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Do you enjoy exploring the untrodden paths of the wilderness? What about feeling the thrill of driving a motorcycle at high speed with the wind rushing by? If you are interested in both of these pursuits, a good way you can scratch that itch is by going on a motorcycle camping trip to the forest. From beginning to end, this experience has no shortage of adventure. Traveling to the campgrounds has its twists and turns as you leave the familiarity of home behind. The concrete highways eventually give way to dirt roads as you slowly find yourself surrounded by rows of trees. You become filled with this sense of exhilaration as you enter a region of the world that has been left largely untouched. Upon arriving at your destination, there will be plenty of activities to keep yourself occupied. You can observe the local wildlife from afar, take in the sights while going on a trek, or just hang out and relax at your campsite. A motorcycle camping trip combines both challenging and calmer options for recreation, giving you the freedom to have fun at your leisure.
However, if you want to make the most of your motorcycle camping trip, you need to remember to bring all your camping gear with you. And to do that, you have to search for a motorcycle saddlebag that can fit your items safely and securely. You may prefer one that has lots of pockets or is capable of withstanding the elements. When determining the saddlebag you want, you need to take into consideration the climate of your campsite, how your camping gear can be arranged with the space available, and any additional features it may have which contribute to its overall functionality.
This article will inform you about the types of forest campgrounds and their environments, briefly summarize the camping gear you should bring, and list a selection of saddlebags to help you narrow down your preferences. Your motorcycle camping trip to the forest is not ready until you have a reliable way to carry and protect your luggage onboard your ride.
1. Types of Forest Campgrounds:
Regarding campgrounds that are located in forests, these include national parks, national forests, and private campgrounds.
1.1 National parks:
These campgrounds are accessible to the general public. This means you would be in close proximity with large groups of people, mainly families. Because of the large volume of people who visit, you rarely get the luxury to choose your preferred space. You would have to stake your claim before during the planning stage. To lessen the probability of you being robbed, your saddlebag would need added security measures to protect your valuables like a lock and key.
1.2 National forests:
These campgrounds are more exclusive in terms of reservations. There tend to be fewer people to share space with. But seclusion means that it will be difficult to call for assistance in the event of an emergency. These locations typically lack access to certain utilities so you cannot expect to have phone service, hot water, or electricity. Be careful when transporting items that are fragile or require battery life to function inside your saddlebag. If any of them stop working because you accidentally crushed or were rough while handling your saddlebag, there may not be any facilities for several miles for you to go get replacements.
1.3 Private campgrounds:
These campgrounds have access to utilities that national forests do not, providing many of the conveniences you are used to at home. Besides providing a personal space for your use, they tend to be easy to find due to being close to highways. However, easy access to utilities may ruin the authentic camping experience for you. The primary threat to your belongings would be the wildlife so remove any food items that might attract attention and make sure your saddlebag cannot be opened by anything with claws or fangs.
Most forest campgrounds include a picnic table with benches, a campfire, and a tent frame within a large stretch of bare earth. The landscape is designed to prevent stray embers from starting a forest fire as anything flammable is kept at a safe distance by the edge of the perimeter. Even if you had checked the weather forecast before setting out on your camping trip, make sure the ground is level so that it will allow runoff in the unlikely event of rain. Despite being surrounded by greenery, it would be wise to check your immediate area for any hidden dangers. These may include sharp objects, poison ivy, stinging insects, and wild animals. During the early mornings, the forest floor will be damp with moisture due to the low temperature. Anything outside at this point would likely become damp or cool to the touch.
Because most saddlebags are made of weather-resistant materials, they can be left on your motorcycle if you wish. Just make sure that your motorcycle is parked at the edge of your campsite’s perimeter or a nearby parking lot if one is available. A saddlebag should be able to prevent moisture from getting inside if sealed correctly. Also, so long as it is strapped to the motorcycle, it should remain in place even against strong winds or small animals foraging for snacks. However, if you are concerned about thieves, scavenging animals, or sudden downpours, it may be best to unstrap your saddlebag and take it with you inside your shelter. Inside your shelter, your saddlebag would be in arm’s reach and would make it easier for you to protect your belongings. Any valuables or food that you had packed in your saddlebag would be out of harm’s reach and prevent anything or anyone from damaging your ride. Plus, the saddlebag is kept dry so there is no risk of any of your belongings becoming ruined due to condensation. When it comes to your saddlebag, never overestimate how much punishment it can endure. Just because it was built to be tough does not mean it will maintain its integrity in the face of continuous abuse.
2. Supplies That Need to Fit into Your Saddlebag:
Before you can pick out your saddlebag, lay out on the floor what you believe is essential for a motorcycle camping trip. Take stock really quick of how many items you have and the quantity of each one. If you are worried that you might have too much stuff, you are likely right in your assessment. Remember, your motorcycle has limited space and can easily lose balance if it is carrying too much weight. You need to be selective about the supplies you bring with you. Only take what you are certain will be used consistently for the duration of your camping trip or have multiple functions that can be applied in various emergencies. Listed below are some of the necessities you may want to consider taking with you:
2.1 Tent:
Your home away from home, it will serve as your shelter for the duration of your motorcycle camping trip. When picking one out, make sure that it is big enough to accommodate the length of your body and any items you may want to keep inside. Other features to look out for are insulation and breathability to ensure comfortable regulation of temperature inside your tent. Check that the materials are durable and weather-resistant so that you do not end up with holes during set-up. This will most likely be the largest item you carry on your motorcycle.
2.2 Sleeping Bag:
While your tent may be designed for insulation, you may find that it can still get chilly during the early mornings and late evenings. Also, the floor of your tent is only as comfortable as the ground it is positioned on. The zippers and lining in your sleeping bag encompass your entire body up to your neck, helping keep your body heat in. Plus, the lining is soft like a blanket which will help you stay snug even on uneven ground.
2.3 First Aid Kit:
In case you injure yourself as you are traversing the forest, a first aid kit will help you patch up any cuts and stop the bleeding. Scraped knees falling on rocks or gashes caused by branches can be easily fixed up so that you can focus on getting back to your vacation. However, if you come down with an illness or severe injuries, it is suggested you leave immediately for the nearest medical facility or call for medical assistance if there is phone service.
2.4 Tire Repair Kit:
During your drive to the campsite, your tires may become flat due to a puncture. As there is not enough room on your motorcycle to carry a spare tire, you would need a tire repair kit to seal any holes. Equipped with a T-handle, plugs, and CO2 cartridges, they will help you get your tires back into working condition. It should be enough to limp your ride the rest of the way to your destination or to a repair shop to get your tires replaced.
2.5 Tool Bag:
If your motorcycle runs into mechanical problems that you are capable of fixing on your own, then a tool bag will help you get your motorcycle back up and running in no time. Equipped with wrenches, spanners, pliers, screwdrivers, and any other handheld tools that you can fit inside, they can help you tighten back on parts of your motorcycle or remove segments so you can access a broken component. Make sure you are safely away from traffic before you attempt to make repairs.
2.6 Toiletries:
Even if your campsite does not have hot water available, you can at least keep up on your oral hygiene. Make sure to bring your toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss as there may be a faucet or bathroom on the campgrounds. In case the water at the campsite is not working, bring your own water container. Besides helping you stay hydrated; it can also help you wash out your mouth and your hands. Speaking of which, do not forget to carry soap and hand wipes. Whether handling food or checking over your motorcycle, make sure your hands are as clean to mitigate contracting an illness.
These are just suggestions for some of the things you may want to have on hand for your motorcycle camping trip. If there is still enough room left in your saddlebag to add some smaller items to the pile, this article can help you figure out which ones are important enough to consider.
3. Leather Saddlebag:
A leather saddlebag comes with a lock and key to help you better secure your belongings during travel and lessen the chances of them being stolen. The leather materials are tough and long-lasting so you get the most use out of it over the course of several years. The plastic lid has a tight seal to keep out water while the metal frame lined inside the saddlebag helps maintain its shape. The interior has plastic padding along its walls to lessen impacts and better protect any fragile items you might be carrying. Due to being made of weather-resistant materials, it can better withstand strong winds and water damage. Aside from the plastic lid plus the lock and key, you can secure the contents of the saddlebag by using a Velcro strap or buckles to keep them closed. If you wish to delve deeper into the pros and cons of leather saddlebags, this article can provide further information.
4. Hard Saddlebag:
A hard saddlebag comes with a lock and key to help you better secure your belongings during travel and lessen the chances of them being stolen. The fiberglass exterior is not just durable enough to withstand being dropped onto the ground. It is also weather-resistant as it can withstand being battered by winds and ensures water slides off the surface. Made of the same materials, the lid has a tight seal to keep out water which prevents water damage. The interior has foam lining along the walls to reduce turbulence to prevent fragile objects from breaking against each other when you are driving. If you still have trouble deciding whether leather or hard saddlebags are better suited to your needs, this article provides a comparison between the two types of luggage.
5. Universal Saddlebag:
A universal saddlebag incorporates most of the same features that the other saddlebags have. That is because it can be fitted on almost any motorcycle model depending on the mounting hardware provided. If it is more like a leather or a hard saddlebag, the universal saddlebag will differ in terms of what weather-resistant materials it is made of and how it keeps the contents secured. A universal saddlebag can be composed of either leather, synthetic, plastic, polyester, or fiberglass. The contents inside the pockets can be secured with a lid, a lock and key, zippers, straps, or buckles. can be presented in three different ways: leather, painted, and matte. Your saddlebag may end up with a glossy look based on the look you choose. Keep in mind that leather has no shine, painted has a medium shine, and matte has the brightest shine.
6. Street Bike Saddlebag:
A street bike saddlebag is equipped with several pockets that can be opened and closed via zippers. The synthetic and polyester materials are heat-resistant so they do not combust when in proximity with the exhaust. This would be useful if you were ever to bring this saddlebag near the campfire. Because it is not water-resistant, a rain cover is provided to help ward off water damage. It also has reflective piping to catch evening light, making it easier for you and the saddlebag to be seen in the dark. Because of how the side pockets are positioned, they are easy to access while driving. Thanks to adjustable straps and buckles, street bike saddlebags can be tied down securely to your motorcycle.
7. Sissy Bar Bag:
A sissy bar bag is equipped with several pockets that can be secured with zippers, straps, and buckles. While made of synthetic and leather materials, it is not resistant to heavy rainfall so it includes a rain cover. As it is designed to fit almost any motorcycle model, it can be attached to the sissy bar, the luggage rack, or the backrest. Besides the larger compartments, it also includes an internal mesh pocket that provides extra space for you to store your belongings. Because of the way the different straps attached to the sissy bar bag are looped, it can be carried as a backpack or held in your hands while you are walking down a forest trail. A sissy bar bag comes with extra detachable straps that can be connected to your motorcycle to keep it steady and fixed while you are driving. If you want to browse through an inventory of specific sissy bar bags, this article may provide you with the optimal choices.
8. Parting Words:
Arguably, your saddlebag will be the most important item you take into account before setting out on your motorcycle camping trip. Leave without it and you will lack baggage that is tailor made to last a round trip that may cover dozens of miles. Sure, you can take a standard backpack or suitcase instead. But if you make the wrong move, you might find all your belongings flying into the windshield of the vehicle behind you. If your motorcycle runs into technical issues or you find that your health may be compromised, you will want to have your important items in good condition. What better way to ensure that then by fitting them inside a durable, spacious, and adjustable piece of luggage that you can count on 100% of the time?
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