Great write up. I rode from Miami to upstate New York and back 2yrs ago and pack a similar set up except I strap everything to the sissy bar and bolt on some pullback bars so I can use my gear as a backrest.
Some of the replies mentioned tank bags. Being on a budget I bought a small waterproof marine bag (basically a ziplock on steroids) and glued some magnets in the corners. This keeps my map or cell phone dry and visible on my tank so I always know where I'm going. When I'm on my rigid I also place a piece of foam behind my cell so the vibration doesn't kill it. whole thing cost $8
I've been looking at them, and haven't pulled the trigger because I haven't been able to get my hands on them. I like the fact that they have a Gore Tex bivy.
And while I'm at it, how about these packs. Price is right and if this shit holds up to the abuse that you guys put them through, they'll more than suffice for a pack for the bike. I have a couple of old Swiss packs that are really nice, but I'm beating the shit out of them. One is from WWII, and the others are from the 1960's.
The first one, the 3-day assault pack, should be sufficient for almost any bike-camping situation that lasts a few days.
The main packs are REALLY large & may be overkill.
(Remember that you'll need space on the bike for a sleeping bag & a tent/tarp)
The assault pack & a set of throw-over saddlebags will give you more than enough cargo space without turning your chop into an Electra-Glide.
The sleeping bag system isn't too bad because you can pick and choose what to take dependent on the temp. The light weight bag doesn't go down to 30 degrees. I'm currently using it now in Afghanistan and around 55 degrees it starts to get cold. (It might be that I'm just a pansy and use to the hot temps during day.) The bivy sack is nice because it keeps you dry and added with the light weight bag you can stay warmer. Poncho liners are really nice for slightly cool nights and if you add the bivy sack you'll get even a bit warmer and it's a pretty compact setup.
The sleeping bags are pretty bulky. Maybe if you got a better compression sack it'll do better but the ones that come with it don't get it very small. I was thinking of picking up a waterproof compression sack that will give it a longer shape instead of a ball.
If you scout REI or LL Bean you might be able to get a better sleeping bag. I guess it's going to depend on what temp you're thinking of being out there.
I agree, the 3 day assault packs are probably the best. Those are some pretty good prices and I might pick up one of those.
http://ammocanman.com/index.php?main...roducts_id=123 -Brand new these are around $45. Spent many nights with the poncho liner and bivy sack. Not sure how cold it got but I was always warm. I was fully clothed though.
I've seen better prices on previously-issued poncho liners ($14.99 INCLUDING shipping all over eGay), but that one you linked to states that it comes with a matching drawstring carry sack --- so that's a nice bonus.
I've seen better prices on previously-issued poncho liners ($14.99 INCLUDING shipping all over eGay), but that one you linked to states that it comes with a matching drawstring carry sack --- so that's a nice bonus.
That's an awesome price for those. Thanks for the heads up!
Thanks for the info. The only reason I was looking at one of the bigger packs is that I don't use throw over bags, and it comes with the assault pack too.
The sleeping bag was my big question though and you knocked it out of the park for me. I already have a couple of nice backpacking sleeping bags, but I don't want to ruin my down bag while on my bike. Here is a link to my favorite compression sacks. http://www.rei.com/product/807788/gr...ession-drysack I have 4 of them and they rock.
I've used and abused the sleep system and as long as you use all 3 bags (bivy sack, green and black bags) you should stay pretty toasty above freezing temps. I've been in some sub freezing temps with them and its not that bad but its not that good either. I swapped out the issue black bag for my Red Desert down bag for Bridgeport mountain warfare training (both lighter and warmer) if I were you I'd get the outer bivy and a really good waterproof compression sack for your down bag.
Thanks Pete. I think I may do just that. My current bivy has been waterproof so far, but it's not great and I would never rely on it for being waterproof. I use it basically as a dirt barrier. And it's purple.
Also reading more those bags are about 80" long which just means a whole lot more void space for me to try and fill and keep warm being 5'8" I don't need that long of a bag.
Get a good down bag that fits your size, use the extra void space at the bottom of the bivy to stow stuff you want handy and dry. Personally I go down to the bare minimum, it's actually supposed to be warmer then sleeping with stuff on but getting out of the bag when it's cold isn't fun but at least you know your clothes are semi warm and dry at the bottom of the bivy.
guys, im putting together something for Bill to go over about MC camping using hammocks and other stuff, including everything from stoves to sleep systems that pack small and are modular. keep an eye out...
oh, and in my spare time i work with state and national parks to develop hammock camping programs so that people who prefer them to tents can have some go-to advice and such. any questions, feel free to PM.
this was me on the last trip i took. plenty of room for other stuff using bags that would work on any bike
Sounds like a great idea Rev, if you come across any gear strong enough for us bigger guys be sure to pass it along. At 280lbs I've had a hard time finding anything that will hold up (killed a hammock on the last Bacon Run).
Sounds like a great idea Rev, if you come across any gear strong enough for us bigger guys be sure to pass it along. At 280lbs I've had a hard time finding anything that will hold up (killed a hammock on the last Bacon Run).
There are serveral camp hammocks that are rated to +400lbs and pack small.Google camp hammocks or check out hammockforrums.com there is a wealth of info on there.
There are serveral camp hammocks that are rated to +400lbs and pack small.Google camp hammocks or check out hammockforrums.com there is a wealth of info on there.
Will do Jbone, I'm just tired of ending up flat on my ass in the dirt after catostrophic failure. Last one I had was rated at 300lbs but my knife or something snagged the nylon and it ripped upen like a bag of Funions in front of a fat kid.
Will do Jbone, I'm just tired of ending up flat on my ass in the dirt after catostrophic failure. Last one I had was rated at 300lbs but my knife or something snagged the nylon and it ripped upen like a bag of Funions in front of a fat kid.
I have an ENO Singe Rest and I really like it. Feels pretty durable and is rated at 400 pounds. Squishes down to the size of a softball. If you are heading up to the Hazzard Escape I'll have it there and unless it's raining really hard I'll be using it.
I have an ENO Singe Rest and I really like it. Feels pretty durable and is rated at 400 pounds. Squishes down to the size of a softball. If you are heading up to the Hazzard Escape I'll have it there and unless it's raining really hard I'll be using it.
Unfortunately the Hazzard Escape falls on my wife's birthday or something like that. I don't remember the date of the ride off the top of my head, I just remember when it was posted up face palming and cursing the gods because I knew it was something I couldn't get out of.
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