Discussion
Just got back from a night of camping on the bike. First time in 20 years, ha ha. I'm a bit tired and achy, but it was great fun. I learned a lot about packing and organising, even for one night, so I'm sure the next one will go slightly better. I'm really looking forward to more trips next year.
Anyone else here go camping on a motorbike?
Anyone else here go camping on a motorbike?
Last time I went camping on a bike would be the Tartan Rally (or maybe the Thistle Rally) circa 1975 with a Norton Commando. I at least had a tent. Some of the lads just strung a plastic sheet over their bike and slept under that relying on beer to see them through. Fun for a young lad, but not something I’d wish to repeat. I’ll stick with hotels 
Did loads of it a few years back when I was working over in Kent. Really nice campsite with all the mod cons out in the countryside about 15 miles from Maidstone.
Loved getting the Jetboil on the go and sitting out of a summer evening having some tins and eating chunky chicken in pasta. Did about 3 months like that and saved myself a fortune on hotels. Get a nice evening and there’s no better way to live.
However, it’s a grim existence when it’s raining. Getting up and off the floor in the mornings is not joint-friendly and I never once slept well.
Would I camp again on the bike? Not a chance. When I do tours I want a proper bed and a bar. Though I can still see the appeal, it’s not for me.
If I was 25 again I might think differently. But not at 55.
Loved getting the Jetboil on the go and sitting out of a summer evening having some tins and eating chunky chicken in pasta. Did about 3 months like that and saved myself a fortune on hotels. Get a nice evening and there’s no better way to live.
However, it’s a grim existence when it’s raining. Getting up and off the floor in the mornings is not joint-friendly and I never once slept well.
Would I camp again on the bike? Not a chance. When I do tours I want a proper bed and a bar. Though I can still see the appeal, it’s not for me.
If I was 25 again I might think differently. But not at 55.
Camped all over Scotland this summer, I’m currently working up near Inverness and most Fridays after work loaded bike (everything is kept in soft panniers) and off I went sometimes for one night sometimes two. Just so refreshing getting away from everything. Wild camped and used some campsites also and mostly within 2-3hrs riding of Inverness so most of the highlands etc was a quick enjoyable few hours riding before setting up.
I’m 50+ and it’s amazing once you have worked out all the kit that works and how light to pack and what to take.
I’m 50+ and it’s amazing once you have worked out all the kit that works and how light to pack and what to take.
Semperagressus said:
Camped all over Scotland this summer, I m currently working up near Inverness and most Fridays after work loaded bike (everything is kept in soft panniers) and off I went sometimes for one night sometimes two. Just so refreshing getting away from everything. Wild camped and used some campsites also and mostly within 2-3hrs riding of Inverness so most of the highlands etc was a quick enjoyable few hours riding before setting up.
I m 50+ and it s amazing once you have worked out all the kit that works and how light to pack and what to take.
If you pack what you need , then take half that out and leave it behind you’ll be about spot on lol.I m 50+ and it s amazing once you have worked out all the kit that works and how light to pack and what to take.
Courser said:
If you pack what you need , then take half that out and leave it behind you ll be about spot on lol.
Exactly that! I was adamant I didn't want to take a backpack, so was purely down to my hard panniers and a tank bag. Tent and sleeping mat strapped to the top of the panniers, stove and food stuff in one box, carry bag with couple of changes of underwear, 2 t-shirts, pair of shorts and a hoodie to double up as a pillow. Sleeping bag (ultralight) and that was about it.
Yes and love it ! But I don't skimp - I like to be comfy... fortunately there are 2 of us and we camp together both with S1000XRs so we can carry plenty.
Big tent (3 person possibly but with a big porch for putting all the gear in - we can both sit in there if we need to... not quite big enough to stand up in but close-ish), air mattress and camp beds, stove, cutlery etc., sleeping bags, camping pillows, table, chairs, and even one of those beach tents to dump stuff in to keep the tent tidy...
The bikes are loaded but not outrageously so with hard panniers on both, and a roll on the pillion seat. Top box for the normal daily stuff (first aid kit, bits and bobs etc.).
We even took a solar panel for charging phones etc. as obviously no hookup
Only done it 3 times but with the right campsite it's just fab.
Big tent (3 person possibly but with a big porch for putting all the gear in - we can both sit in there if we need to... not quite big enough to stand up in but close-ish), air mattress and camp beds, stove, cutlery etc., sleeping bags, camping pillows, table, chairs, and even one of those beach tents to dump stuff in to keep the tent tidy...
The bikes are loaded but not outrageously so with hard panniers on both, and a roll on the pillion seat. Top box for the normal daily stuff (first aid kit, bits and bobs etc.).
We even took a solar panel for charging phones etc. as obviously no hookup
Only done it 3 times but with the right campsite it's just fab.
The idea appeals but i don’t think I’ve ever been comfortable camping.. I’ve flirted with the idea by bicycle, kayak or motorbike and ‘invested’ in some of the gear.. I’m not sure i have mates that would be up for the same sort of thing and I’m not sure I’m good in just my own company; plus it’s already too cold to try it this year.. maybe next year..
Been camping for the last 20 odd years every year around Europe and the UK on my BMW gs adv. Can't beat it in nice weather, (getting on a bit now) hence I normally go south.
Went to Cosica and Sardinia last year and thinking about going back next year. It's the freedom I like. Want to go and look at a big city? No problem, just park right in the middle, can't do that easily in a car for free!
Went to Cosica and Sardinia last year and thinking about going back next year. It's the freedom I like. Want to go and look at a big city? No problem, just park right in the middle, can't do that easily in a car for free!
Done it a few times but have come to the conclusion that after a hard day of off road I don't want to put up a tent and cook and sleep in a sweaty tent, I want a shower, someone else to cook and to sleep in an air conditioned room.
Having said all that I am still refining my camping set up and will be doing more of it in the future!!! ...I am conflicted.
I am happy with my tent - Naturehike CloudUp 2, is v light and is low volume too. I will be looking at the CloudUp 1 at some point. It is just a few more grams than some of the ultralight stuff like the Zeepacs and Xmid stuff when you add in the fact that they also require walking poles to pitch. The difference is it costs about £120 instead of some insane amount.
Sleeping mat is Big Agnes Rapide SL which I really like.
Bag is and OEX down thing which works well enough.
Cookset is quite minimal, one set of off-bike clothes courtesy of my fashion provider 'Go Outdoors', some detergent clothes washing sheets, spare underwear and tools.
Most of my trips recently have been TET stuff in France and N Spain and my maths went like this: Campsite £10 Buy breakfast £10 Buy lunch £20 vs hotel £70 with free breakfast and sneak out a roll for free lunch. £30 difference and it means I can pack a lighter bike, have air con and no setup and break down time.
Still, want to do more camping though.
![](https://forums-images.pistonheads.com/90373/202610133808276?resize=720[/img]</a> <a href="https://forums-images.pistonheads.com/90373/202610133818941" Target="_blank" >[img]https://forums-images.pistonheads.com/90373/202610133818941?resize=720)
Having said all that I am still refining my camping set up and will be doing more of it in the future!!! ...I am conflicted.
I am happy with my tent - Naturehike CloudUp 2, is v light and is low volume too. I will be looking at the CloudUp 1 at some point. It is just a few more grams than some of the ultralight stuff like the Zeepacs and Xmid stuff when you add in the fact that they also require walking poles to pitch. The difference is it costs about £120 instead of some insane amount.
Sleeping mat is Big Agnes Rapide SL which I really like.
Bag is and OEX down thing which works well enough.
Cookset is quite minimal, one set of off-bike clothes courtesy of my fashion provider 'Go Outdoors', some detergent clothes washing sheets, spare underwear and tools.
Most of my trips recently have been TET stuff in France and N Spain and my maths went like this: Campsite £10 Buy breakfast £10 Buy lunch £20 vs hotel £70 with free breakfast and sneak out a roll for free lunch. £30 difference and it means I can pack a lighter bike, have air con and no setup and break down time.
Still, want to do more camping though.
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