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www. FavoriteRidesAndDestinations. com | ridermagazine. com

FALL 2017 ISSUE 02 / VOL. 02

PHOTO BY RICH COX

WE LOVE TO TOUR AND TRAVEL by motorcycle, and while crawling into a nice, warm bed in a hotel has its appeal, there are also times when we get that escapist itch. There’ s just something about the solitude, starry sky, crackling campfire and comfort in the knowledge we are completely self-sufficient, masters of our own destinies and beholden to no one. It all sounds quite romantic … until your cheap tent starts dripping rainwater on you at 3 a. m., you’ re tossing and turning inside your tootight sleeping bag and you realize you forgot your propane canister for your stove when you try to make coffee in the morning.

It’ s true that moto-camping requires a bit more planning than just eating out and sleeping in a hotel every night, but once you’ re acquired the right gear and figured out your routine it’ s not nearly as intimidating as you might think. To get you started, the Rider editors have compiled this Motorcycle Camping Gear Guide, full of tried and tested products that we actually use and take with us on every motocamping trip.

Some of our favorite roads, especially those in great camping areas, pass through remote areas, away from crowds, traffic and cell towers. If someone crashes and gets hurt, or even if you experience bike trouble and need help, the only way to notify first responders or non-emergency contacts is with a satellite tracker. We carry a Spot Gen3 Satellite Personal Tracker on every long test ride and overnight trip. The device retails for $ 169.95, plus a $ 149.99 annual service plan— a small price to pay if it saves a life. Read our full review or visit findmespot. com

Utah-based Black Diamond specializes in making serious mountaineering gear, so we can trust its products to hold up to the rigors of moto travel. Headlamps are convenient for hands-free work around the campsite, and the Black Diamond Spot($ 39.95) gets the job done efficiently. It has bright white LEDs that are dimmable at the press of a button, plus red LEDs for when nature calls in the middle of the night, and the head swivels down so you’ re not blinding your fellow campers when you look at them. blackdiamondequipment. com