Solo Moto Camping - Does bulk matter?
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- Опубліковано 4 лип 2024
- This video is a run through of the camping gear I am using for my forthcoming trip to Nordkapp and the gear I used for my trips in the Europe and UK in 2022. Some of the gear I used and will use is very bulky, especially the sleeping mat. If I am comfortable while camping, I can sleep well, and it fits on the bike, does the bulk really matter? I'd appreciate your thoughts.
The list of items I've used on my trips can be found below.
Hoping you can "Like" the video, as this does help the channel.
All my best wishes, thanks again for watching
Nick
CB500X 2022 model
Vango Tryfan 300 (3 person tent)
Vango flysheet
Sea to Summit Camp Plus Self Inflating Camping Mat
Trekology air bag (topping up mat inflation)
SLAAPLEKKER 800 Goose down mummy sleeping bag
Eurohike sleeping bag liner
Trekology Aluft pillow
Active Era folding chair
Hepco & Becker Tank bars
Barkbusters (dual mount)
Rally Raid CB500X 2019-on Engine Guard-RRP 747
SW Motech Footrest Kit
R&G Kickstand Shoe-RRP 474
Outback Motortek Pannier rack and Rear rack, including exhaust heat shield (replaced the Shad rails I used on my European trip)
Garmin Zumo XT GPS device
Rally Raid Billet Multi-Mount for 12mm (1/2") Crossbar - part number RRP 643
Bridgestone Battlax AX41 tyres (mainland Europe trip)
Dunlop Trailmax tyres (UK trip)
SW-Motech dry bag (60 litres)
Lomo dry bag motorcycle waterproof panniers -soft
Oxford tank bag (need to use rain cover in heavy rain)
GoPro Hero 10 (helmet mounted)
Adhesive universal helmet mount for GoPro
Purple Panda microphone
Campark X30 (handlebar mounted)
Cyberlink PowerDirector 365 - video editing
RST textile jacket
RST textile trousers (slight seepage in crutch area in heavy rain)
Frank Thomas Tempest Ride boots
Nolan 80 helmet
I'm 62 and I'm not a good sleeper.
My trips tend to be 4 night hammock camping expos- I now opt for comfort over weight saving kit; if I don't get a good sleep the trip is a wash.
Many thanks for the comment, and yep, I need my sleep too so I agree about the comfort factor
Nick
That's a decent setup. Whilst the sleeping matt is bulky, it makes a hugh difference to the overall comfort and sleep quality.
I also use a lightweight tarp tied off between the bike and the tent or supported on a couple of lightweight trekking poles. It keeps the front of the tent dry and gives you a covered area to sit and cook if it rains ( that never happens in the UK of course).
I never understand why so many take huge oversized tents that you can fit a bike inside and prefer a simple compact setup that's easy to setup and pack away. Each to their own I suppose
Many thanks for the comment and info Stuart, the tarp is a simple solution to provide additional space, nice idea
Nick
If the bike can move and you can move around on the bike a bit then I guess the right balance between weight and comfort has been achieved. I have a very compact sleeping mat but it's uncomfortable so I'm debating about going bulkier and it's much easier having a tent you can move around in! Soft luggage on a mid capacity adventure bike helps keep overall weight down and to be fair, your 'system' is more tried and tested than most! Useful topic. Cheers.
Hi Quentin, thanks for your thoughts and the comment. A comfortable sleeping mat makes all the difference for a good night's sleep for me, so if you do have the room I'd go for a change. Must admit mine is very bulky compared to others so you can probably find more compact than mine but then you may have to trade price v bulk. Good luck with your search!
Nick
An option for a decent sleepmat is the Thermarest Xtherm which I used at minus 5 in comfort when wildcamping. Has an R-rating of 6.9 and rolls up smaller than a flask. Expensive but a gamechanger for comfort, heat and space saving.
Many thanks for the info, and yep, it is expensive but if space is not an option and with that R rating I can see why you'd go for it. If I find I'm cold on my next trip... something to consider but ouch££££$$$$
Nick
Excellent video, I look forward to your next trip!
Thanks Ciaran, and me too!
Nick
Good morning Nick (morning here on the East Coast of USA). I think you’ve done more than enough camping and touring on your current bike to have dialed in what works for you. As you said several times, a lot depends on the type of bike you have, the season/weather you plan to ride in, riding solo or two up, etc. As a long time backpacker and motocamper, I’ve fiddled with my setup to suit my needs. Recently, I’ve switched to mainly hammock camping and found that I sleep much better and I can just swing my legs over the side rather than crawl out of a tent when nature calls in the middle of the night (as it does more frequently when your 70).Mind you, if I know that the area I’m heading to lacks an abundance of trees, I’ll still take a tent. You’ll be like everyone else that has the motocamping bug and will continue to “refine” your setup, which is part of the fun. Bottom line, as Quentin said; if you can move on the bike and it feels stable and safe, you’re good to go. BTW, love the garden. Cheers and hope you can get out for a ride soon. Jim
Hi Jim! Thanks for sharing and yes, I'm sure I'll tweak along the way. Not much opportunity for hammock camping so far, but you never know.
If I knew you'd notice the garden I would have cut the grass first! 😉
Nick
I don't think the bulk matters, it's far more important to be comfortable at the end of a ride than not. :)
Many thanks for the reply and your thoughts, I tend to agree!
Nick
Hi Nick, like you I like my comfort when camping. Especially my sleep! A sleeping mat to consider is the Exped Synmat. Different size available and I sleep really well on it. Like you I take a big tent 3 or 4 person as the difference in size and weight does not matter on a motorcycle. But I like to have some room inside to put my stuff in the tent. And the added weight doesn’t matter, for big trips I use my V-Strom 1000. For riding around the countryside for daytrips I use my Aprilia SR GT 200 scooter. Mostly 2 up with my girlfriend.
Rob
Thanks for the info Rob, I'll have a look at the mat you suggest, but quite comfy with my current set up... for now at least. I've not ridden a scooter since my youth, but dare I say, I hear food things about the modern ones 🛵
Nick
A big enough tent to spend time in comfortably is essential for a long trip as is how your tent stands up to weather wind rain snow and ventilation. Sleep comfort is the next . A good night's sleep In comfort and having confidence in your tent make a huge difference to the enjoyment of a trip especially in countries or regions where the weather changes dramatically. Some times bulk or an additional weight penalty is worth it.
Very true Robert, many thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and I agree with the additional weight being worth it
Nick
We are currently planning a central European trip 4 to 6 weeks. Still debating which bikes to use. BMW R1200RT and Honda NC750s or Honda 125 super cubs. The personal kit and tent aren't the issue for us but taking our dog along adds an additional issue. She goes everywhere we go on the bikes even 3 weeks to the South of France. But a longer and potential hotter trip has to be thought through.
Thanks mate good video, nice setup 👍, remembered you yesterday as I was riding through Wendover, may be we could meet up around the area one day.
Ride safe 🙏
Many thanks, but of course, you know it would be guaranteed to rain!!! ⛈☂
Nick
I have a similar setup that I drag around on my 2018 cb500x.
My tent is the eurohike avon 3dlx nightfall which is bigger than yours when packed. But it's super cosy and cost me 50 quid on sale at millets.
My sleeping mat is the Vango comfort 10cm. 4 inches of pleasure, but it is massive when packed.
But these fit easily on the Oxford 70L drybag on the back seat.
I'd like to get a smaller packing sleeping mat, but crikey, they are expensive.
Thanks for the info, I think we're of a similar mind set, liking the comfort... but within a sensible budget
Nick
Hi Nick, can you do a video on the security you have for your bike to feel happy leaving it for fair lengths of time while abroad, including locks for panniers, bags and the cover you use for the whole bike?
Need to have a think about the best way of doing this.
There isn't really a 100% method as a few hefty folk could lift a whole bike including luggage, hard or soft into the back of a van, but, the best we can do is deter. In general, in my opinion
hard luggage is more of a deterrent than soft.
Visible deterrent, eg Disk lock or similar is a must
Bike cover is useful.
I'll have a think about a video, but recommend you do a search on securing bike while travelling.
Good luck with mod2
Nick
G'day Nick,
can't be long before your Norway adventure starts. Just bought myself today a 2021 CB500X with 8500km for a bargain price at auction that I couldn't say no too :) Can't wait to pick her up, I call it my Halfrica Twin ...get it ?
Cheers
Joe
Hi Joe... great to hear from you and nice one! Really hope you enjoy the bike Yep, Halfrica twin works well.
Norway... yes next month (May), I''m currently sat at home with a horrible cold, 1/3 way round my next warm up trip in the UK, hopefully the cold will let up and I'll get back on the bike in the next couple of days. Update video ref plans for 2023 coming out this Saturday, hope you can tag along!
Nick
Hey Nick, thank you form sharing what your gear is your taking with you on the trip. A little extra comfort like the matras is worthy of a good night sleep. Also your sleeping bag. If you are cold and grumpy in the morning, your day doesn’t start well. 😂
We are packing the same as you are. On the passenger seat. But also still experimenting how to pack everything up. Every time it is still an adventure 😊what is the best setting.
Take care and see you maybe in July. We are then in the UK. 🙋♀️🙋♂️🏍️🏍️
Hi to the both of you, yes, each time a little experimentation to improve the over all experience. I should be back from my trip to Nordkapp by July, so maybe we will meet
Nick
@@bikingtravels hi 👋🏻 Nick, we will keep in touch then. If the weather is on our side, we are planing to be in the UK and Scotland from the 21 of June until the 14th of July. See you. 🙋♀️🙋♂️Maily and Henri.
It definitely depends on the type of bike, more touring style bikes, basically adventure bikes, bulk is not as much a problem, smaller bikes it becomes an issue.
I have a Suzuki DR 650 here in Australia, the DR is relatively narrow so carrying a large bag on the back is a little more difficult, I try to fit all my camping gear in one throw over pannier and the other pannier gets filled with tools and other stuff.
I have a 30 litre bad that sits on the back that contains clothes and shoes etc, if I use a hotel I can leave my bags on the bike secured by steel core security straps and just take the 30 litre bag.
I also run a small tank bag just to carry a few small things but it weighs next to nothing.
Thank god hiking is so popular, the gear you get now is other worldly to the gear I used to carry 40 years ago, not to mention wear.
👍👍👍👍👍👍
Many thanks for the comment and observations it sounds like you have your set up sorted. I was tempted to buy one of those Pacsafe metal mesh bag protectors to lock the bags to the bike but decided against it based on dare I say "bulk", and yes, I'm sure stronger, lighter materials have improved things for us all
Nick
It's all about comfort,tent is large but gives you plenty of room.
Everything else you have tested so I say keep it.
Only thing I didn't like was the size of your tank bag,seems bulky.
But if it doesn't give you any problems seeing the gauges or when refueling it's fine.
In the end it's all about COMFORT!
I tend to agree about the comfort. The tank bag does compress quite well but even expanded it doesn't get in the way. Many thanks for the comment and your thoughts!
Nick
You have some good kit. I've a couple of SW Motech dry bags same as yours except 18 litres. They are really good. Use them as a tail pack or on my front rack when cycle touring.
If camping in spring summer do you really need such a well insulated bulky mat or sleeping bag? Possibly not. Similarly tent, could you get away with a smaller 2P lighter one? I like the MSR Elixir 2 which is roomy has two doors either side with fairly large porches in which to store gear and inside there is plenty of space. Vango tents are almost bomb proof well not literally, but you know what I mean. They are strong and last a long time but typically heavier than other similar spec'd tents. Tbh I don't camp in winter as I do not find it fun. I'd rather be in a nice BnB, auberge or hotel. So when touring in summer you don't need to carry so much bulky stuff just to keep warm. If anything you need space for that mesh jacket for very hot days to stop you boiling over ........
Hi Alex, some really good points here. I'm afraid I'm a "plan for the worse" which means I've tended to bulk up the gear, but I do have another tent, sleeping mat and bag which I may well use later in the year after my Norway trip. Many thanks for your comments!
Nick
Thank you for sharing. I got the same SW Motech drybag for the new season visiting Scotland. I do not think weight matters, just watch how much a luggage rack or pannier can handle (and you can stretch it a bit). It doesn’t matter much if you use the passenger seat, however less weight can be better to ride.
I agree with you, many thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Nick
Since you aren't doing serious off-road riding where weight makes all the difference, take whatever keeps you comfortable and rested on the trip.
However, do yourself a favor and buy a compact pump to blow up and deflate your sleeping mat. The camp pumps are very compact (about the size of a coffee mug), light weight, and worth their weight in convenience. Nothing is worse than being physically beat after a day in the saddle, then having to work to blow up the sleeping mat. When it comes time to pack, the ability to suck a majority of the air from the mat makes it much easier to compress and shove back in the bag.
Good luck on your trip!
Many thanks for your comment and thoughts! I use an inflator sack to top up the self inflating mat that I have so it's not too bad, but hadn't thought about the sucking the air out. I do have a mini-pump... now where did I put it?
Nick
Great video, thanks! I have year 2020 model CB500X. I think size matters, not weight.
Many thanks for the comment, yep, would prefer it to be less bulky but seems to be comfort v bulk v price, and it is price that is the painful bit!
Nick
I do backpacking/wild camping, when I’m carrying everything I need up a big hill (or mountain) for a night out, then yes the weight of my pack/gear really is an important factor!
Not so much in your case though, as your 470cc engine is doing all the lugging around..
I’m a biker also, still yet to try Moto Camping, but that would tie me down to being on a campsite, which I’m trying to avoid. 😄
Maybe one day..
Hi Scoot, thanks for your thoughts, I'm still working toward my first wild camp!
Nick
I have ultralight camping gear for when I used to hike and camp. But on my CB500X, I think of it as this, the bikes built for taking passengers, so of you take my wife's weight of 53 kilos, it doesn't really matter if your gears say 12 or 15 kilos like yours. It might be bulkier, but as long as it fits on the bike safely, its fine. My tent come in at 1.5 kilos, 2 man with porch, but it cost me nearly £600 ! On reflection, maybe I should of bought a bigger cheaper tent for £150, and spent the rest on bike gear/accessories 🤷♂️
I noticed you use basecamp for you trip planning, the world's most annoying software EVER! have you thought about doing a vlog on how you set up your trips? Would be interesting for quite a few people who also struggle with it. Look forward to seeing another ride when the weather gets better. Cheers👍
Some really good points here @SalopianBivvyman thanks for sharing! Basecamp... I'm really not a fan either but needs must, so I use a mix of MyRouteApp, Garmin Basecamp and "Adventurous routing" on the Zumo XT itself. I might have a go at a vlog on the subject, but can only imagine the flack if I managed to mess up somebody's trip by sending them literally up a blind alley 😉
Nick
I weight +18 stone so unless Ur going across the Himalayas it's acceptable. Also the lower in height and closer to the engine the better.
Good video thanks
Many thanks for the comment and recommendation on positioning
Nick
When you get to a certain age, ( I am a similar age to you Nick)I think that comfort and the chance of a good nights sleep, is worth the extra size and weight, and after all as you said at the beginning, it generally sits on the pillion where a passenger would sit, and when you are setting off on a journey it is nice to know that you have a comfortable home from home
Very true Peter, now if I can only find room for my favourite armchair...
Nick
@@bikingtravels now there’s a thought Nick!
I owned a 2022 Honda CB500X identical to yours Nick and I didn't enjoy the way it rode with a pillion. I upgraded to a Triumph Tiger 1050 and have to say a heavier bike rides so much better when laden on tarmac roads, I did have an incident when I lost my footing and the triumph when over at a petrol station on a trip to Wales when I wished I had a lighter bike, but when riding with loads I go with the triumph over the Honda any day...also the Hondas oil consumption surprised me, and was one of the reasons it had to go.
Many thanks for the information and your thoughts. I know people do travel with pillion on the CB500X but I can imagine you'd feel it. My kit probably weighs the same as a small child so not too bad, but it certainly feels more nimble without it. Tiger 1050 seems a great bike, but I think I'd be tempted to travel at a greater pace. Surprised about the oil consumption on the 500X, its been fine on my bike, but I will keep an eye on it!
Nick
Passed my test and I still have my heart set on the CB500X.
Many congrats Phil !!! Enjoy riding whatever bike you end up with and keep safe.
Nick
@@bikingtravels thank you Nick, that’s very kind of you.
PASSED A2 13 FEBUARY MATE 2022 CB500X HERE I COME
Nice one!
Nick
Yes, you could go with more like hiking gears not like camping gears, but it would Not matter so much.
It would a little though, but the key word you said and know: balance!
If you can confidently hold the bike, than you are really good to go as it is. After all, it is all about the journey, and not about spending money on things you don’t really need in reality, after all, the bike is designed to carry all that for you. I have like 30kgs plus my wife sitting on the same bike and we can have a pleasant cruising anywhere.
How about your planning the northern trip?
Will you have a more worked out plan or you just pick destinations and let the Garmin design the route for you, as it worked out quite well I think.
All the best for you Nick! 😍
Hi Lajos, good to hear from you. Completely agree about spending money on the travel and not on kit once you have something that works.
Still not planned out the Northern trip yet, reviewing where others have travelled on UA-cam and blogs but hope to have an update out soon
All the best, Nick
Hi Nic,if you do think about changing your sleeping mat have a look at Paul Messengers UA-cam channel.He did a good vid "stay warm in winter" and explains sleeping pads R values and the difference between cheaper and more expensive options and the need for comfort.As everyone has said comfort is the priority on a long camping trip and for me one of my priorities is getting the pillow right .Someone gave me a good tip once with the blow up type pillows that they always feel better with a proper cotton pillow case cover.Safe Riding .Richard.(Bristol 500cbx 2017)
Hi Richard, thanks for the info and the tip!!!!
Nick
@@bikingtravels ua-cam.com/video/a3w5AnBuIlE/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/htX8TyV_XWE/v-deo.html
Are you taking any clothes or tools with you? Also food and drinking material? That should be water, but I prefer beer. They weigh the same.
Electrical hook-up cables also seems a bit unnecessary. What are you using them for?
The camping gear might weigh just 15 kilos, but you have to take into account the total load on the bike. A helmet will weigh between 1.5 to 2.0 kg, my RST jacket weighs 2.0kg without passport, wallet, legal documents or tickets, keys et.c. A bike lock might weigh another kilo. Spare inner tubes, tyre levers or tubeless tyre repair kit? Inflator? Necessary in both scenarios.
OK, so these are mainly weight issues rather than bulk, but it's all about rideability. Weight and bulk will affect the dynamics of the motorcycle. Handling, wind-resistance, stability in strong winds (as I've just experienced in Europe this week) will all be crucial elements on the long journey to your campsite.
You are correct in mentioning weight distribution. Nothing apart from ultra-light stuff should be on the rear rack, but preferably nothing. I have Lomo front bags for the crash bars on my Himalayan, that's where the Trangia, fuel and kitchen stuff goes.
I have Lomo throw-over panniers for clothes, sleeping and washing gear. Chain adjusting spanners plus compact tool-kit are placed low and forward in the bottom of those panniers. The tent, the first thing I'll need, goes on the pillion secured by old-school bungee straps.
Finally, ditch the coffee! So many of these UA-cam ADV, solo-camping, moto-camping videos mention having coffee! Like the most important thing about 'moto-camping' is coffee!
Personally, I cannot stand the stuff. I'm sticking to water and beer. They weigh the same. As I mentioned earlier.
Ride safe. Love and peace.
Many thanks for this great contribution to the discussion, you make some really good points.
Yep, electrical hookup probably not necessary for most especially if you can charge as you ride along. In my case it was for the plethora of batteries and laptop that drive that extra bulk.
Personally I'm hooked on coffee, not great but such is life, so coffee bags and mini gas burner also needed. If you can make do without, some extra items removed.
Really like the recommendation about keeping the heavy stuff low, my preference too.
I recommend anybody reading your comment give it good consideration.
Thanks again, hope the Himalayan is going well
Nick
It matters when riding in difficult and offroad terrain. Everywhere a pillion would get off the bike and walk. On the road, no.
Great points! Thanks
Nick
Hi Nick, that’s just the question I’ve been asking myself. 15kg is nothing really and well short of your maximum load capacity 🙂What happens though if you add all the other stuff, panniers, top box, tank bag. A set of aluminium panniers can weigh 10kg empty. That’s when I think things can get bulky. I’ve been looking at different options like soft luggage. I also want a new tent. Do I go light and small pack size or more room but bigger weight and pack? 🤔 How is handling affected ? 15kg isn’t going to make a difference but 45kg plus? Cheers
Hi Pete, I try to pack light with the rest of my stuff, so minimal clothing but wicking material so it air dries really quickly (assuming you can get some day light or dry breeze by strapping it in a net type bag on the dry bag as I'm riding along), but of course there are tools, and emergency essentials which all contribute to the weight, I "think" it was about 25kg all up for the dry bag of camping gear and the soft panniers loaded with the rest. And yes, on the CB500X it felt much perkier and nimble round the bends in the Alpine passes without the gear on, but would I personally have noticed a reduction of 1 or 2 kgs? I doubt it. All food for thought though. Good luck with what you decide!
Nick
How many miles have you put on your cb500x?
10,000 miles so far, over 8,500 with camping gear, hope this helps
Nick
I also found my trekology pad really cold and it was around 10 degrees celcuis out, so not too bad. I don't think it's insulated at all.
As long as you can fit it all into one bag, I think that's a pretty good setup. I don't think the weight matters too much. Personally I don't camp often enough to justify spending £3-500 on an ultra lightweight bikepacking tent, so mine also packs quite large
I managed to fit all of my stuff into a 50l bag, but it was packed full and I had no room for any luxuries. Its here if you're interested: ua-cam.com/video/cJ8dbBYe1nw/v-deo.html
Many thanks for the comment and info. Yes, much like you I cannot justify the expense of top notch kit. Thanks for the link, I'll take a look
Nick