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Too big for me. I like the flexibility of being able to pitch almost anywhere, hence why we use the MSR. I can see the appeal, but not for me.

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Too big for me. I like the flexibility of being able to pitch almost anywhere, hence why we use the MSR. I can see the appeal, but not for me.

 

Same here... I'm 6'5 and have never had a problem with an ordinary 'low' tent... I always try to pitch it as close to the shower block as possible and a smaller tent generally means this is less of a problem, If Im riding off, then I use the shower block to get changed in.. theres nearly always seating of some sort which makes putting my boots on much easier. If i cant get close to the shower block then I look for an alternative, like a picnic table and bench. or other seating and use that.

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My camping foray has become a family excursion which colours things differently- car or maybe van but no bike and 4 of us but I think it will be good anyway, maybe better but definitely more expensive!


I bought the boys the 3 man Quechua pop up tent for £55 and it’s very good value, has an attached fly sheet, mesh net inner door, little porch bit for your shoes, a loop for your lamp, hanging pockets, tested to “monsoon rainfall levels” and really does spring open in 2 seconds. It’s far to big for the bike but it’ll serve its purpose on this trip.

I haven’t bought the cooking gear because now we’re in a car the cheap clunky weighty stuff that was in the garage from my sons camping trip from many moons ago will suffice.


Any necessary purchases are still with motorcycle camping in mind though.

The exped air bed has turned up at looks good but I’m not buying 4 of them so I said I contribute the £20 a cheapo bed costs and they could put it towards a more expensive one if they liked- everyone picked themselves a cheapo air bed at £19.99- what could possibly go wrong?!

I bought 2 little well reviewed battery chargers because I think even if it’s not a success the little chargers can go in their school bags. Plus I can easily bungee one to the handlebars or mount to charge the phone whilst riding if I need the sat nav.

The shredded memory foam pillow turned up and is ‘customisable’ ie you can unzip it and remove filling to get a height that suits you so I’m happy with that purchase.

Really fancy the little camping chair Tango recommended but I’ll wait n see how the family outing goes!

Buying the sleeping bags last minute so I can check the weather forecast and get whatever’s appropriate for the time.


Mistakes so far have been the collapsible washing up bowl- far too big for the motorbike and looks quite pointless. The led rechargeable torch/lamp that’ll be fine on this trip with a car but useless on the bike with no lecky!


Here’s pic of the tent the 2 seconds up was true but not 2 seconds down, worth the money just to watch two teenage boys trying to put it back in the bag! :lol:

C5C6156E-699C-44D7-95D5-31C821497A4F.thumb.jpeg.59fdfca4e3270813b39304122c60a29b.jpeg

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  • 4 weeks later...

I have done the tent thing and not for short occasions and my ideas are born from hard won experience and necessity, and they work.


Tents


Get two, one that fits inside the other pitching one smaller tent inside a bigger one will cut any wind and no rain no matter how severe can penetrate two tents. The larger tent serves as a storage area wetroom for muddy boots.


Sleeping bags

Two cheap rectangular sleeping bags one inside the other will keep you warm as toast no matter how cold it gets.


Mattresses


One thick foam mattress roll thrust inside the sleeping bag keeps the sleeping bag in shape and stops it winding itself round you in your sleep and you cant roll off a mattress that's inside your sleeping bag


Stoves


A small solid fuel folding metal stove will cook anything and you can use firelighters when you cant get hold of the solid fuel blocks


Get an insulated cup this will keep your brew hot much longer than an ordinary cup.


When you get back to your tent get under cover stow your wet gear and put the brew on, then make a cupasoup.


This makes camping easy organised and pleasurable. You keep dry and have fun. cold wet hungry and miserable is not the way to go, any fool can be uncomfortable.


I have even pitched a tent inside my flat on top of the double bed for several months. The tent kept me warm through the winter without having to spend money on heating.


Camping can be pleasurable, in the coldest weather its easy to keep warm and dry and hot food and hot drinks add comfort and pleasure. If you think outside the box.

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I have done the tent thing and not for short occasions and my ideas are born from hard won experience and necessity, and they work.


Tents - Get two, one that fits inside the other

Sleeping bags - Two cheap rectangular sleeping bags

Mattresses - One thick foam mattress

 

 

Im trying (and failing) to work out how you can pitch one tent inside of another, and be able to carry both on a bike in addition to everything else.


if you buy a decent tent designed for CAMPING, rather than a throwaway shelter for festivals.. and these days most tents actually are really quite good, and have taken the time to practice pitching (and breaking it down) there is no reason to fear getting wet overnight. a bit of research and its easy enough to find a tent with space outside the sleeping area for wet gear.. enough space for boots and so on that you don't really want in your sleep space. Like this 2 man VANGO.

 

1284235413_ScreenShot2018-08-13at08_47_09.thumb.png.de062fd74b011b87b8acf67a78e03f05.png

 

the same goes for taking two sleeping bags.. utterly pointless and means doubling up on what is often the most bulky item aside from the tent. likewise a thick foam mattress. Its almost like you have forgotten that this is a bikers forum rather than a car owners. I'm trying to imagine the average bike with TWO tents.... with the second more than likely more than double the size of the first. TWO sleeping bags And a thick foam mattress. plus all the other essentials. I have a fairly large bike with a load of capacity and I would struggle packing that lot.. and then comes the hassle of unpacking and pitching FAST.. if im unlucky enough to arrive somewhere in the rain. when the goal is to get under cover ASAP.. like in a few minutes and not be wasting time unpacking two of everything and getting twice as wet in the process.


Wind noise need never be an issue for a biker.. as many of us use earplugs for every ride and so its easy enough to wear a pair over night as and when necessary.


just seems to me to be completely out of whack, with the ideals of touring or quick getaways. and turns camping.. which lets face it can occasionally be hard work. into a drudge. a daily chore.. unpacking everything in duplicate and then repacking everything every day.. if the holiday isnt to a single specific site.. but moving from place to place.. maybe even country to country.


Minimal and simple... and fast. should be the goal for anyone considering touring and camping by bike.


I simply fail to understand the logic of this. what you are suggesting is a Motorcycle camping/touring nightmare.

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I just used this tent at the rally, I got it for a bit less at £50 it seems to have increased a little;


https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B06XRCPPQX/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


It survived a few nights rain without letting in any water and also it packs down very small. I got it inside a smallish holdall with a sleeping bag and a few clothes and other bits.

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One tip from the rally, by the sleeping bag with the lowest temperature rating. Even if you plan to camp in the summer, a sleeping bag that is for minus temperatures is essential. A clear summers night looks nice for star gazing, but gets very cold.

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So far so good. The tents managed to withstand serious downpours overnight Saturday and it drizzled a bit during the day but since then it’s been sunny and warm- too warm! The air bed and memory foam pillow have been very comfortable so very pleased. The cheap little bbq is great and I’d like to find some sort of small portable version to take on the bike, sunny days only of course.

The tents went up in moments which I became more grateful about as the person opposite was pitching theirs for just short of 3 hours!

The sleeping bags seem ok but I can see it’s going to be a difficult trade off between warmth and bulk on the bike.


Fails so far are-

I brought two gas rings with me as feeding 4 of us from one ring seemed a bit of a chore but one of them is broken, however one ring is plenty. It was purchased because it was cheap and is far too big for the bike.

The mini cafetière is woefully cracked fresh from the box not that it would make it through to the final cut on a motorcycle anyway.

The tent needs vents and is too big to fit on a motorcycle so another tent is going to need to be purchased.

Wasps are a pain in the backside.

We’re a bit too far away from the toilets, fortunately I’m so dehydrated it’s not been a problem :wink:


I’m really enjoying it. It’s all very relaxed and peaceful. When youre in a hotel you still have some constraints re what time breakfast and dinner are served that simply don’t exist when you’re camping. It’s rather nice to see children on a climbing frame in their PJs at 6 in the morning, everyone’s just doing there own thing. I’m also most reassured by how well the British can exist in the same space whilst completely ignoring each other, I had nightmarish scenarios running before I arrived of having to endure other people’s company!


I booked 5 nights and had thought I would probably have packed up after 2 but I’m glad I booked 5 now. Off to the pics now and booking a Segway tour of the forest we’re pitched next to for tomorrow :thumb:

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I'm not gonna labour the point but what I said is not to bite or tongue in cheek but the result of a long time living in a tent in all weathers, sure its bulky but you don't always need two tents but when you do and you don't have them its misery.


Similar with two sleeping bags, when its cold you need lots of protection but when its hot you quickly get too hot. when its hot lose the second sleeping bag.


My system works, I know it sounds daft but using it let me sleep well and toasty warm in all weathers.


Like wearing layers when its cold wear all layers when its hot shed a layer.


I have a buddy who was a para and favours just a bivvy bag and no tent, he slept under bushes for months in the countryside in his bivvy and sure his solution is light and easily carried but mine delivers comfort and flexibility. I have lived sleeping out for months in all weathers and the utter misery in freezing cold wet weather totally justifies in my mind the extra effort bulk and weight of my solution.


Think about it sure you can get one really thick and warm sleeping bag, but its not that much different to carrying two thin ones, but you cant make the thick one less efficient when it turns hot. You can shed a thin sleeping bag and not overheat.


Take what you will from my method it really does work. Comfort comes at a price and the price is extra weight and bulk. I choose comfort having lived through the misery.

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All that is unnecessary.


One decent tent is all you need. I have never been wet in my tent, even when I lived in it for a month during a cycle trip with some properly horrendous weather. Two is just unnecessary.


Same goes with the sleeping bag. Just carry a silk liner or light bivi bag if you're likely to need extra warmth. A well rated down bag will pack small.


To be honest using a tarp and bivi bag has never let me down when rigged properly either.

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The tent needs vents and is too big to fit on a motorcycle so another tent is going to need to be purchased.

 

 

what size are you looking for, a 2 man, 3 man or... (If camping solo.. then a 2 man, or with partner.. a 3 man. for that extra (in my opinion vital) extra elbow room.)


and what is your maximum pack size?

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[mention]Slowlycatchymonkey[/mention]


Glad you having a good time, the trip will give you a much better idea of what will and won't work.


I have no problem cooking on a single burner, for stuff ability and warmth your best bet is down, but need to keep them dry and they cost more, but what price a good night's kip.

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The tent needs vents and is too big to fit on a motorcycle so another tent is going to need to be purchased.

 

 

what size are you looking for, a 2 man, 3 man or... (If camping solo.. then a 2 man, or with partner.. a 3 man. for that extra (in my opinion vital) extra elbow room.)


and what is your maximum pack size?

 

[mention]Gerontious[/mention] Im thinking Im going to want two tents, one wee one for solo trips and a 3 man for two of us. The 3 man we’re in is only just big enough. I dont yet know my maximum pack size because Im going to wait until I have the panniers on and have done measuring you’ve advised.

Im thinking start with the 3 man and if its easy enough thatll do for the solo trips.


Happy to splash the cash because I want something that’s pleasurable to use ie light, compact, easy up and down, good ventilation but warm in inclement weather ie weather proof.

Not asking much I know!!


[mention]Bender[/mention] thanks, I am really enjoying it, it will be good prep for the final cut.

Down seems to be the way to go and the better quality items I have definitely perform well and give some pleasure in their use.


Purchase wise the tent, the cooking gear (particularly kettle and ring), and a decent sleeping bag r next on the list. I’d also like a compact lightweight chair so will be looking at earlier recommendations.


All in all very happy. Thankyou to everone who’s contributed to this first experience being pleasant.

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I'd just like to chime in and say I bought this:


https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/279242



Just before the rally, easily fit my 2-man tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, toiletries and clothes in with plenty of room to spare. Attached it to the pillion seat with bungies in minutes. Survived heavy rain on my way home, waterproof as advertised :)


And only £10!

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These 'tipi' style tents are good

http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/shelters-3.html


I use a golite hex 3 which unfortunately is no longer available in the uk but similar ones are. Pack very small and leave get but give plenty of room. You can use a full size nest for two people and kit or a half nest if you are on your own which gives a large porch area.


Alpkit do excellent down sleeping bags at a good price. We've been using them on our trip. The down is nikwax hydrophobic so less of the issues of down getting wet and losing thermal properties. Down bags do take a bit of looking after compared to synthetics but are much more comfortable and pack smaller.


A silk liner is good if it's cold.

Merino Wool base layers are also excellent on and off the bike in bad weather, and for wearing overnight if very cold. Check out woolpower kit. Pricey but superb. Very warm, pack well, still comfortable if it warms up a bit unexpectedly, can be worn a few days without them smelling (synthetics generally smell terrible quickly).

wool also maintains a good level of thermal efficiency if it does get wet.


There are other tips such as if you get very cold avoid the temptation to cover your face with the sleeping bag, the moisture from your breath is absorbed by the sleeping bag and will reduce its ability to keep you warm.


All in all you'll probably find you buy kit, try it and find it's not quite for you and then buy something else. You will end up with a load of camping kit and multiple versions of stoves, tents, sleeping bags etc.

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Ive never liked the idea of Tipis.. even though on the face of it the extra headroom is very attractive.. its that central pole that I do not like the idea of and also.. from a purely practical sense. the pack sizes tend to be a lot longer than usual. (because the central pole is often over 6' tall and is normally split into longer sections.


I have 3 tents. two that are tunnel type and one that is a dome... all bought during the winter when they are significantly discounted... like by 70% Now.. as the summer is drawing toward its close discounts are already appearing.


Ive already covered how I go about choosing a tent based on its pack size, which is important when used on a bike. you cant have a tent that makes your 8 foot wide BMW 12 foot wide. its just a daft idea to even consider a tent that has a huge pack size. On my bike the maximum I would go for is 55cm but i would look for shorter than that ideally.


I'm a fan of Robens and Vaude, These are brands that specialise in lightweight.. but technically highly specified tents. with a close attention to detail. Robens tend to be discounted.. right now they are half price. if you look hard enough.


for a single person, I would go for the Voyager 2EX. it has a pack size of 45x16 has a longer than average sleeping area 220cm. and a huge porch. large eneough to keep everything off the bike under cover. the sleeping area is large enough to keep anything that must be kept dry and still allow plenty of space to sleep in.

 

1026167780_ScreenShot2018-08-14at11_33_39.thumb.png.eb1ea4a8e92540b0ef82d13986ed8329.png

 

For a couple.. the Voyager 3EX pack size 47X22 and 225 long sleep area.

 

1486031373_ScreenShot2018-08-14at11_36_20.thumb.png.be0c1b3bb2e6d6a48bf45f10fd61f5e9.png

 

Both of these have fantastic ventilation.. and you can easily batten down the hatches in bad weather. They are also.. almost free standing... with no need for any guy lines unless its windy. a couple of pegs at each end and a 3 at each side.. and thats it. 10 pegs in total.


The tent arrives in two parts.. so as per the video below when you have a practice pitch in your garden.. you attach the inner.. once the inner is attached from then on it can be left in place.. so next time its already there and the tent can be erected all-in-one.. I would think it would take less than 5 minutes to have the tent up and be inside out of the rain. which is pretty speedy. The fella demonstrating the tent uses the guy lines.. but, there is no need to if its not windy.


http://tinyurl.com/ydbza3pr


The one extra I would buy to go with this is a tarp.. to act as a 'footprint' to give a little extra protection for the floor of the sleeping area and cut down on condensation.. one that is long enough to act as a 'floor' for the porch. that would probably cost about £4.


you can see what I mean in this video.. where the fella has a blue tarp under his tent.. he also goes through the tents features. its two doors and so on.


http://tinyurl.com/ycsh2538


Its not a cheap tent.. the RRP is about £280.. but is already being discounted and this will only improve as the weeks and months roll by. but having said that.. you really do get what you pay for. I would put Robens as a brand just a step or two below Hilleberg in features and materials. They are excellent but a fraction of the price.

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From advice here and elsewhere I'm pretty sure I want a tunnel tent with a porch. I'll be camping with my wife occasionally and given that 3-person tents don't take up much extra space over a 2-person one that seems like a sensible option.


I like the Robens Voyager 3EX tent which [mention]Gerontious[/mention] linked to. In a similar style I found:


Vango Nova 300+ £170

Vango Scafell 300+ £155 (Looks to be identical to the Nova which is exclusive to Go Outdoors)

Vango Pulsar 300 £138

Vango Pulsar Pro 300 £168 (same as non-pro except fly is more water resistant)

Berghaus Peak 3.3 £126

Berghaus Peak Pro 3.3 £210 (seems to be more waterproof, and lighter weight)


There's not a huge amount of difference between them, or with the Robens Voyager 3EX:

  • Pack sizes all seem 45-50cm x 16-20cm diameter.
  • Sleeping areas around 220cm and porches around 180cm long
  • Widths 175cm+
  • Height 100cm+

 

I like the doors on the Robens, but it's the most expensive and heaviest. Weight is a factor for me as I'd consider carrying it in a backpack.

I think I'd lean towards one of the Pro models for improved waterproofing, perhaps the Berghaus because it's lighterweight but the Vango Pulsar Pro is a fair amount cheaper, has 2 entrances and slightly smaller packed.

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