Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/763593
48 nJanuary 2017n www.thunderpress.net THUNDER PRESS by Shannon Parker GLADSTONE, ORE., JUNE 25—I remember my fi rst tent. I was 10 and I was so excited to fi nally get to hit our local famed national park, Yosemite. I was heading out to nature with my younger cousin that had never been camping, even in her own backyard. I went with my dad to the Army surplus store to gather my gear. Flashlight— check. Mummy sack with its own little bag—check. And the tent. I felt this was a basic need for camping. My dad did not agree. He felt you didn't need a tent, hell you didn't need a campsite, reservation or anything else. You just pulled over when you got tired or it was too dark to continue on and you rolled up your leathers for a pillow and your coat was your warm blankie. I really wanted a tent. "There are bears there," I said. I need one—need one, Dad! He grumbled but relented, purchasing a brand-new tent for me. Score! What I failed to notice was that my tent was an orange plastic tube and you needed two trees and a rope to set it up. Yes, people, my fi rst tent was fondly referred to as a "tube tent" and that was luxury to my dad. What I didn't understand at the time was that every inch of space is prime real estate to a biker. I didn't understand how folks often found themselves con- sidering how to use those last inches in their saddlebags wisely, choosing between a wrench or another valuable tool or something stupid like a pre- tend tent. But that was the 1980s, my friends; times have changed and so, too, should our camping experience. This summer my local dealer- ship, Latus Motors Harley-Davidson, stepped up their game in providing riders with a wide variety of clinics nearly every weekend. They offered something for everyone, regardless of your riding style. One clinic that piqued my interest offered tips for compact camping. The promise was to provide folks with information on the latest top-notch gear that would not ask a rider to choose between safety and comfort. Latus folks pride themselves on being riders before sales guys; they know that we need good information, not a lot of fl uff. Past clinics have provided use- ful information in a clear and concise manner, so my expec- tations were high for top-notch advice on how to camp with a little comfort and style. Arriving at the dealership on a sunny warm Saturday, the place was hopping with folks. The Next Adventure staff was well prepared for the crowd with ample seating and a large display of camping swag. Ryan started things right on time and more than 40 folks gave their full attention to his presentation. He offered the crowd a sample packing list for short and long adventures, neatly outlining weight and dry packing size. Of note, Ryan outed himself at the onset of his presentation; he is a big dual sport rider. There were skeptics when he made this statement—what would he know about cruising and camping, some folk grumbled. Then he pointed to his bike. Yep, he brought in his own bike to demon- strate just how much modern gear you can cram into your bags ensuring you are properly prepared for the next Northwest adventure. Several partici- pants moseyed over to his ride, and the skepticism dwindled as they watched Ryan unpack a large volume of gear. It was like Mary Poppins. He just kept pulling gear out of his seemingly bottomless bag; he even had a chair in there. Seriously, a chair. Clearly, he was one of us and appreciated the need to preserve those extra inches for key materials and ensure he was comfort- able at the end of a long day's ride. Folks took notice and somehow his suggestions just seemed to be more on point after that. The days of using your chaps as a pillow are over, thanks to new sleek gear manufactured using the latest technology. The chair I mentioned collapses down to 8" and comes in its own stuff sack. Folks of all heights and sized tried it out and even the guy well over 6' tall said it was pretty darn comfortable. No more bungee cording your awkward camp chair to the top of your saddlebag—sweet. Another item that seemed very popular with LATUS HARLEY-DAVIDSON'S CAMPING CLINIC Not your dad's camping gear Next Adventure Sports seminar highlights high-tech trends See "Camping," page 54, column 3 Long legged Karl shows comfort can be found in the ultra compact camp chair no matter your size In just 15 minutes, this high tech water purifi er provides safe drinking water no matter how remote your next adventure may be