Tenting / camping newbie
Discussion
Hi all,
In my mid fifties now, and not slept in a tent for 30 years..
Thinking about getting a tent, some gear and heading to the highlands.
Anyone else do this? Any top tips? Am I mad?
I would use a mixture of campsites and wild camping. Probably solo some of the time, but maybe a couple of mates would join other times.
Leaning towards a "2 second pop up 3 man tent" - but would have a tent each. Already got a small gas camping burner. Just need a sleeping bag and mat and I am away.
In my mid fifties now, and not slept in a tent for 30 years..
Thinking about getting a tent, some gear and heading to the highlands.
Anyone else do this? Any top tips? Am I mad?
I would use a mixture of campsites and wild camping. Probably solo some of the time, but maybe a couple of mates would join other times.
Leaning towards a "2 second pop up 3 man tent" - but would have a tent each. Already got a small gas camping burner. Just need a sleeping bag and mat and I am away.
Unless you want to be abandoning your tent at 3am in a 50mph storm, don't buy a cheap asda pop up tent.
Get a half decent Vango or branded tent that's large enough to store your bike gear in and will also save weight / size. If camping in the highlands, you're going to need midge protection so get a headnet, or better still you can buy a full midge cover to go over the tent.
Brews - don't need to spend £150 on jetboils, there are aliexpress or amazon alternatives (fire maple etc) for camping stoves.
Food - take dehydrated meals as tinned foods take up room and if cooking in the stove, will need cleaning out whereas dehydrated foods are boil in the bag.
Be aware that if you plan on going wild camping there's a good chance you could get wet. Its no fun camping in the wet and even less fun putting wet gear back on the next day while putting wet gear back onto the bike.
May be best to do alternate days in B7B's - this gives you a chance to dry out your gear and also gives you a respite from constantly roughing it.
Get a half decent Vango or branded tent that's large enough to store your bike gear in and will also save weight / size. If camping in the highlands, you're going to need midge protection so get a headnet, or better still you can buy a full midge cover to go over the tent.
Brews - don't need to spend £150 on jetboils, there are aliexpress or amazon alternatives (fire maple etc) for camping stoves.
Food - take dehydrated meals as tinned foods take up room and if cooking in the stove, will need cleaning out whereas dehydrated foods are boil in the bag.
Be aware that if you plan on going wild camping there's a good chance you could get wet. Its no fun camping in the wet and even less fun putting wet gear back on the next day while putting wet gear back onto the bike.
May be best to do alternate days in B7B's - this gives you a chance to dry out your gear and also gives you a respite from constantly roughing it.
The problem with pop up tents is they pack in to a disk shape which can be hard to pack on the bike, and most are single skin that aren't that great in the rain. There are quite a few tents with folding poles that are really quick to put up, eg the Khyam Biker, but they're bulkier and heavier.
Personally I just travel heavy and the Khyam and a fairly bulky Thermarest Basecamp go in dry bags on the pillion seat. If you're on a sportier bike than my TDM though you may favour lightness over sleeping comfort.
Personally I just travel heavy and the Khyam and a fairly bulky Thermarest Basecamp go in dry bags on the pillion seat. If you're on a sportier bike than my TDM though you may favour lightness over sleeping comfort.
Agree with the above. Decent kit makes a big difference.
That said I wouldn't be spending £1000 on a Hilleberg until you've done it a few times and decided you like it.
It only takes a wet night or a mosquito infested breakfast to sap the enthusiasm.
FWIW I picked up a 2 man Alpkit tent second hand that has been great, it was about half price compared to some of the more well known 3/4 season tents.
That said I wouldn't be spending £1000 on a Hilleberg until you've done it a few times and decided you like it.
It only takes a wet night or a mosquito infested breakfast to sap the enthusiasm.
FWIW I picked up a 2 man Alpkit tent second hand that has been great, it was about half price compared to some of the more well known 3/4 season tents.
All good tent advice above but the other thing to think about is your bed. Make sure you get something that is comfortable and I know I couldn't lay my old bones on the sleeping mats I used when I was younger and get anything like a decent nights sleep. Ideally you'll want some sort of decent thickness air bed but that'll need a pump so you'll need to allow for those in you packing.
Airbeds don't insulate all that well though. Some of the self inflating roll mats are really comfortable, my Basecamp is a good couple of inches thick, but a again a bit bulkier than some other options when packed, I think its about a 7 or 8" diameter cylinder the full width of the mat.
I've been doing this very thing last week,first time camping on my own, I'd only done a trailer tent before which allowed me to bring a lot more stuff. Despite trying to do this on a budget, everything does add up. My setup is:
Wadeo tarp from amazon (this allows you to sit outside when it's raining, many people had to retreat inside the van/tent when it rained, I didn't want to be stuck in the small tent)
Mountain warehouse lightweight 1 man tent
Mountain warehouse basecamp 200 sleeping bag
Aksool inflatable mattress from amazon (I had initially bought a much flatter self inflating mat, but this was incredibly uncomfortable, luckily I did a test camp before heading off for the week. The inflatable is a bit cold but I was fine in ~10C inside sleeping bag)
Rainberg chair from amazon
Campingaz mini gas thing with a CV300 can
Frying pan, Stanley pot
I would buy meat from closest shop, fry it, then boil some rice packet or noodles, mix together. Porridge pot for breakfast.
I use packing cubes for the various odds and sods you need for cooking, hygiene, tent repairs etc.
Used a 12V socket on my bike to charge satnav and phone, also took a powerbank.
I took pants, socks and tshirt for each day (4 nights), fleece, shorts and trackies, trainers.
Sleeping bag and clothes stored in compression bags which really cuts down physical space used. Clothes are surprisingly heavy.
I put everything into a 70L SWmotech drybag which was pretty much full.
Putting the tent up only to take it down again in the morning got old on the 2nd night, if I was going again I'd choose a central location like Lairg, leave everything there and do a route around each section of the NC500 every day.
Getting changed into shorts and tshirt to go for a walk longer than 20 minutes was tedious, I felt OK leaving the bike kit on the bike, but its a big problem if it did go missing.
Chances are first thing in the morning when you want to pack up, the grass is very wet even with no rain. I found changing into bike trousers and boots better as they are waterproof, trainers would get soaked.
When you rock up or leave the campsite, everyone looks up from their book to stare at you. I don't think my bike is too loud but in a peaceful campsite it must be. I left around 7am usually so probably woke everyone up.
I took a small piece of wood the size of a coaster, in my pocket, to drop under the side stand on grass, because it would sink into the floor and I woudlnt be able to get off.
I got really lucky with the weather and it barely rained but I imagine it would have been less fun in constant wetness. Its an amazing part of the country so I say go for it.
Any other wonderings feel free to ask.
Wadeo tarp from amazon (this allows you to sit outside when it's raining, many people had to retreat inside the van/tent when it rained, I didn't want to be stuck in the small tent)
Mountain warehouse lightweight 1 man tent
Mountain warehouse basecamp 200 sleeping bag
Aksool inflatable mattress from amazon (I had initially bought a much flatter self inflating mat, but this was incredibly uncomfortable, luckily I did a test camp before heading off for the week. The inflatable is a bit cold but I was fine in ~10C inside sleeping bag)
Rainberg chair from amazon
Campingaz mini gas thing with a CV300 can
Frying pan, Stanley pot
I would buy meat from closest shop, fry it, then boil some rice packet or noodles, mix together. Porridge pot for breakfast.
I use packing cubes for the various odds and sods you need for cooking, hygiene, tent repairs etc.
Used a 12V socket on my bike to charge satnav and phone, also took a powerbank.
I took pants, socks and tshirt for each day (4 nights), fleece, shorts and trackies, trainers.
Sleeping bag and clothes stored in compression bags which really cuts down physical space used. Clothes are surprisingly heavy.
I put everything into a 70L SWmotech drybag which was pretty much full.
Putting the tent up only to take it down again in the morning got old on the 2nd night, if I was going again I'd choose a central location like Lairg, leave everything there and do a route around each section of the NC500 every day.
Getting changed into shorts and tshirt to go for a walk longer than 20 minutes was tedious, I felt OK leaving the bike kit on the bike, but its a big problem if it did go missing.
Chances are first thing in the morning when you want to pack up, the grass is very wet even with no rain. I found changing into bike trousers and boots better as they are waterproof, trainers would get soaked.
When you rock up or leave the campsite, everyone looks up from their book to stare at you. I don't think my bike is too loud but in a peaceful campsite it must be. I left around 7am usually so probably woke everyone up.
I took a small piece of wood the size of a coaster, in my pocket, to drop under the side stand on grass, because it would sink into the floor and I woudlnt be able to get off.
I got really lucky with the weather and it barely rained but I imagine it would have been less fun in constant wetness. Its an amazing part of the country so I say go for it.
Any other wonderings feel free to ask.
Mostly the backpacking equipment is what you want, the weight isn't an issue but pack size is. Oex Phoxx tents from Go Outdoors are good value, as are most of the Alpkit ones. Decathlon too but avoid the pop-up tents (way too big when packed), they do have some good backpacking tents with a bit more room to sit up etc. The Decathlon / Forclaz XL air mat is really good or again Alpkit do similar. On a bike I'd rather have an air mat that packs down small than a thinner self-inflating mat.
I'm early 30s but only started moto camping a few years ago. I've done 3 Dragon Rallies, various CB500 owners ones and camped North Yorkshire in February.
Beds - Worst thing you can do is skimp out on a camp bed. I used a cheap matt the first few times and it was awful. I ended up spending just over £200 on an Ether Light XT Extreme, insulated, blow up bed. Even for my 6' and 17 stone frame it is VERY comfortable.
Sleeping bags - Make sure you get something that's comfortable and warm. I've still yet to find something that ticks these boxes. The mummy style ones are particuarly horrible.
Tent - I bought a secondhand Vango Chinook from ebay for £35. VERY waterproof. You don't need to buy something new (mine was originally at least several hundred when new). If you watch the isle of wight budget bike battle on 44teeth's YouTube it gives a good indication of how much less stress quick setup tents are. I'm now looking at something a bit easier and quicker to setup due to this for my planned NC500 trip. Also think about how flexible you are - do you want to be undressing laying down or would you want to stand up? Something with a porch is a must so you have somewhere seperate to store wet kit from your sleeping area.
Ancilliaries - As with the above a lot of cooking equipment etc can be sourced from marketplace and ebay/ali express rather than buying top dollar. Think realistically about what you are going to do here. Cooking in the pissing rain really isn't much fun..... I tend to just use it for coffee in the morning/chocolate at night. Eye masks and ear plugs are also an absolute godsend as the sun will wake you up early and you will hear EVERYTHING. Grab handfuls of packets of sugar etc when you're in a coffee shop/McDonalds for free.
Clothing - regardless of how good your kit is it's best to take throwover waterproofs. Horrible having sopping wet kit inside your tent that never gets a chance to get properly dry (even if it's laminated). Take some base layers with you as well as shorts or joggers to use around the campsite. I picked up a down jacket from decathalon for about £80 which packs down very small, it was an absolute life saver on several occasions.
Chargers - get USB sockets added to your bike if you don't already have them as well as some good power banks.
Carrying it all - Have a think about how you want to carry it all. I originally used a top box to store most of it with the tent on the back seat but hated the weight up high. I then migrated to a Q Bag (£9.99 from SBS and totally waterproof so far) strapped to the back seat with some stuff in a tank bag.
I'll reiterate the point about the bed, sleeping bag, eye mask and ear plugs. It's absolutely HATEFUL to have a s
te night sleep only to have to ride long distance the next day, one of my trips was ruined due to a chav couple arguing through the night twinned with a crappy sleeping matt (meaning i was too knackered the next day).
Pics below from February last year...... I camped in Pickering the first night but it was just too cold for the rest of it (and bugger all sites open in Scotland) so went to a B&B!
The setup I used on the VFR
Beds - Worst thing you can do is skimp out on a camp bed. I used a cheap matt the first few times and it was awful. I ended up spending just over £200 on an Ether Light XT Extreme, insulated, blow up bed. Even for my 6' and 17 stone frame it is VERY comfortable.
Sleeping bags - Make sure you get something that's comfortable and warm. I've still yet to find something that ticks these boxes. The mummy style ones are particuarly horrible.
Tent - I bought a secondhand Vango Chinook from ebay for £35. VERY waterproof. You don't need to buy something new (mine was originally at least several hundred when new). If you watch the isle of wight budget bike battle on 44teeth's YouTube it gives a good indication of how much less stress quick setup tents are. I'm now looking at something a bit easier and quicker to setup due to this for my planned NC500 trip. Also think about how flexible you are - do you want to be undressing laying down or would you want to stand up? Something with a porch is a must so you have somewhere seperate to store wet kit from your sleeping area.
Ancilliaries - As with the above a lot of cooking equipment etc can be sourced from marketplace and ebay/ali express rather than buying top dollar. Think realistically about what you are going to do here. Cooking in the pissing rain really isn't much fun..... I tend to just use it for coffee in the morning/chocolate at night. Eye masks and ear plugs are also an absolute godsend as the sun will wake you up early and you will hear EVERYTHING. Grab handfuls of packets of sugar etc when you're in a coffee shop/McDonalds for free.
Clothing - regardless of how good your kit is it's best to take throwover waterproofs. Horrible having sopping wet kit inside your tent that never gets a chance to get properly dry (even if it's laminated). Take some base layers with you as well as shorts or joggers to use around the campsite. I picked up a down jacket from decathalon for about £80 which packs down very small, it was an absolute life saver on several occasions.
Chargers - get USB sockets added to your bike if you don't already have them as well as some good power banks.
Carrying it all - Have a think about how you want to carry it all. I originally used a top box to store most of it with the tent on the back seat but hated the weight up high. I then migrated to a Q Bag (£9.99 from SBS and totally waterproof so far) strapped to the back seat with some stuff in a tank bag.
I'll reiterate the point about the bed, sleeping bag, eye mask and ear plugs. It's absolutely HATEFUL to have a s
te night sleep only to have to ride long distance the next day, one of my trips was ruined due to a chav couple arguing through the night twinned with a crappy sleeping matt (meaning i was too knackered the next day). Pics below from February last year...... I camped in Pickering the first night but it was just too cold for the rest of it (and bugger all sites open in Scotland) so went to a B&B!
The setup I used on the VFR
Edited by Biker9090 on Tuesday 21st May 15:04
Thanks all.
I am leaning towards something like Outdoor Reactive 3 second 3 man.
For about £60 seems a good easy way to get started. I am guessing they won't be the highest quality, but easy assembly/take down has to be a key thing for me.
All the comments about mats has made me think more about that, and also a decent sleeping bag.
I reckon the only way to learn is just to jump in, and learn from both what goes well and what doesn't. Thanks for all your advice and comments.
I am leaning towards something like Outdoor Reactive 3 second 3 man.
For about £60 seems a good easy way to get started. I am guessing they won't be the highest quality, but easy assembly/take down has to be a key thing for me.
All the comments about mats has made me think more about that, and also a decent sleeping bag.
I reckon the only way to learn is just to jump in, and learn from both what goes well and what doesn't. Thanks for all your advice and comments.
McTrucky said:
Hi all,
In my mid fifties now, and not slept in a tent for 30 years..
Thinking about getting a tent, some gear and heading to the highlands.
Anyone else do this? Any top tips? Am I mad?
I would use a mixture of campsites and wild camping. Probably solo some of the time, but maybe a couple of mates would join other times.
Leaning towards a "2 second pop up 3 man tent" - but would have a tent each. Already got a small gas camping burner. Just need a sleeping bag and mat and I am away.
I did a less adventurous version of this last year. Bought a good tent, bag and sleeping mat. Managed to cram it all into a couple of Kriegas. It was a bit cramped on my MT07.In my mid fifties now, and not slept in a tent for 30 years..
Thinking about getting a tent, some gear and heading to the highlands.
Anyone else do this? Any top tips? Am I mad?
I would use a mixture of campsites and wild camping. Probably solo some of the time, but maybe a couple of mates would join other times.
Leaning towards a "2 second pop up 3 man tent" - but would have a tent each. Already got a small gas camping burner. Just need a sleeping bag and mat and I am away.
Lots of really good advice so I'll keep my contribution short; Vango 3 man tent, decent sleeping bag, self inflating mat, head torch and an inflatable pillow.
https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/ will take your money.
Don't get hung up on lightweight kit, you're on a motorbike not a pushbike.
Wild camping sounds fun and exciting, but having done the crapping in the woods and washing in a stream bit (with rain and midges), I now prefer a warm showerblock.
And finally do a local camp first before heading off north.
https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/ will take your money.
Don't get hung up on lightweight kit, you're on a motorbike not a pushbike.
Wild camping sounds fun and exciting, but having done the crapping in the woods and washing in a stream bit (with rain and midges), I now prefer a warm showerblock.
And finally do a local camp first before heading off north.
McTrucky said:
Thanks all.
I am leaning towards something like Outdoor Reactive 3 second 3 man.
For about £60 seems a good easy way to get started. I am guessing they won't be the highest quality, but easy assembly/take down has to be a key thing for me.
All the comments about mats has made me think more about that, and also a decent sleeping bag.
I reckon the only way to learn is just to jump in, and learn from both what goes well and what doesn't. Thanks for all your advice and comments.
Try it in the back garden first - I did with my kids (many years ago) in April - it was warm in the day but we'd all given up by about 4am as it was freezing I am leaning towards something like Outdoor Reactive 3 second 3 man.
For about £60 seems a good easy way to get started. I am guessing they won't be the highest quality, but easy assembly/take down has to be a key thing for me.
All the comments about mats has made me think more about that, and also a decent sleeping bag.
I reckon the only way to learn is just to jump in, and learn from both what goes well and what doesn't. Thanks for all your advice and comments.
McTrucky said:
Thanks all.
I am leaning towards something like Outdoor Reactive 3 second 3 man.
For about £60 seems a good easy way to get started. I am guessing they won't be the highest quality, but easy assembly/take down has to be a key thing for me.
All the comments about mats has made me think more about that, and also a decent sleeping bag.
I reckon the only way to learn is just to jump in, and learn from both what goes well and what doesn't. Thanks for all your advice and comments.
Depends on the bike and the other gear but I recently bought a 2kg tent (some are a lot less) that one is 5kg it soon adds upI am leaning towards something like Outdoor Reactive 3 second 3 man.
For about £60 seems a good easy way to get started. I am guessing they won't be the highest quality, but easy assembly/take down has to be a key thing for me.
All the comments about mats has made me think more about that, and also a decent sleeping bag.
I reckon the only way to learn is just to jump in, and learn from both what goes well and what doesn't. Thanks for all your advice and comments.
KTMsm said:
Depends on the bike and the other gear but I recently bought a 2kg tent (some are a lot less) that one is 5kg it soon adds up
R1100 RS - proper work horse that still puts a smile on my face. I figure the weight of the tent is well worth it for the convenience of fold up fold down time. Tent doesn't have a 'porch' area - which would have been nice for gear dumping - but am planning on being alone in a three man tent so should have plenty room. Got panniers and top box for food, clothes, washing stuff etc. going to get a waterproof bike bag like mentioned above for mattress roll, sleeping bag and tent (if it fits) and throw that over the pillion seat - bungee each end down to the pillion foot pegs. Might have a go at fabricating something sturdier.
I love motocamping and have already done 2 weekends away in Wales this year. One in April on the NC and last week on the 1290.
Some great advice already. My only advice is you don't need as much as you think! Plus get a decent folding chair. The last thing you want to do after a long day riding is sit on the floor!
Essentials - bike, dry bag, sleeping bag and roll mat. The rest is optional. I never take cooking stuff as I always camp near somewhere to eat. Plus you don't need as many clothes as you think. You'll probably end up living in your riding kit although taking a pair of jeans and shoes is nice to change into if eating out etc.
Some great advice already. My only advice is you don't need as much as you think! Plus get a decent folding chair. The last thing you want to do after a long day riding is sit on the floor!
Essentials - bike, dry bag, sleeping bag and roll mat. The rest is optional. I never take cooking stuff as I always camp near somewhere to eat. Plus you don't need as many clothes as you think. You'll probably end up living in your riding kit although taking a pair of jeans and shoes is nice to change into if eating out etc.
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