So the wife and I were suppose to do the Monterey trip this weekend but that's going to have to wait unfortunately. Trying to make the best of our weekend by doing something, so we are going camping off of the bike to a place called Goose lake a couple hours from here. There's some pretty cool roads to ride and the lake is beautiful.
We're full on camping though. No tent. Sleeping bag, food, clothes, etc. How many have done this? We haven't done this together before,but I've done some roughing it off the bike in my younger years. What is your experiences? Any mandatory items to bring not on the "typical" list of things? Hoping to hear some of your experiences. Heading out this evening after work!

 

Small firestarter logs, a gun, a knife and when the OL comes I have a small two person tent that I got. It rolls up very small about 1/3 the size of a sleeping bag. In my experience while men are fine with crashing in the dirt under a tree most women feel too vulnerable out in the elements.

 

Dont know much about it, but it sounds awesome. Have a great time...

 

James: Sorry to see that the Monterey trip won't happen until later for you. Life happens though! Hope your camping trip turns out great.

 

I guess that what you bring depends on what level of roughing it you want to do. Here on the east coast, a tent is almost mandatory just to keep the bugs off of you.

But beyond that and the obvious sleeping bag, pad, and groundcloth, I always bring:

• My JetBoil butane stove for making coffee at night and in the morning
• Starbucks Via instant coffee - plenty good enough for camping, although I sometimes go to the trouble to bring my french press
• Bic lighter, of course, to light the stove
• A small flashlight - the kind that can sit on a table and provide some light after dark
• Something to read or watch for after dark (of course, with your wife going that might not be a necessity)
• I use pre-packaged towlettes for hygiene, kind of like baby wipes, but available in the camping store specifically for adults. Helps you stay fresh and smelling good without the need to use the (sometimes dirty) camp showers
• Folding knife, can opener if eating out of a can, eating utensils, etc.
• Always a sweater and thicker gloves that seem right for the season. Can get chilly in the mornings if you're in the mountains
• Plenty of bottled water. I always keep a bottle or two in the saddlebag in case I get thirsty between stops. Also handy for splashing on the face on hot days.
• Microfiber cloth for cleaning sunglasses and reading glasses.
• Windshield/visor cleaning solution and a second microfiber towel.
• Sandals or other lightweight shoe for camp so you don't have to sit around in heavy boots.

... and a dozen other things that I never think of until after I leave home.

 

A laptop with season 1,2, and 3 of sons of anarchy on it! Have fun and hope you get to do the Montery trip next year!

 

How can you "camp" without making camp? I used to tie an Army poncho to the front and rear of my bike and make a lean-to, (with the bike leaned away from me). When I was married, I'd stuff two sleeping bags and a two-man mountain tent into a 30" duffel bag and lash it to the back of the ol' BMW R100S. With saddle bags and tank bag, we could stay out on the road for a week before having to do laundry. Have fun on your trip!

 

Hey thanks RK4ME. That's actually a really good idea. I think on my way out (in about an hour or so) I will stop somewhere and grab a small tent that Mr. Rowdy mentioned. For the future, maybe one of those expensive tents made to go in tangent with the bike. Look pretty cool on a thread I saw a bit ago.
soft 02, Monterey is still happening this year. Just got a bit postponed is all. Thanks

 

Look for a "backpacking tent". they are designed to pack small. ;-)

 

Two words: motel six.