Luxuries
Traveler Ultra-Light Guitar and Mini Fender Amplifier ($284.95; $35.95; Moto-Camp): See Baggers Tested at the front of this issue for full review.
Brunton Echo 10x25 Compact Binoculars (Weight: 38 ounces; $120): It’s nice to stop and smell the flowers while out on the road. This compact, waterproof binocular with 15x power has great optics, fits in your pocket, and allows you to check out the wildlife or hot babe at the rally. There’s individual eye adjustment to dial in crystal-clear images. It comes with a neck strap and nylon belt case.
Candle Lantern ($18.95; Moto-Camp): Don’t let its small size fool you; the Candle Lantern is an absolute must for any camping enthusiast. Its collapsible design protects the glass. Candles are made from a proprietary design that doesn’t mess up the lantern with goopy wax. In addition, each candle lasts up to nine hours. It’s windproof and really works. We hung it from our tent at night and it was bright enough to read by. It’s safe, with no combustible fuels, no complicated starting procedures, and reliable with no batteries to fail and replace, and no bulbs to break. We got the Candle Lantern Cocoon protective sheath ($8.95) as well as three spare candles ($5.95). Toph still has and uses a Candle Lantern he bought in Jersey in 1984 and it works as well as the day he got it.
The Moto-Camp website has a very handy and thorough camping checklist. It’s useful to use before you leave just to stay organized. After a trip or two on the bike, you’ll quickly realize what you need and what you don’t. Thankfully the backpacking industry and its research greatly benefit motorcyclists. The new-age gear is light, durable, and easy to set up and use. Although some of the gear presented here is more expensive than what you’ll get at Wally World or K-Mart, these products, if treated well, will most likely last an entire lifetime. Prices presented here are mostly MSRP (except Moto-Camp’s, which are actual discounted prices) and many products can be found at half the suggested price.
Good, quality gear can make the difference between having a great time that encourages more adventure or having a miserable time that discourages future camping trips. Trust us, spend once and enjoy the benefits. You really get what you pay for here. B