[Maximo]

I backpack, so it's very easy for me to bike camp. Instead of putting my gear in a backpack, I put some in the panniers, and others in a duffle bag that gets cinched down on the back seat. If all you're doing is bike camping, you don't need to spend the $$ for lightweight backpacking gear. There are a number of decent, sturdy no name tents that work very well. Make it at least a 2 person tent. 3 is nice, but not really necessary unless you're a big person who takes big stuff. Where you don't want to skimp is on the sleeping pad. Spend your money there, get an inflatable with insulation value 3.0+. Make it at least 24" wide, or wider if you're a big guy. Lots of good manufacturers, stick with recommended brands, avoid no name brands. Repeat: this is where you don't want to skimp. As for a sleeping bag, in the past few years I've switched from a sleeping bag to a sleeping quilt. Think of a lightweight sleeping bag without the hood, but split open so it looks like a quilt. Lots of versatility. On a warmer night you can use it like a blanket and modulate the heat easily. For colder nights you can button it up and cinch one end down so it looks and acts like a sleeping bag. Just take a beanie for your head. This system, matched with a good sleeping pad will have you snoring like you were home.

 

[Kaus]

After 35 years in the Army I've given up on the minimalist tarp and pegs idea. My choices, depending on weather and company:

1. Snugpak Ionosphere
2. Moondance 2FN Tent

Hints: buy second hand (you're only going to need it once in while); look for ones that pack up small (save the space for more important things); and, just a thought, but if the bike can be ridden in the rain and the snow it probably doesn't need a cover overnight.

 

[Arwen]

Thanks for your input, especially the “hints”. However I plan on using the tent quite often because I’ll be in remote areas. Also it will be summer. No snow & hopefully little rain. The Goose tent I’ll be using does “cover” the bike seat, but only to the extent it provides a support for the fly sheet, a bit like I always used the bike when camping with a tarp. It’s certainly not there to keep the bike warm & cosseted. Arwen’s Rider