camping gear

[crofty1984]

Right, now I've finally got myself a wee motorbike, I'm going to want to F*ck off on it now and then for a weekend. Maybe Scotland or the near continent. Or hell, the north yorks moors, even though I live in Leeds. I'll only have small ish soft panniers and a tankbag, though I guess I could strap some stuff across the panniers/pillion seat.

I'm looking for a small 2 man tent, doesn't need to be lightweight, but size is my main concern.
Similar with a sleeping bag, I've got a really good small lightweight one, but I think it's about 7 years old so it might be past its best; or does age not matter much?
I guess I'll need a groundmat/airmattress too.
Any suggenstions?

also, I'm poor.

[JackHolroyde]

http://www.millets.co.uk  is your friend

Edited by JackHolroyde on Tuesday 15th January 11:31

[black-k1]

When buying a tent, make sure you get one that is quite a lot bigger than you need. This is because on those (regular in the UK) occasions when you arrive back at your tent having been out on your bike in the poring rain, you will need a lot of space to lay out the wet clothing in an attempt to get it slightly drier before putting it back on.

If you are going to the near continent, leave the tent at home and use the cheap hotels (like Formula 1) which are only slightly dearer than the cost of a pitch for the tent and are warm, dry, quick and cheap.

[RemaL]

black-k1 said:

When buying a tent, make sure you get one that is quite a lot bigger than you need. This is because on those (regular in the UK) occasions when you arrive back at your tent having been out on your bike in the poring rain, you will need a lot of space to lay out the wet clothing in an attempt to get it slightly drier before putting it back on.

and handy as a portable garage

[Ballon]

Not sure what your budget is but I can highly recommend Khyam tents.

http://www.worldoftents.co.uk/khyam-biker-tent-200...

This is made for bikers, the quality is good and it is as it says very easy to put up. This in itself is a good reason to buy a tent as there is nothing worse than f*cking about in sh*te weather with a tent that has suddenly taken on a life of its own.

[Spiderdan]

black-k1 said:

When buying a tent, make sure you get one that is quite a lot bigger than you need. This is because on those (regular in the UK) occasions when you arrive back at your tent having been out on your bike in the poring rain, you will need a lot of space to lay out the wet clothing in an attempt to get it slightly drier before putting it back on.

If you are going to the near continent, leave the tent at home and use the cheap hotels (like Formula 1) which are only slightly dearer than the cost of a pitch for the tent and are warm, dry, quick and cheap.

Yep what he said! Even quite posh hotels are cheap in France.

[rsv gone!]

Ballon said:

Not sure what your budget is but I can highly recommend Khyam tents.

http://www.worldoftents.co.uk/khyam-biker-tent-200...

This is made for bikers, the quality is good and it is as it says very easy to put up. This in itself is a good reason to buy a tent as there is nothing worse than f*cking about in sh*te weather with a tent that has suddenly taken on a life of its own.

It's quite heavy - 6kg.

I have a North Face 1-2 man backpacking tent which only weights 1.9kg. When you consider the weight of sleeping bag, cooking equipment, food and clothing it all adds up.

Personally, I like camping but don't do it off the bike. I'd sooner use the Formule 1 cheapo hotels in France (30 Euros for a room that sleeps up to 3) or a B&B in the UK.