Motorcycle Camping FAQ

A few motorcycle camping FAQ (frequently asked questions) as asked by visitors to the site:

I am writing to ask for more specifics about what you carried on the Hobart-Cairns trip, so here goes. Specifically, did you bring a hammer or mallet for driving tent stakes?

No, I didn’t carry a hammer or mallet… if you can’t find a rock or the ground was that hard I’d keep going:)

Did you have special heavy-duty stakes, such as pieces of rebar?

No, I just used the stakes that came with the tent which are pretty much stock standard. Mind you I carry a couple of extra stakes and a small roll of cord for the occasional howling wind.

Who made the leather case and waterproof sack for your tent and sleeping bag?

I found a leather worker – a saddler who made up my leather bags. They were made along the lines of my horseback years, a similar design for my ‘iron horse’. Most people prefer cases or panniers these days that can be locked and have fancy clip systems to carry into their motel rooms.

Did you carry a stove?

Yes, I do generally carry a small stove. Gas is easiest and you don’t have issues with liquid fuel leaking light you up like a roman candle… plus you can buy refills at most camping stores. The stoves are small, and light and give instant heat for a quick coffee or can of beans.

Do you use freeze-dried, canned, or fresh food or what?

I actually had a small Esky (six beer can size) in a rack to keep fresh food cool (inland in summer it is + 45 degrees celsius). Also, there is nothing like pulling up in the middle of the scrub after a hard days ride and cracking a coldie:) But to answer your question I always carry at least 3 days (rations) worth of freeze-dried food, just in case I am stranded. Apart from that I picked up food each day for my requirements and had the occasional takeaway.

Motorcycle Camping FAQ Lighting

Was your lantern liquid-fuel or electric, or did you even have a lantern?

I tend to carry the bare minimum so a small good quality torch is my choice rather than a lantern.

I am looking at lanterns and stoves that can use either commercially prepared white gas or plain old gasoline from the tank. These types seem more practical to me, but I’m just theorizing and you have practical experience on exactly the type of trip I want to make.

My advice is to keep your gear to the absolute minimum, otherwise, you spend way too much time packing and repacking and of course, there is the simple issue of being weighed down. I’d rather make sure I had a good toolkit to do basic repairs and spare tubes or patches etc rather than worry about lanterns. Small gas stoves are pretty cheap these days.

**************************************

You might like to read the accounts of other motorcycle trips: Out for a Spin, Louisana Auntie, Fun in the Sun, and Motorcycle Touring.