Touring Kit Advice

[smallfordsuk]

Thinking about getting out and about a bit more on the bike but I have no kit - What recommendations do you lot have re what I should think about gathering upie tent, sleeping bag etc Thanks James

[owdoggy]

Tent Advice could answer a few questions for you.

Doggy

[smallfordsuk]

Had a look at that and will probably settle on a biker tent unless anyone has a better suggestion. What else do you lot carry when away ie sleeping bag stove - help me compile a basic list of necessary items that I may not think of until its to late - thanks James

[Phoenix]

Hi smallfordsuk,
Have to say my view of camping gear has arisen from years of mountaineerings and working in outdoor ed centres. I tend to go with the best tent, carry mat and sleeping bag I can afford. On the rationale that if all goes pear shaped weather closes in etc etc the tent will provide good shelter and youll be warm in the bag. Stoves etc are personal choice, I personally use a one man trangia stove for everything except high level winter mountaineering (i use a multi fuel msr stove for that). The meths doesnt burn well in the very cold or high mountains. Its very easy to carry everything but the kitchen sink, but the general rule is keep it simple. If all goes wrong you can go to a b&b.
Phoenix

[Wee Bro]

This lot cost about £50 and fits on one side of me bike leaving the other side free for food, clothes, spares and beer, (or beer, beer, beer and beer).
All depends on your budget.

[smallfordsuk]

Marty / Paul
Thanks for the reply and info - would tend to go with Paul in looking at better rather than cheap - Had thought about the biker tent but starting to look at others slightly cheaper - guess it comes down to how quickly I want it and how much space there is on the plastic - Once again thanks

[Dee Duble Yuh]

There's advice in the Wiki:
Motorcycle Camping for Beginners

[smallfordsuk]

Thanks for that - James

[piguglyshandydrinker]

As with anything personal preference plays a big part.
Some will buy 'the best' money can buy, others the cheapest you can buy.

Unless you intend carrying your gear up the side of a mountain in the middle of nowhere, decent low to mid priced gear will be more than up to the job.

Say -
tent £50; sleeping bag £25; Roll mat £30-£50; Gas stove £15? or petrol £35; pans & sundries £10 Waterproof roll bag £15

In years to come personal experience will show what items if any are worth spending extra on in future - much better than making an expensive 'mistake' now IMHO

Example, initially a tent is just a tent, right?
Well there are dome tents, tunnel tents, semi/geodesic, tipi tents, those that pop up, inner first or outer first - only experience will show which is best for you.
(personally I'd wouldn't buy a tunnel tent or a tent that goes up outer first)


Phil

[smallfordsuk]

Phil thanks for the reply - Appreciate what you are saying, what tent would you recommend and why no to a tunnel, thought I had this one narrowed down to a biker although a bit expensive seems to get good reviews but then in the wiki a tunnel gets a recommended - now I am confused hence the reason for the post to call upon the experience of eveyone on here and avoid the confusion Thx James