NT diet?

[Coyote Chris]

I need to go on a diet. My NT load to Spearfish was 70 lbs and $2,000 worth of gear.
I think I can cut that by at least 20 lbs but it will be painful......

 

[junglejim]

Chris I couldn't help but notice the bulk you had packed on your bike when you left. But I also know you like to camp in comfort. Was a camp chair included in your load??? What did you have with you that you didn't use? I guess that if you used everything then it was worth bringing.

There are always things you can leave behind - on purpose or otherwise. I have come to have the opposite problem. When I packed my bike to leave for Spearfish I had too much room in my dry bag so I took an extra pillow just to fill it up. I didn't need two pillows, but I'll admit it was kind of nice. I think I used everything I brought except my took kit and air pump (thankfully), and one pair of pants. (Yes, I did change underware every day so don't go there) My panniers weren't even full. However my tank bag is a real junkyard. Can't find anything in there cause that's where most everything is. It took me a few minutes to find my USB converter when I wanted it. Modern motorcycles should come with USB, SAE, Powerlet, and cig lighter sockets. And with Bluetooth, GPS, radar detectors, weather radar, weather alert, cruise control, ABS, traction control, stability control, heated grips and seat, anti-theft alarm, TPMS, driving lights, deer whistles, flashing brake light, self canceling turn signals, adjustable suspension (from the seat), go pro, spot locater, HDMI, back-up camera, and climate control. Hummmm, mabye that is a little excessive, but I can see how you got to 70#. Why do you think you have to reduce your load?

I think my camping gear and clothes weigh about half of your 70# (add about 100# if my "stitch" is wet), but the value of everything is far more than your $2,000. What did you count? Just my riding suit, helmet, boots, gloves, and electric vest come to equal your $2,000. But my camping gear, clothing, and dry bags only come to about $600 to $700.

 

[Phil Tarman]

I didn't camp, so my load was simplified from you guys. I usually carry clothing I never use. I cut it closer this time. The only clothes I didn't use were the legs for my REI pants. On our way home, I was actually cold until after we got to Torrington. I had Ken zip the vents on the back and armpits of my 'Stitch when we stopped for gas and then stayed comfortable even in the hard rain south of Hawk Springs. If it had been much colder, I would have put on my heated jacket. I had nothing in my top box except for my computer and shoes with the built-up sole. I wore them some while I was at Bell's. I did wish that I had brought my Kermit chair -- I'll do that next year.

 

[Sojourner]

I haven't camped out of my NT yet. But on my Suzuki Burgman 650, I easily 'stealth' camped with just an average-sized duffel bag under the seat. Solo 2-hoop/3# backpacker's tent, 2# summer down sleeping bag, assorted backpacker's cook gear, change of clothes. Very easy if you're a backpacker. Difficult if you want creature comforts.

I really like my REI camp chair, but I'm 45 and have excellent knees. This wasn't part of my backpacker's camp equipment. It compacts to a stuff sack about 5" in diameter and a foot long:
https://www.rei.com/product/877258/rei-co-op-flexlite-chair

 

[Coyote Chris]

Chris I couldn't help but notice the bulk you had packed on your bike when you left. But I also know you like to camp in comfort. Was a camp chair included in your load??? What did you have with you that you didn't use? I guess that if you used everything then it was worth bringing.

There are always things you can leave behind - on purpose or otherwise. I have come to have the opposite problem. When I packed my bike to leave for Spearfish I had too much room in my dry bag so I took an extra pillow just to fill it up. I didn't need two pillows, but I'll admit it was kind of nice. I think I used everything I brought except my took kit and air pump (thankfully), and one pair of pants. (Yes, I did change underware every day so don't go there) My panniers weren't even full. However my tank bag is a real junkyard. Can't find anything in there cause that's where most everything is. It took me a few minutes to find my USB converter when I wanted it. Modern motorcycles should come with USB, SAE, Powerlet, and cig lighter sockets. And with Bluetooth, GPS, radar detectors, weather radar, weather alert, cruise control, ABS, traction control, stability control, heated grips and seat, anti-theft alarm, TPMS, driving lights, deer whistles, flashing brake light, self canceling turn signals, adjustable suspension (from the seat), go pro, spot locater, HDMI, back-up camera, and climate control. Hummmm, mabye that is a little excessive, but I can see how you got to 70#. Why do you think you have to reduce your load?

I think my camping gear and clothes weigh about half of your 70# (add about 100# if my "stitch" is wet), but the value of everything is far more than your $2,000. What did you count? Just my riding suit, helmet, boots, gloves, and electric vest come to equal your $2,000. But my camping gear, clothing, and dry bags only come to about $600 to $700.

Good points. The Motech bag holds the chair, tent, down bag, back pack air mattress, and sparse freeze dried food which weighs almost nothing. I really dont need the lithiom Ion air mattress pump but it is sure nice. 23 lbs.
The main bag holds the clothes, pillow, and hot weather airflow jacket. 27 lbs. I could loose some weight/bulk there. Water vest, one of two spare pants, shower bag, and a few other things could go, but some things are important like the bike cover and the BDU jacket is sure a handy camp coat. I could have left the military cold weather long johns at home. And the small colapsable cooler.

The port and starbard panniers hold about 20 lbs of tools, pumps, stove and cook set, drugs and toiletries, gloves, hats, hammer and stakes. Cell fones, chargers, spare glasses, cameras. I could loose some weight by not taking a hammer which has been "slimmed down" and using smaller stakes, but many Western Forest service camp sites seem to need big stakes. The pass through tool kit could loose some weight.

The tank bags I have just gone to in the last three years and are very handy for maps, gloves, meds, eye glass cleaners, pexiglass cleaners. 6 lbs. And I have an ELO bag (everything left over) that takes my drinks, road food, towel, misc. That 70 lbs includes a heavy helmet, heavy boots, heavy riding pants and heavy coat. And probably 16 lbs of tools. I can probably ditch some of those but I have helped others on the road by having a complete compliment. And the pass through is so cool.
I get scared when I add up the cost of everything!
The sheep skin and AirHawk R are worth their small weight in gold cause I have a spasming puborectalis, but the ELO bag is high up and accumulates way too many alchoholic beverages so I can work on that for sure. I have another MOtech bag to replace the duffle and I will use that on the Suzuki XT. I know I can loose 10 lbs easy and maybe 20, and keep the weight lower. The Tourmaster Air Intake 4 is bulky but when the temps get above 85, it feels sooooooooo good.......
The big 20 mm ammo can panniers cant be beat for touring but are a PITA in normal use. I will see how my little panniers work on the XT.

 

[Coyote Chris]

I didn't camp, so my load was simplified from you guys. I usually carry clothing I never use. I cut it closer this time. The only clothes I didn't use were the legs for my REI pants. On our way home, I was actually cold until after we got to Torrington. I had Ken zip the vents on the back and armpits of my 'Stitch when we stopped for gas and then stayed comfortable even in the hard rain south of Hawk Springs. If it had been much colder, I would have put on my heated jacket. I had nothing in my top box except for my computer and shoes with the built-up sole. I wore them some while I was at Bell's. I did wish that I had brought my Kermit chair -- I'll do that next year.

Everyone has a comfort level. Those lightweight quick to deploy chairs really add to the comfort of a camp and I use mine much. Sitting at a picknick table doesnt cut it for me any more. Down bags, high tech air mattresses, quality tents, etc really help with the weight/space. I can see areas where I can improve though. The list for Reno and the FJR is hopeless as its only a day and a half down there and I camp out 9 nights. Frosty takes pity on me and carries some of my gear in his motorhome.

 

[Coyote Chris]

I haven't camped out of my NT yet. But on my Suzuki Burgman 650, I easily 'stealth' camped with just an average-sized duffel bag under the seat. Solo 2-hoop/3# backpacker's tent, 2# summer down sleeping bag, assorted backpacker's cook gear, change of clothes. Very easy if you're a backpacker. Difficult if you want creature comforts.

I really like my REI camp chair, but I'm 45 and have excellent knees. This wasn't part of my backpacker's camp equipment. It compacts to a stuff sack about 5" in diameter and a foot long:
https://www.rei.com/product/877258/rei-co-op-flexlite-chair

You are exactly right. Small tent, light bag, narrow air mattress, sneakers and a head lamp. One thing I do when I am out for two weeks is to take along old raggy but clean socks, undershirts, etc and just throw them out along the way.

 

[Mellow]

Everyone has a comfort level. Those lightweight quick to deploy chairs really add to the comfort of a camp and I use mine much. Sitting at a picknick table doesnt cut it for me any more. Down bags, high tech air mattresses, quality tents, etc really help with the weight/space. I can see areas where I can improve though. The list for Reno and the FJR is hopeless as its only a day and a half down there and I camp out 9 nights. Frosty takes pity on me and carries some of my gear in his motorhome.

That's a lot of stuff:

Bike cover - not needed at all, clean the bike when you get home
Tent stake hammer - use a rock or put the tip of your boot on the tent stake and push with your hand - assuming the stake isn't a sharp one on the boot end
You have a lot of 'food bags' .. no need, you're on a bike, get food right before you get to a campground - I carry some granola bars and ramen noodles but that's it
Stove - you might consider one of the jet boil stoves or similar - much smaller than some of the older stuff - not sure what you have
Get a spork - no need for 'utensils'
Use zip lock bags to cook food in, immerse in the boiling / hot water to cook, then no clean up or clean up stuff needed.
Get some camp soap with citronella assuming that doesn't bother you - can be used for soap and shampoo and helps keep bugs away
Air pump for mattress - there are alternatives but not sure which one you have.

I don't pack much differently whether the trip is 2 days or 20 days.. maybe some extra clothes.. but the rest is the same.. a top box is nice because you can put a lot of quick access misc stuff in it..

 

[NoNTnow]

Chris,

You need a motor home, then you can pack everything... :rolleyes1: Everyone needs / desires vary so I won't comment on your list.

But I will comment on your load style... Do you recall the "triangle of safety"? It extends from your two axles center lines to the top of your helmet. That is where the heaviest load should be on a motorcycle. You have a small tank bag and then a ton of "stuff" well behind you. I'd get a much larger tank bag, and tank panniers if needed, and lighten that rear end up considerably. You might be surprised what difference it makes in handling...:wink:

 

[Warren]

I would guess Chris was a Boy Scout. Be prepared. I would also guess he is a bit of a gear freak that gets as much enjoyment by the acquisition of the latest gizmo and endlessly comparing features etc. Nothing wrong with any of this. I certainly have been known to spend to much time comparing stuff on the internet. It drives my wife crazy. I love traveling with guys like this as I can go light knowing they will having something on hand to cover about any emergency. Years of bicycle camping taught me the joy of minimalist camping however.

 

[Mellow]

True Dat... I have a couple different tents and bags and almost never pack the same way twice... the basics are the same but I'm always adjusting things slightly to see if I can get to the perfect loading scenario. Every trip I have minor changes.. use the smaller bag, bring more clothes, don't need 5 flashlights... etc...then I decide to bring a diff tent which won't fit in the previous bag so a larger bag and different packing scenario comes into play.. ugh.. .lol Then, I see a new flashlight or a bag I might light better.

 

[Coyote Chris]

True Dat... I have a couple different tents and bags and almost never pack the same way twice... the basics are the same but I'm always adjusting things slightly to see if I can get to the perfect loading scenario. Every trip I have minor changes.. use the smaller bag, bring more clothes, don't need 5 flashlights... etc...then I decide to bring a diff tent which won't fit in the previous bag so a larger bag and different packing scenario comes into play.. ugh.. .lol Then, I see a new flashlight or a bag I might light better.

What? Only 5 flashlights????? OK, I can do that...

That's a lot of stuff:

Bike cover - not needed at all, clean the bike when you get home. I am paranoid about hail after 51 years of touring.
Tent stake hammer - use a rock or put the tip of your boot on the tent stake and push with your hand - assuming the stake isn't a sharp one on the boot end true enough. Unfortunately, western campgrounds are hard and full of rocks, and my hammer has been much skeletonized, but yes, a rock will work.
You have a lot of 'food bags' .. no need, you're on a bike, get food right before you get to a campground - I carry some granola bars and ramen noodles but that's it. actually, I carried one freeze dried dinner and one freeze dried breakfast on this trip.
very light and takes up little space, along with the bars, of course.
Stove - you might consider one of the jet boil stoves or similar - much smaller than some of the older stuff - not sure what you have My stove is little bigger than a deck of playing cards folded up in its case and screws onto a small can of fuel. All fits inside of two pots that fit together and form a cooking kit. Mostly heats water for freeze dried food. 5.5 in by 4.5 inches by 4.5 in Under 2 lbs with two pans, a pan handle, stove and fuel. Not really needed on this trip for sure but needed on all other camping trips. I could leave one of the nesting pans at home and save a bit of weight and space for sure. Not a bad idea.
Get a spork - no need for 'utensils'While normally environmentally concious , I need a long MRE spoon to reach inside the freeze dried food bags and a few plastic utensils weigh nothing and take up next to no space.
Use zip lock bags to cook food in, immerse in the boiling / hot water to cook, then no clean up or clean up stuff needed.Not a bad idea for MRE portions but I can heat those up when I ate them in the hot water of the pots. Now I am a slave to Mountain House foods . Ziplock bags do have many uses to save the weight and space of containers...I like the 1 gallon and 2.5 gallon ones, but my meds need to be insulated from heat so I have a tiny soft cooler for them and my toilettry items.
Get some camp soap with citronella assuming that doesn't bother you - can be used for soap and shampoo and helps keep bugs awayNever had any luck with citronella or other non deet bug repellants. In fact, they like me so much I now have to use 40 percent deet. But I really dont need two cans....there are some savings.
Air pump for mattress - there are alternatives but not sure which one you have. My new high tech Nemo cosmo insulated 30 in wide air matress is a dream to sleep on and has saved me much size and weight over my old air bed, it has a built in hand/foot pump but it takes for ever. My lithium ion pump does weigh 1/2- 3/4 lb and is about 3.5 inches cubed. It fits nicely in a corner of the Motech waterproof bag

I don't pack much differently whether the trip is 2 days or 20 days.. maybe some extra clothes.. but the rest is the same.. a top box is nice because you can put a lot of quick access misc stuff in it..

 

[Coyote Chris]

Here is an idea.....skelitenize the cook kit to one pan, the handle and the stove and fuel, leave the hammer and sun screen at home (hardly ever use it but you can get smaller containers)
Leave tent foot print/air matteress protector at home for nice camp grounds like Chris' (drug and toiletry bags can be reduced to one insulated bag smaller than the present T bag)
Lithiom Ion air mattress inflater is amazingly strong, compared to many I have tried. If you have a leak or just want to blow up an airbed fast, this is the one you want. I got the last one I could find
to replace the nickel cadmium one I had been having the battery changed out of (looks the same) but I also bought the cord powered version as a spare as it was dirt cheep and I can run it off of
a very small inverter I could carry if I choose to.

 

[junglejim]

Hey, the purpose here is to enjoy camping. Bring what you need/want to make you happy. Most of America thinks "camping" involves at least 6 to 10 wheels and at least 400+ horsepower. I personally don't need that much, but I do bring more than I did when I toured on a bicycle where weight is a big disadvantage. When traveling I don't cook because I don't want to deal with the mess and I don't want to always have to outsmart the camp wildlife food theives. And I sure don't enjoy cooking when the bugs are bad either. So far the bears and coons have always gone to my neighbors because it smelled better over there. I'm not in my camps very long so easy set-up and pack-up are very important to me. If I lounged in my tent reading a book most of the day I'd sure make it more comfortable. I have been into my tent and in my sleeping bag with 10 minutes of pulling into a campground when it was raining. Packing up takes a few minutes longer, but I aim for 15 minutes when traveling.

 

[Phil Tarman]

I have been into my tent and in my sleeping bag with 10 minutes of pulling into a campground when it was raining. Packing up takes a few minutes longer, but I aim for 15 minutes when traveling.

And that's without hurrying! You can tell Jim has spent a lot of time camping in his life. When we rode to Alaska together in '13, he'd be in bed asleep while I was still figuring out which corner of my tent went where. In the morning , he'd be up and packed, patiently waiting for me. I did get to where I could be in the tent within 30 minutes and packed and ready to ride within about 45. That "speed" camping may not have started while Jim and I were still together. But by the time I was in Nova Scotia, I was doing pretty good.

My guess is that my camping days are over, though. With my knees, I'd get down and never get up! :-(

 

[DirtFlier]

I an NOT a camper but stayed at a Holiday Inn last night! All kidding aside, I wonder if the small 12v air compressor I always carry for roadside repair would blow up an air mattress without much grief?

That compressor can blow up the rear tire from 0 to 45 psi in about 20-30 min and saved my bacon more than once.

 

[Mellow]

Hey, the purpose here is to enjoy camping. Bring what you need/want to make you happy. Most of America thinks "camping" involves at least 6 to 10 wheels and at least 400+ horsepower. I personally don't need that much, but I do bring more than I did when I toured on a bicycle where weight is a big disadvantage. When traveling I don't cook because I don't want to deal with the mess and I don't want to always have to outsmart the camp wildlife food theives. And I sure don't enjoy cooking when the bugs are bad either. So far the bears and coons have always gone to my neighbors because it smelled better over there. I'm not in my camps very long so easy set-up and pack-up are very important to me. If I lounged in my tent reading a book most of the day I'd sure make it more comfortable. I have been into my tent and in my sleeping bag with 10 minutes of pulling into a campground when it was raining. Packing up takes a few minutes longer, but I aim for 15 minutes when traveling.

10-15 mins.. not bad for an old guy.. I think I can do 3 mins if I know I'm being timed... LOL... Perhaps a race at next year's Rally is necessary?

4:30 here without rushing.

[video=youtube_share;D2Da61aRZJI]http://youtu.be/D2Da61aRZJI[/video]

 

[Coyote Chris]

Hey, the purpose here is to enjoy camping. Bring what you need/want to make you happy. Most of America thinks "camping" involves at least 6 to 10 wheels and at least 400+ horsepower. I personally don't need that much, but I do bring more than I did when I toured on a bicycle where weight is a big disadvantage. When traveling I don't cook because I don't want to deal with the mess and I don't want to always have to outsmart the camp wildlife food theives. And I sure don't enjoy cooking when the bugs are bad either. So far the bears and coons have always gone to my neighbors because it smelled better over there. I'm not in my camps very long so easy set-up and pack-up are very important to me. If I lounged in my tent reading a book most of the day I'd sure make it more comfortable. I have been into my tent and in my sleeping bag with 10 minutes of pulling into a campground when it was raining. Packing up takes a few minutes longer, but I aim for 15 minutes when traveling.

Thats me pretty much. Freeze dried food is quick and no cleanup. But I allow about an hour for set up and take down, even though I might not use it. Bugs arent so much an issue here out west. I have picked up some creature comforts that make a whale of alot of difference in my comfort. A high tech air mattress and camp chair being the the two things that add the most. High tech tents (I have 10) and down bags have saved much space. We have come along way, baby, since I was touring in the 1970s! Check out lower left pic. Tour from Illinois to Idaho on a bike about the size of Chuck's 300.

 

[Coyote Chris]

10-15 mins.. not bad for an old guy.. I think I can do 3 mins if I know I'm being timed... LOL... Perhaps a race at next year's Rally is necessary?

4:30 here without rushing.

[video=youtube_share;D2Da61aRZJI]http://youtu.be/D2Da61aRZJI[/video]

I think he meant the whole enchilada as far as set up and take down. Pack up down bag, air mattress, chair, stuff sacks, tent, etc and load bike. Hey, wait a minute,...do people actually LIVE in tight packed development with walls everywhere???

I think many tents go up about the same way now.....

I still like my two Eureka Midori series, 3 and 4, (yellow) over my other ones.

The M 4 does have more room to stand and that is why Frosty uses it, but it is bulkier but mostly heavier....both are excellent for the money.

 

[junglejim]

10-15 mins.. not bad for an old guy.. I think I can do 3 mins if I know I'm being timed... LOL... Perhaps a race at next year's Rally is necessary?

1. I'm not racing you Joe!
a. I'm old and wise
b. I'm pretty sure you'd cheat
2. Your Mountain Smith looks very similar to my Mountain Hardware tent.
a. easy set up and take down
b. it is so good I threw my old tent away
c. mine is green while yours is ugly yellow
3. I got my tent up in 5 minutes at Spearfish this year
a. It took a little longer because Chris and Frosty were helping me.
b. They wanted to get done so we could go eat.
4. There seems to be excessive banter going on here!!!!!!!