How to Choose the Best Tent for Motorcycle Camping

If you’re looking for the best tent for motorcycle camping, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll discuss what to consider when making your purchase. And offer some tips on how to choose the best option for your needs.

When it comes to motorcycle camping, having the best tent for the job is essential. Not all tents are created equal, and there are a few factors you’ll want to consider before making your purchase.

The size and weight of the tent are important considerations. You’ll want something that’s easy to transport and won’t take up too much space on your bike.

Weather protection is also key – make sure the tent you choose can withstand wind and rain. Ventilation and airflow are important factors when camping in hot weather. So look for a model with plenty of mesh panels or vents.

Ease of set-up is another consideration. You don’t want to spend hours setting up your tent only to have it blow away in the wind later that night!

The price point is also something to think about, as not everyone has unlimited funds available for camping gear.

Extras like storage pockets, built-in groundsheets, and storm flaps can be important features. Depending on what kind of camper you are.

So before making your final decision, we will go over all of the important factors to consider when choosing the best tent for motorcycle camping.

What to Consider When Choosing a Tent For Motorcycle Camping

When you’re planning a motorcycle camping trip, one of the first things you need to do is choose the right tent.

With so many different types and styles of tents on the market, it can be tricky to know where to start.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing your motorcycle tent:

• The first thing to consider when choosing your moto tent is sleeping capacity. How many people will be sleeping in the tent?

If you’re planning on spending time alone or with just one other person, you can get away with a smaller, two-person tent.

I recommend grabbing yourself a two-person tent even if you are solo motorcycle traveling and camping. It allows a little more room for you to store all of your gear with no worries. Plus, it is much more comfortable.

For solo or couple motorcycle campers, I recommend:

The ALPS Mountaineering Helix 2 Person Tent

It is lightweight (great for packing on a motorcycle), has a vestibule for gear storage, and is quick and easy to set up. You want to keep your tent lightweight so that the extra weight doesn’t affect your speed and fuel capacity. We pack very light while riding 125cc motorcycles long distances for motorcycle camping so that we can keep up our speed.

The mesh walls make for fantastic ventilation as well.

But if you’re bringing along friends or family, you’ll need a larger tent that can accommodate everyone comfortably. 

A fantastic quality tent that I recommend for a larger group of people or family is:

The Mountainsmith Cottonwood Tent

This tent has enough room for 6 people, is free-standing, and includes a vestibule. That way you can store all of your smelly motorcycle gear outside the zipped tent when you want to relax.

• Another thing to keep in mind is seasonality.

Are you planning on using your tent year-round or just during certain times of the year?

Three-season tents are versatile and can be used in spring, summer, and fall. If you plan on spending time in colder weather or at higher elevations, you might want a four-season tent that can withstand more extreme conditions.  

• Weight and packability are also important factors to consider when choosing a tent for motorcycle camping. Since you’ll be carrying your tent on your motorcycle, you’ll want to make sure it’s not too heavy or bulky.

Look for a compact tent that packs down small so it won’t take up too much space on your bike. 

• Finally, don’t forget to factor in your budget when choosing a tent for motorcycle camping.

There are plenty of great options available at different price points, so decide how much you’re willing to spend before beginning your search. 

These are just a few things to keep in mind when choosing a tent for motorcycle camping. Sleeping capacity, seasonality, weight/packability, and budget are all important factors that will help you narrow down your options and find the perfect tent for your next trip.

Size and Weight of the Tent

If you’re looking for the best tent for motorcycle camping, you’ll want to consider the size and weight of the tent.

A heavier tent will be more difficult to set up and take down. But it will also be more resistant to wind and rain.

A larger tent will provide more room for you and your gear. But it will also be more difficult to transport.

Ultimately, the best tent for motorcycle camping is the one that best meets YOUR needs. If you plan on spending a lot of time on the road, a lighter tent may be best. Thi is so that you can easily move it from campsite to campsite.

If you’re expecting inclement weather, a heavier tent will provide more protection. And if space is at a premium, a smaller tent will do the trick. No matter what your needs are, there’s a tent out there that’s perfect for you.

Weather Protection

As anyone who has ever been caught in a rainstorm knows, weather can be unpredictable and dangerous. When you’re out on the open road, it’s important to have a good plan for weather protection.

When you bring along the right tent while motorcycle camping, you can weather any storm. Not only will you stay dry, but you’ll also be protected from the wind and the cold.

And if you’ve ever been caught in a downpour while riding your motorcycle, you know how important that can be. But what makes the best tent for motorcycle camping?

First and foremost, it needs to be waterproof. That means no leaks, no matter how hard the rain is coming down.

It also needs to be made from breathable fabric so that condensation doesn’t build up inside.

And finally, it should be easy to set up and take down, so you can get on with your adventure as quickly as possible.

Ventilation and Airflow

Good ventilation and airflow are important when choosing the best tent for motorcycle camping.

You want to be able to open the door or windows to let in the fresh air, but you also need to be able to control the amount of airflow.

When you’re packing for a motorcycle camping trip, one of the most important things to consider is how you’ll keep your belongings ventilated and dry.

After all, wet gear is heavy gear, and no one wants to lug around a soggy sleeping bag. The best way to ensure good ventilation is to choose a tent with plenty of mesh panels.

You may also want to consider investing in a tent fan or two to help circulate the air on hot days. Taking care of ventilation will help you to stay comfortable on even the longest camping trips.

Some tents have mesh panels that allow you to adjust the amount of airflow. While others have vents that can be opened or closed. If you’re camping in an area with high winds, you’ll want to make sure that your tent is well-ventilated so that it doesn’t get blown away.

Camping on the beach in El Salvador was made much easier by having the right tent for the environment we were in. We had enough mesh panels for ventilation. And we were so comfortable sleeping on the sandy beach, listening to the ocean.

All our gear was easily stored in the vestibule while sleeping. And in the early morning, we zipped it all into the tent and ran off to go jump in the ocean for a morning swim!

Consider the Climate when Choosing Your Motorcycle Camping Tent

You should also think ahead about the climate you will be camping in when choosing a tent. If you’re planning on camping in a hot climate, you’ll want a tent with good ventilation so that you don’t get too sweaty.

When we rode our motorcycles down Baja California, Mexico, and made it to Playa El Coyote, it was so hot. Even after the sunset, it felt like my skin was melting off.

Our tent was too stuffy and lacked the ventilation and airflow I craved. So at the time, it just made more sense to sleep out on the sand.

This was perhaps one of the worst ideas I have had during my long-distance motorcycle travels, (and that is saying something). My ass, back, arms, and every inch of exposed skin was eaten alive by sandflies overnight.

Trust me. Get yourself a good-quality tent with some airflow.

👉 THIS TENT has great ventilation and airflow with all mesh walls. While still protecting you from bad weather by attaching the weather fly over the top.

On the other hand, if you’re camping in a cold climate, you’ll want a tent that’s well-insulated so that you don’t freeze at night.

No matter what climate you’re camping in, however, ventilation and airflow are important factors to consider when choosing the best tent for motorcycle camping.

Ease of set-up

There’s nothing like the feeling of finally arriving at your campsite after a long day on the road, and being able to just flop down in your tent and relax.

One of the best parts about motorcycle camping is that it gives you the freedom to go where you want when you want. But one of the worst parts about motorcycle camping can be setting up your tent.

If you’ve ever been stuck in the rain trying to put up a tent that just won’t cooperate, you know what we’re talking about.

When it comes to finding an easy-to-set-up tent, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind:

• First, look for a tent with color-coded poles. This will make it much easier to identify which pole goes where, and it will also help you set up your tent faster.

• Second, choose a tent with an easy-to-follow instruction booklet or video. These days, many companies offer helpful setup videos on their websites or YouTube channels.

• And lastly, make sure to read online reviews before you purchase a tent. Reviews from other adventurous campers like yourself can be extremely helpful in determining which tents are easy (and difficult) to set up.

Here is my recommendation for an easy-set-up motorcycle tent:

The Marmot Tungsten 2 Person Tent

This is the best motorcycle camping tent when considering ease of set-up. It comes with color-coded poles and clips that easily snap together for a very quick, simple set-up.

While I normally recommend the ALPS Mountaineering Tents for motorcycle camping, the Marmot Tungsten has a slight advantage in the quickness of the setup and ease of use.

It also comes with two spacious vestibules which do add a little to the overall weight. However, it offers tons of storage for your motorcycle gear while camping and has extra perks like inside pockets and lamp pockets.

Price Point

When it comes to choosing your motorcycle tent, price is often a deciding factor. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the most expensive option isn’t necessarily the best one.

Instead, it’s important to consider all of the features and find the one that best meets your needs.

With so many options on the market, it can be tempting to choose the cheapest option, but this could end up costing you more in the long run if the tent doesn’t hold up.

There is a wide range of tents on the market, and the price can vary significantly. So like I said, it’s most important to find a tent that fits your budget and meets your specific needs.

👉There are a few things to keep in mind when considering the price.

• First, consider the quality of the materials. Higher-quality materials will generally last longer and perform better in inclement weather.

• Second, think about the features you need. Some tents come with more bells and whistles than others, so be sure to consider what you’ll actually use.

So, take some time to do some soul-searching and make solid decisions about which features best fit your wants and needs. Then find the best option for you, even if it means spending a little extra upfront. It will be worth it in the end!

Extras That Might Be Important to You

There are a lot of different things that you might want to consider when you are looking for the best tent for motorcycle camping.

After all, you want to make sure that you have everything that you need in order to enjoy your trip. Here are a few extras that might be important to you:

• Awnings: Awnings can provide extra protection from the sun and rain. They can also be used to create privacy or storage space.
• Sleeping pads: Sleeping pads can help to insulate you from the cold ground and make sleeping more comfortable.
• Pillows: Pillows can help you get a good night’s sleep and avoid neck pain.
• Storage pockets: Storage pockets can be used to keep your belongings organized and within reach.
• Gear loops: Gear loops can be used to hang lanterns, bikes, or other gear from the inside of your tent.

By considering these extra features, you can find the best motorcycle tent that will suit your needs and make your trip more enjoyable.

Wrapping Up

Motorcycle camping is one of the MOST fun and unique ways to experience the great outdoors. When choosing the best tent for motorcycle camping, there are several factors you will want to consider.

The size and weight of the tent are important because you will be carrying it with you on your bike. Weather protection is also key – you don’t want to get caught in a storm without proper shelter.

Ventilation and airflow are important so that you don’t overheat inside the tent, and ease of set-up is crucial so that you can spend more time enjoying your trip and less time setting up camp.

The price point is another consideration, as well as extras that might be important to you, such as storage pockets or a rain fly.

We hope this article has helped provide you with some guidance when choosing the best tent for motorcycle camping. Be sure to bookmark this page to come back to as a reference when planning your next adventures!

Keep the rubber side down. ✌️