Backcountry Forum
Backpacking & Hiking Gear

Backcountry Forum
Our long-time Sponsor - the leading source for ultralite/lightweight outdoor gear
 
 
 

Amazon.com
Backpacking Forums
---- Our Gear Store ----
The Lightweight Gear Store
 
 WINTER CAMPING 

Shelters
Bivy Bags
Sleeping Bags
Sleeping Pads
Snow Sports
Winter Kitchen

 SNOWSPORTS 

Snowshoes
Avalanche Gear
Skins
Hats, Gloves, & Gaiters
Accessories

 ULTRA-LIGHT 

Ultralight Backpacks
Ultralight Bivy Sacks
Ultralight Shelters
Ultralight Tarps
Ultralight Tents
Ultralight Raingear
Ultralight Stoves & Cookware
Ultralight Down Sleeping Bags
Ultralight Synthetic Sleep Bags
Ultralight Apparel


the Titanium Page
WM Extremelite Sleeping Bags

 CAMPING & HIKING 

Backpacks
Tents
Sleeping Bags
Hydration
Kitchen
Accessories

 CLIMBING 

Ropes & Cordage
Protection & Hardware
Carabiners & Quickdraws
Climbing Packs & Bags
Big Wall
Rescue & Industrial

 MEN'S APPAREL 

Jackets
Shirts
Baselayer
Headwear
Gloves
Accessories

 WOMEN'S APPAREL 

Jackets
Shirts
Baselayer
Headwear
Gloves
Accessories

 FOOTWEAR 

Men's Footwear
Women's Footwear

 CLEARANCE 

Backpacks
Mens Apparel
Womens Apparel
Climbing
Footwear
Accessories

 BRANDS 

Black Diamond
Granite Gear
La Sportiva
Osprey
Smartwool

 WAYS TO SHOP 

Sale
Clearance
Top Brands
All Brands

 Backpacking Equipment 

Shelters
BackPacks
Sleeping Bags
Water Treatment
Kitchen
Hydration
Climbing


 Backcountry Gear Clearance

Topic Options
Rate This Topic
#87479 - 01/19/08 03:01 PM tent recomendations for motorcycle camping?
kc5deb Offline
newbie

Registered: 01/19/08
Posts: 2
You guys in here might be the best to answer my question, so, first, I'll start with a big "thank you" for your time.

I have a Triumph Sprint ST motorcycle (a sport tourer) with hard bags. Each hard bag has about 1.5cf of storage (it's not completely square, but, that's a guestimate). The length is about 18", depth at about 10", and height at about 14".

I'm planning on attending a few more motorcycle rallys this year, but, more importantly, I'm planning on attending a lot more camp outs with some other riders around here at lakes and different national parks around the state. I'm looking for a nice 1-3 person tent that will pack down into one of my side bags. I can probably pack a larger one behind me on the seat between the bags, but, I'd like to keep it locked up in the bags during breaks on trips. I'll probably spend most of my time camping in the spring, summer and fall months, so, I'll need a decent 3 season tent that has a good rain fly, a decent sized vestibule(s) for keeping stuff dry, and something that will take a decent rainstorm/windstorm, since Texas is known for having unpredictable weather.

I've looked at the Sierra Sirius 3, and some of the reviews show it to be a nice tent, but, it also seems like it's discontinued. I'm trying to keep my tent budget at $150 and below (I'll fudge a little if I have to). I'm not looking for a tent that will allow me to scale Mt. Everest, but, I am looking for something that will keep my dry and last longer than a $40 tent from walmart.

Weight's not a big issue; just pack down dimensions.

Again, thanks in advance!

Top
#87480 - 01/19/08 03:11 PM Re: tent recomendations for motorcycle camping? [Re: kc5deb]
cfiles Offline
member

Registered: 12/06/07
Posts: 24
Loc: Arkansas
They are a little more expensive than what you want, but for a great tent that compresses way down it does not get any better than a Henry Shires TarpTent http://tarptent.com/
_________________________
my sites: http://www.hikeitall.com - http://www.arhiker.com

Top
#87481 - 01/19/08 03:31 PM Re: tent recomendations for motorcycle camping? [Re: cfiles]
Keith Offline
member

Registered: 01/04/02
Posts: 1667
Loc: Michigan's Upper Peninsula
Quote:
They are a little more expensive than what you want, but for a great tent that compresses way down it does not get any better than a Henry Shires TarpTent http://tarptent.com/


I'd echo that and make the specific recommendation of the Rainshadow 2. It's roomy for 3 and doesn't take up any more room than the Double Rainbow.
_________________________
Human Resources Memo: Floggings will continue until morale improves.

Top
#87482 - 01/19/08 04:43 PM Re: tent recomendations for motorcycle camping? [Re: Keith]
hootyhoo Offline
member

Registered: 12/14/06
Posts: 686
Loc: Cyberspace
http://sierradesigns.com/tarps.display.php?id=528

I have the oragami 2 ul and love it. With the 4 you could almost stand up to get dressed, ect.. you might even fit your bike in this one. You would need a floor to go with it, but it will compress down really small.
Or what about a eueka timberline 2 or 4. A very solid tent for less than 120.00. Check Campmor.com, they have discounts from time to time

Or if you are just going solo - a Hennessey hammock is very comfortable- and super small when packed. You can query this board or go to hammock forums to get some opinions.

http://www.hennessyhammock.com/

Top
#87483 - 01/19/08 06:34 PM Re: tent recomendations for motorcycle camping? [Re: hootyhoo]
kc5deb Offline
newbie

Registered: 01/19/08
Posts: 2
I had actually thought about finding one large enough to roll my bike inside of in case of bad storms, but, I'm thinking I might could just do with an inexpensive tarp thrown over it to keep the water off it.

I've been looking around, and found one in particular that seems to be what I'm looking for, but, I'd like to run it past you guys first to see if you've heard anything good/bad about it.

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores...mberId=12500226

The North Face Rock 22

How short do most of these poles collapse? I can't seem to find the answer to that...

Top
#87484 - 01/19/08 09:06 PM Re: tent recomendations for motorcycle camping? [Re: kc5deb]
just_another_Joe Offline
member

Registered: 11/30/06
Posts: 117
Look at the packed size. That should give you the length of the folded poles.

Top
#87485 - 01/19/08 09:13 PM Re: tent recomendations for motorcycle camping? [Re: just_another_Joe]
TomD Offline
Moderator

Registered: 10/30/03
Posts: 4963
Loc: Marina del Rey,CA
With hard shell panniers, you can always break up the package and stuff the tent components in different sides. I toured on a bicycle with a TNF Flashlight. I just tied it on an open rear rack along with my sleeping bag.

If you want something to cover the bike and you, maybe a big pyramid would work. Look on eBay for tents-there are hundreds of them. Just figure out what you want before you start bidding.
_________________________
Don't get me started, you know how I get.

Top
#87486 - 01/20/08 05:28 AM Re: tent recomendations for motorcycle camping? [Re: kc5deb]
Dryer Offline

Moderator

Registered: 12/05/02
Posts: 3591
Loc: Texas
Ran your callsign on qrz to see what part of the country you were in.... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Hi, neighbor! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Give tarp camping some serious consideration. I've seen some clever homemade tarps that incorporated the bike as a wall and support, and would also shelter the bike. Even the cheap blue Walmart tarps work but wouldn't pack down near as small or lightweight as a sil-nylon design. If you are handy with a sewing machine, you could use a king size sheet as a model-template, and go from there. The only downside is if you had to move the bike. There are some great tarp/tent designs out there, Henry Shires being one.
I use a homemade Robinson poncho-shelter that's plenty big and packs down to the size of a baseball when stuffed. Try and eliminate as many poles/hoops and stakes as possible. Using the bike eliminates the need for poles and hoops.
_________________________
paul, texas KD5IVP

Top
#87487 - 01/20/08 08:41 AM Re: tent recomendations for motorcycle camping? [Re: Dryer]
Earthling Offline
member

Registered: 02/22/03
Posts: 3228
Loc: USA
KC having ridden for 25yrs I know what you are thinking at first; but leave your bike outside. It will allow for a smaller compact strudier shelter for less coin. it's nice to have your bike inside until a hot pipe ventilates it one day <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> Yeah, been there.

Instead get a smaller one man, like a Gossamer Eureka! makes great tents for cheap> Campmor has good pricing on them. If you need to dress in your tent that's different, then go the pyramid route which requires a center pole. You could find spots every now and then that allow a hanging pitch from the peak but don't count on it. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> It would give you more room inside but in a larger package to stow.

Keep the weight down it DOES matter on a bike. The less hanging out the less chance of something getting in a tire! or burned on a pipe <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

I remember camping out with friends on our way across AL on the way to Daytona one year...we were all pitched in our tents in the same campsite, bikes lined up, lookin good. My friend Ben had a trailer that unfolded into a nice 2 man rig. It rained, no like a Hurricane that night, <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> and Ben found 5 grown men sleeping in that trailer <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> It was like a carnival act in the morning getting out of it. The folks watching us all stream out of it in amazement came over and wanted to have a look inside the 'clown camper' <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> They figured we'd of had to sleep like we were stacked like cordwood..pretty darn close!

Nice ride, I rode the brand when it first came out, and some original Bonne's too <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
_________________________
PEPPER SPRAY AIN'T BRAINS IN A CAN!

Top
#87488 - 01/23/08 08:18 AM Re: tent recomendations for motorcycle camping? [Re: kc5deb]
StepChld Offline
member

Registered: 10/15/07
Posts: 43
Loc: Garland, Texas
You might want to look at Kelty line of tents. My son has the Teton 2 and I'm very impressed (Campmor has them for under $100, and will probably go for cheaper this coming month). They pack small, weigh less than 5 lbs. and my son's at least, has proven to be very good in thunderstorms...no leaks ever in the year and 1/2 he's had it (He and I have camped for something like 50 plus days in that time). I have a Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight and I find his Teton 2 more comfortable although mine packs a little smaller and weighs 2 -3 oz. less. Either tent should be very easy to carry on a bike.

P.S. Ever check out ADVRider? Great forum for touring by motorcycle. Beware of "Jo mamma" though <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
_________________________
Never moon a werewolf

Top
#87489 - 01/23/08 10:36 AM where's your other gear going? [Re: kc5deb]
BrianKelly Offline
member

Registered: 04/18/07
Posts: 31
Loc: Alabama
In your original post, you mentioned that you were hoping to find something small enogh to fit in your side bags. As a follow up question, do you have enough room in your side bags for all of your gear (tent, sleeping bag, pad, etc)? If the addition of the other gear will necessitate you using another bag (stowed on the back of the seat?), then the pack size may not be an issue after all.

The reason why I ask is, having seen a number of motorcycle tourists/campers many of them will have one bag for "wet" gear (ie. items that may have come in contact with the elements- rainfly, camp chair, etc.) and one for "dry gear" (sleeping bag, pad, maybe some clothes). If you are worried about co-mingling your wet and dry gear, the tent might be the easiest to stow seperate from the side bags.

Top
#87490 - 01/23/08 12:10 PM Re: tent recomendations for motorcycle camping? [Re: kc5deb]
Hector Offline
member

Registered: 12/20/04
Posts: 325
Loc: LA/ARK/TX corner
For years I used an old Eureka Backcountry 2 for bike camping. I put everything, including a too-thick-too-heavy synthetic bag in one of those heavy vinyl drybags from Wally World and strapped it on the back with bungee cords and a bungee net.

Now I use a hammock and tarp, and everything including the sleeping bag fits in the saddlebags, except for the foam pad strapped to the back. I use much smaller, lighter nylon drybags for individual items that must stay dry (like the sleeping bag and extra clothes).

If I wasn't using the hammock, I'd add a bugnet to the tarp (or get one of Henry Shire's tarptents) and bring an air pad instead of a foam pad. But conditions in this area are ideal for hammocking, so I don't have to worry about it.

I don't do much motorcycle camping any more, because I do a lot more backpacking and I don't like to leave the bike at trailheads, and I have twin boys who often like to go along but only enough room for one at a time on the bike.

Top
#87491 - 02/10/08 04:17 PM Re: tent recomendations for motorcycle camping? [Re: kc5deb]
Brumfield Offline
member

Registered: 12/23/07
Posts: 255
Loc: Expat from New Orleans, now in...
Hey KC5, I carried a North Face Slick Rock around for years when touring on my BMW RT1100. The Slick Rock is no longer made, but you can find them used. It's a two person tent, weighs about 4 lbs, and sets up fast and easy. But a hammock has now stolen my wandering heart away from the tent.

You might want to try a hammock instead of a tent. Gets you off the ground, no worries with flooding, no clearing a smooth spot or need to find a level spot, and only tree climbing snakes can get to you.

Look at the Clark Jungle Hammock site and see what you think.

http://www.junglehammock.com/models/camo/index.php

If you buy one, please write them an email and tell them I sent you. They gave me a good discount on my Tropical CAMO with WeatherShield to use in my work as a missionary in Mexico, and I owe them a thank you.

The Clark hammock is awesome. Brum

From the darker days of my past, when I rode with the Southern Cruisers
and they gave me the nick name Bad Boy. I miss the bike big time.

_________________________



Top
#87492 - 02/11/08 08:01 AM Re: tent recomendations for motorcycle camping? [Re: Hector]
Buster_Martin Offline
member

Registered: 01/15/08
Posts: 89
Loc: Camp Hill, Pennsylvania
Quote:
because I do a lot more backpacking and I don't like to leave the bike at trailheads


Hector, maybe I'm naive, but why don't you like to do this? I actually just got a new (for me) bike last year and have started to plan out activities for this spring/summer/fall. Some of those do include riding to some favorite spots, leaving the bike at the trailhead, and backpacking for a weekend. I'm just wondering if you have any thoughts on what I should be concerned about. Since this is somewhat off the track of this particular thread, feel free to PM me if that would be preferred.

On a related note, I have a jungle hammock by Mosquito Hammock. http://www.mosquitohammock.com/ It's the first one listed on this page. I imagine it will be good for bike camping...I guess I'll find out this spring. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />


Edited by bpwwrestling (02/11/08 08:01 AM)
_________________________
My site w/ photo journal: http://www.bustermartin101.com

Top
#87493 - 02/11/08 08:39 AM Re: tent recomendations for motorcycle camping? [Re: Buster_Martin]
Paddy_Crow Offline
member

Registered: 11/08/04
Posts: 2285
Loc: Michigan
Main thing to worry about with leaving the bike at the trailhead is theft and/or vandalism (depending on where you hike).

Top
#87494 - 02/11/08 10:01 AM Re: tent recomendations for motorcycle camping? [Re: Buster_Martin]
Hector Offline
member

Registered: 12/20/04
Posts: 325
Loc: LA/ARK/TX corner
>> because I do a lot more backpacking and I don't like to leave the bike at trailheads

> Hector, maybe I'm naive, but why don't you like to do this?

Harleys left sitting in the wilderness tend to disappear quickly.

Top
#87495 - 02/11/08 12:57 PM Re: tent recomendations for motorcycle camping? [Re: Hector]
Brumfield Offline
member

Registered: 12/23/07
Posts: 255
Loc: Expat from New Orleans, now in...
Quote:
>> because I do a lot more backpacking and I don't like to leave the bike at trailheads

> Hector, maybe I'm naive, but why don't you like to do this?

Harleys left sitting in the wilderness tend to disappear quickly.


I agree Hector, I never left my BMW at a trail head. I made a point of finding a ranger station, resort, or even a farm house to leave it in safe keeping. I'd first deliver and hide the gear at the trail head, go deliver the bike to a safe place, then hitch hike or walk back to the trail head. More than once I had to hide the bike itself near the trail head with branches and bushes and leaves and such, because it was just too far to a farm house to store it. Once upon returning for it, it took me an hour to find it. I'd hidden it too well, and I'd been out a bit late with some biker friends the night before I'd left it there anyway... you know what I mean.. my brain had missed a gear... Brum
_________________________



Top
#87496 - 02/12/08 12:51 PM Re: tent recomendations for motorcycle camping? [Re: Brumfield]
Earthling Offline
member

Registered: 02/22/03
Posts: 3228
Loc: USA
Brum nice of you to be aboard the Clark train now <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I'll let Gary know you sent me, wait, I was one of Gary Clark's first customers <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> I've been extolling the virtues of the Clark series of hammocks for years now...glad you've come along to join in the cheerleading. Gary takes care of his customers, and in turn they continue their loyalty to a great product <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
_________________________
PEPPER SPRAY AIN'T BRAINS IN A CAN!

Top
#87497 - 02/12/08 06:41 PM Re: tent recomendations for motorcycle camping? [Re: Earthling]
Brumfield Offline
member

Registered: 12/23/07
Posts: 255
Loc: Expat from New Orleans, now in...
Earthling wrote; It rained, no like a Hurricane that night, and Ben found 5 grown men sleeping in that trailer..

Brum wrote:
Earthling, I think I saw you and your friends at Daytona that year. You all seemed very close, like some sort of special bonding had taken place... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> By the way, I will NOT share my hammock, I don't care if it washes you and your buddies away. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> Brum
_________________________



Top
#87498 - 02/13/08 11:02 AM Re: tent recomendations for motorcycle camping? [Re: kc5deb]
sabre11004 Offline
member

Registered: 05/05/07
Posts: 513
Loc: Tennessee


I have one of those $49.00 tents from Wal-Mart for years and I have used it backpacking. motorcycle camping, and all sorts of stuff in all kinds of weather from -4 degrees to in the hot summer months. It is well worth the money and I think that it may pack down small enough for you too. I carry one in a draw-string bag that's around 5X13 and it fits nicely most anywhere..I have a little different tent now but that served me well for many years and we still use it on an occasion today. Still holds water well too. I have seam sealed all the seams numerous times and have also spray it down real good with a silicone based spray water proofing. It weighs around 4- 5 lbs...Hope this helps... Happy Trekking...sabre11004

The first step that you take will be one of those that get you there... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />
_________________________
The first step that you take will be one of those that get you there 1!!!!!

Top
#87499 - 02/13/08 01:08 PM Re: tent recomendations for motorcycle camping? [Re: Brumfield]
Earthling Offline
member

Registered: 02/22/03
Posts: 3228
Loc: USA
Quote:
Earthling wrote; It rained, no like a Hurricane that night, and Ben found 5 grown men sleeping in that trailer..

Brum wrote:
Earthling, I think I saw you and your friends at Daytona that year. You all seemed very close, like some sort of special bonding had taken place... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> By the way, I will NOT share my hammock, I don't care if it washes you and your buddies away. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> Brum


Yeah Barry, that was us <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> After a night sleeping like stacked firewood in a 2 by nothing trailer we were all grateful to have known one another before <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> I have photos of our little outing somewhere. We had a nice selection of motorcycle brands amongst us too. Nice beemer ride. Nothing like Daytona camping on bikes <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
_________________________
PEPPER SPRAY AIN'T BRAINS IN A CAN!

Top
#87500 - 02/13/08 03:43 PM Re: tent recomendations for motorcycle camping? [Re: kc5deb]
cdrobbins Offline
newbie

Registered: 02/12/08
Posts: 12
Loc: Indianapolis, IN
i motorcycle camp pretty regularly. i use the Eureka Apex 2XT. its not the best tent, but for about 100 bucks it works well. weighs in at around 6 lbs, so its no ultralight, but it packs down to about 6x18 which i was able to fit under my seat.

Top

Shout Box

Highest Quality Lightweight Down Sleeping Bags
 
Western Mountaineering Sleeping Bags
 
Lite Gear Talk - Featured Topics
Backcountry Discussion - Featured Topics
Make Your Own Gear - Featured Topics
Featured Photos
Spiderco Chaparral Pocketknife
David & Goliath
Also Testing
Trip Report with Photos
Seven Devils, Idaho
Oat Hill Mine Trail 2012
Dark Canyon - Utah
Who's Online
0 registered (), 170 Guests and 0 Spiders online.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Newest Members
Noodles, McCrary, DanyBacky, Rashy Willia, WanderBison
13240 Registered Users
Forum Links
Disclaimer
Policies
Site Links
Backpacking.net
Lightweight Gear Store
Backpacking Book Store
Lightweight Zone
Hiking Essentials

Our long-time Sponsor, BackcountryGear.com - The leading source for ultralite/lightweight outdoor gear:

Backcountry Forum
 

Affiliate Disclaimer: This forum is an affiliate of BackcountryGear.com, Amazon.com, R.E.I. and others. The product links herein are linked to their sites. If you follow these links to make a purchase, we may get a small commission. This is our only source of support for these forums. Thanks.!
 
 

Since 1996 - the Original Backcountry Forum
Copyright © The Lightweight Backpacker & BackcountryForum