Learning THIS about Camping Gear Changed My Life

[@AndrewChristopherEnriquez]

first time moto camping ever was last year October, first time moto camping this year will be next weekend woohoo!

[@garygardner9677]

If you're big and tall (I'm 6'4" 270lbs) I highly recommend looking into a camping quilt rather than a mummy bag. You'll be far more comfortable than a bag and they pack fairly small.

[@christopherbiomass7155]

My first time camping was in the early 70's, and I don't remember which one was first. My first time motorcycle camping was in the early 90's on a Moab/Arches trip that a friend did the logistics for. We camped between the reeds on the bank of the Colorado river. I'm pretty sure we weren't supposed to camp there. My second motorcycle camping was near Leadville, CO. It started snowing on us even before getting to camp. I may be weird, but a little adversity makes a trip more fun and memorable. Emphasis on little.

[@Crittermoto]

What a ton of research you must of done for this. Great information! I had always been Synthetic up until last year when I got my first Down…..I will NEVER go back to Synthetic. I’ve been camping my whole life, since before I can remember. So I’ll tell you about my first “wild survival” camp. I was 17 and in cadets. Three of us were taken up the mountain and into the back country on a Friday evening for a survival training weekend. We were dropped off at a location, given a compass, map, fire steal, bush knife and an MRE each and then told to make our way home by Sunday. This was almost 40 years ago now 😮 before handheld GPS and Cellphones. I highly doubt that a Cadet Corp could get away with this nowadays 😜. But with teamwork and basic survival skills training, the three of us made it back to base without incident. It was definitely one of those times in your life you never forget.

[@larrypeplinski593]

Most memorable camping was when I was in Boy Scouts in Fairbanks, Alaska and we had to camp in at least 40 below zero weather. It actually made it to 44 below. This was my 2nd camp out. I used 2 standard GI surplus mummy bags. And I’d learned the hard way previously, not to sleep in your clothes. At least not the ones you were going to wear when you got out of your sleeping bag.

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

I can't remember my first time camping because my parents used to take us three kids and the five of us would sleep in a 6x6 canvas tent. Parents on cots and kids sideways with legs under the cots. I don't know how we dealt with the pole in the middle! I'm currently on my 16th year with a down bag. Admittedly, for the first several years, I only went on one week-long trip per year, but now I'm sleeping out around 30 nights per year split between hiking, car camping, and motorcycle camping. I've probably got more than 200 nights in that bag, which (based on the purchase price) is getting down to about a couple of dollars a night. Really appreciate your focus on sustainability and reducing waste. I went for years sleeping in an army surplus bag that I bought for just a few dollars. Really appreciate your focus on sustainability and reducing waste.

[@stanadams8718]

Our family of 6 (4 kids) and a dog all slept in a canvas tent that had a pole in the middle to hold it up. Needless to say, it was very "cozy". When it rained, we had to make sure NOT to touch the side of the tent or it would start to seep in rainwater! Each pair of us shared a double-sized sleeping bag that was certainly NOT down filled. I don't know how we survived it all, but we loved camping together in the Colorado Rockies for many Summers!

[@Steve-ps2tw]

First time I went camping I was 6.I went with my uncle/aunt and their friend's family. We got to be in a camper thankfully because it was cold. The most fun trips though we always to the Colorado River or Dumont Dunes.

[@TheFalcro1234]

::::::Standard long story warning:::::: (Those of you that know, know, for those that don't, welcome!) Great info as always. Now let's get right into the E.S.C. ? My "first" camping trip was a lifetime ago when I was 8 y.o. and in the B.S.o.A. Now if you are talking about Moto camping. That is a much better story. That happened two (2) years ago. I went for my first multi day ride and moto camped for a week - ish in August 2021. The adventure was made possible by you Amanda. Your forthright explanations, gear advice and moto vlogs, along with your courage to face the unknown convinced this Disabled 56 y.o. (now 58) that it might be possible for me to go see this beautiful country. That journey started about a year and a half before, when I found your channel. I bought a 2005 Suzuki Boulevard S50 (Intruder chassis) street cruiser. Practiced for and passed my endorsement and rode through the summer around the beautiful state of Oregon. That got my seat (derrière) warmed up and ready for more adventure. Next, that fall, I purchased a 1981 Honda GoldWing GL1100 for $500 and proceeded to go through the maintenance items left undone for years. Putting a total of $1000 into Oil, filter, plugs, brakes, timing belts etc. Then RMR 6 (Rocky Mountain Roll #6) was announced. I put together my " Moto camping kit" together and hit the road from Oregon to Montana..... I think you know the story from there Amanda. For this Amanda, I thank you from the bottom of my poorly maintained and patched heart. Without a brave young lady (YOU) willing to just get on an old street bike and hit the road, show her struggles and triumphs honestly and share that information good or bad with the world. I would have never even tried. I believe that this is why you are here with us. You are the best ambassador for pretty much moto anything, and maybe even the best ambassador for helping encourage folks try. You always say "Get out and do the thing". Well I did get out and do the thing and my life is better for it. I love you Amanda Zito. Not in that creepy old man way!!!! I ain't stalking you I promise lol..... I love you like my daughter, you are not my blood but I care just as though you are. Thank you for being a beautiful Human.

[@603Rydes]

Had a tent in the back yard every summer starting when I was 7. Did a lot of hiking/camping in my late teens. Already have three campgrounds picked for when I can get my camper out in the spring, planning on 10-12 several day trips next year.

[@roywalls5595]

My first time camping was with my parents 40s years ago and the tent 10 person ⛺ ! Amanda Zito 🌹

[@gabbymadsen7260]

My first time camping, I was... maybe 8yr and we'd move up to Washington. We were doing one of the Loops and were putting up an old Colman tent. The kind made of canvas that my Dad could stand inside and that would sleep a family of 5 comfortably. The first time I went motorcycle camping I rode out to Forks with this woman I'd met on the internet. And I learned the difference between packing for mc trips that stop at hotels and actual camping. The woman learned that motorcyclists are not PCT hikers and, it is only proper to for us to eat well.

[@margueritelenhardt3145]

1st time I camped in tent and sleeping bag was in the Army 1977, was so exhausted it was the best sleep ever!

[@DeweyRides]

Good info. I'll say. I didn't think it was a debate. Down for weight/size is unbeatable. You nailed the very important part. It's a sleep system. The pad, base layers, hat, etc are all part of it. This is why I went to a very good down quilt.ine is rated a -10* comfort rating and I got an over stuffed footbox. With a quilt you can use it in much warmer temps as you can stick a foot or arm or whatever out. I've been down well below freezing with it and a Xtherm pad, and slept like a baby.

[@johnpagejr.7628]

This is not about the first time I went camping but the first time I slept out in a down sleeping bag. I didn't know about using a sleeping pad and I just laid the bag directly on the ground and got in. Needless to say it was a miserable cold night in the sleeping bag. So I have never done that again. Great run down on sleeping bags Amanda I am very impressed. A+ for this one. I have never had a down bag of my own but I think I am going to see about getting one for my self. I am so tired of having such bulky luggage hanging off the back of my bike.

[@BorderlandBiker]

I'm planning on camping a few times this year, but I hate my sleeping bag. Not because it's synthetic, but because it's a mummy. I just can't sleep properly and I get frustrated when my legs are forced together. P.S. I loved the animations!

[@pedroclaro7822]

Yeah I strongly dislike that too! As a sidesleeper, feels like everything available is bad… a pillow in between my knees really helps so I can keep them stacked and still be moderately comfortable, but not that much. Interestingly it was sort of resolved when I dived into hammocks. Everyone chooses them for the comfort, not for the weight so I didn’t realize I was changing genres so much. Hammock people use an underquilt and a topquilt, and that completely changed my life outdoors! Super duper comfortable, only downside is I have to sleep in a few specific positions (but the same happens when laying on the ground or bed), and I can not belly sleep which has helped me stop that bad habit.

[@AZwahine]

Thank you for this break down Amanda! great info and I took notes to refer to when I'm shopping. My first camping trip was to BRO5... I guess you were there too. The year a lot of girls had their tents blow away. I absolutely froze that weekend. I slept in my chaps, leather jacket, and even had my winter gloves covering my toes! I swore I'd never camp again. But, I found myself at BRO 7 where I got to meet you in person. As you probably also remember, most of use froze that weekend too. I guess you'd think I'm a glutton for punishment. But I'm determined to make a go of this ADV riding! Now that you've armed me with lots of gear info, I look forward to making a habit of Moto camping. Thank you for all your excellent videos. I love watching your adventures and live vicariously through you while I gear up and plan my own trips.

[@OneTakeSunday]

Great video! I bought the same Diamond Park bag you have, on your recommendation. I just got it, so haven't used it yet, but looking forward to it! I think ill be bringing a quilt for the summer months and use the bottom piece with my pad. It packs really big, but it feels soooo comfortable. Motorcycle camping is too frgiggen addicting.

[@Blk_Raven]

My husband and I have been trying to start motocamping for 2 years now. Currently, we have a sleeping pad and 2 chairs. Haha. Life happens, and we've had setbacks, but we are going to get out there and do the thing no matter how long it takes! Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge, it really helps

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

You can do it!

[@pedroclaro7822]

Try hammocks! As moto campers you will have no problem driving a little more to find some nice woods. Kammok sunda 2.0 Will hold both of you, if not try some of the ticket to the moon stuff. If you can afford an amok Draumr each, you will never regret it, i promise!

[@Blk_Raven]

@@pedroclaro7822 Thanks for the tip!

[@MotoPhotoAdventures]

I love your sleep setup, Amanda! We use a lot of the same philosophies and similar products as you do...and have been super happy with them! I used to try to camp "on the cheap". But in the end, not getting a good night's rest just isn't worth it! But it right, buy it once, and sleep like a baby. Thanks for sharing your time and talent with these videos!!! 🙂

[@rosscoyates]

I have a down bag that I bought in 1974. In those 49 years I have never been cold. Look after a down bag and it will last many years.

[@randypolderman3620]

My first time was of the motorcycle in norway above the arctic circle in my cheap synthetic sleepingbag... Can't say i didnt learn a thing or 2 about sleepingbags that night 😂

[@THX..1138]

I was too young to remember the first time I went camping. First time I went camping by myself I was 11. I told my parents I was sleeping at friend's house. My friend was supposed to do the same, but couldn't go cuz he had some kind of thing at his church, so I went alone. It was a blast, people who only ever camp in campgrounds and parks don't really get to experience the forest at night among truly wild animals. Unlike in a campground where the animals are accustomed to seeing you as a food source in the forest away from camp grounds. Animals are at first standoffish as they try to judge if you are a threat. Once they determine you aren't they go about their nightly activities like you weren't even there.

[@tomkruger3496]

My first camp was a Klondike Derby with the BSA at Rockport State Park in Utah. It blows my mind now to think of how underprepared we were. I have two down bags. Both are Kelty. The older one is like 15 years old now and is still in great shape. I only use them a handful of times a year so I get lots of longevity out of them. I've been into camping and backpacking for years. Now I'm doing motocamping and fortunately there is a lot of overlap between motocamp gear and backpacking gear.

[@adriankuepker9981]

Inherited a 1970s era North Face down bag and had it cleaned and restuffed a couple years ago. Now it makes a great summer bag and is maybe 1/4th the size of my equivalent Columbia synthetic bag when both are packed tightly. Mostly though, it’s cold enough in the mountains even in summer that my Nemo disco 15 is the go-to bag. And works well enough that I could sleep out at RMR last year and watch all those stars in perfect comfort.

[@JamesChasingSunrises]

My first time camping was compliments of Army drills. Lol. My first voluntary camping was in Tuscan, AZ on a cross country motorcycle trip from Philadelphia.

[@stevemehew2888]

I feel down is also slightly more breathable than synthetic, useful in summer. First time camping was Scotland near Aberdeen. Cold ! 😁

[@jasonchaney5382]

My mothers parents, who I basically lived with till they died when I was in high school, were very adventurous. (And by adventurous I mean, in the late 1940's they traveled from Indianapolis to San Diego on a Harley with a side car.) I have a very vague memory of a camping trip with them to Yosemite when I was 2 or 3. So... I've basically been camping my whole life. Or, 54 years. I currently have a collection of 6 sleeping bags. 2 down mummy bags at 0 and +40. (I hate mummy bags) And 4 Coleman rectangular bags. (I bought an RV several years ago. So no more mummy bags) Three of the Coleman bags are the exact same model in different ratings. +15, +40, and +60 I think. I use those in the RV. The other Coleman bag is the biggest rectangular bag I have ever seen at 38"x84". It's also rated at -15. I believe it too. I remember one Thanksgiving camping trip (before RV) where the overnight temps were below 10F and I was cozy and warm in that thing.

[@kevinh8338]

Excellent information - I do recommend a Silk Bag Liner (takes up a tiny amount of space) - and on warm nights works well by itself if too warm for the bag (just sleep on top of the bag/pad). I use a 2 sleeping bags - a light synthetic to about 45 degrees, and a down bag that has kept me warm down to 18 degrees, and takes up even less space compressed. Also don’t store your bags compressed, hang them up in a closet!

[@marchingon5401]

Having one of each is ideal. I’ve used down for all my moto camping and backpacking until I left for my 10 day trip to The Black Hills with out it. I picked up a 20° REI synthetic and it was great. The downside was it packed about 3x the size of my down bag. I will go back to the down bag but I’m switching to a synthetic puffy jacket . You’re more likely to sweat in a jacket, like when you’re setting up camp. Unfortunately I haven’t been tested a hydrophobic treated down jacket to compare to a synthetic. Once that down jacket gets wet, it stays wet.

[@jerryspencer5453]

You always do a great job covering the information we should know. Thanks for helping us stay informed.

[@feanythmayosh5525]

First time camping I can barely remember. I grew up with camping with my parents. Over time they bought a bigger caravan, but I was extremely stocked when I got 'promoted' from sleeping in the caravan to my own tent next to it.

[@kevinsterner9490]

Great video. Last year I bought my first expensive sleeping bag. it is a a zero degree Echo Park by Big Agnes. I have purchased several cheap sleeping bags over the years and each one left me freezing over night. I finally bit the bullet and bought a good one. I really like it and it was well worth the money. I did realize on my first trip with it, I needed an insulated pad. I have since purchased one that has a 4.5 rating. There is a side of me that wished I spent the extra $$ for the down bag for its compatibility, but I have been able to manage with this one. Keep the content coming. PS I am too old to remember my first time camping 😂😂

[@richardmourdock2719]

Very Well Done! Turns out we started moto camping at about the same time, too. I've camped down to 19 degrees. Which was cold but not as cold as the next morning on the bike. Learned a good second blanket with synthetic is golden. First time camping? My memory doesn't function well past 65 years or so...

[@leayoung3014]

I think my first time camping was in Ensenada Mexico and she 7-8 years old… Great info on sleeping bags, Thanks!

[@larrypeplinski593]

Hey Amanda, A good explanation of sleeping bags concerning a number of topics. Thanks.

[@Shrilbart]

The first time I went camping I was about 3 months old. My parents were always big about packing the car Friday after work and drive to the mountains and camp all weekend while they fished.

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Awww I love that!

[@gordonhenderson1708]

Great information! Usually, we get what we pay for, don't we. My current down bag has kept me comfortable for ten years.

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Love that!

[@charlesworld9114]

Thank you for a well prepared and well thought out analysis! Liked and subscribed!

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Much appreciated!

[@brucegerken1063]

Great video thank you very well done I was about 10 acouple of friends went up to the local fire tower nice camp fire when a set of eyes came up over the back fire .have ya ever tried to run in a sleeping bag. It was ower dog.

[@PeterVred]

I’ve been looking around, and this is great info. I find myself enjoying your channel more and more as time’s gone by. Thank you.

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Glad to hear it!

[@elmerarellano6527]

Exped air mat and 0 degree down bag works perfect for me

[@elmerarellano6527]

Camp mostly in January

[@rebelmalfunction]

I bought some cheaper stuff and had a crappy tent for my fisrt motocamp. The tent was supposed to be another one but my parents had gotten the two mixed up. the first night was good. i was warm and woke up to a excellent view. the second night I had water in my tent because of rain, but all in all it was agood trip

[@MeAndMyRoyalEnfield]

I am a full time traveler in my bag almost every day. Currently in a Coleman I purchased at Goodwin. 95 weeks with it and it is time for new. I wake up with headaches when sleeping on down pillows. This video is excellent and Very timely. Don't like making these decisions cause I usually make the wrong decision. Thank you so very much.

[@MetallaCaine]

First time I went camping off the bike was just after Christmas 2022. Such an awesome time and I am already planning the next trip

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

That is awesome!

[@backroadmax2344]

Great video! Excellent primer on sleep systems, in general - not just on the synthetic v. Down conversation.

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Thank you 😊

[@paparides6797]

Good Information..but i prefer the sleeping systems that come with hotel rooms...:)

[@cocoscabana]

Love the DETAILS gurl.. you rock.. always educating and motivating

[@MrRobertoa1]

Funny story, my first time camping was when my son joined the Boys Scouts. We didn't know anything about camping. We used blankets. Everyone was fighting for a blanket. We didn't know anything about choosing where to set up your tent. We slept on a slope. We all rolled down to their mom. They slept on an air mattress. I slept on the ground and slept great. My wife had both kids on her all night. She couldn't move. Great memories.

[@michaelskinner896]

Great comparison, and very well done!

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Thank you very much!

[@Sherry-jx9hs]

Coming from a family of hunter gather's I was introduced to camping when I was pretty young. My grand dad would take us to the Oregon coast where we slept in all kinds of various arrangements. Sometimes in the back of the station wagon then later in a camper on the truck. I don;t remember tent camping but have done that in the last several years like at RMR 7. So what I heard was that my ancient US Army mummy bag is probably not very usable today LOL. I don;t use it but n=since I got it from grandpa throwing it out seem like a sin. Could that be repurposed with an animal shelter or should it just be recycled or hung in the garage to collect dust. Thanks for a great breakdown on the differences.

[@MtbPoland]

Thank you, God bless

[@edwinbrown3303]

This is very helpful

[@pawspaws101]

GREAT INFO here!!! Thanks!!!!

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Glad it was helpful!

[@eddcurry1245]

Good info

[@AJL15N]

Does basic training count for the first time camping?😅

[@davidmatthews3093]

I have one big problem with any down or feather products, I can be allergic to them. Finding out if any down sleeping bags are ok for me could be a very expensive experiment. ☹️

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Eeek! Sorry David!

[@AntiParallali]

bikers who camp: down vs synthetic sleeping bag? Hmmm Doodle and Me: *rent airbnb* LOL

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

😜

[@cruiz7037]

Which is the lightest yet warmest?

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Down. As you can see in the comparison chart. 👍

[@ejakeway]

First time I ever went camping I stayed in a bevy style tent. Was completely fine with the right space but wasn’t fine with the small amount of storage I had t place by my feet or above my head. Over the years I leaned I don’t need a sleeping back. Just a type of blow up cushion and a blanket is enough for me.

[@gabbymadsen7260]

Why does the best down come from the most violent of birds?

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

🤣🤣 excellent question

[@donaldmartz7256]

Can't use down. Have allergy to down. Must use synthetic, no choice.

[@seaninness334]

So.... I guess I'll just tie a dozen live geese together for a blankie. heh. I've only gone camping.. maybe twice at camp grounds that had lean to's when I was really young. It's likely that I will always opt for the hotel room. If I ever get my act together, I will attempt it at RMR, I promise.