MOTORCYCLE CAMPING SIMPLIFIED - Expert Advice

[@MOTOTREK]

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[@gzahnd]

The lack of specificity around gear in this was refreshing. Well done.

[@2dollarbill3]

agreed

[@C0lon0]

For camping you just need some kind of protection from the elements and a place to sleep over and tools to make food and get water.

[@gorongo4202]

My moto camping motto: Go already! Don't fall for the marketing leading to overthinking and overpreparation. Just Gooooooooooo!

[@sasquatchmoto]

Yes!!!! You have uncovered the point to this whole video, don't worry about what gear you have, just get out there and have fun! Once you are out there, you'll know what you want to bring or leave at home next time!

[@wobblysauce]

Just like waiting for the weather... making memorys.

[@ADViators]

Gotta get my bike back to weather where this makes sense, ha. Not sure anyone camps in Panama?

[@OneManTrail]

In summary: get hard or soft panniers, set up a tent, put a mattress and sleeping bag in it, eat a meal in a bag.

[@MOTOTREK]

It's that simple!

[@jeltehoekstra2952]

There's also rackless bags which are pretty nice too

[@MOTOTREK]

Yes!

[@mosa4688]

@@MOTOTREK Are you guys deliberately ignoring the few requests regarding the name/brand of the pop up green tent because it is shit?

[@kaspersergej]

The meal in a bag part is optional, as it's quiete expensive - eat a meal - that's enough :)

[@ChavsADV]

Arguably the best take on this on KZbin.

[@ronaldhamson738]

I’m 81 and still moto camp. That is exactly how you do it. Shelter is the key item. Water freeze dried and source of heat. Look for mom and pop restaurants in your travels. Fond memories to all.

[@MOTOTREK]

Right on, Ronald.

[@normananderson2583]

Ronald, you are my idol! I would ride with you anytime...

[@ADViators]

This comment gives me hope I'll ride that long! Safe travels Ronald 🙏

[@adadadatt]

I hate how almost every video is an influencer trying to sell you a product. This is refreshing. Thanks

[@eliodimacali7077]

Setting up camp before dark, headlamp. Nice video!

[@olenilsen4660]

Someone´s been watching Ronny Dahl... ;)

[@SpaceGhost392]

Love the simplicity it may be obvious but it really helps people like me that need to JUST DO IT.

[@olenilsen4660]

Even simpler to end every day at a hotel ;) With fresh, cold beer.

[@johnsikes5404]

@@olenilsen4660 When in Bishop, Ca Browns Town Campground. Camp store makes a great sandwich-fresh pies-scoop Ice cream, and great beers on tap. Makes for more memorable memories for me.

[@MrPepsilon]

I often bring one freeze dried meal, for backup. I usually cook at camp, trying to eat reasonably healthy as I like multi day/week trips and even do extended ones lasting more than a month. Water, food and cooking gear do take up a bit of space and weight but I like to have two days of supply so I can spend one extra day in a nice dispersed location without having to look for food. A chair by the campfire is also hard to live without once you tried it.

[@gsquaredstudio6493]

This is an awesome video! Very refreshing! Exactly the right vibe for the reality of going adventuring, and Moto camping! Just go, bring what you like and feel comfortable with, and have a great time. Thanks you!

[@DKornacki3]

I loved this. Entirely agree - you don’t even need the correct bike for motocamping!

[@ne-adv]

Long before that trip, camp in your living room. Pack up your stuff, clothes, camping gear, everything you plan to take with. Put it on your bike in the garage. In the evening, go out to your bike and carry in your stuff. Set up camp in your living room. Go outside and start a fire, cook a meal. Sleep on your pad, in your sleeping bag, in your tent. Get up in the morning, break down your camp, go outside and make that coffee/breakfast. Use that toilet kit for your business. If you plan on washing clothes, do it outside with what you plan on having with you, at the time you plan to do it while camping. Pack up your camp and return everything to your bike in the garage. Rinse and repeat, until you can do it all, one hand tied behind the back, blind-folded. -------- Soft panniers are as dangerous as hard. A trapped leg and force and something will be unhappy. A tent that keeps critters/gnats/mosquitos out. Not following the waterproof hard/soft case need to have inside tent to keep dew off. Waterproof. If you have to get gas, you can pick up food. Maybe a freeze-dried meal or two, for an emergency, but a CLIF or Millenium energy bar or some such is easier to carry and requires no preparation. Eat some energy bars/freeze-dried meals long before your trip, to see what it does to your digestion. Most of the freeze-dried meals will either cork you or make you run. Neither is ideal for an adventure. I'd rather be hungry for a couple days than be scaring the wildlife with my pants around my knees while squatting over a hole. Speaking of which, your toilet bag. Use the shovel in your garden to see of it does the job. Use the kit on your throne at home, to see if the paper and wipes do the job. After all, you are planning on sitting on that part of you for hours at a time. Diaper rash isn't going to be fun. Tho, maybe some might call it an adventure, but not one I want to partake in...

[@sasquatchmoto]

I won't lie, I first tested my gear out in the back yard... I didn't die so I went for real the following weekend. Also, I would be much less concerned if you bring a buddy. If you forget something, your buddy probably can cover for you as long as it's not a sleeping bag, tent or pillow, Sorry Sam, you are on your own!

[@Yowzoe]

Very solid prep (and poop) wisdom. Being extra-good to your G.I. tract before a trip helps too.

[@jimsnow8004]

So true. Gotta go through my kit again. Anything I didn't use last trip is GONE!

[@fabiopunk1661]

that is the art: getting rid of what one might need, but in fact one does not

[@RamblingRuters]

"Especially if I can get my pole wet"😂 I agree with this statement 😅 You guys are awesome, I'm always fine tuning my camping setup, keep it up, will check out your channel for sure.

[@sasquatchmoto]

Thanks!!!

[@peternaur]

I like the ethos: Don't overcomplicate it and just go. However, I disagree with hard panniers, racks, don't worry about weight you're on a motorcycle etc. Weight is a fun-killer I would say. Pack light and be critical of what you really need. Also, my experience is that you need to figure out how to have water and then the rest is just added luxury. For luxuries, I really like a chair!

[@MOTOTREK]

Agreed!

[@Doko88]

Aluminium isnt as Heavy as you think. And if you bring an extra Seat and i sit on my pannier we are Even and i saved Space And the weight was meant that you dont Need an ultralight tent with half a Kilo less weight for 1.000€ more. Just Take a normal one - you dont Carry it on your back

[@mosa4688]

Green tent looks cool - interested how big it is packed and weight ?? Oh and like others have asked brand??

[@marcpilon9189]

Coming from bicycle touring, I’m already accustomed to keeping things light. One piece of advice I would give is make sure you can take stuff that goes in your tent (specially sleeping bag/pad) without getting it all wet in heavy rain. This means carry this stuff in a plastic bag that you leave just outside the tent. You also need to figure out how to put the tent up in the rain without getting it all wet by the time you manage to get the rain fly on.

[@MrPepsilon]

All the (European) tents I owned have an inner, and an outer, tent. They are joined together by hooks and loops or some other device, staying together as one piece if you like. So the inner tent is always protected from the weather. You put them up together.

[@marcpilon9189]

@@MrPepsilon Yes, mine too, but in the video, they can be seen handling the outer tent after staking and setting the poles for the inner tent. Recipe for disaster in heavy rain.

[@dpinedoblog]

This video was awesome. Bring them back for more!

[@jacobgibson9814]

Excellent video, boys. I have been over thinking it

[@michelegenuard8650]

What a fun video! and so informative. You removed all the stress I had about getting the right gear for Moto camping and roughing it up actually fits my personality. Thank you for demystifying Moto camping. You, guys, should consider making a series. I loved the two different perspectives! You are really fun to watch :)👏👏

[@baldandbiking]

Bringing less gear is an art that most of us spend years trying to perfect!

[@Getting-On]

Short and sweet, NICE! And some great tips, thank you.

[@MOTOTREK]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@0HARE]

Yep, exactly this. I already have my super light weight backpacking gear, so it’s ready to go moto camping already.

[@advmike]

Well said. Love to see my Norden brethren livin the dream!

[@dockingtroll6801]

Why not live your own..??

[@alanwalls3117]

Great video! Team works well together

[@TS-sw3xp]

I was always camping to riding until I realized that it is also fun to go somewhere and then just relax and stay for a second or third night at the same spot

[@johncoleman1935]

Actually was good video. Liked the part about soft & hard panniers. Had a trip coming up a while ago and my only choice for my budget were the hard panniers, soft were out of stock. I have an old set of soft but I have to say the hard are a lot more convenient overall. You do have to be conscious of thhe width 😊

[@johnjulyan-gudgeon780]

I’ve been getting into motorcycle camping, but I also ultra-light backpack. There are some interesting intersections or insights that might add joy to your camping experience. For instance, if you are carrying near-200 proof alcohol and a knife, you can fashion an alcohol stove out of a soda can or a food can, with 5 minutes of effort. There are also collapsible stoves that burn wood with the purpose of cooking. As for the air mattress or foam mattress…did you know that there are short (and very compact) collapsible cots which beat the heck out of air mattresses. But if you want bed-like sleeping arrangements, get a short cot along with an air mattress. It won’t really add much to what you are carrying.

[@amanidenholm7940]

Don't forget to take ALL your trash with you. I always take more than my own by sweeping camp before setting up as well as when I leave.

[@sasquatchmoto]

A trash bag is a must, I always bring a grocery bag or 2, they are also great for dirty clothes.

[@penguinvic9892]

When I used to do some national forest stealth camping on long trips in Australia, I made sure I didn’t leave anything behind. I took ALL my trash. Left my campsite looking much like I initially found it.

[@andrewr5203]

That was a shockingly good video. Thanks for making it - the overlanding truck people need to hear this too!!!

[@rayweeks1056]

What is the brand of the (Green) tent….? I have not seen one like that before…..

[@dannywade1783]

Yep would also like to know this

[@iismatthew123]

Also curious!

[@mosa4688]

Have I missed something - has this been answered?

[@Timberbeartrail]

Yeah, I’m gonna be doing that this summer so this is very important for me to see because I’m dialing in everything that I need to bring for a week or a riding and I mean I lived out of a tent for many years. I just forgot about a lot of stuff and I’m a planner so thank you for this very very neutral planning type, it definitely benefited me I’m in Maine

[@catcaturday2384]

The content we need , loved the vid and the cheesy comedy

[@evanshively1294]

Eagle Scout here. Spent my entire childhood camping in all kinds of environments. A few tips for those less seasoned in camping. 1. Sleeping bag temperature ratings aren't great, so add 15 degrees to the label. 2. Tent sizes are measured with people lying shoulder to shoulder, with one pack at their feet or head. Cut the number in half and that's what will be comfortable. (4 person means 2 people comfortably). 3. WATER WATER WATER WATER WATER. Nothing else you do matters if you're dehydrated. Always have a bare minimum of 64 ounces of water AND a way to make clean water. (tablets, filters, pot to boil water, etc.) 4. Last but not least, a decent first aid kit. Even in some of the more monitored areas, it can take some time to get help if you get hurt. You don't need an IFAK or anything crazy, but you need SOMETHING.

[@happycamper4429]

Coming from a backpacking state of mind, this was an easy switch. 1 good thing I really don't worry about my tent weight now🎉

[@jameswalstrom2433]

Great job boys... Pretty much somed it up...

[@hwobstj]

Nicely done!!👍👍

[@anthonywestwood406]

You guys nailed it. I personally run a combo 1man bivy/hammock setup and its amazing. I also opted for a wool blanket bedroll rather than a sleeping bag.

[@MOTOTREK]

Very cool, Anthony. How is the wool bedroll different from a wool blanket?

[@anthonywestwood406]

@MOTOTREK literally just the blanket with the air pad rolled inside. I carry a backpack cover for it incase needed. Overnight the backpack cover protects my riding gear.

[@ritchieok29]

Great advice. Keep it simple. Moto camping is awesome. The one thing I have learned the hard way and would recommend, is to pack a sleeping bag liner for that night that is unexpectedly colder than your sleeping bag is rated for.

[@m4niac123]

Moto camping is a learning by doing thing. I remember my first trip, brought way too much stuff with me. But after every trip, you learn what you need and what you can leave at home. Now after 8 years of riding, i can relate with everything in this video.

[@jackvoss5841]

I carry a cover to put over the motorcycle. Then rain and dew won’t get to the electrical switches. Some gear can sit under the bike, and the cover shelters it. Just a thought. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying

[@adriengahery9471]

Glad you have that "Keep It Simple" approach. Nice vid !

[@ApocGuy]

Used to backpacking, going moto only made me softer; all suddenly I could take additional 20+ kilos of equipment, with no worries for my lower back. Went back to lightweight moto camping, LOVE IT 😁🥰

[@OutRising]

Pretty perfect take and demonstrated well. Chances are the worst things that are likely is a bad night's sleep which you can learn from.

[@howlinhog]

If I had a dollar for every time I packed a bunch of food (and this includes a 28' 5th wheel with fridge and stove) and then ultimately ended up at a restaurant, I'd be a millionaire (OK, maybe a hundred bucks).

[@unsafe_at_any_speed]

I wish I had a hundred bucks for every time I packed all my camping gear neatly into my saddle bags just to stay in a motel

[@howlinhog]

@@unsafe_at_any_speed LOL! Been there done that. For me it always involved a female. Ride til she cries I say.

[@penguinvic9892]

@@unsafe_at_any_speedI found I could ride for several days, and then stay at a caravan park or cheap hotel for a night. All you need is a bed in a room, and access to a bathroom.

[@Beredro]

I watched a lot of those videos for getting ready... I liked yours the most ^^

[@thinoronha]

muito bom!!!

[@billsimpson1876]

only missing: 1) folding chair, 2) tarp (somewhere to sit in case of rain), and 3) the hatchet you show in use but don't make note of. Thanks for the vid!

[@virginialax03]

I've gone moto camping a handful of times now. After never getting a great night sleep with a sleeping pad or having to bring a full on air mattress, I bought a rain fly for my hammock and leave the tent and sleeping pad at home. Much less to pack, much more comfortable and still a similar setup. The only concern is bugs, since I don't have a bug net. But so far I haven't had a problem with it!

[@CamSaleFilmDept]

Gotta add my small Camping Chair to that list, too! Can be a little bulky but not sitting on the ground for a few hours each evening is pretty sweet! Great video, looking forward to more for sure.

[@penguinvic9892]

Back in the past, I never took a camp chair. It would be one thing I’d take these days.

[@jerrycollison3929]

Great job, guys!! Very well done.

[@sasquatchmoto]

Thanks Jerry!!

[@radoslawjasek6408]

super zrobiony material 🙂💪🇵🇱

[@adv2go]

Nice job. Thanx!

[@armstrong86malta]

Those forma boots are the best. I bought a set and I love them. #1 choice

[@j.m.1212]

Anybody know what brand/model the green fold out tent is?

[@davidkumeroa2997]

Just the Basics. Excellent guys. Stay upright. Kiaora Bro's.

[@JohnnyFuelMotorcycleAdventures]

I love it, guys. I’m just starting to dabble in moto camping. This shows there’s a lot of ways to do it right. My biggest struggle is securing all my gear on my motorcycle. Seriously, that’s a challenge when you have only a few tiedown points.

[@machupikachu1085]

You have more tie down points than you think. Almost any part of the frame will take a bungee hook safely. Just remember to X brace. Cheers!

[@pupshose]

I would say a comfortable chair is as essential for me as the tent 🙂 I am over 40 and after a long trip on the bike I hate to sit on the ground. The kind of chair you're using is quite perfect btw.! Nice video

[@thomasrayborn3177]

Great video, guys! Thanks for the good overview. I just purchased a '22 KLR 650 in Feb and looking to do moto camping. I have loved camping and hiking and now I want to get places on my bike to do it. It would be nice to have someone to do it with, though!

[@martyn_g]

Essentials? Bivvy, sleeping bag - (you can go leaner on bag temp as you’ve got a bivvy) mat and tarp. That’s it. Food - protein bars. Leave the stove at home - ride to a cafe in the morning. Sleep in your base layers you ride in. Pillow? Rest your head on your rolled up jacket. I can pack all of that in the leg of my Great Basin saddlebag. Your video literally shoots itself in the foot with what I can see on the back of your bikes, lol

[@abdullahshafiesurani5971]

I like your video guys. Good tips - Cheers from Singapore

[@xxDragonsRockxx]

Its iterally my goal to go camping with a motorcycle! This video proves I can do it! Thanks yall!

[@riverbum8721]

KISS method always works. Thanks for putting this out, as the ADV market is turning into the Fly Fishing of motorcycling. More about the gear and price tag than the adventure!!

[@collinmc90]

Having experience from hiking helps a lot. Combine ultra light with your motorcycle storage and you got it made. Also beer is much easier to carry lol.

[@wisenber]

Backpacking taught me to make a checklist. After having that meal and a restless night constantly turning from the pressure points on that closed cell foam pad, I'd add a toilet kit. Waking up tired with a sore back is only made worse by the realization that you're going to have to grab a bunch of grass and pine cones after your freeze dried meal has completed its course. A hammock and and some toilet paper can make for a much less stressful morning ride out.

[@radutepuc]

I love your video ❤! Thank you, 😄!!

[@exparrot9074]

Personally, I like to bring a little bit of a kitchen with me. Am 8 inch flat cast iron griddle, a coleman 533, and a stanley pot/french press combo and I can cook anything from a freeze dried mountain meal, to a rib eye with sides of brocoli and mashed potatoes. And for breakfast, I can make coffee, poach eggs, and have bacon. The griddle is heavy, but versatile, and being flat, doesnt take up much space. My wife has even used it to combat a black bear.

[@mikeontour_official]

Great video, brought me in a good mood. Going for a approx. 5000km (3500miles) ride to eastern europe and think if i should take my tent with me. 👌 not sure yet, but it helped to know that I can sit on my touratech case 🤣🤘 thanks!

[@bradb2514]

Great tips! 👍

[@peatybirchgroover]

-Use a stove that can burn unleaded (one fuel to rule them all!), and that has a refillable fuel source instead of junking up the landfill with those wasteful disposable cans. I went with MSR's International. Compact and light and works great. -LuminAid lights are the best light for a camp, bar none. Hoist up over campsite like the moon. It and a headlamp is all you need. Go rechargeable lights only. Bike's 12v socket can charge everything while you ride. -Suggest keeping yer tents zipped up, unless you camp in some magical place with no Blackflies! -A 10x10 hikers lite tarp is pretty handy. -A bungie mesh tie-down and a rope/cord to put your kitchen/food into and hoist up, all in one, over a tree branch, downwind from where you're sleeping. -Stanley stainless steal plunger coffee maker!🤪, doubles as a boiling put and holds all your pre-ground goodness. -A cheap beer can cooler tube. Holds about three 500mls, refill as required. Straps outside on Molle system from the last store before camp sight. Keep it simple. Fire. Water. Shelter. Stay dry.

[@Bashirachakzai]

Super to the point video

[@annfraser3345]

Me and my mate Ben ( ex-Army) used to head off to France from the UK on our old BMW R1100S's. Now in our younger days it was much more basic, single person tents each, thin little sleeping mats. Then as we got older. It was bigger tents between us so we didn't have to crawl around, camping chairs, camp beds....creature comforts😂

[@renaldogeldenhuys2361]

Great video chaps!

[@richardvarnold6245]

Keep it simple, totally agree!

[@jammer8460]

Great video! I tend to overthink things, so that was fun!

[@tazyt3388]

great vid mate hammock tarp jetboil n foods all i need simple and fun cheers

[@RobVespa]

Thanks for the video! It's entertaining and helpful. Plus ten for all the puns. Overthinking. One of my superpowers. If only it could've been invincibility, flying or something. Slowly, but surely, I've been gathering essentials (including a new dual sport bike). Part of that process is definitely in the name of procrastination (to allay both illogical and pragmatic concerns). Secondary to my present locale, the thing I worry about most about moto camping isn't animals, it's people. Followed by general concerns about any given bike's reliability. Mostly other humans. It could be my experience living in larger cities, my not having camped for some time or may be I've watched one too many "scary camping stories" videos. Also secondary to the locale, there's no free "real" camping anywhere close by. It'll happen. All the best!

[@rogermeyer860]

Well done guys...i've been moto camping for a few yrs and have it down to a science. I use a down quilt instead of sleeping bag, eat oatmeal for breakfast, usually lunch out and freeze dried meal (even my own chili) for dinner. I ride a R1200GSA w/ hard bags and try not to over pack. Hoping for a new/light R1300GS in the near future.

[@MOTOTREK]

Sounds great!

[@ronbreau9219]

What is the name/brand of the green tent in the video?

[@ownyourworld]

My cylinder heads on my gs keep my bike upright 😂 great vid guys 👍🏻

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks 👍

[@jackvoss5841]

A suggestion: If choosing a thin sleeping pad - F’rinstance the ubiquitous blue pad from Walmart, or the folding waffle pad - take an extra 3-4 minutes to scoop out a shallow (3/4” - 1” deep) hip-hole. Place it where your hips will be when sleeping. Start with the shallower hole first. Then finish setting up, and lay down to test it. Conform the ground to you, instead of conforming you to the ground. Your back will thank you. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying

[@nyshkominternational7085]

Include a light tarp... great to be able to stand up in camp, even in rain without getting gear wet

[@maxflight777]

Love your enthusiasm for camping! Best wishes

[@S682]

Well done! Nice job, guys.

[@eduardomonteclar392]

God willing this month … I’ll motocamping again yayyyyyy

[@machupikachu1085]

Great advice! Another tip to consider: Invest in a portable rechargeable air compressor. You will use it for your tires off road, so why not pick up an inflatable mattress and pillow as well? Small, light, and simply needs air. Just like your tires. Cheers!

[@MOTOTREK]

Great tip!

[@Hallnadventure]

Thanks guys

[@synergy-jera7812]

Hate sleeping on the ground, so I got into hammock camping. Most of my gear is by EMO from REI or online. I’m off the ground in under 5 min. with a wide rain guard, bug net, sleeping pad, and a simple headlight. I sleep like a baby. The rest of my gear is hung next to my hammock underneath the wide rain guard. The system works without trees by tying off adjacent rocks. And…one doesn’t need flat ground the hammock camp. Like a tent, everything fits perfectly in my panniers.

[@basduchateau2914]

Awesome video! I will use your advice in my following yourney!

[@ScottsMotoAdventures]

Great video, Ill have to check the other channel out

[@rafaswierczynski]

Cool vid as always.... and that music at end! Love it!

[@daniboi79]

This was a great video. Informative.

[@caleashton4168]

Nice 290 sticker. I just finished the apprenticeship at 290

[@stephanelafrance5922]

Great video!

[@christhibeaux1]

Well produced Informative and entertaining! Thanks

[@penguinvic9892]

One thing often missed is entertainment, especially off grid. A solar powered emergency radio, complete with clock and torch, like a Sangean MMR-88, gives reasonable sound and is functional, if used sparingly. My old Nintendo DS XL wide screen gameboy fits in my jacket and a matchbox full of game cards gives chess, solitaire, 100 classic books, and learn a foreign language etc. Enough entertainment for months, if not years. I have an emergency battery supply for this. The Nintendo also has a clock, and acts as a night light, too. I still have a little portable chess / checkers set and some puzzles and printed games. Needless to say, I never get bored at night or when it’s pouring with rain and other hold up calamities.

[@JohnWellings-k8d]

Good videos guys very enjoyable to watch. One comment I'd like to say did I see you taking firewood out of your pannier??? And your surrounded by a forrest???

[@jd3d_cgi]

I have that same "remove before flight" key fob!

[@oldgreenbus]

Hi Brow! I’m sticking with evan williams.. cheers!