The Smallest Motorcycle Camping Kit: Tips and Tricks
If you love motorcycles and camping, then there is one thing that you should try – motorcycle camping. It is a more intimate and thrilling experience compared to using a car. However, one of the biggest challenges is with regards to how you will bring everything you will need at the campsite.
From tents to sleeping bags, from stoves to pots, there are countless items that you will need to be comfortable at the campsite. Since you are just in two wheels, it will be challenging to move around. You don’t need to have the luxury of space to pack the essentials. Keep on reading and we’ll let you know some of the best tips when it comes to building the smallest motorcycle camping kit.
Smallest Motorcycle Camping Kit
1. Let Go of Tents
When it comes to motorcycle camping, one of the best things that you should do is to ditch the tents. Tents can be bulky and heavy. Even if you have a bike, it is a good idea to let go of the tent to free up space. This also means that you don’t have to bring poles for setting up the tent.
2. Use Hammocks and Tarps
If you don’t have a tent, which is the best choice for a temporary shelter? Tarps and hammocks will save the day! By doing this, there’s no more need to deal with heavy poles. There is no more need to hunt for a high and level ground. There is also no need to clear the ground of stones and other things that can make sleeping on the surface uncomfortable. With a hammock, you can easily fold it into a compact bag. The tarp is also compact but effective in providing a makeshift roof to protect yourself when sleeping in a hammock.
3. Find the Right Sleeping Bag
Even if there is no tent to set-up for motorcycle camping, this does not mean that you will not need a sleeping bag. If you want to have a comfortable time at the campsite, a sleeping bag is one of the must-haves.
Pick a sleeping bag that can provide the warmth that you need when you are outdoors. In the same way, make sure that it is made of an easily compressible material. This makes it effortless to pack and will take minimal space in your motorcycle.
4. Pack the Right Cooking Kit
Food is important when you are trying motorcycle camping. You need something to eat. For most people, they prefer cooking at the campsite rather than bringing pre-cooked food. Keep your cooking kit as compact and as lightweight as possible. Learn how to make fire in the wilderness. A good solution is to try a soup can stove. You don’t need to bring a portable stove as it can consume a lot of space in your gear.
5. Bring a Daypack
This is a small backpack that you can conveniently strap on your back and bring it around while you are riding your motorcycle. Do not bring a large backpack since this can affect your balance and increase the chances that you will end up falling.
A daypack is more than just a place where you can keep a hydration pack. It is also a good place to store some of the things that you will need, such as a compact first aid kit or a small bag with the basic tools that you will need in case your motorbike suffers from some problems while on the road.
6. Research Before You Go
To help keep your load as lightweight as possible, do your research before you go. The most important thing you have to learn about is the weather. Is it going to be cold, hot, or rainy? The answer to this question will help you determine what to pack. Hence, you will know the must-haves and the items that you can let go of. This way, you can significantly lighten your load without compromising your comfort.
7. Pick the Right Campsite
If you want to have a small and lightweight motorcycle camping kit, it is also important that you choose the right location. This is important because this will have an impact on the things you need to bring, and hence, you can leave some items at home if they are unnecessary when setting up your temporary shelter. For instance, if you are already in a place with a shade and there is no risk of rain based on the forecast, you can let go of the tarp that hangs over the hammock. If there are trees and you can tie a rope in between them, you can bring a hammock instead of a tent, and this will spare you a lot of space and weight.
8. Pay Attention to Weight Distribution
When building the smallest motorcycle camping kit, weight distribution is another important consideration. As you pack, start with the heaviest items. It should be on the low portion of the bike and needs to be strapped in between the two wheels. This is important to keep the center of gravity. Otherwise, it will be easy to lose balance. See to it that you pack your things evenly and distribute the weight equally on both sides of your motorbike.
9. Have a Saddlebag for Wet or Dirty Items
Once you are on your way home and finished with the camping trip, it can be a pain to deal with wet and dirty items, especially your clothes. They will take a lot of space in your bags. With this, it is a good idea to have a dedicated saddlebag for them. This will make it easier to pack your things once you are ready to leave.
10. Pack Efficiently
Building the smallest motorcycle camping kit is also all about packing efficiently. Find the right bag, which should be large enough to carry the essentials but compact so that it won’t be a burden to bring it in your motorcycle. It is also important to pack your things in a waterproof bag to protect them from the rain in case the water does not cooperate when you are on your way to the campsite. You can choose from hard luggage, leather luggage or textile luggage, among others.