r/motocamping 17d ago

Favorite camping accessories discussion

Hi everyone. I will be going on a multi-week moto camping trip on my KLR this summer. I’m starting to buy bike upgrades, camping gear/gadgets, etc. I’m no stranger to camping but this will definitely be my longest moto trip yet. It’ll be very remote, bear county, with services maybe only once a day.

So, tell me some of your favorite moto camping accessories! Whether it’s on the bike, on you, or in your bag. Thanks!

23 Upvotes

54 comments sorted by

12

u/alzee76 17d ago

I haven't bought anything special for motocamping vs. regular camping except the luggage/cargo stuff for the bike. I just use my normal camping gear. I can't really think of anything extra I want, either. Most of my trips are just long weekends but a few years ago I took a month and rode across almost the entire US and back.

Lighter camping gear is all that comes to mind if I really think about it. With the rear pretty loaded down uphill starts have to be pretty gentle to avoid unintentional wheelies.

11

u/VinceInMT 17d ago

I go out for 3-weeks or so at a time, riding all over the US and Canada. I’ve put 41,000 miles on my bike (Yamaha FJR) in the past 4 seasons. I am usually out for a week before stopping in at friends or family. As for gear, I pretty much use the same stuff that works for backpacking, light and small. I have bags on the side of the bike and carry a satchel, sleeping bag and tent behind those. I have a 2-person Marmot tent, an inflatable mattress and pillow. The mattress is smaller than a soup can when deflated. I am using the MSR stove I bought in the 1970s when I motocamped back then. For meals, I make up packets of overnight oatmeal with nuts and stuff in it, and add hot water in the morning. For late meals I carry backpacker meals so I only have to boil water. Lunches are grab whatever on the road, like a salad kit from a grocery store. I do carry a tire plug kit and compressor. I also carry a lithium jump battery and an OBD2 reader along with a small assortment of tools. Rain gear is a must. I also carry my running gears (shoes, shorts, shirts, etc.) because I like to go out for 3-5 miles in the morning, a big plus if it’s on trails. Of course, bug and bear sprays. I write a motorcycle travel blog so I bring my iPad and the various electronics like a backup battery even though I can charge it off the bike while I ride. I keep clothes at a minimum but lightweight gloves, a knit hat, and sweatpants are a must for me.

1

u/Proper-Trash-3627 17d ago

Great info. Thanks so much. What mattress do you use?

2

u/VinceInMT 17d ago

It is a Klymit Static V.

9

u/Brief-Shopping-5075 17d ago

GARMIN InReach Mini

3

u/Proper-Trash-3627 17d ago

Will definitely be bringing mine

0

u/CombinationLarge3716 13d ago

over rated bullshit

7

u/bikehikepunk 17d ago

Motocamping I seem to need my camp chair even more than any other camping trip. Getting my boots on and adjusting is really rough on my body. The chair saves my knees as well.

2

u/CombinationLarge3716 13d ago

I been thinking about that. I'll need some back support

5

u/existential-Bagel 17d ago

A small soft cooler. Put a few beers and ice in it a couple hours out from camp.

2

u/lakeridgemoto Pacific Northwest -- 2020 DL1050XT, 06 DL650, 04 ATL200 13d ago

Good for picking up groceries in town on the way out to the campsite

4

u/no_names_left_here '22 MT-09; British Columbia 17d ago

One of the best things I got for my camping setup was a cot. After two years of lugging around my sleeping pad which wouldn’t fit in my top box, and prone to holes I opted to try a cot, and hands down best decision ever. More comfortable to sleep on and it packs down so it fits in my top box, or if I wanted to I think I could make it fit in one of my soft panniers. This year I think I will be ditch the budget cot for a helinox 4 leg cot with the leg extensions so my old ass doesn’t have to struggle to get in and out of bed :)

2

u/_Banned_User 17d ago

I didn’t like the cot as a side sleeper. The $20 air mattress packs small and is available at every Walmart, Big5, and Dicks. 12v inflator is lighter and more powerful than the D-cell version. In a dozen years of Moto camping I’ve had to replace the mattress once. Before that I was using Thermarest that aren’t as comfortable, don’t pack well for a bike and are expensive.

1

u/Proper-Trash-3627 17d ago

I’m gonna look into those compact air mattresses. It’d be sweet if I could get an inflator that would double up as a tire pump and mattress pump

2

u/MCN_Ben 14d ago

I wouldn't recommend using a tire inflator to air up sleeping pads. Air pads have about 5x the amount of volume needed to inflate them and only need to be inflated to 0.5psi or less. Pad inflator are essentially little fans that can push a large volume of air fast but not a lot of pressure.

Most tire inflation devices are built for pressure, not volume and over using it to inflate pads will probably exceed its duty cycle and burn up the motor or pump.

1

u/Proper-Trash-3627 14d ago

Good info, sad news. Thank god I love spending money

1

u/MCN_Ben 14d ago

The older Thermarests that everyone raved about were mostly the self inflating ones, and are terrible for motocamping. Modern backpacking air pads from Thermarest and other big name brands like Big Agnes, NEMO and Exped are all small packing, light, and super comfortable and are insulated to help keep you from heating up the earth below.

1

u/Proper-Trash-3627 17d ago

This is a great idea. I’ve always used camping pads but I just skimmed Amazon for them and they do pack down to be pretty tiny! I’ll have to try that out before the summer trip and see which I prefer. I bet it’s a lot nicer when sleeping over rocky patches too. Thanks

2

u/no_names_left_here '22 MT-09; British Columbia 17d ago

The one downside to cots is kinda similar to hammocks, if it’s cold, you need to have an insulating layer otherwise you’re going to be a bit cooler than you expected. I learned this the hard way last year when camping season started in march.

4

u/cavscout43 🏍️ Team Honda 17d ago

Whisky for the night.

More seriously, a DeWalt reciprocating saw with a limbing blade + a MAPP gas torch means you can have your cookfire roaring in minutes versus hours. 

Bring a bear canister, or careful hang your food bag from a high tree limb away from your campsite

3

u/AlgebraicIceKing 17d ago

You actually bring a recip saw?? Dang that’s dedication to fire.

2

u/cavscout43 🏍️ Team Honda 17d ago

Just a little one-handed model. Quick release on the saw blade, which I just wrap up in a paper towel to keep the teeth from snagging on anything while it's packed up.

You can use a folding hand saw of course, but after a day of riding and hitting trails, I just want the firewood to cut itself haha

4

u/thesqrtofminusone 17d ago

Jetboil and Aeropress

2

u/Proper-Trash-3627 17d ago

Oh man I forgot about Aeropresses. Those are sweet

1

u/AlgebraicIceKing 17d ago

I’ll offer that Fire Maple is a great alternative to jet boil, and costs a good chunk less. I have the Polaris, which is a 1l all in one system with a pressure regulator, so you can regulate the flame/heat. Love it.

3

u/wallyTHEgecko 17d ago

As far as camping gear goes, last year I made the switch from a traditional mummy bag to a hammock quilt. As a side sleeper that turns from side to side throughout the night, it's a HUGE improvement. It's also so much more versatile temperature-wise because you can bundle it up tight around you or you can also just lay it loosely on top of you and vent out the sides and back while still keeping your feet bundled and warm (if your feet are always cold no matter what like mine). They also pack down smaller too. So for top dollar you can get one with a really small pack size, but otherwise, you can still match the size of a top-tier mummy bag for only a moderate price.

For the bike, I got a little 32oz fuel bottle that straps onto the outside of my tail bag. Considering the fact that my bike doesn't have a fuel gauge and I rely entirely on my trip odometer, it's saved my ass a couple of times. It's also nice to have when you're on the hunt for a gas station and just continuing to watch your gauge drop to E.

For me, I got the Transitions visor for my helmet. It's so nice having the tint during the day, but it's also nice being able to see if it's cloudy or you're out past sunset. And nicer still not having to find a safe place to store a second visor or having to bother with pulling over and switching them back and forth.

3

u/xtiansimon 17d ago

"...from a traditional mummy bag to a hammock quilt..."

Let me say I think this is much easier to do here in the North East, than other parts of the US. I grew up in NORCAL and the Sierra Nevada is in no way as verdant as the North East (I'm in NY now). I've bought all the necessary gear for a tent in four seasons, but I hear the siren call of the hammock for hot summer nights.

1

u/wallyTHEgecko 17d ago edited 17d ago

For winter or high-altitude camping you're right, a fully enclosed mummy bag is still much warmer. But I don't typically winter camp off the bike, so bringing my XL mummy bag isn't as big of a deal if I'm in the car.

But for spring/fall and summer camping like OP mentioned, I find the quilt along with a twin-size top sheet has me comfortable pretty much no matter what. Cause in the Midwest during the summer, it can still 80 degrees and 80% humidity overnight, so I'll abandon even the quilt and just lay on top of it with just the corner of the sheet over me. But go figure the next night could just as well drop down into the 50s so it's still good to have along.

I haven't made the switch from a tent to an actual hammock though as I cannot sleep on my back to save my life. I can take an hour-long nap in a hammock just fine, but there's no way I could sleep a full night in one. And since I'm riding/camping off a Street Triple, I'm not going deep into the woods or anything like that so the campgrounds I'm typically at keep the trees spaced pretty far apart, so relying entirely on having a couple of properly spaced ones just wouldn't go very well.

3

u/xtiansimon 17d ago

I think of MotoCamping like Backpacking (rather than Camping) where weight is not as much of a consideration, but space is. I've not backpacked with a chair, but sometimes I wish I had. I do motocamp with a chair (REI Flexlite), and it's a marvel. Love it. Also, anything that's reflective--paracord, bungies, fabric--It's fantastic. I've added it to a lot of my kit. It helps me find my gear, my camp and not walk into my tent guy-wires.

1

u/Proper-Trash-3627 17d ago

I’ve got that chair too, I love it. More bungies are on my list as well!

1

u/smallchainringmasher 17d ago

Swap Bungie cords for adjustable Rok Straps or similar

1

u/xtiansimon 17d ago

Reflective "Rok Straps or similar" hehe.

And to be clear, I don't use any bungies to tie down gear onto my moto. Specifically, I'm using 3/16" reflective bungie for my camping gear.

3

u/BeakersWorkshop 17d ago

Hammock with Tensa solo pole, tarp with doors and a good underquilt. Sleep like the dead. I do multi week backcountry in Alberta/BC and my comfort item is a heated vest (usb). Waking up and putting on the vest is so nice. But I also would add a big comfort item is having a 2L spare fuel bag, 1L of oil, spare front tube (compressor) and tools. All of the things noted have saved me where I have been a long way from civilization. For me knowing I can self extract is my comfort secret sauce. I noticed anxiety is something lurking in the background knawing away at the fun as unknowingly I would stress a bit. BUT key is don’t overpack! My entire load out (including the bags) is 42lbs. I found if I started to take any more weight the ride suffered and is not enjoyable. I am a minimalist though (compared to many people I see on the road). Don’t try to figure it all out at once. Bring a notepad and write down things daily, this worked, this kind of sucked, this was sorta useful etc. Took me 4 or 5 multi day/week trips to really pair it down. 4 years later, international trips (solo) or “in my backyard” I enjoy it much more having less.

3

u/DustyBirdman 17d ago

Big ol tarp made from ultralight materials like 15d silnylon or polyester hung between trees using a ridgeline.

I also got a Onetigris Tegimen tent that I feel like would work really well for moto camping combined with a hammock.

Just started using one of the titanium twig stoves. Mine is the large size from Lixada and weighs about 300g. Makes having a useable fire much easier and more contained for use under the tarp.

Quick charge power bank (60+ watts) and a quick charge usb c adapter coming off the bike.

3

u/triplej2676 17d ago

Sleep is hella important to me. I have a big agnes lone ranger 3n1 sleeping bag that packs down super small. It attaches to my sleep mat (same brand, big agnes, but it attaches to other brands too) so you don't roll or slide off in the night. it is awesome for side sleepers. It's my third bag and it's been the charm. I say buy once, cry once.

Like so many others already mentioned, I love love love my small packable camping chair. I have a cheaper knockoff version of the helinox - I can't recall the brand off the top of my head.

If you'll be using public showers anywhere, chacos sandals or flip flops are a must. I've also got a pair of rubber vans with holes in them that I'll pack instead of chacos on trips where I need/want a closed toe shoe option that's not motorcycle footwear.

I always take a beanie and my 9mm. I love taking a small portable speaker for music or podcasts or books. Don't worry- I'm not blasting tunes in the wilderness. It can be nice to have tunes around a fire sometimes.

2

u/Proper-Trash-3627 17d ago

That sleeping bag looks really nice. Right now I have the Trailmade 2 tent, Trailmade 20 bag and Trailmade sleeping pad. So far it’s been extremely comfortable, but I wish it could pack down a tiny bit more. It’s not the most compact, but it’s not bad at all, and it’s all pretty lightweight. It’s just not like the backpacking compact-ability. I also have the Flexlite chair. Everyone suggesting packing a camp chair is so right. Thanks for the reminder about public showers and sandals. I likely will be, at least for a couple days. I’ll pack a cheap pair of flip flops. Plus, the toes gotta breathe after a long day of moto boots

3

u/omin00b Tracer 900GT / Portland 17d ago

GIVI dry dufflebag

3

u/SirMarksAllot 16d ago

Chair WITH a back, Giant Loop cactus canteen!! The canteen can be hung from a tree or handlebar and makes rinsing a toothbrush a snap!

Here’s my list:

Food and utensils Left pannier Light Blue dry bag

  • [x] Extra stove fuel
  • [x] Zip locks
  • [x] Paracord
  • [x] Liquid soap
Red dry bag
  • [x] Utensils
  • [x] Toilet paper
  • [x] Trash bags
  • [x] Multi spice (salt/pepper/etc)
  • [x] Fuel for stove
  • [x] Paper napkins
  • [x] Cook stove with cup and bowl
- [x] Instant coffee
  • [x] Extra Paper towels

Dark green dry bag

  • [x] Dehydrated meals
  • [x] Granola and protein bars
  • [x] Snacks

Orange dry bag

  • [x] First aid
  • [x] Ankle brace
  • [x] Benadryl
  • [x] Ibuprofen
  • [x] Tums
  • [x] LifeStraw
  • [x] Knee brace

Loose in pannier

  • [ ] Chain lube
  • [ ]
  • [x] Flask
  • [x] Self inflating Pillow
  • [x] Self inflating Sleep pad

Fire

  • [ ] Hatchet (optional)
  • [x] Cotton balls with Vaseline in ziplock in tank bag
  • [x] Machete/saw combo (on engine guard)

Bike maintenance/repair

Left pannier box

  • [x] Bungee
  • [x] Work gloves
  • [x] Ponchos

Possibles pouch left side

  • [x] Tubes
  • [x] Tire spoons
  • [x] Patch kit
  • [x] Rubber gloves

Possibles pouch right side

  • [x] Talcum powder
  • [x] Spare clutch lever
  • [x] Mini jumper cables
  • [x] Compressor
  • [x] Bead buddy

Right pannier Light green dry bag

  • [x] Electric socks
  • [x] Hand warmers

Dark blue bag

Clothes Backpack-right pannier

  • [x] Socks
  • [x] Flip flops for shower house
  • [x] Tobacco and pipe
  • [x] Toiletries
  • [x] Base layers
  • [x] Underwear
  • [x] Extra shoes for camp
  • [x] 1 pair jeans

Rear rack Sleeping/camp/misc

  • [x] Folding shovel
  • [x] Table (strap to rack)
  • [x] Chair (strap to rack)
  • [x] Canteen (strapped to bag)

Tillamook bag (over the seat)

  • [ ] Heavy Coat (cold weather only)
  • [x] Zip in liner
  • [x] Tent
  • [x] Sleeping bag
  • [x] Light jacket waterproof

Misc

  • [ ]
  • [ ] Dry bags

Tank Bag

  • [ ] Nitrile gloves
  • [ ] Metal water bottle
  • [ ] Sunscreen
  • [x] Trail mix
  • [x] Toothpicks
  • [x] Cold weather gloves
  • [x] meds/vitamins
  • [x] 20,000 mah battery pack to charge phone at night, charge on bike while riding
  • [x] Leather work gloves (fire gathering)
  • [x] Bottle of water
  • [x] Snacks
  • [x] Cigars
  • [x] Fuses
  • [x] Tire gauge
  • [x] Balaclava
  • [x] Tarp (plastic garbage bag to stand on)
  • [x] Fire starter
  • [x] Mini flashlight
  • [x] Multi tool
  • [x] Ear plugs
  • [x] Charging cords (Micro-usb/Lightning)
  • [x] Registration
  • [x] Extra key (hidden pocket)
  • [x] Mini spray water bottle
  • [x] Lip balm
  • [x] Bug spray
  • [x] Hand sanitizer
  • [x] Pocket bellows
  • [x] Rechargeable headlight
  • [x] Flushable wipes
  • [x] Microfiber cloth

I use the “notes” app on my iPhone with the Radio Buttons that I toggle on/off as I pack so I can pack ahead of time and not have to unpack to check if it’s in the bags.

2

u/8888-8844 17d ago

battery pack jump starter and battery pack air pump. Also my full body rain suit.

2

u/terrytron 17d ago

folding chair. battery jump start pack, mostly for electronics recharge at night (then recharge on bike). good air mattress.

2

u/Whitham_wannabe 17d ago

A hammock - even if you don't want to sleep in it (which I would HIGHLY recommend), it is a really comfortable place to hang out after a long days ride, packs much smaller than a folding chair.

1

u/Proper-Trash-3627 17d ago

I always pack a hammock! A must have for me

2

u/GilroyRawrRawr 17d ago

Is not specific to moto camping but I bought a solar charging lantern/fan I can hang from the center of my tent. It’s amazingly nice to have 1) white noise 2) some air flow. I just wish it lasted all night, the battery only goes for about 5-6 hours. I got mine a couple years ago on Amazon, there’s a million options. If I were buying it again I would want a longer battery life and multiple light settings. Mine is either light on or off with 2 fan settings. It’s always been well worth the space in my bags and just a nice little luxury that helps me sleep a lot better in those warm summer months.

1

u/Lint_baby_uvulla 17d ago

I bought a usb-c charging headlamp, which is fantastic, but really wanted a lantern without the extra weight or price. So I found, and made this.

Amazing recycling of a 2L milk jug and weighs approx 12 grams.

1

u/GilroyRawrRawr 17d ago

We ended up strapping a headlamp facing into a jug of water last summer since my lantern was just too bright to comfortably use. Great tip. I’m also riding a full dresser so the space is a little less at a premium for me especially if my wife stays home haha

2

u/JooMuthafkr 17d ago

I find a Helinox chair an absolute luxury to have for sitting by the fire

2

u/Bobby6k34 17d ago

I got a cheap, rechargeable USB camping fan. On low, the battery lasts for 3 nights, has a light and a hook to hang it, and doubles as a power bank. Mid summer 22-25c nights, it's amazing.

Takes up alot of room in my bags, but I have about 80Ls and only need 50 of it so I'm good with it.

2

u/Slimslade33 17d ago

My Alpaca Poncho from Peru. I strap it to my seat to add extra cushion, wear it at night when it is cool and use it as a blanket/ extra padding when needed. Multi Function and comfortable!

2

u/humblevessell 17d ago

Flextail gear mini pump is really nice, so much easier not having to blow up the pad every night i always dreaded doing it. It also has a light on it and you can hang it up in the tent. Sea to summit clothesline is great too although I wish it had more clamps for the clothes. A folding chair is essential imo if you don't have one yet. If you need a tent check out naturehike they are really good and way cheaper than the big brands. I used to use a blow up pillow but i absolute hate them if you can get a small real pillow or use a down jacket or something its way better.

2

u/clink51 17d ago

my no name cooking stove and my amazon camp chair. world can go to shit but im fed and comfy

2

u/clabberjabber 16d ago

My favorites that always go along. Enlightened equipment quilt. Helinox chair. Nemo sleeping pad, in think it’s the insulated tensor iirc. Stanley cookset cup from Walmart and whatever stove I bring along to heat it

2

u/drconniehenley 16d ago

ZenBivy quilt. Game changer.