Touring - saddlebags, tents etc

[john mac]

As a recent returnee to biking, after a very long lay off ,(and a first time Harley owner, "Fatboy"),it's my intention to do some touring and attend as many rallies as i can get to next year. So before i start throwing the folding stuff about on saddle bags, tents sleeping bags etc, I'd be grateful for any advice, suggestions or recommendations any one can give me on the best gear to buy.

[Strawhead]

Hi John,

if you have a sissy bar/ rack i would consider a t-bag; these slot over the sissy bar and either rest on the rack if you are two up or on the back seat which provides a pretty comfy seat rest for the longer hauls.


many swear by the Kyham Biker tents, personally i don't like them , not good if hot, heavy and a little on the large side. my personal recommendation would be a small Coleman.

There are some insulated mats that blow up by themselves, cannot remember the name , pricey and not too bad. followed up by a decent two or three season sleeping bag dependent on when you want to tour. did France a few years back and whilst it was really hot in the South it was very chilly in the Alps, a little common sense goes a long way.

First Aid Kit - Always there and never used fortunately.

and lastly a meal if doing continental touring just in case the shops are not open and you are left with no food.

Just run with the basics first and go away for three days and nights you will find that you need very little more for longer tours

great way of seeing the country/ ies

NB good waterproofs!!!! substantial lock!!!

ride safe

[Realbark]

Frank Thomas touring saddlebags/panniers and tailpack have room enough for me n the missus stuff. Good and hardwearing with rain covers - ive used them for years. Spare gloves! First aid kit. Good set of waterproofs. Tent-wise it depends how much you want from it. I generally buy one for about 30.00 then chuck it when it starts to leak too much. I get about 2 years per tent. A 3-4 season doss bag is a must for me. But you pays your money and everyones opinion is different - good luck

[tubby57]

Hi John. This was our first year of rallies and we bought a 4 man dome tent from argos and an inflatable matress.We take a double sleeping bag which we open up and use like a duvet. A 4 man tents ok for 2 as you need to put gear somewhere. We're going to get a 4 man tent with a porch this year so we can stand up,trying to get dressed on your knees isn't easy! Good luck and hope to meet up with you at a warm dry rally!

[Strawhead]

Further to my last, even if you have decent bags always put clothes/ sleeping bags etc in black bin bags as well, small cost but provides complete protection even if the weather is hideous.

re the Coleman, £120 i was at Lake Evian six years ago and i was camped up and we had the biggest thunderstorm i have ever witnessed, It rained so hard That there was two inches of groundwater beneath the tent. it was like a water bed, not a drop came through. personally i would always spend out on a tent and look after it. ie water proof annually .

had a cheap tent before this which came down in high winds/ rain in Wales, it was a shit night and i would rather not have to repeat it, especially as the next two days were spent in drying everything

food for thought any way

[Shifty]

This place are great for camping swag, especially as they often have offers on:

Tents, Camping Equipment & Outdoor Clothing & Footwear Uk Tent Megastore at Winfields

[Helmetbolt]

Plenty of info in the equipment section of this forum.

ADVrider - Powered by vBulletin

Just don't overload your bike.

[Troy]

This is worth a look.
Scroll down a bit and on the left hand side it gives you lots of links to other sites.camping porn

Outdoors Gear, Equipment, News, Reviews, Forums, Walking Routes and More at OutdoorsMagic.com

[pippin]

I have used my kyam biker tent for 2 years now,but found it no good to stand up in to put your keks on so I brought a modern tepee from argos in july it can sleep 4 comfortable with all the gear,you can stand up in it,and it is the same size package as the kyam...brill I had the smaller on but they do a large one that sleeps about 8 too.


pip

[john mac]

Thanks to everybody for all the help and advice.
I've already had a quick look at some of the websites and gear you've all recommended, so should be able to sort myself out some decent gear without too many problems.
Thanks again to everybody.