Go Cheap or Splurge on Motorcycle Camping Gear

These are the items I save money and cheap out on, and the items I think are worth investing more money in.

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👍ITEMS MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO AND GEAR I RECOMMEND (Some of these are affiliate links)

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🏍 WHO IS TIM COLLINS OF FTA ADVENTURES? (FORMERLY FORTY TIMES AROUND)
A lifelong adventure enthusiast and a long time motorcycle traveler, I have spent the last few years honing my craft as a motorcycle adventure specialist.

Motorcycle travel and camping have become my largest passions in life. I have a meticulous nature that helps me analyze gear, technique and tactics in a way that is highly beneficial to anyone looking to embark on a motorcycle venture of any scope.

If you want to learn more about the book check it out here:

[ATRocker]

Tent, bag and pad gotta be good to be dry, rested and comfortable.

[ghostpepperrides]

As I’m always shopping I agree with you. We all learn over time.

[Ride_n]

Regarding helmets, pretty much everything you said is spot on IMO. You do not necessarily get better protection when you spend more. You get more features and better comfort, which if you're on the road all day is really nice.

Boots... don't get cheap boots if you are fond of walking. Cheap boots do little to protect your ankle and simple tip overs can take you out for a few weeks. In a perfect world, you could get motocross boot level protection with sneakers level comfort and wearability, but that ain't gonna happen. Which is why I don't wear motocross boots on a big ride. But I have worn $179 boots and messed up my ankle enough I couldn't really walk for 3 weeks before, so I would advise you nvest a bit in protecting yourself.

[dragonflymedia]

Hi Tim, it’s been a while since I’ve watched your videos, too busy with life. I forgot just how much I enjoy watching your videos. Thank you and keep well, will be watching more 🥰

[timwright]

For me there is an inherent value in having total confidence in my core components: tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, stove. Researching and selecting the right equipment can pay off once you find that you can rely on it in the field. Otherwise every camp setup becomes a crap-shoot!

[YTisDumb]

Great idea for a vid! Also, love the view from the Triumph. 🍻

[toprankin]

Darn Tough socks are expensive but they are totally worth it!!! They are American made, guaranteed for life, and are the most comfortable socks I've ever owned. I'm up to seven pair. 👍

[scoutadv]

Thanks for sharing, Tim! I've been using the same sleep pad for 4 seasons, and it works great. Side note, I passed by Mount Graham yesterday, which was covered with snow, and it was snowing on top. Stay safe!

[noyopacific]

Excellent video Tim, thanks! When in doubt I'll usually take the cheaper item. When I've bought expensive stuff and been disappointed I feel like a stupid sucker that's just been dry-hosed. When a budget-priced item fails I just try something else and hardly give it a thought. When the cheap item exceeds my expectations (which happens more often than you might expect) I feel like I've just won the lottery! 😁I don't mind paying more when I feel like the price is justified but at the end of the day I'm looking for value. One of my pet peeves is when someone says: "You get what you pay for." 🤬There are good values and crappy ones at every price level !!!

[GreatEgret]

Ha! I knew you were going to say socks before you said it. So important!

[davechavis]

research, budget, purchase. and subscribe to FTA for good intel.

[dennisyarbro]

Great idea for an episode and totally agree on the Tires, Helmet, COFFEE for sure, sleeping bag and stove. I would add high quality, comfortable boots that you can wear for weeks at a time. Butt (intentional) my absolute item I will not cheap out on is a good, comfortable motorcycle seat! I probably ride more street than most of your followers, but a comfortable seat is mandatory, Enjoyed this episode a lot. Safe travels and look forward to the next update from the road you are traveling. Regards

[helpfulcommenter]

Tim I was surprised to hear you promote Darn Tough socks without mentioning the best thing about them: When you get holes in them you can get them replaced for free, from any vendor participating the Darn Tough Exchange program. (I know for a fact there's many in AZ who do)
You just show up with your holey socks (washed, please) and then trade them in for brand new ones. Free.

[TechnMoto]

Great list. Especially helpful since I am in the process of acquiring my gear.

[Avensur]

Always get the better grade and sturdy things you use the most. The most important equipment is a super strong and light helmet: and Arai is the best for me 😉. Then jetboil and a decent roof. I am a coffee person, like to drink always the better and tastier ones.

[neilmackinnon]

Great Question: I think I would pretty much agree with 99% of your choices. As I am in the UK it is very hard to find good coffee when out and about so I will substitute a traditional English breakfast (those of you outside the UK will have to go and google that). On helmets, I go with safety and features, there are some helmets, like the Caberg Duke11 that I wear which are both budget friendly and extremely safe. One item I would add is a tent. Certainly in the UK where tent camping is almost always on grass, you can get away with a budget tent, not a rubbish throw away festival type, something better than that, but less than £100 will get you a serviceable tent to get you started and to last a few seasons.

[DS-rlui]

I used expensive headlamps from Black Diamond and Petzl. Black Diamonds drain battery even while off and the back-up Petzl just died after a few years in a drawer. I got a $30 Costco 3-pack of headlamps and they are the best I've ever used, and I got 3 of them!

[eddcurry]

I prefer LDComfort socks and underwear. They are great, and you can wash them everyday and they will dry quick to be ready for the next day.

[Roadmaster]

This is a great list and thanks for putting it together.

Unfortunately for me, I have gone through too many cheap flashlights and headlamps that failed at the least ideal times so I splurged on some more expensive ones.

[wskins]

Thank you for the information and great video.
The only thing I would remove from the list of things to cheap out on is a sleeping pad. If the nights are going to get cold, you will need a sleeping pad with a good R value. The cold ground will suck the heat from you. If it is going to be in the 30s at night and you have a 20° sleep bag, it won’t help much. When you lay on the sleeping bag, you compress the insulation below, and it reduces the effectiveness tremendously. I would recommend a sleeping pad with an R value of 3.3 or 4 to reflect your heat back and help keep you warm on those 30° nights.
Quick tip from a hiker : Toss 1 hand warmer in the foot box of the sleeping bag 30 minutes before you go to bed, and you will be nice and warm all night.
If the weather is not cold, then sure, go for the cheap sleeping pad.
A good nights sleep will make the next day even better.