Best pack tent for Rallies?

[raygun]

I'm new to BMW products and just purchased a 03 R1200CL in October and love it. Me and my Wife have put on over 2000 miles since then. I know the model is not a popular one but we're happy with it. I also just bought the Wife a custom Honda Rebel (for she is only 5' tall and weighs in @ 100#) she just got her motorcycle permit today. Well to keep this simple question long, We'd like to know some of your suggestions for the best 2 person tents to pack on the bike. We are looking at the Kermit chairs but don't have a clue on the other essentials. Tents and all other suggestions apprecaited. Thanks Ray

[HexST]

get a four person tent you will need the room.this link in the MOA home page has a wealth of info.
www.bmwmoa.org/camping/camping.htm

[ironMan]

Motorcycle camping is backpacking at 60 mph. Most of the mid to high quality backpacking gear will work well for bike camping.

[robsryder]

I travel one-up for camping purposes and I use a three-person tent. I second the previous suggestion about getting at least a four-person tent for two folks (a six person tent would be even better and not take up much more room on the bike). A long time ago I started with bicycle camping gear. The tent was very compact and I had to crawl/wiggle into it. Later I said the heck with that and got one that was larger so I didn't have to worm around to undress and dress - always have that night time sojourn to the head.

Good sleeping bags and sleeping sacks are needed as well as a pad or air mattress. I find that as I get older my Thermarest pad needs to get thicker. I started with a one-inch thick pad 20 years ago and now have a 2-1/2 inch thick pad (and I'm thinking of getting something even thicker).

The camping section suggested earlier is a good source of info. One of the MOA members makes her money by selling her own design of bags for bike use. Some folks really like 'em. She has an interesting web site illustrating some packing strategies.
http://www.helen2wheels.com/instructions/index.html

[jdmetzger]

I will agree with getting bigger than the "minimum" tent size. When I started riding, I just used the tent I had used in the past for myself; a Coleman that was roughly 10x7 feet, and 59" high. This is plenty of room for my sleeping bag, saddlebags, and other stuff, and still room for me to comfortably get dressed. The 59" height is now a minimum for me; it's not tall enough to stand up straight, but I CAN stand hunched over and get dressed easy, as well as move around and pack/unpack/get slightly clean etc. It was GREAT have 10x7 to move around in during the rally this year, when it rained most of Saturday. I'd hate to think how it would have been with one of those hiking tents, where you can't hardly sit up.

Although my Coleman tent was pretty used and abused, it stayed 100% dry inside, and the packed size was slightly shorter than the distance across my seat, and to the edge of my saddlebags, so it fits perfectly for packing, inside of a waterproof duffel bag for extra security.

I plan on getting another Coleman, for sure. Affordable, (try pricing some MSR stuff), and it keeps me dry. :thumb

[Paul_F]

My first tent was 5'x7' and only about 4' high. Too difficult to stand in to get dressed. My current tent is a 3 man 7'x7' Coleman and about 5' high. It has just about enough room for me and all of my gear. Get at least a four man tent for the two of you. Keep a lookout for a tent that rolls up small and has as light weight poles. One bike in Vermont had a hollow pole across the rad that the rider stored his tent poles in to keep the weight low.

[Isamemon]

sorry folks, I need someone suggest a supper easy scooter system
my partner and I , 2 sleeping bags, an air mat, inflatable pillows, a 4 person tent, a svea stove, and did I mention her stuff, Ill repeat , her stuff
and Im not into trailers on a scooter, otherwise Id ride a trike and if Im at that point, might as well have a vw van
I envisoion grapes of wrath, you know, that old movie wher they have a early 20's ford loaded to the max, wiht bags falling off every direction

cant imagine me and my wife going far on a scooter, without friends, family or B&B
so hows that for a can of worms
need an opener ???? let it fly.....tell me how to do it.............. :D :german

[Fritzc]

My first tent was 5'x7' and only about 4' high. Too difficult to stand in to get dressed. My current tent is a 3 man 7'x7' Coleman and about 5' high. It has just about enough room for me and all of my gear. Get at least a four man tent for the two of you. Keep a lookout for a tent that rolls up small and has as light weight poles. One bike in Vermont had a hollow pole across the rad that the rider stored his tent poles in to keep the weight low.

The best and driest tent I ever owned was and is a two man "Eureka Timberlite".
Plenty of room for me and my stuff. Would be real cozy for two. I still have the Timberlite but did go to a two man Bibler called the Awannee (sp?). New they are $700 but I got mine off ebay for $350. I know, that is pretty steep but what I like about it is it doesn't need a rain fly (some kind of Goretex material) and only has two poles which erect INSIDE the tent. A little tricky to put up but I am learning some shortcuts.

[Rasbutan]

The best and driest tent I ever owned was and is a two man "Eureka Timberlite".
Plenty of room for me and my stuff. Would be real cozy for two. I still have the Timberlite but did go to a two man Bibler called the Awannee (sp?). New they are $700 but I got mine off ebay for $350. I know, that is pretty steep but what I like about it is it doesn't need a rain fly (some kind of Goretex material) and only has two poles which erect INSIDE the tent. A little tricky to put up but I am learning some shortcuts.

Got my 4 man tent from walmart 15 years ago, $75. A couple of cans of waterproofer every other year and I'm still dry as a bone!!

More expensive does not always mean better quality.

[rdalland]

A vestibule is a welcome addition to any tent. It's nice to have a place to keep things protected from the weather without having them inside the tent. It helps keep dirt, mud, grass etc. out of the tent and leaves more usable space inside.

[Helen]

A vestibule is a welcome addition to any tent. It's nice to have a place to keep things protected from the weather without having them inside the tent. It helps keep dirt, mud, grass etc. out of the tent and leaves more usable space inside.

In my book a vestibule (2 are better especially with 2 people!) is a necessity! Some of my previous tents didn't have any and I got tired of sleeping with wet riding gear and fragrant boots! YMMV

[JKERSH1]

Here's a deal on an 8*8*5, four-window Eureka from Campmor -- $90. I have no connection to Campmor, but have been satisfied with my purchases from them over the years, and with my Eureka brand tents.


http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?memberId=12500226&productId=39208756

[SweetT]

I am an avid backpacker and motorcycle camper and this is the tent I have and its great! The REI Half Dome

www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47943133&parent_category_rn=4500457

It has two doors and two vestibules so she can get up and go potty in the middle of the night without having to crawl over you (or vice versa), its light weight, and very well constructed. Its the best tent of this kind for the money.

[basketcase]

You've got a lot of good advice here already. Reading the thread I compiled a "short list."

- Tent (at least 2x the minimum you need, and I'll add my ditto the vestibule suggestion)
- Ground sheet
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Folding chair
- Duffels and straps for packing it all

Flashlights and other such items are “givens,” and the variety is endless.

FWIW, I have an obscene yellow kayak bag for my sleeping bag and pillows, and I use Helen's bags for my other stuff. Don't tell her, but I also use her straps in a non-Helen's modified manner to suit my personal packing bents... :nyah

My tent is a Coleman 3 man tent that I inherited with my current bike.

I have a 40 degree sleeping bag and a Coleman fleece bag. The Coleman fleece can be a standalone summer bag, or a liner for the main bag. As a liner it adds an additional 15-20 degrees of warmth on the cold side. As of late, I have also become attached to a folding cot that gets my aging bod off the ground a few inches...

In terms of a "kit" you can go as cheap or as expensive as you like. At the onset, if you are trying to figure out how to distribute a set budget amount, I would suggest not skimping on the tent. High dollar stuff in a cheap tent will be wet high dollar stuff that will not keep you warm. Budget stuff in a dry tent will be a friend in your time of need.

Just MHO

PS: Somewhere on the site (i.e., this one) I uploaded a detailed MC camping/packing list way back when the forums first opened -- or maybe I sent it to Kbasa and he uploaded it for me. As I recall it was uploaded in a PDF document.

Via edit: Maybe I have just imagined I uploaded that list .... as I did several searches and cannot turn it up in the threads I hit. Drop me a PM with your e-mail address and I'll send it to you in MS Word.

[BradfordBenn]

Also the thing I have learned is that a 2 person tent, is for one person and gear.

Going to a store to see the tent is a big plus. Also have you checked this out http://www.bmwmoa.org/camping/gear.htm ?

[Isamemon]

the best tent is one that you and your partner can sleep in wihtout complaing about each others beer breath or smelling eachothers boots or wet leathers
then again
if your soaking wet, cold, and you have a dry tent and a dry bag, i guess they all work regardless of how many beans you ate that day :hug
p.s. I used the old tube tents 4 years, when I was single
then again , when I was single..........oh man....thats a whole can of worms....................... :german

[raygun]

Thanks all of you for your input and suggestions. Ray

[barryg]

The A-frame Eureka Timberline 4 might be the ticket. Well built and simple. They make several versions, get the one with the built on vestibule.

[raygun]

Hey Berry I looked at those today and thought they looked pretty good.

[Emoto]

Ray, another vote for Coleman here. Not Coleman as sold by WalMart, but Coleman as sold by Coleman stores or Coleman online, or good first line retailers. I put many thousands of miles and a few years of touring with a Coleman Sun Dome tent, and I always stayed dry in the rain, even when people with the fancy expensive tents got wet. Very durable, and reasonably priced too.

I also have a Eureka that has leaked in the rain a bit and gotten holes in the floor, and I have an expensive Walrus tent that is too complex and fussy to set up quickly in the dark. Simplicity of setup is very important.

This Coleman would be a good size, although I would be tempted to go to the next size up: http://www.coleman.com/coleman/colemancom/detail.asp?product_id=9180A907&categoryid=11020

http://www.coleman.com/coleman/images/products/9180A907_500.jpg

See, there are only three poles. The two main ones make an X when viewed from above and attach at each corner. The Fly has a single pole that goes front to back. You can set this tent up in 5 minutes and be sitting back enjoying a BEvERage while you watch your buddies still fooling around setting up their tents.

[Brownie]

For years I have rolled or folded my STANDING room Eureka into my luggage. I don't get hung up about the poles or "tent case." Securely pack the long(ish) poles on another part of the pike.......I use the LOWER side of my luggage rack, or between bags on the RT. I only use the flimsy tent case at home for storage.


Decide early if you're going to do the "Food Prep" thing or not........one rider and cook gear isn't too difficult...............Rider + Pax things get tight...my wife needs lotsa stuff too. We just plan on no food prep.


Do NOT use "bungee" cords.............they look enticing @ Wally world, but are NOT for motorcycles........get high quality nylon cargo straps.......or visit the Helen 2 Wheels packing site, now it's time for a :drink

[jmerlino]

I am an avid backpacker and motorcycle camper and this is the tent I have and its great! The REI Half Dome
I have a Quarter Dome (for just me) and I love it. It packs down TINY, and is very light. I did all the seam-sealing and waterproofing stuff to it when I first got it, and thus far, it has kept me very dry. (Never used it in heavy rain, but it's been aces in light rain.)

[griffin738]

I've got a 2-person Mountain Hardware "room with a view" tent and a 4-person REI dome. Love 'em both. I like the "number_of_people X 2" formula, to allow for gear.

I like to keep the tent & other camping stuff in a dry bag. And so it becomes important that the tent can collapse down small enough to fit. Biggest constraint is the length of the poles. I can pack my Mt Hardware tent into the dry bag, but the poles on the REI tent are too long, so they get tied down separately, which is sort of a pain.

[FredRydr]

I've got a 2-person Mountain Hardware "room with a view" tent.... I have the same tent, which I selected based on inside height, clips instead of sleeves, vestibule and packed size (i.e., shorter pole length). I don't think there are many of these out there.

Fred

[boomgarden]

As you've been able to tell, there are as many opinions on this subject as there are motorcycle riders. The trick is balancing the features you need against the bulk that is inherent in these luxuries. Personally, I dislike carrying a large or heavy load, so I lean toward backpacking gear that's a little more luxurious than what I'd actually take backpacking. So, for solo camping, I use a two-man tent. Instead of a narrow 1" thick sleeping pad, I take one that's thicker and wider. Heck, I might even take a pillow. :thumb

I've had excellent experiences with REI and North Face tents. For motorcycle camping, I'd recommend one that has the advertised capacity for one more person than will actually be using it. I think you and your wife would be very comfortable in a three-man tent. It's best to have two entrances, so you don't end up climbing over one another if you are going to sleep or getting up at different hours. A vestibule--or two--is great, particularly since you'll have a lot of gear (some of it potentially wet or dirty) that you may not want to drag into the tent.

Make sure you use a ground cloth with your tent. I usually buy the one designed for the tent I'm using, but they can be pricey. A piece of Tyvek or a one of those cheap reinforced plastic tarps works well, is inexpensive, and very durable. Just cut it to slightly less than the floor dimensions of your tent (if it's larger, it can channel rain water under the tent). I'd also suggest buying a couple extra tent stakes, in case you break or lose one.

Finally, I'd urge you to seek out the highest quality tent you can afford, if you envision using it regularly. A cheaper department store tent will suffice 95% of the time, but if you ever find yourself stuck in your tent during a serious storm, you'll appreciate the fact that you're warm, dry and secure, while those in lesser tents are not fairing quite as well. :nyah

[kbasa]

I have the same tent, which I selected based on inside height, clips instead of sleeves, vestibule and packed size (i.e., shorter pole length). I don't think there are many of these out there.

Fred

We've got a Skyview 3, which we used for years (4 season tent) and a Haven 3.

They're both pretty excellent. The Skyview has a really big vestibule; big enough that you could cook in it. The Haven packs down small enough that we can carry it, poles and all, in the top case of our RT, along with two sleeping bags (Big Agnes) and two sleeping pads (also Big Agnes).

[barryg]

Campmor is a good place to look for tent options. They have quite a few on sale all thru the year. http://www.campmor.com 1-800-226-7667 call and get on their catalog list.

[boofer]

I use an air-zone "Osprey" 4 man, it uses no poles and I always carry my Cycle Pump in my tank-bag. It seems to be one of the few with a rain-fly (if not the only) that can be set-up or packed with said rain-fly attached, which is wonderful in a downpour. Yea, it's heavy, at 14.5 lbs, but you can enjoy a beverage while you watch it set itself up. :bottle

[scargs]

I'm in tune with those recommending "more" space for comfort. I just got the Sierra Designs - Antares 3 from REI http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47981530&parent_category_rn=4500457&vcat= and it looks awesome! The features include: less than 8 pounds trail weight (w/poles, stakes, etc.), interior area 49 sq. ft., dimensions of 6.25' x 7.58', 45.5" height, 2 vestibules w/2 doors, ceiling attic, hanging cup holder, ground cloth footprint. Here's what experience has taught me.
My 2 man Sierra Designs Orion (33 sq ft) http://www.rei.com/outlet/product/48019218.htm is a great tent, but on extended road trips I start to get a little claustrophobic in the thing after about the 3rd night, and when bad weather sets in, packing all my gear inside with me and/or in the vestibule it really starts getting cramped. Also loading gear in the vestibule area means climbing over it to get in and out, which means if it's raining and you are just ducking out to take a leak, now you are getting dirt/sand/mud/wet on your gear. Now, with the 2 vestibules, I have a gear storage area outside the tent (but covered) plus a lot more room on the interior to move around. Also, I might even get my wife to go camping with me sometime - as she hates small spaces. Final analysis - to sacrifice an extra 2 pounds added to carrying weight, and another 1" in diameter to packed space size, now I can forego taking my Kelty tarp and poles, and I'm living large. I think I'll call the new tent "Phat City"! ;)

[Daver90s]

this is the tent we (my wife) took to the rally - actually won a bet because someone didn't think she packed it on her bike. ha - One thing she knows how to do is pack! :heart

[raygun]

I purchased the Eureka Timberline 4XT. Will try it out June 1st at the Land of Oz Rally in LaCygne KS. Thanks for all the replies. Ray

[tburk]

Went to REI yesterday, and saw that the Hobitat four tent is on sale. Looks ideal for motorcycle camping. I have an older REI dome that's great, so am not in the market, but that one looks perfect. It's called 4-man but would be very roomy for one or two, three in a pinch. For travel and solo camping (and backpacking), I don't think you can beat a Hennessy expedition. If you get sleepy you can stop just about anywhere and set up in a hurry, grab a comfy nap, and keep on going.

http://www.rei.com/product/745758

http://www.hennessyhammock.com/index.html