The most honest, practical, commonsense, and factual advice I have seen on you-tube regarding the procurement of gear for motorcycle touring. Bookmark this video for resources when planning your next road trip, or getting started... Great job on this video.

If you shop at REI's January sale you can go around saying "this is the winter of my discount tent."

Biggest tip is probably "You don't need everything!" It is really easy to read a ton of how-to guides, watch videos of other people's kit, or just wander around REI and get into a fugue state and emerge with a shopping cart full of stuff you don't need. Start easy, start small! What do you really need? A tent - sure, ok.. but do you need a sleeping bag, or could you bring a good quilt from home? Do you need a $50 inflatable pillow, or can you make it through the night with a pillowcase stuffed with clean clothes? Do you need a fancy collapsible nesting mess kit, or do you have a plastic plate and a fork from home? Finally, practice at home first! Set up that tent in the backyard and try sleeping in it one night.. or in your sleeping bag/quilt/weird pillow in your living room.. especially if it is your first time, just take baby steps at first with gear...

You're a wealth of resources dude!!! This was really thorough for anyone who has no idea where to start with motorcycle camping gear. It's a whole different game. My first motorcycle camping tent was a Swiss Gear 1-Person tent I snagged at a local thrift store for $7.50! It served me well for many years/trips. I got lucky at the Dream Roll one year and won a Poler tent... absolute game changer 😆

Great info on getting things cheaper but without limiting on the quality. I couldn't agree more.

Thanks for the video and advice!! Getting ready for a cross country trip and wanted to make sure I hadn’t forgotten anything. Your video was by-far the most informed and useful resource video.

Another lil bit of advice from a library enthusiast: if you live in a bigger area with a bigger library, go see if you can check out some camp gear! For example, in indiana (evansville to be specific) the public library system has something called the library of things. You can check out a tent, inflatable kayak, even a hammock! I lived in evansville for about 20 years before I even found out about it, so I wish I'd checked sooner. Woulda saved me a good deal of time, money, and stress.

There’s finally a new REI coming closer to us. So I’m pumped when it does open, I’ll be there. I need more stuff for BRO and Black Top Ramble this year. Thank you so much. I just adore the insight you share. So helpful!!

Great info, I wanna smack anyone who complains about pricing but never does any research. I am a researchaholic, but it not only saves money but saves you from buying multiple bad items Haven't had a tent in so many years that I do not remember the name, it was a dome and thats all I remember

Great resources as usual Amanda! I love the content you provide. Keep up the great work!

What a wonderfully articulate and well put together video. Thank you for taking the time to do this and including all the resource info too!

Great advice! It’s good to know you can rent stuff from REI. When I was still building up my Moto camping gear, I also tried military surplus stores and sometimes amazon had some deals (in fact my current 1p tent is a lynx from amazon). My first camping tent was a 3 person Coleman tent I got from Big 5 on a Black Friday sale 😆 strapped that on the back of my S40 back in the day

I remember my first tent was a Coleman, that basic one that you can still buy today at walmart for 40 bucks. Had that tent all the way through high school.

Base clothing: Merino wool is the BOSS. Thin, warm/cool, resilient, durable, minimizes stink. Next best is polypropylene. I still have a zip-up turtleneck from Bellweather over 30 years old (barely fits my gaining girth) that provides instant warmth as a base layer, even wet. Good advice, Magpie!

Thanks for teaching an old camping dog new tricks! Just started riding ADV two years ago. Used to hike (pre-internet era) and work at a non-profit group home (= less bucks for me too), so I’m always looking for bargains. I’ve really enjoyed this video and truly appreciate the thoughtful links you added. Blessings to you and Happy Camping!

Hey- So happy to see you out on that gorgeous bike! First tent was a Kelty two man I got for a cross country truck trip. Still using it!!! It's now 10 years old, but iv'e kept up on waterproofing it and stored it well, so it still works (with replacement shorter poles after I lost them on my first multi-day motocamping trip.)!

Giving this video a Playlist of its own for future reference, don't need gear now but I now have a really good list of budget options instead if buying new. Your videos always get me excited to go camping again.

Awesome tips! My first tent was a $5 dome tent I picked up at my neighbor's garage sale! Lasted for years (for fair weather camping.)

Really smart presentation! I hope that the newbies pay attention and follow your recommendations. My first motorcycle camping tent was a tarp! The high end was the motorcycle and the low end was staked to the ground. Pretty crude, but still had a ball!

Outstanding video. This information is super valuable. I didn’t know those websites existed. I know where I’ll be shopping for high end gear now. Thank you Amanda. 😊

..... I love your advice and recommendation for motorcycle camping gear. Had to find a sheet of paper to write ✍ all of your recommended sites. Thank you.

Great to see you out riding again!

A lot of really good information. Thanks 👍

This video was perfect timing - we need to purchase sleeping bags and jackets. I know have a wealth of knowledge on places to go to get some quality gear at a better price. Thanks so much! Chris

Thank you so much for this useful video. Very useful for moto camping newbies.

Great info. Amazing info!!! My 1st tent was my dad's old Army pup ⛺. Look forward to looking through these sites.

Somewhere between car and hike camping...bicycle camping. And also like canoe camping!! Oh, and first tent...was something from years and years ago. Maybe from Eureka. What I remember is that it had snaps for attaching the poles. And then tent makers went through a whole phase where everyone was making tents with pockets for the poles instead. It was awful feeding tent poles through those pockets! I'm so glad to see we have gone back to lots of tents with the clip option. Although these days I'm often using my hammock instead of a tent. :)

Hi Amanda. I got lost in binge watching your videos. Thank you for all the great information and insight. I know you didn’t ask for this on this video, but I lost track with all the videos that I chose to watch. First: I found your channel thanks to Her Two Wheels. Great videos and Jess is awesome! The very first rally that I went to was Americade, in Lake George, NY. I went with other friend and I was still on my learners permit, at the time! A great family friendly rally in the beautiful Adirondack mountains. Some of the most beautiful roads that I’ve ever ridden on. I’m very happy that you had a great trip and you made it home safely! I’m looking forward to seeing your videos from that journey! Thanks again and I’m glad that I have found your channel. Ride safe and be well!

Super vid with lots of great info sharing!!!

Kelty Zen. My god, how lucky I got with that being my first (now Big Agnes due to old knees, but I still have the Kelty tucked away for rough and tumble use). Amazing design, both for setup and enjoyment (big stargazing netting). This was an excellent, truly practical vid. Thanks!

AWESOME advise. THANK YOU

As always, GREAT VID!!! Your tips about bargain websites was amazing! I had no idea about them! I hope you realize how good you are at these videos, they are absolutely the BEST!!! 👍👍👍🙂

I have never heard of any of these sites before. Great video. Thanks. Subscribed!

Great material. Thanks for sharing.🙂

All of the "now gone" camping gear I had in the past was from Walmart mostly. Ozark Mountain tent, air mattresses, and some other small items. I have a Kelly Kettle for boiling water and I also have the pot holder for the top to cook on, the Kelly Kettle is a neat way to heat up water. It may be a little bulky for motorcycle camping and may not be usable in places that don't allow fire, although it is a contained fire that is very small. I have never tried it with sterno in a can, it may work. Sleeping bags are one extreme cold weather army and a mishmash of other cheap bags.

I don't remember who made my first tent. But it was an A frame because it was before dome tents. Yah it's been a while. Good video and advice. Thanks 👍😎

I used a Northface 4 season 2 man tent I used for backpacking. Still have it but bought a larger Marmot 3P for added room for more gear.

As always a great video with fantastic hints. I'm a well seasoned bikepacker looking forward to moto camping. I'll probably just start with my bicycle kit and later move to a larger tent and thicker ground pad😉. For those camping in the South East a battery powered fan is more than worth the extra weight!

Great advice. Plan ahead. Shop the sales in October for what you know you will need/want in May. Don't get caught shopping the week before your trip starts.

Nice editing and camera/audio work. This KZfaq thing is a steep learning curve! Oh, and good content, too. :-)

Some good advice I plan to go camping on my own in the summer on my harley in Northern Ireland..

Enjoyed the vid!!!

Going camping this weekend however I pull a 18 ft.³ trailer. So I have a six man real easy to put up two minute Tent. I get to have a full-size cot. Also I have a full-size gas grill that hooks on the side of my trailer. My eyes and then clothing goes in my motorcycle and that’s without any external bags. First two weeks of September spent two weeks on the road and covered 21 states almost 5400 miles. Just a little bit different style and camping and traveling

Really well thought out and presented video. One day I hope to get over to Oregon seems a nice place.

Girl thank you so very much for this video! You are the Best! We love you from Anaheim California 🇺🇸😘👍😂

My local Mountain High Outfitters rents outdoor equipment and then sells it which makes for some really deep discounts. I got a 2 year old Gregory Baltoro -75 for $30

Hey Amanda. I really enjoy your channel, and thanks for taking the time to allow me to come along. I've done most of my adventuring on a touring bike, but I'm getting the age where that's getting difficult. I'm entertaining the idea of getting an adventure motorcycle. Every time I watch one of your videos, it seems you're sporting a different ride. Because of this, I'm curious to see which one seems to be your favorite. I've been leaning toward the African twin for some of its features.

Pretty much rare, but I’ve seen great prices on camping gear at a Goodwill shop, again a bit rare. Great topic, funny editing and a positive outlook will always hold my attention. Well done young Lady. 👍🏼 😎 🇺🇸

As apposed to “stuff sacks”, canoe and kayak dry bags are great for keeping clothes and camping gear dry. (Nothing nastier that rain soaked underwear and a soggy sleeping bag. 🤨). First motorcycling tent: Sears Ted Williams copy of a Timberline two man.

Great tips. I agree I bought most of my gear on sale sometimes for ever more than half off. I use Trailspace.com . It is a website that lists gear with reviews and you can compare prices between many stores

@12:30 Up, up and away it's... Super Amanda! At least that is what I imagine hearing... hehe Fantastic tips. Glad to see you out riding.

Thanks Amanda, love ya work 😄

Howdy, Just came across your video on KZfaq , love your Channel Name "As The Magpie Flies" , that's great! My wife and I are Full Time RVers and we work - travel and sightsee our way around the U.S. Safe travels. JT & Jo-Ann

great, good luck 🙏

Thank you for your tipps and review from Germany❤❤❤

I love finding bargains on camping gear! There are a few sites here that I did not know of. Thanks! - (That being said, up until last year I was using a 20+ year old L.L. Bean tent on my moto camping adventures. Stolen from my sister years ago. I finally told her she could have it back.)

Great job on this video. Honest and concise! My favorite used gear go-to is the flea market on advrider.com. Like you said, patience is a virtue, and know what you want and how it will fit is critical!

You are like Motocamping Yoda, only you speak better. My camping set up is an odd mix of new and expensive stuff and stuff I got for free from friends. I do like to try before I buy. I'm awkwardly proportioned and some makes of clothes are totally different sizes to others. Great vid as always.

When I looked at motorcycle camping (when I was an apprentice helping Noah build the ark) there was absolutely no consideration for gear. I got the usual Eye roll and eyebrow lift when I mentioned what I had planned. A lot has changed since then in the reactions I get when I bring up what I need the equipment for. Way back then......It was like the sanctity of backpacking was being infringed upon. The sales staff acted like they were the guardians of some secret guild much like the Knights Templar and seemed quite reluctant to offer up any suggestions. I agree with your suggestions 100%. Your video took a great deal of research to put together. I would add this to your recommendations. If you do not mind... 1. Tents never sleep as many people as advertised. And the most sold tent in America is made by Coleman... not a bad tent, but big, bulky and heavier than a backpackers tent. I would get as much knowledge as possible when buying this single item. 2. Weather proof is different than water proof, weather resistant means you will get wet. Take heed to this.... 3. Expensive stuff isn’t always the best stuff, stay clear of camping snobs touting their decision in gear. There is no substitute for quality but people often formulate expensive means quality. Ask a Ferrari owner how many times his car has been in the shop.. 4. Finally, no matter what is out there, get what works for you. I am 71 and don’t sleep on the ground so my camping inventory is quite different than someone that is half my age. A good brand for sleep gear for me is “Helinox” they also make a great chair. I urge folks to listen to the experience of riders like Amanda and Tim (40 times around) to name two of my favorites. Thanks to them I have some great gear from riding boots to camping cubes...Old dog - new tricks..... EDIT ITEM: My first camping tent was Off brand $20.00 pup tent. We got soaking wet when it rained middle of the night. It was awful..... Just a side note. I noticed something in the windshield of your Honda during your out-tro. Look at it and you can see “I am GROOT”"... it’s perfect....🤔😀

So much information in just this one video.... Wow thank you so much for sharing this with us, New fan her can't wait to go through more of your content!!!! EDIT: By the way... We love the Mt. Hood Region!!! 🙌

Excellent info. Thank you. 🙂

Awesome advice!

My first tent many years ago was from JC Penny. My current tent is LL Bean. It's probably worth noting that many companies have discounts for folks like teachers/military/first responders.

Great video, as always Amanda. Off to see if REI exist in the UK. End Crew answer: If you want REALLY good quality kit for very little money.... buy it 35 years ago. I still have my Blacks down filled sleeping bag which I was bought as a camping mad teenager. I also have my first outdoor camping tent which I was bought when I was 14. It is a little 2 man green nylon ridge tent with sewn in groundsheet, humdrum these days but pretty darn whizzy in 1973 I can tell you.

For packing it all I got a duffle bag from an army surplus store. It's a more modern type with a top zipper and end compartments, like more common commercial duffel bags, but the classic end-close style would work too.. The double handle gave me a good place to strap through for tie-down on the passenger seat (used ROK straps) and it had the advantage of not being flashy so doesn't advertise "something interesting is inside me!" during the times I have to be away from the bike.

Great tips Amanda. Thanks! My first tent? Wasn't a tent at all......it was a sleeping bag and a tarp.

Very Good Information !, Thank You. !

Thanks for the tips. I used REI a lot for my trip to Nova Scotia last summer. I'm still looking for a good waterproof cargo bag, Since watching your video I have some new sources to try, but right now my number one need is a good seat cushion for those long distance trips.

Waaaassuuuup. So rad seeing you run around. 🙂😎😆 Camping tip, hmm,... tweezers.

Like anything, it’s easy to get caught up in the brand name, high priced, beat the Jones’ type gear. But using many of your previous tips and reviews I’ve assembled a really high quality, reasonably priced set of kit. I shopped the sales for months and really did well. I do wish I’d have researched the used gear though. Until recently I never knew there was such a thing! (I’m not the sharpest tent stake in the bag.) So thanks for all the new tips. 👍

Enjoy the content, not sure I can take camping anymore but I have some gear and am thinking of trying it this summer before I consider doing from a Bike.

ur the best, great info! thanks!

My first tent was a tiny little A_Fram pup tent I got when I was in the Boy Scouts in the 1980s.

End screen thing, I can't remember, but was probably a Coleman of some sort or other. You covered any and every tip that I would have had (and then some, so I picked up a few), awesome and informative video, my friend, I hope you're well 😊✌

Asked you for advice on my next scooter a few months ago - I apologize for not taking said advice, but I'm such a durn big moose, I couldn't picture myself on a skinny bike, or anything under 1000cc's, so I bought a very low miles Valkyrie. With experience since 1968, mostly on big bikes, I know that I can ride "La Ballena" almost anywhere that the adventure-type bikes can go, I just have to use some discretion due to our combined weight. I'm still learning how to pack her for our trips, haven't found the magic balance yet, but it'll happen. I really appreciate your videos - they bring me into the here and now - when I started bike camping, we still used doped canvas and metal frames! Thank you ever-so much for inspiring this old man to getting back on the road after an 8 year hiatus (after my wife was killed on her bike). P.S., You're still cuter than a baby bunny. - JIM

Awesome video. A must watch for anyone getting ready to try Moto camping. Wish I saw it before I started... would have had a lot less “extra” stuff in my basement.

great suggestions

jUST A query: what are the Orange things strapped to your hwy bars in the front? Never seen that before and I am planing a Month trip next year up and down the rockies. ty

Nice video 👍🙂

I believe that my first tent was a cheap dome tent that I bought at a chain store. I lasted for two or three outings before it gave up the ghost, rather violently. Good times! ;)

Subscribed! Great content Amanda, thanks for the websites, now only to find out who ships to 🇦🇺.

OH MAN!! NOW YOU TELL ME! Wonder if I can get my kidney back with the savings from some of those 2nd hand ideas....! FWIIW, my tent is a Coleman purchased in a WalMart in Hinton, AB, Canada. (not specific to motorcycling, so a slightly heavier&larger than it might be) BUT I've got to give Coleman a major plug as I've slept in it dozens and dozens of nights from Alaska to Newfoundland to SW Texas to a lovely pasture near Corvallis, MT in the Bitterroot Valley) When a pole broke.. bam, they replaced it. When zippers let go, they replaced the entire tent so technically, I'm on my second one which is now six years old. But big enough to get all my gear in on rainy nights. Wouldn't trade it for a smaller motorcycle type tent. My cooking gear from thrift stores. Good tips!

I definitely need new camping cookware, most of my stuff is home made & people would laugh if they saw it. But it all works for me, I will be checking out some of your stuff tho.

My first motocamping tent belonged to my girlfriend at the time. I can’t remember what it was. When we split she wanted it back, right before my big ride from Massachusetts to Cape Breton, NS. So I bought a tent at the big LL Bean store in Freeport, Maine, literally on my way to my first overnight stop!! Don’t ever do this! Fortunately for me, the two-person tent I got worked perfectly when I unpacked and set it up for the first time in eastern New Brunswick.

Great info. The wife is taking notes!

your smile makes me smile amanda 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊👍👍👍👍👍❤💖💖💖💖💖💖

Great info the wife is taking notes!

Cheap Durability Weight.. pick 2 of the 3. Only escape to this are the occasional clearance or super sales, but the good stuff always limited stock and go fast so plan ahead for them.

I gotta learn how to moto-camping!

I swore u where gonna say military surplus lol-and ebay is a great start for old models-once again great video and great advice- stay awesome

Comprehensive! Wow great energy! ~end crew~ Marine grade dry bag works at half the cost of moto dry bag mmhhmm ;)

I like to say I will be kayak/canoe camping. Lightweight, but not ultralight, and waterproof!

i historically dont like hammocks but after playing with different setups i found it to be to way to go.

*Hello!* I watched eight of your videos today and enjoyed it. I've decided to subscribe to your channel so I don't miss your next two-wheeler adventure. I am 169cm tall. How tall are you if it's not a secret? (I ask because I think the Tiger 800 is too high for *me* , so I’d like to think about watching your adventurous ride). *All* *the* *best!*

Military surplus is a great deal. Got my first Gore outer gear for 1/4 what name brand cost and after 20 years it's still going strong. Brand new gore insulated gauntlet arctic gloves surplus military cost me $35. Brand name $150-$200 and not even as warm or practical.

1/2 of an Army pup-tent. We had to partner with another Soldier to put our halves together.

Thanks so much for this! By the way, when you are traveling through areas and parks where they don't allow soft-side camping.....do you rent a cabin, just go to a hotel or what? You're in some beautiful areas, but in my imagination there's a grizzly just waiting for me to go to sleep so he can have me as a human burrito.

what bike r u riding

My first step towards motorcycle camping. Cruiser...cruisers have bags and bags are need for camping gear.....right? Bike didn't come with bags...ok I'll get bags. Oh look....that's a sexy seat. yup, need one of those. Holy hell! Check out that intake! and a badass slip-on by the same company!? Sign me up! Oh...My....God...that Jacket is AMAZING!!! AND IT FITS! Definitely getting this! Buddies call..."hey! You get your camping gear yet? Let's go camping." Me: ....... uh......

Don’t forget about campus gear rental spots for students!!! Often times free. North face tadpole & Black Diamond megamid