Hallo mate, here’s my list of changes which have really helped me. 1. Binned the standard mat and bag and replaced with better bag (lighter too) and inflatable sleeping mat (much more comfortable, better insulation and makes for a much smaller pack size) With my little Flextail pump it takes seconds. 2. I carry some lightweight poles and guy ropes for the canopy (easily fit in the pole section). Never been a fan of tying it the bike. What’s the point of camping somewhere with amazing views if you can’t see past your engine ? Also makes access much easier. I find the built in groundsheet on the tent perfectly adequate for most types of ground so I tend to use the cover/groundsheet in front rather than under the tent. In conjunction with the extra poles I carry this gives you a great area for sitting, cooking and storing gear. A great tent all in all, enjoy 👍🏻
That sounds like some good upgrades. Do you leave the sleeping bag and blow up mattress in the tent, rolled up with it when travelling or have them separate? I do find the mattress a little too thin at times so a blow up one sounds like a good idea.
@@thebristolthunderbird depends how light I’m going to if it’s an overnighter yes but if it’s longer I’ll take my panniers and put my sleeping bag in there.
I have one. The only a few minor niggles are that I have is I'd prefer the opening on the sleeping bag to be on the other side and inside pockets at both ends of the tent. A minus is your gear has to spend the night outside the tent, just wrap your stuff up in the groundsheet. Apart from that - I love it! I'd advise new users to pack the tent as neat, square and as flat as possible to obtain a tight roll. I found out that a small, tight roll means that I can see past the tent and not obstructing both wing mirrors. The more you use the tent the easier rolling becomes. A tip would be to use carabiniers on the awning guy lines instead of fastening directly to the eyelets, easier to reposition the guys, have the tie point for one handy, just in case you have to lower it in the night to let the rain run off and pitch the tent on the opposite side from the side stand as it gives you more room. A couple of bivvy poles gives you an awning without tethering to the bike.
I’ve look at the Wingman Of The Road many times. I’ve never used one, or even seen one in person, but other than aesthetics, and aesthetics count for a lot, I don’t quite get it. I use what I would use to backpack. I have a two person free standing tent, 3.5” thick therm-a-rest sleeping pad, and a -10°C down camping quilt. I don’t pack the tent inside with the sleeping bag and sleeping pad because there is usually dew on the tent in the morning and the moisture will transfer no matter what you do, so rolling everything up together doesn’t seem like a good idea. My total sleeping gear weights right at about 3 kilos, and takes up about 1/2 the space. I’ve slept comfortably down to almost 0°C.
Hi mate. Thanks for the comment. I think with the wingman it's a mixture of things, aesthetics being one for sure, it looks awesome! Other than that the ruggedness of the tent is really good for a Moto tour, that thing is never going to split or get blown away in the wind! For the tour I did through Europe and into Turkey I guess I could have got away with something lighter and smaller. The fact that it fit so well on the back of the bike (creating a great back rest) and looked so good, made it a great choice. I've also used it on a few occasions in the cold and it has been awesome, with no internal condensation. If space is an absolute restriction then maybe the wingman isn't the best choice, but for the way I use and need a tent, the Wingman is awesome. Again, thanks for the comment mate, much appreciated.
Hi Matt, just got one of these for myself after watching yourself and a few other TH-camrs use it. I got the resin and iron version which has a different sleeping bag. Cant wait to get out and use it. Also bagged myself the road kitchen. Both products are built to last and not just for a few summers. Expensive but great kit, love thats its not sweaty nylon! And is so breathable. Keep up the good work
Hiya, love my Goose, had it 4 years and many adventures. 2 improvements for me. 1 -I put an inflatable (thin) mat underneath the sleeping bag - not necessary but I'm an old git so just that little bit more comfy 2 - use a tarp - its just a Vango not specific to Goose but does the job (not in gales thoughj!). Its made a great difference as its created an external porch which in wet weather is a godsend - able to cook and more importantly roll in and out while staying dry - been a real boon. In dry weather not needed but comes into its own in the wet. Another subscriber gets much the same effect see CharlesDaleActor using external poles - ingenious but I prefer my cover to come across the bike...limits storage but keeps bike dryish. Sure there are many more permutations, a month In France in September, will explore! Like your review, straight to the point. Cheers
Thanks mate. Appreciate the comment. I've heard the inflatable mattress addition is a good one. Someone else mentioned swapping out the goose mattress with a thin blow up mattress which made the roll tighter and smaller on the back of the bike. Some.good tips there mate which I will be looking into for sure. Thanks!
Fantastic Matt, something worth bearing in mind for me to get this year possibly, looks like a great all round tent, always love watching your videos mate. Big Tbird fan 😎
Can't really go wrong with the Wingman. It's a bit heavier than some other camping kit, but no problem to carry on a motorbike. I love mine, and it looks pretty cool too.
I’ve changed my Pelican for Toucan and I’m not going back…Much more space for little bit more weight. Setting my one easily under 6 mins, which matters lot when it’s raining. Sits nicely on my bike and looks stunning! Got Wingman kitchen as well, nice skillet and works well. I’m also using Lone Rider Moto Tent of the other side of the scale, but mostly when camping with my missus. They’re both great for what they were made. Enjoy yor camping 🏍️💪
Thanks mate. Yea the Toucan is probably better for greater comfort. Wingman have kindly offered to send me their kitchen because of the review I did. Very kind of them! Really looking forward to trying it out.
Been looking at reviews for these tents for about a year now, but do have reservations about them, the weight! But I’ve yet to see a review in heavy rain, there’s very little room inside for clothes changing all I assume has to be done lying down! Putting it up in rain and keeping everything dry must be difficult? and doesn’t the canvas get even heavier??? If you took another sleeping bag and a duvet then not great in colder weather I guess. It is a lovely tent but I think I will stick to Airbnb 😂 but thanks for your review. If you’re at the Bristol Classic Bike Show on the Saturday I will buy you a coffee. 👍
I haven't used it in the rain much, just one night in Stuttgart, but I was on a campsite so I could do all i needed to do in the washroom and not the tent. Yea, the only downside is the small size - which is also one of it's selling points I suppose. Getting dressed inside the Wingman isn't going to be the most comfortable. One of the trade-offs. The canvas does have some kind of waterprooof wax finish, (feels like that anyway), and doesn't soak up any water. I didn't notice any change in weight when it had been raining anyway. It dried very quickly too, but I guess anything would when you are camping at the height of the summer! I may actually be at the bike show next week, would be good to bump into each other.
I have been camping with my TBird with a lightweight tent which leaves room for my roll bag luggage. The wingman seems very bulky but if it has sleeping bag and mattress built in then perhaps not too bad. I know what you mean about the panic attacks - I had that once when in a hooded sleeping bag.
There's lighter options for sure, and probably more compact even with a separate sleeping bag and roll mat. The thing that attracted me first was how it looked and how rugged it was as I tend to break things! Having it strapped to the back of the bike provided a nice lower back rest too for the long miles. There are trade-offs but for what I've used it for it has been perfect. (other than the panic attack...)
I do like the wing man but my problem with it would be when you have a bad rainy evening when you pitch ,is it bed early??at least with the bigger taller tent you can sit inside and read and eat in a bit of comfort, do you think the awning part could go high enough for you to sit underneath in a miniture came chair??it might be.Thanks for this review.
You do have a point there. I've not tried it in the rain properly apart from when I was in Stuttgart. I was on a camp site then though and sat in the bar. The awning could be fastened quite high I guess, enough room for a mini chair. When we were in Wales the other weekend it was early doors to bed because of the cold, I think it would be the same if it was raining too!
The weight thing was a consideration for me too, although, 10kgs for tent, sleeping bag and mattress isn't too bad, plus it provides a great back rest. Looks cool too!
@@thebristolthunderbird Thank you for your review. I have a question, if the sleeping bag and mattress were removed would the weight and size decrease drastically? This way it could be replaced by more compact and lighter options. The construction of this tent attracts me, but not the weight and its volume.
Sorry for the slow reply! I haven't actually tried it without the mattress and sleeping bag. Pretty sure it would make the roll a bit smaller. I'll give it a go next time.
I've reached the age where I can't do the rolling-on-the-ground ritual any more to get my Jeans back on. I need something I can, as good as, stand in, but that doesn't keep body warmth in as well, as a smaller tent does, but if I was a few years younger..., then why not? You sold it well here m8. I'm sure Wingman are proud of you for this, and give your Subbers, that want one, a good discount...,?
These small tents are not the most practical when it comes to getting dressed in the morning that'e for sure. Wingman have some pretty cool products so wouldn't mind trying out some of their other stuff too.
I am not looking forward to being that old. I am only 66 and had a nice 10 days camping trip to Harz using my 2.3 kg Macpac Macrolight tent, a light down mummy type sleeping bag and two thin air mattresses. I had plenty of rain every other day without any problems. Taking clothes on lying down is rather comfy.
Hmm, so you slept on an extra sleeping bag on top of the wingman sleeping bag and mattress, then slept under an extra duvet you brought with you? Considering the bulk of the wingman on its own, that's quite some size lump just for what is basically a one man shelter. Doesn't sound like the wingman mattresses and sleeping bag are up to much either. I've looked at loads of other reviews about the wingman. It's a nice idea and I want to think wow that really is what I need. But in reality, for me at least, it's more of a novelty. But each to his own.
I wouldn't say it's a winter tent, although it fares really well with condensation compared to my mates regular tent. The sleeping bag really isn't enough if it's cold. I don't think it was made to compete directly with lightweight kit, if you need lightweight then the Wingman isn't your thing for sure. But rugged, reliable as well as a bit cool looking...
Anyone here do BDRs in the US? I'm looking to get into them and need a sleeping system that I can live with. I was thinking this system might be a good solution/starting point but the weight really worries me. How is this going to do strapped to the back of an Adventure bike going down dirt roads/fire trails and double track? Will it be so heavy it bounces the back of the bike around? I'm a 'lighter' person at 5'7" and 150lbs (160ish with gear on) so I might could swing a few extra pounds for a solid sleeping system.
I'm really curious how small they pack down without the sleeping mat and bag. I have ultra light gear for that. I like the idea and look of the wingman but struggle to justify the size and weight.
Hallo mate, here’s my list of changes which have really helped me.
1. Binned the standard mat and bag and replaced with better bag (lighter too) and inflatable sleeping mat (much more comfortable, better insulation and makes for a much smaller pack size) With my little Flextail pump it takes seconds.
2. I carry some lightweight poles and guy ropes for the canopy (easily fit in the pole section). Never been a fan of tying it the bike. What’s the point of camping somewhere with amazing views if you can’t see past your engine ? Also makes access much easier.
I find the built in groundsheet on the tent perfectly adequate for most types of ground so I tend to use the cover/groundsheet in front rather than under the tent. In conjunction with the extra poles I carry this gives you a great area for sitting, cooking and storing gear.
A great tent all in all, enjoy 👍🏻
That sounds like some good upgrades. Do you leave the sleeping bag and blow up mattress in the tent, rolled up with it when travelling or have them separate? I do find the mattress a little too thin at times so a blow up one sounds like a good idea.
@@thebristolthunderbird depends how light I’m going to if it’s an overnighter yes but if it’s longer I’ll take my panniers and put my sleeping bag in there.
I have one. The only a few minor niggles are that I have is I'd prefer the opening on the sleeping bag to be on the other side and inside pockets at both ends of the tent. A minus is your gear has to spend the night outside the tent, just wrap your stuff up in the groundsheet. Apart from that - I love it!
I'd advise new users to pack the tent as neat, square and as flat as possible to obtain a tight roll. I found out that a small, tight roll means that I can see past the tent and not obstructing both wing mirrors. The more you use the tent the easier rolling becomes.
A tip would be to use carabiniers on the awning guy lines instead of fastening directly to the eyelets, easier to reposition the guys, have the tie point for one handy, just in case you have to lower it in the night to let the rain run off and pitch the tent on the opposite side from the side stand as it gives you more room. A couple of bivvy poles gives you an awning without tethering to the bike.
Good advice with the awning, alot easier than using the para cord. The wrap does get easier the more you roll it, can be a bit stiff to begin with.
Best review after using it in the summer & winter. i most say 👍
Thanks mate. Yes, I've put it through it's paces since the summer. Just needs a bit of a clean now!
I’ve look at the Wingman Of The Road many times. I’ve never used one, or even seen one in person, but other than aesthetics, and aesthetics count for a lot, I don’t quite get it. I use what I would use to backpack. I have a two person free standing tent, 3.5” thick therm-a-rest sleeping pad, and a -10°C down camping quilt. I don’t pack the tent inside with the sleeping bag and sleeping pad because there is usually dew on the tent in the morning and the moisture will transfer no matter what you do, so rolling everything up together doesn’t seem like a good idea. My total sleeping gear weights right at about 3 kilos, and takes up about 1/2 the space. I’ve slept comfortably down to almost 0°C.
Hi mate. Thanks for the comment. I think with the wingman it's a mixture of things, aesthetics being one for sure, it looks awesome! Other than that the ruggedness of the tent is really good for a Moto tour, that thing is never going to split or get blown away in the wind! For the tour I did through Europe and into Turkey I guess I could have got away with something lighter and smaller. The fact that it fit so well on the back of the bike (creating a great back rest) and looked so good, made it a great choice. I've also used it on a few occasions in the cold and it has been awesome, with no internal condensation. If space is an absolute restriction then maybe the wingman isn't the best choice, but for the way I use and need a tent, the Wingman is awesome. Again, thanks for the comment mate, much appreciated.
Hi Matt, just got one of these for myself after watching yourself and a few other TH-camrs use it. I got the resin and iron version which has a different sleeping bag. Cant wait to get out and use it. Also bagged myself the road kitchen. Both products are built to last and not just for a few summers. Expensive but great kit, love thats its not sweaty nylon! And is so breathable. Keep up the good work
Thanks my friend. You'll love it, great product and built to last for sure.
Hiya, love my Goose, had it 4 years and many adventures.
2 improvements for me.
1 -I put an inflatable (thin) mat underneath the sleeping bag - not necessary but I'm an old git so just that little bit more comfy
2 - use a tarp - its just a Vango not specific to Goose but does the job (not in gales thoughj!). Its made a great difference as its created an external porch which in wet weather is a godsend - able to cook and more importantly roll in and out while staying dry - been a real boon. In dry weather not needed but comes into its own in the wet. Another subscriber gets much the same effect see CharlesDaleActor using external poles - ingenious but I prefer my cover to come across the bike...limits storage but keeps bike dryish. Sure there are many more permutations, a month In France in September, will explore!
Like your review, straight to the point. Cheers
Thanks mate. Appreciate the comment. I've heard the inflatable mattress addition is a good one. Someone else mentioned swapping out the goose mattress with a thin blow up mattress which made the roll tighter and smaller on the back of the bike. Some.good tips there mate which I will be looking into for sure. Thanks!
Fantastic Matt, something worth bearing in mind for me to get this year possibly, looks like a great all round tent, always love watching your videos mate. Big Tbird fan 😎
Thanks mate. It's a great tent, certainly built to last
I've seen these around on TH-cam, but have never watched any sort of in-depth review of them. Looks like a pretty good product!
Can't really go wrong with the Wingman. It's a bit heavier than some other camping kit, but no problem to carry on a motorbike. I love mine, and it looks pretty cool too.
I’ve changed my Pelican for Toucan and I’m not going back…Much more space for little bit more weight. Setting my one easily under 6 mins, which matters lot when it’s raining. Sits nicely on my bike and looks stunning! Got Wingman kitchen as well, nice skillet and works well. I’m also using Lone Rider Moto Tent of the other side of the scale, but mostly when camping with my missus. They’re both great for what they were made. Enjoy yor camping 🏍️💪
Thanks mate. Yea the Toucan is probably better for greater comfort. Wingman have kindly offered to send me their kitchen because of the review I did. Very kind of them! Really looking forward to trying it out.
Been looking at reviews for these tents for about a year now, but do have reservations about them, the weight! But I’ve yet to see a review in heavy rain, there’s very little room inside for clothes changing all I assume has to be done lying down! Putting it up in rain and keeping everything dry must be difficult? and doesn’t the canvas get even heavier??? If you took another sleeping bag and a duvet then not great in colder weather I guess. It is a lovely tent but I think I will stick to Airbnb 😂 but thanks for your review. If you’re at the Bristol Classic Bike Show on the Saturday I will buy you a coffee. 👍
I haven't used it in the rain much, just one night in Stuttgart, but I was on a campsite so I could do all i needed to do in the washroom and not the tent. Yea, the only downside is the small size - which is also one of it's selling points I suppose. Getting dressed inside the Wingman isn't going to be the most comfortable. One of the trade-offs. The canvas does have some kind of waterprooof wax finish, (feels like that anyway), and doesn't soak up any water. I didn't notice any change in weight when it had been raining anyway. It dried very quickly too, but I guess anything would when you are camping at the height of the summer!
I may actually be at the bike show next week, would be good to bump into each other.
I have been camping with my TBird with a lightweight tent which leaves room for my roll bag luggage. The wingman seems very bulky but if it has sleeping bag and mattress built in then perhaps not too bad. I know what you mean about the panic attacks - I had that once when in a hooded sleeping bag.
There's lighter options for sure, and probably more compact even with a separate sleeping bag and roll mat. The thing that attracted me first was how it looked and how rugged it was as I tend to break things! Having it strapped to the back of the bike provided a nice lower back rest too for the long miles. There are trade-offs but for what I've used it for it has been perfect. (other than the panic attack...)
I cant be arsed to mess about with poles so i bought a Slumit Cub 2 flash frame tent, up in 30 seconds, best tent i ever bought.
Sounds nice and practical. Not a bad price too
I worry about trapping water in it though if you happen to pack up camp in the rain
I do like the wing man but my problem with it would be when you have a bad rainy evening when you pitch ,is it bed early??at least with the bigger taller tent you can sit inside and read and eat in a bit of comfort, do you think the awning part could go high enough for you to sit underneath in a miniture came chair??it might be.Thanks for this review.
You do have a point there. I've not tried it in the rain properly apart from when I was in Stuttgart. I was on a camp site then though and sat in the bar. The awning could be fastened quite high I guess, enough room for a mini chair. When we were in Wales the other weekend it was early doors to bed because of the cold, I think it would be the same if it was raining too!
i love that design, i wish they would do something a little lighter for motorcycleing....
The weight thing was a consideration for me too, although, 10kgs for tent, sleeping bag and mattress isn't too bad, plus it provides a great back rest. Looks cool too!
@@thebristolthunderbird yeah i'll give you that, it does look really cool, its a nice setup for sure
@@thebristolthunderbird Thank you for your review. I have a question, if the sleeping bag and mattress were removed would the weight and size decrease drastically? This way it could be replaced by more compact and lighter options. The construction of this tent attracts me, but not the weight and its volume.
Sorry for the slow reply! I haven't actually tried it without the mattress and sleeping bag. Pretty sure it would make the roll a bit smaller. I'll give it a go next time.
@@thebristolthunderbird all good dude! lol
I've reached the age where I can't do the rolling-on-the-ground ritual any more to get my Jeans back on. I need something I can, as good as, stand in, but that doesn't keep body warmth in as well, as a smaller tent does, but if I was a few years younger..., then why not?
You sold it well here m8. I'm sure Wingman are proud of you for this, and give your Subbers, that want one, a good discount...,?
These small tents are not the most practical when it comes to getting dressed in the morning that'e for sure. Wingman have some pretty cool products so wouldn't mind trying out some of their other stuff too.
Shit I know where your coming from,sucks getting on,but at least we're still out there😅
@@derrickmurphy9859 yes mate!!
I am not looking forward to being that old. I am only 66 and had a nice 10 days camping trip to Harz using my 2.3 kg Macpac Macrolight tent, a light down mummy type sleeping bag and two thin air mattresses. I had plenty of rain every other day without any problems. Taking clothes on lying down is rather comfy.
Hmm, so you slept on an extra sleeping bag on top of the wingman sleeping bag and mattress, then slept under an extra duvet you brought with you? Considering the bulk of the wingman on its own, that's quite some size lump just for what is basically a one man shelter. Doesn't sound like the wingman mattresses and sleeping bag are up to much either. I've looked at loads of other reviews about the wingman. It's a nice idea and I want to think wow that really is what I need. But in reality, for me at least, it's more of a novelty. But each to his own.
I wouldn't say it's a winter tent, although it fares really well with condensation compared to my mates regular tent. The sleeping bag really isn't enough if it's cold. I don't think it was made to compete directly with lightweight kit, if you need lightweight then the Wingman isn't your thing for sure. But rugged, reliable as well as a bit cool looking...
Thanks for your reply. I hope you get many years of use and have more great adventures with your Wingman. Cheers.
Anyone here do BDRs in the US? I'm looking to get into them and need a sleeping system that I can live with. I was thinking this system might be a good solution/starting point but the weight really worries me. How is this going to do strapped to the back of an Adventure bike going down dirt roads/fire trails and double track? Will it be so heavy it bounces the back of the bike around? I'm a 'lighter' person at 5'7" and 150lbs (160ish with gear on) so I might could swing a few extra pounds for a solid sleeping system.
I'm really curious how small they pack down without the sleeping mat and bag. I have ultra light gear for that. I like the idea and look of the wingman but struggle to justify the size and weight.
That and the fact it's not a lot bigger than a bivi bag 😆
I've not actually tried the roll without the mattress and bag. It will be quite a bit smaller I think. I'll have a go.