Moto-Camping Check List

[Trekker]

:tent8:
Attached is my version of a checklist of gear to pack for a Moto-camping trip. I took liberties with one that Mellow had posted, reviewed other lists, and took notes on my latest trip. I removed items I didn't need or use, and left some that may still need to come off the list. These lists should always be "living documents", subject to constant review and revision.

One way to save lots of packing space is to leave out all the cooking gear & related food. Eating in restaurants can cost a bit more, but it means less gear to pack and more time on the road. Ready to eat snacks can still supplement your diet.

What I've found to be the toughest items to pack are tent poles and other long objects. A tent can be packed into a saddle bag and kept dry or separate from other items, but tent poles tend to be too long. Almost always the poles get strapped across the rear seat. For some that obstructs the view in the mirrors. I'm still working out where to strap on the pole bag to keep my view un-obstructed.

My last ride I took too much in clothes. Riding from snowy conditions to low 70's I was certian I would need a large variety of clothes to keep me comfortable. I was wrong! Future rides I will be more deliberate in packing just enough to keep me from smelling too bad.

[motomac]

I can never get those files to open. That's probably why I always leave something in the Bunkhouse when I'm in the tent, or leave something on the ST when I'm in the Bunkhouse.

[sandman]

Mac,

You're probably missing the program Excel needed to open an .xls spreadsheet.

Here's a site with checklist generators that let you create your own checklist and print it out.

http://www.micapeak.com/checklists/

Gordon

[motomac]

Gordon, Thank you verrrrrry much. I will still leave stuff, cause I'll forget which unit I'm supposed to be taking!!!!!!!

[sandman]

Mac,

I resemble that remark!

Senior moments can hit at the worst times, can't they?

I thought the checklist generator would be a great asset when I first saw it, glad it works for you.


Gordon

[Trekker]

Mac- How about creating a specific list for each unit? My list for car camping with the wife is much different than a moto-camping or backpacking list. I know... I know... I'm suggesting more work for ya! :D

[motomac]

You guys don't understand. I keep losing the lists!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[Trekker]

I have the answer Mac! ........... Duct Tape !!! :D

"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." - Red Green

[Alan]

I also keep a packing list and it is a living document, updated each year from experience. One thing missing from your list is an entry showing where the item is packed. I don't use anything as fancy as a spreadsheet to maintain my list, just a standard mainframe ISPF editor. But on a PC you can easily use NotePad and a .txt document. Here is an example of my list:

__________________________________________________ __________
| | CELL PHONE PLUG CABLE | TANK BAG - CENTER
__________________________________________________ __________
| | CAMPING LANTERN | DUFFEL BAG
__________________________________________________ __________
| | CLIP-ON BOOK LIGHT | TANK BAG - CENTER
__________________________________________________ __________
| | COFFEE MAKER WITH FILTERS | DUFFEL BAG
__________________________________________________ __________
| | COFFEE | DUFFEL BAG


The small box to the left of each item is used to checkoff each item as its packed where it belongs. Listing where something is packed can make it easier to find something in the middle of the night when its really dark out.

[Trekker]

Good point! I'm still working on that aspect. Since I came back from my latest trip I'm still thinking about packing differently.

Spreadsheets aren't fancy...:D They are easy list makers... ya don't even need to know what all though formulas thingys do!

[Mellow]

You guys don't understand. I keep losing the lists!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

here's a txt file for ya... even if you do loose it... I don't know why you don't just laminate one and tape it to the inside top of your trailers.:fire3:

[Alan]

Spreadsheets aren't fancy...:D They are easy list makers... ya don't even need to know what all though formulas thingys do!

Thats true, but for the PC challenged, a spreadsheet probably looks like voodoo science!;)

I've been in the data processing industry since 1968 (ouch) so not much of this computer crap fazes me, but I know that some of the members of this site and other online sites don't have any computer background, so are somewhat intimidated by our systems.

[Mellow]

One thing that would be easy to do is for me to put a page together with the lists... that is displayable as a post and you can print that.. then check IT off and not have to worry about other programs to open the files.

That is pretty much what we did HERE (http://www.motocampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6) now that I look back.

The problem with lists is they are very subjective. If you have or don't have a trailer odds are you aren't going to pack the dutch oven for making biscuits in the morning. Sorry mac, you're just an easy target.

Our original list was a way to list the things that are most common and cover the majority of people. Maybe it's better if we adjust that one with changes. Or, maybe have one targeting 2-up, trailer, dual sport, etc type riders and each has different camping priorities?

[Trekker]

Hey, the beauty of using a PC is creating a simple list you can change for different applications. These lists can be created in spreadsheet, word documents of all flavors, or just copied from the screen to a legal pad using old technology pencils. :D

I would be more inclined to think that since home PC's have been bundled with Office programs for so long now, most internet & cell phone users could learn to use the simple programs.

And there are those that have "list aversion syndrome". There's no hope for them! Not even a pill! :D

[Mellow]

Lots of us are technology junkies.. I meet people now and then that don't even have a computer.. heck, my parents don't.. I just got them a cell phone as they are making more trips to doctors and they need to ability to contact someone in case of emergency. Not to mention they are in OK and it would help to have a cell phone in case a tornado hits and they are stuck in a storm cellar, assuming the cell towers are still up.

They're having a hard time getting used to a cell phone and I'm sure there are others in the same situation.

Obviously, you have a computer if you are on this site. Some just aren't as application-experienced as those of us that do this for a living or have to use these as part of our jobs.

I wasn't trying to criticize the effort, far from it, just trying to offer alternatives that are much simpler as that would be easiest for most. Maybe, 3 or 4 formats for the same list will help everyone.

[motomac]

here's a txt file for ya... even if you do loose it... I don't know why you don't just laminate one and tape it to the inside top of your trailers.:fire3:

I'd lose the grease pencil!!!!!

[Mellow]

I'd lose the grease pencil!!!!!
:dizzy1: :ph1:

[JCS]

Some great ideas on the check lists. I have usually done this the old fashioned way (with a pencil) but think that I will do one on the computer. And yes, I am a computer illiterate.

But I ways to deal with this handicap. I holler for the wife!:D

[motomac]

Dang, I don't have one of those either!!!!!

[JCS]

Dang, I don't have one of those either!!!!!


Ain't there rental places that will supply sumthin' that takes care of at least part of those chores?:cool: ;)

[Trekker]

Ain't there rental places that will supply sumthin' that takes care of at least part of those chores?:cool: ;)

I kinda sure that might not be legal in Ohio....... I'm just sayin.....:rolleyes:

[Jake]

Just joined the forum, saw your post and the comment about tent poles. Last year began a mc camping trip across the US, with a little tent that has folding poles. Right, they do stick out behind the rider. But, if you can, as I did, strap the poles/tent to the side of the bike, parallel to the wheels. Riding a Yamaha Royal Star Venture with hard saddle bags and chrome trim around them, I strapped the tent to the chrome trim on one side, my sleeping mat on the other. Rode good, still can open the hard bags, didn't interfere with the passenger pegs, side stand, other. One caution, keep away from curbs and fairly tight turns...The tent sets sort of low and in a turn it will give before the curbing.
Just an idea. Like your list. Jake

[Tx White Knight]

Welcome Jake

we enjoy your input and thoughts anytime, a lot of us old dogs and learn new tricks :D

[Trekker]

I updated my check lists. The Excel spreadsheet has two tabs- one a complete list and the other a minimalist list.

The txt files are just text versions of those two tabs.

[Triker tom]

great list

[Tx White Knight]

I print off a list every time I start gathering stuff up P^

[RCLafnjack]

Mac,

You're probably missing the program Excel needed to open an .xls spreadsheet.

Here's a site with checklist generators that let you create your own checklist and print it out.

http://www.micapeak.com/checklists/

Gordon

This one is my favorite. Customizable and easy to do..

[SidecarMike]

Something I might add.
After years of digging, I finally organized my list by location; left bag, right bag, tour pack,trailer. Not only does it help at the campsite, but it also helps me replenish. Expendables are always in the right saddlebag and the sidecar trunk. Most of the stuff in the camper never changes. The tourpack carries stuff that I carry year around, like sunblock, cigars, and first aid kit and the left saddlebag is for my clothes.