Those of you that carry a tent on your scoot, what type do you have/use. I've been looking for one that is compact enough that its not sticking up or out the side of my scoot to much. When I was a kid and backpacked I had a pup tent, the poles broke down into 12"-14" sections, now with the freestanding tents it seems the pole sections are 20"-24". I've searched REI and another site, the small tents don't have poles(you use your hiking pole) or bottoms or are $600+. I may have to dig out my old poles and make a new tent.

DD

Sports Authority or Bass Pro Shops.
Backpack tents with fiberglass poles.
I just saw some at Wally World (Walmart) Cheap too.

I've been camping with the Boy Scouts for a couple of decades now and many of us visit our local Target stores for their in-house brand - "Greatland"

These tents come in various sizes and many are well suited for backpacking, and that would do for using with your motorcycle trips. I usually strap the tent along the side just by the seat and back towards the license plate, letting it rest on the top of the saddlebag.

Keep in mind, the description of a tent's size, such as a two-man tent, means that there is floor space for two sleeping bags. If it's just you alone, a two-man tent would be an excellent size since you could put clothing items inside with you.

J.W.

I got mine at Walmart for around $40. It is listed as a 4 man but that means 3 comfortably or 2 with your crap in the middle. It fits in a bag that measures about 4" x 4" x 2' so I have no prob on the bike. Even has pockets in the front to stash your boots. It is made by Ozark Trail and I think they call it a Sport Dome tent. They had another one for $30 but this one measured a couple feet bigger and had a couple extra features like a zipper hole for an extension chord. I've had it camping a few times alread and love it.

This is what I always use when I go away...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v341/gronk62/other%20stuff/ride012Medium.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v341/gronk62/other%20stuff/ride008Medium.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v341/gronk62/other%20stuff/ride005Medium.jpg

I almost forgot I have a pic in my galley of it set up. None strapped to the bike though. http://xlforum.net/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/9010/cat/500/ppuser/5861

I have one that I got at LL Bean on sale...was still a bit more than some of the less expensive ones, but the quality seems to be very good and it's pretty compact.

I have a Eureka getaway 2, got it at wallmart for 15 bucks (closeout) sells for about $40 regular. It is perfect, about 6 pounds, just a little wider than a roll bag, sets up easy and fast, really is waterproof and does well in strong wind. I have used it on more than a few bike trips, it sleeps 2 but with one, it has enough room for all of my crap and an air mattress ( I like some comfort)

I picked up a small tent and sleeeping bag from the Bass Pro Shop. This is the tent!!

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=45327&hvarDept=350&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=1&hvarSubCode=1&hvarTarget=browse


It folds up to about the size of a loaf of bread!!!:D

It's not real cheap, but after you seal the seams it IS water proof!!!

vegas1200c- how do you compare the sundowner seat to stock?
My dad has one on his '03, I feel like it pushes me forward. How about you?
pete

have a Eureka tent from the Boy Scouts and can set that thing up in the dark!! (have done it many times). always wondered why there is no such thing as MEN Scouts?

vegas1200c- how do you compare the sundowner seat to stock?
My dad has one on his '03, I feel like it pushes me forward. How about you?
pete


It is night and day more comfortable than the stock. It was kinda wierd to get used to how wide it was. I didn't feel forward much (that might be a difference with the custom tank and the new seats) but when I was stopped my thighs were pushed out from the sides. I actually just ebayed the sundowner and got a mustang solo w/ driver backrest. It is a better seat even if you don't use the backrest. The back has a firmer lip and the front doesn't rise into your crotch like the sundowner. I wanted it mostly for the look of the solo but I'm very happy with the comfort.

I have a Wenzel I picked up from Bass Pro. It's about 3" in diameter and 2' long when in the bag. It sleeps 3-4 people and works great! Really any tent works as long as the poles aren't too long.

have a Eureka tent from the Boy Scouts and can set that thing up in the dark!! (have done it many times). always wondered why there is no such thing as MEN Scouts?
They're called ARMY Rangers!

This is what I always use when I go away...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v341/gronk62/other%20stuff/ride012Medium.jpg


Cool setup Gronk!

Mine is similar to Gronk's:


http://www.trailspace.com/out/images/aHR0cDovL2FrYW1haS5iYWNrY291bnRyeXN0b3JlLmNvbS5lZG dlc3VpdGUubmV0L2ltYWdlcy9pdGVtcy9tZWRpdW0vT0RSMDA3 MS9BRFZCVkFMLmpwZw==

http://www.trailspace.com/gear/outdoor-research/advanced-bivy/

I have a very lightweight, backpack 2-man tent, thermorest mattress, and stuffable down bag. It doesn't take much space on the back of the scoot.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e398/phubai/arjaybikeweek.jpg

Everything's on the back. The red thing is the thermorest, the tent and the sleeping bag are underneath it.

This is what I always use when I go away...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v341/gronk62/other%20stuff/ride012Medium.jpg




Gronk...looks like sumthin' you'd use to bait the crocs with. They crawl in, but can't crawl out unless they eat ya! Great pics by the way!

its a backpacking tent, great cover without alot of bulk, just hope you not claustraphobic!!! or gotta pee really bad!!!
oh Yeah I wanted to join up right after high school but my allergies were too bad. Cant be allergic to bees and be in the army!!!

Vegas1200- Sweet camping spot in your pic!

Im looking for a small tent to haul around on the bike also. I have a few 3-4 man tents, but they seem to be a little too big to try to load on the bike.

Ill have to check out some of the ones you all have mentioned!

Remember this! a 2 man tent means 1 man.
A 3 man tent means 2 man tent.. Consider your gear will sleep inside with you and the tents with the extra roof are real cool in the heat and the inside pockets are nice.
I would recommend Samsclub or walmart for cheap/good tents. $ 50 or less and good quality
Jim:tour

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i73/kornbilly/BS/aa13fbc3.jpg

This is a sweet little guy from Bass Pro Shop @ 69.00 !
Weight: 2 lbs. 9 oz.
8'x2'8"
Center height: 2'4"

I have a very lightweight, backpack 2-man tent, thermorest mattress, and stuffable down bag. It doesn't take much space on the back of the scoot.

Everything's on the back. The red thing is the thermorest, the tent and the sleeping bag are underneath it.

Hey Arjay....

I'm in the market to upgrade to a newer style tent. Do you happen to have a link for the one you have, and/or do you have a picture of the tent set up? I like the way it fits on your bike.

J.W.

Hey Arjay....

I'm in the market to upgrade to a newer style tent. Do you happen to have a link for the one you have, and/or do you have a picture of the tent set up? I like the way it fits on your bike.

J.W.

J.W., I pm'd ya. I found a link, but I don't know if the company is even still in business any more. It's a Walrus tent, and I think it's great for a lightweight, backpackable. I use it with my kayak too.

http://www.honedesign.com/sites/walrusgear/tents.html

Vegas1200- Sweet camping spot in your pic!

Im looking for a small tent to haul around on the bike also. I have a few 3-4 man tents, but they seem to be a little too big to try to load on the bike.

Ill have to check out some of the ones you all have mentioned!


That's at Valley of Fire near Lake Mead. Really cool area, well other than the intense heat.

If anyone is interested, I saw the model tent just under mine at Walmart on sale for $29. It is 9'x8' (mine is 9x9 with a couple extras for $10 more) and weighs about 10lbs.

I use the Eureka 3 man for the wife and I, measures 7"x18" rolled up, plenty of space has a fly and a door on each side. Bought at Pro Bass.

J.W., I pm'd ya. I found a link, but I don't know if the company is even still in business any more. It's a Walrus tent, and I think it's great for a lightweight, backpackable. I use it with my kayak too.

http://www.honedesign.com/sites/walrusgear/tents.html

Her arjay (et al)...

I found the link for the "Walrus" tents that you showed in your post. They are really small and made for somewhat serious camping and backpacking treks. They tend to be pricey because of the smaller size and seemingly high quality design material.

I've seen these being used by people who hike the Pacific Coast Trail because they're very light and easy to stow. I'm just debating whether I want to pay the higher costs.

They "Walrus" company was apparently bought by the MSR (Mountain Safety Research) group and provide individauls and outfitters around the world. Not only do they have tents, but also a lot of the real lightweight things many use for mountaineering. I have one of their "Whisperlite" single-burner stoves which folds up into a very small box and is awsome. I use the butane/propane cannister and have no problem with lighting it a elevations around 10K feet.

Here's their URL: http://www.msrcorp.com/about/index.asp

J.W.

Hey Vegas 1200C, LOVE your adapted Quote from Full Metal Jacket, that movie is one reason my bike is named "CHARLENE":p

Her arjay (et al)...

I found the link for the "Walrus" tents that you showed in your post. They are really small and made for somewhat serious camping and backpacking treks. They tend to be pricey because of the smaller size and seemingly high quality design material.

I've seen these being used by people who hike the Pacific Coast Trail because they're very light and easy to stow. I'm just debating whether I want to pay the higher costs.

They "Walrus" company was apparently bought by the MSR (Mountain Safety Research) group and provide individauls and outfitters around the world. Not only do they have tents, but also a lot of the real lightweight things many use for mountaineering. I have one of their "Whisperlite" single-burner stoves which folds up into a very small box and is awsome. I use the butane/propane cannister and have no problem with lighting it a elevations around 10K feet.

Here's their URL: http://www.msrcorp.com/about/index.asp

J.W.

J.W., I came on that link myself while I was looking. There looked to be a lot of good looking tents from the pics. I didn't remember paying that much, maybe I got it on closeout or something, dunno. It is well-made, but if I were buying one now, I'd probably look at some of the less expensive ones shown as long as they pack small. That's the important thing for me too.

G'luck! (Wish I were goin :( too)

arjay

I have ordered from this site several times

www.campmor.com/

Just a chieapy Coleman 2 person... Sprayed it down with some snow-seal too to keep it dry. Used it several times its not too bad, easy setup. Don't forget a decient tarp or drop cloth for under the floor, and a thermarest makes a world of difference. Bag from LLBean outlet store. And several other accesories, wisper lite stove, led lights, glow sticks, stainless pot set. Screw camping with the RV crowd, but the satalight tvs are nice thou...

I know what you guys mean about the cheap models. Remember, most of the "camping" we've done on motorcycles is during really decent weather and usually in the Summer months. With Scouts, I've always had three-season models which would take a lot of heavy rain and colder conditions.

One of my sons used a tent for almost three years that was perfect for Spring and Summer. The only addition he did was spraying the seams with a sealant to ensure they were water resistant. He got the tent at Target or K-Mart for $14.

The chief factor is the packed sized and the basic shape when it's set up. And like others have said, make sure you've got some kind of ground cover undernearth to minimize dirt and overnight ground moisture.

J.W.

this one may be a bit large to pack on a bike but for anyone shopping for a tent its a really good deal
Check it out here, comes with alot of extras for a good price (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4664260)

this one may be a bit large to pack on a bike but for anyone shopping for a tent its a really good deal
Check it out here, comes with alot of extras for a good price (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4664260)

Good price...!

I like the wheels on the carrying case. You could take the pull-handle and just hitch it to your license plate frame and drag it behind you... :banadanc

J.W.

Good price...!

I like the wheels on the carrying case. You could take the pull-handle and just hitch it to your license plate frame and drag it behind you... :banadanc

J.W.

Are them DOT approved wheels? :laugh

I just bought this set up........

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4697882

Going to give it a try, and see how it works out. Only weighs in @ 2.5 lbs! I hope it is not too long!

Best one I ever used, 2 pounds, waterproof, tiny, and not a bivy sac was an sierra designs lightning. Stopped making them, but its the best for one person minimalist approach that is free standing, no stakes needed, fullt supported frame.

I have a Eureka Zeus I got at Whitehorse Press. A little pricey, but it packs very well. I didn't measure it, but the catalog says it packs to 15" long and 6" diameter when packed.

I have a Walrus Lightyear for solo camping. I've had it for 15 years or more. Light and compact.

I just bought a Quarter-Dome from REI ($169 during their anniversary sale) for the Redwood Run, just enough room for me and Mrs Eagle and the twin vestibules kept our gear dry from the morning dew.

http://www.rei.com/product/47687600.htm

A therma-rest is a must for a comfy nights sleep. I had to replace my old ones and found some Army surplus ones on ebay for under 20 bucks apiece.

here is my set up

I just got a new tent so I can go camping on the bike. It is a free standing Eddie Bauer tent that I got from Target for $30. 2 poles that collapse let it pack into a small bag about the size of my forearm - it fits in the top roll bag of my tourmaster sissy bar bag, with a good amount of room to spare. Tent is rated for 2 people, so it should fit me alone just fine.

I just got a new tent so I can go camping on the bike. It is a free standing Eddie Bauer tent that I got from Target for $30. 2 poles that collapse let it pack into a small bag about the size of my forearm - it fits in the top roll bag of my tourmaster sissy bar bag, with a good amount of room to spare. Tent is rated for 2 people, so it should fit me alone just fine.


Man! I like the sound of that!!! Any pics/model#?

Here a pic of my scoot at R.O.T. in 2005. My tent is just below my helmet to the right, about the size of a loaf of bread!!!!:D


http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/My_scoot_at_ROT_2005.JPG

A couple of members hit on a very important thing. If you are one person get a tent for 2 or 3 people. If two persons are going to share a tent then get a 3 to 4 person tent. The length of your trip is important as well. I also rode mine to Sturgis 06. I found a 5 pound three person tent at big 5 for 20.00 that I took with me. By the time you inflate your mattress and bring in all of your gear you will be glad you went up a size. If it is just an overnighter or weekend trip then you can downsize your space if you want. I was concerned about weight leading up to the trip but my 04 1200XL handled everything easy as pie. My rule of thumb was to keep the total weight below that of my 13 year son who rides with me alot. The key is packing for stability with no load shifting. I saw alot of riders pulled over adjusting their loads. They were only using bungee cords. I feel straps work best. Anyway just my thoughts.

Danbango

I used to use a backpackers tent that I have had for about 25 years, but with all the gear I carry, it is a bit on the small side. I bought this year a Kayham self erecting tent called the "biker", see piccie below. It's a great tent, weighs about 6.5 kilos and its a brilliant tent, they seem to be popular as well by the amount of them seen at rallies here this year in the U.K.:D
The photo was taken at the HDRCGB Int rally in Oswestry in Shropshire England over the August Bank Holiday this year.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y148/1961littledave/Photo09_9A.jpg

Hi,

I bought two man tent at Big Five sporter store here in AZ. It works fine for paying 25 dollars. When I took my son to Chicago, Il -a couple of years ago- we both slept in it just fine. It held up to some pretty good thunder storms so cheap does not always means bad. I also p/u a 2 man REI tent for 12 dollars used at a second hand store. I used it this past summer when I took my, son to a m/c rally in Northern AZ. My son is now 16 y/o and 6ft tall, so I had to get him his own tent. It rain a little both nites we were there and both tents held up pretty good. I would suggest getting some water proofing spray to put on your tent before you use it. Also, buy extra tent line, and pegs, as well as a ground cover. Since I am past the 1/2 century mark, and have experieced the after effects of sleeping on just my sleeping bag, I highly suggest some type of bedding pad to put between you and the ground.

brucefromtaz

We need the equivalent of Boy Scouts for adults but with motorcycles. :) I'd love to do some of this kind of stuff but can't find others that also want to.

Erica, all ya need is a $40. wallyworld tent. 3 person tent will sleep 2 comfy with gear and a 4 person tent will sleep 3 snug.
I have truely been there and done that world:shhhh
And Samsclub has some real nice tents, check them out
Jim:tour

Erica, all ya need is a $40. wallyworld tent. 3 person tent will sleep 2 comfy with gear and a 4 person tent will sleep 3 snug.
I have truely been there and done that world:shhhh
And Samsclub has some real nice tents, check them out
Jim:tour
We rode out to Sturgis this summer and used tents. One of the guys had a WalMart tent for 3 to 4 people. It was an excellent choice lots of room, it actually had a room divider. We were in thunderstorms without a hitch. Air mattresses are a must have. You can get battery operated air compressors or a 12 volt one and run off of your scoot.

yeah but doing that alone isn't as fun

Erica, all ya need is a $40. wallyworld tent. 3 person tent will sleep 2 comfy with gear and a 4 person tent will sleep 3 snug.
I have truely been there and done that world:shhhh
And Samsclub has some real nice tents, check them out
Jim:tour

We need the equivalent of Boy Scouts for adults but with motorcycles. :) I'd love to do some of this kind of stuff but can't find others that also want to.

As an avid motorcyclist and a long-time SCUBA diver, I was just amazed to find out that the Boy Scouts would not allow and didn't have merit badges surrounding these activities. I've been a Scout leader for about 17 years and have taught bicycle safety but we could not do anything "legally" when it involved motorcycles. With open ocean activities, we could snorkel but the BSA would not allow SCUBA... all three of my sons took SCUBA classes and are now certified, but they did this by taking classes on their own enroute to attaining their Eagle Scout ranks.

The BSA Explorer program often touches on them but these are usually for old boys (and girls). However, I remember I first started riding around at around 13, and the MSF course near us has a dirt bike class for riders as young as six. I would think by now the national BSA would get their heads out of the sand and realize that young people could benefit from motorcycle safety-related classes.

J.W.