I highly endorse Tim’s new book. It’s a very well written, comprehensive, and useful tool. Yes tool! Tim is a pioneer when it comes to Motocamping. He’s perfecting what many love about the experience. If you are a novice, or a pro, this book will prove invaluable, and save you time and money in the long run. I’ve lent my copy to a friend recently, knowing he’ll find the answers he needs... but I want it back. Trust me, buy the book, you’ll find it a favorite. My hope from Tim is; that he’ll consider sharing some of the great rides and places, call it ‘Tim’s Field Notes.’ If it’s as good as ‘Fundamentals’, it’ll include maps, field notes, campsites, and other details he’s noted in his journals. No pressure Tim!
These days, one of the big trends in light weight backpacking is using a quilt instead of a sleeping bag. The concept is that laying on the bag's insulation is a waste, since it is compressed, it doesn't insulate. So the person lies on the pad and the quilt just wraps over the person. This lessens the amount of material and insulation needed, along with the zipper. I have a 20 degree (comfortable to freezing for me) down quilt with 850 fill power that weighs just 19oz. Now weight isn't as big of a concern with a motorcycle, but bulk is, and a down quilt will take up less room than a sleeping bag. Thanks for the information, this is a very broad subject that can be confusing to a lot of people.
I switched to a sleeping quilt. I like hammock camping and it is soooo much better than a regular sleeping bag. It saves so much space that even when I used an underquilt, the 2 together are smaller than my old sleeping bag.
I switched to a quilt as well for 3 season camping. I had mine custom made by UGQ of Jackson, MI. Among the options is a choice of foot box...round, square or draw string. I chose the draw string option because you can unsnap the foot box, loosen the draw strings and lay the quilt out completely flat like a blanket...no fighting a mummy bag if I want to throw my leg out, or I can curl up with it if I want. Combined with a cot and insulated sleeping pad this blanket feature is even more heavenly.
I switched to a 20F down quilt from Hammockgear. I use it into the summer months too as you can vent them or open them fully up. It really gives a more 'bed-like' feel, and I will never go back to a sleeping bag.
Synthetic bags do indeed insulate you from underneath. Down on the other hand, which relies on the insulating qualities achieved by down feather loft does not.
Thanks Tim. I've always felt that bikers and hikers have a lot in common, weight and space. When I was looking for a sleep system for me I watched hundreds of hiking videos. They all talked about hot and cold sleepers but you're the first one that I saw that explained it. I've had a good system for a while but I'm sure others like me weren't sure what to look for without that information. Keep up the good work.👍😎
I've had that same Teton 20F bag for ~4 years and it's held up great! 100+ camping trips and 2 trips to burning man with no damage, the zippers still work great and it's still warm.
Hello Tim, I have watched all your reviews on different products but I will say that this particular review is spot on! I have been motorcycling camping, plain camping, mountain camping all over and this is the BEST review on sleeping bags that I have come across. That would include reviews from all the big manufacturers out there...I think that the average first time "camper" will have to watch the review a couple/few times before it makes sense. But if they pay attention they most likely will end up with a very good choice in a sleeping bag. Cheers
Good revue. So nice to see a thorough revue without hearing a bunch of you knows. You obviously know your subject and how to present it. Keep em coming
I employ a layer strategy with a sleeping bag,just like with clothes. A 20 degree bag works for normal use. Early and late season or high altitude camping, I bring a down blanket and a light fleece liner. These go in the bag and the layers create even more loft between the layers. Learned this by accident and have slept comfortably ever since. Great video with helpful information. Thanks.
I use a bag rated for 45-50F and also carry a fleece liner which makes a very versatile setup. The fleece liner packs almost as big as the sleeping bag. This combo works great in hot temps using the liner alone and if I had to guess it takes the sleeping bag well below the freezing level when used together.
Very thorough! I never really understood the comfort vs min temp ratings. Others have said the lower is the survivable temp, and that never made sense to me.
Tim, these videos keep getting better with each one. Nicely produced great presentation. Good info on the bags. Down does seem to last forever if you take care of it. I have a North Face bag from the 1970's that I still use on a regular basis.
Great coverage of sleeping bags. I found when it’s cold wearing a balaclava verses a stocking cap keeps it on my head when rolling around at night and keeps that cold spot on my neck warm. Still looking for that perfect pillow for a side sleeper. Something air inflated and 4” thick. Stuffing a bag with clothes and my air pillow on top now but it always shifts around.
Great tips as always. I can say there are so many choices out there it can be hard to make a decision if there aren't any camping places nearby. Here I have Walmart, Dick's or Amazon. Not too many choices in the first two and the third is crazy how many choices you have. I will have to see how far a good camping store is and go for a drive. Thanks, ride safe!
If the bags for which Tim provides purchase links don't fit your needs, you may want to check out Mountain Steals (www.mountainsteals.com/ ). They are the outlet store for Moosejaw. Just prior to Christmas, and around Feb, seem to be the best times to buy.
Saw your other video you did on this bag. The one you looked lile you were in a rest area somewhere in Arizona. Looked it up, decided to go with their new LEEF bag. Same as the trail head but made of different materials. Love it. Thanks for the recommendation. Had their rectangle one, the Celsius. Great bag too, but rather bulky for a drz400. So your bag or the LEEF I found to be perfect size. Never left me cold yet.
Just a suggestion, but you should preface your video with something like " The following information is included in my book ". That way we won't have to try and write down your tips. By the way I bought the kindle version of your book, great read and I don't have to grab pen and paper ;-) . As always an entertaining and informative video. Thanks.
Tim, could you comment on the use of a quilt for moto-camping? I like them as I am an active sleeper but am concerned about the bulkiness of carrying them on my motorcycle. thanks for the good video!
Are you still in AZ? You have riden from east coast to west coast? What time of year is best to start to avoid cold possible snowfall/slippery conditions in higher altitudes in AZ?
@@davidvance3527 any recommendations? My trip is going to be pretty seat of my pants on a day to day basis. I have 11 days off un a row from work so plenty of time
Hi Bryan, I was there in Aug. 2019. We did Skyline/Blue Ridge and the obvious Tail of the Dragon. Also we went to Fontana Dam, road Moonshiner and a few others. My recommendation would be Cherohala Skyway/Cherohala Loop. We stayed at Swiss Village and stayed on Blue Ridge, but I believe Diamond Back is right there. When you get there a list of about ten roads can be found everywhere from placemats in restaurants to the tourist handouts. I plan on returning probably next year. We stayed at the motel in Deal's Gap, caution I had a turkey club and was fine. My two buddies had burgers and didn't do so well, other guests discouraged against breakfast. Remember that on the Dragon if anything goes wrong help is going to be at least a couple hours away. Best of luck and safe riding, it's an amazingly beautiful area of our country. 👍😎
No mention of a sleeping bag liner? Adds a little warmth if needed plus helps keep the inside your bag cleaner for multiple days trips and it's easier to wash. A silk blend of sorts if it's in your budget works best.
Hey, it's been a year since the last helmet review that I can find. I'm probably going to be picking up an older helmet design that's still sold for relatively cheap
I Just want a *Light, weather proof, Sleep system* for the summer time here in FLORIDA so that I won't sweat😅Throughout the night, but yet sleep comfortably away from 🦟🐜🐞🕷 critters like that. Any Ideals? Make, models, Budget Friendly.
Great information Tim! Very thorough and enjoyable. However, there is one more con to down bags & quilts which is they can be problematic for those who are allergic to them. Based on my personal experience. Keep up the great work. I am looking forward to the next ones in this series.
