Camping Gear

ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Backpacking Tent

I’ve been using this tent for about three years and it has worked flawlessly. It’s not that often that I find a piece of motorcycle camping gear that is inexpensive, durable and well designed. This tent is all of these things. It sets up extremely fast, with just two poles. It is free-standing, meaning that it does not have to be staked into the ground which is important to me as I often camp in the rocky desert. Although not large, I find it it to be big enough for myself and my gear.

AquaQuest Safari Tarp

I’m just getting started with motorcycle camping using a tarp and have to say that I enjoy the process of learning how to set up a tarp, tie various knots, etc. There are so many different ways that a tarp can be used. The thing that I like the best is that it protects me from the rain but still remains open underneath the tarp which means I can see more and not feel confined.

Marmot Ironwood 20 Degree Mummy Lightweight Sleeping Bag

I find that a sleeping bag in the 15-30 degree range works well enough most of the time. When combined with an inflatable air mattress and the protection of a tent this bag always keeps me warm. If I’m motorcycle camping in a very hot environment and know that I wont be going into any higher elevations I might opt for a lighter sleeping bag, but this one works for about 90% of my travels.

Therm-a-Rest Air Mattress

I’ve used the same Therm-a-Rest air mattress for over 10 years and it still works, albeit it loses a little bit of air over night. I might upgrade to a new one and this is the model most comparable to the one I have slept on since 2012.

ENO, Eagles Nest Outfitters Double Deluxe Lightweight Camping Hammock

I started hammock camping a couple of years ago and found it to be really comfortable and enjoyable. I never realized how good I could sleep in a hammock. Of course, the conditions have to be right (not too cold, not windy, no mosquitoes, available trees for hanging, etc) but I really enjoy it. There are more sophisticated hammocks out there with bug screens and other improvements but this is the one I have and recommend.

DD Hammocks Complete Whoopie Suspension System

This suspension system is much smaller and lighter than traditional hammock slings which means it is better for motorcycle travel as it takes up less space and weighs less.

Helinox Chair Zero Ultralight Compact Camping Chair

A good motorcycle camping chair is an essential piece of gear at the end of the day. I’ve used many chairs over the years and this one from Helinox is definitely the most expensive one that I’ve used, but I will say that it is also the lightest of them all and packs up pretty small. I consider this to be complement to my GSI folding table. These two items go hand-in-hand for relaxation at the end of the day.

Treestand Strap Multi-Hook Hangers

I find that a sleeping bag in the 15-30 degree range works well enough most of the time. When combined with an inflatable air mattress and the protection of a tent this bag always keeps me warm. If I’m motorcycle camping in a very hot environment and know that I wont be going into any higher elevations I might opt for a lighter sleeping bag, but this one works for about 90% of my travels.

Fenix Flashlights CL30R Camping Lantern

This is a really rugged and well built camping lantern with three levels of illumination. It can also be used as a USB power bank to charge your phone, etc.

It has a 1/4-20 threaded hole in the bottom which allows me to attach it to my video tripod or anything compatable.

Black Diamond Moji Lantern

I could make a whole webpage about camping lights and illumination since it’s one of the most fun aspects of making videos about motorcycle camping. A good camping light helps illuminate the campsite while providing a little atmosphere. I like this light because it can provide a naturally “warm’ color temperature like the light from a campfire. Small, compact, rechargeable and dimmable.

Primus | Micron Backpacking Lantern

I can’t wholeheartedly recommend this for motorcycle camping because it requires the use of a fragile mantle which tends to break during transport on rough roads. However, I do use it quite often on my motorcycle adventures because it works well and provides a lot of illumination. Not to mention, it puts out a bit of heat which is nice if used in small well-ventilated space, like a tent.