Advice: Outdoor advisor for campers

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Advice: Outdoor advisor for campers
Dentges

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Advice: Outdoor advisor for campers

Guide: Camping
The outdoor advisor for campers

Whether for a short trip to a brand meeting or for the big vacation tour – good equipment is a prerequisite for real camping fun. MOTORRAD tested products that promise bikers a pleasant stay.

Thorsten Dentges

07/21/2010

Before we go into the tents more directly, first of all the basis for a healthy sleep, because without a good pad you can quickly become deprived of sleep by freezing, sagging or tensing up. The self-inflating (re-blowing required), five centimeter thick Vaude Comfort Dream mat with Polo branding (49.95 euros; 1400 grams; 61 x 13 cm) offers great sleeping comfort with a 198 x 60 cm lying surface.


Advice: Outdoor advisor for campers


Dentges

In the picture the very thin Vaude Comfort Dream mat from Polo and the “Noble air mattress” Comfortfoam Mat 7 Pump DLX from Exped.

It is topped by the seven centimeter thick, otherwise just as large area, insulating up to minus 17 degrees “Noble air mattress” Comfortfoam Mat 7 Pump DLX by Exped (94.90 euros; 1630 grams; 36 x17 cm) with integrated pump. Noise-sensitive people could be bothered by the crumpling of the filling material when changing sleeping position at night, otherwise there is nothing to complain about.


Advice: Outdoor advisor for campers


Dentges

The first-class fluffy synthetic fiber sleeping bag Carinthia Lite 1300 has proven to be a fine and not inhumanly expensive pen bag.

The first-class, fluffy synthetic fiber sleeping bag Carinthia Lite 1300 (from 154 euros; available in sizes S to XL from 1400 grams; 36 x 17 cm) has proven to be a fine and not inhumanly expensive pen bag. Comfortably warm to freezing point, excellent quality.

Before the tents are described in more detail, here is a brief overview that explains the reference addresses for the tents:

  • Carinthia, phone 06400/958622, www.carinthia-bags.com
  • Eureka Europe via Nigor, phone 0031-30-5818555, www.eurekaeurope.com
  • Exped, phone 0041-44-4971010, www.exped.com
  • Wechsel Tents, phone 030/39034010, www.wechsel-tents.de
  • aude about Polo, 02165/84400, www.polo-motorrad.de

Change forum 42


Advice: Outdoor advisor for campers


Dentges

The tent: Wechsel Forum 42

Although not ultimately light, due to the geodetic construction (free standing possible without pegs and guy ropes), it is ultra wind-stable and big enough for two motorcycle travelers. The testers particularly liked the four opposite entrances, which contribute to great ventilation on warm days, as well as the two vestibules – every resident can stow their belongings within easy reach. Clever details such as four inner tent pockets, a practical luggage net on the canopy and the flawless workmanship justify the price. 

Weight: 4180 g
Pack size: 52 x 16 cm
price: 299.95 euros

Conclusion:
construction: 3 out of 5 points
Weather resistance: 5 out of 5 points
Living ambience: 4 out of 5 points
Storage space: 3 out of 5 points
Stow away: 4 out of 5 points
quality: 4 out of 5 points

MOTORRAD verdict: very good

MOTORCYCLE buyer’s tip

Vaude Taurus 1


Advice: Outdoor advisor for campers


Dentges

The tent: Vaude Taurus 1

Exclusively for the motorcycle outfitter Polo in top quality and tailored with a very suitcase-friendly pack size (shortened linkage elements). On the other hand, the Polo-Taurus is around a kilogram heavier than the original from mountain sports. On the motorcycle, however, this is literally less of an issue. A single motorcyclist can still get along reasonably well with the small apse (maximum space for helmet and boots), but the Taurus is only a very poor sleeping area for two residents, especially since two wider sleeping mats only overlap in the narrow inner tent.

Weight: 3650 g
Pack size: 41 x 19 cm
price: 219.95 euros

Conclusion:
construction: 4 out of 5 points
Weather resistance: 5 out of 5 points
Living ambience: 1 out of 5 points
Storage space: 1 out of 5 points
Stow away: 5 out of 5 points
quality: 5 out of 5 points

MOTORRAD verdict: Satisfactory

Change to Kilimandjaro


Advice: Outdoor advisor for campers


Dentges

The tent: Change Kilimandjaro

First of all: This tent is too heavy, too big for motorcycle transport. However, if you are going on holiday with an escort vehicle, to a motorcycle meeting point or Grand Prix, the four to eight man tent can be set up by one person within 20 minutes. Comfortable standing height makes it a perfect base camp or canteen in rainy weather. Brilliant: a very high-quality mix of cotton (more UV-resistant, therefore more durable than polyester) and a PU coating in the roof area (absolutely waterproof) as well as generous ventilation as a natural air conditioning system. A Rolls Royce among group tents, but the highest level of living comfort will soon make you forget the high investment. 

Weight: 17680 g
Pack size: 81 x 40 cm
price: 899.95 euros

Conclusion:
construction: 2 out of 5 points
Weather resistance: 4 out of 5 points
Living ambience: 5 out of 5 points
Storage space: 5 out of 5 points
Stow away: 1 out of 5 points
quality: 4 out of 5 points

MOTORRAD verdict: very good

Eureka Autumn Wind 3 XD


Advice: Outdoor advisor for campers


Dentges

The tent: Eureka Autumn Wind 3 XD

It’s great how much space this astonishingly small tent offers as a piece of luggage. Two travelers have to share an apse, but the 1.90 wide and 2.30 meter long inner tent offers enough space for equipment, including suitcases. An additional entrance on the side is ideal for ventilation. The geodesic can be set up free-standing (even without a tent on very hot days) and can be easily moved on any surface if the pitch should prove to be disadvantageous (stones, insects, annoying neighbors). Great tent.

Weight: 3900 g
Pack size: 55 x 20 cm
price: 249.95 euros

Conclusion:
construction: 4 out of 5 points
Weather resistance: 5 out of 5 points
Living ambience: 4 out of 5 points
Storage space: 4 out of 5 points
Stow away: 3 out of 5 points
quality: 3 out of 5 points

MOTORRAD verdict: very good

MOTORCYCLE buyer’s tip

Eureka Hex XL Screenhouse


Advice: Outdoor advisor for campers


Dentges

The tent: Eureka Hex XL Screenhouse

Transportable, rain and insect-proof lounge. Great at biker meetings, when otherwise only small sleeping tents are set up – a beer set can be set up comfortably. Because of the bulky steel frame elements (around one meter long), the inexpensive pavilion is better to take with you in the car. It takes around 15 minutes to set up and requires a little patience without a helper. To be sealed with curtains in wind and rain, but not 100 percent weatherproof, and in very summer temperatures the heat builds up under the roof despite the doors being open and the mesh windows that are actually draft-friendly.

Weight: 9800 g
Pack size: 94 x 25 cm
price: 189.95 euros

Conclusion:
construction: 2 out of 5 points
Weather resistance: 2 out of 5 points
Living ambience: 3 out of 5 points
Storage space: 5 out of 5 points
Stow away: 1 out of 5 points
quality: 3 out of 5 points

MOTORRAD verdict: good

Tips for a good night’s sleep

  • Stuff sweater into small pillowcase as an improvised headrest for a good one “Feeling at home”.
  • Put a mini hot water bottle or pocket stove in the sleeping bag about 15 minutes before going to bed. Works wonders for people who are sensitive to the cold.
  • Do not leave your sleeping bag in a tight packing bag after camping, but rather put it in a bed or a spacious pillowcase so that the fibers can unfold well.
  • Avoid frequent washing of the sleeping bag. Ventilate thoroughly after use. One cleaning per year (with a special detergent) is usually sufficient.

Tips for camping

  • Always store the tent in a dry place, otherwise mold will form.
  • Do not sweep the tent out, but rather shake it out to protect the coating.
  • Check whether the chosen pitch could turn into a water basin when it rains.
  • Do not camp too close to rivers / streams (flooding) or under trees (falling branches in a storm).

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