Camping gear for newbies

excellent post Daboo! My rule of thumb: if it doesn't serve multiple uses, it doesn't go. Jetboils are awesome but I only use it for coffee (Starbucks Via packs) and oatmeal in the am. I typically eat lunch/dinner out. For light, I prefer multiple sources in case of loss/failure- a headlamp (helps me see if doing repairs or reading before bed, and a super-small light that has a swiveling head to turn it into a lantern. No blow up pillows etc, no extra cans of jetboil fuel (sporting goods stores are everywhere).
I allow my old bones one luxury- I have a cot that breaks down into small components and packs about the size of a kermit chair-- that coupled with a pad keeps me off the ground and comfortable.
 
Daboo said:
I still rely on the experiences I had from backpacking and mountain climbing.
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thank you for detailed answer, Chris! I'll consider everything you said and explained. Maybe, I really need to gain experience step by step starting with short camping ride and check what I really need and what actually not.
 
Alberto, this will sound "dumb", but it really isn't. Try camping in your yard once when you figure out what you want to bring. It'll show you what you didn't use, and what you forgot to bring. And...it isn't far to get that essential item you forgot.

By the way, in mountaineering and backpacking, we have what is called the "Ten Essentials". The "Eleventh Essential" is toilet paper. :D Who cares about camping chairs, etc, when you don't have that? :D :D :D

Chris
 
Daboo said:
Try camping in your yard once when you figure out what you want to bring.
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totally agree, this would be easiest way to check camping list, but unfortunately, I live in the apartment building not so far from the city center and I'm not sure that my neighbors would understand me if I put tent on the ground between buildings))

))) put that Eleventh element in the list already)
 
Missing items ? You forgot your picnic table !

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In the UK when camping and moving on, we have to be prepared for wet. Either rain, condensation inside the fly sheet, or dew on the grass.
I cannot get gloves onto my hands if they are even slightly damp, so a handy dry towel is an essential item, and a long wooden stick for straightening out the lining in the glove fingers !
Plus a spare pair of oversize gloves just in case.

Consider
Fully waterproof thin PVC groundsheet. Modern tent groundsheets are not waterproof and any damp in the ground will rise up and seep through overnight.
Thin sandals - easy to pack, ideal for walkin around wet grass.
We use down filled quilted blankets, not sleeping bags. They are warmer and take half the space. (The sleeping bag underneath you doesn't insulate)
We put the foam/air sleeping mats inside a cotton case for comfort.
Small roll of bin liners - helps keep wet things from dry things when packing up. (Eg to keep the tent inner dry when packed with the outer).
Puncture kit/inflator.
I have a USB charger in the top box - I charge any gizmos on the move.
Tent is a Robens Voyager 2 EX with the extended fly for stowing gear.
 
I have moto-camped as long as I can remember. I always think in backpacking terms when packing for a camp trip. It needs to be as light-weight as possible, and high quality. I have also camped in some gnarly weather over the years, but my camping gear, mainly shelter-related, have never let me down. I didn't pick up these essential pieces of equipment and Walmart. Therefore, my tent (switching between two), sleeping pad and sleeping bag are all very high quality items I spent a lot of time R&D'ing before purchasing.

The rest of the equipment fall into place as you camp over time. If you bring an item, and you don't use it during a couple of camping trips, remove it from the pack list. As mentioned by others, a lot of what you pack will depend on how you camp, how you eat, how long you're out and other parameters. You just have to pay attention to what you use or don't use, what you need but don't have, when you're out there.

Somewhere in northern Maine. Sub-freezing temps over-night.

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One accessory not mentioned: a pair of saddlebag liners. You pack them in the house, carry them outside, and just plop them into the saddlebags. As long as you don't stuff them out of shape, they'll fit in without a struggle. When you get where you're going, take them out and carry them into your tent, or room if you're not camping.

I have two pairs of these; they even have little pouches that fit into the recess in the back of the saddlebags, and they're on sale:

https://www.bestemusa.com/ST1100-_c_1234.html

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Alberto said:
I suppose i'm closer to the second option...
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OH, in that case, here's my edited version of your list

Camping gear
Sleeping bag ( up to 0 C degrees)
2person tent
Tarp for tent
Inflated sleeping pad
Inflated pillow
Foldable knife
Small axe
Rechargeable flashlight/collapsible battery-powered lantern
Forehead flashlight
Mosquito repellent
Small bluetooth music speaker
Necesser (soap, tooth brush+paste, ets)
Powerbank
Packable chair
Nylon cord
first aid kit
Disposable gloves
Compact water filter
Towel
Toilet paper
paper towels
hat

Kitchenery
Gas stove
Extra gas
Compact open air stove
Silicone mag/cup
Can opener
Table tarp
Lighter + matches
Dry food supply (2-3 days)
Towel
Spoon + fork
Collapsible water jug (1 gallon /3-4 liters)
Couple of cans of beer (more than a couple, but buy it near the campground after you're setup)
Playmate or similar sized cooler for beer, etc.
Hot pads
Trash bags
dish soap.
Salt, pepper.
Olive oil
Collapsible basin for washing cookware
 
Daboo said:
Alberto, this will sound "dumb", but it really isn't. Try camping in your yard once when you figure out what you want to bring. It'll show you what you didn't use, and what you forgot to bring. And...it isn't far to get that essential item you forgot.

By the way, in mountaineering and backpacking, we have what is called the "Ten Essentials". The "Eleventh Essential" is toilet paper. :D Who cares about camping chairs, etc, when you don't have that? :D :D :D

Chris
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And after you've sifted what got used from what didn't, go back through the Got Used stuff and ask whether you used it because you needed it, or just because you had it to hand. Anything in that second category can probably stay home, leaving more room for item 11.
 
On occasion, I do some light weight motocamping, and more frequently family/car/tent camping. I don’t think everything you mentioned will fit on onboard luggage, so you may need to pack some items on the rear seat.
While i do bring a coleman canteen with a ministove, I only use it for oatmeal and tea. In warm weather it probably makes more sense to start off with a granola bar, ride until brunch, ride some more, then stop for dinner.
I chop my wood with a combat knife, I skip the axe/hatchet.
Lastly, if you have the headlamp (which is the best thing since sliced bread), I’m not sure you‘d need a separate lantern.
 
How about a mask?

Forget the hand sanitizer and soap. Just bring alcohol - vodka will do in a pinch....
 
Alberto said:
this is where the real camping begins) But what about having nice cup of morning coffee? and cooking some meal for dinner...


suppose there is no reason to keep social distance while camping alone)
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As for coffee... it can be a slippery slope. If I bring my jetboil, I will bring some packets of instant coffee.... those 2 words are akin to light beer for some here so just depends on what you call a nice cup of coffee...
 
Met a pro camper at moto gp a year ago. Quasimotard. Runs a blog on pricey, extremely small camping gear. I couldnt believe all the stuff he had in a small backpack. Tent, solar chargers, movie system with screen. Kitchen with tables, chair....
 
For me my goal is riding not camping. So my gear is minimal, quick and small mol. If camping is the goal, then packing is the key. Jmo
 
Alberto said:
But what about having nice cup of morning coffee? and cooking some meal for dinner...

suppose there is no reason to keep social distance while camping alone
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I don't drink coffee, but if I did I'd ride down to the nearest restaurant and order a cup. Same with dinner. I guess if you plan on camping in some very remote area with no services then my answer might change, but that's usually not the case.

everyone has different priorities and different philosophies on camping, so you'll have to sort that part out for yourself. There's no standard answer to that.

I generally don't camp alone, so for me the time spent setting up all that stuff, then cooking, then cleaning up and repacking it is better spent over a few beers with my riding partners. Not to mention the hassle of hauling all that stuff around every day. On a ride I leave the conveniences of home at home, that's the way I like it.
 
How cold does it get where you camp? You might want a warmer sleeping bag....0 C bag isn't much good below 50 F.....
 
Mellow said:
As for coffee... it can be a slippery slope. If I bring my jetboil, I will bring some packets of instant coffee.... those 2 words are akin to light beer for some here so just depends on what you call a nice cup of coffee...
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the jetboil I bought has a french-press kit that stores within. It's a pain to clean tho if you use the jetboil for other stuff besides coffee....
 
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