Recently, I tried overnight camping on a motorcycle for the first time. I enjoyed both the atmosphere of camping and the comfort of the motorcycle platform, as well as the freedom of riding my motorcycle.
Tale opened a thread to share his experiences and thoughts about camping overnight on a motorcycle.(If what I said is wrong, please correct me gently.)。
I. Equipment
First, let's state the conclusion: Due to the inherent advantages and disadvantages of motorcycles, all associated equipment, including camping gear and other accessories, must be lightweight.
Due to the relatively small batch size of motorcycles posted by the original poster.(125cc, or borrowed)
1、Radio:
Existing standard 100W radios are not suitable for portability due to their size (unlike, for example, Yaesu FT-891 and other 100W vehicle-mounted models). Another reason is that the batteries designed for standard 100W radios are also quite heavy (especially those capable of operating at full power for more than 8 hours), and there are also regulatory issues.
Therefore, when using a motorcycle, it's recommended to use small, low-power radios so that the phone battery can also be smaller.
2、 Computer:
Whether it's a slim laptop or a rugged one, the overall size of a device with an external keyboard will still be larger than that of a tablet, so it is generally recommended to use a Windows tablet. However, there is a problem: many Windows tablets available on the market have relatively weak performance, making them only suitable for basic tasks.
3、 Power supply:
Whether it's a radio, a computer, or other mobile cameras, they all need a unified power connection scheme. I firmly believe that fulfilling the needs of children is more important than fulfilling the needs of adults.To do this, you would need to carry two batteries, but due to size constraints, only one battery can be carried. Therefore, my solution is to keep a fast-charging module interface on the radio's battery, which can be used when needed.(This also makes it clear that batteries produced by "Xiao Fei Electronic" are excellent.)
4、Tent equipment:
For typical motorcycle camping equipment, in order to achieve maximum lightweight, a 2-person tent is usually equipped. However, based on actual testing, a motorcycle overnight platform requires at least a 3-person tent.
The reason is that the camping area for motorcycles has designated zones for: equipment storage, rest areas, and living spaces, all of which can be placed on the ground of the tent. Furthermore, there is still some extra space available, making a two-person tent perfectly adequate. A three-person tent offers more space, but its main drawback is increased weight and volume.
However, setting up a motorcycle overnight camp requires: an equipment area, a rest area, a living area, and a radio operating area. The radio operating area should have tables and chairs set up inside the tent (if you prefer to lie down, that's fine). This will make the interior of the tent too crowded.(The OP stayed up all night like this)In this situation, a two-person tent is completely inadequate, and a three-person tent is only barely sufficient. However, considering the overall cost-effectiveness, a three-person tent is the better choice.
5. Food and Water:
Regarding food, there are limited options, mainly self-heating meals and other convenient foods. Due to the valuable motorcycle carrying capacity, it is difficult to carry drinking water and cooking utensils. This makes it challenging to prepare hot meals outdoors. Generally, it is recommended that a motorcyclist carries approximately 5 liters of drinking water for 12 hours, and 3 liters (for nighttime use). If you have sufficient carrying capacity or are traveling with multiple motorcycles, you can carry three times the amount of food and drinking water. (For overnight camping trips away from home, it is recommended to prepare at least 3 days' worth of supplies per person.)
II. Travel
Motorcycles can easily reach locations that were previously inaccessible or difficult to reach with older vehicles, while also allowing for a smaller amount of carried supplies.
1、 Issues related to the quality of materials carried:
The loading center of goods when carried needs to be adjusted.(And cannot hold a yellow dog on the left and a black dog on the right)A good center of gravity is a key factor in ensuring motorcycle safety during travel.
2、 Issues related to carrying the satellite system:
Since it's for portable use, the antenna needs to be simple and lightweight. Any available "wild" antennas on the market will work, but it's important to note that antennas with designs like inverted V or upright V, which require support poles, need extra attention paid to weight distribution and potential interference during transport. Another option is to choose a lightweight support pole (such as fishing rods, 5-meter sports camera extension poles, etc.). However, using a 4.8-meter lamp stand is not recommended.
3. Issues related to bundling equipment during travel:
ATTENTION! ATTENTION! ATTENTION! Make sure your equipment is securely fastened, as you wouldn't want pieces of it falling off during the descent, would you?
4、Personal cycling apparel:
There's nothing to say about this; all the experienced riders know how to do it. Just a reminder to wear proper protective gear and helmets, and safety is always the priority.
III. Important considerations for camping
1、 Location of camp:
As those of you who have experience with camping and overnight stays know, there's no specific way to set it up. However, I want to emphasize the importance of safety, and also make sure you have enough space for your antenna.
2、Antenna safety:
This needs further explanation: 1. The antenna should be mounted at a distance from the tent that allows it to function properly.(As for theory, I personally don't want to go outside because I might trip over an antenna or cable.)。
2. Pay attention to the issue of preventing antennas from being lost.(I asked our friend BG5GDP for his expertise on this matter.)。
3. Please note that it is important to clearly mark the area around the cable and antenna (e.g., using reflective tape, folded ice cream cones) to prevent others from tripping or accidentally touching them.(You understand that any random location will immediately attract attention, including but not limited to: curious elderly people and children, as well as the fact that you'll be staying overnight.)。
4. Pay attention to the safe installation and use of antennas, simply put, ensure that the antenna does not cause QBG problems.
3. Other important considerations:
This situation is quite complicated.
1. Pay attention to fire safety: A fire in the morning, and a police station visit in the afternoon.
2. Pay attention to mosquitoes, snakes, ants: Bring insect repellent, mosquito-repelling agents (such as DEET), and any other effective products that can repel insects and snakes (choose the most effective ones while minimizing impact on the environment!). Today, we'll be separating the strong from the weak, and determining who lives and who dies!
3. Pay attention to environmental hygiene: Maintaining a clean campsite and camping area is a good habit. We encourage everyone to participate in the "Recycle 150% of Camping Waste" program (i.e., taking away 100% of their own waste, and 50% of the waste from the campsite).
4. Pay attention to safety: This refers to all aspects of safety, including those that encompass "the overall national security concept."
5. Establish good relationships with all local factors that could affect your overnight stay in the area (e.g., being friendly, offering a cigarette). This will help ensure a smooth overnight stay.
This is what I have come up with so far. Please feel free to add your thoughts and suggestions in the comments section. This message is from bh3xzt, sending you all my best!
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