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Pitching A Tent - Best / Smallest Tent For Bike Camping

75 posts Started 13 Jun 2009 Last recovered post 6 Apr 2012 Wayback Machine snapshot 8 Nov 2025
#1 didit Thread starter

Considering I'm doing who knows how many miles beyond the trip to Dillon

side bar (wife says, why don't you just go for as long as you want? Just go. . . . ) end side bar - no questions please

I'm looking for a decent quality, not too terribly expensive (willing to buy en route in US) tent that I can:

- put up and pack up quickly

- offers good fly protection and ventalation

- packs up small, tight & light

I've searched the sight and found good reviews on the Kelty Grand Mesa 2, but at $200US it's a bit much for my meager plans.

Any and all input appreciated.

#3 DougFromIndy

I have had good luck with cheap tents, was in one during an amazingly bad storm camping at cape hatteras, NC (near kitty hawk). If you lose it off the back of your bike is less to cry about. The most important thing is to trial run your gear and bike, go on a weekend trip with rain in the forecast..see what works and what does not work...coleman/eureka are good basic tents, a little heavier, bigger than northface or mt hardware/pricier brands...you are not backpacking so save the money. TRIAL RUN before big trip is best advice I could give you. My cheap $40 tent (yes I have some better ones) has passed 5 rainy nights on kayak trips and another 5 rainy nights on bike trips, all dry and good. Doug

#4 didit Thread starter

Nice unit. book marked. Thanks sPOTO, Looks like what I want, but can I get it for 1/2 price?

I'm not cheap, I'm just cheap.

Doug, where'd you get your cheap tent?

#5 Old School

Yes I pitch a tent every morn and it is not a small tent and it is for one woman. :huh:

LOL

Stephen

#7 RollinAgain

You can always find pretty good deals at Sierra Trading post and there are always coupon codes and free shipping codes that can be found easily on the net. I've included a couple links below.

Here is a two man tent with good reviews for only $109

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,1480D_...n-3-Season.html

Here is a 1 person tent with good reviews for $129

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,1478D_...n-3-Season.html

Regards,

Rollin

Edited June 13, 2009 by RollinAgain
#8 Guest Mark5948

I have a Eureka Timberline 2 circa 1990ish that works very well for backpacking and riding as it turns out. I also know that the 3 man tents from walmart that look like the kelly or rei brand of medium sized 3 man tents work very well, and are not overly large when setup or packed. One of the guys had to make a replacement purchase for his way to small tent last year.

#10 ron_al
Mark5948I have a Eureka Timberline 2 circa 1990ish that works very well for backpacking and riding as it turns out. I also know that the 3 man tents from walmart that look like the kelly or rei brand of medium sized 3 man tents work very well, and are not overly large when setup or packed. One of the guys had to make a replacement purchase for his way to small tent last year.

I'll second Mark5948's recommendation for Eureka tents.

I use a Eureka Backcountry 2 tent (here at CampMor) when I am solo-motorcycle camping. I've had it for several years and am very happy with it.

  • It packs down considerably smaller than most other tents I've seen - great for carrying on the bike without taking up much room.
  • Setup is a piece of cake. (Emphasis added. -Ron) I can quickly & easily put this tent up even after a long and tiring day in the saddle.
  • A "two man" tent is typically cozy for two people, but it's great for a solo motorcyclist WITH GEAR.
  • Or, when the wife & I are car camping, it has enough room for two sleeping bags, but not much else.
  • Note that this tent does not appear to be made anymore - it's not listed at Eureka's website anymore.

I also use a Eureka Timberline 4 tent (here) for two-up motorcycle camping trips

  • A "four man" tent gives us plenty of room for our sleeping bags AND our riding gear.
  • But, when packed down, it is still 24" long (due to the length of the pole segments).
  • The Timberline 2 is still made & available, so it's smaller - but the pole segments are just as long.

Prior to acquiring both of these tents, we used a several cheaper tents (from Walmart, etc.) with fiberglass poles. After numerous pole failures with each of those tents, we realized that perhaps spending a little bit more for a higher quality tent (the 2 Eureka's listed above, both of which use aluminum poles) would provide more durability. And it has.

With those two endorsements out of the way, there are other tents available - Aerostich lists several, and Chase Harper offers a pole-free tent (for which you can use your bike as a tie-down point).

Good luck, however you decide.

Ron

Edited June 13, 2009 by ron_al
#11 ron_al
diditNice unit. book marked. Thanks sPOTO, Looks like what I want, but can I get it for 1/2 price?

I'm not cheap, I'm just cheap.

It's not the same tent, but there is a $100 version on sale on REI's outlet site here.

(I have no experience with this tent, I just did a quick search of REI's Outlet site.)

Ron

#12 alwaysaware

If weight is the deciding factor then go with the one that Spoto recomended. REI has great products and will garantee it for life if your a member. They are just a little pricy at times. If all you care about is size, then go to your local army surplus or outdoors store and pick up a regular back packing tent. My kid (11 years old) uses a typical backpacking tent that weighs around 6lbs. and doesn't have any problems with the weight. The tent cost around $50.00 at Sports Authority and has all the same feature as the more expensive REI model except for the weight. I hope that helps.

#13 timmythecop

interesting topic. Nobody has mentioned ease of put-up/take down. The last thing you need after hours and hours in the seat is fighting a nylon origami gorrila.

#14 V-FORE

Here is what I have used over the years, tent sale I just googled it from the label weighs 6ish pounds 24"(thats 24 inches) no metric system here wink.gif here it is on the back of my bike(she will whole again in one more week :huh: )

[image: gallery_8073_4155_482810.jpg]

IMG_0011.JPG

This is what I have used in the past when you first set it up spray it down with scotchguard & you shouldn't have any problems with rain. very easy to set up just two poles, easy to fit back in the bag even when wet :wheel: and big enough to hang out in if the weather sucks

link did not work

Here it is http://www.shoplocal.com/lid-2089579045pri...-person-tent.fp

#15 radar
diditNice unit. book marked. Thanks sPOTO, Looks like what I want, but can I get it for 1/2 price?

I'm not cheap, I'm just cheap.

Doug, where'd you get your cheap tent?

Canadian Tire has a surprisingly good selection of inexpensive tents, and of course Walley Mart

#16 Guest dendron
diditI've searched the sight and found good reviews on the Kelty Grand Mesa 2, but at $200US it's a bit much for my meager plans.

Any and all input appreciated.

http://www.amazon.com/Kelty-Grand-Mesa-2-P...355&sr=1-21

You may like the price for this model a little better on Amazon. Board member, vfrcapn, recently returned from a circuitous trip of the far western US using the Kelty Grand Mesa 2, and reports that it worked very well. Good value for money!

#17 dutchinterceptor

I've been using a Mtn. Hardwear one man tent and it's great but just not big enough for me and my gear. Consequently, I'm trying to find a roomier tent before August.

Campmor usually has some good deals.

#18 vanion2

Yikes! I haven't paid more than $80 for a tent ever. Try Coleman tents. Inexpensive and they work. Get a 2-3 man two pole dome tent and you are set. I have tested several of their tents through some pretty crappy weather and always came out dry in the end. They are quick to put up/take down and you can fold the tent a variety of different ways to get it to fit in your gear (any tent that is). Your biggest issue will be the poles but they all fold now-a-days so strapping them to your luggage is very doable. I paid $50 for my 3 man Coleman and still have it for exactly what you plan on doing. Roomy enough for 2 with plenty of space for gear.

Good luck!

Edit: Here's the Coleman Tents. I have the Sundome and I love it. They have a 2 man Hooligan for $60 and it only uses 1 pole. And of course they have the Weathertec system that guarantees your satisfaction. wink.gif

#19 choco
sPOTO http://www.rei.com/product/728308 :huh:

sPOTO

This REI Half Dome is my tent, I use it a lot, it's light, sets up quickly and is perfect for one person and gear, or two and the gear outside under the fly. Love it. My home away from home. The other thing that adds bulk and weight is the sleeping bag, that's why I chose a three season down bag, it packs down very small and is as light as a bag this warm could be.

My sleeping bag is made by Marmot. The last thing to make your night comfortable is a three quarter length foam pad. I often sleep much better in my tent than hotel rooms.

http://s372.photobucket{/img]

Edited June 17, 2009 by choco
#20 Guest Oxygen545

I use the Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight. it's about $200 but it is awesome. it's rated as a 2 man tent but really it's a 1 man tent w/ some room. it packs up tiny and is super light. it's the most popular tent used by through hikers hiking the Appalachian Trail. If you're just looking for a 102 times a year tent I'd say just get a 2 or 3 man dome tent from target or Walmart and be done w/ it.. if you want a quality tent spend the money.

Damon

#21 vfrcapn
dendron
diditI've searched the sight and found good reviews on the Kelty Grand Mesa 2, but at $200US it's a bit much for my meager plans.

Any and all input appreciated.

http://www.amazon.com/Kelty-Grand-Mesa-2-P...355&sr=1-21

You may like the price for this model a little better on Amazon. Board member, vfrcapn, recently returned from a circuitous trip of the far western US using the Kelty Grand Mesa 2, and reports that it worked very well. Good value for money!

What he said. :huh: I paid $125 at a local sporting goods store.

Backpacker magazine has a whole product review issue this month if you're interested. They did pick the Kelty Gunnison 2.1 tent as the overall best buy in the 2 person category, based on price, performance, etc. http://www.amazon.com/Kelty-Gunnison-2-1-P...7877&sr=1-1

I thought it seemed a little large packed up. The Mesa 2 packed in to a bag about 12" long and 6" diameter, minus the poles of course. The REI tents also got good reviews, along with a bunch more that are way out of my price range.

Where you headed after the Summit? east, west, north, south?

#22 didit Thread starter

Wow! Thanks for all the information and links. Saved me too much time of just searching tents.

Appreciate the personal reviews. Ease of use and a small travel size, a vestibule, good rain protection & solid form are key.

Liking to keep the price well below $100 as I'm not a big camper dude and it'll probably go into storage for the rest of the year once I get back.

Plenty of research through those links to do.

I'll have to find a light-medium bag to sleep in. Again, space saving on the bike is the thing. Also, I'll have to look at a cable lock,

to lock the bike to the tent when done for the day.

vfrcapn, I'm not exactly planned for where. A friend here has shown me picks of Utah that were quite cool.

I was thinking New Mexico, Grand Canyon / Arizona, then working up through S. Cali, Oregon and back to BC.

Minimum 2 weeks, maximum ?????

#24 vfrcapn
diditWow! Thanks for all the information and links. Saved me too much time of just searching tents.

Appreciate the personal reviews. Ease of use and a small travel size, a vestibule, good rain protection & solid form are key.

Liking to keep the price well below $100 as I'm not a big camper dude and it'll probably go into storage for the rest of the year once I get back.

Plenty of research through those links to do.

I'll have to find a light-medium bag to sleep in. Again, space saving on the bike is the thing. Also, I'll have to look at a cable lock,

to lock the bike to the tent when done for the day.

vfrcapn, I'm not exactly planned for where. A friend here has shown me picks of Utah that were quite cool.

I was thinking New Mexico, Grand Canyon / Arizona, then working up through S. Cali, Oregon and back to BC.

Minimum 2 weeks, maximum ?????

I think the down bags will pack the smallest, I've read down to grapefruit size? My synthetic packs to about the size of 2 small cantelopes. Also looking for a cable lock, more for the hotel stays than camping.

Looking at the Eureka tent Phormanluge mentions, I think those side entry types would be more convenient than the style I got with the end door, although I haven't tried them.

Here's a possible route I was thinking (going clockwise), still changing it around though. Summit route

#25 Knife
Old SchoolYes I pitch a tent every morn and it is not a small tent and it is for one woman. :fing02:

LOL

Stephen

But it's not waterproof, is it!

#28 didit Thread starter

BONUS! Just spoke with a buddy here who has a tent, which he's used for bike camping many times, that he's lending me for the trip.

Nice. Now to pick up the cable lock and such.

Would love to find a disc lock with cable and built in alarm. Here goes a new search.

Thanks again for all helpful tent links. Bookmarked them all.

#29 mello dude

I like to see photos of any of your bikes all packed up and ready to go camping. I really havent figured out a good packing scheme for tent/sleeping bag and all the junk. What are your ideas?

MD

#30 didit Thread starter

It'll be a little while before I do the whole pack job & will have to figure everything out as I go, but I'll post a pick when it's done.

There was a thread here last year with a list of the best things to pack for a trip. Have to pull that out.

#31 vfrcapn
mello dudeI like to see photos of any of your bikes all packed up and ready to go camping. I really havent figured out a good packing scheme for tent/sleeping bag and all the junk. What are your ideas?

MD

My goal was to keep it as simple as possible so I don't have to think too much, all the camp gear in the duffel.

[image: IMG_7036Medium.jpg]

#32 Axel_7
diditIt'll be a little while before I do the whole pack job & will have to figure everything out as I go, but I'll post a pick when it's done.

There was a thread here last year with a list of the best things to pack for a trip. Have to pull that out.

Tony i have the Xena disklock with alarm smile.gif

No cable but dont need it (its loud enough)

#33 mello dude
vfrcapn
mello dudeI like to see photos of any of your bikes all packed up and ready to go camping. I really havent figured out a good packing scheme for tent/sleeping bag and all the junk. What are your ideas?

MD

My goal was to keep it as simple as possible so I don't have to think too much, all the camp gear in the duffel.

[image: IMG_7036Medium.jpg]

What kind of sleeping bag do you have? And do you use a ground pad? (Ok, I'm a rookie camper) I have a compack Eureka tent, but the sleeping bag and pad take up a bunch of space.

MD

#34 vfrcapn
mello dudeWhat kind of sleeping bag do you have? And do you use a ground pad? (Ok, I'm a rookie camper) I have a compack Eureka tent, but the sleeping bag and pad take up a bunch of space.

MD

I got the Big Agnes Encampment long bag, +15 degrees. http://www.bigagnes.com/Products/Detail/Bag/Encampment Picked it up at REI for 20% off. The difference with Big Agnes is they have no insulation on the bottom, just a sleeve for a pad, 20" wide for this one. I picked up the 1.75" REI pad, same design as the Thermarest. I've also read the 2.5" pads are very nice but the 1.75 worked fine for me. The pad provides the insulation between you and the ground and being in a sleeve on the bottom of the bag you don't roll off of it. Seemed to work great for me. Has a built in pillow pocket, draft collar around the neck, zipper draft protection. I tried conventional mummy bags but they were too restricting for my tastes.

#35 Guest dendron

This is an outstanding thread for anyone interested in motorcycle camping...just saying!

#36 Guest dendron

Here's an interesting link from Roadgear's Website about a new sleeping bag that's REALLY light-weight and easy to carry. Packed with Outlast®—revolutionary space age science at its best—this Hi-Tec gear senses body temperature and adjusts for comfort via phase-change processes. It cools you when hot and warms you when cold!

https://www.roadgear.com/index.php?page=Product&id=191

#37 didit Thread starter
Axel_7Tony i have the Xena disklock with alarm smile.gif

No cable but dont need it (its loud enough)

Where'd you get yours & how much$$?

#38 didit Thread starter
dendronHere's an interesting link from Roadgear's Website about a new sleeping bag that's REALLY light-weight and easy to carry. Packed with Outlast®—revolutionary space age science at its best—this Hi-Tec gear senses body temperature and adjusts for comfort via phase-change processes. It cools you when hot and warms you when cold!

https://www.roadgear.com/index.php?page=Product&id=191

Very interesting & compact? $100 bobs eh? hmmm

#39 mello dude
dendronThis is an outstanding thread for anyone interested in motorcycle camping...just saying!

Lets keep it rolling - I have a good week and a half off at the end of the month and I'm gonna get outta dodge! I'll go bonkers if I dont. :fing02:

MD

Edited June 14, 2009 by mello dude
#41 HispanicSlammer

I pack my tent ultra light ultra small

[image: BDLightsabreS07.jpg]

Black Diamond

Lightsabre Bivy

I bought it not so much for bike camping but for backpacking and just like how simple and small it packs away in my hardbags, my other tent a marmot is much bigger and about 4 times as heavy and large it wont fit in my bags.

[image: gallery_491_3604_910193.jpg]

Black Diamond Lightsabre Bivy

#42 DDO-VFR

Here are few photos of loaded bike and typical campsite setups. In 3 summers, my brother and I probably slept in a hotel/motel 3-4 times...one of them being at the annual Catskills ride. For awhile there (at Catskills) it was looking like I was gonna regret not packing the tent...

The waterproof bag on the back seat holds the tent, sleeping bag, ground sheet, air mattress and mini pillow. Most the the room is taken by the -5C rated sleeping bag. Re. sleeping bag...no I'm not nuts, most nights on the Newfoundland trip it was between 3C - 8C.

The tent will sleep two easily and has two vestibules to cover all the hard cases. Great when it's raining and you need to get something out of your bags.

What you will find with most tents is that the poles (when folded of course) are around 18" long and as a result will only fit in your top case. If figured, since I usually ride solo, why not use the back seat.

[image: gallery_10716_3738_180152.jpg]

[image: gallery_10716_3738_485442.jpg]

[image: gallery_10716_3738_169142.jpg]

[image: gallery_10716_3738_121633.jpg]

BI

#43 gstanfield

I used to be big into hiking and after fooling around with cheap tents I decided one time to splurge on a Kelty. I hated so bad dropping the cash on a $160 tent, but I am a big time believer now. It sets up so easily, tears down in seconds, weighs almost nothing, poles are short enough to store easily and it has great weather protection and impressive breathbility.

If you're going to use it once or twice, buy a cheap colman or whatever. If you're actually going to use it a lot go ahead and pay the money for a goos tent. You will find they are much more user friendly and now that I have mine it rides on the bike if I'm going out for long trips because it is such a wonderful tnet.

My opinion and expereince says go Kelty or stay home :biggrin:

George

#44 DougFromIndy
mello dudeI like to see photos of any of your bikes all packed up and ready to go camping. I really havent figured out a good packing scheme for tent/sleeping bag and all the junk. What are your ideas?

MD

Heres what I do, works great: there are 3 items I must have to camp with...

#1 TENT

#2 Sleeping bag

#3 thermarest mat

well, these 3 do NOT go in my trunk or hardbags, they ride as my passenger.

I have 3 drybags so everything stays dry and try to fold all 3 items in similar shape, in drybags.

the drybags I use have loops on them that you can run a strap thru,

I use these nylon belt/straps that snap like a seatbelt, a click buckle.

3 items, 2 on base, 1 on top I smash/compress together like a triangle, the straps click and everything is compressed down in a smallish 3 drybags together camp kit.

I then use ROCstraps, bungee cords designed for mcs and tie this camp kit to my pass grab rails and sw motech alumrack. Campkit sits on top of my seat, right where a pass would and is pushed up against the front of my givi topbox trunk.

works great, a pic would be good here, I used this system on many, many XC trips, Doug

***see the pic above of sweet black 06 and a BMW, same idea..only I use 3 drybags, one for each item instead of one big drybag with all items inside, best idea...different styles, this works for me ****

#45 DougFromIndy

+ 1 on eureka tents, is a mid-priced but great performer

tell me black 06 from quebec how you like your yellow eureka w/the vestibles?

model ? and rate it on a scale of 1-10 please. This is a goodie I think.

I carry a bivy like HS only in a quick ride, its my emergency tent..its a eureka, its never been out of the box, its my sleep in a ditch, sos tent. I am not clousterphobic (or a good speller) but IMO a bivy is great when you need it, but I like room for my gear and changing into my pjs, so a 2 man tent is the smallest for me, this vestible idea I must check out...remember this is your hotel room you spent a hard earned $13 per night for. Bike camping is way different than cager or backpacking, kayak camping, I do all types of camping so lots of gear to adjust for vehicle I decide to take, my F-150 is like a room at the Hilton to me.

BTW, after a poll was taken most of VFRD likes hotel stays, not the ADVrider group, I like a hotel on weekends or 3 days out.

Going to the summitt meet, camping on the way, Indpls to CO , then some, anyone doing that trip? doug

#46 Old School
Knife
Old SchoolYes I pitch a tent every morn and it is not a small tent and it is for one woman. :biggrin:

LOL

Stephen

But it's not waterproof, is it!

Your right it leaks about 2 or 3 times a day. LOL

Ok this has turned into show off your "Pack Mule" well here is mine be for Laguna Seca. I did not use a tent but I did

use the floor of a hotel room with 5 others.

[image: gallery_8868_2008_50059.jpg]

My Little Pack Mule

Stephen

#48 timmythecop

I have a tent that I sue now and again tht has a different approach.

It is a tough outter shell in the shape of a Quonset hut. The inner tents hang from the inside and make 3 rooms. I just put up one side for my "room", use the centre for gear and put the bike on the other side. It all packs down fairly small and it eliminates any night time foolishness with your bike.

Also, when it is cold, you put your bike in there after a ride and just before you sack out, and it is a space heater.

#49 Guest Mark5948

What kind of tents are those DDO-VFR? I have been looking for something along that line to replace my old tent. Need something a little taller and the vestibule is made into it.

#50 BonusVFR
DDO-VFRHere are few photos of loaded bike and typical campsite setups. In 3 summers, my brother and I probably slept in a hotel/motel 3-4 times...one of them being at the annual Catskills ride. For awhile there (at Catskills) it was looking like I was gonna regret not packing the tent...

The waterproof bag on the back seat holds the tent, sleeping bag, ground sheet, air mattress and mini pillow. Most the the room is taken by the -5C rated sleeping bag. Re. sleeping bag...no I'm not nuts, most nights on the Newfoundland trip it was between 3C - 8C.------------------------------------------- What you will find with most tents is that the poles (when folded of course) are around 18" long and as a result will only fit in your top case. If figured, since I usually ride solo, why not use the back seat.

Lots of good tips above .....concur put all you camping stuff in one bag that can be pulled and taken to your site. Tent, pad, and sleeping bag can all be put in one bag (waterproof preferred). I have a kids pillow from the VFR section at Wally World. I also recently added a very small high tech REI liner for my down bag as the effective and cheap fleece liners are too big. Saves space and allows me to better control temps. I also carry a small hatchet for stake pounding as rocks are not always there when you need them. After several VFR camping excursions I added a few real steal steel tent stakes as well as I hate bending those lightweight AL pegs every time in hard ground.

I agree the length of the poles when folded is a key factor. This allows you to stuff the tent in a variety of places. High end tents generally have shorter individual pole lengths. The key advantage for me in quality backpacking tents is not the weight but how small you can pack them. My Tadpole 2 man tent from The North Face has 15 inch poles about the shortest I have found. Most of the web sites do not give pole lenghts so you have to measure in the store if you are a wack job like me.

Yosemite

[image: 2518349980099738507S600x600Q85.jpg]

Another thing to consider is the width of your pad. Avoid extra wide pads (26 inches) unless you are restless at night. You can get fairly thick pads at 20 inches wide. I can get one of these in 72 inch length into a Cortech Tail bag. Recently I got a Big Agnes pad to reduce my packing requirements..................no test yet as on my last trip I ended up staying in motels due to weather and time.

A 2 man (not really) backpacking tent is good for one tired guy and most of your gear. I did one two bike tour with a bigger tent and bunked up so to speak. Never again! FU bring your own tent! It is hard enough to get solid sleep.

My best MC camping is when I set up a base camp for a few days with a F....ing Cot and a tent I can stand up in. My truck carries a big cooler with beer too. I never carry food/stove/kitchen crap unless I base camp.

[image: 2971435900099738507S600x600Q85.jpg]

You will be ready to go in the morning.

[image: 2178522930099738507S600x600Q85.jpg]

#51 Guest GoBigRed
DougFromIndyI have had good luck with cheap tents, was in one during an amazingly bad storm camping at cape hatteras, NC (near kitty hawk). If you lose it off the back of your bike is less to cry about. The most important thing is to trial run your gear and bike, go on a weekend trip with rain in the forecast..see what works and what does not work...coleman/eureka are good basic tents, a little heavier, bigger than northface or mt hardware/pricier brands...you are not backpacking so save the money. TRIAL RUN before big trip is best advice I could give you. My cheap $40 tent (yes I have some better ones) has passed 5 rainy nights on kayak trips and another 5 rainy nights on bike trips, all dry and good. Doug

First of all, there is no body cheaper than me. Second, I have only one moto-camping trip under my belt, but I have several hunting trips on the Kenai and interior of AK to my name. That being said, I'll rely on that experience to make my claims.

Bears, moose or caribou, I use a cheap, 30 dollar Fred Meyer, one to two person junior tent. It only 5 x 6, but I sleep side ways and put my gear in the corners. To ensure it stays dry, I get a fresh can of camp-dry before each trip and call it good. Weight is critical because I have to pack in light, because I usually pack out heavy (lots-o-meat).

I will say this, I did invest in a nice sleeping bag (Eureka, compact mummy bag, 70 bucks at Cabelas) and self inflating light weight pad. Everything I need fits into a Kelty internal frame back pack (in MossyOak Break-up pattern of course).

So, I can honestly say you can make this as expensive or cheap as possible and do fine. Worst case scenario and the wether looks bad for your cheap tent, stay in a cheap hotel for one night. You'll still save cash when you drive out of town, get into a dryer area and stay at a State or FOrest Service camp ground (10 to 20 dollars).

Just my two cents. I am clearly not an expert or guide, but I make it work up there. I think you will be okay with the little cheapy from Wal-mart, but just remember, that gear will never impress your friends.

By the way, did anyone see Griffey hit the game tying two run blast in the 8th inning of last nights game? It was awesome!!! I know, the Mariners still blow and the kid is almost 40, but having him there is still like a fairy tale. It will only last for a few more months, but we'll take it.

#52 DDO-VFR
DougFromIndy+ 1 on eureka tents, is a mid-priced but great performer

tell me black 06 from quebec how you like your yellow eureka w/the vestibles?

model ? and rate it on a scale of 1-10 please. This is a goodie I think.

I carry a bivy like HS only in a quick ride, its my emergency tent..its a eureka, its never been out of the box, its my sleep in a ditch, sos tent. I am not clousterphobic (or a good speller) but IMO a bivy is great when you need it, but I like room for my gear and changing into my pjs, so a 2 man tent is the smallest for me, this vestible idea I must check out...remember this is your hotel room you spent a hard earned $13 per night for. Bike camping is way different than cager or backpacking, kayak camping, I do all types of camping so lots of gear to adjust for vehicle I decide to take, my F-150 is like a room at the Hilton to me.

BTW, after a poll was taken most of VFRD likes hotel stays, not the ADVrider group, I like a hotel on weekends or 3 days out.

Going to the summitt meet, camping on the way, Indpls to CO , then some, anyone doing that trip? doug

Looking through the Eureka website, this looks to be the closest to the model that I have, which I bought 2 years ago, cuz the the cheap-ass Walmart (20$) version leaked like a sieve the first night it rained (was in Nova Scotia at the time). Word to the wise, DON'T buy cheap stuff because you end up with...well...cheap stuff :huh: I think I paid 160CAN$ for it...actually 180$ once I add in the Walmart crapper. Don't regret it.

http://www.eurekatentscanada.com/products/...e=1∏=25

Apex 2XTC Plus, 2 person tent.

On a scale of 1-10, I would rate it a 9...why not 10 you ask? ...nothing is a 10...but that's just me.... :cool: smile.gif

BI

#53 spotthedogg

I just got a MSR Hubba Hubba, it's fantastic.

A Backpacker Editors' Choice Award winner, the Hubba Hubba tent is our best-selling 2-person freestanding tent. What makes it so popular? How about its four pound (1.8 kg) weight, with more than enough room for two? Or maybe it’s the freestanding, easy-pitch hub and pole system that sets up in a flash and is strong enough to handle the unpredictability of summer alpine conditions? Add 3 setup options, 2 full-size doors and vestibules, strong aluminum poles and factory-taped seams, and you’ll begin to understand why the Hubba Hubba tent remains the best selling Fast & Light® tent in the world.

* Livable: Unique pole configuration provides maximum interior space, two doors, and two large vestibules for gear storage.

* Lightweight: Minimum weight is just 4 lbs 3 oz (1890g)—about 2 lbs. (.9 kg) per person.

* Quick and Easy Setup: All-in-one hub-and-swivel pole design is stronger than ever and still simple to use.

* Versatile: Can be used as a double-wall tent for full protection or in two freestanding tarp-shelter modes when used with optional footprint (sold separately).

http://cascadedesigns.com/msr/tents/fast-a...a-hubba/product

#54 Guest Oxygen545

The first camping trip I went on I just packed up my Backpack and strapped it onto my bike w/ a million bungie cords.

[image: IMAG0365.jpg]

Here's my tent a Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight

[image: IMAG0367.jpg]

#55 Guest dendron
jwahrmundBy the way, did anyone see Griffey hit the game tying two run blast in the 8th inning of last nights game? It was awesome!!! I know, the Mariners still blow and the kid is almost 40, but having him there is still like a fairy tale. It will only last for a few more months, but we'll take it.

:huh: :biggrin: Thanks for the other wisdom, though.

#56 FrankoQ
DDO-VFRLooking through the Eureka website, this looks to be the closest to the model that I have, which I bought 2 years ago, cuz the the cheap-ass Walmart (20$) version leaked like a sieve the first night it rained (was in Nova Scotia at the time). Word to the wise, DON'T buy cheap stuff because you end up with...well...cheap stuff :blink: I think I paid 160CAN$ for it...actually 180$ once I add in the Walmart crapper. Don't regret it.

http://www.eurekatentscanada.com/products/...e=1∏=25

Apex 2XTC Plus, 2 person tent.

On a scale of 1-10, I would rate it a 9...why not 10 you ask? ...nothing is a 10...but that's just me.... :biggrin: smile.gif

BI

This is the same tent I bought today. smile.gif

#57 Guest LightningSlinger

When it comes to outdoor gear I have always found you get what you pay for. I was going cross country years ago and wanted to find the smallest tent possible. I bought a tent years ago from Whitehorse Press http://www.whitehorsepress.com It was ultra small and awful! It did not ventilate at all I woke up a few hours after dozing off to the tent dripping with dew on the inside! I think it costs $50.00 and was the worst $50.00 I ever spent.

I opted for a North Face Arches after that! Best tent I have ever owned. I liked it so much I bought a second one and put it away. I figured I was using the first one so much I would wear it out. Well that was 15 years ago. The tent is the perfect 3 season tent, extremely dry even in a tremendous downpour or windy thunderstorm. I will not go on but I love it. The tent rolls up and easily stows on the gear rack I built for my 95' VFR. If anyone is interested I am looking to sell my spare North Face Arches tent, here are the specs:

Scaled down so you can use it for fast and light backpacking, biking or kayaking. Fits one person with lots of gear inside, or two people snugly. Only three stakes are required to pitch this two pole hoop tent. Single large front door, front vestibule for gear, rear foot vent and front vents for additional ventilation. 42x94x52". 27 sq.ft. (35 sq.ft. with vestibule). Stuffed size 17x5". 5 lb. 1 oz

Cheers

Edited July 22, 2009 by LightningSlinger
#60 YoshiHNS

I was just thinking earlier today what kind of gear I could get so I can go on camping trips two-up. I don't think my passenger would appreciate me using her back as a luggage rack.

#61 BonusVFR

Well I know what bike I would take for two up camping.................

But that is not my reason for posting.

I finally had a chance to test my Big Agnes insulated air mattress in the Sierras last month. Much more comfortable than my thermarest. And it packs smaller than anything around. Only downside is puffing it up. My next purchase is a camp chair...can you say Kermit!

My Tadpole tent tucked in the back ..............which makes it look even smaller than it is. I use the same Cortech seatbag (for all the camping gear) as I do on the VFR but more room now as I am using the Big Agnes Pad.

[image: 2525169690099738507S600x600Q85.jpg]

#62 Knife
YoshiHNSI was just thinking earlier today what kind of gear I could get so I can go on camping trips two-up. I don't think my passenger would appreciate me using her back as a luggage rack.

Uhhhh... Never mind.

#63 vfrcapn
BonusVFRI finally had a chance to test my Big Agnes insulated air mattress in the Sierras last month. Much more comfortable than my thermarest. And it packs smaller than anything around. Only downside is puffing it up. My next purchase is a camp chair...can you say Kermit!

Which model did you get? I wasn't totally happy with my 1.75" Thermarest so I upgraded to the 2" or 2.25", whichever it is, but it is that much more bulky. The Big Agnes pads pack pretty small. Was it as warm as the Thermarest? In the store it just felt like a miniature air mattress so I was worried about comfort and heat transfer, although I've read a lot of good reviews on them.

All the camps I've been to have concrete or wood benches so I just carry one of the REI/Thermarest seat pads which pack down to the size of a can of Red Bull. I took a camp chair on a couple trips and never used it.

#64 keithbob
sPOTO http://www.rei.com/product/728308 :blink:

sPOTO

That's a nice unit. Probably a very safe bet. I've had REI tents for years and years and they hold up great.

FYI, I have the one-man tent that REI makes, also. I bought it thinking that it would be just that much smaller to pack, but in reality it has too little space inside to bring your tankbag, helmet and boots in out of the rain without piling them on top of your sleeping bag.

The Half Dome should be a great compromise between easy-to-pack on the bike and interior space and convenience.

Also, I use a knee-length Thermarest Light that packs incredibly small and still gives a nice cushion for sleeping. Down bags pack super-small, and stuff bags for your clothes are great space-savers, too.

Keith

#65 BonusVFR

VFRCAPN - I got the 72 inch Insultated air core in 20 inch width Big Agnes. Did not really camp in cold temps this time but that is the purpose of the insulation. The Agnes pad is a nominal 2.5 inch thick but I was much more comfortable than the 2 inch Thermarest pad (72x20 too) I bought last year....which replaced a old thermarest and then a 1.8 inch REI version. If you want a thermarest thicker than 2 inches you really have to go to the wider 26 inch styles which are HUGE. The BA packs in less than half of the room as even the smaller of the THermarests.

#66 vfrcapn
BonusVFRVFRCAPN - I got the 72 inch Insultated air core in 20 inch width Big Agnes. Did not really camp in cold temps this time but that is the purpose of the insulation. The Agnes pad is a nominal 2.5 inch thick but I was much more comfortable than the 2 inch Thermarest pad (72x20 too) I bought last year....which replaced a old thermarest and then a 1.8 inch REI version. If you want a thermarest thicker than 2 inches you really have to go to the wider 26 inch styles which are HUGE. The BA packs in less than half of the room as even the smaller of the THermarests.

I may give this a try on my next camp trip, I need to stay with the 20" width since I have the BA sleeping bag. It's nice with REI's return policy that you can try something out like this and return it if you're not satisfied. Thanks!

#67 BonusVFR
vfrcapn
BonusVFRVFRCAPN - I got the 72 inch Insultated air core in 20 inch width Big Agnes. Did not really camp in cold temps this time but that is the purpose of the insulation. The Agnes pad is a nominal 2.5 inch thick but I was much more comfortable than the 2 inch Thermarest pad (72x20 too) I bought last year....which replaced a old thermarest and then a 1.8 inch REI version. If you want a thermarest thicker than 2 inches you really have to go to the wider 26 inch styles which are HUGE. The BA packs in less than half of the room as even the smaller of the THermarests.

I may give this a try on my next camp trip, I need to stay with the 20" width since I have the BA sleeping bag. It's nice with REI's return policy that you can try something out like this and return it if you're not satisfied. Thanks!

Yes on the Return policy. They just openned a store about two miles from my house. Candy!!!!!!!

Check out this one too.................. Not sure what it packs but the same idea as the BA ....but with a built in pump thingy. Was not there when I got the BA....but I am happy/set. I actually got a good night's sleep in a backpacker tent which is good for an old man.

Another option - Exped DownMat 7 Air Pad with Pump - Regular

#69 Guest weekend_junkie
ron_al
Mark5948I have a Eureka Timberline 2 circa 1990ish that works very well for backpacking and riding as it turns out. I also know that the 3 man tents from walmart that look like the kelly or rei brand of medium sized 3 man tents work very well, and are not overly large when setup or packed. One of the guys had to make a replacement purchase for his way to small tent last year.

I'll second Mark5948's recommendation for Eureka tents.

I use a Eureka Backcountry 2 tent (here at CampMor) when I am solo-motorcycle camping. I've had it for several years and am very happy with it.

  • It packs down considerably smaller than most other tents I've seen - great for carrying on the bike without taking up much room.
  • Setup is a piece of cake. (Emphasis added. -Ron) I can quickly & easily put this tent up even after a long and tiring day in the saddle.
  • A "two man" tent is typically cozy for two people, but it's great for a solo motorcyclist WITH GEAR.
  • Or, when the wife & I are car camping, it has enough room for two sleeping bags, but not much else.
  • Note that this tent does not appear to be made anymore - it's not listed at Eureka's website anymore.

I also use a Eureka Timberline 4 tent (here) for two-up motorcycle camping trips

  • A "four man" tent gives us plenty of room for our sleeping bags AND our riding gear.
  • But, when packed down, it is still 24" long (due to the length of the pole segments).
  • The Timberline 2 is still made & available, so it's smaller - but the pole segments are just as long.

Prior to acquiring both of these tents, we used a several cheaper tents (from Walmart, etc.) with fiberglass poles. After numerous pole failures with each of those tents, we realized that perhaps spending a little bit more for a higher quality tent (the 2 Eureka's listed above, both of which use aluminum poles) would provide more durability. And it has.

With those two endorsements out of the way, there are other tents available - Aerostich lists several, and Chase Harper offers a pole-free tent (for which you can use your bike as a tie-down point).

Good luck, however you decide.

Ron

CampMor all the way. I am an Eagle Scout and have been buying gear from them for 20 years. I lived in a Backcountry 4 for about 2 weeks straight, the Backcountry 2 is excellent choice and only has 3 poles to deal with. No matter what brand you choose, go for a 3 season tent because you won't need the extra poles and steep rain-fly angles that a snow-worthy 4 season tent offers. The TimberLINE 2, 3 or 4 will last for ever but if you want to go REALLY light, look for a TimberLITE 2.

#70 clubmyke

steepandcheep.com has had the following: .

Great 1 person tent

- ALPS Mountaineering Mystique 1.0 AL Tent - 1-Person 3-Season for $60..

- Tent and fly weight: 3 pounds 6 ounces

- Total weight: 3 pounds 11 ounces

- Packed size: 6 inches x 16 inches

Great 2 person tent

Mountain Hardwear Viperine 2 Tent 2-Person 3-Season for $130

- 5lb 2oz

- Packed Size 4in. x 19in

#72 Guest wagigkpn

Bump.

W A L M A R T

No joke. always. have only ever owned two tents in my life. still own them, still work excellent and both bought for less than 35 bucks. one two person and one four person.

unless your climbing mt rainier, there is really very little reason to spend over 40 bucks.

#73 Knife
didit

I've searched the sight and found good reviews on the Kelty Grand Mesa 2, but at $200US it's a bit much for my meager plans.

I googled it and it seems you can get it for a bit under $100.00 shipped.

#75 Guest kayaktom

Hennessy Hammock... packs small, light weight and much better than sleeping on the ground. Of course you need trees, 4x4 posts, a deck, two cars with roof racks, etc.

www.hennessyhammock.com

End of thread · 75 posts recovered Wayback Machine snapshot 8 Nov 2025