SHELTER
Alpkit Rig 3.5
I am a big fan of tarpaulins when travelling by moto . They are so versatile - and take up very little space . They can be used as groundsheets ( extra protection under the tent , or outside when eating , changing clothes , etc ), to provide an additional shelter for bulky bike gear which won ’ t fit in the tent , to shelter your bike from rain or dust shelters when working on it , to provide an emergency shelter when riding … And of course they provide the ultimate lightweight bivi , strung up beside the bike if necessary , instead of carrying a tent . there is no excuse for not carrying one . A larger 2- man version is available ( Rig 7 ) as well as a very large expedition tarp for up to eight people ( Rig 21 ). I also like that they are available in muted , natural colours ( as well as red ) - always my preference to avoid unwanted attention when wild camping .
After many years in the Army where tarps were a second home , I am picky and thus did a lot of research . The Alpkit tarps stood out due to the quality but also the intelligent use of attachment points - plenty of them around the edge of the tarp , but also on the inner portion of the tarp to prevent it from sagging and collecting water , or flapping excessively in high winds . I went for the smallest model - ideal for basic use and providing shelter for one . It packs down to next to nothing - so small that