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Motorcycle Camping Tent

2936 Views 12 Replies 10 Participants Last post by  joe49
Looking for a tent that packs down to fit in a saddlebag, meaning the packed tent with folded tent poles is 14 inches or less. I found a couple one person tents but they look like they could get cramped if you make a habit of camping. I like to have my bike ready as a bug out vehicle whenever I feel like it, and it's good to know I always have a tent stuffed in the bottom of a saddlebag without having to look like I'm on vacation somewhere.
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bungees and a poncho not your old nam one you can get some modern bivi shelters 2 trees(sticks) poles and bike is other 2
Whereabouts are you? Within striking distance* of an REI store? I hate their vibe but most of their shit is real well made, lots of innovative and surprising new stuff -- well, it often surprises me, anyway. They make and/or distribute a whole lotta tents.

A buddy with space and weight concerns recently bought a fine small tent (from REI, I believe. I'll ask him for details and a part number/stock number.

I sort of agree with Richbob, for whatever that's worth; but it's nice to have a setup that always goes together and breaks down in a few minutes, with no making-do.


* 'Course, REI is online, too. Probably much more so than brick-and-mortar stores.
I went to REI. I found a tent made for bicycling that fits on the handlebars. Most are 400- 500 dollars. I also thought about just making my own tent poles or cutting down the ones that come with an A frame tent. You would think there would be more demand for this. The other option is a hiker's tent that sets up with one or two trekking poles, but I would rather have something that keeps bugs out than just a rain cover. I'll probably go with the expensive route, it's good to have something I can pawn if I have to and also fits in a backpack.
I have a 2 man A tent that hasn't been used in 25 years. I go with cheap tarps. Bike is my usual tent poles. Barn nails, para cord, and bungees to stake out. I will say I'm not camping in chigger areas, as I only camp once a year, now. I use deet for the bugs. Also a piece of visqueen for the ground cloth is best the tarps are good for the fly, but aren't as good as the visqueen for stopping the water out of or on the ground. Also no sleeping bag. Mexican and army wool blankee's.
Tyvek ground cloth, military Gore-Tex bivy, modern fartsack. Skip the tent.

Rolls down to about two burritos' size. Smaller than rain gear.
If you have long money look into a Seek Outside tipi. Hunters really push the tent game in size/weight.
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This is an old thread. I haven't been on here for a while. I found a couple of cheap, new, 1- 2 person tents and cut all the individual tent poles in half and put the end pieces together so they fold up well. Then I threw out what was left of the other tent. It fits in a saddlebag and a regular backpack easily, with the tent poles. It also cost me less for two walmart tents than buying replacement pole kits and a tent along with it.
This is an old thread. I haven't been on here for a while. I found a couple of cheap, new, 1- 2 person tents and cut all the individual tent poles in half and put the end pieces together so they fold up well. Then I threw out what was left of the other tent. It fits in a saddlebag and a regular backpack easily, with the tent poles. It also cost me less for two walmart tents than buying replacement pole kits and a tent along with it.
I've always used an old Army Rain Parka ( the new Nylon won't keep squat off ya). Make sure it is the rubberized one. Just tie one side corner too Handlebars, and other side corner to the sissy bar with 550 cord. Pull over bike, tie off to dufflebag. ( all items in Duffle should be in Army waterproof bag ) That way duffle can be in under the Parka , or , outside wont hurt anything. Depending on room put duffle on inside or outside. To hold tarp use 550. ( warning not bear proof )be using this sence 1979. Never failed me yet.Very lite weight. Get a Army Survival sleeping bag. very light but warm.
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I use to keep a sheet of the old green canvas. Big enough to lay out and roll the bike on one edge then over the bike and stake it to the ground. A nice lean-to. Bike might get a little wet if it rained but I didn't.
I'm wanting a pair of shelter halves like issued... n a jug of repellant to water proof with...
I've always used an old Army Rain Parka ( the new Nylon won't keep squat off ya). Make sure it is the rubberized one. Just tie one side corner too Handlebars, and other side corner to the sissy bar with 550 cord. Pull over bike, tie off to dufflebag. ( all items in Duffle should be in Army waterproof bag ) That way duffle can be in under the Parka , or , outside wont hurt anything. Depending on room put duffle on inside or outside. To hold tarp use 550. ( warning not bear proof )be using this sence 1979. Never failed me yet.Very lite weight. Get a Army Survival sleeping bag. very light but warm.
We'll check the Army survival sleeping bag when I visit uncle tomorrow for the installation of the skid plates and jeep tops on his new JK project. He's looking for something that's really warm.
A update since I posted here 9 months ago I finally got a WOOBIE still bring the mexican and army blankies. But that Woobie is unbelievable at keeping you warm.
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