Yes. All those. Carry some dehydrated hiker food. Doesn't weigh much. It's nice to have some meals as backup so you don't have to go shopping if you don't want to. Very handy this time last year when we stayed in the Everglades and it was 80 miles to a store.
You guys are great. Here is an idea on dishes. Backpackers often use a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water in a small spray bottle to clean dishes. Wipe all food particles off the dishes after eating and then spray and wipe them with the mix. This really reduces water use for this purpose.
@@TwoWheelsBigLife If you wipe the dishes before the food has time to dry on them then all that's necessary is to spray them with the vinegar solution and wipe dry. If you're not a dog lover this may gross you out but we let the dogs lick the dishes and then clean with the vinegar spray. Vinegar has been used as a disenfectant for many years and works quite well.
Hit the nail on the head on all points! I most especially dislike laundry, washing, dirt and yes the cold! Though I'm heading north soon so I can bypass the dreaded cold 🥶.
Spot on 👍 You two make me smile...21° here at Basecamp, 12° this morning. Wool is a great choice, I would suggest Silk liners. When I started mountaineering years ago wool was the go to. But for weight and functionality may I suggest: Patagonia base layers, Stoic, Outdoor Research , or Western Mountaineering. A great source for all of these products is Backcountry.com, they have excellent customer service and great pricing. I ordered the wrong size one time and on Christmas Eve they called me and sent out the right stuff. I'm still using some of the Patagonia clothing I climb with years ago. As well some of their newer gear. Any of the manufacturers I've suggested are excellent, and great to work with. The gear provides packability, warmth and excellent quality. Again thanks for all you share! Happy New Year, Ride loud and ride proud 🕉️😂🙏
@@TwoWheelsBigLife Awesome, I've been purchasing from them scene they started. Having climbed with the founder of Patagonia I was hesitant to go anywhere else. Then I found Backcountry ! Patagonia and Backcountry both are excellent ✔️ Again: Happy New Year 🕉️
Nicely done you two. Unfortunately I lost my wife of 36 years to cancer in 2019. So it's just me now. So camping ( I am ready for it) I haven't done yet. Motel 6 and I are good friends. For now.
Showers are available at truck stops on the highway, reasonable price and private. They sometimes have washers and dryer’s. Nice place to rest and have a meal.
Don't forget your most treasured asset on your journey. A big sense of humour. Easily lost along the way but vital in those challenging moments when all odds are against you. Love you both equally and you have my heart with you wherever you travel. Be safe together in 2021. ROD UK.
I suggest picking up a waterbandit with a short hose to get water from restroom sinks etc and a Sawyer filter. For Internet try Wilson electronics and Weboost Once you're 62 get a Golden age pass. Half off on all national camping It gets easier the longer you do it. (7+ years full time)
Most my motorcycle cycle camping is in the 7-10k ft yes I know cold and bears👍 . Great video do you guys take a luxury day ounce in awhile in a nice 4-5 star hotel and pamper yourselfs? I sure would if I was on the road for months at a time😊 Keep up the content🤝
I think another aspect might be the limitation of what you can bring. Our first attempt at camping was with a 40 sqm tent and a big SUV with a trailer in which you can stand (no RV trailer). This summer, we will dip our toes in motorcycle camping (our daughter will get her license, so not so big trips in the beginning). Now we are not TH-camrs, so no need for that equipment. But still, no big reclining chairs, no dining table, no up the ground airbed for my husband. We will have get used to those things, I think.
How awesome to be able to travel with your daughter. We put our 16 year old son on a motorcycle as soon as he got his license and did a 2400 mile trip with him. Years later he still talks about the motorcycle trips we took with him - creates lasting memories for them. Ride safe!
Wanting to go, just worried about a place to stay when I get there. When I traveled years ago I would pull over when tired or hungry, never reserved anything. Usually started on a Monday to avoid weekend traffic and visited places during the off season. This video gave me a different insight of what to expect, thank you.
I am not a biker, but I have been camping for close to seventy years You lose the most body heat through what you are laying on. The insulation in your sleeping bag compresses and loses its insulation value The solution is to use an insulated air mattress. There are several on the market that are used by back packers, and I would recommend the "Nemo Tensor" matress, it is 3 inches thick, weighs a little over a pound, packs small, has an R value of 3+, and is quiter than other insulated mattresses.
Thanks Dan! You are so right about sleeping on an insulated mattress. We actually have the REI Co-op Air Rail Plus. Since we sleep on cots this insulated mattress pad stops the cold air from seeping underneath us.
Every camping trip I used to make with my buddies on bikes was just beer and a sleeping bags. Now I see that adding other things makes it all so complicated.
More advice LOL, but when I get cold I just put the 2-burner Coleman stove inside the tent. Warms things up in no time. Putting water for coffee or hot choc can cause condensation inside the tent, but sure improves your comfort level and my teeth stop chattering. Maintain as much tent ventilation (unzip a door/window) as possible to cut down on condensation. After a time or two, you will figure out the best technique to stay warm and dry... ;-)
Did a 3 month trip of the west in a 20 foot travel trailer /toy hauler… food and water supply about a week…very comfortable with air and heat and a queen bed and a motorcycle to explore once we set up camp but mostly in NP campgrounds but did find some Boondocking sites.
I prefer much more minimalist adventure camping that avoids or minimizes many of these peoblems. Sometimes less is more. I did enjoy seeing you guys doung what you enjoy. I never wear shoes in the tent and that keeps out most of the dirt. Layely, I'm loving my Hennessy Hammock.
Love you guys, some somewhat helpful hints !! ( or tips) showers= when you are on interstates or major state highways, truckstops are great. You can purchase a shower at the big chains for approximately $12, the mom and pops, $7-$8. The big chains are cleaned very well. #2- have you looked at motorcycle campers? I've been looking lately and for under $4000 you can solve the ground thing as well as more storage, maybe less dirt. For you guys, it might be a better solution. Anyway, just a couple of thoughts. Oh, I'm a longtime biker who has slept on the ground for years and now a retired longhaul truck driver. Been from coast to coast on my bike since the early 70s.
Thanks Bruce. As a long haul trucker maybe you can answer this question. We've thought about showers at truckstops, but have heard that it upsets the truckers when others are hogging the showers since they need to shower and get back out on the road. So out of respect for those who are on a time schedule we've so far not used them, but I'd love to hear from someone who's been in that field for their advice. Thanks.
@@TwoWheelsBigLife there is some that feel that way , Love's truckstops are catering to all travelers. I've never had any issues when I'm traveling on my bike. I live off grid in South Carolina and use the Flying J near me from time to time to take one of them long hot showers with lots of pressure !! Nobody ever says anything. TA/Petro have the biggest showers and are very clean. You can get extra towels from the attendant and both be able to shower together. Check it out, you will see that for the most part very few truckers even care. Good luck and be safe !!.
All very good points. I use my large wet bag for laundry and a carry bucket to carry water for washing and dishes etc. but then I have to wait for drying so kinda eats up a day haha
It’s odd that you don’t like the same things that I don’t like here at the house. What a blessing to be out enjoying God”s country and its beauty. Be safe and blessed!
Actually we still do both - we love to get out and meet all kinds of awesome folks and we also like to catch up on others on TH-cam that we might never get the chance to meet.
New to your channel in the last 3 to 4 weeks been watching several videos I am impressed how you guys cope. I love that lifestyle no way would wifey do it long term one variation I would like to try is to pull camper with space on front/back for bikes or toy hauler then do day trips, best wishes to ya, and I am living vicariously through your videos haha
The only one I agree with 110% is #7..sleeping on the ground. The rest to me are just mild inconveniences at best. I ONLY camp in camp grounds...(no "stealth camping" that can be illegal & dangerous )with power if possible...if not I have solar generators / panels to keep items powered up..my phone and tablet. So, I dealt with #7..I pull a mini-mate camper with my trike.
What about a Leisure Lite Trailer Camper, Bunkhouse or something similar? And there is storage for more gear. It can be towed behind a bike, or small car. Collapsible 5 gallon water jugs, in addition to your plastic jug. With regards to Cell or Internet, there is Nomad Internet but they have some fee's. Some people have WeBoost, but you still need a signal. Some people have a portable HotSpot from one of the major carriers.
Have you had an experience with the collapsible 5 gallon jugs? What little we've heard is that they don't last long, but love the idea of being able to get extra water by using one in addition to our blue jug. Thanks
@@TwoWheelsBigLife No, but think it depends on the manufacturer and how you take care of it. Saw another tuber using several for boondocking. If I see it again, will send a link.
Get expeds the green ones and you'll sleep at night with a 1/4 of the weight. I think they call them canoe expeds. I've had mine since 2010 and they still work every time I use them.
Haha. I think my"bikepacking" searches on youtube brought me here. Think water is an issue on motorcycles, try bikepacking (pedal bike) around Nevada/Utah. Last time out I had to carry everything I needed (food, water, tent, clothes) for two days on my mountain bike. Was tons of fun, though. All the same, listening to you two carry on is a riot. "#7 sleeping on the ground...Muahahahaha" - that was hysterical. I hate sleeping on the ground.
Thanks! While traveling through Utah/Nevada we've passed many bicyclists going down the road. My hats off to those who can do that, especially in the heat. Ride safe!
Merino wool clothing is very good for layering..add or subtract layers as needed to control temperature. Can wear for weeks and no smell as tested by mountain climbers and skiers. Easy to hand wash. Comes in different weights. I put a super light merino t shirt on first...then a light long sleeve over that, some light weight mid layers, and top off with heavier zip up or zip neck merino sweater. For extreme cold add a super light 900 loft down jacket. On top of that if it's raining or wind add a goretex shell. Check out MoskoMoto they have a good layering system for bikers...waterproof over shells jacket and pants.. plus a really nice stylish insulated jacket/shirt with super light and most effective Angel Gel insulation
Hey Rich & Chris nice to see you guys in the sunshine ,their is one heck of a lot to consider. Will you be changing your bikes to adventure style for next year , I do envy you in that you have such a vast country to travel in so to an extent you can avoid the really bad weather in winter ie Florida or somewhere like that I am guessing . I hope you guys have a great year next year and look forward to seeing your next adventures ,one question have you got any regrets and how long will you do this adventure for will you at some time leave the United States say into Canada or even further afield ? .
Hi Malcolm. Regrets? Hmmmmm...Great questions. No regrets in leaving our sticks and bricks house and hitting the road. So glad we did it while we're young enough to physically be able to do this type of travel. We've made lots of mistakes while traveling and certainly learned from them, but I wouldn't call those mistakes either. As for how long, that depends on how long we continue to enjoy it and can afford it. We might have to stop sometime and do some workamping.
@@TwoWheelsBigLife I think mistakes are all part of the learning process I agree long may you guy's continue your doing what I would luv to do but only in summer in the UK .In fact I would cross into Europe I think ,my only issue is my commitments here a mainly family orientated and a wife that does not like bikes ha keep on keeping on guy's great to hear from you cheers : )
When I motorcycle camped in the Sierras, nearly every camp was a dry camp. I carried a 3 1/2 gallon, plastic jerry can. Empty, it weighed the same as a 1 quart canteen. After camp was set up, I would go get water. Did that daily. Part of the secret is to have a good sized cargo rack, and strong bungee and rope to secure the load. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying
There is no down side to camping, unless you don't like camping. But I'm sure if you are doing it full time, 24/7 then it can be tiring. ✌️😊. Happy camping.
All good points. None of which have dampened my love of motorcycle camping. As you said, the good outways the bad tenfold and more. Happy New Year and Cheers! Gordon. Kelowna, B.C., Canada Only 80 days until Spring!
We were at a State Park with no cell service. The Park ranger told us to leave the park. Look for the really tall single standing tree. Park there and you will have service. Sure enough we did. LOL❤️
You may like to look into heated jacket, pants, and gloves. (Like firstgear brand) They are thin like a windbreaker so don't take up much room when stored and should fit under your normal coat. You may still be cold as you pack up camp but, once you get plugged in and rolling you will be all toasty.
Good video. You are correct, camping can be rough. It is not all rainbows and unicorns! Really looking forward to see what direction you are going to take. Take Care
My idea of camping is after a full day of riding, meeting the driver in the 45' Provost, an hour in the hot tub soaking the considerable aches away, a gourmet meal more decadent than healthy by design, and finally settling in with an ice cold glass of Clamato juice. Everyone has a different style.
I love you are so honest! and Went through the "least liked" things and gave the workaround for each! Best couple out there! This is the goal! I just got my partner a Ryker! So we may start doing some more traveling in the weekends since I work full time in the office. Thank you for always sharing great content! Fellow Texans here!
First, what is "dispersed" camping? Second, surprised you didn't mention bathroom as one of the "things". I, for one, am not happy about getting behind a tree - I was in the Army so been there done that. Don't want to do it again.
Cold is no fun camping at two o'clock in the morning. Thanks for sharing your ten things you do not like! With solar why not a little fridge that you see so many people using where you do not need groceries every three days?
@@TwoWheelsBigLife The 12 v fridge seem to be around 30 lbs depending on which one you get! I am sure their are some lighter, but with ice weight, water weight and cooler weight you are probably already pushing 30 lbs.
Thanks for your video. I'm Shure that you have helped lots of folks. What I have found over the last 50 years or so of doing this is there's companies that are actually making equipment for motorcycle adventures. How cool is that. LoL. Well continue to enjoy your adventure. Please ride safe out there. I would also like to wish you a big Happy New Year.
What about money!? How adding the demand for money. What if you had to find work along your journey. I admire your abilities to create your new lifestyle with joy. You are either indefinitely self-supported or your internet buddies are supporting you. Expenses must be a daily issue to contend. Anyway, praise God for your tenacity and faith.
We're living on a small savings, but have no problem stopping and doing some workamping if need be. The best thing you can do for any of your favorite TH-cam channels is watch the ads instead of clicking thru them (I know it's tempting to push that skip ad button). That's one of the reasons we don't put mid-roll ads in our videos. But at no cost to you the TH-cam creator receives a small amount for the ad viewership.
I might suggest using a spray bottle with white vinegar to get dishes clean. Works great when i boondock for a month and saves your water supply and propane or butane. Cheers guys.
BIG AGNES! Their sleeping bag systems do not have insulation in the bottom. Instead they have a pocket to slide your air mattress. Whether it's a self inflating insulated or an air core you will not slide off. This is far better then sleeping bags that the insulation get compressed or moves out from under you. Couples, minimize your sleeping clothing and cuddle. Body heat shared is great fun to. Wet Ones, great for mid day cleaning or wiping down surfaces. Folks I know from previous videos that you "dislike" the cold. Clean bodies stay warmer then dirty ones. Hygiene helps the body adapt to conditions. You are in my prayers. Hoka Hey
The tarp under helps a lot as well as keeps rocks from damaging the tent floor. I always have camp shows that are fly bottom sandals or work athletic shoes. Hiking boots are the worst for bringing in dirt
Hi guys, best wishes for the Holiday season. Hope this finds you safe, dry and in good spirits. Watching this video I think you make living on the road easy but after listening I am amazed at the number of things you have to plan where the rest of us take for granted. Cheers Dave👍
Thanks Dave! We took a lot for granted as well - it's so easy to do from a house. We try to address all this from a spirit of adventure and challenge, otherwise it could get you down. Wishing you and yours a Happy New Year!
Glad you have shared this information. Please show us some of the gear that you will use to address these issues. What will you use for heat? What will you change in your clothing? Will you address getting water differently? Do you plan to store food or make any changes? Hope you plan and address these issues and share them with us? I’m especially curious about heating source you will use. Take care of yourself. Thanks!!!!
Thank you for this video, and your honesty in doing it. I wish you guys all the best. I pray the good Lord to watch over you. After camping with the Army for 24 years, I think I'll stick with long distance motorcycling part time, and cheap motels. lol
We are that you have a yeti soft side cooler. How is that working out for you guys? We have spent so much money on coolers and have been very disappointed! Would love your opinion on how well this works for you guy! Love your channel!!!! We just found you a couple of weeks ago! ❤️
Love you guys, breath of truthful air. In my view your positive attitudes and appreciative non negative outlook on life works in your favor to enrich your experiences rather that drag you down. Keeper going. Fyi ..I built a remote retirement home, and yes my solar shower was a God send and very much appreciated at the end of the long strenuous day. Thankful.
I camped hundreds of days & nights earlier in my life and my wife is reassured when I tell her there is no way I would do what you are doing. (Your channel makes me think you had not done enough camping prior to your trip - that it still held some romance for you.) Your list is spot on for the downsides of camping and I'm here to tell you that aside from better planning, none of those downsides are going to change appreciably the way you are doing it. Not to be a Debbie Downer, but the only way to eliminate some of those issues is by getting a small, truck bed camper (or similar solution) and trailering the bikes to your basecamps. I emphasize "small camper" because I appreciate and love the minimalism of motorcycle touring almost as much as you do. As you've learned, moto tent camping is time and effort intensive with many inconveniences that cannot be eliminated, only moderated. Having a "base vehicle" such as a pickup with a pickup bed camper solves most of the issues you identified while still allowing you to enjoy riding the best roads and byways on the bikes. True, it's not cheap but how many more trips to the grocery store per week do you want to do, how many more gallons of water do you want to carry, and how many more mornings do you want to wake up truly cold? ADV bikes will only solve one of your issues and that will come at the expense of having tall, heavy bikes instead of what you ride now. I'm not advocating a 35ft toy hauler and a 3500 series HD diesel powered tow vehicle. Keep it as small as you can and you'll get more enjoyment out of your odyssey. My $0.02. YMMV.
Love your $0.02! When we sold our house in 2020, we didn't know what our next step was going to be - RV/Truck camper/tiny house. So instead of spending money on something we might, in the end, not like we went out with what we had in the garage - our 2 bikes & the trailer. Our goal was to see how others were traveling on the road and glean from them. We thought we'd be in a hard side something by the end of summer, but found that, even though there are struggles, we were actually loving what we were doing and weren't ready to stop just yet. We're going to continue with this type of travel and see where we are in the fall of 2021 - you just never know.
@@TwoWheelsBigLife: It's a learning experience for everyone. You certainly saved some money and you always have the option of "moving up". One thing that will improve your camping experience is putting 1-2 weeks of margin between you and seasonal weather changes. It's always better to endure a little extra warm weather than get caught out. I rode Beartooth Pass 9/2/20. It initially closed on 9/7. I think you barely squeezed in before it closed permanently for the season. But you can ride it again in 2021 on your way back from Alaska. (See what I did there?)
Tongue in cheek tip re laundry. Normal pants on day one, turn them inside out on day two, back to front on day three, reverse on day four. Wear peg on nose or stay in a one man tent away from other humans. Spend a fortune on de-odorant and wet wipes!!! JB
Indeed, thank you for this outstanding primer for those thinking of having the most fun with their lives. You are especially right on what I think is the primary advantage of the big ADV bikes: negotiating unimproved or otherwise sketchy roads in search of tasty remote campsites. The last few years I've been on either a Buell Ulysses with 80/20'sh tires, or a KLR 650. But that was with my two son's and my brother. Now that my vertically challenged wife is sharing in the fun on her similarly challenged Sportster 1200T, I'll be rocking the Dyna. So, yeah, just off the pavement for this year!
I was thinking of a cot, but I'm afraid the cot will rip through my backpacking tent. Also the size because I don't pull a trailer and they seem pretty big and heavy. Do you have any advice?
Check out the Helinox Lite Cots - they're on the pricey side, but very light weight and highly durable. Makes for a great night's sleep. Have never had an issue of them damaging the floor of our tent. Here's a link if you're interested.twowheelsbiglife.com/collections/camping-items/products/helinox-lite-cot-ultra-light-compact-collapsible-portable-camping-cot
You two still make me smile. Nothing on you list that I havent gone through while motorcycle camping but it never stopped me from going again the following year. One time many years ago my riding buddy and I (was still living in Calif at the time) we riding up Sonora Pass planning on camping at Kennedy Meadows which we had done many times. This was in August. Camp ground full so we headed up Sonora Pass till we got to Chipmunk Flats. I just put my bag/mattress on a tarp and went to sleep using my leather jacket for a pillow. Cold cold night. Woke up with frost on each side of my head on my jacket! Did that stop me from doing it again? Nope. Loved the adventure...
The Harley is probably more capable of pulling a bigger trailer! Wouldn't there be some kind of trailer! Smaller of course that could be just dedicated to food and clothing! That your wife's bike could pull? That way you could have a week before you have to wash clothes or go grocery shopping? As far as cooking! When I camp I have a larger dutch oven and a smaller dutch oven! And paper plates! I do need metal utensils! Once I'm done eatting I put my dutch oven in the fire coals with water inside. Put the lid on. Let it boil! Pull the lid off and add soap then lightly rinse. Lay it upside down on a picnic table to dry.
Excellent video
2.0 or 4.0 base layer under clothes. Works wonderful.
Thanks we’ll check them out
Love it 😍
Actually, I think this is one of your best. Thank you!
Yes. All those. Carry some dehydrated hiker food. Doesn't weigh much. It's nice to have some meals as backup so you don't have to go shopping if you don't want to. Very handy this time last year when we stayed in the Everglades and it was 80 miles to a store.
Great advice! Thanks! Haven't tried dehydrated food yet, but might be nice in a pinch.
You guys are great. Here is an idea on dishes. Backpackers often use a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water in a small spray bottle to clean dishes. Wipe all food particles off the dishes after eating and then spray and wipe them with the mix. This really reduces water use for this purpose.
Thanks! I'm going to use this idea for sure - it's going to be a game changer in areas where water is limited.
@@TwoWheelsBigLife We do a lot of cargo trailer camping and backpacking and we never "wash" dishes.
Would love to hear how you do that - I'd love to not have to use so much water.
@@TwoWheelsBigLife If you wipe the dishes before the food has time to dry on them then all that's necessary is to spray them with the vinegar solution and wipe dry. If you're not a dog lover this may gross you out but we let the dogs lick the dishes and then clean with the vinegar spray. Vinegar has been used as a disenfectant for many years and works quite well.
One problem with a tarp larger than the footprint of your tent is that it allows rain to get under your floor. I use a separate tarp for the entry.
Great information - thanks so much for sharing.
You're both fortunate that you found someone that enjoys riding and camping.
You got that right!
Thank you
You’re welcome. Cheers !!
Hit the nail on the head on all points! I most especially dislike laundry, washing, dirt and yes the cold! Though I'm heading north soon so I can bypass the dreaded cold 🥶.
Spot on 👍 You two make me smile...21° here at Basecamp, 12° this morning. Wool is a great choice, I would suggest Silk liners. When I started mountaineering years ago wool was the go to. But for weight and functionality may I suggest: Patagonia base layers, Stoic, Outdoor Research , or Western Mountaineering. A great source for all of these products is Backcountry.com, they have excellent customer service and great pricing. I ordered the wrong size one time and on Christmas Eve they called me and sent out the right stuff.
I'm still using some of the Patagonia clothing I climb with years ago. As well some of their newer gear. Any of the manufacturers I've suggested are excellent, and great to work with. The gear provides packability, warmth and excellent quality. Again thanks for all you share!
Happy New Year, Ride loud and ride proud 🕉️😂🙏
Thanks David! We'll be checking out Backcountry!
@@TwoWheelsBigLife Awesome, I've been purchasing from them scene they started. Having climbed with the founder of Patagonia I was hesitant to go anywhere else. Then I found Backcountry !
Patagonia and Backcountry both are excellent ✔️ Again: Happy New Year 🕉️
🙏 Namaste 🙏
Love it guys. You have admirable married chemistry and great insights. Good stuff.
Thank you for sharing this
You’re welcome. Thanks.
good info thanx
Glad it was helpful!
Nicely done you two. Unfortunately I lost my wife of 36 years to cancer in 2019. So it's just me now. So camping ( I am ready for it) I haven't done yet. Motel 6 and I are good friends. For now.
Thanks Robert
Showers are available at truck stops on the highway, reasonable price and private. They sometimes have washers and dryer’s. Nice place to rest and have a meal.
Thanks for that information - didn't know there might even be washers and dryers. Good to know.
Happy New Year
Same to you
Don't forget your most treasured asset on your journey. A big sense of humour. Easily lost along the way but vital in those challenging moments when all odds are against you. Love you both equally and you have my heart with you wherever you travel. Be safe together in 2021. ROD UK.
You are so right, Rod. Everything, even the rough spots seem better when viewed through a sense of humor and grace.
My husband and I have always wanted to do this on our bikes. I just find it difficult to be away from my boys and grandkids that long.
I suggest picking up a waterbandit with a short hose to get water from restroom sinks etc and a Sawyer filter.
For Internet try Wilson electronics and Weboost
Once you're 62 get a Golden age pass. Half off on all national camping
It gets easier the longer you do it. (7+ years full time)
Thats awesome Bob Thanks for the tips
Most my motorcycle cycle camping is in the 7-10k ft yes I know cold and bears👍 . Great video do you guys take a luxury day ounce in awhile in a nice 4-5 star hotel and pamper yourselfs? I sure would if I was on the road for months at a time😊 Keep up the content🤝
We do. I used to travel for work so I have a lot of points at Hilton. So occasionally we use a day or two. Only about 4 times last summer.
In the future you may find yourselves towing smaller bikes behind a small but gloriously spacious and convenient rv. Home Sweet Home! Happy Travels!
Someday - it's just too much fun traveling like we're doing right now.
I think another aspect might be the limitation of what you can bring. Our first attempt at camping was with a 40 sqm tent and a big SUV with a trailer in which you can stand (no RV trailer). This summer, we will dip our toes in motorcycle camping (our daughter will get her license, so not so big trips in the beginning). Now we are not TH-camrs, so no need for that equipment. But still, no big reclining chairs, no dining table, no up the ground airbed for my husband. We will have get used to those things, I think.
How awesome to be able to travel with your daughter. We put our 16 year old son on a motorcycle as soon as he got his license and did a 2400 mile trip with him. Years later he still talks about the motorcycle trips we took with him - creates lasting memories for them. Ride safe!
Wanting to go, just worried about a place to stay when I get there. When I traveled years ago I would pull over when tired or hungry, never reserved anything. Usually started on a Monday to avoid weekend traffic and visited places during the off season. This video gave me a different insight of what to expect, thank you.
Awesome glad it helped
I am not a biker, but I have been camping for close to seventy years You lose the most body heat through what you are laying on. The insulation in your sleeping bag compresses and loses its insulation value The solution is to use an insulated air mattress. There are several on the market that are used by back packers, and I would recommend the "Nemo Tensor" matress, it is 3 inches thick, weighs a little over a pound, packs small, has an R value of 3+, and is quiter than other insulated mattresses.
Thanks Dan! You are so right about sleeping on an insulated mattress. We actually have the REI Co-op Air Rail Plus. Since we sleep on cots this insulated mattress pad stops the cold air from seeping underneath us.
Excellent description of camping on a motorcycle , I’m now thinking I’m not cut out for camping, I love my convenience too much.❤️🦘🦘🦘
Every camping trip I used to make with my buddies on bikes was just beer and a sleeping bags. Now I see that adding other things makes it all so complicated.
More advice LOL, but when I get cold I just put the 2-burner Coleman stove inside the tent. Warms things up in no time. Putting water for coffee or hot choc can cause condensation inside the tent, but sure improves your comfort level and my teeth stop chattering. Maintain as much tent ventilation (unzip a door/window) as possible to cut down on condensation. After a time or two, you will figure out the best technique to stay warm and dry... ;-)
Thanks Charlie! That's is a great idea and something we'll put to good use.
Did a 3 month trip of the west in a 20 foot travel trailer /toy hauler… food and water supply about a week…very comfortable with air and heat and a queen bed and a motorcycle to explore once we set up camp but mostly in NP campgrounds but did find some Boondocking sites.
If and WHEN he gets on board we will definitely get a small camper or for sure fix the pop up one we've had since 1977.
I prefer much more minimalist adventure camping that avoids or minimizes many of these peoblems. Sometimes less is more. I did enjoy seeing you guys doung what you enjoy.
I never wear shoes in the tent and that keeps out most of the dirt. Layely, I'm loving my Hennessy Hammock.
Good advice. Cheers
Love you guys, some somewhat helpful hints !! ( or tips) showers= when you are on interstates or major state highways, truckstops are great. You can purchase a shower at the big chains for approximately $12, the mom and pops, $7-$8. The big chains are cleaned very well. #2- have you looked at motorcycle campers? I've been looking lately and for under $4000 you can solve the ground thing as well as more storage, maybe less dirt. For you guys, it might be a better solution. Anyway, just a couple of thoughts. Oh, I'm a longtime biker who has slept on the ground for years and now a retired longhaul truck driver. Been from coast to coast on my bike since the early 70s.
Thanks Bruce. As a long haul trucker maybe you can answer this question. We've thought about showers at truckstops, but have heard that it upsets the truckers when others are hogging the showers since they need to shower and get back out on the road. So out of respect for those who are on a time schedule we've so far not used them, but I'd love to hear from someone who's been in that field for their advice. Thanks.
@@TwoWheelsBigLife there is some that feel that way , Love's truckstops are catering to all travelers. I've never had any issues when I'm traveling on my bike. I live off grid in South Carolina and use the Flying J near me from time to time to take one of them long hot showers with lots of pressure !! Nobody ever says anything. TA/Petro have the biggest showers and are very clean. You can get extra towels from the attendant and both be able to shower together. Check it out, you will see that for the most part very few truckers even care. Good luck and be safe !!.
All very good points. I use my large wet bag for laundry and a carry bucket to carry water for washing and dishes etc. but then I have to wait for drying so kinda eats up a day haha
I travel solo and thought my two person tent was extravagant, but I think I want a monster igloo like you guys have.
It’s odd that you don’t like the same things that I don’t like here at the house. What a blessing to be out enjoying God”s country and its beauty. Be safe and blessed!
So true!
Have you looked at Nomad internet? Nomadic Fanatic is punting it like crazy.
Thanks Lars. No we haven't heard of this before, but will be checking it out.
That was a good topic. You are actually living life, rather watching your television and watching someone acting out a life. Thanks for sharing.
Actually we still do both - we love to get out and meet all kinds of awesome folks and we also like to catch up on others on TH-cam that we might never get the chance to meet.
New to your channel in the last 3 to 4 weeks been watching several videos I am impressed how you guys cope. I love that lifestyle no way would wifey do it long term one variation I would like to try is to pull camper with space on
front/back for bikes or toy hauler then do day trips, best wishes to ya, and I am living vicariously through your videos haha
Thanks Paul
The only one I agree with 110% is #7..sleeping on the ground. The rest to me are just mild inconveniences at best. I ONLY camp in camp grounds...(no "stealth camping" that can be illegal & dangerous )with power if possible...if not I have solar generators / panels to keep items powered up..my phone and tablet. So, I dealt with #7..I pull a mini-mate camper with my trike.
Thanks Martin! Yes, a min-mate would make camping so much easier. Glad you're enjoying it.
What about a Leisure Lite Trailer Camper, Bunkhouse or something similar? And there is storage for more gear.
It can be towed behind a bike, or small car.
Collapsible 5 gallon water jugs, in addition to your plastic jug.
With regards to Cell or Internet, there is Nomad Internet but they have some fee's.
Some people have WeBoost, but you still need a signal.
Some people have a portable HotSpot from one of the major carriers.
Have you had an experience with the collapsible 5 gallon jugs? What little we've heard is that they don't last long, but love the idea of being able to get extra water by using one in addition to our blue jug. Thanks
@@TwoWheelsBigLife No, but think it depends on the manufacturer and how you take care of it. Saw another tuber using several for boondocking. If I see it again, will send a link.
@@TwoWheelsBigLife located the video from "RV with Tito DIY", he recommended a product from SmartBottle.
smartbottleinc.com/product/5-3-gallon/
Get expeds the green ones and you'll sleep at night with a 1/4 of the weight. I think they call them canoe expeds. I've had mine since 2010 and they still work every time I use them.
Haha. I think my"bikepacking" searches on youtube brought me here. Think water is an issue on motorcycles, try bikepacking (pedal bike) around Nevada/Utah. Last time out I had to carry everything I needed (food, water, tent, clothes) for two days on my mountain bike. Was tons of fun, though. All the same, listening to you two carry on is a riot. "#7 sleeping on the ground...Muahahahaha" - that was hysterical. I hate sleeping on the ground.
Thanks! While traveling through Utah/Nevada we've passed many bicyclists going down the road. My hats off to those who can do that, especially in the heat. Ride safe!
Just love u 2 💐💐🥰🥰💐💐🥰🥰💐💐🥰🥰
You are so kind
Merino wool clothing is very good for layering..add or subtract layers as needed to control temperature. Can wear for weeks and no smell as tested by mountain climbers and skiers. Easy to hand wash. Comes in different weights. I put a super light merino t shirt on first...then a light long sleeve over that, some light weight mid layers, and top off with heavier zip up or zip neck merino sweater. For extreme cold add a super light 900 loft down jacket. On top of that if it's raining or wind add a goretex shell. Check out MoskoMoto they have a good layering system for bikers...waterproof over shells jacket and pants.. plus a really nice stylish insulated jacket/shirt with super light and most effective Angel Gel insulation
Thanks Carl. We'll check out the MoskoMoto information - might be a game changer.
Love your videos. We motorcycle camp in a Aspen Classic motorcycle trailer. It sets up in three minutes, and has lots of storage.😀
I like those Aspens and the Bunkhouse campers.
Two solutions for the cold: (1) merino wool underwear, socks, and hat. And (2) goose down.
Courtesy of Half Vast Flying
I can see Rich now stand halfway up a rock face saying “Chris can you hear me now?”
Hey Rich & Chris nice to see you guys in the sunshine ,their is one heck of a lot to consider. Will you be changing your bikes to adventure style for next year , I do envy you in that you have such a vast country to travel in so to an extent you can avoid the really bad weather in winter ie Florida or somewhere like that I am guessing . I hope you guys have a great year next year and look forward to seeing your next adventures ,one question have you got any regrets and how long will you do this adventure for will you at some time leave the United States say into Canada or even further afield ? .
Hi Malcolm. Regrets? Hmmmmm...Great questions. No regrets in leaving our sticks and bricks house and hitting the road. So glad we did it while we're young enough to physically be able to do this type of travel. We've made lots of mistakes while traveling and certainly learned from them, but I wouldn't call those mistakes either. As for how long, that depends on how long we continue to enjoy it and can afford it. We might have to stop sometime and do some workamping.
@@TwoWheelsBigLife I think mistakes are all part of the learning process I agree long may you guy's continue your doing what I would luv to do but only in summer in the UK .In fact I would cross into Europe I think ,my only issue is my commitments here a mainly family orientated and a wife that does not like bikes ha keep on keeping on guy's great to hear from you cheers : )
2021 is not going to be any different making our reservations for our TT, finding alot of places full already
I think you are correct, we'll see how it goes.
What a life you live, what an adventure you are on. Not for everyone. Safe travels. So many roads, so little time. 👍🇺🇸
You got that right!
What is boondocking?
Free camping with no amenities
Happy New Year Rich and Chris!!
Same to you!
When I motorcycle camped in the Sierras, nearly every camp was a dry camp. I carried a 3 1/2 gallon, plastic jerry can. Empty, it weighed the same as a 1 quart canteen. After camp was set up, I would go get water. Did that daily. Part of the secret is to have a good sized cargo rack, and strong bungee and rope to secure the load.
Courtesy of Half Vast Flying
Thanks guys. Enjoyed the video.
Glad you enjoyed it
There is no down side to camping, unless you don't like camping. But I'm sure if you are doing it full time, 24/7 then it can be tiring. ✌️😊.
Happy camping.
All good points. None of which have dampened my love of motorcycle camping. As you said, the good outways the bad tenfold and more. Happy New Year and Cheers! Gordon. Kelowna, B.C., Canada Only 80 days until Spring!
Love that you're counting down to spring! Best time of year for riding. And yes, they don't dampen our love for camping either.
We were at a State Park with no cell service. The Park ranger told us to leave the park. Look for the really tall single standing tree. Park there and you will have service. Sure enough we did. LOL❤️
No issues with bathrooms or lack of them?
Not really - it can be inconvenient from time to time.
Thank you. Happy new year.
Same to you!
Using a small spray bottle, one with soap another without. Just spray, wipe and rinse !
You may like to look into heated jacket, pants, and gloves. (Like firstgear brand) They are thin like a windbreaker so don't take up much room when stored and should fit under your normal coat. You may still be cold as you pack up camp but, once you get plugged in and rolling you will be all toasty.
Thanks. We'll look into that
You guys are awesome! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching!
Good video. You are correct, camping can be rough. It is not all rainbows and unicorns! Really looking forward to see what direction you are going to take. Take Care
Thanks so much.
Love your videos to keep warm make a fire and take one of those big rocks and put it in your sleeping bag it will keep you warm for hours
Great tip!
My idea of camping is after a full day of riding, meeting the driver in the 45' Provost, an hour in the hot tub soaking the considerable aches away, a gourmet meal more decadent than healthy by design, and finally settling in with an ice cold glass of Clamato juice. Everyone has a different style.
I love you are so honest! and Went through the "least liked" things and gave the workaround for each! Best couple out there! This is the goal! I just got my partner a Ryker! So we may start doing some more traveling in the weekends since I work full time in the office. Thank you for always sharing great content! Fellow Texans here!
Thanks! Good luck on your weekend travels.
First, what is "dispersed" camping? Second, surprised you didn't mention bathroom as one of the "things". I, for one, am not happy about getting behind a tree - I was in the Army so been there done that. Don't want to do it again.
Dispersed is Off grid or free camping in BLM (Bureau of Land Management) or States Lands
Another excellent video. I hope you will share the many great things about your adventures in motocamping as well!!
We will! Thanks. I hope we get better at letting everyone know also. Thanks Leo.
Cold is no fun camping at two o'clock in the morning. Thanks for sharing your ten things you do not like! With solar why not a little fridge that you see so many people using where you do not need groceries every three days?
Thanks for the tips. I would love a small fridge, but am worried that the weight of it alone might be too much for motorcycle travel.
@@TwoWheelsBigLife The 12 v fridge seem to be around 30 lbs depending on which one you get! I am sure their are some lighter, but with ice weight, water weight and cooler weight you are probably already pushing 30 lbs.
Great information as always. Enjoyed
Great video and right suggestions,,, enjoy your camping and stay safe. Regards from Italy 😀
How did you handle issue with harley warranty about towing/hitch on bike???
I tent-camp two nights per year in the Summer, in separate places, and don't even like it then... I can't imagine every night for months on end.
Glad you still seem to be enjoying the new life. Have a great New Year from us in England...
Thanks, you too!
Wish my husband would get on board with doing this full time. But I still go with or without him😜
Thanks for your video. I'm Shure that you have helped lots of folks. What I have found over the last 50 years or so of doing this is there's companies that are actually making equipment for motorcycle adventures. How cool is that. LoL. Well continue to enjoy your adventure. Please ride safe out there.
I would also like to wish you a big Happy New Year.
Thanks Billy! Happy New Year to you as well.
I have moto camped for many years. I just got a Leasure lite excel camper for the bike. That’s my next moto adventures😉
Would love to hear your thoughts on the Leasure Lite camper.
Like minded ppl. Awesome! A man should be so lucky. Live for me.
The thing my wife hates most about camping is camping. Lol. We we travel, we need the motel 6 frequent lodging rewards.
What about money!? How adding the demand for money. What if you had to find work along your journey. I admire your abilities to create your new lifestyle with joy. You are either indefinitely self-supported or your internet buddies are supporting you. Expenses must be a daily issue to contend. Anyway, praise God for your tenacity and faith.
We're living on a small savings, but have no problem stopping and doing some workamping if need be. The best thing you can do for any of your favorite TH-cam channels is watch the ads instead of clicking thru them (I know it's tempting to push that skip ad button). That's one of the reasons we don't put mid-roll ads in our videos. But at no cost to you the TH-cam creator receives a small amount for the ad viewership.
I might suggest using a spray bottle with white vinegar to get dishes clean. Works great when i boondock for a month and saves your water supply and propane or butane. Cheers guys.
Great tip! I'm going to use this one!!!
BIG AGNES! Their sleeping bag systems do not have insulation in the bottom. Instead they have a pocket to slide your air mattress. Whether it's a self inflating insulated or an air core you will not slide off. This is far better then sleeping bags that the insulation get compressed or moves out from under you. Couples, minimize your sleeping clothing and cuddle. Body heat shared is great fun to.
Wet Ones, great for mid day cleaning or wiping down surfaces.
Folks I know from previous videos that you "dislike" the cold. Clean bodies stay warmer then dirty ones. Hygiene helps the body adapt to conditions.
You are in my prayers.
Hoka Hey
The tarp under helps a lot as well as keeps rocks from damaging the tent floor. I always have camp shows that are fly bottom sandals or work athletic shoes. Hiking boots are the worst for bringing in dirt
So true on the hiking boots tracking in everything. Thanks.
Hi guys, best wishes for the Holiday season. Hope this finds you safe, dry and in good spirits. Watching this video I think you make living on the road easy but after listening I am amazed at the number of things you have to plan where the rest of us take for granted. Cheers Dave👍
Thanks Dave! We took a lot for granted as well - it's so easy to do from a house. We try to address all this from a spirit of adventure and challenge, otherwise it could get you down. Wishing you and yours a Happy New Year!
Glad you have shared this information. Please show us some of the gear that you will use to address these issues. What will you use for heat? What will you change in your clothing? Will you address getting water differently? Do you plan to store food or make any changes? Hope you plan and address these issues and share them with us? I’m especially curious about heating source you will use. Take care of yourself. Thanks!!!!
Great questions. We'll try to address them soon.
And overcoming those challenges builds confidence. Go team!!!
Yes, it's great to challenge yourself and see how much you grow and discover.
i wear flannel lined jeans in cold weather when i ride .
Great idea - Thanks.
Interesting video thanks for sharing and happy new year to the both of you
Same to you!
Booster would be the thing to have in our every day lives! There are times on a well traveled road that I lose service!
Y wish you a Happy new Year 2021 and Good luck 🤗😊😚
Same to you!
Thank you for this video, and your honesty in doing it. I wish you guys all the best. I pray the good Lord to watch over you. After camping with the Army for 24 years, I think I'll stick with long distance motorcycling part time, and cheap motels. lol
We totally understand!
We are that you have a yeti soft side cooler. How is that working out for you guys? We have spent so much money on coolers and have been very disappointed! Would love your opinion on how well this works for you guy! Love your channel!!!! We just found you a couple of weeks ago! ❤️
Love you guys, breath of truthful air. In my view your positive attitudes and appreciative non negative outlook on life works in your favor to enrich your experiences rather that drag you down. Keeper going. Fyi ..I built a remote retirement home, and yes my solar shower was a God send and very much appreciated at the end of the long strenuous day. Thankful.
Thanks Jeff! We've found that negativity doesn't get us anywhere and just makes a somewhat difficult situation even harder.
I camped hundreds of days & nights earlier in my life and my wife is reassured when I tell her there is no way I would do what you are doing. (Your channel makes me think you had not done enough camping prior to your trip - that it still held some romance for you.) Your list is spot on for the downsides of camping and I'm here to tell you that aside from better planning, none of those downsides are going to change appreciably the way you are doing it. Not to be a Debbie Downer, but the only way to eliminate some of those issues is by getting a small, truck bed camper (or similar solution) and trailering the bikes to your basecamps. I emphasize "small camper" because I appreciate and love the minimalism of motorcycle touring almost as much as you do. As you've learned, moto tent camping is time and effort intensive with many inconveniences that cannot be eliminated, only moderated. Having a "base vehicle" such as a pickup with a pickup bed camper solves most of the issues you identified while still allowing you to enjoy riding the best roads and byways on the bikes. True, it's not cheap but how many more trips to the grocery store per week do you want to do, how many more gallons of water do you want to carry, and how many more mornings do you want to wake up truly cold? ADV bikes will only solve one of your issues and that will come at the expense of having tall, heavy bikes instead of what you ride now. I'm not advocating a 35ft toy hauler and a 3500 series HD diesel powered tow vehicle. Keep it as small as you can and you'll get more enjoyment out of your odyssey. My $0.02. YMMV.
Love your $0.02! When we sold our house in 2020, we didn't know what our next step was going to be - RV/Truck camper/tiny house. So instead of spending money on something we might, in the end, not like we went out with what we had in the garage - our 2 bikes & the trailer. Our goal was to see how others were traveling on the road and glean from them. We thought we'd be in a hard side something by the end of summer, but found that, even though there are struggles, we were actually loving what we were doing and weren't ready to stop just yet. We're going to continue with this type of travel and see where we are in the fall of 2021 - you just never know.
@@TwoWheelsBigLife: It's a learning experience for everyone. You certainly saved some money and you always have the option of "moving up". One thing that will improve your camping experience is putting 1-2 weeks of margin between you and seasonal weather changes. It's always better to endure a little extra warm weather than get caught out. I rode Beartooth Pass 9/2/20. It initially closed on 9/7. I think you barely squeezed in before it closed permanently for the season. But you can ride it again in 2021 on your way back from Alaska. (See what I did there?)
Oh yes!!! Alaska! On our bucket list for sure. A bit skittish on whether the HD is up for that type of trip though.
Tongue in cheek tip re laundry. Normal pants on day one, turn them inside out on day two, back to front on day three, reverse on day four. Wear peg on nose or stay in a one man tent away from other humans. Spend a fortune on de-odorant and wet wipes!!! JB
So true on the wet wipes! Love your advise on the pants! Thanks.
Indeed, thank you for this outstanding primer for those thinking of having the most fun with their lives. You are especially right on what I think is the primary advantage of the big ADV bikes: negotiating unimproved or otherwise sketchy roads in search of tasty remote campsites. The last few years I've been on either a Buell Ulysses with 80/20'sh tires, or a KLR 650. But that was with my two son's and my brother. Now that my vertically challenged wife is sharing in the fun on her similarly challenged Sportster 1200T, I'll be rocking the Dyna. So, yeah, just off the pavement for this year!
Awesome!!! I'll bet your vertically challenged wife is just rocking it! Stay safe out there and enjoy your travels.
I was thinking of a cot, but I'm afraid the cot will rip through my backpacking tent. Also the size because I don't pull a trailer and they seem pretty big and heavy. Do you have any advice?
Check out the Helinox Lite Cots - they're on the pricey side, but very light weight and highly durable. Makes for a great night's sleep. Have never had an issue of them damaging the floor of our tent.
Here's a link if you're interested.twowheelsbiglife.com/collections/camping-items/products/helinox-lite-cot-ultra-light-compact-collapsible-portable-camping-cot
Very interested in hearing about the cell phone/internet booster .. Happy New Year!!
Coming soon!
You two still make me smile. Nothing on you list that I havent gone through while motorcycle camping but it never stopped me from going again the following year. One time many years ago my riding buddy and I (was still living in Calif at the time) we riding up Sonora Pass planning on camping at Kennedy Meadows which we had done many times. This was in August. Camp ground full so we headed up Sonora Pass till we got to Chipmunk Flats. I just put my bag/mattress on a tarp and went to sleep using my leather jacket for a pillow. Cold cold night. Woke up with frost on each side of my head on my jacket! Did that stop me from doing it again? Nope. Loved the adventure...
So true. It's all in the perspective. If you love what you're doing, then things don't seem as bad.
The Harley is probably more capable of pulling a bigger trailer! Wouldn't there be some kind of trailer! Smaller of course that could be just dedicated to food and clothing! That your wife's bike could pull? That way you could have a week before you have to wash clothes or go grocery shopping? As far as cooking! When I camp I have a larger dutch oven and a smaller dutch oven! And paper plates! I do need metal utensils! Once I'm done eatting I put my dutch oven in the fire coals with water inside. Put the lid on. Let it boil! Pull the lid off and add soap then lightly rinse. Lay it upside down on a picnic table to dry.