around my neck, under my shirt with a key, an insurance card, and a MasterCard.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51frpXwItPL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

Good idea!

[kayakinbiker]

Soo ... "Gitouttahere" is the code word for somethings out there?
I'll try to remember that at the Camp Out ... :p

Gitouttahere also works when G decides she wants to tunnel under the covers on the bed or in the sleeping bag..well, it almost works! She likes to sleep under the covers in winter.. I have had to pull her outta the bed many times to allow her oxygen! HAHA!! BTW dogs make great warming things when it gets a lil chilly during the night camping....bring one.......

[G wizz]

BTW dogs make great warming things when it gets a lil chilly during the night camping....bring one.......

Nah ... Don't need no dog to keep me warm on a cold night of camping ...
I have Whatever .... She does a MUCH better job ... P^ ... :)

G

[kayakinbiker]

Is Whatever coming to Cyclemore George?

[G wizz]

Is Whatever coming to Cyclemore George?

I wouldn't be able to pull this Camp Out off without Whatever ...
But let me tell ya, Whatever won't to be there to keep me from getting cold ...

G

[jim454]

Lots of great info here.

There is a fine line between to much gear and to little. I like to note what gear was essential and what gear was not. Each trip refines my plan for the next. I tried to go light on my last trip, skimped on the tent and boy, I sure suffered for it.

[Indianscout]

Didn't take a tent?!? Boy and I thought I packed light! :D

[jim454]

Shoulda clarified, I went with a single wall, one person tent, got soaked in a big thunderstorm.

[lytle1gw]

I never skimp on shelter it'll always jump up and bite ya the arsh.:D

[RCLafnjack]

Camping check lists for me can vary differently depending on where I'm going, and what I'm planning to do. Wether fishing or just touring my camping list will change quite a bit.
I found this customizable list you can basically create your own camping list and then save it to your computer. I've found it very handy. I will customize a list for a particular trip rather than having a cart blanc list that has items I will or will not take.
The instructions are very easy to follow.

http://micapeak.com/checklists/mclist.html

ENJOY.

[quadancer]

I've used it for the last year...but...got comfy with the gear in the ready box and stopped checking the list. NOT a good thing when you're 58 and wife talks a lot!

[Nevada Dub]

Didn't see TP on the list.

[Indianscout]

Didn't see TP on the list.



You'll only forget that once!!!

[lytle1gw]

always a couple rolls on the bike I gotta wife, don't want slapped on the back of the helmet for a whole trip.:D

[Kimswang]

For those of you taking an iPhone with you, try the app called "My Ride" by Edible apps, I found it very helpful and I have several different list made on it pending on what I am doing and where I am going. It also have a space for all the ICE stuff, as well as mileage and other things. Lots of help for us that is suffering from CRS...

[Hoot]

Camping check lists for me can vary differently depending on where I'm going, and what I'm planning to do. Wether fishing or just touring my camping list will change quite a bit.
I found this customizable list you can basically create your own camping list and then save it to your computer. I've found it very handy. I will customize a list for a particular trip rather than having a cart blanc list that has items I will or will not take.
The instructions are very easy to follow.

http://micapeak.com/checklists/mclist.html

ENJOY.

Thanks for the tip. Already added it to my favorites so I can pull it up easy. Been working on my own but this is much cleaner and easier to use.