Here's a link to the full best value motorcycle camping gear kit: motocampnerd.com/products/best-value-moto-camping-essentials-40-f-kit?ref=dork You can also check out each item on motocampnerd.com! (affiliate links) Alps Mountaineering Helix 2 Person Tent: motocampnerd.com/products/alps-mountaineering-helix-2-person-tent?ref=dork Helix 2 Footprint: motocampnerd.com/products/alps-mountaineering-helix-2-footprint?ref=dork Big Agnes Echo Park 20 Sleeping Bag: motocampnerd.com/products/big-agnes-echo-park-20?ref=dork Big Agnes Divide Insulated Sleeping Pad: motocampnerd.com/products/big-agnes-divide-insulated?ref=dork Nemo Fillo Camping Pillow: motocampnerd.com/products/nemo-fillo-camping-pillow?ref=dork Jetboil Flash w/Java Kit: motocampnerd.com/products/jetboil-flash-java-kit?ref=dork
Sitting by the fire relaxing. Couple drinks. Couple steaks. You’re feeling tired. I lay you down. I massage your buns. I position you just right. I slide my hotdog in them buns. I add my mayo. U sleep good.
I am a ultra light Backpacker and a dual sport rider, I have learned not to use stuff sacks, I prefer to stuff my saddlebags, I feel I can get more in them.
I 2nd the Helix 2 tent! I went 82 days, 11,209 miles in the summer of 2022 on my 13 Suzuki M50 camping the whole way, and it held up like a champ! Wind, downpours, etc. Used it this winter at 4 degrees as well!
Great video. After decades of carting around a big heavy Coleman sleeping bag and Walmart air mattress a couple years ago, I finally gave in and got a down sleeping bag and an insulated sleeping pad. What a difference! At 6'4" 270lbs most mummy bags were a no go. I found a mummy bag designed for hammock camping. It is very roomy for my above average frame. I wish I thought "buy once, cry once" about 30 years ago. I did spend the bucks for a Eureka quality tent back in the day and it is still going strong.
I'm a former thru hiker of the A.T. and have hiked on multiple continents, I can attest to the quality of the Big Agnes sleep system and the JetBoil cook system. I use a more expensive but smaller packing size and lighter for hiking. The ones you showed here are great for camping especially since you don't have to carry it on your back every day.
I'm surprised the Alps Felis 2 didn't make it on as your tent - it's another Moto Camp Nerd distribution coming in at about the same weight, $200, and packing into a 13x6 tube. Can't wait to get out with mine this summer on the WABDR.
Your absolutely right on this Dork. Started moto camping 3 years ago and have 3 tents, 3 pads and two cook systems. Each trip seems like a new learning opportunity for what and how I pack!
I have an echo park 20. when packing it down, I skip that green bag and take a compression bag from an older sleeping bag for it. Makes things a bit smaller for transport. Of course, I always store it in the giant laundry bag size bag to keep it lofted. great video. quick and easy.
I'm big on buying quality gear at a good price vs buying cheap crap over and over. I can't affor the Lambo but I can't afford to buy beaters every year either. Thanks for the ideas!
I have a Eureka Midori 2 that's 11 years old. Used at least 2 or 3 times a year. A couple trips 10 to 18 days at a time. It was $280 at the time and I have used a can of silicon waterproofing on the seams twice. I don't use a sleeping bag anymore. Just a poncho liner and if it's cooler nights the alpaca blanket comes along. Having a kitchen kit like a jetboil or any small burner with a tall container to cook in is the only way to go. I don't require coffee, so the pockrocket is great. The bigger multi fuel burners are just messy.
Bravo excellent vid. We have echo park 20 and 40 and they rock. Purchased from MCN as well. We also have that exact Jetboil. Amazing how fast it gets to 212f.
In my opinion, when you're first starting, I can definitely understand not wanting to blow your load on a tent right away. But one place I would say is worth spending a little extra is on sleeping pad, pillow and bag. As long as the weather isnt crazy or your tent isnt leaking, sleeping comfortably is paramount to genuinely enjoying your trip. Nothing will discourage you quicker than a messed up night's sleep. We dont get too much craziness in weather, so I still have a $50 Academy tent. Keeps the bugs out and keeps me dry as long as there isnt a monsoon or something.
Great options. Though, I'd like to mention that it depends where you live and what season you intend to camp. Down here in the mid Atlantic and the Southern Appalachian mountains, unless you're going camping in the winter and/or decide to camp in the few (rare) higher elevation, the insulation rating for the sleeping pad and the temperature rating of your sleeping bag isn't too important. For the first 3 or 4 years, I only used a R2 or R3 pad and a 50° synthetic bag. I supplemented with a micro fleece liner for cooler nights. I've camped in mid 30's many times. As for the tents, I've used Nature hike tents for years: very waterproof, well built (comes with solid stakes and ground cloth), and well ventilated, and quite affordable. But since getting a better insulated Big Agnes pad and a 10° down sleeping bag, I have camped in the middle of winter with lows in the 20s in comfort.
Keep in mind that a lot has to do with the individual and bag setup as well. I've used R4 pads down into the 40s and wasn't cold, but I could feel coolness below me. And I'm a warm sleeper. The park series of bags that attach to the pad have no insulation between you and the pad so these are always advised to get an Insulated pad with. Most bag ratings are based on having a sleeping pad R value of 4 to 5. My general rule of thumb we tell customers is that if you're camping below 60 or don't know where you'll be, go Insulated, if you only ever camp in 60+ warm and dry weather, you can get away with non Insulated. For bag ratings, their comfort rating is usually 10+ above what they advertise. I've camped all over western NC mid summer and still ran into 35 and 40 degree nights and wished I had a better bag and pad. Just depends on everyone's individual situation.
Fun fact, insulation does not in fact need an air gap to be effective. Compressed fiberglass for example is the exact same r value as non compressed when equated for density and volume of the material itself. Insulation on the bottom of the sleeping bag works the same compressed or not based entirely off of the thermoconductivity of the material. Air gaps can slow down heat transfer but ultimately over the course of a night the results will be the same.
Got a Mantis from Kammock on Kickstarter couple years ago…only been in my backyard but its a Great hybrid sleep Hammock/tent system. Has a Tarp/Rainfly, Mosquito net, Air mattress&pillow(w/bodymold). Went ahead and got Accessories like a Ground Tarp and ive brought a kammock Down Underblacket and Rumpl Tahiti Over blanket. Got Plenty of Solostove and Biolite stoves (w/French press, potsystem, string lights) to Choose from. Luckily i got into camping gear before i made my way to motorcycling.
Outstanding picks for moto camping, great video. Been riding and camping for 13 years and have continually tried to lighten my load every riding season and still be comfortable. Lots of money wasted but lessons learned. The Jetboil and Nemo Fillo are game changers and i've been using them for years. Most Nemo products really work well for moto camping if you want to spend a little more coin. I use the Quasar sleeping pad as a side sleeper. I have the Alps Helix 1 and i'd say it's just as competent as a 2 person tent for myself and a good sized travel bag, especially when I tuck the bag under a rainfly. Ride safe!
I completely agree with the Big Agnes pad and park bag (though I chose the diamond park for the smaller pack size), it is the closest I have come to bringing a bed into the Backcountry. I am 6'8" tall and a 300 lb side sleeper so I opt for the long versions and they give me the best night's sleep I have had to date.
Terry Pratchett is a genius. Absolutely love his books and he’s sadly missed. I went to a book signing with the Death Trilogy that my wife had previously thrown at me. I explained what had happened, he drew a big scythe on the first page and wrote “This book is DEAD”.
Outstanding review and help….! New to the adventure moto world. Been riding 40+ years mostly street. But I must say, your channel is one of the best I’ve come across. Thank you very much, extremely helpful…!
Amazon has some decent camping stuff for moto camping. I've been using the "Lost Nature" 1 person tent for about $100 (CAD) and there's a "North Road" mummy sleeping bag for only $50 (CAD). I can fit this setup into a backpack... and from my experience you can get away with a cheaper tent and a couple tarps, one for under the tent when its wet out and 1 for over top to keep your tent and moyorcycle dry.
Thanks to you I was already turned on to motocampnerd, ended up grabbing the Kelty Far Out 2 about a week before you reviewed it last year. I've had the best nights of sleep with the Echo Park and Pad, totally stoked on my moto-camping setup. Thank you for all the work you put into these videos for us nerds. Cheers!
So i hate sleeping on ground, and im a side sleeper. I picked up the Amok Draumr Hammock. Absolute game changer. Highly recommended if you like to hammock camp.
I’ve been eyeballing the Big Agnes Wyoming Trail 2.. I also love my ALPS Mountaineering Ready Lite Camp Cot. I do need to do something different with the sleeping bag/system..
The Wyoming Trail 2 is a great basecamp tent with plenty of room and height to sit under in a chair and hang out if it's too soupy outside. BUT it packs big and it's heavy
love the channel dude. the gear reviews help a lot when looking for decent gear to get for moto camping. soon i will be ready to camp the Willamette valley and surrounding areas. thanks a bunch dude.
I would say the gear I use for camping is not expensive at all and still works fine, took this stuff on a Portugal 8day trip, to festivals or smaller weekend trips. Would say better or worse a pillow and a foldable chair are a must. As you say my tent is not great for ventilation so in colder temperatures it can have some condensations, but I can´t really complain for something which costs 30€ hahahah The main stuff I use: Sleeping pad 25€ Sleeping bag ( 0 degrees celsius) 90€ Pillow (inflable) 15€ Tent 30€ Chair 25€ (only thing i got on amazon) "Kitchen" ~50 € In any case its possible to buy all the stuff or improve it little by little so it is not that expensive hobbie
I agree. Spend a little more once, or pay a littlw over and over and over again. Make me think a good video...why buy expensive gear. I used around 6 or 7 different luggage set ups. It cost me about $1500 total for all set ups combined. Then bought Moskomoto once. Have used it for years. So old its their first gen. I have a 20° top quilt i use along with my Havent Tent/Hammock. Have gone through a bunch of ground tents and gathered end hammocks. While great, uts not perfect....you need trees. Haven Tent sets up on the ground or in trees and super comfy either way. Wish i started with the Haven. Cause i havr no more need to try different sleeping equipment. Its perfect....other than the zipper, it should be a zipper set up that opens either direction. But awesome. Also do a jetboil i have used for years as well. Even smashed it under my car seat. Still works. Buy good gear once or by ok gear over and over.
Thank you for this excellent review of good quality camping gear. I'm about to buy a Tuareg 660 in hopes to do a lot of 1 and 2 day camping and this list seems like a great start. I'm located in the Oregon area and ran the ORBDR on my klx 250. It was the perfect size for those first few sections but ultimately I'm hoping to do a lot less technical riding on the 660. Planning on getting the Tusks rackless along with a few other bags to hang on the crash bars. I like the advice you gave about going out close to home to do your test runs, that will help me dial in my gear and comfortability. I've watched a few of your videos and if there is really anything I'm nervous about, it's my morning BM out in the woods. I've not done that before, usually there are facilities when we go camping so this will be my first time and that is my biggest worry. I know it sounds silly but it is what it is. I was curious if you carry? I have my permit and was going to research a bit more on this topic but at the end, I think being out camping is still very safe. Looking forward to getting out there this summer and hopefully meet up with you guys during one of your group rides. Cheers btw - I'll make sure to use your link for all my Moto camp nerd purchases.
I think for the money you should look at the Naturehike Mongar 2 Person this is a copy of the more expensive tent and seems to work just as well for 20% of the price and comes with the footprint I really like it as much as the other my friend stated he wish he would have found it before his purchase he said he was going to order one to alternate, see which one last longer
REI is having a great 4th of July sale which includes 40% off the Echo Park bag. Combined with the $30 gift card I got for signing up for a membership with them, I only paid $90 for an Echo Park 20. I already had a Divide Insulated pad, so it was a great deal for me and I feel like others could take advantage of this deal too!
These vids are gold. I am looking for solutions to a camping chair and table. Not sure how many products you have in America we will have in South Africa, but it would be interesting to see if you have anything that works well (folds up small for paniers).
Love the fact that you use “boot theory”. Always enjoy your channel but you’ve just gone even higher in my estimation. Also huge fan of the Transalp. 👍🏻
For me, small inflated pillows are useless. At home I use 2 or 3 pillows. My solution is to bring a normal pillow cover and stuff it with soft clothes that I'm carrying anyway. Works fabulously well.
Check out the Teton Sports Mountain Ultra 2 person tent. 4lbs heavier and a little bigger, but quite a bit cheaper and has some excellent reviews including water resistance/proofing.
Be interesting how ultra-light backpackers would go motorcycle camping. I've always gone mid-range on pretty much any gear I buy...in regards to anything haha. Lasts longer than cheap stuff and usually just missing some of the more luxurious components that I don't really need. Good video sir. - Shane
I did the Ultralight thing years ago (I fly paragliders, weight is a big deal) but man, I’ve come off it. You get tired eventually and when you do, things break. So all of a sudden you’re up in nowhere, tired and your kit is busted. Worst case scenario there’s weather. So now I buy most things full-fat. Ounces still equal pounds but I just set my goals lower. I’m not in a race, I’m not climbing Everest or competing in the X-Alps, I’m out to have some fun in my spare time and not have broken equipment ruin it for me.
Great tips Ben, I got my TransAlp over the weekend delivered by I-5Sports - the wait is over! Maybe some time we could get together and take a ride up Mary's Peak. Have you ever taken the Quartzville Road up to Highway 22?
Ben, Only comment I would make is that for the other side of the pond, we prefer a pitch as 1 tent, where fly and inner go up together. Otherwise all good
Hi@@MotoCampNerd The inner can be pitched seperately, but the fly is usually clipped to the inner, so that in rainy conditions you can pitch both at once. The poles are usuall in sleves within the fly, unless you go for one of the Teepee type tents. I use a Nigor Wickiup which packs down to under 1kg and can even be pitched without a pole if you have a handy tree
It wasn't Terry Pratchett's boots theory. It was the character Sam Vimes in Men at Arms. "Take boots, for example. ... A really good pair of leather boots cost fifty dollars. But an affordable pair of boots, which were sort of OK for a season or two and then leaked like hell when the cardboard gave out, cost about ten dollars. ... But the thing was that good boots lasted for years and years. A man who could afford fifty dollars had a pair of boots that'd still be keeping his feet dry in ten years' time, while a poor man who could only afford cheap boots would have spent a hundred dollars on boots in the same time and would still have wet feet."
As much as I enjoy the videos, have to comment that there are some other great options. I am not a fan of that Big Agnes sleeping bad because those long air chambers dont provide good support so your hip can hit the ground. the Nemo tensor or xped pads do much better because they smaller, same or better R value, and provide a better support. Also much better tents for that price point. And that sleeping bag is good, but for warmer bags that still provide room to move around you cant go wrong with nemo bags.
You're right, there are way better pads, but the Tensor and EXPED pads are $200+ while this BA Divide is $150. Most of the super comfortable pads are $200+. I prefer the quilted air chamber pattern over the vertical air chambers as well. They still offer good support but you can feel the ridges. Curious on what tents you prefer for $250 price point? We're always looking at what's out there. NEMO Disco Bags are great too!
are you still on the camping quilt train over the sleeping bag? i just can't get comfortable in the mummy bags but seems like every 20 degree quilt are insanely expensive. although sounds like that big agnes one re recommended might be the solution.
Hey, most of this is what I use! (Different variations - Alps Mount. Chaos tent, big agnes Axl Air). My sleeping pad is so loud, it is like rolling over a big bag of chips. Going to have to check out the BA bags.
They did redo the AXL Air and it's now called the Zoom UL. They updated materials, color, and insulation, but because it's an UL pad, it will always be more crinkly than a pad like the boundary deluxe pad that's way thicker material and it mutes those sounds.
That sleeping bag only comes in a tall wide version and will support people up to 6'6" tall. That particular sleeping pad in the video comes in a 25"x78" wide version but we also stock the Boundary Deluxe in a 30" wide version. We put several riders your size and bigger in that pad and bag combo and they sleep great.
Do you know if there is a (quality) sleeping bag that attaches to the pad like the Echo Park, but can be zipped open completly down to the feet? Or even better, completly detaches so that It can be used as a sheet and blanked?
The echo park does all that. You can zip it down to your feet and unzip it completely from the bottom and use as a blanket. The top tier model of the echo park is the Diamond Park down version.
@@TheBlackob Here's an old video of the diamond park with the top and bottom separate. You can unzip from the footbox as well if you want to just kick your feet all to cool off. th-cam.com/video/3AibXLXvvxI/w-d-xo.htmlsi=BViQBIjMMj8_kKS_&t=108
You Gotta try the Featherstone UL granite two person tent the poles pack down to about 13 inches long and the tent itself packs down almost a small as a big Agnes bike packing tent and it’s just over $100.
It s nice to get a list of actually decent gear instead of the "el cheapo" list or the "Bezos Family going glamping" list. That said if I may, all of those are too big and too heavy. I mean u go out 1 or 2 nights and that is all you gotta pack it may be ok. On the other hand, if you need tackle a bit more complicated trails for maybe few days, that setup is all too bulky. Mine is at glance half of it and I am trying to make it smaller and lighter... for the love of god that sleeping bag packs as big as my tent, my pad and my slleping bag altogether. 😂 it makes sense though for some specific use.
I would say this setup is more for the weekend camper or traveler who does a little bit of everything riding and leans more on the comfort side than UL side. Not the best gear for rought single or two track trail riding. Can it be done, of course, but if you want to slim down your pack then there are way better UL options to get your sleep system and tent under 20 liters and under 10lbs easy, but it's going to cost about twice as much for the same quality level and still be UL and small packing.
@@MotoCampNerd sure u r right and for a genral-comfor oriented use the list makes sense. For me I was able put together small enough setup (say 20 liters / within 5 kgs) withouth completely breaking the bank for about 600/650 usd (tent, sleeping pad, sleping bag and pillow). Works ok till around 0c (I believe is 30F) below that and it starts to be on the coldish side. Going lighter and smaller is possible but price goes up superfast and comfort goes down superquickly 😅
Why do you keep doing reviews for gear that i can't buy? I appreciate the content, but every time i go to look at the gear, it says sold out. Either build up stock, or have it say it will be available for drop ship in x days. I'm not purchasing gear that is not available, not do i know when/if it will become available.
Right off the bat your sleeping pad choice made me roll my eyes. I appreciate you camp a lot, but you're simply wrong here. Thats way way too much money for a 3 season r4. At that price just get an xtherm from therma rest its good all 4 seasons and is more comfortable and is bomb proof. Otherwise just get a startic V or something and save the money. Youre stuck in a bizaaree overpeiced middle zone where you still need a second pad for winter moat places. Bad advoce gocen your own stated premise for the video
Also, remember, different isn't wrong. Everyone has their personal preferences on what comfort is. I think the klymit static v is terrible, but others love it, and that's all good. Everyone has their preferences.
...the Xtherm NXT is literally twice as much at $240. That's the only one I see listed anywhere. MOST motorcycle campers don't camp in the winter so they don't need a true 4 season pad. Those of us who do typically live in more temperate climates where it rarely gets below freezing, as I stated in the video. We aren't sleeping on snow so a 4 R rating is more than adequate in my experience.
Agreed Static V is definitely cheap but only slightly better than sleeping on the ground and far from adequate for anyone who doesn't sleep on their back.
@@MotoCampNerd I've seen a sponsor e review of the tensor and even that sponsored content creator said something was wrong and it was not performing according to R rating. He tested on a glacier tho. The premise was testing it under extreme conditions side by side with an uninsulated pad to see the diff. Was not a diff. He could feel the cold on his knees just kneeling on it to prepare for bed. I wish for that money the tensor was the answer, but it isn't close to the xtherm in application from what I heard. Believe me I wanted it to be, but it isn't. The review is on TH-cam just search tensor tested on glacier
Here's a link to the full best value motorcycle camping gear kit:
motocampnerd.com/products/best-value-moto-camping-essentials-40-f-kit?ref=dork
You can also check out each item on motocampnerd.com!
(affiliate links)
Alps Mountaineering Helix 2 Person Tent: motocampnerd.com/products/alps-mountaineering-helix-2-person-tent?ref=dork
Helix 2 Footprint:
motocampnerd.com/products/alps-mountaineering-helix-2-footprint?ref=dork
Big Agnes Echo Park 20 Sleeping Bag:
motocampnerd.com/products/big-agnes-echo-park-20?ref=dork
Big Agnes Divide Insulated Sleeping Pad:
motocampnerd.com/products/big-agnes-divide-insulated?ref=dork
Nemo Fillo Camping Pillow: motocampnerd.com/products/nemo-fillo-camping-pillow?ref=dork
Jetboil Flash w/Java Kit: motocampnerd.com/products/jetboil-flash-java-kit?ref=dork
Sitting by the fire relaxing. Couple drinks. Couple steaks. You’re feeling tired. I lay you down. I massage your buns. I position you just right. I slide my hotdog in them buns. I add my mayo. U sleep good.
I am a ultra light Backpacker and a dual sport rider, I have learned not to use stuff sacks, I prefer to stuff my saddlebags, I feel I can get more in them.
Like wise. Only my few clothes are in a dry bag.
Probably faster to pack up, too!
Makes sense!!
I 2nd the Helix 2 tent! I went 82 days, 11,209 miles in the summer of 2022 on my 13 Suzuki M50 camping the whole way, and it held up like a champ! Wind, downpours, etc. Used it this winter at 4 degrees as well!
Great video. After decades of carting around a big heavy Coleman sleeping bag and Walmart air mattress a couple years ago, I finally gave in and got a down sleeping bag and an insulated sleeping pad. What a difference! At 6'4" 270lbs most mummy bags were a no go. I found a mummy bag designed for hammock camping. It is very roomy for my above average frame. I wish I thought "buy once, cry once" about 30 years ago. I did spend the bucks for a Eureka quality tent back in the day and it is still going strong.
I'm a former thru hiker of the A.T. and have hiked on multiple continents, I can attest to the quality of the Big Agnes sleep system and the JetBoil cook system. I use a more expensive but smaller packing size and lighter for hiking. The ones you showed here are great for camping especially since you don't have to carry it on your back every day.
I'm surprised the Alps Felis 2 didn't make it on as your tent - it's another Moto Camp Nerd distribution coming in at about the same weight, $200, and packing into a 13x6 tube. Can't wait to get out with mine this summer on the WABDR.
These types of reviews are amazing really let's people know you can still go get out there and don't have to break the bank to enjoy it thank you👊
Your absolutely right on this Dork. Started moto camping 3 years ago and have 3 tents, 3 pads and two cook systems. Each trip seems like a new learning opportunity for what and how I pack!
I have an echo park 20. when packing it down, I skip that green bag and take a compression bag from an older sleeping bag for it. Makes things a bit smaller for transport. Of course, I always store it in the giant laundry bag size bag to keep it lofted. great video. quick and easy.
I'm big on buying quality gear at a good price vs buying cheap crap over and over. I can't affor the Lambo but I can't afford to buy beaters every year either.
Thanks for the ideas!
I have a Eureka Midori 2 that's 11 years old. Used at least 2 or 3 times a year. A couple trips 10 to 18 days at a time. It was $280 at the time and I have used a can of silicon waterproofing on the seams twice. I don't use a sleeping bag anymore. Just a poncho liner and if it's cooler nights the alpaca blanket comes along. Having a kitchen kit like a jetboil or any small burner with a tall container to cook in is the only way to go. I don't require coffee, so the pockrocket is great. The bigger multi fuel burners are just messy.
Bravo excellent vid. We have echo park 20 and 40 and they rock. Purchased from MCN as well. We also have that exact Jetboil. Amazing how fast it gets to 212f.
Big fan of a down quilt, and high R value sleeping pad to pair. Very useful around camp and lightweight!
I've had really good luck with the Helix 2. It's been through some abysmal weather and has not let me down to date.
Thanks Ben. Great list of quality, affordable gear.
Awesome recommendations. 😊
In my opinion, when you're first starting, I can definitely understand not wanting to blow your load on a tent right away. But one place I would say is worth spending a little extra is on sleeping pad, pillow and bag. As long as the weather isnt crazy or your tent isnt leaking, sleeping comfortably is paramount to genuinely enjoying your trip. Nothing will discourage you quicker than a messed up night's sleep. We dont get too much craziness in weather, so I still have a $50 Academy tent. Keeps the bugs out and keeps me dry as long as there isnt a monsoon or something.
Great options. Though, I'd like to mention that it depends where you live and what season you intend to camp. Down here in the mid Atlantic and the Southern Appalachian mountains, unless you're going camping in the winter and/or decide to camp in the few (rare) higher elevation, the insulation rating for the sleeping pad and the temperature rating of your sleeping bag isn't too important. For the first 3 or 4 years, I only used a R2 or R3 pad and a 50° synthetic bag. I supplemented with a micro fleece liner for cooler nights. I've camped in mid 30's many times. As for the tents, I've used Nature hike tents for years: very waterproof, well built (comes with solid stakes and ground cloth), and well ventilated, and quite affordable.
But since getting a better insulated Big Agnes pad and a 10° down sleeping bag, I have camped in the middle of winter with lows in the 20s in comfort.
Keep in mind that a lot has to do with the individual and bag setup as well. I've used R4 pads down into the 40s and wasn't cold, but I could feel coolness below me. And I'm a warm sleeper. The park series of bags that attach to the pad have no insulation between you and the pad so these are always advised to get an Insulated pad with. Most bag ratings are based on having a sleeping pad R value of 4 to 5. My general rule of thumb we tell customers is that if you're camping below 60 or don't know where you'll be, go Insulated, if you only ever camp in 60+ warm and dry weather, you can get away with non Insulated. For bag ratings, their comfort rating is usually 10+ above what they advertise. I've camped all over western NC mid summer and still ran into 35 and 40 degree nights and wished I had a better bag and pad. Just depends on everyone's individual situation.
Fun fact, insulation does not in fact need an air gap to be effective. Compressed fiberglass for example is the exact same r value as non compressed when equated for density and volume of the material itself. Insulation on the bottom of the sleeping bag works the same compressed or not based entirely off of the thermoconductivity of the material. Air gaps can slow down heat transfer but ultimately over the course of a night the results will be the same.
Got a Mantis from Kammock on Kickstarter couple years ago…only been in my backyard but its a Great hybrid sleep Hammock/tent system. Has a Tarp/Rainfly, Mosquito net, Air mattress&pillow(w/bodymold). Went ahead and got Accessories like a Ground Tarp and ive brought a kammock Down Underblacket and Rumpl Tahiti Over blanket. Got Plenty of Solostove and Biolite stoves (w/French press, potsystem, string lights) to Choose from. Luckily i got into camping gear before i made my way to motorcycling.
Outstanding picks for moto camping, great video. Been riding and camping for 13 years and have continually tried to lighten my load every riding season and still be comfortable. Lots of money wasted but lessons learned. The Jetboil and Nemo Fillo are game changers and i've been using them for years. Most Nemo products really work well for moto camping if you want to spend a little more coin. I use the Quasar sleeping pad as a side sleeper. I have the Alps Helix 1 and i'd say it's just as competent as a 2 person tent for myself and a good sized travel bag, especially when I tuck the bag under a rainfly. Ride safe!
Good job, sold out! :)
I completely agree with the Big Agnes pad and park bag (though I chose the diamond park for the smaller pack size), it is the closest I have come to bringing a bed into the Backcountry. I am 6'8" tall and a 300 lb side sleeper so I opt for the long versions and they give me the best night's sleep I have had to date.
Another great video!
I love doing business with moto camp nerd, the best customer service out there!😊
Terry Pratchett is a genius. Absolutely love his books and he’s sadly missed. I went to a book signing with the Death Trilogy that my wife had previously thrown at me. I explained what had happened, he drew a big scythe on the first page and wrote “This book is DEAD”.
Outstanding review and help….! New to the adventure moto world. Been riding 40+ years mostly street. But I must say, your channel is one of the best I’ve come across. Thank you very much, extremely helpful…!
Amazon has some decent camping stuff for moto camping. I've been using the "Lost Nature" 1 person tent for about $100 (CAD) and there's a "North Road" mummy sleeping bag for only $50 (CAD). I can fit this setup into a backpack... and from my experience you can get away with a cheaper tent and a couple tarps, one for under the tent when its wet out and 1 for over top to keep your tent and moyorcycle dry.
Thanks to you I was already turned on to motocampnerd, ended up grabbing the Kelty Far Out 2 about a week before you reviewed it last year. I've had the best nights of sleep with the Echo Park and Pad, totally stoked on my moto-camping setup. Thank you for all the work you put into these videos for us nerds. Cheers!
So i hate sleeping on ground, and im a side sleeper. I picked up the Amok Draumr Hammock. Absolute game changer. Highly recommended if you like to hammock camp.
I've heard great things about the Amok setups.
I’ve been eyeballing the Big Agnes Wyoming Trail 2.. I also love my ALPS Mountaineering Ready Lite Camp Cot. I do need to do something different with the sleeping bag/system..
The Wyoming Trail 2 is a great basecamp tent with plenty of room and height to sit under in a chair and hang out if it's too soupy outside. BUT it packs big and it's heavy
@@MotoCampNerd 🤔 bigger than those lone rider ones? I’m currently using an older Nemo Galaxy 2p.
love the channel dude. the gear reviews help a lot when looking for decent gear to get for moto camping. soon i will be ready to camp the Willamette valley and surrounding areas. thanks a bunch dude.
Love the Terry Pratchett reference! Just ordered the Nemo Fillo after this review. :-)
I would say the gear I use for camping is not expensive at all and still works fine, took this stuff on a Portugal 8day trip, to festivals or smaller weekend trips. Would say better or worse a pillow and a foldable chair are a must. As you say my tent is not great for ventilation so in colder temperatures it can have some condensations, but I can´t really complain for something which costs 30€ hahahah
The main stuff I use:
Sleeping pad 25€
Sleeping bag ( 0 degrees celsius) 90€
Pillow (inflable) 15€
Tent 30€
Chair 25€ (only thing i got on amazon)
"Kitchen" ~50 €
In any case its possible to buy all the stuff or improve it little by little so it is not that expensive hobbie
I agree. Spend a little more once, or pay a littlw over and over and over again. Make me think a good video...why buy expensive gear. I used around 6 or 7 different luggage set ups. It cost me about $1500 total for all set ups combined. Then bought Moskomoto once. Have used it for years. So old its their first gen. I have a 20° top quilt i use along with my Havent Tent/Hammock. Have gone through a bunch of ground tents and gathered end hammocks. While great, uts not perfect....you need trees. Haven Tent sets up on the ground or in trees and super comfy either way. Wish i started with the Haven. Cause i havr no more need to try different sleeping equipment. Its perfect....other than the zipper, it should be a zipper set up that opens either direction. But awesome. Also do a jetboil i have used for years as well. Even smashed it under my car seat. Still works. Buy good gear once or by ok gear over and over.
Thank you for this excellent review of good quality camping gear. I'm about to buy a Tuareg 660 in hopes to do a lot of 1 and 2 day camping and this list seems like a great start. I'm located in the Oregon area and ran the ORBDR on my klx 250. It was the perfect size for those first few sections but ultimately I'm hoping to do a lot less technical riding on the 660. Planning on getting the Tusks rackless along with a few other bags to hang on the crash bars. I like the advice you gave about going out close to home to do your test runs, that will help me dial in my gear and comfortability. I've watched a few of your videos and if there is really anything I'm nervous about, it's my morning BM out in the woods. I've not done that before, usually there are facilities when we go camping so this will be my first time and that is my biggest worry. I know it sounds silly but it is what it is. I was curious if you carry? I have my permit and was going to research a bit more on this topic but at the end, I think being out camping is still very safe. Looking forward to getting out there this summer and hopefully meet up with you guys during one of your group rides. Cheers
btw - I'll make sure to use your link for all my Moto camp nerd purchases.
I'm an adventure rider/moto camper, and a motorcycle technician. All I do is buy and cry, but only once per item.
I think for the money you should look at the Naturehike Mongar 2 Person this is a copy of the more expensive tent and seems to work just as well for 20% of the price and comes with the footprint I really like it as much as the other my friend stated he wish he would have found it before his purchase he said he was going to order one to alternate, see which one last longer
REI is having a great 4th of July sale which includes 40% off the Echo Park bag. Combined with the $30 gift card I got for signing up for a membership with them, I only paid $90 for an Echo Park 20. I already had a Divide Insulated pad, so it was a great deal for me and I feel like others could take advantage of this deal too!
I can’t believe how much $$ I’ve wasted on shitty gear. Absolutely agree that it worthwhile to just get decent gear. It saves you in the long run
Thanks for the tip, Dork. Ordered a Big Agnes echo park 20 rigth away 👌
These vids are gold. I am looking for solutions to a camping chair and table. Not sure how many products you have in America we will have in South Africa, but it would be interesting to see if you have anything that works well (folds up small for paniers).
Love the fact that you use “boot theory”. Always enjoy your channel but you’ve just gone even higher in my estimation. Also huge fan of the Transalp. 👍🏻
Thanks Dork. This is very helpful.
Thanks Ben, great information, love the all in one video for moto camping!
For me, small inflated pillows are useless. At home I use 2 or 3 pillows. My solution is to bring a normal pillow cover and stuff it with soft clothes that I'm carrying anyway. Works fabulously well.
Check out the Teton Sports Mountain Ultra 2 person tent. 4lbs heavier and a little bigger, but quite a bit cheaper and has some excellent reviews including water resistance/proofing.
Agree 💯 on buying the good stuff.
Be interesting how ultra-light backpackers would go motorcycle camping. I've always gone mid-range on pretty much any gear I buy...in regards to anything haha. Lasts longer than cheap stuff and usually just missing some of the more luxurious components that I don't really need. Good video sir. - Shane
I did the Ultralight thing years ago (I fly paragliders, weight is a big deal) but man, I’ve come off it. You get tired eventually and when you do, things break. So all of a sudden you’re up in nowhere, tired and your kit is busted. Worst case scenario there’s weather. So now I buy most things full-fat. Ounces still equal pounds but I just set my goals lower. I’m not in a race, I’m not climbing Everest or competing in the X-Alps, I’m out to have some fun in my spare time and not have broken equipment ruin it for me.
Another tent option: Kelty Late Start 2 if you can find them. Just did a weekend trip in NW FL…
I’m excited to hear that DorkintheRoad will be on a TallManMoto livestream.
Great review....hope to do a little camping myself this year.
Great tips Ben, I got my TransAlp over the weekend delivered by I-5Sports - the wait is over! Maybe some time we could get together and take a ride up Mary's Peak. Have you ever taken the Quartzville Road up to Highway 22?
FINALLY!
Love all your videos man! I hope one day we will meet up and ride together. We are doing the Or. BDR This summer.
Ben, Only comment I would make is that for the other side of the pond, we prefer a pitch as 1 tent, where fly and inner go up together. Otherwise all good
Would that be a single wall tent? Or double wall tent that's one piece?
Hi@@MotoCampNerd The inner can be pitched seperately, but the fly is usually clipped to the inner, so that in rainy conditions you can pitch both at once. The poles are usuall in sleves within the fly, unless you go for one of the Teepee type tents. I use a Nigor Wickiup which packs down to under 1kg and can even be pitched without a pole if you have a handy tree
@@neildiggens7319 Thanks for sharing. That's way nicer and easier especially for setting up in the rain.
It wasn't Terry Pratchett's boots theory. It was the character Sam Vimes in Men at Arms. "Take boots, for example. ... A really good pair of leather boots cost fifty dollars. But an affordable pair of boots, which were sort of OK for a season or two and then leaked like hell when the cardboard gave out, cost about ten dollars. ... But the thing was that good boots lasted for years and years. A man who could afford fifty dollars had a pair of boots that'd still be keeping his feet dry in ten years' time, while a poor man who could only afford cheap boots would have spent a hundred dollars on boots in the same time and would still have wet feet."
As much as I enjoy the videos, have to comment that there are some other great options. I am not a fan of that Big Agnes sleeping bad because those long air chambers dont provide good support so your hip can hit the ground. the Nemo tensor or xped pads do much better because they smaller, same or better R value, and provide a better support. Also much better tents for that price point. And that sleeping bag is good, but for warmer bags that still provide room to move around you cant go wrong with nemo bags.
You're right, there are way better pads, but the Tensor and EXPED pads are $200+ while this BA Divide is $150. Most of the super comfortable pads are $200+. I prefer the quilted air chamber pattern over the vertical air chambers as well. They still offer good support but you can feel the ridges. Curious on what tents you prefer for $250 price point? We're always looking at what's out there. NEMO Disco Bags are great too!
are you still on the camping quilt train over the sleeping bag? i just can't get comfortable in the mummy bags but seems like every 20 degree quilt are insanely expensive. although sounds like that big agnes one re recommended might be the solution.
Spectacular camera work :). Great video! Are you going to the Touratech rally this year?
I should be there.
great review of your equipment...the T-shirt though is awesome !
Thank you! Been wanting to get out there camping and to drop money on a big Agnes without knowing I will like camping is tuff.
Yeah it's hard to jump in on expensive gear you haven't used, for sure.
@@DorkintheRoad went out with a cheap Coleman tent found out I love moto camping bought big Agnes 👍thank you
Great recommendations, Ben!
I have that pillow! Love it!!
Hey, most of this is what I use! (Different variations - Alps Mount. Chaos tent, big agnes Axl Air). My sleeping pad is so loud, it is like rolling over a big bag of chips. Going to have to check out the BA bags.
They did redo the AXL Air and it's now called the Zoom UL. They updated materials, color, and insulation, but because it's an UL pad, it will always be more crinkly than a pad like the boundary deluxe pad that's way thicker material and it mutes those sounds.
Great video with great advice
What chair you would recommend from the same value standpoint? Thanks!
Another great video. What recommendations do you have for us tall guys (6'4 " 300#)? I seem to push the limits of most gear.
That sleeping bag only comes in a tall wide version and will support people up to 6'6" tall. That particular sleeping pad in the video comes in a 25"x78" wide version but we also stock the Boundary Deluxe in a 30" wide version. We put several riders your size and bigger in that pad and bag combo and they sleep great.
Great video.
Do you know if there is a (quality) sleeping bag that attaches to the pad like the Echo Park, but can be zipped open completly down to the feet? Or even better, completly detaches so that It can be used as a sheet and blanked?
The echo park does all that. You can zip it down to your feet and unzip it completely from the bottom and use as a blanket. The top tier model of the echo park is the Diamond Park down version.
this guy knows
@@MotoCampNerd Well then I found what I was looking for. Just doesnt look like it can be completly seperated in this video ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
@@TheBlackob Here's an old video of the diamond park with the top and bottom separate. You can unzip from the footbox as well if you want to just kick your feet all to cool off. th-cam.com/video/3AibXLXvvxI/w-d-xo.htmlsi=BViQBIjMMj8_kKS_&t=108
Great video
Gotta have a hot drink in the morning!
Thank you for uploading I like your videos.
I must have been drunk writing this.
You Gotta try the Featherstone UL granite two person tent the poles pack down to about 13 inches long and the tent itself packs down almost a small as a big Agnes bike packing tent and it’s just over $100.
Tell em to let me be a dealer for them and we'll start carrying their gear! 😅
@@MotoCampNerd that would be great if they would as all 3 tent models they make are great for moto camping.
@@Motocampster I've reached out a few times and got no response :(
@@MotoCampNerd that’s not cool on there part. They seem like a small company
@@MotoCampNerd I got in contact with Featherstone outdoors. I emailed you the details on your website
It s nice to get a list of actually decent gear instead of the "el cheapo" list or the "Bezos Family going glamping" list. That said if I may, all of those are too big and too heavy. I mean u go out 1 or 2 nights and that is all you gotta pack it may be ok. On the other hand, if you need tackle a bit more complicated trails for maybe few days, that setup is all too bulky. Mine is at glance half of it and I am trying to make it smaller and lighter... for the love of god that sleeping bag packs as big as my tent, my pad and my slleping bag altogether. 😂 it makes sense though for some specific use.
I would say this setup is more for the weekend camper or traveler who does a little bit of everything riding and leans more on the comfort side than UL side. Not the best gear for rought single or two track trail riding. Can it be done, of course, but if you want to slim down your pack then there are way better UL options to get your sleep system and tent under 20 liters and under 10lbs easy, but it's going to cost about twice as much for the same quality level and still be UL and small packing.
@@MotoCampNerd sure u r right and for a genral-comfor oriented use the list makes sense. For me I was able put together small enough setup (say 20 liters / within 5 kgs) withouth completely breaking the bank for about 600/650 usd (tent, sleeping pad, sleping bag and pillow). Works ok till around 0c (I believe is 30F) below that and it starts to be on the coldish side. Going lighter and smaller is possible but price goes up superfast and comfort goes down superquickly 😅
The hill i have ri climb first if panniers.... 😢 Then in can buy the stuff
Where can I get a good, 10 year pair of boots for 100buck???
Well the book was written in 1993 so I'm gonna say...in 1993?
If it wasn't for f.b. marketplace i wouldn't be able to enjoy this hobby.
I don't see the link for all of the kit at once?
that's cuz MCN was dragging his feet. He's a slacker. Here it is: motocampnerd.com/products/best-value-moto-camping-essentials-40-f-kit
Thanks, but you have skipped the chair 😁
Not an essential, but it makes a great display stand for the JetBoil ;)
What brand is the jacket you are wearing?
It's a Levi's softshell
Why do you keep doing reviews for gear that i can't buy?
I appreciate the content, but every time i go to look at the gear, it says sold out.
Either build up stock, or have it say it will be available for drop ship in x days.
I'm not purchasing gear that is not available, not do i know when/if it will become available.
Tallmanmoto is a great editor… I don’t know that he can edit in an entire top half of the frame….
yeah even worse because I edited this one myself.
How many other people whistle with the intro?
Isn't your "sleeping pad" just an air mattress for people too soft to put a sleeping bag straight on a ground sheet like we used to do in the 1960s?
Right off the bat your sleeping pad choice made me roll my eyes. I appreciate you camp a lot, but you're simply wrong here. Thats way way too much money for a 3 season r4. At that price just get an xtherm from therma rest its good all 4 seasons and is more comfortable and is bomb proof. Otherwise just get a startic V or something and save the money. Youre stuck in a bizaaree overpeiced middle zone where you still need a second pad for winter moat places. Bad advoce gocen your own stated premise for the video
Better yet get the new Tensor Extreme Conditions, the xtherm is the loudest crinkly bag I've ever heard.
Also, remember, different isn't wrong. Everyone has their personal preferences on what comfort is. I think the klymit static v is terrible, but others love it, and that's all good. Everyone has their preferences.
...the Xtherm NXT is literally twice as much at $240. That's the only one I see listed anywhere.
MOST motorcycle campers don't camp in the winter so they don't need a true 4 season pad. Those of us who do typically live in more temperate climates where it rarely gets below freezing, as I stated in the video. We aren't sleeping on snow so a 4 R rating is more than adequate in my experience.
Agreed Static V is definitely cheap but only slightly better than sleeping on the ground and far from adequate for anyone who doesn't sleep on their back.
@@MotoCampNerd I've seen a sponsor e review of the tensor and even that sponsored content creator said something was wrong and it was not performing according to R rating. He tested on a glacier tho. The premise was testing it under extreme conditions side by side with an uninsulated pad to see the diff. Was not a diff. He could feel the cold on his knees just kneeling on it to prepare for bed. I wish for that money the tensor was the answer, but it isn't close to the xtherm in application from what I heard. Believe me I wanted it to be, but it isn't. The review is on TH-cam just search tensor tested on glacier