Tent Question

[Drgslayr]

Hello,

Looking at going camping with my GF this summer. Im looking for a tent that will fit into a saddlebag.


We ride 2 up so cant strap into the seat. I just ordered a top box but plan on using that for the Bags.

Im also hoping not to strap anything to the bags or box. I really dont want to damage the paint.


Thanks
Ron

[motomac]

Check out motocampers.com. Many good ideas on tents and camping in general.

[STeve1300]

Now don't get me wrong here.... I love camping and motorcycling.... sometimes together... sometimes not...but,,,,,, I cannot for the life of me see how a couple can truly enjoy motocamping while on the same bike., without a trailer. I pack too much stuff. I recommend you PM "nm6r" (http://www.st-owners.com/forums/member.php?u=1840) "Ray" who somehow has figured it out,,,, and even has a link to his rides (http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/)on his profile. Maybe he'll share his packing list w/ you. A few couples go to "CampSTOC" but I think they have separate bikes or trailers.

[Trekker]

I just bought myself a Eureka Backcountry 2 tent because of a 6"x15" pack size. For two it would be very cozy. Not as much headroom too.

Many people will pack (stuff) the tent into a location it will fit without the poles. The pole bag can then be strapped on outside somehow. Most times the folded pole length is the determining factor in pack size.

[VFR]

I ride a sport bike which can have only soft bags. Bought an REI Half Dome which folds pretty small & will go into the bag. As Trekker said, the poles will usually be longer than the tent. If you take a folding chair (or two) it will be longer as well. I don't ride two up so will be able to use a tail bag and hope to fit all/most of the camping gear in it.

Larry

[Drgslayr]

Yeah thats what I was thinking.

GF has a R6 but doesn't like to do long trips on it.

As far as camping. We would be eating in resturants and not camp cooking thankfully. That saves a lot of room. With the top box we can fit most everything we will need except the tent poles. We were talking of packing the tent poles seperate but I wanted to see if there was a tent with shorter poles JIC.


Thanks
Ron

[st11ray]

Check out the new tents that use air chambers instead of poles. I think www.sierratradingpost.com carries some.

[STeve1300]

Yeah thats what I was thinking.

GF has a R6 but doesn't like to do long trips on it.

As far as camping. We would be eating in resturants and not camp cooking thankfully. That saves a lot of room. With the top box we can fit most everything we will need except the tent poles. We were talking of packing the tent poles seperate but I wanted to see if there was a tent with shorter poles JIC.


Thanks
Ron

Well Ron.... sounds like you have a plan... I have been very happy with Eureka Tents.... here's a link (http://www.eurekatent.com/filterTool.aspx?cID=7)to their "backpacking" section.

[Ron_WI]

Check out this thread at motocampers.com about a Cabela's tent I recently bought.

Cabela's XPG-4 Delux (http://motocampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=985)

It's a 4 person tent priced at $220, weighs in about 9.5 pounds and packs down to 9" x 20" which is the right size for the ST1300 bags. It fits into my saddlebag but you won't get much else in there.

http://home.wi.rr.com/estatesale/images/XPG4_14.JPG

http://home.wi.rr.com/estatesale/images/XPG4_15.JPG

http://home.wi.rr.com/estatesale/images/XPG4_16.JPG

[sparkinator]

I've got a Eureka pinacle 2 man that I really like for solo camping. It packs really small. I know they make a three man that packs to about the same size and they aren't that expensive.

I especially like the aluminum poles and the rain fly that covers the entire tent. It helped out when the temp got down in the 20's last year.

[Drgslayr]

Wow Thank you all for the replies.

[E the B]

As a longtime backpacker and avid moto camper, I recommend you look at information from the lightweight backpacking community for methods and materials to get you camping without overloading your ST.

A new generation of lightweight camping gear has emerged in the past few years, and these are excellent choices for motorcycle camping. For example, two-person tents are available under five pounds. They're nearly bombproof and they pack very small. They're not cheap, but quality remains long after price is forgotten.

Also consider tarp camping. Tarp afficianados report great comfort and protection from the elements with about two pounds of material, including the ground sheet. A sil-nylon tarp for two will pack to the size of a grapefruit.

Instead of sleeping bags, consider a lightweight down comforter for use over a nylon sheet that attaches to your sleeping pads. More weight and space savings are accomplished. My girlfriend and I use this method very successfully.

Lightweight camping requires research, an open mind and some investment in focused gear. But you really can put together a kit that gets you comforably afield without overloading your ST.

If you're really interested in camping light, check these websites for more information.

http://www.backpacking.net/

http://www.ultralightbackpacker.com/

http://members.tripod.com/halbertri/tarps.htm

Good luck,
Eric

[electrajoe]

Talk about cheap, $19.99 used this one (or similar) three times. Probably got lucky, has not been in a good rain.

http://www.academy.com/index.php?page=content&target=products/outdoors/camping/tents&start=12&selectedSKU=0214-40620-7752

[nybryan]

did you buy a givi box or honda. I bought a givi for this 13 so i could strap stuff to the top. Four bunge buddies work great with compression straps to manage the bag. I drop a rubber mat between the gear bag and the trunk but i have the flat black finish. I figure with her sitting back there the bag is out of wind. Just have to account for the extra weight being so far back and the penske shock took care of that just fine.

I would think if you wanted you could probablly manage the poles of a tent between the rear seat and the trunk. when you bolt the trunk on bolt some nylon webbing loops so you have an attachment point.

[alphafang]

I went to check the tent I have used for about three years this morning. It's been used as a pup tent over last season, at the side of the caravan. I havn't used it at all last season. Dont kids make stuff fall apart real quick, the tie down loops were ripped the floor is sort of breaking up.....anyway decition time. I needed a new tent. I liked the look of the Coleman Phad 3. I shopped around on the internet and found one at £94.99, most were around the £150 mark. So I went to have a look at one in the flesh (I like to have a feel if you know what I mean) It was marked up at £154.99.
The camping shop (CCC) I went to had one pitched up inside the showroom. I was out with the tape measure and pulling on flaps ropes poles etc. The sales guy came over and asked if he could help. I was honest with him and told him I fancied the tent but had seen it cheaper on the net. He asked where, and I told him Amazon at £98.99. He went on the net and told me that if I bought there and then he would match the price and add a 10% discount. At £89.09 quess what I came home with. It was straight to the back garden and pitched. It took 10 mins to pitch from the bag, honest, the wife timed me. Ok I didnt peg it down all round but wow it's easy. I like the many features, vents everywhere, zip back vestubule ground sheet great for bad weather cooking, adjustable straps, light weight 8.7lb, colour coded poles and tabs, real strong looking pegs, two doors and on and on...I think I'm going to like this. It real small too fits in the givi top box with loads of space to spare. All my cooking gear goes in too.
I'm a happy boy, as soon as it's used in anger I will let you know if my thoughts have changed.

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p313/alphafang/DSC01144.jpg

[dduelin]

I have a Coleman Oryx 2 man that packs very small, something like 6" x 15". It only takes up about half a saddlebag with pegs, poles and even a plastic ground cloth I fold up and store in the tent's bag. It isn't that expensive at ~$110. 2 man tents are really small for 2 normal sized people but I assume you are young and in love so they might work for you. :) I use mine for solo camping.