No thanks to the ever-increasing hotel fares, more and more travelers are choosing to camp outdoors rather than booking a hotel room. If you are planning to go on a two-wheeler road trip, consider the possibilities of camping outdoors, which is not only good for the wallet but also for the soul! The experience of sleeping under the starry sky is something that cannot be described in words, and if possible, you must try it at least once in your lifetime.
While you are finalizing the accommodation options, check out these five camping essentials that will make your road trip much more comfortable and enjoyable.
Motorcycle luggage bags
Let's begin with the essentials: storage! Before we even proceed any further, the first thing that you need to invest in is a pair of good quality motorcycle luggage box. This is where all your clothes and other supplies will go. If you are planning to camp during the trip, you will need to carry a lot of supplies to make yourself comfortable, and to carry all of that you are going to need an additional luggage arrangement. That can be solved with motorcycle luggage bags, a top box, a fuel tank bag, a few bungee cords and a few luggage mesh nets. Find out how much you are actually going to need by visiting your nearest motorcycle accessory shop before investing in anything. This is also when you need to check out locks and straps to keep the motorcycle helmet safely affixed to your bike when you are sleeping at night.
Camping furniture
While sitting down on the fluffy soft grass at the campsite is a great option, that might not be possible if you are travelling during the damp monsoon season or during winter when the ground is soaking wet with dew drops. Also, at the end of a long day of riding, your heart might pine for a reclining seat allowing the spine a little respite from being straight up all day! Foldable nylon camp chairs are very comfortable and lightweight which makes them convenient to carry around on your motorcycle. Also, in addition to that you will also require an inflatable bed and pillows. A common problem with camping in a tropical country like india is keeping the pest and blood sucking bugs away if you plan on getting some sleep during the night. Invest in a mosquito net, or an off-the-ground cot or a hammock. Remember that for a hammock you will need two sturdy trees to tie the two ends securely.
Outdoor stove, butane cans and cooking utensils
Camping does not necessarily mean that you have to cook your own food. You can either get your meals from a hotel on the way to the campsite and have it before going to bed. But if you do that you are completely missing out on the opportunity of cooking your own food under the open sky. Portable butane stoves from coleman and other reputable outdoor supply brands are great to cook a hearty meal for two people easily. One butane can is enough to cook a one-pot meal or noodles for a single person for two or three times before it completely runs out, that is why you will need at least four to five cans with you if you are planning for 2-3 days of being on the road. Invest in multi-purpose cooking utensils that serve both as a cooking pot and eating bowl, that you will have to wash less dishes and get on with the trip quickly the next morning.
EXPERT TIP: don’t leave unwashed utensils at night because it may attract wild animals. Also, vegetarian meals are better to keep wild dogs, foxes and wolves at bay.
Lighting supplies
When you are at the campsite, you will need light to prepare food and make the bed. A good rule of thumb is to end the day’s ride well before sundown and set up camp under natural light. Once the major things are taken care of, you can work on the small things with a solar lamp, or a battery-operated headlamp.
Toiletries
Camping means doing your business in the bushes! While season travelers don't mind doing that; it might be a cultural shock for you. Don't worry, you can always use the facilities at a petrol pump or a paid restroom on the way. One thing to keep in mind is to keep your motorcycle parked safely and securely while you go about doing your thing! In any case, it is always a good idea to carry toilet paper and tissues inside the motorcycle luggage bag because you never know when nature might call. If you are traveling after the pandemic, make sure to keep a bottle of hand sanitizer handy at all times, and wear a mask under the motorcycle helmet just to be safe.
Always remember that the goal of camping, or going on a two-wheeler road trip is to enjoy yourself amidst nature. Do not fuss over small things, let go of ‘being in control’ and enjoy the flow.