3 Rookie Motorcycle Camping Mistakes |

[@marklander9177]

Rain gear is not only for rain but can help you stay warmer if you find yourself in unexpectedly cold weather. Save my chilly ass on several occasions. Love watching your videos.

[@ON8JP]

Hey you two. Once you stop learning, life gets very boring. Your honesty is enlightening 👍

[@MrBeltaine]

I totally feel for you. I'll overpack to babysit my sisters dog for a weekend... and still forget stuff.

[@wineguy47]

REI is your go to camping equipment source. Been member since 1979. You can even buy their used camping equipment (which you can even rent) and they have a very generous return policy.

[@TheEasyrider1200]

My wife and I have the same tent. It will get wet inside during a torrential storm, but not bad in mild rain storms. We tend to take it to rallies and set up under whatever cover we can find.

[@ridefreeordie]

If you haven't given them a look yet, check out Redverz tents. I alternate between a Redverz Solo when riding in comfort and a Big Agnes Copper Spur when riding light. The Redverz features a bike garage, which I used more often as a work & relax zone. Super waterproof.

[@EverettBaland]

Wonderful tips. Y'all stay safe out there.

[@ginopaveglio8858]

We bought a Redverz tent last year, since then, i am happy to go camping 😉

[@nomadthetraveler5782]

I remember riding back home from a Lake Chelan Motorcycle Rally riding two up and pulling my KwikKamp camper trailer on a freshly wet paved road. Newly wet paved roads brings up the oils on the road... then some STUPID NIMROD in a car passed me in the down pouring rain and then cut in sharply in front of me. I was first amazed that I hadn't slid and I was still upright.

[@bettyjorodgers8552]

Not only informative, but fun. Thank you.

[@2kanchoo]

Another nice thing about the rain gear is that without the vents open they don't breathe. Hit a cold spell and it can make a huge difference keeping warm. Another good tip is if you think you see, or there's a good chance of rain ahead pull over and put the pants on asap. That way you won't get so hot, but if you do suddenly hit rain your legs don't get absolutely soaked from spray up off the ground in the first 30 seconds before you can pull over to put the jacket on haha. I found in some light spritzes I actually liked just the pants on. My jeans wouldn't get totally soaked from the spray up from the road, and it was warm enough with light enough rain for my upper body to never get wet either or dry off very quickly. But in even very light rain without the rain pants on my lower half would get absolutely drenched nearly immediately and sometimes enough to start running down into my boots.

[@roywalls5595]

Thank you information me about motorcycle camping! I purchased new tent season 4, 2 person and air mattress a gas stove, sleeping bag and MRE foods!

[@roywalls5595]

Thanks again for great video 😊

[@Motoramblings]

No matter how long you do something, you will always learn something. Great tips!!

[@johngrunkemeier4926]

It's not an Adventure until something goes south. As mentions below REI has a large selection, A tent large enough to stand up is nice.A Big Agnes Hut 4 ,It's a good quality and packs down somewhat small.

[@jimtisdale6156]

REI has the bigger tall tent 4-5 person style. Heavier but will meet ur standup desire

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Yes we had a kingdom 6. That was the first tent we used. check out our earlier videos.

[@haroldwiser2641]

Love your honesty! 👍

[@eddcurry1245]

Other’s experiences are the best teaching.

[@karenallen5208]

You are certainly NOT rookies. You're thrifty minded and you've done a great job at making it out there on your motorcycles successfully. I don't see it as an easy job living on your motorcycles full-time. Great job; I do so appreciate what you do.

[@johnlenart597]

A recent trip to REI to upgrade pad to a Nemo Quesar and Kelty sleeping bag set me back some but you can't beat a good night's sleep. Will only miss a couple of winks when the billing arrives in a few weeks. Lol. Already planning next years moto camping adventures at age 69 🏍⛺🥳🥳

[@MeanOldBastardBikerBob]

iv been shealth motorcycle camping since i was 18..queen mattress ,pillow ,fitted sheet, lawnchair😎,I tarp over my tent if I can,and I used cheap walmart2 man tent ,I use yellow rain suit under my riding gear,this helps keeps my body warm ,rain suits always rip in the crotch,neopane fishing gloves ,neopane socks,snowmobile bibs, BOGS snow boots .let it rain .southern ontario Canada @14degree C plus the rain/wind 🥶.k1600b now HEATED SEAT/GRIPS🥰..hotel/motel..some stuff iv used..only good part about the high gas prices is getting u2 out of that trucktrailer!!.You abanded me and my dream of running away on my bike ..keep up the great content save travels God be with you.PEACE👍🟥🍁🟥🏍

[@magicworldbyjorg]

..cool video keep up the great content.. Thank you…

[@fabiopunk1661]

Comment on 1: my uncle (who thought me the basic of camping and touring when I was 8) used to cut the toothbrush handle to make it shorter and save some space and mass. From this, I got how important to carefully evaluate what one carries on a tour. Besides, there is not much difference between a 5-6 days tour and a much longer one. The items to take are the same, the amount is the same. Maybe if one is around during mid-seasons (are they still existing?) one has to carry extra layers. Comment on 2: I am European, and when I meet US bikers often I find they have no rain gear. Once I met a guy in Idaho who had been to Seattle and was heading to Los Angeles - I asked which weather he had found. Mostly OK, with several downpours he said. Rain gear? Nope. "if I get wet, I will get dry later". I just could not believe it. He was riding a GS, fully equipped, he had been around for weeks. It simply does not make sense to me. I have then met many more US bikers who neglect (with superiority?) rain gear. All people I know on this side of the Atlantic have rain gear in the essential items when they ride. BTW that includes hands and feet.... Peace to all

[@tomrowe5826]

My rain gear is a bright yellow one piece, head to toe. Yes it keeps me dry, but more importantly, it makes me more visible. We all know riding in the rain makes visibility difficult. Well, that's true for the folks cars & trucks too. Someone once told me that I could probably be seen from outer space. I took it as a compliment. Keep the rubber side down... Long Beach, CA...

[@richardmourdock2719]

I've been moto camping for seven years now. Only, only, only in my most recent trip, June 2020, did I feel I got it right. A twelve day trip, panniers 3/4 full, top case 1/2 full, and my Rox straps tying down one rain proof bag (for clothes, air mattresses,) my tent (a basic model and fortunately no rain this trip) and my rain gear bag. Hardest part was taking shoes. I ride with waterproof rain boots, but needed hiking boots and a pair of kayak shoes. With size 13 feet, those are tough to pack.

[@maryjaneburgess489]

Good advise.

[@Dave-zy6de]

Great to see you able to laugh at yourself. It makes life easier when you don't take failures too hard. Learn and move forward!

[@ghostpepperrides4805]

So many years and I still learn so much. Good advice. Thanks.

[@richardvalitalo3670]

Almost 50 years buying camping gear, still refining the set-ups for different trips.

[@craiggoodwin9704]

Rich and Chris, sounds like you're having a lot of fun! Thanks for Sharing!

[@Sixbears]

Tim's a great resource.

[@davidreed6817]

Very honest admissions of mistakes that seasoned travellers like you two shouldn't make in all honesty, but hey we all live and learn (hopefully!!) and move on, can I pass on a very handy tip regarding putting on waterproof trousers, get a plastic shopping bag (in England there known as carrier bags) and put in over the boot which is going through the trouser leg, being plastic and slippery your booted foot will slide through nicely without snagging or ripping your waterproof trousers, believe me when I say I've learn that lesson from experience! And Chris, you are definately not old. Safe travels.

[@abellseaman4114]

One little thought regarding tent floors that dont seem waterproof enough .................people always seem to put a ground sheet UNDER the tent and that seem wrong to me! Putting the ground sheet under the tent seems a great way to catch rain water and guide it under the not reliable tent floor! If the ground sheet is BETTER quality meaning more waterproof than the tent floor then why not put the ground sheet INSIDE the tent? This is my way of dealing with suspect tent floors - simply relegate them to backup status!

[@kenwalz7231]

I see how you two work well together. Rich stays quiet while Chris talks about pre setting up a tent before you need it. I'm sure Rich knows no man with a set of ....oh lets say wrenches...will ever pre setup a new tent in his yard! I enjoy ALL your videos...Thanks for posting them!

[@ericsweetadventure]

Hi guys! I am a tall guy and used to camp back in my university days. Back then I used a geodesic Eureka Outpost. It’s only about four feet high inside but withstands big winds and rains and you could get a vestibule for keeping other gear outside but under the fly. The current Eureka is the K2 XT. I now own a Redverz Atacama. It takes a couple tries to set it up proficiently but once you get it to routine it’s straightforward. I absolutely love this tent. Where it differs from The Lone Rider is in the details. It’s bigger inside, has more pockets etc. I want to add a mesh ‘attic’ but otherwise it is by fair and away the greatest tent. I am 6’4” tall, I can stand up in the tent with head touching interior tent ceiling, if I stand in the garage I don’t touch roof. It doesn’t seem to gather condensation in main tent. Minor drawback is the ‘fly’ is integral and it’s not simple to pull off and invert fly in morning sun. The inner tent clips to the fly. Last tip. I was pitching in 70 mph winds and had to peg down the groundsheet which turned out to be exceptionally helpful when it came to pitching the tent. The groundsheet shares clips with main tent. In the winds I was able to clip tent to pegged ground sheet which kept it from taking flight and then thread the poles and erect the tent. The Atacama is not freestanding which is something I though would have me choosing my geodesic and smaller packing K2XT more often but the height and roominess of the Atacama has me grabbing it every time. For what it’s worth. PS Love your videos, I too watch FTA Tim! Happy camping!

[@patrickcooper9641]

Redverz has in my book the best tents. If I am alone I use my Redverz Hawk 2! You don't have the headroom or the garage but it packs small. It fits in the pannier. So easy to set up. And no needs to Scotch guard it! I don't care what you get but if you get a good quality tent there is no need to scotch guard them!

[@stevena3446]

Life is a learning experience and we all make mistakes. You have saved many from making some of their own. Great job! Keep adventuring and stay safe.

[@dougm5231]

The perfect tent.. is a hotel room. :) lol and yea I'm leaving in 2 days for a 17 day trip out to Colorado. The last few trips was on an Ultra, this trip is on a Tri-Glide, so I'm having to figure out how to pack it and what to take and not take.

[@wwb7091]

Years of experience.... pack the heavy stuff low, and the light stuff high.

[@brendanwalsh1675]

Rain gear: keep it stowed where you can get to it quickly!

[@bobshelton2812]

I traveled all over the Unites States for years, and I tent camped along the way. By my second trip, I pretty much had everything "dialed-in".

[@beckyumphrey2626]

Great video. We love your channel. Did yall sell the new Chevy truck?

[@eddcurry1245]

This video sure made me laugh and smile

[@deanjenkins4716]

First thing I've been following loving you guys for over a year! Biggest part you didn't explain is that you DOWN SIZED YOUR PERSONAL MOTORCYCLE!!! WHICH as a motorcycle rider I would have all those same issues down sizing the size of my motorcycle, which is a Goldwing, and I pull a TIME OUT CAMPER TRAILER, which is actually a new 3 yr old thing for myself and now will NEVER again travel without my camper trailer! Yes TRUE I usually don't do long dirt roads put have done some and snow covered roads pulling my trailer! Roads with twistes hills ETC! Swivel hitch coupler is the best way to go! Thanks to my Time Out Camper trailer sales SPECIALIST FROM FLORIDA! THAT'S THE COOLEST LIFE SAFER EVER WHEN PULL ANYTHING BEHIND A MOTORCYCLE

[@underthetornado]

Yep.

[@robertchapman7740]

Comment on the tent: You bought a well ventilated tent; secure 4 season tents are sweat boxes(not good). Spray scotchguard over the the whole tent on first set up for water resistance. Next, never let anything inside the tent touch the sidewalls; that will wick moisture through the fabric and give you the impression the tent leaks. Happy Trails!

[@guusderotte1206]

I’ve been following you for some time now and enjoying your videos and your stories so much. Also a big thanks for your good advice based on your mistakes. I hope it saves me from making the same ones.

[@cathyn1033]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! All great advice. We have a Redverz Altacama tent. Which we really like. Expensive but nice and light and keeps you dry. 😊

[@patrickcooper9641]

The best tent! Try the Hawk II!

[@kcpl8er]

As for the tent a big tip 3M scotchguard .

[@indianbell5211]

Good tips, Chris. Had that same tent once upon a time 🤣Good for kids in backyard fun. Thanks for helping us all think twice and get prepared 🏍👍Ride safe and enjoy your adventures.

[@scooterbernieamputeeharleyride]

Thanks, love my Kelty tall boy 4p. I’m 5’11 and can stand up, witch I need to do to put on my prosthetic.

[@stevepolk1039]

Been there, wearing rain gear and getting wet, lol.

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Yes sir Tuck that's what we learned. Thanks for everything Steve.

[@charliedobihal3136]

Thank you for another great video! Are you planning on trekking north or staying in the hot and humid south?

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

We are heading North

[@Lt_Tragg]

Like the migratory birds that I enjoy tracking on my property. Hope to see you soon in VA near Shenandoah Ntnl park. Love your vids and hearing Cris punctuate sentences with her cheerful “ya” -)

[@bulletmtw]

You should really look at the crua xtent maxx it will most likely go on sale during July 4th and you can stand up in it and have extra room for the gear. I was able to break it down into multiple dry bags and fit it in my tusk panniers.

[@johnpagejr.7628]

Thanks for sharing this Chris and Rich. I am looking into some of the tents suggested in the comments. Booth tents are a little large in the packed position. but look like you would not have to worry about getting wet when it rains. Neither is cheap but good quality. I have just done a trip on a Honda CRF300L Rally with way to much bulky stuff and am trying to figure out a different set up. I am considering a Sherpa X Dual Sport Trailer to carry my tent and cot and any other bulky stuff. It is a one wheel trailer with a shock on it.

[@nomadthetraveler5782]

Be very careful with that one wheel. Does it remain in one position or can the wheel rotate laterally. The latter is a widow maker. You go to turn and it can rotate so quickly and literally throw you everywhere but where and how you want to go. I pull my KwikKamp and it's the best I've ever seen. Opens up to a queen-sized bed and a dressing room. Storage is under the bed. I also have an add-a-room that was an extra option when buying. It makes a room attached to the dressing room that's large enough I could park my Harley and the camper trailer and a place to sit down on a camp chair. Plus, the cooler works like a miracle. I almost couldn't believe how well it holds the cold.

[@johnpagejr.7628]

@@nomadthetraveler5782 This trailer is has a fixed wheel and has rubber maid box attached. It is only made to carry gear on small dual sport motorcycles. If you go to their website you can watch a video of it in action.

[@CrimsonAnjel]

Hopefully second time is the charm.

[@macavenco]

a very good video, always good tips even if we are experienced (which i'm not, i'm planning on starting camping in motorcycle this summer). in relation with the first tip maybe you could expand and tell us some of the items and/or quantities that are too much or a must to take. keep up the good spirit and best regards from Portugal.

[@jeanjacques9980]

Petrol in Europe is $8.00 per US gallon, that’s fun filling up 95litres/25 US gals, bike 30litres!

[@chrispinkham747]

thinking out aloud from new zealand i think you need a new Ruby you guys looked happyer that way you guys are doing well love you take care and so what you get it wrong sometimes life is to short to be perfect

[@maxflight777]

I’m subscribed ! You could be a little more concise at times … but overall it’s a super channel. Best wishes.

[@davidfellows6250]

I've told this to a million people. spend your money on really quality tent, pad and sleeping bag. its a third of your trip. yall should dich the cots ad buy great sleeping pads i recommend either exped or if you want to be cheap.. er you can find some but not on ebay or Amazon. i have a thirty five year old Eureka timberlite that ive lived out of at least 12 years straight. they're not that good anymore but youll get a few dry years out of them. just changing that will reduce your pack size by half. your cookware, throw it away! get a cheap self igniting stove that screws to the top of a gas bottle. and use dehydrated meals you make yourself. . again reducing your pack size by more than half. if you want better meals your never to far to grab it. im the guy that circumnavigated the U.S on my roadking with my 90 lb pitbull. so space was very minimal for me. we camed every night but 6 out of almost 10 months i bet i didn't spend 7k on the whole trip. we made it to 19 states. about 28k miles. and yes i know its only 9k around. haha we're wrong way bikers. we weren't there to burn miles but to go where we wanted to.

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Yep looking at Eureka now.

[@davidfellows6250]

@@TwoWheelsBigLife if you can find the older model 4 person youll be happy with that but i dont recommend the sp model. i bought one this year and just went back to my old one.

[@milesjohnson8927]

Question for you. How did you make out with the HWK jacket?

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

It lasted a couple of years of fulltime traveling on bikes. Held up well faded a bit, for the money definitely worth it. Never had to test the armor Thank Goodness 👍

[@milesjohnson8927]

@@TwoWheelsBigLife Thank you so much for getting back to me. Nice to hear from someone who put it through its paces. Stay safe!

[@not-fishing4730]

We all regret overpacking and I hate to say this but it will continue to happen. For me it continues on after 40+ years of Backpacking and Motorcycle camping. When it comes to rain gear, you're not a submarine, you will get wet in heavy rain. You can only minimize it. On tents, after spending nights freezing or not-waterproof tents I stick to the better Backpack tents as tall as I can get.

[@nomadthetraveler5782]

1st one to see, comment and to like. Ha ha ha... JusMe... Keep up the good work guys...Said you posted just 3 minutes ago.

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Ha Awesome. Cheers

[@24juan68]

I bet it was a portable sink haha

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Good eye. Gotta keep clean.

[@erniecolussy1705]

To cut your fuel usage almost in half you could ride two up. You could alternate which of you is passenger so neither of you is missing out on being the motorcycle rider. The packing would be a much bigger challenge than having Richard in the passenger seat. This is more a fun challenge than a serious suggestion. The added gear needed for running the KZbin channel makes this ideas nearly impossible.

[@timlubbers2884]

Your gator is also a wick ... would give suggestions on the tent, but like clothes, it is very subjective to each. Good luck ...

[@petekeener8943]

Also, any backpacker has prob learned the hard way, SEAM SEAL YOUR TENT BEFORE GETTING CAUGHT LIKE THAT!!

[@caroletomlinson5480]

☔️ 🏕 My first tent came from Walmart; my second from Target, and third from Dick’s Sporting Goods-and wonder of wonders, the 3rd one stayed dry! (I drive a compact 🚗 with a 🐕 ) Happy 🏍 rides!

[@frenchy114]

I noticed that both of you wear glasses with the Neo Tec 2. I suspect you have a pinlock installed. Do your glasses not fog up in the rain? Any tips for riding in the rain for us four eyes?

[@Walts-Travel]

Let's Go!! 👊

[@brianhoffies4846]

#1 do as I say, not as i do. Remember..........you wanted adventure. lol

[@johnrichardcleland4493]

Why did you give up on the cargo trailer?

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

We went to a big Bunkhouse camper then a Truck and RV trailer. Be we are back with a Bushtec trailer

[@milesjohnson8927]

I've always worried about putting a jacket hood on under a helmet. My concert is that they can cause the helmet to come off easy in a crash. An I over thinking this? Thoughts anyone?

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

I seem to have a little more on when it’s raining so the helmet chin strap is a little tighter.

[@matthewholmes7597]

@@TwoWheelsBigLife Hi nice motorbike can you take pillion riders on your bike at all

[@glenngardin3561]

Thanks for sharing! Tough to admit mistakes, but they help others learn. And, just being honest, I prefer your shorter videos.

[@24juan68]

Richard, did you get free coffee or shower at the Pilot yet?

[@TwoWheelsBigLife]

Shower yes we have. Now that we’re back on Just the bikes I’m sure we’ll use another 👍👍

[@24juan68]

@@TwoWheelsBigLife I am pleased to hear that

[@bradboustead1682]

In your defense, decision making on these things is more difficult when you want or need to be frugal with the resources of time and money. With unlimited time and money a person can wait out the weather in a motel, eat in restaurants, and buy clothes along the way. The decisions are part of the adventure on motorcycle vacations.

[@S.p.a.c.e.C.o.w.b.o.y]

A Lone rider moto tent may be a good fit for you both. Stand up room and will sleep two with great reviews. :)

[@patrickcooper9641]

You can stand in a Lone Rider moto tent???

[@S.p.a.c.e.C.o.w.b.o.y]

@@patrickcooper9641 Yes it's around 6ft in height in the compartment that will take your bike under cover. :)

[@patrickcooper9641]

@@S.p.a.c.e.C.o.w.b.o.y I never really used the "garage" to park my bike but I used it to cook and many bikers joined me in it when we had rain and needed a space to eat. For short trips I use the Redverz Hawk II.

[@ginopaveglio8858]

They would be better off with the Redverz, packs almost the same and there is much more room

[@johnnysechrist6313]

I'm not a loyal walmart shopper.

[@albertbuchheit425]

Whats up

[@BarryKellysinger]

Would it be worth looking at electric motorcycles or hybrid if the even exist yet .

[@Big_John_C]

Very limited range and long charge times, more of a nuisance than a luxury.