Issue 61 - June 2020

The Beginner’s Guide to Motorcycle Camping

If you love riding a motorcycle and you love camping, have you ever thought about combining the two? That’s right—motorcycle camping is a popular way to see the outdoors and sleep under the stars while hitting the road on your bike.

Curious about motorcycle camping and where to start? This guide will help you understand the basics of motorcycle camping–from choosing the right camping site to packing your gear the right way, to taking care of all of the little details.

Choosing a Motorcycle Camping Site

Choosing a campsite is something to do long before you leave. Those who are new to motorcycle camping should choose a spot that’s relatively close to civilization or at least one which offers amenities like toilets, fire pits and picnic tables. Motorcycle camping in the backcountry can be tons of fun, but it makes it harder to get help when you need it, and basic amenities can make all the difference for your enjoyment of the trip when you’re just starting out.

When you arrive at your campsite, look for a flat place to pitch your tent that has natural windbreaks such as trees and that isn’t located at the bottom of a hill. This will help protect you and your bike from wind and water. Also, make sure to arrive early enough that you won’t have to struggle to find your campsite in the dark.

Recommended Gear

What should you pack on your first motorcycle camping trip? Everyone’s kit will be slightly different, but the general rule is to pack light. You don’t want to overload your bike’s capacity, and you’ll probably be able to buy some things you need while you’re on the road. Here’s a list of basic camping essentials to bring:

Tent: You’ll want a tent that’s relatively lightweight and packs small for easy transportation on your bike. A tent is one thing you definitely shouldn’t skimp on, so look for a model that has a rain fly and can accommodate two or three people. Even if you’re camping alone, the extra space can be really helpful for sorting out your gear–especially if it rains.
Sleeping Bag/Sleeping Pad: Consider the temperature range of where you’ll be camping and then select a sleeping bag rated for those temperatures to ensure that you’ll be comfortable. A sleeping pad can help give you a much better night’s sleep, and lightweight foam and inflatable models pack down surprisingly small.
Clothing: Pack light layers that can be added on if the temperature drops, and don’t forget an extra pair of shoes so you have something to wear other than your riding boots. Although ideally, you’ll have everything in rain-proof containers, clothing is the #1 thing to make sure you keep dry, so consider an extra rain-proof bag to hold your clothes.
Food and Cooking Gear: If you’re okay with eating out during your trip, you can save some space by leaving cookware at home. But for those who will need to cook on-site, bring a camping stove and a water-boiling system such as a JetBoil, plus non-perishable food.
Water: Make sure to have a plan for how you’ll stay hydrated. Most popular campsites will have clean water available from a spigot, in which case a water bottle will suffice. If you’re in the backcountry, bring water purification tablets or a portable purification system like the Lifestraw.
Charger: If you’re navigating via a mobile phone or other GPS systems, you’ll need to ensure you have somewhere to charge it. Solar chargers are one option, but the most reliable choice is to have a charger port added to your bike. If you’ve got a little bit of technical know-how and some basic tools, it’s definitely doable.
Miscellaneous Camping Gear: Other essentials in your kit should include a multi-tool, bug spray, sunscreen, a roadside repair kit, first-aid kit, lighter, camp chair, toilet paper, LED headlamp and Bungee cords.

a motorcycle in the wild parking next to a camp

Packing Your Saddlebags

Of course, you still have to haul all of that gear to the campsite, so it’s important to have a plan of attack for packing your saddlebags. While everyone will do it a little differently, the key is to get your saddlebags’ weight distribution relatively even so as not to unbalance the bike.

You may be able to slim down what goes into the saddlebags by getting creative. For example, you might carry a Camelbak or similar water storage device on your back, or you might turn the saddlebags/panniers themselves into camp chairs if they’re sturdy enough. Motorcycle camping is all about figuring out how to do more with less, making it rewarding for the clever and resourceful.

Other Important Tips

Some other tips that will help keep your motorcycle camping trip safe and enjoyable include:

If you’re going with a group, a motorcycle communication system is a great idea to help everyone keep in touch and communicate throughout the ride.
Your bike should be in tip-top shape before going camping as you want to reduce the possibility of a breakdown as much as possible when you’re out in the wild. Taking a good test ride the week before you leave can help you spot potential issues as can taking it into your mechanic.
Check your exhausts to make sure they’re clear of any gear that you’ve attached to the bike. This is especially important if you don’t normally ride with saddlebags.
Let friends and family know where you’re headed on your camping trip and make a plan with them for what to do if they’re concerned about you.
It might seem obvious, but: Check the weather. It’s a simple oversight that anyone can make, and your camping trip won’t be nearly as much fun in the rain.

Motorcycle camping is tons of fun when done right, so make sure to slow down and double-check your preparations to ensure that everything’s in order. Then, it’s time to take it on the road and start making memories!

About the Author

Andrew Moore is the marketing coordinator for Cardo Systems, the world’s market leader in Bluetooth, DMC, and entertainment systems for motorcycle riders. Formally, Andrew was a professional Motorcross racer and has spent the past 12 years travelling on his bike. On weekends, you can find him mountain biking in the summer and snowboarding in the winter with his two sons.

Issue 61 - June 2020

SEVENSEAS Travel Magazine – June 2020 – Issue 61

Insider Secrets: Top Places for Year-Round Hiking and Rappelling in Costa Rica

a beautiful beach in Costa Rica in the evening

Hailed as an adventure traveller’s haven, Costa Rica’s vast mountains, unspoiled rain forests and active volcanoes provide the ideal playground for millions of thrill-seekers who visit the country annually. Read more…

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The Beginner’s Guide to Motorcycle Camping

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CCell and Vicor Collaborate to Quickly Grow Coral Reefs That Prevent Coastline Erosion

Innovative power delivery system accelerates coral reef restoration to save coastlines and protect communities CCell Renewables is a marine engineering company with a mission to combat coastal erosion and enhance marine ecosystems by restoring and growing new coral reefs on a large scale. Read more…

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Satellite tracking discovers elusive whale feeding grounds

a whale is swimming in the ocean while its tail is on the water surface

South Australian scientists are helping track southern right whales in search of summer foraging grounds, with a new report recording the first contemporary data on this seasonal migration. Read more…

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4 of Our Favorite Destination-Based Cocktails You Can Make at Home

We love to travel as much as the next person, but sometimes the circumstances don’t permit it–and we all need to take a break and find ways to enjoy life from the comfort of our homes. Read more…

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Feature Destinations: 5 Most Visited National Parks in Costa Rica

From protected rainforests to active volcanoes and cascading waterfalls, Costa Rica has quickly become a leading destination for outdoor enthusiasts who want to reconnect with nature and awaken their spirit of adventure. Read more …

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Safe Travels: 7 Safety Tips to Keep in Mind on Your Next Road Trip

A safe road trip is a fun road trip. While it’s true that the best road trips do have an element of risk, it should be the fun kind that comes with visiting an oddball tourist trap or trying some interesting local cuisine. But there are some very real risks whose outcomes are no fun at all. Read more…

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New Species Discovered During the Exploration of Abyssal Deep Sea Canyons Off Ningaloo

An estimated 150-foot siphonophore– seemingly the longest animal ever recorded was discovered during a month-long scientific expedition exploring the submarine canyons near Ningaloo. Read more…

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Lorac: An Adventure to Save the Ocean by Neus Figueras

From a marine scientist and writer, Lorac is the story of a young man making his way in the sea and in the readers’ hearts to protect our planet. Find out about the book…

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Costa Rica — Photo Series

Temperatures were high on a long hike in Costa Rica. However, there are six tropical dry forests in Costa Rica and you will be compelled by its mass biodiversity. See more…

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7 Ways to Be a Sustainable Traveler During Your Beach Holiday

a small island with a bunch of palm trees

Sustainability is a hot button topic in modern society and for a good reason. We are beginning to experience the harmful effects of treating mother nature poorly. Not only is it bad for flora and fauna around us, but it is negatively affecting ourselves as well. Read more…

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Harlequin Shrimp – Jack’s June Underwater Photograph

The sight of a harlequin shrimp can bring a crowd of staring humans, enchanted by their vibrant, almost psychedelic appearance. Read more…

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New Microplastic Pollution Research Reporting Guidelines Released

The team of 23 researchers, representing organizations across several countries and continents, pursued the project in a collaborative, open science framework. Read more…

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Sails, Research, Education and Conservation in the Arctic regions

Ocean Missions is an innovative NGO born in Iceland in 2019 that offers annual expeditions in the edge of the Arctic regions. This project was born from the need for sustainable tourism and conservation in a unique and fragile environment as it is Iceland and nearby regions. Read more…

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Cover art by Zdeněk Macháček. Keel-billed Toucan, Costa Rica

The FREE Weekly Conservation Post and Jobs List

Signing up for the free Weekly Newsletter & Jobs List will get you a round-up of upcoming events, webinars, meetings, reports, funding opportunities, photos of the week, and recent postings to the jobs list.

To sign up for our free subscription, please Click Here or email us Here.

Since 2004, SEVENSEAS Media has fostered an informal and non-partisan platform to promote understanding of key issues and challenges while building partnerships across an increasingly diverse group of marine conservation professionals and students.

Our mission is to promote communication and build partnerships across the global marine community and to identify and address gaps in the community’s work. SEVENSEAS Media achieves this through multimedia promotion and partnerships. The community consists of a diverse and growing group of participants, including non-governmental organizations, government agencies, foundations, bilateral and multilateral agencies, fellowship programs, independent consultants, and academia/students.

If you are interested in contributing or getting involved, email us Here.

SEVENSEAS FEATURED TRAVEL

Below are a few of our favorite tour centers and operators. Be sure to mention SEVENSEAS Media for special rates and discounts when making your inquiry.

Susan Bruce Travel

We’ve been travelling, advising clients, and planning trips across the globe for over 30 years. We help you explore amazing places and people — from mountain sanctuaries in Bhutan to the jungles of Peru. Learn more…

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Oceanic Society Expeditions.

A selection of expeditions and volunteer vacations for our travellers that will further the mission to conserve marine wildlife and habitats. More info.

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Alelí Tours Puerto Rico

Alelí Tours is a small-scale ecotourism business located in La Parguera, southwest Puerto Rico. More info.

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Isla Mar Research Expeditions – Field Courses in Puerto Rico

A field course coordination company in Puerto Rico that specializes in organizing and hosting island ecology (marine/terrestrial) themed courses. More info.

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Ever dream of swimming with humpback whales? Now you can.

If you are interested in swimming with or photographing humpback whales Karim guides… More info.

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Bangkok Photo Tours

We visit traditional sights but focus on markets, street art, and local food. All camera forward and environmentally sensitive. More info.

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Pangaea Ocean Sailing Expedition

Panex is opening up sailing expeditions for the guest crew. This is a unique opportunity to go sailing, cross an ocean, and be a part of something bigger. More info.

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SEE Turtles

…protect endangered turtles throughout Latin America and the world by supporting community-based conservation efforts through ecotourism, education, and Billion Baby Turtles. More info.

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Scuba Junkie Dive Centers

A personal favorite from SEVENSEAS Media. Go to Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai, Sibuan, Mantabuan, Mataking, and more. More info.

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Marine Megafauna Foundation

Our mission is to save threatened marine life using pioneering research, education, and sustainable conservation solutions, working towards a world where marine life and humans thrive together. Read more… More info.

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Loggerhead Marinelife Center

Imagine roaming some of the world’s most beautiful ecosystems. Gorgeous vistas, affordable travel and amazing memories; immersing yourself in the sounds of nature. More info.

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Pete Oxford Expeditions

We offer unique, small-group expeditions for travellers and photographers to remote and pristine destinations and cultures around the world. More info.

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Alnitak Conservation in Action on Volunteer Expeditions

Alnitak is a grassroots marine science organization dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity in our oceans. From May through to October, we run expeditions to survey the rich waters in the Balearic Sea, inviting any ocean enthusiasts to join us on board. Our expeditions take place in the stunning Cabrera National Park and the Menorca Biosphere Reserve. Read more…

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Issue 61 - June 2020

Sails, Research, Education and Conservation in the Arctic regions

By Belén García Ovide, Project Manager

a group of people are standing on shore presenting the plastic trash picked from the ocean

a boat floating in the distance ocean with a big mountain in the background — _{Photo by Ása Steinarsdóttir}

three people are looking at something on the table through microscope — _{Photo by Ása Steinarsdóttir}

We want to inspire people to take actions, to connect with the ecosystems and to preserve the natural values. It is a new vision of tourism that aims to educate people about the importance of our Oceans and our planet and engage them in the beautiful world of scientific research.

a woman is hanging on a rope in a sailing boat — _{Photo by Daniel González}

This 7-10 days active expeditions bring enthusiastic people from different backgrounds, eager to learn and get out of the comfort zone, exploring from the most inner self to the stunning landscapes of the Arctic, making a step forward to become an example of sustainability, an ocean ambassador.

During the last expedition, we gather the first results on microplastics on the surface in Icelandic waters and now they have been analyzed in a laboratory in collaboration with the University of Roskilde.

Our team is a mix of experienced sailors, adventurous scientists, whale researchers and wildlife guides working here in Iceland. For the expeditions, we also like to gather photographers, journalists and sometimes even artists and other scientists to come on board to inspire everyone and learn from each other.

Every trip is a unique adventure where the protagonist is not yourself but nature and you create your own story in fully connected with the surroundings.

_{Iceland, April 2019. A rare sperm whale makes its appearance in front of the glacier. Scientists, storytellers and industrial designers work together during the Ocean Missions Iceland scientific sailing expedition aboard Schooner Opal. The organisation wants to inspire people to take direct action towards ocean conservation, by combining science and education with exploration and adventure. Photo by Frits Meyst / Meystphoto.com}

Ocean Missions is an NGO proudly affiliated to North Sailing Whale Watching Company, and they lend us the magnificent Opal Schooner for these expeditions. Opal is a beautiful hybrid propelled two-mast traditional schooner, undoubtedly built for adventurous.

During our expeditions we study plastic pollution, underwater sounds, whales birds among other surveys in remote areas to understand how to expose are these areas to pollution, the effects climate change while bringing awareness to the problem. We are always open to new challenges and accepting proposals from others!

Iceland, April 2019. Danish marine biologist Louise Flensborg on the lookout for whales to take a biopsy of the skin and blubber. Scientists, storytellers and industrial designers work together during the Ocean Missions Iceland scientific sailing expedition aboard Schooner Opal. The organisation wants to inspire people to take direct action towards ocean conservation, by combining science and education with exploration and adventure. Photo by Frits Meyst / Meystphoto.com

We leave and work in Húsavík, “the whale capital” in Iceland. It is a magic place and one of the best destinations worldwide to see whales. Here, there is a beautiful whale community and a huge potential to work on conservation together with the Research Centers and Museums and whale watching companies in the town. And we want to ACT NOW!

“We bring people to connect with nature, to understand the problems and to inspire them to be part of the solution”

Thanks to these expeditions and the support from the people, not only we learn more about the health of our oceans, but we aim to start working together at the local level as soon as possible on the following:

Build and open an eco-mini laboratory in Hùsavik for education & awareness (for locals and tourists)
Ocean Education in Icelandic schools and mini expeditions for kids
Campaign to make HUSAVIK a free plastic town
Reinforce the Code of conduct (or guidelines) for whale watching activities in The capital of whale watching (Hùsavík)

If you want to be involved or join an expedition read more www.oceanmissions.org

a boat is sailing in the ocean — _{Photo by Nick Bondarev}

Feature Destination

Feature Destination: Costa Rica — Photo Series

Temperatures were high on a long hike in Costa Rica. However, there are six tropical dry forests in Costa Rica and you will be compelled by its mass biodiversity.

a mountain hill in Costa rica — Cerro Platanar

Tortuguero National Park

Time spent among nature is never time wasted.
Anonymous

Papi’s Golden Beach

a rocky beach next to the ocean horizon — Rocky coastline near Jacó on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica

the beach that looks like a bog lagoon — Rocky coastline near Jacó on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica

four persons are standing on the the beach and looking at the sunset sky in the evening. — Jaco Beach

a man is sitting on a beach after long day surfing — Jaco Beach

sea turtles are llaying their eggs on the beach — Mother sea turtles lay their eggs on Playa Ostional in Costa Rica.

The Earth is a complex, fascinating place. From its vast oceans to its towering mountains, arid deserts, and lush forests, the beauty and wonder of our planet is truly staggering.
Michael Bright