8 Motorcycle Camping Gear Essentials for Under $300

[Bappo]

Good call. The Kelty Noah 12 tarp is a cheap essential. Exped mattress, jetboil w/ french press, folding Gerber saw, water filter, hydration (obviously), sleeping bag to taste, and a flashlight.

I don't count a multitool cuz there is one of those in every vehicle I own, and the range bag, and kayak, and.....

 

[4ReelMoto]

I have been using the Hennessy Hammock for years now (where trees or other objects exist to tether to). Never got wet in severe rain or snow, and up to date, never had to deal with mice or other critters.
Always have slept well no matter what the weather, and it sets up and packs away in several minutes, and the bonus is it takes up less space when traveling on the bike, no sleeping pad needed with the A-symmetrical design.
With a good light weight mummy bag and the optional Supershelter cold weather insulation shell, I have not had any issues with low temps.
The Expedition Asym Classic tent is around $160 U.S., and there have been occasions (usually during the winter months), where they have specials, I was able to get the Hex Rain fly in addition to the standard rain fly at no extra cost, and that thing is plenty big to create a shelter to cover the bike, gear, ::008:: and a place to sit.

 

[Toto]

If you plan to camp seriously, stay away from the vinyl air mattresses... and get a quality mattress like the exped or the thermorest neoair or BA air pad.. The vinyl ones are cheap but when they fail it's usually overnight and waking up on the hard ground is no fun. They also have no R value so zero insulating properties.. heck, they probably have a negative R value so suck warmth from you, especially the thicker the mattress...

If you're summer camping they can be ok.. but of all my camping gear, the mattress is the most important to me. Just my 2 cents if even worth that much.

Could not agree more!
Did lots of camping, and I hate, hate, hate cheap air mattresses. COLD and leaky!
Had a BIG tent and just threw a double foam mattress down. Cut it in 1/3 and 2/3 sections to fit in van and held together with a fitted sheet.
Nervana! Obviously no good for biking, but I have used a Therma rest and they are not bad...specially with a few beers around the campfire to help you sleep. ::018:: These new down filled jobbies look nice...if a little spendy.
I must confess that I now hotel it...

 

[shrekonwheels]

I gotta say I had never laid on a quality inflatable pad before until the other day at REI, man I probably could sleep on one of those things ::012:: although 200 bones!
I tossed my Coleman in the trash after laying on those

Probably worth it I guess.

 

[coastie]

I gotta say I had never laid on a quality inflatable pad before until the other day at REI, man I probably could sleep on one of those things ::012:: although 200 bones!
I tossed my Coleman in the trash after laying on those

Probably worth it I guess.

Yea I had a Colman and switched it out before my last trip with one from REI. What a difference! You will love it.

 

[Ramseybella]

I just got this pad and I have to say this may be the one that hits it out of the park, great reviews.
They are working on a insulated model from what I understand.

http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=14311.0

 

[npj1966]

Awesome article!

NPJ

 

[offcamber]

I have a Nemo pad that I love....doesn't pack as small as some but small enough. As for the sleeping bag.. I can't do mummy bags....to tight. I usually open my bag up and use it like a blanket. I have that little stove. I got it for 6 bucks from China. The stove works great you can't beat it for the money.

 

[TheHelios]

It takes me forever to blow up my BA AirCore by mouth with all the dizzy-ness, passing out, waking up face down in the grass only to find the air leaked out, then starting over again.... I've been using this technique and it really works well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyK_5B06KhM

WHAT IS THIS DEMON MAGIC?!

 

[advswede1981]

I buy most all my 99% at REI because of there OUTSTNADING warranty / replacement policy... After trying out several air pads I ended up with the Big Agnes Q-Core. After trying several other pads this what the most comfortable for me.. http://www.rei.com/product/828412/big-agnes-insulated-q-core-pad
I agree with Mellow, don't go Mal-Mart on a pad.

I agree. The q-core combined with the rectangular big agnes 15 degree down sleeping bag is da bomb! It's expensive but I sleep like a baby and that makes all the difference the next day.

 

[Spaggy]

I'm onboard with the Exped mats. I have a Downmat 9DLX. It's comfy and warm but will beat the shit out of the $300 budget. $220 for the pad, $170 for the Big Agnes bag. Love the pad sleeve in the Big Agnes Bags, no more rolling off of the pad. I think my Kelty Gunnison 4 was around $200. That's a few years ago too, I saw an Exped mat in the camping store the other day and it was over $300. That's Canadian $.

 

[Ramseybella]

I'm onboard with the Exped mats. I have a Downmat 9DLX. It's comfy and warm but will beat the shit out of the $300 budget. $220 for the pad, $170 for the Big Agnes bag. Love the pad sleeve in the Big Agnes Bags, no more rolling off of the pad. I think my Kelty Gunnison 4 was around $200. That's a few years ago too, I saw an Exped mat in the camping store the other day and it was over $300. That's Canadian $.

That's just $300.00 to much for my Blood!! ???

 

[shrekonwheels]

That's just $300.00 to much for my Blood!! ???

I am here to say, your body will thank you down the road

 

[Ramseybella]

I am here to say, your body will thank you down the road

I am sure but for now I am doing fine with my $55.00 Klymit Static V Luxe.

 

[TheHelios]

I bought the 2 person of the Eureka tent in this list. I don't think it will comfortably fit 2 people but it can do 2 people. It takes less than 5 minutes to setup and is super light. Very happy with that purchase.

 

[Ron15S10]

I bought the 2 person of the Eureka tent in this list. I don't think it will comfortably fit 2 people but it can do 2 people. It takes less than 5 minutes to setup and is super light. Very happy with that purchase.

Can you share the model number / name of the Eureka! tent? Also, if it's one of the models that around 5" x 18", does it fit easily in your OEM pannier?

 

[4ReelMoto]

In my travels, I have found that cooking gear is an essential, especially if it is compact and reliable like the Jetboil PCS. I have logged many a mile, and when in remote areas, it's nice to be able to take a break and enjoy a quick hot meal, and coffee or tea. Breakfast, however, is when it has gotten the most use. The small fuel canister (which can be stored inside cup) exceeded my expectations of how long it would last. The Personal Cooking System 1.0L shown can be purchased new for $79 - $99 on Ebay. The Jetboil fry pan is a separate purchase.

 

[Ramseybella]

Nice set, I have a throw together kit that I have used during shorter trips.
Not as nice as yours.

Most times I bring two pots and a pan MSR kit and a larger stove for long stays when out over 5 days.

 

[Masterkick]

Anyone ever try a hammock tent. My brother lent me his Hennessey Hammock and it was the best nights sleep I ever had. http://www.campsaver.com/explorer-deluxe-a-sym-hammock
If you get one get the one with the side opening....

 

[4ReelMoto]

Ramseybella, that's a good way to go as well, and MSR is name you can definitely trust. One of the things that sold me on the Jetboil years ago, was that it burns hotter right from the get go, boiling water faster than anything I've tried before, which ultimately saves on fuel.

Masterkick, I have two of the A-sym Expedition Classics, they're awesome. A very practical way to travel light on two wheels. My brothers and others have bought them as well after seeing how quickly I set up camp, get a good nights sleep, and pack it up within a few minutes.
The side zip looks to be a good way to go, one of my brothers bought the Deep Jungle, nice hammock.
I can't say enough about Tom Hennessy, and his family, their customer support is outstanding.