There are Only Two Types of Motorcycle Camping Trips

[@Splintermill]

Something I’m considering for the upcoming season, truck with camper top ( I am fortunate to have a utility top on my truck so I can literally bring whatever I want and still have an 8 foot bed clear for sleeping) and hitch mounted bike carrier. More of a base camp style setup for sure, but if I’m going for a more back country trail ride I’ll take the XR 250. If I want to camp in an area and see the sights on a combo of blacktop and backroads I’ll throw the 300 rally on. No, I’m not flexing on my setup, I’m just 52 and comfort is becoming more and more important. I thank you, Ben for encouraging everyone to do what works for them. I’ve been on the receiving end of not being kitted out as well or with a certain type of gear as others and their opinions, but once you realize it’s YOUR journey, do it your way! JUST GO!!!! Ride safe!!

[@DorkintheRoad]

Ride your own ride! ;)

[@kenp4464]

It's all the same to me. I have one bike and carry the same gear if it's over night or 3 weeks. Depending on the mood, fishing, hiking or whatever, will depend if I'm on the bike longer that day or not, and fluctuates each day.

[@WildStuff]

Very well put. I hadn't thought of it in those terms before. I started watching the video thinking I was in one category, but by the time I'd finished watching I realised I had one foot firmly planted in either category.

[@stevehopper2967]

Super helpful concept. Thanks. A great point about prioritization, which is something I'm not good at.

[@RobRuiz-b7m]

Great video (as usual). The Circus is definitely in the camp-to-ride camp (heh), but we do enjoy the base camp rides also. Regardless, when off road, lighter is better.

[@dsackman1495]

... or a combination. I am planning a three week trip to attend a few rallies and get togethers along the west coast. That will be a combination of riding to get somewhere (riding to camp) using as many back roads as possible and staying at the rally using that as a basecamp (camp to ride). It is a compromise then to be minimalistic and as light as possible, yet enough to enjoy the comforts of a base camp.

[@thecorporategypsy]

Very good, very helpful. At Overland Expo East, Eva Rupert did a talk on how to pack that was outstanding. The very first point she made was in line with your point but expressed differently. Eva said “what is the point of this trip”? Further “once you have determined that purpose, pack accordingly”. And I forgot to mention that I suck at all of it ie trip purpose and packing accordingly. “Mission creep” gets involved on my trips. Well done film!

[@MotoCampNerd]

Thanks for watching! I'm guilty of over packing for the just I'm case scenario when in reality I'll never need it

[@thecorporategypsy]

@@MotoCampNerd its the multi climate issue for me ie cold bag (long undies, beanie etc.), winter sleeping bag/pad etc. PLUS mission creep eg I go to OEE and then add on another week going places so need more/different gear

[@mkramsauer]

That was actually a really good explanation👊 way to go Ben

[@DorkintheRoad]

Why do you sound surprised? 😂😂

[@mkramsauer]

@@DorkintheRoad it was just explained really well I hadn't thought of it that way. Not surprised I know you are the Jedi of motocamping 👊🤣

[@MotoCampNerd]

Hey now there can only be one chosen one

[@michaelkrenzer3296]

Excellent break out! Long solo tours for me are camp to ride and my minimalism on the camping gear is pretty severe depending on season. I do not skimp on tools but do make them VERY specific to that bike. The long tour does lend itself to a bit of a hybrid on the food/beverage side. As it is rare you know the right dispersed camping you are likely in State/National Parks or organized pay Forestry/BLM/other. Big lunch/late lunch/early dinner in town, beverages at the last sign of civilization, light dried goods meal for dinner with your beers.

[@JohnOgdenJr]

I mainly camp to ride which means long days in the saddle and set up with low light to no light. One of my main priorities when going this route is a quick and easy setup. I will have already eaten and just want a shelter and bed to sleep. Then get up early pack and roll out. Coffee and food waits for an hour or so down the road. I will bring more gear for a base camp set up when at my destination. That’s when tarps and the like come out.

[@davidskaggs9914]

Great video! I take my truck and motorcycle trailer. I get to a location i want to ride (mountains) and i camp out of my trailer and explore the area thoroughly on the Transalp. Then i load up and go to the next place. Right now I'm in Utah heading to Wyoming and then Montana.

[@dorianatownsend]

Both! This weekend I'm riding to camp at the dispersed camping area near a local ghost town. In summer, I'm camping to ride from Arizona to Alaska. :-) Moto Camp Nerd has really helped me find the perfect set up for my needs for both types.

[@areess6209]

Exactly why I have an africa twin, motocamping. And a ktm xcw-f and a tacoma. Camping to ride. Very excited for warmer weather.

[@wpereztx]

Great thought process! I will absolutely be more intentional with how I pack now!

[@marekpapro4897]

Jestem w szoku. Ostatnio właśnie o tym myślałem. Lubię i kemping i jazdę na motocyklu. I sam nie wiem , czy jadę na kemping, czy kempinguję i przez to jakdę :) USA to piękny kraj , szkoda, że nigdy go nie odwiedzę. pozdrawiam serdecznie

[@marcheighton6436]

I ride to camp! base camp. I like my comfort and a place to stay. And yes I carry more kit to be comfortable. At 69 I've given up roughing it. Doesn't mean I don't have adventures. It's all relative. Enjoy your camping vids. All the best 👍👍👍

[@wmbushUT]

That was a awesome Vid. Brought some laughter to my day!! Thabks🎉

[@KCPieRider]

Nice.... definitely fit in the 'camp to ride' category, even if I am riding to a rally where I camp.... I think it's time to figure out camping quilts!

[@MotoCampNerd]

There's a little bit of trial and error and getting used to quilts but they definitely save space and weight.

[@lynwoodspire8503]

@@MotoCampNerdwhich quilt do you recommend?

[@MotoCampNerd]

@lynwoodspire8503 If you want an UL spring and fall quilt the Enlightened Equipment Revelation is top of the line but the footbox is a little narrow for me. We just got the Thermarest Corus Quilt in stock and my initial thoughts are the footbox is wider and I think I may like it better but the straps it uses to wrap around the pad aren't fully elastic so instead of the Quilt tucking under between you and the pad, it just tucks under and against the pad. Good because it's wider and more relaxed than the EE Quilt but it can be a downfall to let more air in when you roll.

[@alanwalls3117]

Great vid! Glad Dork is doing your videos

[@davidpoffenbarger3686]

If I'm on my motorcycle, it's virtually always camp to ride. A ride to camp will be usually be hauling my dual sport bike on my truck (so not actually riding), setting up base camp and making day trips from there. Love both styles of camping but they're definitely different. Where I live in Cali, there's little off road near by so if I want to get dirty, it's way better to load the bike up and take it to a decent base camp. While my AT is ostensibly off road capable, anything beyond dirt 2 track isn't really a lot of fun compared to my KTM 500EXC. As always YMMV!!

[@cynina9]

I’m definitely in the cam to ride group $$$ is the big factor. So we camp 🏕️ but the cot, sleeping bag, chair and helenox table etc always comes. The cold beers and steak are always picked up before heading into to camp at the last town we pass through. Then in the morning after coffee and oats for breakfast it’s back out on the road where our next stop will be 🥪 . That way we get more territory covered in a days ride. There is no reason to have a crap night if you’re going to have to ride the next day. 🏍️🏍️

[@checkingreality]

so this is a good video. Its Dork in the Road before he went full time video. An actual explainer that educates without strings attached. I didnt mind the motocamp nerd ad at the end that was appropriate. If this kind of content was on Dorks channel and videos like the bang for your buck kit was on the motocampnerd channel I would think all is right with the world.

[@MotoCampNerd]

I'll take this as a win 😆 we will have more educational stuff from me (nerd Ben), dork Ben, and other guest appearances throughout the year to keep it fresh and hopefully insightful. And I'll probably brag about us being the only camping store dedicated 100% to motorcycle camping and travel. Thanks for watching and the feedback.

[@Adventurerider1985]

Nice, welcome to Port Angeles!

[@paulherron4289]

Well done Ben will you be going to the Bisbee Az adv rally April 9th through the 14th?

[@fairwind8222]

It doesn’t mater! If your out there, enjoy each or whatever aspect you are doing!

[@fairwind8222]

Like a bad day fishing is better than a good day at work. Riding and camping is the same

[@MotoCampNerd]

Well yes that's the important part. We get asked how to pack all the time so this is sort of an opener to those who are new and not sure what to buy for their camping style.

[@wolf1066]

In backpacking terms, it's weekend (or longer) overnighters compared with through hiking; climbing a mountain to set up camp and relax in a particularly nice spot or camping each night while hiking Te Araroa or the PCT/AT/CD etc. Camping has generally been the end goal for me - backpacking, motorbike camping, car camping, staying in bush huts etc, so a "ride/hike to camp" approach. I really need to do something in the way of "camp to ride" at some stage, work out a route I'd like to take, areas I'd like to stay in and go on a bike camping tour... The Cold Kiwi Motorcycle Rally often ends up as a bit of a hybrid of ride to camp and base camp riding... the aim is to ride to the venue, hang out, ogle other bikes, maybe do things like the burnout competition, hill climb, slow race, eat food, drink booze, listen to music and camp out - basic "ride to camp" stuff involving motorcyclists from all over the country - but quite often you'll get groups forming after everyone's set up their tents and unloaded their stuff and they'll jump on their bikes and go for unencumbered day rides out around the surrounding country side. One year a group of us went for a day trip up to the ski fields, another year I was in a group that went adventure riding through some really nice areas. There's plenty of places to visit around National Park, Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe and a motorbike's the best way to see them.

[@digitalman8413]

solo camp to ride all the way. it's much more about the journey than the destination for me.

[@brianfinch1087]

There's another category you did not hit. Ride to camp deep in the woods solo. It's not for everyone, it can be a head game. When it's you against the Sasquatch that's throwing rocks and logs at your tent.

[@DorkintheRoad]

I feel like that's still ride to camp? You literally said "ride to camp" lol

[@jonminzner7902]

Helpful video ... when are you going to do another live feed Ben?

[@MotoCampNerd]

Is this question for us, Nerd Ben, or Dork Ben?

[@jonminzner7902]

dork Ben@@MotoCampNerd

[@brianfackrell4139]

My mission this year is to find more hotsprings. I'm debating between a dual sport or adventure bike.

[@MotoCampNerd]

Having both is nice, but weigh your needs. I have an adventure bike mainly because we ride 2up, and have to do some highway to get out to the nice places to ride gravel and dirt. Also we want to do more long distance rides. IF we lived in western NC and I had plenty of time to just putt around from place to place, I'd get a dual sport. I'll probably have both by the end of the year lol.

[@Chevy2Man]

Having both is awesome. GSA1250 and Honda CRF 450RL is my picks.

[@MotoCampNerd]

@Chevy2Man I've got the 1250 covered now I'm eye ballin that crf300LS since my legs are only like 26" long

[@Chevy2Man]

Yep. The 450RL is a little tall but man what a bike.

[@crispinleslie]

I’m about 50/50; I love a cross country ride, but a comfortable nights sleep is essential to enjoy subsequent days riding.

[@onerider808]

I’m camp to ride most of the year, but ride to camp during two weeks of Sturgis.

[@tpilot_error404]

Camping to ride. Fuel budget lasts longer. More curves, awesome landscape

[@3GingerCats]

I still think that if you ride to a location for the purpose of camping and the bike is just the means of transport. then yes that's Riding to Camp. But if you camp somewhere so you don't have to go back home after just one day, and spend the time riding near where the camp is based, you are still camping to ride! Camping to ride doesn't mean doing big long touring trips across multiple provinces, states or countries, and just camping wherever you have to because you can't function on no sleep... It includes the not having to go home on Saturday night as well!

[@paulgoss7596]

hopefully both

[@kylehecker7711]

Agree with you 99% of the time...but...i have never understood the point of " batoning " wood for kindling...ive been hunting and camping my whole life...never once have i had to to take my good knife and drive it through a piece of wood. If you only have one knife ,why would you risk breaking your blade or prematurely dulling it? Theres always something laying around to start a fire...weeds, pine needles, old mans beard, or pack some fire starters to get some twigs going . I just dont get it. Lets hear some people defend the art of batoning.

[@MotoCampNerd]

I agree that I've rarely had to chop or baton wood BUT I have had to do it for kindling and breaking down a dry log becauae everything else was wet. I feel if you need to cut down wood, it's safer to baton than a hatchet. I'm not saying a hatchet isn't safe, just less swinging and potentially energy missing a log, lol. If you have a good knife designed for the job, batoning wood won't phase it that much.

[@MotoCampNerd]

And thanks for the respectful opinion and asking for other opinions so we can have a healthy conversation and not a keyboard war lol

[@kylehecker7711]

I do agree with the wet wood scenario, but only as a last resort. I like to pack a small gerber gator machete on my bike..they're short, slim, and fairly light. You can usually attach it somewhere on the bike or tie into your side bags somewhere. Plus it has a sawtooth spine for small work.

[@RaptorPackAdventures]

With Bubba J it’s all about The Ride to Camp! Eat, Ride, Eat and Eat some more 😂

[@MikeBentley-wm9qo]

If you mostly watch KZbin videos is that ride to couch?🤔

[@ctaaj]

I go about twice a year to group rides in some forest roads hoping for the best but it always end in the same, talking… this bike is this, mine I like that, suspension this, 600CC’s that… I tried once a camping trip with a couple of guys but omg they like to be in the bike 80% porcent of the time, wake up 8am setting camp 8pm when I normally wake up 10am and finish riding around 4pm, earlier if I find a good fishing spot, now after this years of experience I came to the realization that my passion is not really about bikes, my passion is problem solving, mechanics, cutting wood, setting up camp, the challenge to go on a crazy hill, the exercise you do if you have to unpack pack multiple times to go up that rocky mountain, the smell of the forest, the sudden temp changes etc… motorcycle just happen to be the vehicle that takes me to the places I like. I do not agree with your dividing line, I ride to camp and I do it over long distances on roads like the BDR’s is just about how much free time you have to spare, I have done trips that normally people can do it in 8 days riding 600km daily and I end up taking a whole month for the same distance, so I think there is a crossover gor this two categories.

[@MotoCampNerd]

Sometimes it takes a bit to find the right people to ride with that match your pace. There's not really a dividing line, just a way to think about what's important for packing based on your style. That sounds really nice actually, being able to leisurely putt along and site see while enjoying the ride at a pace you can enjoy.

[@cedricksamaniego9146]

Sounds 50/50 on my end 😂

[@crispinleslie]

Riding to Camp often translates to Riding to Drink.

[@cynina9]

When on tour in Australia we have a rule be off the road setup in camp 🏕️ a cold one before dusk otherwise we run the risk of hitting animals 🦘🦘that come to graze at the road side around dusk and dawn 😮

[@erkful]

What a nonsense video…why does everything have to be categorised?

[@MotoCampNerd]

Just different ways to encourage people to get outdoors. Why does everyone have to criticize?

[@lonely_trans_girl]

Definitely camp to ride! Camping keeps me on the road longer. I could travel for days staying in hotels or weeks camping! I'm still pretty new to moto travel but it is my favorite thing I've ever done ❤ So much to see 🏕️ 🏍️