Ask any biker, and they’ll tell you, the world just looks different on a motorcycle. There’s nothing quite like the freedom of the open road. Why let the fun stop after a few hours? Riding your motorcycle cross-country for days on end may seem like a nightmare for some, but for a select few, it’s a dream come true. If you want to start doing some long-distance touring of your own, you’ll need some camping gear that’s rugged and compact. After all, it has to get the job done, and still be small enough to fit in a backpack, top case, or saddlebags. We’ve compiled a list of the best pieces of motorcycle camping gear to get you started on your next adventure. Let’s take a look.
Best Overall
Rain Fly Evolution Hammock and Waterproof Tent
Best Value
Bisgear 16 Piece Camping Cookware
Honorable Mention
Monoki First Aid Kit Survival Kit
Best Motorcycle Camping Gears Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
Rain Fly Evolution Hammock and Waterproof Tent
Check Latest Price
Best Value
Bisgear 16 Piece Camping Cookware
Check Latest Price
Best Emergency Kit
Monoki First Aid Kit Survival Kit
Check Latest Price
Premium Pick
Coleman Hooligan Backpacking Tent
Check Latest Price
Honorable Mention
Ecoopro Warm Weather Sleeping Bag
Check Latest Price
Honorable Mention
GearLight LED Tactical Flashlight
Check Latest Price
Honorable Mention
Gerber Suspension-NXT Multi-Tool with Pocket Clip
Check Latest Price
Honorable Mention
FROGG TOGGS Men's Road Toad Frogg Eyzz Reflective Waterproof Rain Jacket
Check Latest Price
Honorable Mention
Collapsible Water Filter Canteens
Check Latest Price
Honorable Mention
Orienteering Compass
Check Latest Price
Honorable Mention
REDCAMP Waterproof Camping Tarp
Check Latest Price
Best Motorcycle Camping Gears Buying Guide & FAQs
Hitting the open road on your motorcycle is a freeing and exhilarating experience. So why not extend those feelings by bringing camping gear along with you? The right set of gear means you can head out for a couple of days, several weeks, or even a few months.
This guide will help you create the perfect camping kit that includes all of the gear that you need. Camping on your motorcycle has its own unique challenges that limit the size, weight, and amount of gear you can bring. You also need gear that’s durable and made of high-quality materials.
Do You Need Motorcycle Camping Gear?
Traveling long distances on your motorcycle means you’ll need a place to stay. Having motorcycle camping gear means that you aren’t limited to where the hotels and motels are located. It also means you’ll save money on your accommodations. With your own camping gear, you don’t have to pay for a room anywhere.
Even if you aren’t planning a long road trip, sometimes things happen, and you find yourself far from home at day’s end. This can leave you scrambling to find a place to sleep for the night. If you have your camping gear, you can be prepared and sleep anywhere safe.
If you’re planning a camping trip, then you’ll want to have the right gear to ensure it’s a pleasant experience. Sure, you could sleep on the ground out in the open. However, having camping gear will be a lot more comfortable and make the entire experience more enjoyable.
- Save money while traveling.
- Be prepared for any situation.
- Be more comfortable while camping.
Different Kinds of Motorcycle Camping Gear
There are a few different types of motorcycle camping gear products that you need for a comfortable trip. Consider buying at least one item from each category. That way, you can have everything you need to stay protected, fed, and healthy. When choosing your gear, look for pieces that can perform multiple tasks and work together.
Shelter
The shelter you choose could be as simple as a blanket or sleeping bag. Or you could have an entire tent that you construct. The size of the shelter you choose will depend on how much space you have. The larger your tent, the heavier and more space it will take up when packed for your ride.
Look for sheltering materials that are weather- and water-proof. This will help keep you dry and warm. Consider creature comforts, such as insulation for camping in cold climates or breathability and ventilation for when you’re camping in warmer climates. Some gear is convertible with a liner so that you can use it in a wide range of seasons and climates.
Cooking
Food preparation gear will help you eat better while you’re camping in more remote locations. The most basic of cooking utensils will be a can opener and a spoon. Take your cooking up a notch with a small portable stove. This will let you prepare hot food. Complete your gear with a cooking set. These kits typically have everything compactly packed into a single unit. They’ll include pots, pans, and cooking utensils.
Don’t forget to add eating utensils to your list. There are kits that come with a single place setting of a plate, bowl, and silverware. This will make it easier to eat the food you prepare.
First Aid
For your own safety, you need to hope for the best and prepare for the worst. A first aid kit can save your life when you’re out camping in remote locations. Look for a survival kit that you can pack onto your adventure bike. These kits will have the tools you need to provide emergency medical triage treatment.
If you aren’t going out into the wilderness, you still need a basic first aid kit. This kit will save the day when you get an itchy bug bite or need a Band-Aid. Pay attention to the expiration date on the kit so that you buy one that will last a while.
Features to Look for in Motorcycle Camping Gear
While different types of camping gear each have their unique features you should consider, there are some qualities they all should share. Your motorcycle camping gear should be lightweight, small in size, and efficient in its function. This will ensure you have an easier time packing, riding, and using your camping gear.
Weight
Motorcycles are designed to carry a certain amount of weight. The majority of this weight is taken up by you and the gear you’re wearing. The remaining weight allowance is for your camping gear. If you overload your motorcycle, you risk your tires getting blown out or your bike getting thrown off balance. Excess weight will also cause your fuel economy and performance to decrease.
Look for gear that’s made of innovative and lightweight materials. Nylon and polyester materials are a smart choice for your shelter, while aluminum can work well for your cooking gear. This will help to keep the weight down. It’ll also make it easier to pack your bike and balance the gear’s weight.
Size
You need to be able to pack everything onto two wheels. Depending on the type of bike you ride, your available storage space could be quite limited. Because of this, space is a premium, and you need to choose camping gear that will take up the least amount of it.
The smaller your gear packs away, the more you can carry. Look for gear that can compress or pack away into a small size and then expand to a usable size when you need it. Gear that comes with a storage bag is smart because the bag gives you a set size that the gear will always pack down to.
Function
The gear you buy needs to perform as expected every time you use it. Look for gear that has positive ratings and is made by a brand with a history of quality products and reliable performance.
For greater functionality, look for gear that can perform more than one function. For example, consider a tent that could be a tent or a hammock, or a cooking set that comes with everything from the pot to the utensils to the eating tools.
It can be smart to look for gear that has simplistic functions. The more components and the more complicated a piece of gear is, the more chance there is for something to malfunction and break.
Best Motorcycle Camping Gear FAQs
You know you need camping gear, and you know there are different types, but this is only the beginning. You need to know how to choose the right gear for your needs and how to pack it onto your bike. There’s also the question of what gear you actually need and what you can leave at home.
Q. How do I choose the best motorcycle camping gear?
A: Consider the type of camping you want to do and the type of bike you ride. Look for gear that will work with these two things.
Q. How do I pack motorcycle camping gear?
A: Follow your owner’s manual guide to pack your gear on your bike in a safe manner that won’t negatively interfere with your bike’s performance.
Q. Should I get motorcycle camping gear?
A: You only need to buy motorcycle camping gear if you plan to go camping while riding.
Our Top Pick
Our top pick for motorcycle camping gear is the Rain Fly Evolution Hammock and Waterproof Tent. You can use the tarp as a hammock cover or as a tent. The kit packs away into a compact carrying case and comes with several tools and accessories to give you more versatility of use.
Final Thoughts
A must-have piece of equipment is the Rain Fly Evolution Hammock and Waterproof Tent for its multi-functions and small size. For a more affordable piece of equipment, you can’t go wrong with the Bisgear 16 Piece Camping Cookware for its extensive set of tools.