Bikepacking? Motopacking?

[traveltoad]

Plan on doing some motopacking soon, I just call it camping with a motorcycle. I have all the light backpacking things from the early cycling, car or canoe camping days. I think (this is only a thought and may not be true) but some fall into that rut that some of us have with our trucks loading the crap out of them for no particular reason other than to take a trip that could have been done in a Honda Civic and a backpack.

Now the bike I chose doesn't allow for panniers which may be a blessing in disguise as it forces me to use smaller soft bags and backpacks which I feel is not a problem as I have gone over the gear needed for a week and just cannot see where the bulk comes into play, take that and divide it over 2-3 bikes and everyone rides light and happy..................,,,,,,,,,/////////////

Equipment obviously plays a big part in the size and weight of your load. But, IMO, a larger impact on size and weight of your gear is your perception of a "good" camping trip. If you like to have a couple hours to relax at camp at the end of the day, you will inevitably bring a chair, table, hanging out clothes etc etc. If you stop at dark (or later) only to eat and sleep then you get up in the morning and go, you will have many fewer creature comforts. Not a right or wrong... just a different style.

 

[WU7X]

Aaron,

I think your last comment really nailed it. It's all in what you are looking for in motocamping. I'm retired and a lot slower than I once was. I like taking it easy, lots of spots for pictures, nice meals, my Kermit chair and a tent big enough to be comfortable and protect me from the elements.

 

[traveltoad]

Aaron,

I think your last comment really nailed it. It's all in what you are looking for in motocamping. I'm retired and a lot slower than I once was. I like taking it easy, lots of spots for pictures, nice meals, my Kermit chair and a tent big enough to be comfortable and protect me from the elements.

Exactly. So for a successful and happy camping trip with multiple bikes, this needs to be sorted out pre-trip. An overnighter or two is a good way to find the right riding partners or find a middle ground for existing riding buddies. (Also true for 4x4 camping.)