7 Common Motorcycle Camping Myths BUSTED

[@EvanEdwards]

A big myth: I'll go camping next year, when the kids are ⎽⎽⎽⎽, when my job allows me more ⎽⎽⎽⎽, when the ⎽⎽⎽⎽ is more ⎽⎽⎽⎽. Whatever you decide is an obstacle that puts off going out *_is not real._* My wife discovered a few years back that my experiences and style of camping and her terrible experiences growing up were worlds apart and that what she thought she hated, she actually loved. I suspected that would be the case: some of our favorite memories were of us travelling; she never had a problem sleeping in a van at a truck stop as we criss-crossed the country and explored on the road, occasionally staying in small hotels and motels. So it wasn't a surprise to me how much she loved camping when she finally gave it another change. And then it was stage four cancer discovered right after her 40th birthday, and she passed away last year. She discovered the joy of the outdoors just as her time ran out. Don't delay what gives you joy.

[@morecowbell20]

Sorry for your loss, but thank you for the words of wisdom.

[@thecorporategypsy]

The only thing I dislike is getting up to pee when its cold

[@psalm2forliberty577]

I am testing tents in my side yard. I hate it that this factor doesn't change even here.

[@thecorporategypsy]

@@psalm2forliberty577 😆I know right

[@mfranquemont1884]

Piss in an empty Gatorade bottle. Make sure lid is screwed on tight😮

[@thecorporategypsy]

@@mfranquemont1884 good idea

[@Jeff-Vader_head_of_catering]

...and you can't get your zipper down, and the floodgates are about to break! (Been there).

[@psalm2forliberty577]

"Tickles the Caveman center in my brain..." Colorful turn of phrase my friend. UGA UGA UGA me like fire ! Lol

[@johnsikessikes5404]

Things to try- A full day to ride to the camp, and then leave camp set up for 2 nights. Between the 2 nights you go ride all day and explore the area. A camp close to a place to eat/drink post ride, or a camp with a pool. A camp with grass and shade. Not breaking camp every day at least once during a week trip is a great reward. Make your own a.m. coffee- carry easy bfast-snack- lunch stuff. Meet other travelers. ENJOY YOURSELF.

[@Raynor88]

3:50 Agreed! I'm a first time rider and I just got a Can-am Ryker, and I plan on using it for moto-camping with my dog. I'm watching your videos to get ideas on what to pack and get info on what I SHOULD pack. I'm thinking about hammock camping. Never done it before, but tent camping kills my back.

[@carlpop2324]

What a tremendous communicator!

[@marklanders630]

My most memorable meal: A can of Chef Boyardee ravioli cooked over an apple wood fire during the dead of winter in New Hampshire's white mountains. There were no other people, not even rangers around. I had hike all day, came back just as it was getting dark, built a good size fire and dug the beers out of two feet of snow. Sitting in the woods alone by the fire with more stars than sky above will be in my memory until the day I die. I've also camped on the slopes of Kilauea volcano and watched the lava lighting up the sky. And yup, even stayed at KOA and rented a cabin while backpacking the Grand Canyon.

[@fairwind8222]

I draw my line at snow! But spring and fall are awesome for camping

[@luckyintervale]

I love how you encourage folks to define what they do based on THEIR OWN criteria!! Cheers! 🍻

[@smithenstein79]

Mate I chuck my bike and the kids bikes on my trailer. Head to the local trail riding park. Set up swags and a fire pit. Have an esky full of booze and food etc. kids and I have a sweet weekend. Takes 15 minutes to pack up. Job done

[@williamcoulter5462]

I have done what they call the best route in UK the NC500 the first time was with my 125 Super Cub and the second with my Rebel CMX1100 both not what you call adventure bikes and the only difference was what I could carry for the trip, 125 stripped down to basics to stay light and the Rebel a bit of extra comfort and larger tent but both were well up to the job , the point is to enjoy your ride and stay safe no matter what you ride.

[@haywoodyoudome]

Nothing beats strapping the gear to the trusty KLR and heading off to some random point on the map.

[@stigsandberg9334]

BEST MOTORCYCLE CAMPING LIST EVER MADE! Thanks. I love your mindset that it should be simple. That's how I try too think. Live it, enjoy it, on your terms!

[@SchMasHed]

I camped for years on a motorcycle with just a backpack of clothes, a cookit and food and an old school tent strapped to the rear seat. Just do it. I camp now on a sportbike. Just got some side bags that strap to any frame and a net to hold down my tent on the tiny rear seat and a backpack. Its fine.

[@ReeseRides]

I've still gotta get all my ducks in a row-but I'm going to take my FZ07 moto camping in the future! SUPER stoked and very nervous about it. I thought "well, I love camping and I love riding, why not do both now instead of waiting to buy the "perfect" bike?" (Jake the garden snake has already modded an FZ07 and did it, so that gave encouragement too lol.) Pretty much just need the luggage and tires and I can send it. Your videos have been super helpful for someone trying to figure out this whole moto camping thing solo, so thanks Dork!🤘🏻

[@MotoCampNerd]

That's an awesome bike as a mid sized sport touring bike. You could probably get away with 1 big bag over the back seat to carry your gear. You probably don't have to switch tires unless they are bald or you want to be a little more comfortable on gravel roads.

[@advredbikes]

Thanks, big Ben, those are great reasons to camp

[@davidpoffenbarger3686]

Another great vid Ben! My AT came fully set up for off-road w/soft bags and roto-paks and at a great price. I bought name brand camping gear second hand off Craigslist/FB Market place, again at great prices. My set up wasn't free, but I'm camping off my bike at a very reasonable price. You can get out there relatively inexpensively if you want to. I camp mostly because it's cheaper than motels and lots of places I go don't have access to motels. If it's something you want to do, you can make it happen....

[@pinkiewerewolf]

Good stuff, for sure! I’ve been set for Moto camping for a few years. But I’m always on the lookout for quality gear when something bites the dust.

[@MrPepsilon]

Camping to me is having soft walls, or no walls. Or sleeping in the occasional shelter. I go for longer trips (days, weeks, or even months), meandering through the countryside with only a general idea of direction, going wherever I find something interesting. I try to pick nice spots for a campsite. Though when been on the road for awhile I tend to make myself feeling comfortable and at home almost anywhere. More than two nights I almost get too comfy and feel sad to leave. Unless restlessness sets in.😊

[@pbourdon231]

If camping sucks, you’re doing it wrong.

[@kevinsterner9490]

Once again very good common sense advice. As Ted Lasso says “be curious not judgmental “ I wish I would have bought my Big Agnes sleep system to start with. I would have saved a bunch of money and been way more comfortable

[@thecdean]

Yeah, love the echo park and insulated pad. Money well spent.

[@marklanders630]

P.S. pooping outdoors is better than any campground toilets I've ever seen😂

[@IRLtrolls]

I live in Houston. Camping season in south Texas is from Oct-May. I’ve had many 80° Christmas mornings in my time. The thought of camping in Texas July makes me light headed 😅

[@randycallow3736]

You really nailed it! I do very specific things about setup and sleep.. and let myself off the hook often for multiple meals.. Starbucks makes instant coffee packets that are as good as anything and slightly bigger than a pack of cigarettes, 8 packs come in the micro box and if you buy 2 open the other, 4 more fit, so 12 cups can hold until you go shopping. Did Baja to Key West and w coffee and stuff I got while sitting down to drink it, lasted no problem..no matter the drive to camp or other scenario, I like to decompress for safety. You can ride 10+ w traffic, semis,heat,, cold, rain,ect. But when you camp use the recharge..set up your sleeping set up, sit down, eat drink, talk, realize you are not in a wind tunnel or boxing match and get as much rest and sleep as you can before another multiple hour day of wind buffeting from an 18 wheeler trailer. The things he is talking about bedding.. listen.. you need some comfort and you need insulation and warm, decent ground cloth,yoga style pad and then an inflatable is not overkill if you don't want a tiny puncture!! And cotton or nylon sleep sack and pillow case is nice, especially if you have a greasy helmet head and can't get clean before sleeping. And all the naggers about sleeping in a campground.. some have coin operated hot showers, you go in the shower and can decently clean some clothes and gear w the hot water. And a sort of silly quirk.. Harbor Freight has little of quality and a time when it's not important is the little free or $1.99 LED light, it has a hook and some small rare earth magnets..it uses a standard CR2---- battery and lasts a long time.. you can stick it on the motorcycle, hang it on or in the tent, you can lose it and it's no foul. I buy fast food and the little six packs of donuts for coffee in the morning. You can strap a bag of burgers, chicken, sandwich, chips for the last hour or two of the trip and when you remove it from the motorcycle,face it doesn't taste that much different.. you have something to eat, no clean up and it knocks off something to do before sleeping and doing a once over on your bike and gear. *Amazon* 1 in lashing straps. Can't have enough.. work for everything, make your load more safe and secure when strapping it to the bike

[@Shrilbart]

"My" season for camping is end of Feb to Nov based on the weather in my area. I try to get out atleast once a month whether it be via moto or cage

[@psalm2forliberty577]

During "shoulder season" - uh May or September mostly: Check tomorrows mornjng weather BEFORE getting into sleeping bag / on pad. Big weather change during sleep can be a rude awakening. I cruised into a KOA tent site at Williams AZ ( 5000' elevation ) late September 2022. It was a balmy 72 deg arrival. Set up my 2.5 season summer ideal tent, dressed in boxers & t shirt + summer weight bag. Oops ! Too busy rackin miles to notice a cold 🥶 front was approaching & 45 deg sunrise greeted us. I was shivering in my bag & of course, had my 1 set of thermals buried in bags bottom, at far corner of my tent. Took a while to decide I was gonna freeze to get warmer slowly. Whats funny is most of the other 6 or 8 tenters adjacent said same thing. My tent was mainly mesh on top w/ only rain fly to retain heat. No bueno at 45 degrees.

[@robertcampbell9593]

Great video. We camp when we want to in campsites or wild . But if the weather gets bad, we are off to a cheap hotel. Keep it comfortable to your needs 😊

[@MotoCampNerd]

Exactly!

[@UltralightMotorcycleCamping]

I got a friend into moto camping and now I'm doing it more often. We typically camp for 2 nights and 3 days but we're working up to longer trips. We're old so 500 mile trips are wearing on us a bit. I think we need to ride less and rest/recover more in camp if we take longer trips. I sleep better in my lay flat hammock than I do in my bed at home, and it's much easier to find two trees than a flat spot for a tent. I use the hammock as a lounger and camp chair so I don't need to carry a chair.

[@jkmarshall3553]

All of what you said is true... in the PNW. None of that applies in hot steamy buggy humid FLA from April thru November. No f'ing way! LOL!!!!

[@gerrycout7845]

I moto camp ⛺️ with my CBR1000RR in campgrounds. It’s amazing when I hit the canyon twisties. My camping gear in my top box (which is installed where the passenger seat is via a custom made bracket) weighs 27 lbs. A very small hindrance on handling for the rewards of hitting some far away twisties. 😅 Very enjoyable. Love it. Enjoy guys..!

[@MotoCampNerd]

And that's how you do it! Sounds like a great little kit to keep the bike fun in the twisties!

[@arnohag1]

I'm watching you weenies chopping pine for the fire. If only. We get stuck with dense hardwood, eucalyptus trees in Aus. We rode everywhere in the early 80s on road bikes, no fancy stuff, all heavy and had a blast.

[@wolf1066]

My Yamaha XT225 is in bits and may never run again, so my "DualSport"/"Road-legal-trail-bike" moto-camping bike is out of action. My Suzuki GSX250R has top box, panniers and tank bag and does fine for going camping. Sure, I couldn't take the Gixxer over a full-on enduro trail like I could with the XT, but it handles gravel and dirt roads just fine. As you say: the best bike for moto-camping is the one you have now...

[@marcvielfaure7701]

Totally agree Ben. You do you, just get out there!

[@collinmc90]

good gear 100% pays off. I've had the same tent, sleeping pad and bag for over a decade now. Tent is maybe a little "outdated" now. Its the old model of the Marmot limelight 2p tent. kinda big, considered heavy now at 5 lbs. But if it works for hiking it works for moto camping.

[@bobby6k34]

number 4 & 5, Its winter where i am(NZ) and i took my sports bike out to camp 2 weeks ago on a camp to ride

[@davidmatthews3093]

I agree that it’s worth buying good quality camping equipment but it’s important to point out that higher prices do not always mean better quality. There are still too many ‘labels’ that sell second rate products at a premium price because their name allows them to do it.

[@MotoCampNerd]

Agreed, good thing we only stock the good stuff after we test it!

[@SheWillRide]

getting ready to ride out to NY Thousand Islands in a a couple of hours. spot on Ben, great video !

[@MotoCampNerd]

Have a fun safe ride!

[@KeepItSimpleSailor]

Modern equipment makes our camping options hugely variable. 50 years ago was a much more basic deal, and way less comfortable.

[@DadandaBike]

You know what the best thing about shoulder season camping is... no bugs... hear in new England, the shoulder seasons are the best time by far for camping

[@MotoCampNerd]

Same down here in the southeast.

[@solidsnake2665]

Much love Bens!

[@MotoCampNerd]

Now I miss playing Metal Gear.

[@solidsnake2665]

@@MotoCampNerd Same here brother. Looking forward to the new MGS3 even though Konami is pretty poo poo these days.

[@Jeff-Vader_head_of_catering]

"Camping should be cheap and uncomfortable!" Say the young who can afford to be 'hard-core'. I still think you can have the same effect of "getting away from it all", disconnecting from the grid, getting recentered, but adding a few things like sleeping pads (if you're older) so you don't wake up immobilized in pain, and in need of a chiropractor. People can do what they like, but I do think it's absolutely pointless to take all of your electronics and movies out to a cabin "in the woods", so that you're doing the EXACT SAME THING you'd be doing at home, just in a different location. To me, THAT is "Glamping".

[@Bikes-and-Bytes]

I think like all of these misconceptions. I camp to ride (camping on my 3500km trips to the nearest MotoGP round), I camp in campgrounds. I don't cook (and don't need a morning coffee), so don't bring any of that stuff. I eat at out or buy stuff in the supermarket. I ride a Ninja 1000SX with a tent, sleeping bag and sleeping mat strapped on. Clothes and stuff go in the top box. I enjoy the camping and it's cheaper than a motel here.

[@MotoCampNerd]

That's awesome! Too many others get caught up in their had they have to do it other ways.

[@williammahaffy4642]

Great Vid!! Addressed most of my hesitations and I now def gotta take that step and give it a try. I'll most certainly be a camp-to-ride guy and will probably throw a hotel in every 2-3 nights. Love me a hot shower! Thanks for the awesome content, as always!

[@MotoCampNerd]

Love to hear that! We're always happy to help with camping questions so don't hesitate to email or call the store and ask!

[@josmith4531]

I have had Walmart tents last a very long time. Just need to be prepared to seam seal them and not abuse them. I encourage people to start cheap, $200 at Walmart can get you everything you need to get started. Otherwise prices can get crazy fast for a noob.

[@MotoCampNerd]

I started with all Ozark trails gear. I had the Jr. Scout tent because I'm short enough to sleep in it at an angle. I used it for 5 years.

[@michaelkrenzer3296]

Watching this in my 4 season hammock in a potentially tornadic storm in a full service state park on my 140k mile adventure bike. I don't camp like Ben...except when I do. Still will never pack a table.

[@michaelkrenzer3296]

Only casualty is I forget to secure my robe so it's damp

[@jimcarr8425]

The best thing about the shoulder months is that it isn't light at stupid o'clock in the morning.

[@WanderingDad]

More important than gear to be comfortable is experience and knowledge, only one foolproof way to get that. If you build it they will come, and you will only love to go camping if you go camping. edit: I love the name "Big Ben"!

[@MotoCampNerd]

Well, Nerd Ben is hobbit/Dwarven shapped, so by default that makes Dork Big Ben?

[@MikeT-yt4ql]

I've seen sports bikes go through rivers

[@markust8904]

Aw crap.... is usually the first thing i ponder. Getting all the shit together and finding out the essentials are not where they should be, or are in different packs. Then try the logistics of strapping it down to the bike. Take into consideration of the weather during said trip, and where to go. Shit you forgot the food where do i put that? What about beer, crap, y gotta have that. Aw man, Hotel/ motel sounds better. My old bones and mind say i don't want the abuse. After bicycling 3 continents in my youth, and dealing with those issues on the road, I like to think i learned a few things. So Motivation and procrastination is a big stumbling block. However, i do see the merits and pleasure of going to unique places, camping in my tent, having interesting meals and having a bloody campfire, ( the only reason to go camping IMO) because when i'm doing it . Ya can't beat it.

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

.... Moto camping is same as backpacking ,, just different mode of travel ,, plus able to carry the heavier items or more gear .. lots of videos on hiking companies and gear ... when you can , buy once ,, cry once ... most good gear can be expensive but usually lasts a lifetime ...

[@andrewvickers4487]

I feel that camp sites should be a lot cheaper, at least in UK (and presumably many parts of Europe). Prices vary of course but in recent years we're paying upwards of £25 a night on average. I wonder, if wild camping became the norm, whether we really would end up in a terrible mess.

[@williamariss1877]

Same. Looked for one for our trip coming up and all were $40+! Expensive!

[@John_Ridley]

"Cheap tents will not last" - try reading Peter Egan. He was still camping in his cheap red (faded to pink) department store tent like 40 years later.

[@MotoCampNerd]

Yeah, depending on how long ago that was, it's believable. Materials and craftsmanship have changed a lot just in the past 20 years. If you take care of your gear, it can last a while. If you use it every day, it's eventually going to wear out. Mileage may vary. I used an Ozark trails tent the first 4 years I was camping and it served me well but the quality was terrible. It still worked but holes were starting to form, leaked in the rain. You can keep making repairs but for how long before you just buy a new tent?

[@checkingreality]

The list was good for the most part but I had an epiphany. During the first two things on the list I struggled with to agree with dork. Camping can be cheap and comfortable. With the prices of hotels rising I tend to go camping in a tent, car or cabin. I don't have the fanciest gear but I get by and I feel comfortable. The epiphany is I don't connect with a lot of the faces of motocampnerd. They've lost that everyman connection. The reps are probably great for testing, but they don't or no longer connect with me. I wish there was a novice video series, where it was a person who did have a traditional 9-5 full time job, where they made mistakes, where they used gear that could be subpar. I just wanted to explain maybe why I'm hesitant to buy gear from Moto Camp Nerd, I can't connect with the faces.

[@Roberta_Esposito]

good content

[@gregoryprice2593]

Campgrounds don't count - Right. I spent two years living in a tent in the Himalayan foothills. I "Embraced The Suck" and determined that The Suck SUCKS. Campgrounds are freakin' awesome and are my go-to camping accommodations whenever I can find one. Suffering is for people who lack imagination, my friend.

[@MotoCampNerd]

Some people think that campgrounds are too easy, we don't care how you do it, just get out and enjoy the outdoors.

[@dracphelan]

I motorcycle camp on a Honda Shadow.

[@jamesevans164]

To busy, Family, home duties cant go camping? = "Fri. Nighters". pack your bike thurs night at home. Ride to work loaded knock of work go camping. Sunrise your up return home for all the pre mentioned stuff. Family partner work all happy and you have camped. Jim. Go on grab some mates and try it....

[@MotoCampNerd]

That's a good suggestion!

[@pieterrossouw8596]

Got all the gear, just need the bike 🤣

[@Clayne151]

Its still cheap even with a quite a bit of gear, if you compare to the cost of hotels a few hundred bucks for a quality tent etc is nothing.

[@Alfahippie]

Get a hot water bottle with fur from the sites i’m not allowed to mention here apparently, (bay and zon) and put it in your sleeping bag right before you go to sleep. Trust me.

[@MotoCampNerd]

People buy from Amazon and Ebay all the time, they aren't curse words lol.

[@Alfahippie]

@@MotoCampNerd tell yt that, they deletd my comment when i wrote it. Seems to be a hobby to them these days.

[@MotoCampNerd]

@@Alfahippie that's interesting 🤔

[@Alfahippie]

@@MotoCampNerd ain’t nothing new, they do that a lot no matter the channel or topic if they detect certaln no-no words from an automated list. It doesn’t even have to make sense like in this case. So if you see commnts dissapearlng for no obvious reason, that’s why. The only way to combt it seems to spell every potentlal trgger word wrong on purpose. You can do a search on it if you want to know more, there’s a ton of videos about it. Anyway, that frry hot water bottle is still a good idea:)

[@jackvoss5841]

I camp on my 125 Super Cub. Lighter than when I camp in a canoe. I’m 86. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying

[@MotoCampNerd]

That's awesome!

[@givannimikel4586]

You're an inspiration. I hope I'm still making trips to the wilderness at that age.

[@jackvoss5841]

@@givannimikel4586 G’day, Givani. It’s easy. Just live to be 85, and then be careful. Also, have no sane friends. That’s as critical as carefulness. Stay active. A moving target is hard to hit. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying

[@givannimikel4586]

@@jackvoss5841 LOL I got the no sane friends box checked at least.

[@followingflinn8311]

Myth1: you need your own woods to camp in

[@DorkintheRoad]

It isn't required, but it certainly is nice.

[@smashy_smasherton]

Aminals will eechew!

[@fairwind8222]

Where it’s legal 🤣🤣🤣

[@luckyintervale]

Or you can poach some nerd’s campsite when he’s not looking or using it 😂

[@macoyatienza]

Hello sir

[@davidmatthews3093]

I much prefer camping in camp sites. The small cost is worth the hot showers and contact with local people. I will wild camp but only when a camp site is not available. I camp all year round and attend several hivernales in France every winter. They are really special.

[@michaelmarkin1532]

Instead of getting up to hang your horse behind the barn invest in a pee bottle so you don’t have to leave the tent!

[@tennyis28]

Gross

[@penguinvic9892]

Even a cheap soft drink bottle, with a fairly wide screw top, will do. Even a small empty milk bottle will do. Just remember to screw the top securely and as an added precaution, stand the bottle up after use.