Writer outlines dos and don'ts of motorbike camping

• 20th Mar 2013

Always call ahead to check whether a campsite is motorcycle-friendly and don't feel compelled to cook if bag space is tight.

These are just two of the many segments of advice found in outandaboutlive.co.uk writer Sheila Kiggins' complete guide to motorcycle camping. The travel expert believes a motorbike is the perfect vehicle for an outdoor holiday as exposure to the open air on the journey allows the trip there and back to become part of the adventure.    

She acknowledges that bikers lose the option to use their vehicle as a larder, while getting wet is never enjoyable. However, the limited carrying capacity forces the rider to embrace simplicity and with the right gear, any problems with rain can be avoided.

In her advice for camping motorcyclists, she recommended to pack light - much like roadrunner.travel writer James Parks argues - and to always check with the site whether it's motorcycle-friendly. Some don't accept bikers because of the noise of their vehicles, especially those that attract lots of families with children.

Packing pointers included keeping a pair of socks in a plastic bag in the inside pocket of the riding gear, as "everything else is endurable" with a dry pair of feet. She also advised bikers to check that everything is attached securely to the bike and backpack, while approving of the use of a towel or sponge to dry the tent before packing it away - as "you haven't got the luxury of a boot to bundle it into while it's wet".

Ms Kiggins' doesn't recommend everything, however. She says bikers should only bring cooking equipment if they've got sufficient room and to avoid packing perishables like milk and bacon. The reason being this can all be bought at the campsite or nearby.

She also advises against leaving cords flapping in the wind for the risk of them wearing holes in the bag, whilst reminding bikers that they can carry things like shoes and towels on the top of their bags as well as inside.