Riding and Tents?

[hockeyhawk]

Hello guys, I'm looking at tents, not sure what to look for. I've never owned a tent. This tent would be used mainly for riding trips and I'm guessing would only be accommodating me. What should i look for. Size I guess is my concern, should I just get one big enough to sleep in? or should I get one that is big enough to hang out in in case of rain? Just not sure. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Ride Safe, 

[Bumblebee]

First thing is to figure out your primary use for the tent and go from there. If you're just fair weather camping in places for the odd weekend that is extremely unlikely to flood at all with minimal rain, any $15 walmart special is probably good enough. If the weather can be anything and everything and you're by yourself who knows where, spend the money for nukeproof even if it cost $200+.

One and two season tent is good enough for pleasant summer nights that might have light passing rain for a couple hours and no flooding. Three season is good for year round use however big snowstorms should be avoided. Four season is good for year round use in all conditions.

The best thing you can do is go to the stores where the tents are setup, get inside and zip them up. Lay down, sit up, get up on your knees, check the materials and construction, and generally try them out while pretending you're camping. You might be intimidated to do this at first however the reason that stores set the tents up is so you can get into them and try them out so just do it. I've even been known to pick a backpack and sleeping bag off the wall and toss them in with me.


Body count: One person or two or ten? Tent sizes are generally defined as body count however that number is for very friendly people and no equipment. IOW a two person tent would hold two people and their sleeping bag and little to no gear other than maybe a change of clothes with little extra room. Real world solution is to add 1 to the body count. It's more comfortable and you can store gear inside as well. I have a two person tent and that's comfortable for me and my gear (full size external frame for long duration solo backpacking) and no second person - everything is inside with me and if someone else comes along, they bring their own tent. A second person could fit however all the gear would have to stay outside.

Design: Dome tents are huge inside, lightweight, easy to erect with a round floor plan that allows more gear room. A frames are nuke proof but have less room since it's a rectangular floor plan and weighs slightly more due to the rigid aluminum frame that gives it it's strength. Both are large enough to sit up in and be comfortable. Both designs typically have a decently high ceiling that you can get up on your knees without hitting the top as long as you're not 7ft tall. There are little bivwac tents however I'd personally avoid them since they're essentially glorified waterproof sleeping bag covers with a head cover and weight basically nothing. If you're stuck in a 5-6 hour rain storm in one of those, you can't even sit up. Some people love them, I hate them. Whatever you get, you want a free standing tent so it's not dependent on being staked down just to hold it's shape. Most tents nowadays are free standing though.

Construction: The best solution is a watertight floor that on the sides goes up about 3-5 inches above ground level before attaching to the side/top material. This keeps runoff from rain water out. The floor material of these tents often have an very light rubbery sticky feel to them. It's not really rubbery, it just kind of feels like it is. If you touch it, you'll know what I'm talking about. Two words here for waterproof floors: Taped seams. If the floor of the tent is waterproof and the seams aren't taped, water will get in through the seams and you better have your life raft with you in the tent. People tell me waterproof floors and taped seams are overkill and a waste of money however my tent has literally been in 4 inches of standing water for hours and hours without a single drop coming through the floor. The pennywise people nearby never seem to fare quiet as well for some reason. Sleeping in a boat is one thing. Sleeping in a sunk boat in a cold river is quite another.

Rain fly's: When you look at a tent, you'll see that the top portion of the main tent is a mesh material. That lets moisture out. The rain fly that goes over that and is supported a few inches off the mesh is waterproof material made of the same material as the floor. I've found that the best solution is a big rain fly that covers the entire tent and goes down to near the ground below the top sides of the waterproof floor material, not just sitting on top like a beanie cap.

Vestibules: Optional. It's just an entrance cover kind of like a front porch that closes up as a sort of extra room. I have two, one on each end of my A frame, and they're ideal to keep rain out of the tent while leaving the door and windows open even in a torrential rainstorm. I can get in and out in a rainstorm without rain getting into the tent. It's a nice place to put your dirty muddy boots and a little extra gear instead of inside with your sleeping bag.

Poles: Fiberglass poles are lightweight and don't break easily. Aluminium poles are heavier and while just as strong if not stronger. Any poles can bend or break if abused or the tent is setup wrong. Either way, carry a few extra pole sections since they're cheap enough.

Ground tarps/cloths isolate the bottom of the tent from the actual ground. It keeps dirt and mud off the bottom of the tent and helps keeps sharp things from poking holes in the bottom of the tent. Your average camp store will try to sell you one for $15-$40. Tell them to go beat dirt since you can pennytech this one for way way way less. Go to your local hardware store and get the thickest plastic paint drop cloth material you can find. It typically comes in 10'x25' sheets that are rolled up for $5. Assemble the tent, lay the drop plastic out on the ground, put the tent on top of it, draw the shape with a marker, cut slightly small. You want it slightly smaller than the tent's footprint by about 6 inches around the perimeter. If it's bigger, all it'll do is catch rainwater and funnel it under the tent. That $5 paint sheet will typically get you at least 4-6 ground tarps before you run out of material and a single ground tarp will last for a couple years even if you beat the crap out of it.

I've been camping year round for over 40 years. Sometimes it's just in a sleeping bag, other times in "hey Noah, finish that ark quick" stuff. Most of my camping is solo and often up unknown animal trails in the backcountry miles from any indication of civilization. A couple extra pounds of good tent (and sleeping bag) goes a long way in those conditions.

[ROJ]

Bumblebee pretty much covered everything about pikcing out a tent. One thing you should also keep in mind if getting a tent with a full fly, is ventilation in the fly. If there is no way for the air in the tent to get out from under the fly, then on a hot day the temp inside will rise alot. If the night is cool, then all that hot air turns ot condensation and gets everything you left inside the tent nice and damp. No matter how much mesh is in the tent part itself, if the air can't escape the fly, its no good. Definately go to a cam ping store with tents set up and get inside like Bumblebee suggested. I spent about 30min in the tent I bought at an Outdoor Adventure show, before deciding it would work for me.

[hockeyhawk]

Hey Bumble, Great info, thank you very much. Time do so shopping now that I have a clue what I'm looking at. I just have one other question, what is nuke proof?? Sorry if it's a dumb question, new to the whole camping thing.

Ride Safe 

[coffee_brake]

There is excellent info here but remember one last thing:

You gotta be able to put this thing on the bike and still have room for a sleeping bag and your other camping stuff!

I just love motorcycle camping. My tent is a cheapie (I think that expensive tents get robbed while you are out riding) for about $30, it holds just me and my riding gear. It fits down the flank of the Nighthawk with bungies, with my sleeping bag down the other flank to even it out, and my bag of clothes and other stuff sitting on the passener seat. It has the rain fly that is suspended over the frame to keep the condensation at bay. I rode with it across the country and back last year, and I just took it to Colorado and back from Georgia this month. Pleny tough. Mine came from Sports Authority but I've seen the same kind of tent many places for the same price.

Check out the size of the packed tent, that matters to motorcyclists.

[Bumblebee]

I just have one other question, what is nuke proof??

A tent that'll survive nearly anything.
Nuke proof is a term a couple hikers from Ireland called my tent. We went through a BIG level 3ish+ thunderstorms in the late afternoon that blasted the mountain bowl we were in with high winds, heavy rain, several inches of water running around my tent and impressive amounts of lightning. When it was done, it looked like a hurricane had come through the place. They had a tent pole snap and they said it was halfway collapsing during the storm before the pole broke and had some water inside. Other than being wet on the outside, mine looked like it had just been set up. A-frames are tough little buggers.

Coffee Brake is right. Packing size is important on motorcycles and while hiking. Typically they're about 4" diameter and under 2ft long. I've never had a problem with tents or anything else being messed with while camping...then again I take sensible precautions in civilization like not leaving expensive stuff on tables or setting camp in creepy areas. Zip it up and you should be ok.

[ccrider99]

I have a Big Anges Seedhouse 2-person tent and it is great for weekend or longer trips.  I got the larger tent as I wanted to be able to get me and my gear out of the rain just in case, and the tent sets up quickly just in case I get caught out in it.  They make a 1-person and up to 4-person if you want a different size.  There is more than enough room for me and my gear and there is even an vestibule area for dirty boots or cooking that remains dry from the top so you don't have to track all the mud inside.  I have logged several nights in the tent and it has worked well and kept me completely dry on a couple very wet nights, and it has great ventilation as the tent itself is just really a covered netting, so it breathes well.  I have some photos posted on my Blog for you to view - http://nighthawk700-road-trip.blogspot.com/2008/08/getting-ready.html.  I bought it at www.campsaver.com and they still sell it along with the footprint and free shipping for under $200.  It also is small at a packed size of 7x20 inches, and that can be compressed. 

Craig.

[Snoopy]

http://www.off-road.com/trailsevents/data/articlestandard/outdoors/452005/194908/Outdoorsman_Tent.jpg


This is the tent i have for myself, its a two man tent and it fits me perfect, also fits on the bike perfect.  It has a Tarp for the bottom so you dont have to worry about rain and the tarp does go up about 3-4 inches off the bottom. that takes care of the drop cloth also (less packing) one other nice thing is that the whole entire frame is shock corded together so i pull them out of the bag shake and start finishing the connection.  Takes me about 5 minutes to put up and this thing is un moveable. I think I payed $60 bucks for it at menards.

[ts103706]

I use a Sierra Nevada Lightning 2 person tent.  It's lightweight and compact.  If you want to go even lighter, which I might, check out Hennessey Hammocks.  Just make sure you buy seam sealer.  That goes for any tent purchase.  Also, make sure you invest in a nice sleeping bag.  There's no sense in saving weight and room with a tent if you have a bulky sleeping bag.  Synthetic would be ideal for motorcycling.  It is cheaper and does better with water than down.  It isn't as light and and doesn't compact as much as down, but you're not carrying on your back for days, so an extra 8 ounces wont hurt. 

One benefit of  the hammock is that you don't need a ground pad and they are more comfortable to hang out in without having to bring large pillows.

[niteman]

As always, there is a huge wealth of information here in this thread. Again I am reminded why I love this site!

As has already been said, Bee covered pretty much everything you need o know and the others gave excellent input as well. I really have nothing that I could add to their knowledge so I will just let you know which tent we have that has served us well.

We picked up a Coleman 2 person dome tent at Dicks Sporting Goods. Has the waterproofing that goes 4 inches or so up the walls, mesh roof with a good solid fly attachment, good venting, and very easy to set up. It could be a sconce lighter, but it's not too bad.

I can comfortably vouch for its weather durability due to the torrential rain the lasted a few hours the last time we camped. The tent was sitting in a couple inches of water by the time it was over and we stayed dry. the humidity in FL is inescapable thought and things were a bit moist in general.

We payed under $50 for the tent.

[flynrider]

    Coleman makes a 2 man version of that tent?  I'll have to keep an eye out for it.  Several friends have the 4 man version with the ripstop tub bottom.  Those things are virtually waterproof.  I've always wanted one, but didn't want to lug around a big 4 man tent when I didn't need the space.   

   Whenever we're camping in a torrential downpour, the only people that aren't worried about their stuff getting wet are the Coleman guys.   For the life of me, I can't understand why all tents aren't made that way.

[Bumblebee]

Whenever we're camping in a torrential downpour, the only people that aren't worried about their stuff getting wet are the Coleman guys.   For the life of me, I can't understand why all tents aren't made that way.

Most people are fair weather weekend campers once or twice a year nowadays. No camping on rainy weekends and walking distance or less to their cars. It's typically sleeping bag only camping conditions. They often don't know what they're buying or what's needed. Being disconnected from nature doesn't help. (Remember that rain comes from above, not below thus a waterproof bottom is no biggie as long as you don't camp in a riverbottom, right?) Manufacturing is all about money and they can save a bundle by not making waterproof tent bottoms then selling $1.50 of thin plastic sheeting for $40 or more. It's silly but that's what happens.
It's always interesting to be in a campground with lots of tents when a big storm goes over at night. A modest amount of rain and wind starts then there's a bunch of talking and scrambling around then car engines. You get up early in the morning and you're the only one left in the whole place. The sad part is that even motorhomes and pull campers will leave sometimes.

BTW, Coleman pretty much has the low price market covered in in the reliability department but higher end stuff will still be standing after Coleman is smashed flat. Kathadin makes tents that are practically boats when the Atlantic Ocean runs through your campsite. Midrange spendy but very reliable when nature decides tents need to be destroyed.

[Snoopy]

BTW, Coleman pretty much has the low price market covered in in the reliability department but higher end stuff will still be standing after Coleman is smashed flat. Kathadin makes tents that are practically boats when the Atlantic Ocean runs through your campsite. Midrange spendy but very reliable when nature decides tents need to be destroyed.

I have had my coleman a frame 4 man tent now for 3 yrs plus.  It has been thru many many storms and many many wind storms that not many other tents have survived.  It has lasted me better then any high end tent I have had.  If you learn how to properly stake down a tent you wont have any issues in wind.  I have never had any water leaks either.  Last spring was the first time I sprayed a waterproofer on the rain fly.  Not because it was leaking, but because it was holding the water more then shedding it.  The link above in my previous post is one of the best tents I have ever had over any.  I have woken up in the morning many times with easily 2 - 3" of standing water outside of the tent and I was completely dry inside.  And it packs down small for a 4 man tent.  If I had the oppurtunity, I would by a few of them, just to have for when this one wear's out. If ever it does.

[ts103706]

I just noticed you have a 85 650.  I haven't been able to find a luggage rack, so I just stuff everything into my backpack and strap it on the back seat.  It isn't ideal, but it works and allows me to put my backpack to use.  I would recommend getting a tarp to have to cover up your bike and make a secondary shelter for stuff you don't want to leave in your tent, avoiding the need for a large vestibule.  A normal Tarp will do, but there are also lightweight camping-specific tarps that would are well worth the money.

As far as finding the gear, REI and Sierra Trading posts are good .  REI has a separate clearance site with attractive discounts. 

[niteman]

+1 on REI, great site I have used many times with success. I forgot to mention them in my last post.

[Hondo]

I bought a Coleman 4 man tent last year for Moab and I really like it. I did have a bungee (inside one of the poles) fail though.

I think I paid $25 for it at Big 5 Sporting Goods-

[mazer]

There are many things to consider when purchasing equipment. First thing regarding the tent for me was center height. I dont like bending over to crawl into or out of or get dressed in a smaller tent. So I always get a 6 foot center height tent. Next thing to consider is people who will be using it, and thrid is the conditions you will use it in. Do you want a two season tent a three season or 4 season tent. There will be a difference in price. If you are short on cash, and find a tent you like, get a crappy tarp for the bottom, but get a good one to put over your tent. That way you wont have to worry too much about it adding extra weight or taking up lots of room. There is nothing worse than dodging a storm only to find your tent leaking. There is a big difference between weather resistant, water resistant and water proof.
Spending a rainy day inside an REI store to learn about everything is worth tons. I learned a self inflating mattress might be great but the air inside the mattress is the same as the air outside, and can make you super cold. There have been nights I would have rather slept on the ground to gain a bit of warmth. On sleeping bags. The number you see it rated for is the number you will begin to feel the temperature affecting your body.
EI: if your bag is rated to 20 degrees, then you will begin to feel cold if the temperature outside is 20 degrees. This can be a nasty thing if a storm breaks suddenly and the temps drop quickly - in the mountains or in the desert.

[jarmstrong]

Has anybody here used the Hennesy Hammocks?  with the larger "hex" rainfly to park your bike under, this seems like a perfect solution for some good motorcycle camping.   

any feedback?

[Laminar]

How about this guy:




You in the side, your bike in the main area.



http://www.bikertent.com

[rotomotor]

+2 on REI, I love REI, much of my gear comes from REI, most of the clothes I wear come from REI. I shop REI first.

That loving benediction to my gear addiction said, I have a Kelty tent from Campmor that has held up well for almost 10 years, and a couple of REI tents. I agree with the poster that said internal height is important. I look for that first, and then total area. I'm not tall but it's nice to have room to sit up and change. Standing up is out of the question because now you are talking about a BIG tent. 46-48" peak height is pretty tall in the small tent world.

Also, a good tent doesn't need a footprint to be waterproof, but a layer between the tent and the ground helps preserve the tent floor from abrasion and rocks. I use a thin painting tarp sized to the perimeter of my tent minus an inch or two all the way around. Very light weight and packable too.

Packing the bike, I have side bags, and a stuffed backpack across the seat. That holds everything I need.

[LOKi]

It was said above but if you only camp once or twice a year just get a cheep tent. Conservatively I camp at least 12 times a year. Probably closer to 20 times or more. I wanted a tent that was good for motorcycle camping and backpacking, canoeing, car, boat, and any other way that gets me to a camping spot camping. REI (I think) was having a sale and the Marmot 3 person tent was priced relatively low so I got that. I went with the 3 person because I want to be able to take my nephews camping with me. Turns out this is good for motorcycle camping because the extra space gives you plenty of room to drag all your crap inside with you. Living in south Louisiana I also wanted a tent that would allow good air flow. The full mesh certainly accomplishes this. It packs away small. 6" x 9" or 10" in a compression sack. It's light too. Under 5lbs! I have been using this tent for a couple years now and its holding up great. Bomb proof and water proof.

This is the tent before putting the rain fly on. The fly can be hooked on and folded over to just cover the top. Or it can be rolled up on the front and back for a full coverage while still providing a breeze. During the winter the fly is secured down blocking almost all air movement. They do make a 2 person version of this tent as well.

[tcoop]

Here's a tent for those who don't like packing it on the bike.

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=389&ssid=10090106#1

[Gizmo]

I have used a Eureka Pinnacle Pass 3XTA for 2 up camping the past 4 years. Correctamundo above, get body count +1 for keeping helmets and jackets dry, but I would take this tent for 1, it packs small.

I paid $150, and it's worth it. (I think Eureka changed the name to Scenic Pass now).

I was at a rally in 2006, and the remnants of Hurricane Ernesto rained on us for 24 straight hours, and this Eureka stayed dry.

http://www.trailspace.com/gear/eureka/pinnacle-pass-3xta/

[flynrider]

  I bit the bullet and bought a Coleman Hooligan 2.   It's got the two key features I wanted.  Waterproof poly tub bottom with a rainfly that goes to the ground.   Coleman calls this their WeatherTec system and guarantees you won't get wet.





  Cool things : single pole, great ventilation, vestibule for wet gear, very sturdy in high winds, slightly larger (8x6) than my old Eureka 2, cheap ($55 on Amazon).
  Weird things : Base tent is all mesh. Rainfly profides privacy.

  So, I just got back from a week of camping (sorry guys, in the airplane instead of the bike) and I'm really impressed.   The tent rode out several big storms in the wilderness areas of Montana and Idaho without a drop of water getting in.  One night the winds were howling and giant trees were falling nearby, but the tent stayed solidly in place.

  I think this one is a keeper (for both bike and plane camping).

[Gizmo]

For those that have to sleep with their "baby".

http://nomadtent.com/