How to pack up

[mathand1]

Just thought I would come to this forum for some advice....

Getting my new vara very soon and tend to do a bit more touring with the odd one or two night camping trips.

Anyway, as I've never kitted up a bike with camping equipment and all the other kit that is relevent I thought I would see if you could give me some ideas or pictuers on how to pack up the kit on the bike in a way that once you've done it a few times it becomes second nature.

I will have a top box fitted so that's a start but need a bit of guidence on how to strap things on e.t.c...

Thanks for any help,pictures or links!

[tramp]

big bowl string helps

naw being serious lay your stuff by the bike and try to fit it all on then go for a short run and see whats still attached or get one of these for infront of top box:
Dry bags and dry boxes from Lomo UK

and some pannierss helps unless you do the Hotel/hostel thingy

[Snaphappy]

Are you planning on 2up or solo touring
cheapest is the roll top bags (Ortlieb) type strapped to the back.
Try and keep the weight balanced best is heavy low down or close to the centre
it takes a bit of time getting used to panniers and too quick to forget they are there when filtering
someone had a tip that you lay everything out that you want to take then pack half and double your money

[mathand1]

Thanks guy's on the reply's ...

I will be rideing solo for sure and like the looks of them pop up tents but the trouble is they dont fold up so small and from what ive seen compact down to a large disc which might be a bit awkward to pack ..(A one or two man tent recomendation would be cool)...

I take it the roll up dry bags are for packing up you sleeping bag/ ground sheet e.t.c.

Just trying to get my head round all the basics you need to take including kettle, small gas cooker, plates and all the other basics...(including a few clothing items, toiletry's e.t.c)

I would only be camping a night or two.....

[tramp]

hi matha,
on a trany 650 I use a 42ltr top box and 2 side mounted panniers, coleman dual fuel cooker and small pans + food in one pannier .
sleeping bag/water carrier+ food in top box.
clothes and wash stuff in other pannier
vango 250 omega -[4kg really small packed] across seat in dry bag with bivy and matt.

simple

all in weight about 30kg and enough for 2 weeks or 2 days dont carry any more or less just stuff I need, I f I aint used it when away dont take it next time

[Lord Vader]

Well have a look at this

Its from this forum

Motorcycle Camping for Beginners - Honda Trail Bike Wiki

[Traveller]

Those popup tents are quick to set up, fairly quick to re pack once you know how to fold them but carrying one on a bike makes the bike look like one of those AWAC planes!!! (See picture)
I now use a Khyam quick erect tent.

I have found these bungees (the green ones on the bike in the second pic) are very good for strapping kit on. They have no hard parts (hooks) so are less likley to cause damage to the bike, luggage or eyes! They can be connected together and are adjustable for length. I got mine from a Costco warehouse. I have seen them on sale elsewhere.

[mathand1]

......Some great tips,advice & links guy's..

Many thanks..

[Warthog]

Heavy stuff as low and forward as you can, light stuff up and back, all within reason. Fragiles in you tankbag, or topbox so they won't get smashed if the bike rolls of the sidestand...

"Decathlon" do a nice selection of tents that pack nice and small for a bike: at reasonable prices IMO.... If you need to buy a tent get a two-man for one person and a three-man for two people. An atrium area is also good. Basically biking kit takes up as much room as you do.

When packing your rollbag(s), panniers or top-box, try and also pack the stuff you will be using together in the same spot: if it is raining you don't want to unpack all you kit just because your stove, cutlery, sleeping bag and groundsheet are packed all over the place instead of in the same pannier etc...

Also, from the likes of Tchibo etc, you can buy polyester draw string bags. Not waterproof, but as they are differnt colours if can make finding your stove, or your underpants or you wash bag more easily than if they've all just been bunged into a pannier that you've then had to ask 3 mates to sit on so you can latch it closed!!

Enjoy!

[Austin]

If you are only ever going for one or two nights do you really need to take stove and all that? I rarely cook at the tent but do take either a simple hexamine burner to heat a mug of water or a trangia along with coffee or tea both of which I drink black to save on milk. Other meals go to the pub or buy a disposable BBQ.

However you do it you should easily get it all on the back of a bike, even 2-up.

Oh and personally I would ditch the top box. You can more into a big waterproof roll bag strapped to the rack or the pillion seat if solo.