Best products from r/motocamping

Ah, so you're on a KLR 650, aka "The Tractor". Excellent! It's the best choice for doing long distance adventure touring when you're poor as shit. They're cheap, simple and hilariously tolerant of abuse. MASSIVE aftermarket for parts and accessories, too.

• Some things are worth over-planning and some things aren't. Route is not something you should plan too much, emergency options and mechanical stuff is. Make sure you've got AAA Premeir (The basic AAA plan doesn't cover motorcycles), and health insurance. The more mechanical skills you have and the better you know your bike, the better.
  
• Get to be a regular on ADV Rider, and make use of their Tent Space list to find people to stay with for free. Also an amazing resource for when you crash and break stuff, just about anyone on that forum will bend over backwards to find a truck and drive out into the middle of nowhere to rescue you, bring you back to their garage and then help you fix the bike in exchange for hearing your stories from the road.
  
• Yes, food is expensive and $10/day is the minimum you should plan for. Cooking for yourself can help keep costs down, a Whisperlite stove is much better for this as opposed to a Jetboil.
  
• For eating cheap, instant pasta packets are a great option. Like these: https://www.target.com/s?searchTerm=pasta+side+dish That's actually a pretty high price for them, if you are good about hitting discount grocery stores like Aldi and always getting the generic or store-brand stuff, you can sometimes find them for as little as $0.70/pack. Add the contents to 2 cups boiling water, simmer for 7 minutes and you're done. They pack super small, they're tasty, calorie dense, really cheap and easy. Also, instant mashed potatoes (in similar sized pouches) are usually findable for under $1/pouch, and instant rice. All of these options are usually a bit light on protein, so supplement them with tuna pouches like these: https://www.target.com/s?searchTerm=tuna+packets and precooked chicken breasts like this: https://i2.wp.com/www.wicproject.com/images/2010/07/tyson_grilledready_bag.jpg?resize=216%2C216 . The instant oatmeal packs are a great option, just plan on eating at least two for each breakfast. Oh, and don't forget the peanut butter. I had plenty of camping nights where dinner was eating peanut butter out of the jar with a spork.
  
• Disperse camping in National Forest/BLM land is lovely and a brilliant option. But keep in mind that once you get east of the Rocky Mountains, such areas are MUCH harder to find. That being said, it's still possible to "Stealth Camp" even in the flyover states, but it takes some skill and a good eye. If you google for "Stealth Camping with a motorcycle" you can find a lot of info on some tricks on doing it well.
  
• KLRs do burn oil, it's kind of the nature of the beast of a cheaply made low-stress thumper. Many people use Shell Rotella T6 (it's a full synthetic designed for diesel trucks but works great in motorcycle engines), but you'll be fine using whatever cheapskate store-brand dinosaur oil you can find as long as it's close to the right viscosity.
  
• While we're talking about oil, remember that you'll need to do a full oil and filter change at least three times on this trip. Long distance cruising on pavement is actually really easy on engines and oil (it's a consistent speed, temperature and load) so you can stretch the usual 3,000 mile requirement to every 5,000 miles. Autozone/AdvancedAuto/O/Reilly auto parts type stores will usually have the filter, and in most states they are legally required to take old oil for free. Google how to do a parking lot oil change (Hint; find a small cardboard box in a trash can somewhere, line it with like three or four layers of plastic bags from the auto parts store, and drain the oil into that).
  
• Actually, your KLR does use Tube tires, becuase it's a giant over-sized sorta-dirt bike. Generally, anything with spoked wheels uses tube tires. So that is the proper patch kit, although my personal preference is to carry as small 12v compressor as opposed to the CO2 tubes. Like this: https://www.amazon.com/Slime-40001-Motorcycle-Tire-Inflator/dp/B000ET9SB4 (Make sure to have the bike running while using the compressor!)
  
• Bring the patch kit, but also carry a spare tube. Get the proper tube for the 21" front wheel, and in an emergency you can actually shove it into the rear wheel as well. It'll work fine for getting you back to civilization where you can buy a proper new tube.
  
• Okay this part is important. Patching a tube tire or even just replacing the tube is NOT SIMPLE. You need to remove the wheel from the bike, then remove the tire and tube from the rim. If you plan on doing this on the side of the road, that means you need to have a center stand on the bike, and carry all the tools needed to pull off either wheel, PLUS a set of tire spoons and something to use as lube (mixing up some dish soap in water works great). Oh, then you need to know how to do it all. My suggestion is to spend a weekend practicing it at home before you leave so you know how it's supposed to work, lots of videos on youtube can help you with this. Trying to figure it out by yourself for the first time in the middle of nowhere isn't how you want to learn.
  
• Speaking of tires, what tires do you currently have on the bike?
  
• As for chain and sprockets . . . eh, maybe. Be rigorous about cleaning and lubing your chain every 500 miles, keep an eye on how worn the teeth are getting but you'll probably be okay.
  
• Tool kit. Fortunately because the KLR650 is such a popular bike, many other people have already done the work of figuring out what a good roadside toolkit consists of. Read over this thread for a lot of information: https://www.klr650.net/forums/showthread.php?t=86172 Some carry more, some carry less. If you google for "KLR650 Adventure Toolkit" you'll find a lot of info. Tools and ability to use them are something you should over-plan on.
  
• The KLR's alternator can provide PLENTY of power to charge your phone. When people are talking about insufficient power from it, they're talking about running stuff like high-output auxiliary headlights, electrically heated jackets and pants and seats for both rider AND passenger, stereo systems, etc, and all at the same time. Just charging a phone and running some heated grips, you'll be fine.
  
• Oh yeah, you should get some heated handgrips. Trust me. I think the effect is more psychological than anything, but when you're cold and wet having warm hands makes a world of difference. Simple under-grip elements (requires you take off your existing grips, then put the heating elements onto the bars, then put your grips back on) are like $30. Fancier new grips with integrated heating elements (such as made by Oxford) are around $100.
  
• Jeeze those ammo cans are gigantic. Yeah, I think you'll be fine for waterproofing with those things. But your duffel/rear seat bag needs to be waterproof as well. As I mentioned in another post, Mosko Moto bags are amazing but really expensive.
  
• For keeping your neck dry, I recommend rain gear with an integrated hood. You put the hood on UNDER your helmet, and it stops the rain from running down your neck. Something like this is good for your budget: https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/nelson-rigg-sr-6000-stormrider-rain-suit, it's sized to go over your existing gear (Which isn't waterproof. I know, I know. The label that came on your jacket and pants says that it's waterproof. It's not. It's waterproof enough for a light afternoon shower, but if you're riding all day in a thunderstorm it WILL get soaked through. I speak from experience).
  -Also for keeping your head and neck warm, get one of these: https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/mens-coldgear-infrared-hood/pcid1244401?scid=scplp1244401-001&sc_intid=1244401-001&cid=PLA|US|NB|GGL|DES|SiC|ROAS|&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0PuRqLXW1wIVB25-Ch3KlQb2EAYYAiABEgKOovD_BwE
  
  A word on off-pavement stuff: The KLR 650 is extremely capable of taking you very far off the beaten path if you put knobby tires on it, well away from pavement and civilization and deep into the wilderness. Which is awesome, totally awesome. That's my style of touring, personally. But it comes with a LOT of other risks and considerations. Are you thinking of doing a lot of backcountry riding on this trip?

I do a lot of motocamping. I prefer to stay in camps with bathroom facilities--a hot shower and a modern toilet are great after riding twisty roads all day. I did the primitive thing when I was in my early 20s.

The foundation of my motocamping setup is my riding suit and gear. I often spend more hours riding than sleeping/camping. My suit is the Aerostitch Roadcrafter. In addition to crash protection, this suit really helps you deal with wet and/or cold conditions, while still being bearable in the hot, southern summer. When motocamping, I always take both my mesh summer gloves and my waterproof winter gloves regardless of location or season. I have a Shoei Neotec helmet and Cardo G9 bluetooth headset. I don't listen to music much, but audible GPS prompts and rider-to-rider communication are helpful in unfamiliar territory. Finally, I wear Dainese Nighthawk boots because they are all-season comfortable and waterproof.

• Aerostitch Roadcrafter
  
• Shoei Neotec
  
• Cardo G9
  
• Dainese Nighthawk Gore-Tex Boots
  
  Now in terms of actual campsite gear:
  
  
• Kelty Gunnison 2.1 This tent packs small and light, but is very long when setup. I'm 6'1" and I can sleep without my toes or head touching the tent walls. It also has two vestibules which are handy for gear storage. I purchased the optional tent footer as well. I usually grab some 7 mil plastic sheeting at Walmart for less than $2 to put under the footer--it keeps sand and dirt off your tent and therefore out of your luggage.
  
  
• I prefer mummy-style backpacker sleeping bags. They pack very small and keep you warm, but are fine in warmer climates when left unzipped. Mine is a Kelty Light Stalker, but options abound online. I also use a Thermarest inflatable sleeping pad--essential in cold weather to prevent the ground from making you cold.
  
  
• Browning makes a very comfortable camping pillow that packs fairly small. It's worth the space in my opinion. 10 years ago, I would use my clothes for a pillow, but these days I prefer a pillow.
  
  
• A headlamp is essential. When you arrive at a campsite after dark, a headlamp gives you vision and two free hands at the same time. I prefer this model because it has a red-light mode that will preserve your night vision and is less obstructive to other campers.
  
  
• Always take a knife and a multitool. My multitool of choice is the Leatherman.
  
  
• I carry two JetBoil cooking systems. I take a canister for each. That lets me boil water for food and coffee at the same time, and gives me a backup if one of the stoves breaks. I can santize water if needed with these, and I know I can have a hot meal anywhere.
  
  
• I use Starbuck Via instant coffee. I've done the french press thing, but the via packets are smaller and ready faster.
  
  
• I take Mountain House freeze-dried food packs. They pack very small, and are easy to prepare.
  
  
• Two plastic coffee mugs and some plastic utensils are always in my pack.
  
  
• If cold weather is expected, I take a jacket and a fleece sweater with a neck on it. Layering these with the RoadCrafter keep me comfortable on the bike all the way down into the 20s.
  
  
• I always take a cargo net. That way I can pack my wet towel outside the bags and let them dry while I ride.
  
  
• Likewise, I always take a 60L and 30L dry bag. They are absolutely tiny when empty, but give you options if your bags get full or you have to pack in a hurry. They can always be strapped outside your bag.
  
  
• I have both hard luggage and soft luggage. I very much prefer hard bags due to better fuel economy and improved handling. My hard bags are the Honda OEM bags for my bike. My soft bag is this one. It comes with a lot of straps, and mounting options.
  
  
• Take a first aid kit.
  
  This is all off the top of my head, so I'm sure I'm forgetting something.
  
  Here's an imgur album with a few of these things visualized.

It just so happened that a lot of Eureka stuff was on sale at the time I was shopping, so I look like something of a fanboy.

• [Eureka Apex 3XT Tent] (http://www.amazon.com/Eureka-Apex-3XT-Tent-sleeps/dp/B0043HM5RC) - It's a three man tent, but I'm a big guy and I wanted extra room. Camping off the bike makes the slightly heavier weight from a 3 man tent not a big deal, it compresses down pretty small anyway. Gives me plenty of room to bring all my gear inside the tent at night, and if the wife decides to go camp with me there will be room for us both without any problem.
  
  
• [Eureka Sandstone 45F Rectangular Sleeping Bag] (http://www.amazon.com/Eureka-Sandstone-45-Degree-Rectangular-Sleeping/dp/B006MQAWS6) - Synthetic bag, one for me and one for my wife. Nothing really fancy about it other than that they are mate-able to each other we want to get extra snuggle-y on a trip.
  
  
• [Eureka Camp Pillow] (http://www.amazon.com/Eureka-2641201-Camp-Pillow/dp/B004BZX7PK) - Some people say use a stuff sack with your dirty clothes, I say I don't want to smell funky multiple day old swamp ass while I'm trying to sleep. I guess I could use clean clothes, but meh..
  
  
• [Exped SynMat Basic 7] (http://www.amazon.com/Exped-SynMat-Sleeping-Terracotta-Long/dp/B0018MC976) - Air mattress. My theory is that if you don't get at least some restful sleep, you will be miserable the next day. Packs down very small, provides comfort and insulation from the ground.
  
  
• [Sea to Summit eVent 30L Compression Dry Sack] (http://www.amazon.com/Sea-Summit-eVent-Compression-Medium/dp/B000NQQ5A0) - I have multiples of this item. I pack the tent, rainfly and groundcover all in one, and it all compresses down to around 12x6 inches. Sleeping bag goes into another, compresses down to about 12x12 inches.
  
  
• [Kwik Tek Dry Pak 70L Waterproof Duffel Bag] (http://www.amazon.com/DP-D1BK-Waterproof-Duffel-Black-Large/dp/B00644OLLU) - Cooking gear, sleeping equipment, and other stuff I don't put in the panniers goes in here, and then the bag is strapped across the pillion seat with RocStraps. If it's a two up trip, the 52L Givi comes off the back of the bike, and the 70L Dry Pak is replaced by a 110L Dry Pak so there is enough room to stash the wife's gear as well.
  
  
• [Sea to Summit DryLite Towel] (http://www.amazon.com/Sea-to-Summit-DryLite-Towel/dp/B000OPPAQK) - Small and Extra Small. Great for drying off after getting caught in the rain, or after a shower at the campsite. They dry fast too.
  
  
• [Jetboil Zip] (http://www.amazon.com/Jetboil-Zip-Cooking-System-Black/dp/B004UVPDUM) cooking system - Boils 16oz of water in about 2.5 minutes. My breakfast is instant oatmeal and instant coffee/hot chocolate, so this takes care of both very quickly. The Jetboil also makes it super easy to make things like instant mashed potatoes for dinner.
  
  
• [Trangia 27-5] (http://www.trangia.se/english/2913.trangia_stoves.html) Ultralight Aluminium Cookset with add on 2.5L pot - Alcohol stove set with frying pan, two 1L pots and one 2.5 pot. For dinner I can cook up a steak, some soup or stew, pasta/rice sides (think of stuff like [this] (http://www.bearcreekcountrykitchens.com/index.php) and [this] (http://www.knorr.com/product/category/245876/pasta-sides). I don't worry about packing and carrying an entire trip's worth of food, I stop at a grocery store, and get a couple days worth of stuff. If I want fresh meat, I swing by a store immediately before hitting the campsite. Arrive, set up, cook.
  
  
• 12oz plastic cups - I carry a couple of [these] (http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___60048).
  
  
• Spork - Fork, spoon, and something resembling a knife [all in one] (http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___87620)
  
  
• Leatherman Blast - bring a multitool, you will be glad you did.
  
  
• A headlamp and a good flashlight are critical. I like [these small Black Diamond orbit lanterns] (http://www.rei.com/product/807910/black-diamond-orbit-lantern) too.
  

please STOP perpetuating that stupid myth about smartphones not being able to route or do tracks when you are out of cell coverage. Iphones and Androids can download maps ahead of time (just like with your stand alone GPS) which allow you to continue to use it when you are well OUTSIDE of cell coverage. I have used my cell phone as a GPS for on and off road for over 3 yrs now without fail (and I didn't spend an extra $600 to do it). Even a decent Garmin GPS will set you back at least $400 (I don't count the 60, 62, 76 and variants because their screens are too damn small to be effective). I also stream music to my Sena SMH10r . There are a plethura of sites that help you to easily set this up. For mostly road use, I recommend a cheap GPS or use your smartphone but if you do moderate off road, I would recommend something with a hardier plug which is what tends to be the problem (I don't mind so much since it's actually a rather easy fix on my Galaxy S4 were it to be damaged).

Tents.... do not buy too cheap on this. I have tried a lot of tents and finally settled on the Ledge Sports Recluse here . It is a three man but really just comfortable enough for two mostly, roomy with a loft and packs really small with poles that are less than a foot long collapsed (easy to fit in panniers and bags).

Personally I would make sure you find something really comfortable to sleep on. I use a blow up mattress and a pump that plugs that goes into my motorcycle to fill it up. Most the pads you see are overpriced/expensive and crap on your back or for side sleepers. If you get a hole that you can't fix, how hard is to find a WalMart or a Target to buy a new one for around 20 to 50 bucks depending on the size you want. I prefer a queen size, great for added weight and so damn comfortable. If my old Coleman Quickbed ever dies, I will be picking up the Coleman Durarest here.

I take my phone, my Nexus 7 with 4G and my small laptop with me everywhere. I have a USB Stick chock full of reading material, music and movies....never get bored and when I want to relax and gaze at the stars, only a power button stands in my way.

Phones can get you into trouble. My buddy called me one night when I was out, this was real late, like around 11 pm. He made a joke about having a soundboard that does bear, wolf or cougar sounds and walking around outside scaring people. I checked the net and found some bear sounds that I downloaded and we joked about it. I went to sleep later after having a number of beers and when I woke up around 2 am to go relieve myself, I carried my phone with me to use as a flashlight. When I was coming back, I passed near this tent of these lesbians and played some Bear sounds. I could hear them freaking a bit and I quickly scammered back into my tent. About half an hour later, a ranger comes by my tent and asks if I have heard any noises. I tell him "you mean...You waking me up". You might ask how I know they were Lesbians and what that has to do with anything but that involves more to tell that I couldn't sum up in a few paragraphs. Suffice is to say that when I am camping, I avoid children, young couples and now, Lesbians.

Good Luck with your endeavors!

For that trip I would then definitely steer away from the KLR 650, and lean to the CB500X. You're going to do be doing practically nothing but long terrible stretches of highway going 80+ mph across kansas for probably two days as road fatigue will get ya on I-70 hard. The reason the KLR is the ak-47 of bikes is they are "indestructable" and universal. They aren't however, the most comfortable, and especially not when cruising at those speeds on the highways for any length of time. They go anywhere and do anything, but nothing exceptionally well.

This is why I recommend the honda as its less torquey, lighter, better gas milage, and more comfortable on the highways, where you will be spending the majority of your time. Going south of the border? Then absolutely go KLR, roads are sketchy at best in a lot of places and that is where the KLR has gotten its legendary reputation, but middle of the US? You're much better going with a more comfortable bike.

Personally I have all my gear (backpack, sleeping bag, tent, gun, machete, air pad thing, pillow, medical kit, flashlight, glowsticks, rope) fit into one bag that I clip on the back and go in <10 minutes. Travel light, you're traveling through the US where wally world is never more than a few hours away, and just stop at the local grocery spot to grab food/beer/whatever.

Yeah that's the idea, just a little hard flat thing that you can turn into a cooking/eating surface using what you'll have. The campsites may or may not have amenities provided. I almost always camp at places that have potable water, a picnic table with benches, a critter-proof food locker, and a fire ring in each site. They take a little bit of the isolation and manliness out of the experience, but I'm usually camping with a couple girls in the group and girls seem to appreciate having toilets and showers even when they're off in the woods somewhere. For a first trip you'll find things like not having to pack clean water really handy, so if that's an option I'd go for it.

Another thing you might find really handy is [this little charger] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DJ5KEF4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) that plugs right in to a battery tender plug. If you don't already have a battery tender plug for keeping your battery charged when you aren't riding for a bit, I recommend picking up one of those too. This thing will let you charge your phone or camera. A phone doesn't suck up a ton of juice, but since you may not have a jump handy I'd just idle the bike while charging to make sure you don't end up with a flat battery.

Take loads of pictures, man! Let us know how you liked the experience. Best of luck.

I wanted to have a stove do double-duty. Especially when it came to fuel. I have the MSR Whisperlight International stove. I carry 2 fuel canisters (30oz ea). I had one back when I was backpacking and it never let me down, but sold it when I left Colorado for the midwest where camping just didnt hold up to the Rockies.

It will use Unleaded fuel. As will the bike. So, in case I get stuck somewhere with an empty bike, I can use the stove fuel to get me another 40+ miles to a gas station where I can refuel everything.I have never had any issue with the stove heating water or making soup or rice or anything else, and the burn rate on the gasoline is fairly good, I didnt even use half a tank all year last year camping.


MSR Whisperlight International Stove

MSR Fuel Canisters

No matter what, it will come down to preference. Jet Boil works great, but it is quite a bit larger and you have to have special fuel canisters and all. The MSR is just what I happen to like the best and suits my needs.

https://www.amazon.com/Kelty-Salida-Camping-Backpacking-Tent/dp/B00NFCFO0Q/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?keywords=kelty%2Bpagoda%2B2&qid=1565751951&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmr0&th=1
This is the one I have been using, not as big as my old 3, but the poles are perfect sized. In super hot, could use more mesh, perfect 3 season tent. Enough room for all my gear and vestibule for boots, and drybag.

Ya know I actually put that tent and the footprint in my cart online, but I was wondering what was better about it.


Do you have some insight on what ways it is better?




Edit, for additional content: is it safe to say that the REI Half Dome 2 Plus is worth over 50% more than the Alps Lynx 2?

I have the one person version of this and love it. Great value and pole size is small so it's a pretty short package. And all mesh under the fly, so it's nice in fair weather.

I'll help. That's an Alps Mountaineering tent, probably a Meramac model. I have the two person version of this and really like it. As a 6'3" guy who seems to enjoy camping in the rain, this tent has served me very well for 2 years so far.
Edit - like someone posted earlier this seems to be the Lynx

Personally, I just grabbed a 30 Oz MSR bottle. I would be actively searching for stations with ~25 miles left in my tank, and I figured this would be enough to limp me along if I ever cut it way too close. It's also very easy to pack.

You have clearly planned your trip much more than I did, considering I decided about 30 minutes before I left with no clear route, so I think it would be pretty easy to figure out available gas stations given your route.

Here are some links for the product in the above comment for different countries:

Amazon Smile Link: this pot


|Country|Link|Charity Links|
|:-----------|:------------|:------------|
|USA|smile.amazon.com|EFF|
|UK|www.amazon.co.uk|Macmillan|
|Germany|www.amazon.de||




To help add charity links, please have a look at this thread.

This bot is currently in testing so let me know what you think by voting (or commenting). The thread for feature requests can be found here.

https://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tender-081-0158-Disconnect-Charger/dp/B00DJ5KEF4?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0
is a great way to charge electronics. For camping entertainment or just otherwise. Also look for camp sites with good hiking or hotsprings nearby. Nothing is better than soaking after a full days ride.

Pebble Time is on Amazon for about $100. I got the steel version which has a slightly larger battery and IMO looks better, but the regular version works just fine. I would also get the Richard Tracy HAMMER watch band to give you more holes so you can tighten it more. Here's an article on the Nav Me app.

I've honestly only used this on my bicycle as I'm still planning on buying my first bike when I move to Pensacola in a few weeks.

Wolfman side bags with a Seahorse lockable "top case" read: modified lockable luggage, wheels and all

Yeah, not classy! Wanted something locable for travel/Mexico and it was half the price of "authentic" cases moto luggage. I put Rok straps on top for bedroll/tent/junk and have rolled my merry way!

https://www.amazon.com/Seahorse-Waterproof-Protective-Hardcase-without/dp/B001A1NT10

It's the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent. Got it on amazon for a good price. Fast set-up, mostly mesh for ventilation but has a waterproof fly you can put over very quickly.
If you're on a budget, fantastic tent.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BMKD1DU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I've had this for over a year and it works great

If you buy a battery tender it comes with one of these that the usb thingy hooks right up to. I just have it hanging out the side of my bike and I can easily tuck it up under the fairings.

I have the ALPS Zephyr 2 tent. It packs pretty damn small. only 2 poles so it goes up fast, and its pretty cheap. I would definitely say a 2 person cause it give you room for all your gear too.

Yea, spend more. I bought mine online, but I don't recall where now.

It's designed similar to this one, but is classed as 2 man. It is, if you snuggle. But good enough for me & gear. It rolls up to about 18" long, 6" diameter. Probably a little smaller.

I saw a similar one for $20 when I was browesing, but no idea how good it is.

What you want are 'backpacking' tents.

Do not cut into or splice off of your wire harness. Get a battery tender pigtail that connects directly to your battery (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NCOKZQ/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_-1cAzb8YDMYBC). Then use a 'Battery Tender SAE to USB adapter to plug a USB cable into (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DJ5KEF4/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_r3cAzbN5DASR2). This was you can charge you bike when parked for a while and have the freedom to run the USB cable to your bars for your ram mount or into your bags to charge extra gear.

This is a good relatively cheap tent that packs small because of the short pole lengths (short poles are hard to find in a tent): https://www.amazon.com/Kelty-Salida-Camping-Backpacking-Tent/dp/B00NFCFO0Q That's the cheapest short-pole tent I was able to find when I was looking.

Any Amazon inflatable sleeping pad will do for Summer camping. For winter camping, if you don't want to freeze, get a good insulated inflatable pad.

Any 'ole pillow.

This stove: https://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Ultralight-Portable-Backpacking-Ignition/dp/B00B4FY8YO

A chair like this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Y2A74L2

The complicated part is the sleeping bag. I spent big bucks on mine because I wanted a zero degree down sleeping bag that packed small but wasn't a mummy bag. For your first kit, just look for something that packs small and is rated for 15 degrees less than what you'll think you'll encounter on your trip.

Amazon sells a few different fuel bottles:

• MSR
  
• Trangia
  
  There are more options, as well.

the model I bought doesn't seem to be on sale anymore but it's the one that came with this pot

I think the reason it got discontinued is that the top lid tended to warp with heat and not seal very well, so it doesn't boil water as fast as some of the other systems. I am planning to get one of the vertical jugs for this summer and still bring my pot with me to cook traditional food in.

Old thread but thought I'd share in case someone finds this. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00DJ5KEF4/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487481829&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=battery+tender+usb&dpPl=1&dpID=31-cnGD8--L&ref=plSrch
This is what I use to charge my phone. Plugs into your battery tender port. It generates 1amp I believe but it's enough to keep the phone charged while using it for GPS. Cheap, light, works.
EDiT: probably not useful for all the stuff you want to charge.

https://www.amazon.com/ALPS-Mountaineering-Lynx-1-Person-Tent/dp/B00BMKD1DU

Sorry for the late reply. I've been in the woods