Nomad Camping

[docv]

Since I can't ride at the moment, I figure I'll have to settle for living vicariously through you good folk, while simultaneously learning how to better plan for my own excursions.

I'm interested in hearing about your experiences with Nomad camping. [or any motorcycle camping for that matter].

One thing that comes to mind is just how useful are the Nomad's bags? Up to this point, I've only seen them in photos and I'm curious about what can be fit inside them. Of the cruiser hard-bags I have seen so far, most seem to be more suited to smaller items like a camera and phone, or half helmut or a tightly rolled up jacket, and not much more. I don't think you could even fit a six pack of long necks in them, which is kind of my standard minimum requirement. ;) You should at least be able to make a beer run fer Pete-sake!

I also welcome your advice on equipment, such as those bits of gear that you either cant do without or that just seem to make the experience all the better.

For me, it was discovering the full-size inflatable air mattress that took my camping to a whole new level. MUCH more enjoyable and I got actual restful sleep. =)

My morning coffee is also something I prefer not to do without. While instant will do in a pinch, the combination of a small, nonbreakable French-press, and a single propane burner that fits atop a small canister, are also a must when "roughing it". Nothing like a fresh, hot cup of joe in the morning.

I've also found the small foldable-soft pack cooler is another invaluable item, as they take up almost no space when empty and can fit a twelve-pack with ice and still have room for a few other perishable items. They even work as extra storage space in a pinch.

Frankly, it doesn't even have to be informative, I'm interested in just hearing some good cycle camping stories too.

Thanks all for indulging me. I look forward to hearing from you.

Cheers!

Doc