Best Motorcycle Camping Gear: What To Pack For Adventure

ByCourtney Newton Updated
This post may contain affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission when you click on or make purchases from the links at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, check out our full disclaimer here.

Looking for the best motorcycle camping gear?

I’ve always associated riding with adventure. Nothing is more freeing than heading out on the open road with a fully loaded bike.

During our eight-month-long motorcycle journey from North Dakota to Panama, we camped a lot.

We have motorcycle camped in parks in the United States, on hills and near lakes in Mexico, and on the beaches of El Salvador and Costa Rica.

Not only is it a fantastic way to save money, but we love packing up our bikes with our gear and finding the perfect spot to rest beside our motorcycles for the night.

It gives you such a sense of freedom.

However, I can’t stress the importance of being prepared enough.

After gaining tons of experience riding and having adventures around the country, as well as in Mexico and Central America, I’ve compiled a great list of riding gear for camping trips.

It makes a great motorcycle gear camping checklist to ensure you bring all the essentials you’ll need.  

Let’s dive in.

Motorcycle Camping Gear Essentials

Whether you’re planning a short weekend getaway or a week-long road trip, the best motorcycle camping gear will keep you safe and comfortable.

So you can come back from your motorcycle camping trip with amazing memories.

Here’s what you need, including our favorite recommendations.

Two motorcycle camping tents, one yellow and one grey, set up on grass in front of an open shack.

Best Motorcycle Tent: One or Two Persons

For motorcycle camping, it’s best to pick a lightweight tent.

You must pitch and pack the tent quickly since you’ll likely move daily, so avoid complicated designs.

You should also pick the right tent adapted to the weather. Features like a rainfly, mesh windows, or added insulation can make your camping trip more comfortable. 

A two-person tent can work great as a larger tent for motorcycle campers traveling solo as well.

Here are my top recommendations for the best tents for motorcycle camping:

The Alps Mountaineering Zephyr is an excellent pick for a single person.

It features durable polyester construction and lightweight aluminum poles. The total weight is just a little over 4 lbs.

At slightly over 5 lbs., the Alps Mountaineering Chaos is the best motorcycle camping tent for two people or a couple. And the perfect motorcycle tent.

Pillows

Going on a camping trip doesn’t mean you have to be uncomfortable.

I recommend investing in a quality camping pillow that promotes great sleep so you can wake up refreshed and ready to ride for the day. 

However, camping pillows can take up space in your motorcycle luggage.

So, I recommend using an inflatable product like the Peregrine Pro Stretch Pillow.

This Peregrine Pro Stretch Pillow is my top recommendation since it’s a self-inflatable pillow in two sizes.

You are sure to have a good night’s sleep.

Sleeping Bags: Light and Cold Weather

A comfortable sleeping bag is a key item when putting together camping gear. The best way to pick a comfortable sleeping bag is to check the temperature rating.

3-season sleeping bags have temperature ratings that typically range from 20°F to 32°F.

A good sleeping bag for warmer weather is 32°F + and a sleeping bag for cold weather conditions ranges from 20°F and below.

This sleeping bag from Alps Mountaineering is a great option for cold weather.

While this sleeping bag from World Famous is my top pick for warm nights.

Comfortable Sleeping Pad or Mat

Did you know motorcycle riders are more likely to experience back pain and other musculoskeletal problems?

Inflatable sleeping pads are a godsend for moto camping.

Adding a comfortable air sleeping pad or air mattress to your camping gear alleviates these potential problems.

And it doesn’t have to weigh you down.

An inflatable pad like the Peregrine Aerie sleeping pad is ideal for saving space when packing for your motorcycle camping trip.

It packs down into a stuff sack sized only 11″ by 4″ and weighs just 1lb.

Before choosing a sleeping pad, ensure it will fit in your tent.

It could be one of the largest items on your motorcycle camping gear checklist.

So, it’s best to invest in a comfortable sleeping pad like this one that packs down to a compact size.

It is absolutely worth it to prevent back pain, especially after a long day of riding.

And a good inflatable sleeping pad can fold down to take up very little room.

Cooking Gear Essentials: From Cup to Cutlery

This Jetboil Stash Cooking System is one of the best motorcycle camping gear for longer trips.

It’s at the top of my motorcycle camping gear list with its durable titanium burner and sturdy pot.

After cooking, you can store everything inside the pot to save space. Most importantly, this cooking system is safe and cooks food fast.

You’ll need some matches to ignite it, and I recommend bringing these waterproof matches.

When it comes to eating utensils, any set designed for camping will do. I like this set from Ecovessel because it comes with a pouch and a small brush to clean the utensils.

Packing cooking equipment doesn’t have to be complicated if you invest in a few good-quality items.

Folding Chair Luxury

Sitting by the campfire in a camping chair can make for some great memories you will treasure forever.

However, a folding chair isn’t a necessity since it takes up room in your pack.

That being said, if you have the room for it, having a camp chair is such a good idea. Especially if you are going to be relaxing in a camping area without a picnic table.

The best camping chair I have found is this YETI Trailhead Camp Chair.

This camping chair is a small luxury, but I appreciate sitting in a comfortable chair to eat my meals at camp.

It only measures 11x43x9” once you fold it, and you can easily attach it to the side of your backpack. 

If you don’t have enough room to pack a chair, you might want to consider this foldable stool as an alternative.

Two motorcycles parked near palm trees in the sand outside of a yellow tent set up in a beach camping spot.
Motorcycle camp set up near the beach during our long-distance ride to El Salvador. ☀️🏍️

Extra Gear for Long-Distance Trips

Our biggest long-distance motorcycle trip lasted a total of eight months.

While you may not plan a trip that long, a motorcycle camping adventure lasting a week or more can be the trip of a lifetime.

When planning long-distance road trips, I like to bring some additional gear. Especially when we wild camp during our motorcycle adventures.

Here are a few of the items we usually bring:

Neck Gaiters: Bula and Change of Clothing

In my experience, it’s best to dress in layers when planning a motorcycle trip.

Layers can trap air and help keep you warm more effectively than wearing a single item of clothing.

Plus, layers mean you can easily remove some clothes if you get too hot.

A neck gaiter like this tech neck warmer from Alpinestars is a must-have item.

I also recommend packing long-sleeved shirts, comfortable tights, and a thermal vest.

If you expect warm weather, prioritize lightweight and breathable fabrics that protect UV. This quick-dry shirt is one the best things to wear for motorcycle camping.

Emergency Foil Blanket

I recommend investing in an emergency bivvy if you ever get stranded somewhere. This bivvy from AMK SOL retains your body heat throughout the night.

Be sure to store this emergency foil blanket separately from your motorcycle camping gear.

If you lose your backpack, you can still access your emergency foil blanket to stay warm.

Flashlights

From setting up sleeping pads in the dark to performing an emergency roadside repair at dusk, flashlights are a must-have item on your motorcycle camping gear checklist.

My favorite flashlight is this Streamlight ProTax HLX Flashlight.

It’s incredibly bright with 1,000 lumens and works with different battery types. It also has different strobe modes to signal your travel companions or send messages in Morse code.

This rechargeable flashlight from Stockton is a good backup in case you run out of batteries.

And I also recommend this flashlight from Axia that you can mount on your bike.  

Protective Rain Gear

This Alpinestars Hurricane Rain Suit has turned out to be a great investment. I wear it to protect myself from precipitation and ride in muddy environments.

You don’t need to add a full rain suit to your motorcycle camping gear list. A simple rain jacket can be sufficient to keep you dry. 

Paracord, Hatchet, Firestarter

Camping life often means having to improvise with what you have, but it doesn’t hurt to prepare yourself for different scenarios you might encounter.

There are three key items I think are essential:

  • A sturdy paracord is a must-have item. You can use it to tie items together, build a basic snare trap to catch your dinner or hang your food supply in a tree to keep bears away.

  • I also recommend bringing a hatchet. I use this small Gerber Bushcraft Hatchet. It’s a convenient way to cut small branches for your campfires.

  • A firestarter kit like these pull-start firestarters will also come in handy. I recommend having multiple options for starting fires, including a waterproof lighter, some waterproof matches, and these firestarter kits.
Motorcycle camping in a salt shed in Utah after we had to take cover from a rain storm 🌧️🏍️

Personal Hygiene

Make your camping trip more comfortable by packing a few personal hygiene items.

Everyone has different needs and preferences when it comes to hygiene and self-care, but there are a few key items I recommend to everyone:

  • A few packs of flushable wet wipes from a brand like Nice ‘N Clean will help you stay clean if you don’t have access to a shower.

  • This solar portable shower is a game-changer. It takes very little space in my pack, and it allows everyone in our group to take a quick daily shower.

  • Sunscreen is non-negotiable if you’re going to live outdoors. Sun Bum is one of my favorite brands.

  • Don’t forget to bring bug spray. Insects will often investigate your campsite due to the light and food smells. I use this bug repellent from Sawyer because you spray your clothes and camping gear with it.

  • I usually purchase toilet paper from local stores along the way, but I also carry these compressed toilet wipes in an emergency.

Drinking Water

Staying hydrated is important. After we set up camp, we usually look for the nearest store and do a quick supply run.

We bring back enough bottled water for at least a few days. I also like having my YETI water bottle that I usually refill in rest stop restrooms.

I always bring some water purification tablets in case of emergency and a pack of personal water filters.

A woman drinking from a blue camp cup sitting on a rock outside of a yellow motorcycle camping tent.

Food: Shop Local and Often

Food requires careful planning. Especially since I have to eat gluten-free.

I like bringing a mix of freeze-dried meals, canned goods, and non-perishable items, so we always have a few options at the campsite.

We also pack plenty of snacks to maintain our riding energy, such as trail mix, beef jerky, and energy chews.

However, we also visit local stores to stock up on fresh produce, meat, and other food items as needed. 

Saddle Bags and Extra Storage Solutions

These Burly Voyager Saddlebags are great for long-distance adventures. I like the quick-release mechanism and the stylish design.

Plus, there is plenty of room to store all my essential items.

If you want saddlebags with even more room, these 40L saddlebags from Givi are an excellent alternative. The capacity is enough to fit a tent and the rest of your camping gear.

I also ride with this 22L backpack from Kriega to store my clothes and my sleeping bag. 

Other Accessories

When picking additional accessories, I recommend considering the weight and space they will take.

Investing in quality products you can rely on in a pinch is also best.

Here are a few of the miscellaneous accessories I usually bring on motorcycle camping trips:

  • A power bank to keep everyone’s phone charged.

A yellow motorcycle parked next to a grey tent and motorcycle camping gear beside a grey picnic table.

Choosing The Best Motorcycle Camping Gear

You know that picking quality gear is important. You want your tent, sleeping bag, and other items to keep you dry and safe.

I also recommend investing in quality survival and first-aid items for safety reasons.

When planning a motorcycle camping trip, you’ll also want to invest in durable saddlebags to protect your gear and pack reliable repair kits for small mechanical issues you might encounter with your bike.

Know Where You’re Going

Make changes to your motorcycle camping gear checklist based on your destination.

Do some research to find out what kind of weather you can expect, and pack additional survival items if you plan on camping in the wilderness instead of stopping at campgrounds.

If possible, reach out to riders and campers familiar with the area.

Ask them which items they usually bring and which pieces of equipment they wish they had brought with them.

And always remember to exercise motorcycle roadway safety. 

FAQ

Read on to learn more about preparing for your camping trip.

How do you carry camping gear on a motorcycle?

In my experience, the best option is to attach a pair of saddlebags to the back of your bike. I also ride with a slim backpack with a few essentials in it.

What do you need for moto camping?

You should, at the very least bring a sleeping bag and some food. I highly recommend a tent, but a simple survival shelter will work if you don’t mind roughing it.

How do you pack a tent on a motorcycle?

Choose a small tent that you can fold and store into a compact carrying bag. My tent usually takes up half a saddlebag, which leaves plenty of room for other items.

How do you carry water on a motorcycle camping?

I keep a personal water bottle in my backpack at all times. We usually stop at nearby convenience stores to buy enough bottled water to last a few days and have some water purification products with us in an emergency.

A view of a mans feet in a blue hammock and another man setting up a hammock between trees beside a red motorcycle.

Final Thoughts and Top 5 Checklist

Choosing the best motorcycle camping gear will ensure a fun experience on the road without any bad surprises. 

The right gear can make all the difference in the great outdoors after a long day of riding and motorcycle adventures.

If I had to list my top five motorcycle camping items, I would pick my riding backpack from Kriega, my two-person tent, this warm sleeping bag, this convenient cooking system, and this first-aid kit.

Happy travels, my friends. ✌️

And keep the rubber side down. 🏍️💨