The last couple of years I have been combining my love of hiking with my love for riding motorcycles (or snowmobiles for that matter). I find the combination of UL gear with a motorcycle is the perfect combination. If I know I will be doing a lot of hiking, than I will pack everything into a backpack and strap the backpack onto my motorcycle. If, however, I will be traveling long distance (through europe as example) than I use motorcycle saddlebags. I this article I will discuss some of the basics if you yourself are looking at combining these two great hobbies to maximize your enjoyment!
Motorcycle camping is a unique way to explore the great outdoors, combining the exhilaration of motorcycle touring with the adventure of camping. One of the appeals of motorcycle camping is the need to carefully choose and pack gear due to limited space, which naturally leads to a minimalist, ultralight approach. This article explores the benefits of keeping your gear light and compact, and provides suggestions for essential equipment such as tents, saddlebags, sleeping mats, and sleeping quilts.
The Mosko moto packs are great quality, but bad design in my opionon. Or atleast could be better design on the two side pockets. These are very small meaning you will find yourself having to stuff everything really hard to get them in.
Benefits of Ultralight Motorcycle Camping
- Enhanced Handling and Safety: Carrying less weight on your motorcycle improves its handling, making your ride more enjoyable and safer. A lighter load reduces wear and strain on the motorcycle, particularly when navigating steep or winding roads.
- Increased Fuel Efficiency: Less weight requires less energy to move, allowing you to go further on a tank of gas. This can be particularly beneficial on long trips where fuel stops may be infrequent.
- Ease of Setup and Teardown: With ultralight gear, setting up and packing your campsite is quicker and less labor-intensive. This leaves more time for exploring or simply relaxing at your destination.
- Flexibility and Mobility: Reducing the volume of your gear allows you to organize and access your belongings more easily, enhancing your overall travel experience. Being nimble means you can adapt to changing conditions and make spontaneous decisions to changes in your itinerary.
Essential Ultralight Gear
Tents
When selecting a tent for ultralight motorcycle camping, prioritize weight, durability, and ease of setup. Here are a few options:
- Bivouac Sacks (Bivy Sacks): These are compact, waterproof enclosures just big enough for a sleeping bag. They’re extremely lightweight and pack down very small, making them ideal for minimalist campers.
- One-person Tents: These offer a balance between comfort and weight. Look for models made from modern lightweight materials like Dyneema, which provide excellent durability and weather resistance.
- Hammock Tents: If your camping spots often include trees, a hammock tent can be a comfortable and compact option. They keep you off the ground, providing a good solution in wet or uneven terrain.
I prefer the Skalmo Mid 1 with solid Half-inner tent. Ultralight light, roomy and with the Camouflage, it’s easy to do proper stealth camping.
Saddlebags
Saddlebag choice is critical, as it dictates how you’ll carry and organize your gear. Consider these options:
- Soft Saddlebags: Made from flexible materials, these are often lighter and can be easier to pack since their shape can adapt to the contents. Look for those with waterproof features to protect your gear from the elements.
- Hard Saddlebags: These offer more protection and can be locked for security, but they are heavier. Opt for models that utilize lightweight materials like aluminum to maintain durability without excessive weight.
- Modular Luggage Systems: Allow for expansion or contraction based on the amount of gear you carry. This flexibility can be useful for adjusting to different trip lengths or conditions.
For a pair of solid, roomy saddle bags I really like the 21brothers pockets. These are excellent size and form for 25L saddle bags (25L on each side, 50L total). Only downside is the inner pockets can’t be removed separately from the harness itself. This is however easily solved with a waterproof roll-top bag on inside.
Sleeping Mats
A good night’s sleep is essential, even when camping. An ultralight sleeping mat can provide comfort without taking up much space:
- Inflatable Pads: These are compact when deflated and offer good insulation from the ground. Look for designs that are well-constructed to prevent leaks and offer high R-values for warmth.
- Closed-cell Foam Pads: These are durable and inexpensive, with decent insulation. While they don’t pack down as small, they can be strapped to the outside of your luggage or motorcycle.
Sleeping Quilts
A quilt can be a versatile and weight-saving option over a traditional sleeping bag:
- Down Quilts: These offer excellent warmth-to-weight ratios. Look for responsibly sourced down, with high fill power, to ensure maximum insulation and compressibility.
- Synthetic Quilts: While a bit heavier than down, synthetic options perform better in wet conditions and can be a cost-effective alternative.
- Convertible Quilts: These offer versatility, allowing them to be used as both a quilt and a bag, adapting to varying climates and personal preferences for sleeping arrangements.
Packing Strategies
Efficient packing is key for ultralight motorcycle camping. Distribute weight evenly to maintain bike balance, and place heavy items low and forward. Utilize compression bags to minimize volume and keep items like sleeping bags and clothes compact. Organize small essentials in easily accessible places, so they can be found quickly without unpacking larger items.
Conclusion
Ultralight motorcycle camping offers a unique blend of adventure, flexibility, and simplicity. By investing in lightweight, compact gear, you can enhance your travel experience significantly. Remember that the core of this endeavor is to enjoy the journey as much as the destination, immersing yourself fully in the environments you visit on your motorcycle camping adventures. With the right setup, you’ll enjoy the freedom of the open road and the beauty of the natural world without being weighed down by unnecessary baggage.
