Motorcycle Camping: Long Term Packing and Gear Guide

[@madmaxthemotomutt6464]

Awesome list, I’m leaving from Kentucky to DC, then following the coast down to Florida with my new dog riding on the tank! Basically solo with no real plan just gonna do as much as I can in 14days as I can. All on a versys x 300

[@Scando222]

I would find it super interesting to see you pack all of the gear up and load it onto your bike!

[@BeaverSmashing]

I know this is an older video, but that was also what I was curious to see!

[@ashtonalfonso5551]

InstaBlaster

[@edzeiser6640]

Have a great trip. I rode from Connecticut to Alaska when the road was gravel on a Ducati Diana Mk III 250. I'm sure you will enjoy it.

[@ghostpepperrides4805]

Older video but great information. I’ll watch more to learn changes you’ve made to setups. Thanks

[@symcardnel1741]

Great info. I did prudhoe bay in early August a number of years ago. Towards the end of the hall road, it was late (2 AM), snowing, raining and about 30 degrees. I was grateful that I packed winter crap. A guy I met along the way, who was doing a world trip, turned around at some point (Dawson City or Circle maybe) cause he didn't have the right gear.

[@markmath2883]

Reminds me of my first big motorcycle trip in 1975 (just graduated from college and before embarking on a military career). I had a 1971 Honda 450 scrambler (2 1/2 gallon tank) and my ridding buddy had a 1970 Triumph Bonneville with my brother on back. We rode from MN to California and then to SC. We had so much crap on those bikes: cooking pots, Sears canvas tent, ect. that my friend had trouble keeping his front wheel down. I blew a piston outside Post, Texas...No fun! We had a blast! To the point now: you have too much stuff. Standard rule: take half of what you think you need and twice as money. I have been to Alaska numerous times, never on a bike. Mucho rain, mosquitos, mud and very pricey. Consider heated gear, good waterproof boots; use your motorcycle pants, jacket, liners, gloves to stay warm and dry. I have Gerbing heated gear, Olympia jacket, and recently shelled out for Klim ($1100 😥), though I have yet to test them. Do your research on what other experienced riders take. I learned from trial and error but you have a vast knowledge base through the internet. Oh, did I mention tire repair kits, air pump. I just turned 67 and still love to ride. I have four bikes: Honda Valkyrie, Triumph Bonneville T100, ‘94 BMW R1100RS and ‘09 BMW R1200RT. For me, it’s about the corners coupled with good scenery. I live relatively close to the Tail of the Dragon, Cherohala Skyway and the Smoky mountains. I plan to ride to Montana this year-this time I won’t wear shorts crossing the desert as I did in 1975 (I thought I could change to pants behind a tree). 😩.

[@miguelrosalesllano]

Your channel is helping me plan the Panamerican Highway

[@survivalistguide1013]

Best video I've seen yet covering this topic great job man

[@GregoryMSchmidt]

Great video man. The dehydrated food idea is really helpful. Thanks for putting this out there!

[@jonc1901]

Great vid :) I would ditch a few items if I can respectfully interject: Shorts UV water "filter" (in lieu of proper hiker's filter) Hand sanitizer Pillow Shampoo Air pump (in lieu of compressed canister) Loafers Solar speaker (use headphones to listen, and a usb off of the bike to charge) A laptop?! C'mon sir 😉 The second stove A long board?! C'mon sir x2 😋 Best wishes, please keep riding, thank you very much for the upload 😃

[@palamidagheo4520]

i think he showed what you CAN take .i can get by with way less but there are some interesting ideas in there,also in comments .

[@RideWithRed]

I watched your video before I did my solo motorcycle camping trip!

[@pascaleisenschmidt1315]

Nice vid :) cool idea using the dry sac to wash clothes!

[@One-Wheel-Drive]

Great video! Very helpful. The only think I would add is a portable jump starter and may be foldable camping table.

[@TWiGsADV707]

very nice. I always love taking a peek at what other motocampers pack along.

[@baltsosser]

The fuel canister for your MSR stove...are easy to find as long as you are in the U. S., but not so much outside sometimes. I had a hell of a time finding those in Canada, or even a clerk in a sporting goods store that knew what they were.

[@stampede963]

V Star 1300 Adventures thus the other wood stove I guess!

[@baltsosser]

The way that thermorest pad opens wider and maintains its flat shape makes it great for packing on a bike. I like the idea of having a place to duck out of the elements if possible, but a two man tent is too small for me to walk into. I went with a teepee tent from Ozark Trail instead No center pole packs on the back of a bike well, and is 11' 8" across when set up. Massive space to put gear inside and air dry it if necessary.

[@MICHAELZHANGCA]

After watching two of your vids, I am a subscriber now. Very well done. Thank you.

[@5tr33tx]

Excellent! Stright to the point video! Why's and what 's are well explained.👍🙏

[@grillsandaxlegrease3578]

I carry Oil of Oregano - a small 2 ounce bottle is the best internal and external anti-biotic, mouthwash, awesome for cuts, itches and foot issues. Even repels insects. Great video!! I'm guessing you did one on food alone - will search to see.

[@boomdawg56]

Great video, seems like you may be a little better prepared than a lot of other folks doing these kind of motocamping videos.

[@RichardAdkins]

Great video, very well done. Thanks! Be safe out there.

[@MianCowell]

Tyre compressors don't go well into accessory power sockets because the fuse and wire is usually 5 amp and the compressor blows the fuse.

[@gassmission3775]

I have one for my bike made by slime, and it has a specific port at the battery

[@bongothom]

Good call on the headnet. I spent two years in Alaska and those mosquitoes are brutal. Much worse than the Florida ones I deal with nowadays.

[@stampede963]

Bongothom The head net also doubles as a plate cover to cover your just-prepared food while you tend to other things. Great for keeping flies off of your food. I used mine to catch some minnows for bait while I was fishing

[@symcardnel1741]

I hear that... I spent a month in AK, camping, and used up most of my bear spray killing mosquitoes. The bears had no interest in me cause they could smell I was out of blood from the skeeters.

[@JohnSmith-zv8km]

never heard idea of using dry sack for washing clothes

[@frankhyde3384]

Well thought out. I wish you had a video link to you packing the bike for your trip.

[@danielstewart7369]

Great video and some good ideas. It will certainly help me as I'm hashing out what to take

[@rayelance6086]

Fantastic video and info.....THANKS!!!! Also the info on free camp sites will be used on my 3 month ride after first of the year.

[@myjhong91]

A good site is Freecampsites.net

[@SoumiSenguptaBDS]

great advice...i was getting motion sickness watching vid...put it on a stand bro!

[@carni6319]

Excellent video. Best I have seen on this topic yet. And I have watched A LOT of video's. I cut my camp sponge into three small sponges. Have fun

[@HighDesertCactus]

Thanks for the Kind words! And suggestion!

[@monocogenit1]

Cool video... I'd love to do something like this. Seems like you have a lot of gear..... Maybe too much gear. Traveling with less "stuff" is often better.

[@symcardnel1741]

until you need the stuff you didn't pack

[@monocogenit1]

@@symcardnel1741 yeah, that's for sure. Lol but I have found, that I can usually do without items that I originally thought were important.

[@markkulyas2418]

This is my first time moto camping, when your at a camp site how do you leave your gear so it does not get stolen when you go hiking, do you have to lock everything up in your panniers, or just leave everything on your campsite. Thanks for the video.

[@symcardnel1741]

You'll find it really difficult, and not too smart, to leave your bike and gear unattended when your solo in AK, the Yukon, BC or anywhere for that matter... there's a lot of freaks in this world and if your stuff gets jacked your screweed. I'd 'hide' my bike fully packed up and do very short hikes.

[@TheSaneRider]

Used all my gear last weekend that I plan on bringing to superior circle. It ended up being 38 degrees f and raining. Stayed nice and toasty! Ha Can't wait to see some videos from your trip!

[@JohnSmith-zv8km]

like the two camera view and the content. Thanks

[@petrparizek6575]

Awesome gear.👍

[@2404Pepe]

great video dude!!! I'm going for a 14 day trip from golden gate, Grand Canyon, Rockies, etc. Question: how do you dihadiatre your food???? Thanks!!!

[@lesthom60]

thanks for posting, very help full, if posable could you show more details of some of your kit,? i understand you want to keep it short, but it could mean the difference of getting it right, using something that proven its worth, as say getting something inferior that may look similar ? keep safe,

[@mickenoss]

I saw one guy who used a second sleeping bag as a sleeping mat. It packed down smaller too.

[@rickschulte8594]

great info. I'm new at riding and camping. I'll take more info and advice, thank you.

[@randyking9138]

You should check out ......Forty Times Around....He's well experienced and has sensible tips.

[@almulakimaalimalriadiat9068]

Your video is like your packing. So much stuff.. cant miss any thing.

[@daveknaus8649]

Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@rsolomon1962]

Thanks for making the video...just curious why you pack your rain gear in a dry bag?

[@SMafam5]

Dry bags help cinch clothing like a compression sack as well it seems he washes clothes inside the dry bag. They have multiple uses.

[@jimwortham8634]

Great video would love to see you back on your bike that has to be a joke

[@luthermclain2959]

Cut your sponge in half, put your ibuprofen into a tiny ziploc, bring a pair of trail running shoes instead of two separate pairs of camp footwear. Individually wrapped insect repellent wipes instead of a container that can leak. There are also sleeker tire patch kits, and pumps/CO2 options. My two cents from a lifetime of minimalist backcountry, self propelled travel. And that is a lot of stuff.

[@stampede963]

Luther McLain I disagree with a slicker tire patch kit. Nothing saves your butt like a tire plug kit. Patches on the road rarely hold but a plug kit will do the job in a hurry

[@garyteague9555]

love this, How about a pair of Crocs? seems that would be a good choice also

[@CheapskateMotorsports]

I dunno, crocs are quite bulky. I would say flip flops would pack down tighter

[@stampede963]

Gary Teague exactly. Ditch the timberland hiking boots in favor of trail runners and bring a pair of crocs. That’s what I do when I tour

[@Currly747]

Great video man thanks a lot. I've been looking for a whole pack break down like this, thanks!

[@jm4672]

Wow I will just love to go with you that would be so awesome that would really be awesome oh my God that's a lot of stuff to put in a bag to put on your bike but you got to have it seems like you cover all your bases thank you for the video very nice

[@derrickmurphy9512]

i cant get comfortable on those foam pads.once you cross 40 and have some aches and pains you need comfort.air bed for me at least enough air to keep you off the ground.good review very helpful thank you.

[@stampede963]

Derrick Murphy I completely agree at 56 years of age. My motorcycle touring now always sports a neo air ultralight pad from Thermarest. I’m a side sleeper and this pad has saved my life in that regard.

[@AlbRider03]

i love your videos bro , i hope one day i will have to prepare like this for my trip ..

[@HighDesertCactus]

+Alb Raider Thanks for the kind words, ride safe out there!

[@AlbRider03]

Thanks bro , you too .

[@AnIdiotOnTwoWheels]

I'd love to see what's inside the tool bag. The hand pump, have you used it to reinflate a flat? How long did it take?

[@symcardnel1741]

as long as it takes

[@kristenacosta2911]

I recommend a cast net. It's light weight & you're usually always going to catch something.

[@beedubs100]

Thanks for video. I learned quite a few things. As an avid adv solo camper this is great information if you are heading north and for some time. Any advice on desert camping? I am down near the border of Mexico and I ride my 450 to the tip of baja solo frequently and the high and low deserts of SoCal. My largest issues are water and fuel. Regards,

[@symcardnel1741]

two auxilary jugs for sure

[@jmccaskill2293]

Great Video! Very informative and concise. Do you have videos on how to dehydrate foods? Also, what equipment is needed to this?

[@1Selous]

I prefer Exped Down mat 7, alwwys use a 100^% silk liner as bugs cant get through it.Also a 3 season down bag all them joined come to 4 season bag.how do you, dehydrate the food

[@HighDesertCactus]

+1Selous my concern with down was always getting it wet but I've been trying out a half down (treated) half synthetic and its been working out great. I love mats like that they are comfy and warm, I guess I just can''t have nice things cause I pop and ruin them :[ For the food I use a food dehydrator I got from Amazon $50 amzn.to/1VTnMwI There a lot of different ones though, and there are a TON of videos on KZbin showing the different types of foods you can dehydrate, a worthwhile investment IMO.

[@burtweedon4683]

Hi the down is inside the mat & can only blow the mat up useing the internal pump so no damp air get in. with the expied you get a repair kit had my 2 5 years now never yet had a puncture

[@manureisdecarvalho]

Hey there! What happened to smilealways.net? Where can I find you now? Great video btw!

[@jmares93]

this is great! Do you have an updated blog? Looks like the link isn't working

[@stephenimsong3462]

Awesome video. Would be interesting to see how everything packs on the bike. It seems like you have quite a bit of stuff haha

[@herr__mika]

Yes man, you've mentioned you like fishing, but you have forgot to pack up the salt :) Thanks for the video!

[@Sttouf12]

Great video. Where did you get the knife with the sheath? Thanks.

[@arturslab7102]

great video. too bad your website with full list is gone

[@SalemCBR1]

You helpful ham. Thanks yo! Wish I got more than 110 miles per tank.

[@Dylabong420]

It seems like lots of people sacrifice comfort just for this light weight kick. I don't understand that? I get the concept of being light weight but to diminish your comfort I will not understand. I can get a couple of trash bags take a small pit fill those trash bags with leaves please and sleep on that more comfortably. And it packs down smaller than a sleep mat. But that depends on your environment

[@KhaleyJo]

the list of your gear in the description doesn't work, where can I find it? thanks

[@robertnocerajr3985]

Great message. Thank you for your work.. best wishes mate.. Robert Jr NJ here and the pine barrens XR 650 owner and operator and truther.

[@steveclark..]

I still use an old fashioned 6" thick blow up bed, not had a puncture but fed up with it losing some air during each night. I'd try what you use but how can you get comfortable on that?? I don't think that my back could take it.

[@HighDesertCactus]

+Steve Clark Funny you mentioned that, I saw at walmart a slim twin blow up bed pvc style blow up bed, i think im going to use that actually! I never have trouble sleeping on that pad, but I never had to do it for more than 2 weeks, so I am thinking of going the exact route you mentioned, the pad in video is good for hiking and i use it on bicycle trips as well

[@steveclark..]

Maybe you could do a quick video of this slim twin blow up bed when you get it? Does it have separate air chambers, less likely to go totally flat I'm thinking??

[@HighDesertCactus]

Steve Clark No its just a one chamber bed, but its made out of the thicker pvc material, like a raft almost, I'll do a video while im out on the road

[@steveclark..]

Thanks, if you could give me name/model/code of this bed when you get it, I'll see if I can find a supplier here in the UK.

[@challenger2ultralightadventure]

The thin pads, the self inflating, and the foam, all hurt my back and sides after a few nights. I now use the regular height blow up mattress, that is a match for a twin bed set of fitted sheets. It's about 8 inches thick, and you get no sore spots from sleeping on it. As a matter of fact, the first night I slept on it, in the morning when I woke up I actually felt like I had a great nights sleep! I will NEVER go back to those thin mattresses again! The one I have has a felt like top, and as I said, it fits a twin bed sheet set nicely. I now pack a set of bed sheets, and on warm nights, I open up my sleeping bag and use it like a blanket. Get the air pump to fill, and drain the mattress, as it's seriously worth it. Especially to get all the air OUT of the mattress when packing. When these are packed up, they come with an attached roll up cover, and they pack smaller than those foam pads, or the self inflating ones by a factor of one half! That too is a great bonus. Seriously give it a try and your back will thank you in the morning! BTW, the bed sheets keep it clean, and are very easy to wash when they get dirty, and they will get dirty! You don't realize just how much dirt gets in your tent, until you use a bed sheet to cover a mattress! The mattress I have is made by Coleman, it's called a "Quick Bed". The one I use is a Single High Airbed, in the Twin bed size. It has no model number on it.

[@miscvideos4639]

Excellent video!!!

[@RichardAdkins]

Aaahhhh, your blog is gone? Do you have a new addy for it or have you given it up? Was looking forward to reading your supply list and finding where to get the items you're using in this vid.

[@mikeymcallister]

I see a lot of videos with what people bring, but I never see how it is packed onto the bike. Do you have any tips for riders without luggage options?

[@MannyScoot]

I pack all of that plus canned food and a metal detector on my BMW K1200GT and Top case.

[@anjodanoite9039]

Nice set up ...best to the point video 👌👌👍

[@charlescowart1029]

just keep the wt. low on your motorcycle (NOT HIGH)

[@toslow9045]

could you please give more info on the water bottle, i tried to search on amazon and found nothing? thanks

[@joecool509]

I use the same cushe shoes. Work great!

[@JonnyMoto]

Cool man, I would love to do something like this! Can't wait to see your adventure(s)

[@robertweisskopf]

YOu carry a lot of dehydrated food and stuff it all around your bike but you don't mention a bear bag or bear can. What do you do to keep the bears away from your food?

[@stampede963]

Robert Weisskopf Yes, we are still waiting on an answer on that. I have the same exact question

[@SharadTalekar]

Good video. Thanks

[@krobarrides9028]

Great video of your hands, lol I enjoyed your video. How was Alaska? Nothing new in 3 years... you still alive?

[@michaelpalla4573]

I have the same shrade knife☺️

[@bluejaywoman3421]

where do you put your food over night to keep critters out of it.

[@stampede963]

Bluejay Woman that’s exactly what I was thinking as I watched this. Wondering if he had a bear sack or bear canister. I had the unfortunate experience of seeing a Bear rip into a motorcycle saddlebag in Colorado. I would keep all my food in smell proof bags and always empty all saddlebags and never keep food in my tent or near it

[@lenusdupreez977]

What tent are you using...I could not catch the name?

[@MrPetrion]

ha, a man with one azz cannot ride two motorcycles. bet you meant months. thanks for the vid, i like getting other folks take on stuff. learn sumpin' new every once and a while.

[@cecilhumphries921]

Ok guy, what was your mos in the corps? 🤔

[@jamesgibson2020]

Awesome

[@suzannedavis168]

how do you dehydrate chicken and beef?

[@arancourt5623]

Either buy a food dehydrator, or do so very carefully in your oven. Alternatively you can look up Alton Brown's Good Eats episode about jerky and he shows how to Jerry rig a homemade dehydrator

[@sopoelectrician]

Have you done a vid on dehydrating chicken? Did not find. Ever do fish?

[@bobdillon7886]

I looked at just using a hammock instead of a tent.. Could be good space saving, still using a tarp for cover and out of weather.. Any thoughts? Bob d

[@aliclark_33]

Hammocks are a great option as long as you will FOR SURE be around trees that can support your weight. I like them as a back up to a tent, as opposed to in place of. Means you're packing extra stuff though, so you just need to be mindful of where you're going and make your decision accordingly.

[@LiLJoHnnYFRosT]

I go m motorcycle camping and wanted to know would you like to go together? I am trying to make friends that like to do the same thing I usually go alone and it gets kind of lonely .

[@symcardnel1741]

hit the road... you'll find yourself running from dudes that wanna ride along... not that either guy is bad... it just ends up that way

[@TABTheAdventureBound]

No sleeping pad bud?

[@HighDesertCactus]

+Mrjulicaro The first item I showed was my sleeping pad, the Therm-a-Rest Z lite amzn.to/1U99Vkb

[@TABTheAdventureBound]

Oh shoot guess I missed it.

[@tarzanjanedoe5783]

Link to his website does not work

[@pastorivanyoder]

Great info, thanks!

[@richardmourdock2719]

Now that the trip has occurred, you should post another vid or add on to the end of this one, and report what worked, didn't work and traveled for miles and miles but never got used. Also curious, will you ever again eat dehydrated chicken.... I'm betting no. Finally, did the water purifier consistently work. I wouldn't trust something that only gave a few seconds of UV to that much water but would appreciate a report.

[@nomadicana]

A dry bag for your rain gear?

[@stampede963]

Nomadicana sure why not? It’s a very useful way to have an extra dry bag when you need it and it keeps your gear separated from the rest of the gear in a nice easy small compartment that you can grab out at a moments notice because most of the time rain can catch you off guard. It’s better than using just another bag that gets in the way and isn’t really useful

[@unacamper9123]

Ouch~~~ you're killing us with the shakey cam.......

[@krisanderson7325]

Genuine motorcycle rider, I like it.

[@baltsosser]

I like the Helinox chair, but it sits so low to the ground I have to combat roll to get up out of it.

[@timothyhardesty3799]

Try using baking soda in shoes .... it’s the old age deodorant

[@andrewwilliams7141]

I want to see the tent not the bag it packs into. Same for the sleeping bag and also the back pack.

[@jingle3330]

So subscribe

[@al7240]

Thanks

[@neoxapos137]

Where's the microwave and the snowshoes?

[@echo1er]

Marine Corps!

[@willemkilian6002]

I was with you till you pulled out a skateboard 🛹 🤣🤣

[@symcardnel1741]

Give the guy a break... when I do solo cross country motorycyle trips... I always pack a spare car... just in case.