When I started this thread a year ago, I was brand new to it all. I now have two tents, both 3 person. I bought a Quechoa 2 second tent, which is very nice, but very flat and round, so I haven't camped in it yet. I just put some grommets in the cover so I can strap it on my top box (I think). Trials begin this Sunday!
I have a Motel-on-a-bike. Air bed, double sleeping bag (I'm a thrasher), Jet Boil, coffee press, a frying pan and my portable kitchen in a Water Pitcher. I carry my blue max chair (thanks again Kevin), so I have a nice seat around the fire. I have a "MY Pillow" (best pillow I ever bought), which I can compress down into an 11 L dry bag, yet it pops out into a Queen size pillow! (supposed to stop my snoring...). I bought a fairly large boat bag, which is waterproof, and another dry bag for my sleeping bag. My luggage is, of course, yellow!
After seeing John O's hydro system on the side of his bike, I added a Geigerrig 100 oz in a Fox tactical bag with an extra long air hose. The Geigerrig is nice because it has an air bladder you pump up to force the water through the tube.
I can't see paying for a motel, and I love camping. More fun with friends though, so I'll see you at WiSTOC!
Kent