Modern Vespa

This year, I'm going to try out scoot camping in the fall/winter. Looking for some suggestions on gear.

I'm in the snow belt (Northern Utah). Summer gear is minimal and easy. I'll need to think through gear for colder rides and camp. I'd imagine most nights will be 15-30 degrees, depending on when/where we go.

Set up:
GTS300
Rear rack
Full windscreen
I have some super cheap handlebar muffs that I might throw on. Used on my mountain bike but they're designed for scooters.

Basic gear already in possession:
Tent
Sleeping bag
Cook gear
Camp chairs
Tarp (for rain shelter, unless one already at camp site)

What I need to consider:
- Rain gear (jacket/pants). Not so much for rain, but warmth.
- Sleeping pad. Mine is a 2" Klymit. Ok during summer. I'd love to take my Megamat, but it's huge. I'd like an insulated pad.
- Anything else I should consider?

I usually have a campfire. Most places, firewood is plentiful.

I'd also like to take one of my daughters when I go, but it'll be a hard sell if I can't get the gear down pat first.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Looks like you have a pretty good list. I live on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, so our winters are somewhat milder than Utah (at least in the lowlands). I would add:

- A down jacket. These compress down nicely and provide a nice warm layer.
- Some booties, either down or synthetic. Again, nice to have warm toes while at camp. We've had a burn ban for a long time so campfires are out, and these booties will make your day.
- Looks like you are already considering a rain layer. I usually bring a rain layer as these are good for both rain and wind protection, and they also compact down nicely when rolled up. A plus if they fit over your riding gear just in case.
- Socks! I always have a thick pair of hiking socks on hand. Nothing like a warm, dry pair of socks when you most need them.
- Wool (or your preference) cap. Keep your noggin warm at all times.
- Gloves, perhaps with the ability to expose a thumb and finger so you can cook, etc. without having to take them off.

Camping in winter months can be magical. Have fun out there!

Dave

Thanks Dave!
Any specific rain gear you'd suggest? I'm looking for more riding rain gear. At camp, I'll just huddle under the tarp or tent.

Well I ride mostly in Aerostitch Darien gear (which I highly recommend), so I don't have a good recommendation for other rain gear. Sorry!

Is that 15 to 30 f or c?

Given his location F.

I'd add a microfiber jacket, like down they compress well and pack small plus microfiber wicking base layer. I like First Gear rain jacket and pants. My husband likes Frogg Toggs, they make both motorcycle and hiking versions, either works on a scooter as you don't need to be as concerned about a hot pipe. I sweat in Frog Toggs too much and my First Gear has underarm zippers for venting.

Camp shoes or booties as suggested are beneficial as you don't want to have to wear your boots the whole time in camp. They benefit from having air time.

As a general rule look at what people would use backpacking in the conditions you would be motorcycle camping in.

I thought so, but 15f is -9.4c which seems very extreme for riding, let alone camping!

Important point: does daughter have her own scooter or are you riding two up?

That's the nighttime low. I typically don't ride below freezing, as I've had some close calls with ice. Even above freezing, I still see ice in the shady parts.

Daughters are 13 and 10, so we'll be 2up.

I'm sorry, and with all respect, I don't see that happening. Unless the scooter is in the back of a pickup truck, that's an unlikely load for a scooter.

Why? They weigh something like 60-70 lbs. each.

Gear overall is something like 50lbs, food and water included.

110-120lbs seems manageable.

I just went on a motorcycle trip with some camping and as someone noted, if you have backpacking stuff, it's all pretty much the same.

It was very cold at night at one of my stops at Onion Valley in the Eastern Sierra Nevada, below freezing by dawn, but I made it a little bit nicer by boiling up some water and filling one of my water bottles with the hot stuff and putting it in my sleeping bag before going to bed. Very nice for keeping my feet warm.

Another thing about winter camping is that those nights can be pretty long, especially if you're alone with nobody to talk to to put the time in. I was out there right at the Autumnal Equinox and the sun went behind the ridge at about 5:00 p.m. at which point the temperature started to drop. Sunset was at 7:00 p.m. and it wasn't coming back for 12 hours, and that of course gets longer as the seasons progress. I don't usually go to bed all that early but I was asleep by about 9:00 and then woke up around 3:00, never to go back to sleep. I enjoyed looking at the stars during that time but it did seem like a really long night.

Yep, if you can backpack in the winter you can scooter camp in the winter, scooter can carry much more than a backpack.
Don't forget to bring the 11th essential/protection.

There has been a tremendous improvement in sleeping pad technology. I suggest that if possible you go to an REI and check it out in person. A big sale is coming up and (I think this is the important part) members get a year satisfaction guarantee. If you have buyers remorse you can return it for another model or your money back.

I don't see it so much a weight issue as a packing challenge. Two winter bags, even with compression sacks take up quite a bit of space. Two sleeping pads, a shelter, clothing, mess kit, food, gear.

One person, should be OK, but the pillion is going to utilize a lot of the space needed for gear.

A rewarding outcome if you can figure it out.

Yes, it can be done, This couple proved it
https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/alaska-2-up-%E2%80%9Con-that-thing-%E2%80%9D.1653811/
One of the better reads IMO

Space could definitely be an issue. I thought through it a few times but have not yet actually packed the bike.
All of my backpacking gear packs in a 30L bag with room left. That includes a 1-man tent. So I'd take that out for a 2-man. This would fit on the back rack. All of my daughter's gear should fit under the seat(sleeping bag, pad, clothes, and if space available, 2 camp chairs [very small]). Then food goes on the floor rack.

I also have a front rack not yet installed. I may do that if space becomes an issue.

hock,

Front and back racks really assists in hauling gear. You guys are hardy and an inspiration. My scooter riding group is probably going to cancel a ride this weekend with a forecast of High 59 Degrees F, Mostly Sunny, 1-15 mph Wind. I am now encouraged to do the ride.

Bob Copeland

Good-looking group, Bob! As the Nordic proverb says, there's no such thing as bad weather. Just bad gear. 🙂
Hope you get to get out and ride!