Camping with transalpine friends – camping accessories put to the test

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Camping with transalpine friends – camping accessories put to the test

Practical test: camping with friends from Transalp
Camping accessories in a practical test

We were actually the hosts – MOTORRAD invited readers who are experienced in the outdoors to taste camping products. Transalp friends came and they shamelessly used the test camp to pay homage to their beloved Honda for its 25th anniversary. Because of us, gladly. Balance of a very special biker meeting.

Markus Biebricher

07/19/2012

In the end it was four to zero. But more on that later. First of all, back to the beginning: In the “Counselor & Reise “from MOTORRAD had accumulated a pile of fresh camping products: tents, sleeping bags, stoves and even folding stools. Although there were opportunities to try things out or to send them on a trip with a touring driver from the editorial team, the big overview was missing. In short, it was time to do another big comparison of motorcycle-compatible outdoor items. Why not involve readers with enough camping experience??

Good idea. And even better: some time before, the “Transalpfreunde Deutschland IG” had asked the editorial office whether we had something in the magazine for the 25th anniversary of the Honda model Transalp to plan. Answer: nothing specific, but now it is. The friends of the Transalpine Mountains, all of whom are keen to travel, should compete at the beautifully situated Huttenhof campsite near Ellwangen (info: www.waldcamp.de); we get to know them, they get to know us, and together we try out the camping gear under real conditions. Real conditions because motorcyclists of all stripes meet in tent camps all year round: at elephant meetings, at numerous brand and model meetings, at motorcycle sport or international touring meetings. At www.motorradonline.de alone there are around 300 entries on biker meetings, tens of thousands of motorcyclists make the pilgrimage to Garmisch-Partenkirchen (BMW) or Faaker See (Harley-Davidson), and over 10,000 fans with wanderlust traveled to this year’s Touratech Travel Event in June the Black Forest, several hundred camped next to the company premises. Not to forget the countless individual travelers who travel around the globe with their machines and who strap themselves onto their motorcycles with suitable outdoor equipment. A large scene, a comparatively large market, which is why outfitters such as Touratech, Louis and Polo are devoting their own area to camping and outdoor products.

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In terms of size, our Transalp Camp can hardly stink against the aforementioned events, but among the around 25 participants there is a whole range of motorcycle tourists. For example globetrotter Ingo (53), who drove eleven months from Canada to Patagonia with his 650 tranny a few years ago. Or Maik (47), who was on the road in Iran with a PD06, second series, and is now keen to test the ultralight travel tent from MSR to see whether it is suitable for similarly demanding tours. For Karin (71) and Dieter (61), on the other hand, camping at a motorcycle meeting is a first. Karin only stayed in a cloth hut once – as a child on the Baltic Sea. Now both are trying desperately to set up the polo tunnel tent. Dieter, quite a man, of course wants to do it without a manual (which, however, does not provide much). Karin is skeptical, but only when Dieter begins to ram the rod into the ground instead of hanging it into the nipples provided for this purpose, she objects. But despite these difficulties, the two inexperienced people get the tent up and are amazed at the large amount of space, although the pack size is pleasantly small. Transalp friend Ute (52) hardly thinks about too large a pack size. Her object of desire: the Coleman Instant 4. Because of the high weight and the bulky pack size (1.25 meters long, around 20 kilos), Ute thinks it is clearly categorized as a typical comfort tent for transport in an escort vehicle fully suitable for the Transalp. Her tent dealer had already hooked her with this tent the week before, and Ute even wanted to have special pack sacks made for transport on the motorcycle. The advantages of the on-the-go bungalow: headroom, so no annoying bending down when moving, sophisticated rooms for you and Peter, and supposedly the quick and easy assembly. The manufacturer promises a set-up time of just one minute. Such an argument may be used in sales, but things are different on the pitch. The four-person tent is difficult to tame without a helper, and in order to move the folding frame to click into place, this giant tent also requires enormous strength.


Camping with transalpine friends - camping accessories put to the test


Breakable

The beer barrel and group tent hardly fit on the motorcycle. Sometimes an escort vehicle is indispensable for bikers’ get-togethers.

A minute? What advertising nonsense, you keep dreaming. The Easton Kilo 2P can be packaged ultra-small. The packing roll is hardly bigger than an enduro handlebar covering the weight of a milk carton. Wow! Heike (43) also finds it, who as a sub-50-kilo and sub-1.60-meter flea has hardly any problems with the interior. The space is limited, although according to the description two people should enjoy good sleeping comfort. If the two people are anorexic wandering monks, that’s all well and good, but there is no chance of a good night’s sleep for tall motorcycle trails with hop ulcers. The same applies here: trying is better than studying. Especially when the study documents consist of catalog descriptions praising everything about the green clover. And: it is better to try everything at least once before going on holiday. The self-assembling pop-up tent from Outwell, for example, is actually set up in a few seconds, but the tricky dismantling process can be a drain on the nerves without training. Relevant video instructions can be found on the Internet, but who has a network and computer at the start in the wild? In comparison, the three-person MSR Mutha Hubba tent provided the best compromise between pack size, space and handling, according to the almost unanimous opinion of guest-testing Transalp friends and editors. An expensive tent (over 400 euros), but one that offers an optimal home anywhere. Tip: Only three or more person tents offer enough space for two motorcycle travelers because of the usually bulky driver equipment. Anyone who transports the tent to the meeting in the support vehicle is best served with comfort camping tents. They make life outside a pleasure even for those who don’t like being outdoors, which primarily contribute to headroom, a better indoor climate and the possibility of furnishing the tent in bad weather. The cotton family tents by Eureka and Robens performed a close head-to-head race as the best luxury hostel in a practical test after several inspections in midsummer conditions.

The final: celebrate around the campfire, namely the Transalp, the successful test camp, motorcycling and being outside. The Transalpfreunde are apparently also friends of lively logging: Chairs, stoves, coffee, headlamps, pen bags – plus and minus are noted, and the meaning, purpose and practical use are debated. Until late in the beer evening. Perhaps the transalplers left too much energy there and are now weakening. Almost 20 transalpine friends with a strong thirst for hops (including a few Fanta drinkers as substitutes) against five editors. You get older, the first guest testers apologize, go into the tent before midnight. MOTORRAD man “Mini” Koch thinks about his job as a tour guide and follows diligently a little later. The rest of the party argues: We don’t get together that young anymore. It’s called fighting spirit! After two o’clock in the morning: The few remaining Honda fans allegedly still have to try out a mat and sleeping bag and stagger with a list in the direction of their fabric hostels. Aha. Final whistle. Final score: four to zero.

Easton Kilo 2P Ultralight


Camping with transalpine friends - camping accessories put to the test


Breakable

Easton Kilo 2P Ultralight.

Weight: 997 g;
PACKING SIZE: 53 x 14 cm;
price: 399 euros

Fascinating how small and light the -Easton is packaged – gram and cubic centimeter savers are enthusiastic. The apse (anteroom) does not offer enough storage space even for a single motorcycle traveler. The noble and expensive mini bunker may be sufficient for an ascetic globetrotter life. Something for freaks.

MOTORRAD verdict:
satisfying

MSR Mutha Hubba


Camping with transalpine friends - camping accessories put to the test


Breakable

MSR Mutha Hubba.

Weight: 3000 g;
PACKING SIZE: 46 x 20 cm;
price: 430 euros

Clever detail solutions, high-quality equipment (stable, light nylon fabric, robust aluminum poles), excellent ventilation (self-supporting tent can also be used without an outer tent) as well as separate entrances, two vestibules and plenty of space for two – this tent collects a lot Sympathy points. Top product.

MOTORRAD verdict:
very good

Outdoor Tunnel Pro


Camping with transalpine friends - camping accessories put to the test


Breakable

Outdoor Tunnel Pro.

Weight: 4800 g;
PACKING SIZE: 65 x 16 cm;
price: 99.95 euros

Fiberglass poles and floor material like a grocery bag. Doesn’t turn on much at first. The tunnel tent wins hearts with its great space with almost standing height (1.30 meters). Not quite as comfortable as the fabric huts from page 110 onwards, but it is easy to transport on a moped. Therefore: buy tip!

MOTORRAD verdict:
Good

Polo Adventure tent 7


Camping with transalpine friends - camping accessories put to the test


Breakable

Polo Adventure tent 7.

Weight: 4500 g;
PACKING SIZE: 60 x 22 cm;
price: 69.95 euros

No tent in the test is cheaper, but unfortunately a lot is just made cheap (fiberglass poles, coarse floor fabric, fasteners). Inside and awning, on the other hand, delight with their large living space and storage space, three people can withstand it for a short time. Low investment risk, okay for casual camps.

MOTORRAD verdict:
satisfying

Robens Mercury


Camping with transalpine friends - camping accessories put to the test


Breakable

Robens Mercury.

Weight: 2260 g;
PACKING SIZE: 42 x 14 cm;
price: from 379.95 euros

The tent was developed for hikers who use trekking poles instead of poles to save weight. The lightweight can be easily stowed on the motorcycle and holds two sleepers with narrow mats. Due to the pyramid shape, the Mercury only offers a small amount of usable space. Minimalists get by.

MOTORRAD verdict:
Good

Xtend Blizzard 3


Camping with transalpine friends - camping accessories put to the test


Breakable

Xtend Blizzard 3.

Weight: 4000 g;
PACKING SIZE: 42 x 20 cm;
price: 399.95 euros

The cut as a cross-sleeper in a tunnel is clever, because there is also plenty of space for two tall motorcyclists (over 1.85 meters) with equipment. With short rod segments (< 40 cm), the Xtend can be stowed away easily in the case. Quality and equipment justify the high price – a great travel tent!

MOTORRAD verdict:
very good

Coleman Instant 4


Camping with transalpine friends - camping accessories put to the test


Breakable

Coleman Instant 4.

Weight: 19500 g;
PACKING SIZE: 125 x 35 cm;
price: from 399 euros

Constructing a giant tent in such a way that it stands up in a very short time is good in principle. In practice, however, the construction is hardly easier than with conventional comfort camping tents, and when it comes to pack size, the extreme length bothers when stowing away. The indoor climate in the heat is rather moderate. Good: lots of usable space.

MOTORRAD verdict:
satisfying

Eureka N! Ergy Vision i-Compact BTC


Camping with transalpine friends - camping accessories put to the test


Breakable

Eureka N! Ergy Vision i-Compact BTC.

Weight: 19600 g;
PACKING SIZE: 80 x 40 cm;
price: from 929.95 euros

The space available: enormous. The floor plan: first class. The biggest hit, however, is the high-quality cotton material with a wide range of ventilation options – suitable for high summer! And even heavy rain could not harm the Dutch luxury hostel. A versatile (extra cabin optionally available) top tent.

MOTORRAD verdict:
very good

North Cape Tipi Living


Camping with transalpine friends - camping accessories put to the test


Breakable

North Cape Tipi Living.

Weight: 11000 g;
PACKING SIZE: 76 x 20 cm;
price: from 199.95 euros

Spicing up the simplicity of a single-pole tent with more living comfort is only possible to a limited extent. Completely without sleeping cabins, the Louis tent requires a tolerant basic attitude towards privacy when occupied by several residents. Weight and pack size are okay, the price is okay too.

MOTORRAD verdict:
satisfying

Outwell Fusion 400


Camping with transalpine friends - camping accessories put to the test


Breakable

Outwell Fusion 400.

Weight: 7000 g;
PACKING SIZE: Ø 110 x 2 cm;
price: 239.95 euros

The ultra-fast assembly (around two minutes) of the very spacious, self-deploying pop-up tent was well received by the camp participants. The quality is decent, the price attractive. The relatively unstable Fusion is only recommended for weekend camping in a sheltered place, and the climate inside is rather sticky.

MOTORRAD verdict:
Good

Robens Vista 600


Camping with transalpine friends - camping accessories put to the test


Breakable

Robens Vista 600.

Weight: 20800 g;
PACKING SIZE: 77 x 33 cm;
price: 999.95 euros

The technical cotton creates an astonishingly good indoor climate, although a little more ventilation would be desirable in the heat. Top: stable frame, great workmanship, high quality and simple assembly (without helpers about 15 minutes). An optimal multi-person tent with high-end comfort for motorcycle meetings.

MOTORRAD verdict:
very good

Camping accessories sit


Camping with transalpine friends - camping accessories put to the test


Breakable

Camping accessories sit.

A: Coleman Sling Chair; € 69.90; neat and solidly made chair, which also looks good at a higher dining table thanks to its comfortable height.

B: Eureka Curvy Low Rider; € 49.95; deep, but ultra-comfortable seating position, top comfort for long night-time sessions, that’s why we recommend buying it.

C: NordKap folding chair Premium; € 34.95; adjustable with adjustable backrest, not expensive, but unfortunately a bit bulky when packed.

D: Coleman Pack-away 4; € 149; very compact seating set, but a little too narrow and not robust enough for four adults.

E: Helinox Chair One; € 79.95; ingenious! Easy to transport on the motorcycle thanks to its small pack size and comparatively stable and comfortable for its size. Great alternative to stools.

Q: Grand Canyon tripod stool; € 5.99; inexpensive emergency seat.

G: Touratech aluminum folding stool; € 24.90; Light as a feather, solid, loadable up to 110 kg.

Camping accessories useful


Camping with transalpine friends - camping accessories put to the test


Breakable

Camping accessories useful.

A: Polo portable gas cooker; € 24.95; poor cooking performance, relatively heavy.

B: Grower’s Cup; from € 2.45; Eco premium coffee for ready-to-use preparation, delicious, makes around 2-3 cups.

C: Touratech aluminum cutlery set; € 17.90; robust, 22 g light, but expensive.

D: MSR Pocket Rocket; € 29.90; very compact gas cooker with good cooking and value for money.

E: Litexpress Camp 202; € 29.95; light lantern with three lighting modes.

Q: Litexpress Camp 103; € 39.95; Fine aluminum housing, can be used as a lantern and flashlight, great luminosity, best buy!

G: Polo Mini LED headlamp; € 7.95; cheaply made, partly loose contacts in series condition, not very satisfactory.

H: Silva Tipi; 22 €; Solid, inexpensive forehead flashlight, works with one AA battery (available almost everywhere), moderate luminosity.

I: Touratech Titanium Multi Compact cooking set; € 79.90; noble, small, light (290 g), but only allows very spartan on-the-go cooking.

J: Litexpress Liberty 105; € 11.95; Inexpensive, neatly made mini headlamp with an acceptable luminosity of up to 10 meters, but matching button cells are not always easy to find in stores.

K: Polo multi cutlery; € 6.95; a boy scout mood arises, but in practice it is a bit complicated to use when eating.

L: Silva Siju; 20 €; waterproof, extremely compact and handy, lies comfortably on the head, luminosity for mini lamp (with button cell operation) okay.

Camping accessories sleeping


Camping with transalpine friends - camping accessories put to the test


Breakable

Camping accessories sleeping.

A: Exped Synmat Basic; from € 69.95; Super small in pack size, super great when it comes to lying comfort, but it crumbles loudly.

B: Primus Sleep Rest Mat; € 69.95; the integrated air pillow is not for everyone, but overall it is a comfortable mat.

C: Thermarest Neoair X-lite; € 149.90; When rolled up, it is smaller and lighter than a beer can, but unstable and only moderately comfortable.

D: Grand Canyon sleeping pad 7.5; € 59.95; wins the comfort rating, not exactly easy to stow away, fair price.

E: Polo aluminum folding bed; € 49.95; bulky, no insulation performance.

Q: Deuter Exosphere -4; € 169.95; great all-round sleeping bag with great pack size, absolutely worth the money.

G: Carinthia down pillows; 9 €; nice gimmick, but hardly any support function.

H: Coleman bikers; € 59.90; mini in pack size, unfortunately only minimal thermal output.

I: NordKap SF-Pro; € 49.95; decent (summer) sleeping bag for little money.

J: Brisbane Travel; € 34.95; Pen bag suitable only in midsummer.

K: Touratech Trophy; from 189 €; high quality down sleeping bag with top comfort, expensive.

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