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

[duneseven]

My camping gear fits easily in the saddle bags with room for lots of other things . I have a one item set up called a visa card. My coffee you just ride up to the window and they hand it out , all very easy. Sorry no advise here, I am to soft for the real thing

[zoom45]

If I camp, I pull the trailer. I can get everything I need in it (tent, sleeping bags, radio, extension cord, tools, extra clothes, cooler with food and drinks on the trailer rack). The wife likes to take her laptop too. Oh, a 6 pack of bottles fits in the side bags with plenty of room to spare.
Zoom45

[cactusjack]

All the camping gear I need - hot shower, comfortable bed and wi-fi are always waiting for me at the nearest Holiday Inn or Best Western.

[Kawhead]

We've camped several times in a tent and air mattress and the single burner for coffee with minimal problems. Sometimes eating pop-tarts for breakfast, energy bars for lunch, and maybe subway for supper. After I set up camp, I've never been able to drink more beer than my beloved Nomad can hold. I've never had a bad camping trip on a bike, even on my much smaller VN-800.

When I was able and could sacrifice for a tow behind camper, boy, that took me to another level! CoachA and that cajunrider fellah are mostly to blame for that! That thing carries all your wifes blow dryers and what ever else she has to have and more. You gonna need one when you reach my age so buy one now while your young. :)

[deacon]

I have yet to fill the Nomads side bags, but I haven't done any camping either. I would think you could find a lot handy camping items if you check out backpacking equipment. They have to pack small and light. Also, a bag that fits over your backrest would give you some extra space as well.

[coacha]

Kawhead is right. The camper is the way to go. I have a older Bunkhouse and it is the bomb. We have taken it to Custer, Georgia, Virginia and around here in Florida. We put all of our stuff in the trailer and do at least two of our meals at the camper. S'mores are the real deal around the campfire. The conversation and the beers are smooth too.

Now if I can just get Sarge to let me share the goodness of his tumbler, it would be even more better

[Loafer]

A foldable, insulated cooler with a twelve pack and ice inside, still leave a little room left in a saddlebag. I use bag liners in the saddlebags and the foldable cooler as a bag on the luggage rack. tent, sleeping bag and tarp on top of that. I usually get up early and use a coffee shop for breakfast. Subway is a good, inexpensive meal during the day. Old bones have moved me to cabins and cottages the last couple of years though. If you pack smartly, you will be able to take what you need.

[Top Cat]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

All the camping gear I need - hot shower, comfortable bed and wi-fi are always waiting for me at the nearest Holiday Inn or Best Western.

What he said. That's my idea of camping.

[ringadingh]

I thinking the same way Tim, and I have to have A/C as well if it gets over 65 ;)

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by Ringadingh

I thinking the same way Tim, and I have to have A/C as well if it gets over 65 ;)

Ah, a/c...well that goes without saying.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

I tend to enjoy the four walls and roof over me when I sleep. Used to think I would have loved being a cowboy in the old west. I would have spent all of my money staying in the hotels. Got all the camping I needed while in the field with the Army.

[paul]

I think you can see how we do it. Toy haulers are NICE! Hotel on wheels, every thing you need and want when you get there, plus not just your own room, but your own "house". We have taken just the bike and there's plenty of room to pack everything we want using the bags AND the T-bag set up on the luggage rack, but we sleep in hotels. Nice to have that hot shower and soft bed.

[waterman]

Docv,

I do like to camp but haven't done as much as I like with the Nomad. I have the tourpak which really helps.

One side bag for clothes, the other for some of the other necessities, flashlights and others. I strap the sleeping bag on the passenger seat as my wife is not into camping as much. On top of the tourpak is the tent and chair.

Oh, campers are for wimps. ;)

[coacha]

Then I am Chief Wimp :)