Those of you who go for multi-day rides, and camp at camp grounds (as opposed to civilized motels), what sort of camping gear do you use? I'm a complete newbie at camping, let's start off with that.  But, sometime next summer I want to go for an extended motorcycle vacation, and I would like to avoid motels, and use camp grounds as much as possible. I'll be going alone, and sometime warm, so I thought of replacing a tent with a bivy sack.  It's cheaper, too, and packs smaller.  Sleeping bag is a must, of course.  What else to bring?  Anything I should know?  Do?  Not do? Help appreciated! Nikita.

If you've specific questions on gear, fire away.  I'm a regular in rec.backcountry, so I've heard plenty of opinions about everything... Thanks for the input.  Maybe I should go and lurk on rec.backcountry or something similar. Nikita.

I'll be going alone, and sometime warm, so I thought of replacing a tent with a bivy sack.  It's cheaper, too, and packs smaller.  Sleeping bag is a must, of course.  What else to bring?  Anything I should know?  Do?  Not do? The only times I use the tent are when it rains or when the bugs are bad.  A pad is nice to have, the ones that self-inflate are the best.  Keep the gear as light and tight as practical.  Cooking?  I don't do it, takes too much space.  Wake up, pack up, find a greasy spoon.   Pack securely and be sure to do a surface check as you leave, so that you don't leave anything behind.  Don't take a lot of clothes.  When they get dirty, wash 'em or buy more and pitch the stinky stuff.  Take sunscreen for your noze.   Take your tool kit and raingear, and waterproof your boots. Call Mom every night to let her know you're OK

Those of you who go for multi-day rides, and camp at camp grounds (as opposed to civilized motels), what sort of camping gear do you use? I'm a complete newbie at camping, let's start off with that.  But, sometime next summer I want to go for an extended motorcycle vacation, and I would like to avoid motels, and use camp grounds as much as possible. I'll be going alone, and sometime warm, so I thought of replacing a tent with a bivy sack.  It's cheaper, too, and packs smaller.  Sleeping bag is a must, of course.  What else to bring?  Anything I should know?  Do?  Not do? Help appreciated! Light sport touring gear with no hard or soft bags. A small tent, with short poles (~18 across packed) A back packing _style_ mummy bag, good for ~20deg F (~12 across & 6 across) Plastic tarp. Tiny french Gaz GT propane stone & lantern. 1 quart filled plastic water bottle. Freeze dried food & coffee, if you can stomach it. Also self heating (chemical) meals. Chemical warmers & snap lights. A change or two of undies, socks, jeans & shirts. Towel & wash cloth. Boots or hiking shoes. Extra bungy cords. Shaving kit. Flashlight. First aid kit. 1 roll TP. Luxuries: Once unpacked, ride to store if nearby, for beer, soda & perishables. Outhouse in campsite. Water supplied or stream near campsite. See gear on bike & campsite below: http://members.home.net/bigrex/images/page-2/cor1-0601.jpg http://members.home.net/bigrex/images/page-2/Camping-0601.jpg http://members.home.net/bigrex/images/page-2/HanCamp-0601.jpg       01 Sprint ST RED           Bob Nixon http://members.home.net/bigrex/