As a child I was leaving to ride bicycle with friends, mother asks do you have everything you need? Friend answers "we are fine; we have Twinkies AND Band-aids!" That phrase has become short hand as an adult for having all the essentials but nothing more. :)
I'm not new to camping, not new to motorcycles. But, I am fairly new to the combo, so this info is always helpful. Over packing sure is a tough demon to beat. Note: Google has a function called "Location Sharing." My wife can see wherever I go, as long as there's signal. Good thing I'm a good husband 😉.
I agree, the over packing is a tough one, I can't get the boy scout motto "always be prepared" out of my head when I am packing lol. I have heard of that, I will check that out for my next adventure. And that is a good thing indeed lol. Thanks Norsefalconer!
Yes my wife can see me on her phone! And I can see her on my phone. Pretty cool thing to have. We can always find each other.Sometimes I need to be found!
Sittin here waitin out the freezin rain. Just thinkin... True bikers who breathe as bikers and live as bikers are the individuals who should be recognized as road warriors and asphalt heroes. The road is their stage; the scooter is their fine tuned instrument; the leather identifies their role; the patches speak of their lifestyle; and the roar of the pipes is their music. Hear I am, on the road again. Here I am, back on the stage... As the distant echo of a Seger lyric. Against the wind...against the wind...still runnin against the wind... To all my warrior brothers and sisters: You are loved. Keep ridin against the wind.
Yeah agree good video. Main point I've noted is overpacking. Its so easy to do and like you say the more you camp the better you know what to take with you. In this day and age unless you,are going through Kazakhstan or somewhere similar that doesn't have Amazon connectivity ( I think they have the whole planet nearly covered by now . ) do you really need to carry spare tires ?? If you know your tire is going to be replaced on the trip then simply have one shipped to a destination that you are going to be visiting and research someone who can fit it for you if you don't have the tools to do it yourself. Punctures.. Carry a plug set or a spare tube.
Thanks Dave! Over packing is a tough one. I agree though, we have access to almost anything from almost anywhere at this point. Great point about shipping the tires to a destination you will be at. Thanks!
Great video Tim thank you for the tips. I know when I go out camping I like being left alone. But I am friendly with people. I will say hi but I don't over stay my welcome.
Ps don’t feed the animals; especially when you leave. People dump their remaining food out for the wildlife. I’m sure thinking it’s too good to call it garbage and not going to waste by feeding the animals. Well; in Florida the alligators no longer fear humans and leave the area; they now actually approach the banks you are fishing or camping and will come up out of the water. I grew up down here in the swamps and even use to swim in Alligator Creek. It was pretty safe then because they instinctively left the area. I’ve had diving jobs in the same water in recent years and Alligators are now attracted to human movement so now I have to construct a chain link cage and work inside it. Sometimes I can’t mess around with cages so now I’m welding or doing what ever with all sizes of gators including the 12 to 14 ft gators sharing my space. So; don’t feed the damn gators or critters your leftover minnows to hotdogs when you (anyone) comes to Florida. No body use to feed the gators when I was growing up; people had more damn sense. Predatory animals are smart. If they latch on; they claim it and will generally get a piece.
Dale that is an excellent tip! We all need to remember that, when leaving a campsite we need to treat out food the same way we treat our other garbage. I will remember that when I am in Florida! Thanks!
Forty Times Around Thans and; to be fair; it’s almost instinctive to leave edible food for something else to eat if we’re not. We feel we’ve made a contribution to a wild animal. I even have to consciously think about the end results and NOT do the same. Scavenger and predatory animals and creatures are watching your every move. They are either thinking of you as food or you supplying food; you; meaning humans. This is how many species view the human now and that’s not good unless it’s a domesticated animal like a dog. That’s probably how dogs became domesticated in the first place I’m sure, they saw humans as a food source and they evolved to trust humans not to eat them; right off the bat anyway. Lol humans fed them and the dog protected his source of food. I don’t think I want a gator wagging it’s tail when it sees me🐊 though. So thanks to everyone who packs up the buns, hotdogs, chips, etc and carts them off site. Totally off site because your scent will be associated with the food and that will still be an unwanted connection.
On the subject of letting someone know where you are, I've recently been playing with geotagging apps. It's quick and easy, just take a picture/selfie and the date, time and coordinates are included in the shot. Then send the pic to a close friend on messenger or something. Great for if you're getting off the road or ur setting up camp in the middle of nowhere. U need to turn on location on ur fone for the app to work.
Bringing too much stuff. Most (all?) of have done (still do?) this. The old advice is - when you get home, sort of all the gear into three piles: #1 pile is things used more than once, and emergency gear. #2 is stuff used once. #3 is everything else. Throw away all of pile #3 and half of pile #2. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying
I backpack, bikepack and motocamp. The same gear goes with on all three. I fit my entire kit in a 38 liter pack, less a few tools. The 3 case, 1 huge duff and a tanker guys make me laugh....because years ago I was one of them and was a Touratech geek also. Since, I've sold all my hard gear and am a Mosko Moto poster child.
LOL thanks Mark Jacobs. If it wasn't for all the filming and editing on the road the soft bags would be wonderul. unfortunately for my set up I need the added security (theft and damage) of the hard bags. Safe travels!
Most "ADV" riders don't have youtube channels so I get your kit. 99.9% of guys who have a triple cased, double duffed, tankered GSs use their cell phones to take a pic of the 3 inch stream they just "survived" and simply carry too much crap...mainly so they "look" like Charlie or Ewin...I've helped pick up more than a few overweight bikes ridden by overweight riders here in Colorado...it's entertaining at least.
I see a lot of that too, it is a shame, so much wasted potential. These bikes are incredibly capable off road in the right hands, and when packed appropriately. Very easy to over pack an ADV bike though. Thanks for the comment!
Good tips. Let me share some thoughts. A Garmin Inreach is a great idea for traveling. Uses GPS signal to communicate if no cell service. Has emergency button if rescue is needed. You can set it up so you can be tracked in real time. Food on motorcycle : I just keep some water and trail bars, leave the cooking gear for car camping. Eat your meals at local restaurants. Size your tent 1 person more than will be sleeping in it. Set it up several times before you use it on a trip. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination.
Desert floods are the deadliest, always inspect your surroundings for signs that water may have moved through your camp area ,if possible camp at high ground, especially in a desert!!
Decent camping tips, but none of these are specific to motorcycle camping. The video title made me think this was something unique to motorcycle camping.
I am sooo guilty of number 3, which is bad being on a 250 ! Great tips, great channel man ! I dont get to do as much riding as I would like but I still consider it at the top of the list of things I enjoy doing. These discussions are great, not many people I have ridden with like to "talk shop" about the ins and outs of before during and after a trip.
A good thing to do while traveling by motorcycle is ride during the day with your high beam headlights on. You will not blind anyone as their eyes are adjusted to bright light. Others will see you a lot easier because your light beam will be higher.
I am retired military and I am armed, but I dont carry any when traveling and camping due to inconsistent gun and self-protection laws. What is your opinion on carrying a firearm for protection when camping alone?
Wild camping is the best! Though difficult in N.Y. it cam be done. Great vid and info Tim...all real world concerns when out alone. "Be nice and have fun" Man...the world could use a large dose of that tip.
Great tips. As a beginner motorcycle camper, I made a list of things I would bring next time and things I could have left at home. The fìrst night in the tent it was raining cats and dogs hence a pee bottle went to the top of the list. Cheers😉
Thanks for talking about safe food storage. Sadly, "A fed bear is a dead bear." They learn very quickly that a bag of potato chips is worth getting into trouble.
Hey Tim, you have such a good timing. Always my lunch break. My two beginner mistakes: #1 Wrong pole tent - some just do not work with hard soil. It becomes too hard to stick them on the ground. #2 Forget the mattress at home, really a nightmare sleep. Thanks for the great company (although the 8.800 km)!
Thank you Tim! Here’s one simple tip that I’ve found effective. After each camping adventure and I get back home to unpack, I air out my tent and sleeping bag. I’m sure most, if not all of us do that too however, I take it one step further. After I air out my tent, sleeping bag and pad, I purchase air fresheners that people hang in their cars such as a flexible scented tree air freshener. I’ll put one in the tent, bag and pad and roll it up. So next time I use it, they smell nice. It works great!
Thanks Ron! That is a really great tip, I am glad you brought that up! I have mine hanging up whenever not in use, the sleeping pad too actually, is not compressed which helps when it's time to inflate it (self inflating). I had never thought of the air freshener thought, that is a great idea and I will definitely be trying that. Thanks!
FTA Adventures dryer sheets work for that too. Cheap and they are readily available. Also keeps mice, chipmunks and other critters from chewing up your gear while in storage.
Tip no.4 nearly got us, got delayed trying to find firewood and we had a general idea about our camp site in the national forest, but took us 2 hours up and down gravel forest roads in the dark to get there, was interesting to say the least😁!
Yes the Da@$ racoons. We jus took a 1300 mile round trip to the Outer Banks of nc n every single night we battled 1 racoon. I thought it was rabid at first cause it wasn't scared of anything. I think I could have hand fed it! I'm from the mtns of nc... N been around animals camping all my life n never had this happen. Had food in smell proof bags n within 20 30 min of opening bag the lil sucker was there. Great videos man.
Thanks wesley barnett! They are bold little critters! They are smart too, I was pretty surprised at the one I encountered. Real pain in the butt too lol. Thanks!!
Unfortunately it was not Julian, it's in Arizona. Although I think I am due for a trip to Julian soon for some Dutch Apple Pie. I will check out that campsite when I am there. Thanks!
Talk to people, Yes, spread the good times around. Connecting is 99% positive both ways. "Hey, i just talked to the person over there and they don't sux". Again, like how your videos are evolving.
Thanks Tim! I've never camped but I would really like to. But have a lot of apprehension about it. Watchin your videos and giving it some thought. Winter closing in so have some time.
Thanks Happy Trails! Have you watched my video about that fear? Maybe it will help tip the scale for you if you haven't seen it. You should definitely try it out though, I was nervous about it at first too and now I can't get enough of it.
Tim: do you have a more detailed video about safety riding solo in the back country? What to do if your bike breaks or if you get hurt? I'd love to see that! Thanks
Glad to see someone talk about being bear aware. I used to carry small bear vault but switched to Ursack. I think it is a must have for camping. Also, I have lots of people come talk to me when I arrive to campsites on my bike. People want to know more about moto travelers.
Right on! I love hiking/backpacking solo and often answer questions about why I do it and do I feel safe. I now make sure to leave info on my 'flight plan' which is a level of protection for me in case of emergency, and a level of comfort for those loved ones who can't relate to going solo.
Y'know, I just had a thought. Since you can find airbnb rooms for $20 or less a night, why not live on the road and book an airbnb room 1-2 nights a week. Find a mobile way to make a decent amount of money so $50 a week isnt significant. This would satisfy my desire to live in multiple different areas of the U.S., and I wouldn't be bound to any one routine. I feel like it would be really fun, but probably easier on paper than in reality.
Definitely easier on paper, but absolutely possible. It's amazing all the ways someone can find to work remotely these days. I say go for it if it's something that appeals to you. There is a ton of opportunity in this world to live that type of lifestyle. Safe travels!
another cool vid lots of useful tips..no bears in the uk but a fox can make a mess of your food stash. you stat in some awesome places. kinda makes me want to come to America for a couple of months.. ps love the new format.
Thanks Dan! I'll be sure to watch out for fox when I get over there someday! You should absolutely plan a visit to the states, beautiful scenery and the western US has some great wild camping that is nearly endless! Thanks!
Definitely a great video. The food storage is probably the single most important tip. You are correct. Animals learn. Bears are very smart. Nothing more dangerous than a bear that is NOT AFRAID OF HUMANS.
Tip #6... Don’t pitch your tent on an animal trail. I didn’t look one time and pitched right across a nighttime trail. One of the noisiest nights I’ve ever had, and I once lived around the corner from Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan!
@@FTAAdventures No problem =) My family name is a variation of the Italian word for orange, my birth sign is Leo, and 2003 was a very significant year in my life...my second birth, so to speak. Cheers!!
I truly hope I’m not cheating. Allow me to explain. At my age, camping would never cross my mind. I’m a hotel rider through and through. But I do thoroughly enjoy your insight in this wonderful rider/camper perspective. Always enjoy your professional content and just plain ol relaxing videos. Thanks Man.
Thanks Bradley! I am glad you are enjoying my videos anyways. Motorcycles are really the main draw for me, everything else is a bonus. Hotels are great too! Safe travels my friend.
Camped at Assateague Island, Maryland. Brought fried chicken and fries into tent with me. Wild horses nudged my tent several times during the night, a bit unsettling. In the morning I put my chicken box on a picnic table and a wild horse came between me, my bike and my phone. Luckily it was just exciting. Look forward to your upcoming animal video.
That is a great place to camp, right on the beach. Those horses are cool, but they seem pretty bold with people, a little unnerving. Thanks for the comment!!
Great tips. As a long time hiker and moto camper always have a simple fire striker and put some dryer lint in a ziplock before your head out. Getting a fire started easily is just as important as the tent for heat, cooking and piece of mind. Also, bagging up some basic spices (I like Montreal steak seasoning, garlic powder and paprika) for meat, potato, veggie and egg use to keep things tasty but easy. If undercooked meats are a concern precooked sausages will save the day, and black tea or instant coffee make getting your morning jolt easier (and lighter) than 10 minutes of fiddling with some fancy coffee contraption.
Those are very cool! I know a guy who does long rides on a regular basis. His son can keep track of him with his cell phone. If you have an accident it can send out emergency signals for help. I think they are worth having. My last long trip was sending a bunch of people text message every day just so they would know j had arrived safely. With the spot you would not have to do that
Nice vid! Have just done my first bike camp which went well. I managed to avoid taking too much stuff by just taking what I take backpacking plus some bike tools 😁
Hi Tim Great videos, I plan to do a lot of motorcycle camping with my 2009 Electra Glide Classic & Lumina Trailer with a 14 cubic ft storage. I am not able to buy another bike currently. When I do, I am thinking on a Yamaha FJR 1300 with engine, frame & saddle bag guards for times on soft ground you dump it. My Electra Glide when that happens does not cause any damage but very hard to pick up by yourself and impossible on sand. In the meantime it would be nice for you to do a video on forest service dispersed camp sites that you know of that could be navigated successfully by none adventure bikes and not. I also live in Arizona but my first long trip I plan in late spring is a three National Park trip to Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Bad Lands, 2800 miles. Bob
Thanks Bob Esper! The Electra Glide is a great touring bike! I will try to include some info on non ADV bike roads into national forests. That should be a great trip, lots of wonderful riding up that way. Thanks for the comment!
Yes, they are attracted to your food if you leave it out. They will not be a problem, except that they attract larger more dangerous animals, even snakes that could be venomous, coyote, and other animals you don't want around. The rodents themselves are usually harmless.
LOL when I first got back into Moto-camping I bought a cheap tent from Wallymart, great tent but it took forever to pack up, way to long, on my return home I got rid of it gave my sleeping bag away. and stayed in motels (That was plan B). right now I'm looking at a new tent for next spring-summer. Too much stuff is a problem especially if you like gear and gadgets. 😆 having people to back you up, even pilots file a flight plan.
LOL I did something similar when I started moto camping, and opted for hotels instead too. Gadgets are a problem for me, with all the filming and everything. It adds to the fun for me though, so it's worth it. Thanks for the comment.
The only thing is there is always something new I know I'm on REI's mailing list and everyday I get an email and I always find something that makes say oh look at that (I'm looking for a new rain shell lol) also having new gear is good for channel content😃
How to deal with critters...(even the 2 legged kind).... 1895 marlin skinner trapper..45/70...there's big things in the woods..and stay off the reservation at night...herd bad things wander around...good tips stay well👍👍
l just recently came across your videos, very informative, great job. Also l would like to say "thanks for not cussing" l appreciate that. l would like your take on "sleeping under the stars". Obviously in good weather. My brother and l have done it twice (in grizzly country) but is a tent really that much safer? lf l hear sounds in the woods l don't want to have to climb out of my tent to look around. Thanks.
