Motorcycle Camping Easy 1 Bag Setup

[@Liberty4Ever]

I was glad to finally see a video showing a one bag setup for motorcycle camping. Hiking, bicycling and kayaking, I've had a strong preference for ultralight camping from the early 1970s that is naturally carrying over into my motorcycle camping. I've ridden small dual sport bikes since 1975 and always wanted a lightweight adventure bike. We got big heavy adventure bikes in the mid 80s that only grew larger for a couple of decades, and only recently are we finally seeing small ADV bikes, 40 years after I envisioned them. Serious ADV bikes are still big, and the goal seems to make ADV motorcycle camping as big and complex as possible. I'm convinced less is more. I can certainly travel more places with less weight and bulk, and I'll be able to keep traveling well into old age when I couldn't do that on a big heavy ADV bike. The large 58L Wolfman duffel was out of stock a year ago so I bought a Wild Heart brand 66L waterproof duffel that is clearly a Wolfman knockoff, but the quality seems good. It and the Wolfman were the only waterproof duffels I found that have D rings on the bottom of the bag. That was essential for the way I use the bag. I tie the base of the bag to the rear rack so it can't move around on the bike and I don't need straps over the top of the bag. That allows me to quickly and easily access the contents of the bag so I can use it as a tail bag to store tools, water, a first aid kit, toilet paper, rain suit, etc. Inside the bag, the contents are organized in ultralight waterproof roll top bags by category - clean clothes, dirty clothes, cook kit, food, hammock, sleeping bag and mattress, etc. I leave the bag tied to the rack and remove the stuff sacks that I need, as I need them. I pack the heavy items such as the seven pound tool roll and water low and as far forward as possible to improve the weight and balance so the bike handles well. Panniers are good for carrying the weight lower, but I don't like the weight of the panniers, nor do I like them hanging out in the wind to increase aerodynamic drag and scrape on trees and rocks when riding off road. The duffel bag behind me is very low drag and no snag. Even with the heavy tool roll and dry suit, my total load is typically 35 pounds, so it carries very well on the pillion and rear rack.

[@TheGravelBadger]

That’s brilliant! You’d be waiting a while for me in the morning when I’m packing up all my crap, but love this! Food for thought... cheers!

[@LegionarHR]

@Kristopher Nickolas its a scam dont do this

[@bikecommuter24]

2:18 those are called "Senior Moments" I have those at times, I also suffer from CRS (Can't Remember Sh*t) luckily I have moments where I do remember to upload important details to my phone but then forget or ignore my phone. Gotcha Straps and the like I use RokStraps they really changed things for me, I hardly ever use bungee cords anymore. The blue tarp, spent a few nights just under one of thee those next to the bike.

[@paulg9314]

Thanks for that Mark. I've got a DR with the same B&B rack, so this video was right on the money. I run a pair of Andy Strapz Avduro soft panniers, which I normally just leave on the bike. They're tough as nails. Cooking gear and food goes in one. Clothes, and miscellaneous stuff in the other. Tools and spares are in a PVC pipe under the left rear seat. If I'm pub camping, that's about it. But for bush camping, the sleeping bag, Helinox chair, lights, tent, pegs and groundsheet go in the top duffle bag, as you do. That way I can leave the duffle bag alone all day, and just drag it off at night, pack it up the next morning not touch it again until the next campsite. Good to see your Wolfman duffle bag has lasted so long. I've just used a grubby old and worn-in echelon bag, but you've got me all stirred up now and I might lash out for a decent waterproof duffle bag with all the right straps.

[@ChrisyC567]

You my friend have opened my mind and eyes for a much better way to carry my stuff.... Thank You Sir.! Also vacuum bags are excellent too and you don't need a vacuum. 😉👍🏻

[@kentuckyjustice1408]

Your whole camp set up in that one bag. That's pretty good.

[@filybear3393]

Your vids back then helped me with my set up when I was starting motorcycle camping. I appreciate you sharing, and still sharing. I always feel I take too much though and want to shave down how much I take. It's a hard thing to do for some reason 😞. Thanks for all you do! By the way it's amazing how your comfort level in front of the camera has change from back then.😉👍

[@VISATcomms]

Great stuff Mark, going to be awesome when we can get out travelling and camping again.

[@Dubious.Bovine]

late to the party but I've found a good way to stop the noise with the inflatable mattresses. Grab a cotton sleeping bag liner and stuff the mattress in it. Stops the noise and makes sleeping in the warmer weather much more comfortable if you don't want to use a sleeping bag.

[@BikerBits]

Great stuff mate! Thanks👍

[@agella72]

I wanna try out a new setup for motorcycle camping, looks like it won't be for a while! Great to see how others do it though. Great technique with closing up your bag, gotta try that.

[@ronanrogers4127]

They’re great bags. I have the original of the Touratech waterproof duffel bags which are made in Germany by Ortlieb. I bought an identical 49L Ortlieb Rack Pak from a bicycle shop on flea bay for A$99 shipped from Melbourne, whereas the identical Touratech bag is A$165 plus shipping. I’ve used it in 17 countries over 3 years on the back of my big KTM. It’s bullet proof. It’s now on the back of the little DRZ400.

[@gureno19]

Nemo tensor for the sleeping pad, few different sizes etc. But the internal thermal sheet is suspended in a way that stops those "squeaking" noises. Also one of the most comfortable sleeping pads and compresses down to the size of about a 1L bottle.

[@maxflight777]

You make such a good point about putting things in bags, only to put them in another bag !! Your usual clarity Mark 👍 Bloody good comments .

[@rhtoms]

G'day Mark from Austin TX USA! For a ground sheet (tarp) find a place where new houses are being built. You can almost always find remnants of the Tyvek sheeting used on the sides of the houses in the trash or ask the guys building it if you can get some before they clean up the site. That material is very strong and thin so it folds/rolls small and it works great to protect the bottom of the tent. For a mattress look into a Klymit V Ultralight. You can get insulated ones, which work great for cooler weather, and you would not need the blanket for the cot, saving more space and weight. do not make that stupid crinkly sound. I use one and highly recommend them. It is about 17 ounces and when rolled, it is slightly larger than a soda can or about the size of a Fosters! I also carry a polypropelene towel, like the ones the Olympic divers use, to dry the tent of any moisture before I take it down. Takes about 2 minutes max.

[@BlackdogADV]

I’ve been downsizing and went from the Wolfman large to a small. I like how you don’t use a tent bag, I’ll try that next time.

[@jdbordelon7752]

G'Day Mark, i was just perusing older videos and looking at that particular one camp set up, and then you do this, lol

[@magnusconsul]

Hello Mark; great idea, I will have a look at my kit and make some minor changes; Your practical advice is fantastic, I still use the Hellenox Cot and Chair...at my age I need the comfort...LOL.... keep safe.... thanks again...

[@Jeff4fun]

Great video Mark. Love senior moments- I can't remember what I've forgotten, ha. Cheers Jeff

[@michaelsupple6081]

Great tip about not using individual bags for everything. If you pack individual bags you wind up with lots of waisted space because the bags don't fit exactly together. By simply stuffing items such as sleeping bags they will conform to the shape of the larger bag and fill it much more efficiently into every nook and cranny. I do question being able to use that one bag as I didn't see any food, cookware, toiletries, clothes tools etc. Good video!

[@GuzzFieldTonKi]

I have the same Wolfman duffel. It is a great bag for sure. I will have to try this packing method on my next motorcycle camping trip.

[@rogerdepretto440]

Thanks Mark brilliant tip , tried and tested works Will do this from now on , still learning at 60, cheers mate.

[@BikerBits]

Good Onya mate! 👍

[@RandomIsTheNewKool]

Another piece of Biker bits goodness for the day. Thanks Mark... and Nay....

[@ADVScott342]

Another great MCT have a blast at the rally 🍻

[@slakk5093]

Great video, I'll grab some of those gotcha straps off you at some point. I'm using ratchet straps, that are good and strong but those look better. Great to see everything packed loose in to a roll top bag, I didn't think of doing that. Good idea

[@jamiecleeves7921]

Brilliant straight to the point no dreaded music fab UK

[@MrMicSilk]

TY again , been more than 20 years since I've been Bike camping , yep all my fault. My sleep was an old canvas swag 7ft by 9ft and Tarp. 30 plus years still have it, good condition. Tarp and old foam mattress died . Got look into Sleeping bag and Self inflating mattress new tarp. Cheers

[@davideccleston2142]

Great video, Txs mate. Would really like to see the rest of your kit though, like your kitchen/cooking gear, food, etc and your clothes etc, the full deal if possible?

[@SsiolisP]

So simple that it's genius.

[@sausagesandwichSA]

I am now trying this setup which seems to work pretty good..except for a wet tent which as you say can go in a bag of some sort👍

[@MVDBR]

Awesome stuff Mark keeping it simple that's my #1 motto with that kinda thing, thank you for sharing your setup 👌

[@JeffSichoe]

I never knew about Gotcha Straps and they're even made locally! Thanks. I think i've been watching your vids for about 8 years now too :)

[@j10flyer]

You can use some pledge to help some of the noise on the squeaker mattress. Done that on a few air mattresses. It helps. Great tips. Thanks.

[@bradfraser4]

Hey there mark you've definitely got out what you have put in over years mate I've watched how many views and likes since last night to now. I watching the first vid you did on your 650 to what you are now mate and with all the merchandise stuff mate you've done a brilliant job keep it up big fella can't wait to catch up one day 💯👍🇦🇺🍻🍻🍻🍻

[@cynthiamgentles6781]

In bear country best to pack a portable electric bear fence. A compact 2.4 Ibs for huge peace of mind.

[@jadesmith6823]

I've used this advice for a year... #nailsit 🙏🙌

[@MrAlmar07]

Nice one Mark (& Nay), That's a great set up. I'll be ditching all the stuff bags now methinks.. I remember watching the old video a few years back. I'll have to go look up them Gotcha Straps now as well!! Awrabesht to you both from me & my clan. K.O.K.O. 😉💙👍

[@VikingBagsYT]

Great video! we here at Viking bags really appreciate your content!

[@MrPaulsim]

Good video Mark ! I always have problems what to put where , how much to take !

[@jerrycollins8568]

Great video Mark, I really enjoyed seeing your camping setup and am always looking for ways to improve my own. Camping here in Oklahoma is very difficult in summer as the temperature and humidity is just too high to enjoy sleeping out. Most of my camping is car camping in the colder months, sometimes requiring a heated tent. But no worries about poison snakes in the winter of which there are quite a few of those here also. Keep the great videos coming Mark, thanks so much. DR650's rule!!!

[@brewey0454]

the Gotcha straps they are fantastic I have bought them off you and used them for my scooter before I sold it and save it up for a new scooter and will use them on the next one ☝️ thank you Mark for selling Something that actually works really well thank you

[@paulherron1933]

Great idea, will have to try it next time i am away. I take far too much incl kitchen sink. Cheers Mark.

[@stevemcdermott62]

Mark, the past eight years has paid off, your best video to date. Great camera work Nay. I have worked out my own setup over the years but it is great to get some new ideas. Tanks

[@chrisandrew852]

Good stuff Mark!... First of all, the way you were pulling stuff out of that bag I thought you must have pinched it from Mary Poppins! - I'm new to all this, but you've sold me on the bag and you have a new subscriber..:)

[@BikerBits]

Good Onya Chris! 👍

[@jamiecleeves7921]

Brilliant mate learning all the time thanks UK

[@etiennelouw9244]

super sensible, well done.

[@tomkitchen2764]

I'm going to use this set up too, less is more i reckon. What about cooking gear and food?

[@anomie6788]

Its the KISS method ... Keep it simple stupid ....... I love it. As you would say Brilliant

[@mackeycharli256]

Congrats on 30k subs Mark 👍🏻

[@sucramsucram3558]

Ya gotta camp in the back garden for us again now. 😁

[@ronniemills6294]

Love the gotcha straps

[@clarktferrill]

This is the way I have packed for years..all those little stuff sacks are a pain in the ass..I find everything in the bag finds its own level..stuff bags make odd bumps and lumps making the overall bag uneven and heavy in one place or another..pack it one time and for get about it..I have carried a mesh bag for the tent if it is wet..then I strap outside the main bag until dry..I always buy the larger stuff sacks, if I need to carry something in a bag.never use the tight never get back into bag that came with the product..

[@journeybus7785]

Awesome tips and products.

[@chrispulham4779]

Great video and method

[@thedonnybrookghost8394]

Good setup mate !! I almost bought a new max 2months ago I think it was only $8000 ride away good deal but I've ridden dual Sports my hole life 😒

[@willyd-adv]

Yay no swag, I really can't abide them. "Oh I'm just off in my $100,000 UTE to catch a $10 fish and all I can carry in the UTE bed is 1 swag. Bloody bonanza" 😒

[@metaldog7128]

Nice 👍

[@megamindtvsydney3967]

Very nice information thank you sir.

[@anthonyclark4744]

Brilliant

[@whereswaldo5740]

Great advice. Obviously have done it and put thought into it. Like those straps. Are they available in the US?

[@BikerBits]

No sure!

[@DF4Trap]

Great concept!

[@billcotton1551]

You are able to fit a lot of gear in there.

[@Accolades70]

Food, cooking, water ect? Seperate bag?

[@petertelford4900]

Thanks mate I'll do that but where do you put your camp stove and food lol. Oh p.s still have to buy a camp stove and adaptor of you later .

[@BikerBits]

They go in the side panniers! :-)

[@adityarizki6683]

very interesting...i always cary too much stuff...maybe it would be better if u do this video under the sun i/o in the shades, coz its rather dark

[@Wesley..]

Great vid!, love the Gotcha straps! When i pack my sleepingbag i roll it and tighten it with a velcrostrap that saves a lot of space, just as big as a hand holding an apple. Dont you take any food/cooking gear, first aid kit or tools? Greetings from the Netherlands

[@BikerBits]

Yes I do and they go in my saddlebags! :-)

[@eltongetkate596]

Hi sorry to bother you I love the video would love to pack my camping gear this way have been looking at this bag I’m living in Ireland the only size I can get is a 40 lt bag what size is your bag please

[@BikerBits]

Pretty sure it's 50 litres

[@undecodable6145]

Can you please put a link of the bag because I couldn't find it on your website

[@BikerBits]

wolfman expedition dry duffel medium. We don't sell it!

[@GOCA-NIKOLA-TRAVEL]

👍 *ALWAYS INTERESTING* 👍

[@alexmorton8659]

Hay Mark,any details on the make of the luggage plate youre using to secure that bag on?

[@BikerBits]

B&B Offroad

[@livewire..]

Hey Mark, thanks for the many excellent videos. How much does that bag weigh full? And what about the camp kitchen stuff, where do you pack that and how much does it weigh.

[@BikerBits]

6 kgs and kitchen stuff goes in the side pannier

[@svenschrecker]

This is what I came here to ask. Where’s the clothes roll, the can of soup, the torch, etc that you showed in your other video??

[@Bruski68.]

So when your camping what do you eat and drink?

[@BikerBits]

There are 2 pannier bags for all that stuff and more obviously! 👍

[@patriotsleepercell4060]

Now that's a real man way of packing! Fucking'a

[@germansestopal6167]

Thank you. Good vidéo. But cooking system? Tools? Toiletry bag? Water? Food? Electronic? I suppose you a second bag...

[@BikerBits]

Tool Tube for tools and pannier bags for the rest!

[@germansestopal6167]

@@BikerBits so...is two bags..😊👌

[@pete2109]

What about all ya cooking stuff? 🤔🤷‍♂️🤘

[@BikerBits]

Goes in the side pannier

[@pete2109]

Biker Bits So its not a 1 bag setup then? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@RickLincoln]

What an excellent video! So useful. Thank you...

[@thatguy6207]

If I’m going one night… one bag is easy

[@jackmclean7366]

What side racks are you using?

[@BikerBits]

Wolfman Gen 2 but they don't make them anymore! The ones to get now are the Barrett ones! :-)

[@jackmclean7366]

Thanks Mark!

[@bikernation136]

👍👌

[@sg7392]

Put all the wet stuff in one persons bag everyone else has the dry stuff.

[@donnam4260]

👍🏻😁

[@peter2679]

Call me soft but I prefer a motel. Good set up though.

[@MASTURBIKER]

Hey Mark, what's the width of those Gotcha straps?

[@MASTURBIKER]

So obviously there's a second back for your kitchen, tool's, clothing , food and water... have you got a video of your full packing and tie down set up on the bike? Also how many litres is your bag?

[@BikerBits]

Yes! I'd proberly have a very old one, need to re do it. I think it's 50 litres.

[@laurencefaux6451]

You're like Mary Poppins pulling stuff our of that bag....that pillow came from no where....boom...big pillow.

[@BikerBits]

LOL :-)

[@degener8389]

Nice

[@Phildo1970]

Yeah Mark - when I was in the Army mate it was always wet gear going back into the pack.... And never a little stuff bag insight! Those stuff bags are a pain ... except for maybe hygiene stuff like toothbrush ect. All the best bro, ride on (when we can again!) Phil

[@adobogarage9726]

Great vid and tips man! Definitely easy with the 1 bag set-up.😉👍

[@blacksheep6888]

I personally like Kriega packs, they join together and can be customised, they come with their own straps and if you do it rite you can get to things really easy, for example in the main pack I keep all my clothes and towel, in another I keep my cooking equipment with coffee and tea, that way I don't have to unload bags and rummage around to find what i need, I just unclip the bag I need. Great video its nice to see people do things differently and utilise what works best for themselves.

[@maxflight777]

I dislike the gotcha straps .. why ? Well they don’t exhibit any “tension” . Just buy ROKstraps instead … a far better product

[@motorcyclewild5873]

Awesomeness 😀😀😀😀

[@BikerBytes]

Looks like you got a well tried and tested system 👍

[@MickOTooleroadglide]

G’day Mark that is a bloody brilliance little setup , I love it home away from home 👍😎

[@richardho5955]

Is that a Honda Shadow Sabre 1100 in the background? Great videos by the way! 🏍️👏🍺🇿🇦👍

[@gezafiddysev3272]

Where do you put food, clothes,cooking gear. Hammer n stakes, dishwashing items, electronic gear, toilet paper and personal hygiene 🤔

[@BikerBytes]

First 💪

[@polver222]

bag like in Harry Potter that Hermione used =) space less

[@bikesbluesrallies7768]

Good setup

[@Sum4Seb]

Excellent video! We have a no name bag similar to yours, works great. We love those straps! We had those breakfast sandwiches this morning and they were delicious! 😀

[@CoachSteve4u]

Thanks Mark! I'm new to all this. Metal panniers and saddlebags just seemed too expensive to me and I kept thinking, why not just strap a big duffle back on my top rack? I bought a cheap knock off from Amazon and honestly, it seems so well made that it would rival the Wolfman. But my bag is 50 liters. My top rack is kind of small, and I still need to figure out if I need to mount it length wise to my bike or width wise. I'm a little worried the bag I got is too big now. Live and learn! They dont sell those gotcha straps in the US, right? Is there a good equivalent? I bought rok straps but they are very thin.

[@BikerBits]

No they don't.

[@wayne8146]

Can't believe how much stuff u pulled out of that bag. Didn't think u were going to stop. Hey what about ur cooking & food, water supplies ?

[@BikerBits]

They go in the panniers! 👍