Are you ready to hit the road and go on an epic adventure with your motorcycle? If you want to go to parts unknown, you’ll need some extra gear. Getting out on the road less-traveled means you’ll also need some camping gear.
You’ll need to get creative in what you choose to bring and how you pack. There’s limited space on your bike, and you don’t want to waste it with the wrong items. This guide will help you buy the best motorcycle camping gear for your next epic adventure.
The Best Motorcycle Camping Gear
This Harley-Davidson branded motorcycle camping tent has enough space for three people to comfortably sleep inside. You could also use it by yourself and bring your gear in with you. It has a shock cord and fiberglass frame top to make setup and take-down easy, with the task accomplished in a few minutes.
The tent is perfect for motorcycle campers because it’s lightweight and folds up into a compact storage bag. The shock cord system is easy to figure out and makes using the tent simple.
- Space for up to three people
- Aluminum tent stakes
- Included carrying duffle bag
- Shock cord fiberglass frame
- Dimensions: 24 inches long and 7 inches wide
- Brand Harley-Davidson
- Model HDL-10011A
- Weight 3 pounds
Lightweight
Compact storage
Easy to set up and take down
Not rainproof or weatherproof
Can feel tight with three people in it
Pay a premium for branding
This sleeping bag is perfect for bringing with you on your motorcycle because it’s lightweight, packs away into a small space, and is comfy to sleep in. It’s designed for warm weather camping. The sleeping bag measures 83 inches long by 30 inches wide.
You can roll up this sleeping bag and pack it away with the compression straps. It will take up minimal space on your back. When in use, you’ll notice that it keeps you comfortable in warmer temperatures.
- Dimensions: 83 inches long and 30 inches wide
- Outer nylon and inner polyester
- Waterproof and weatherproof
- Keeps warm temperatures from 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit
- Brand ECOOPRO
- Model SW-SLB-01BB
- Weight 1.6 pounds
Compresses down for compact packing
Lightweight
Keeps moisture out
The material can tear easily
Insulation can bunch up
Won’t keep you warm in colder temps
Compression straps can come loose
This touring trunk will securely strap onto the back of your bike and hold your belongings. This secure bag features high-quality construction and is made of UltraMax fabric. It has a rigid design to the construction. The material is waterproof and comes with a rain cover.
This bag is quite large and can fit two full-face helmets in it before you expand it. Once you pack your bag, you can lock the main compartment to secure your belongings.
- UltraMax fabric
- Reflective piping
- Rigid construction
- Three carry handles
- Includes waterproof rain cover
- Brand Nelson Rigg
- Model NR-300
- Weight 6 pounds
Large enough to hold two full-face helmets
Can lock the main compartment zipper
High-quality construction
Waterproof cover tends to fail and need replacing
May not be compatible with your bike
Somes bikes cause the bottom of the bag to get soaked
This solar charger will keep all of your electronics running no matter where you ride. It can support charging both 5V and 12V outputs. Two devices can charge simultaneously.
It has a high-capacity battery, which enables it to charge efficiently. This lets you use it all day without problems. Charging multiple devices at once eliminates you from having to choose what will get charged.
- 5V and 12V DC output
- Charge two devices simultaneously
- High-capacity battery
- Two A5 watt solar panels
- Brand Powertraveller
- Model PTLEXT001
- Weight 1.32 pounds
Fast charging capabilities
High-capacity battery for all-day use
Charge multiple devices at once
Several small parts and wires to keep track of
Strong sunlight needed for effective operation
Not as effective as a wall socket
This camping cookware set is perfect for your motorcycle camping trip because it’s compact, ultralight, and versatile. It comes with 12 different pieces, including a scrub pad, pivot spoon, pivot tongs, pivot spatula, soap bottle, oil bottle, cutting board, salt and pepper shakers, compact scraper, dry towel, and tote to keep everything organized. Each piece is made of plastic and comes with a carrying case.
The utensils are durable and can be used while cooking over a campfire or camping stove. This makes your camping experience a bit more enjoyable with freshly cooked food. When finished, they clean up easily and pack away into a compact case.
- Includes 12 pieces
- Comes with a carrying bag
- Made of plastic
- Brand GSI Outdoors
- Model 90102
- Weight 10.4 ounces
Durable plastic that won’t melt
Comes with everything you need
Lightweight
Zipper can get stuck on the case
Cutting board is very small
Utensils aren’t comfortable to use
This sleeping pad will cushion you as you sleep in your sleeping bag. It’s 3-inch depth is enough to provide you with much-needed support. It measures 20 x 72 x 1.5 inches. The outer layer is a polyester ripstop fabric for durability. Inside, there is a jet stream foam layer.
You’ll get a repair kit with your sleeping pad. This will extend the life of your sleeping pad should it develop a leak. It also comes with a compression strap for compact storage when not in use.
- Dimensions: 20 inches x 72 inches x 1.5 inches
- Packed dimensions: 4.5 inches x 21 inches
- Polyester ripstop fabric
- Jet stream foam inner
- Brand ALPS Mountaineering
- Model 7151012
- Weight 2.6 pounds
Repair kit included
Compression strap included
Comes in five lengths for a custom fit
Air valve can begin to leak
Inner bladder can separate from the outer wall
Feels too thin when laying on it
If you plan to ride your bike in the city where there are hotel options, then you don’t need camping gear. If you plan to ride in more rural areas or off-road, then you need camping gear. Sleeping out in the elements is uncomfortable and can be unsafe. Camping gear protects you from the elements, animals, and other people.
You can use the minimal equipment of a tent and sleeping bag, or you could bring small creature comforts with you. A sleeping pad will cushion you from the hard ground. A cooking kit will let you make fresh, hot meals right at your campsite.
The Advantages of Owning a Motorcycle Camping Gear
With camping gear packed on your bike, you are no longer limited on where you can travel or how long you can ride. Feel free to ride for hours out into the most rural parts of the world. When you get tired, you simply pull over and set up camp.
Camping is a more affordable way to travel even when you want to stay more local. You can find cheap camping spots at all of the biggest motorcycle rally destinations. This will let you save your budget for other things.
- Protection from the weather
- A good night’s sleep
- Travel further and more remote
Popular Types of Motorcycle Camping Gear
The different types of camping gear that you can buy center around the equipment that is available. This includes a sleeping bag, tents, sleeping pads, cooking utensils, portable lights, and much more. What they all have in common is that they are lightweight and can be packed away for compact storage on your bike.
- Tent
You can purchase a backpacking tent that is large enough to accommodate between one and five people. Think about how much space you want inside of your tent. A single-person tent will be just big enough for you to lay down and sleep in. A two-person tent is big enough for you and all of your gear or another person to fit inside.
Some tents have special features that make them better for use in wind and rain. Consider the climate where you plan to use your tent. Look for other features like window guards or interior pockets to hold your smaller items.
- Sleeping Bag
Sleeping bags are rated by their ability to keep you warm in different climates. You need to look for one that’s rated for the temperatures that you expect to experience while camping. For the best colder weather sleeping bags, look for ones that are body-shaped and have a hood.
Pay attention to the filler used to insulate the sleeping bag. Down is the lightest and the most effective at keeping you warm. Synthetic fillers are quick-drying. Look at how small the sleeping bag will compress down to. You want to make sure it’s compact enough to fit comfortably on your bike.
- Solar Charger
When you’re out on the open road, there aren’t a lot of electrical outlets available for charging your devices. A solar charger is a perfect solution. This lets you keep your phone, GPS, and camera running. You should also look at the durability of the charger. The solar screen can be delicate, but life on the road on your motorcycle is rough and tumble.
You want to make sure that the charger you choose has the right power output for your devices. You can risk damaging them if it isn’t compatible. Higher-quality chargers will have multiple outputs so that they’re compatible with several different types of devices.
The Most Important Features of Motorcycle Camping Gear
Choosing your camping gear to bring with you on the motorcycle is different than choosing the gear you’ll bring on a family weekend camping trip. You need to choose gear that is durable, effective, lightweight, and compact. This will enable you to load everything on your bike while still being able to safely ride it.
- Lightweight
Look for gear that’s lightweight. You want to add as little excess weight as possible to your bike. The more weight you have on your bike, the harder the motor works to move it all, and the worse your fuel efficiency gets. That extra weight will also change the weight distribution of your bike and make it harder to maneuver.
Materials like metal and canvas weigh more than materials like nylon, polyester, polymers, and plastics. Try to avoid buying unnecessary gear that while you’d like to have it, you don’t necessarily need it. Stick to the essentials to keep you warm, dry, and out of the elements.
- Compact Storage
You need to choose gear that will pack down into a compact space. That way, it takes up as little room as possible on your bike. You should be able to fit all of your gear inside panniers and a top luggage bag. Any more than this, and you’ll struggle to keep your bike balanced.
Your sleeping bag should compress down and roll up. Your tent should also break down and fold up into a small bag. A sleeping pad should flatten and roll up.
Small items should fit into your bags. This includes your cooking kit, solar kit, personal hygiene products, and clothes.
- Durable
You ride a motorcycle, so you’re already familiar with the harsh conditions that you experience while riding. Your camping gear needs to be durable enough to withstand sun, wind, rain, and road grit. Durable stitching and fabrics mean you can rinse your gear off, let it dry, pack it up, and be off and rolling again.
Look for things like ripstop or ballistic nylon. This fabric is used in the military and is highly durable. Double-row stitching provides strength to the seams. UV coatings protect from the sun’s damaging rays. Waterproof coatings can prevent your gear from becoming soaked through, which can encourage rotting.
Tips for Buying and Using Motorcycle Camping Gear
When buying motorcycle camping gear, it’s best to start by talking to those who’ve gone camping on a bike. They can help you decide what’s necessary and what’s frivolous. They can also give you input on their experiences with particular brands and equipment.
It’s smart to give your gear a test run before you commit to going on a trip with it. This will help you find any defects before you’re out on the road. This will make any necessary replacement much easier.
Inspect the connections and seams of your equipment. This is where equipment is most likely to fail. Anything that looks loose or weak is a sign that you shouldn’t buy or use that gear.
- Buy gear for the climate you’ll be camping in.
- Look for versatile equipment that can serve multiple purposes.
- Buy well-made, high-quality gear that will last through multiple trips.
Best Motorcycle Camping Gear FAQ:
While it’s important to buy the right gear, you need to take this one step further. Asking a few more questions will ensure that you pack your gear in a safe manner. Knowing how to pack your gear can mean the difference between being able to bring it all and it not fitting. It can also make your ride a comfortable one.
Q: How do I pack my camping gear on my motorcycle?
A: You want everything to be balanced left to right and front to back so that the weight doesn’t throw you off balance in the turns.
Q: Why does the weight of my gear matter?
A: Heavy gear will add to the overall weight of your motorcycle. It can make it hard to handle and reduce your fuel efficiency.
Q: Can I buy camping gear not specifically meant for motorcycles?
A: Yes, you can. Backpacking camping gear will work great. This gear is designed to be carried, so it’s lightweight, durable, and perfect for this purpose.
Our Top Pick
Our top pick for motorcycle camping gear is the Harley Davidson Bar & Shield Road Ready Tent with Fiberglass Frame. This tent is ideal for carrying with you on your motorcycle and has plenty of room once it’s set up. The cord and fiberglass system is easy to use, so you won’t have to spend a ton of time struggling with the setup and takedown.
