Passion is the first thing you need for a motorcycle camping trip along with lots of camping stuff and information. We will cover all of it inside this blog.
Motorcycle
A perfect motorcycle is what is the first requirement of a motorcycle camping trip. Although, there is no motorcycle which is perfect, either we have to buy one if not yet bought or configure the one you already have.
- Power – This totally depends up on the location. Are you travelling to a high alltitude, high off-road, high climb terrain ? if the answer is yes, then you need a high BHP motorcycle, somewhere in the range of 300 to 500. However, I believe it is not the ride but the rider who matters, so it is completely on your riding ability on how you are going to manage the bike. There are riders with 100CC bike who can travel better than a 1000CC bike. Therefore, power figures are only a recommendation.
- Brand – Although, I am not a fan of any brand as every brand has it’s pros and cons. While choosing a bike make sure the brand has a widely covered service and support network. This is the most important factor for a motorcycle traveler.
- Customisation – Always go for OEM parts specially for carrying lugguage. After market customisation at times is not reliable and put you in lot of trouble while on the move.
Tent
Tent is the most basic requirement of camping, although some travellers only manage with a sleeping bag, however this is not at all recommended.
- Size – When buying a tent always buy one size bigger, example – if you are going to camp solo then atleast by a 2 person tent, if couple then atleast a 3 person tent and so on. One part of the tent is for you to sleep and other part will secure your lugguage and if the weather is not correct it can also work as a kitchen tent.
- Quality – Always buy branded and quality tent, which can handle windy, cold and rainy weather. A tent must be waterproof, stable in high speed winds and capable of handling weather type it is meant for.
Sleeping bag
Sleeping bag is not a necessity and you can camp without it, but that is only true for car campers. If you are a trekker or a motorcyclist then it is a must for multiple reasons.
- Space – Mostly people travel to mountains for camping, that is from hot to cold weather. Travelling to cold locations require winter clothes and winter camping stuff. This increased a bikers lugguage.Winter sleeping bags have an extra layer which makes then thicker and heavier. They usually take one full tail bag on a motorcycle. I myself use a Zanskar Tripole which is a -10 C sleeping bag. One important point to note while buying a sleeping bag is that every sleeping bag has a maximum temperature rating along with a inner fleece. For example: – Tripole Zanskar -10C support upto -10 with inner fleece and not without it and fleece is not part of it. One must check this rating otherwise one wrong decision could land you in big trouble.
MATTRESS
Here, mattress does not mean your bedroom mattress, but a camping mattress. Every camping mattress has some properties and one must consider those before buying one.
- Flat or floating – Mattress could be flat which could roll or fold. The other one could be air mattress, which can provide more comfort. Flat mattress are usually big and sometimes heavy whereas a air mattress while defloated can take less space and also weigh lesser. However, flat mattress are less expensive.
- Portability – This applies to every camping item meant for motorcycle camping. Whether it is a Tent, Sleeping bag, Mattress , or any other camping stuff. Try to buy a portable one to save you some space and weight. Yes, it could be little expensive but in the end it will be worth.
- Weight – Weight management is very important part of a motorcycle trip. If you are travelling on low power bike then higher lugguage weight will cause you lot of trouble on off-roads and steep climbs. If motorcycle is heavy even then power to weight ratio will play an important role. Therefore, it very important to carry lesser weight items without compromising the quality. I would suggest a air mattress compare to a flat matt both in terms of space, weight and quality. You can get one from Amazon or from Decathelon.
- Cost – Flat mattress are cheaper whereas air mattresses are expensive. For example – Decathelon sells a flat mattress starting INR 500 whereas a air mattress starts around INR 1500.
- Durability, reliability and comfort – Flat mattresses are more reliable whereas an air mattress provides more comfort. Air mattress, if punctured requires on the go repair which sometimes not possible and have it’s limit. Choice is your, whether you want comfort or reliability and durability.
Camping light
Are you planning to camp at night, if yes then you definitely require a light for your tent as well outside tent.
- Tent light – A light in the tent is definitely a requirement for various reasons. A tent light can cost somewhere between 300 to 3000 depending on whether is rechargeable or operated with cells. I prefer carrying a rechargable as well as a cell operated as a backup.
- Outside light – A lamp, torch or light outside the tent is required for cooking as well as for setting up tent in the late evening. Also, in case you have to come out of tent during night then the light is definitely required. You can also go for a helmet or head light, that would be quite handy. The cost is same as a light inside the tent. You can buy one cell operated as backup and re-use the light in tent as an outside light too. that will save yu on the cost as well as space.
TARP
Tarp has many uses, it can work as a base for your tent or it can be used over the tent. In both cases, it is recommended but it is not a necessity. However, it will be handy in case of wet conditions. By wet conditions, I doesn’t really mean rainy, sometime you camp near snow or river where ground build up moisture during night, a tarp will be very useful in such situation.
In case, it rain then a tarp will surely protect you while acting as an umbrella for you tent. A simple tarp for groud can cost somewhere between INR 500 whereas, a tarp which can also be used as a owning cost somewhere between 2000 to 3000 INR.
CHAIR OR STOOL
There is nothing blissful than watching a sunset or a sun rise from your camp with hot tea or coffee sitting a chair. Imagine you are on top of a mountain or on a river side enjoying your glass of drink. Soulful isn’t it ?
A chair is not must for camping but it will surely help you in several ways
- Enjoying your drink sitting on the chair watching sunrise or sunset.
- Cooking your meal out in open nature.
- Bonfire in open
- Take a quick nap under a tree.
A chair will add to your camping experience. But, it is definitely not a necessity. It will not only cost you more but also eat up the space and add some weight and may be you will never use it on your trip. A stool is ok but, if you are opting for a sitting option then I recommend you go for a chair.
A chair will cost you somewhere between INR 1500 to 5000 depending the quality and features.
Cooking items
While camping, cook or not to cook is completely your choice. If you do not want to cook then you can camp near a village or homestay, which can fulfill your food requirements. Whereas if camping at a distant location like on top of a mountain then you won’t have such facility.
In such situation you can live on protein bars but, that would not add any fun to your camping.
I recommend you carry something to cook not for the sake of fun but also for emergency. I recommend you carry at least the following: –
- A camping stove – will cost aroung INR 600
- Two Butaine gas cans – INR 500
- A glass – Free from you kitchen or a use and throw
- A plate and a spoon – from your kitchen
- Ready to eat food – Noodles or Haldiram RTE
- Drinking water
- Tea or coffee pouch
- Milk powder
Overall items mentioned above are the ones required for a camping trip on motorcycle. However, there is no limit to camping stuff and you may or may not go for following items –
- Axe – useful for gathering wood for bonfire
- Hammer – useful for setting up the tent
- Matchbox or lighter
- Coal for barbeque
- Portable Table
- Fire extinguisher
- Multitool
- Water bag – 5L or more
- Dish washer
- Portable Toilet
- Paper soap
The list is overwhelming, but believe me you do not require this much, or you might share with other group member, in case you are travelling in group.
Do not force camping on youself, if you like it, fine if not then, do not force it just to make others happy. It comes naturally by passion. To start with try not to invest too much, everything is available on rent. Try it then buy it.
With this, I hope this blog is informative for you and will help you in your upcoming camping trip. Do let me know, in comments your experience.
