When you’re out on a Motorcycle Camping trip, the sound of raindrops hitting your Tent can either add to the thrill of the exterior or disrupt the serenity of the night. As a pro rider, being aware of your gear is part of the experience, and choosing the right crucial device is key. A reliable, lightweight, and compact shelter ensures comfort in unpredictable weather. I remember reading a blog publication about the most tremendous options available, which helped me in deciding what worked best for portability, durability, and the ease of setup. After all, a bit of luxury goes a long way, whether you’re on an RTW adventure or camping on the magnificent grounds of Ragley Hall Estate during the ABR Festival 2024.
Many bikers at some point in their life will strap a tent to their bike and set out, even if hotels seem more appealing after a long day in the saddle. But take my trust—spending a night under canvas with enough space for your needs is worth it. In a group test, I found a small, ideal option for travelling solo, as well as spacious shelters for those riding two-up with plenty of gear. Some models even allow you to park your bike inside! This article, originally published in Adventure Bike Rider Issue 75, provided instant access to every single gear test, review, UK route, and travel feature through a Digital Library membership. If you’re looking to save money while enjoying thousands of hours of entertainment, knowledge, and inspiration, consider getting one. A home away from home that can be carried on your touring journey makes all the difference in a self-sufficient trip. There’s nothing better than resting your weary head after rustling up an evening meal under a starry sky—if you’re lucky!
When you’re heading out on a motorcycle camping trip, selecting the right motorcycle camping tent is essential. The tent needs to be compact and lightweight, making sure it fits easily on your bike without disrupting its balance or handling. A tent that’s designed with this purpose in mind will pack down to a size that leaves just enough room for your essentials like sleeping bags, clothing, and even some technology. Don’t forget, you might also need to store cooking gear in your pack. It’s important that the tent not only takes up minimal space but also offers comfort and protection throughout your adventure. So, keep these factors in mind when picking the best tent that will suit both your ride and your camping needs.
Compactness and Weight
When selecting a motorcycle camping tent, it’s crucial to prioritize both size and weight to ensure an easy and efficient ride. Below are key points to consider:
- Lightweight gear is essential to avoid adding unnecessary weight to your bike.
- The tent should be compact enough to fit easily on the bike without affecting its balance or handling.
- A tent designed for this specific purpose should pack down into a small size.
- The small packed size will leave room for other essentials like sleeping bags, clothing, and possibly technology.
- Don’t forget to consider cooking essentials that will also need to be packed.
Ease of Setup
When it comes to setting up your motorcycle camping tent, speed and ease are key. Here are some points to keep in mind for a quick setup:
- A well-designed motorcycle tent is built to be intuitive and easy to pitch.
- You should be able to set up your tent quickly and easily, even in low light or bad weather.
- After a long day of riding, you don’t want to waste time—setting up camp should be as simple as possible.
- Having a tent that is easy to pitch is important for a hassle-free experience, letting you focus more on relaxation.
Weather Protection
When camping in unpredictable weather, it’s essential to have the right protection. Consider these key factors for weather protection with your motorcycle camping tent:
- Murphy’s Law can bring unexpected wet weather, even in summer, so be prepared for anything.
- You have the option to take a rain check or soldier on, relying on your waterproof riding gear.
- Always pitch a high-quality tent that will give you the best protection from the elements.
- A solid tent will also allow your gear to dry out after being exposed to rain, keeping everything safe and dry.
Durability and Stability
When camping in tough environments, your tent’s durability and stability are key to a safe and comfortable experience. Here are some important factors to consider:
- Pitching your tent in rugged terrain like rocky hillsides or damp forests requires extra stability.
- A durable and stable tent is designed to withstand the challenges posed by rough terrain and unfriendly elements.
- Ensure your tent is made of strong materials and sturdy poles, as these features are vital for lasting through difficult conditions.
Space for Gear
On a motorcycle camping tour, you’ll be packing more gear than you typically would, making it essential that your tent offers enough space for everything. This includes keeping your clothes, technology, and other items organised and dry. It’s crucial to have a tent that provides adequate space not just for you, but also for all the gear that needs protection from the elements. A bigger tent can give you ample room, but it also adds weight and takes up more space on your bike when packed, which is the trade-off you’ll have to consider.
Thanks to modern tent technology, material and design advances have made it possible to have a tent that is both spacious and easy to pack. These tents fold up smaller and lighter than older models, while still offering enough space to keep your kit and sleeping bag safe from rain and providing a space to dry your gear after a long, wet ride. With a variety of different types of tents available, there’s a perfect match for your requirements, ensuring both comfort and practicality on the road.
Some Best Motorcycle Camping Tent
1. Alps Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent
The Alps Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent is a regarded preference amongst solo campers. It is likewise terrific for motorcycle adventurers. It is lightweight, smooth setup, and sturdiness, this tent offers several functions. That caters to the needs of those searching out a reliable and cushy shelter on the cross.
Key Features
- Portability. Weighing 4 pounds, this tent is light enough for long rides without a significant weight.
- Ease of Setup. The free-standing design and pole clips that fast snap over the poles make setup a breeze.
- Durability: The tent features a 75D 185T polyester fly that resists UV damage and stays taut.
- Comfort. It has ample headroom and a vestibule for gear storage. Offers comfort without compromising on space.
Best For. Solo motorcycle campers who value a quick setup and a balance between weight and durability.
Pros:
- Lightweight and Compact: Easy to carry and pack, ideal for motorcycle camping.
- Quick Setup: Freestanding design with pole clips makes setup fast and hassle-free.
- Durable: High-quality materials and factory-sealed seams ensure long-lasting performance.
- Comfortable: Adequate headroom and a spacious vestibule enhance comfort.
- Well-ventilated: Large mesh panels provide excellent airflow, reducing condensation.
Cons:
- Limited Space. As a 1-person tent, space is limited, which might not be suitable for campers who prefer more room.
- Single Vestibule. 1 vestibule means less gear storage compared to some other tents with 2 vestibules.
2. MSR Hubba NX Lightweight Backpacking Tent
It is an excellent option for anyone looking for a concord among lightweight layout and durability. It has spacious comfort and sturdy sturdiness. This tent is a fave among motorbike campers and backpackers alike.
Key Features
- Portability: At around 3.5 pounds, it’s light for a 2-person tent.
- Ease of Setup. The unified hub-and-pole system with color-coded clips ensures a hassle-free setup.
- Durability. The Xtreme waterproof coating lasts up to 3 times longer than standard coatings.
- Comfort. Spacious for 2 people, with 2 large side-entry vestibules for gear storage and easy access.
Best For. Duo riders or solo campers who prefer extra space and superior weather resistance.
Pros:
- Lightweight and Compact. Easy to carry and pack, ideal for motorcycle camping and backpacking.
- Quick Setup. The unified hub-and-pole system and color-coded setup make pitching the tent fast and easy.
- Durable Materials: High-quality fabrics and long-lasting waterproof coatings ensure durability.
- Spacious. Ample room for two people and their gear, with dual vestibules for extra storage.
- Excellent Ventilation: Mesh panels and vented rainfly help reduce condensation and improve airflow.
Cons:
- Price.It is more expensive than others, reflecting its premium materials and features.
- Weight for Solo Campers. While light for a 2-person tent, solo campers might find it heavier compared to 1-person tents.
3. Nemo Equipment Hornet Elite Ultralight Backpacking Tent
It offers a fantastic balance of ultralight design, innovative functions, and reliable performance. Its meager weight and compact packed size make it a top choice for bike campers. Ultralight backpackers who need to reduce their load. They provide enough space, a clean setup, and advanced capabilities. It comes with a better price tag, the investment is justified for top-tier overall performance in an ultralight package. Whether venturing out on a solo adventure or camping with a partner, you stay snug and properly protected for your adventures.
Key Features
- Portability: Weighing just 2 pounds, this is one of the lightest options available.
- Ease of Setup. Single-pole setup and premium materials ensure a swift and straightforward setup.
- Durability. Despite its ultralight nature, the tent is made from high-quality fabrics that withstand rugged use.
- Comfort. Offers a surprisingly spacious interior for its weight, with a unique pole geometry that provides more headroom.
Best For. Riders looking to cut weight without sacrificing quality and comfort.
Pros:
- Ultralight and Compact. Extremely lightweight and packs down small, making it perfect for minimizing carry weight.
- Quick Setup: Simple single-pole design with color-coded clips for fast and easy setup.
- Durable Materials: High-quality, advanced materials ensure durability while keeping weight to a small.
- Spacious for Weight. Provides adequate living space and dual vestibules for gear storage despite its ultralight design.
- Innovative Features. Includes unique features like the Flybar™ Volumizing Pole Clip and Divvy™ Stuff Sack for enhanced convenience and comfort.
Cons:
- Price: The advanced materials and ultralight design come at a premium price, which may be higher than other lightweight tents.
- Fragility: The ultralight materials, while durable, need careful handling to avoid damage.
4. Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is a pinnacle-tier tent recognized for its mixture of lightweight layout, spacious indoors, and durable substances. It is regarded amongst motorcycle campers and backpackers who seek stability between portability, consolation, and overall performance. Here’s an in-depth take a look at what makes the Copper Spur HV UL2 a standout alternative.
Key Features
- Portability: Weighing around 3 pounds, it’s lightweight and packs down small.
- Ease of Setup. Features a pre-bent pole design that creates steeper walls and a roomier living space.
- Durability: High-tenacity ripstop nylon with a silicone-treated outer shell for excellent weather protection.
Best For. Motorcycle campers who want a combination of lightweight design and extra living space.
Pros:
- Quick Setup: Simple single-pole design with color-coded clips for fast and easy setup.
- Durable Materials: High-quality, advanced materials ensure durability while keeping weight to a small.
- Spacious for Weight. Provides adequate living space and dual vestibules for gear storage despite its ultralight design.
Cons:
- Fragility: The ultralight materials, while durable, need careful handling to avoid damage.
5. Motorcycle Tent Redverz Atacama Expedition
For motorcyclist campers in want of a multipurpose, roomy, and lengthy-lasting haven, Redverz has created the Atacama Expedition Motorcycle Tent, an exclusive and creative answer. This tent is famous for its particular layout, which includes a storage location for your motorcycle. It is perfect for lengthy tours and inclement weather. Here is a detailed examination of the attributes and advantages of the Atacama Expedition Motorcycle Tent.
Key Features
- Portability. With its distinctive characteristics, despite its weight of 13.6 pounds, it is still manageable.
- Setup simplicity. Given its size and intricacy, it was surprisingly simple to assemble thanks to the color-coded sleeves and poles.
- Durability: Made with high-quality materials to withstand inclement weather.
With a separate garage for your motorcycle, gear, and other belongings, this tent is revolutionary.
Ideal For. Motorbike campers choose the highest degree of comfort and flexibility, especially those journeying lengthy distances or in challenging environments. Important Things to Look for in a Motorcycle Camping Tent Packability and Weight. The tent must now not upload an excessive amount of weight to your motorbike and be mild enough to move. Because a motorbike has little room for a garage, compactness is vital.
Setup Simplicity. After a tiring day of riding, having a tent that is short and simple to set up is vital. Seek for designs that include trustworthy commands and fundamental pole systems.
Sturdiness. Camping with a bike exposes your system to damaging climate. Tents fabricated from exquisite, climate-resistant materials make sure both protection and a longer lifespan.
Room and Cosiness
You want to save weight without sacrificing comfort. Make sure there is adequate room in the tent for you and your belongings.
Pros:
- Quick Setup: Simple single-pole design with color-coded clips for fast and easy setup.
- Spacious for Weight. Provides adequate living space and dual vestibules for gear storage despite its ultralight design.
Cons:
- Fragility: The ultralight materials, while durable, need careful handling to avoid damage.
Conclusion
For improved comfort, do not forget elements like top tops and vestibules. The key to selecting the perfect motorbike tent is hanging the perfect blend of comfort, mobility, sturdiness, and ease of setup. The tents on the top listing have a number of the finest functions designed mainly for motorcyclists, whether you are a tandem in need of more room or a lone rider searching for lightweight solutions. Purchasing a brilliant tent will enhance your camping experience and assist you in fully admiring each trip and the vicinity. Enjoy your camping and biking.
Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the ideal method for maintaining and caring for a camping tent for a motorcycle?
Clean Often. Make sure to clean the tent to get rid of dirt and debris after every trip.
Dry Completely. To avoid mildew and mold, make sure the tent is completely dry before storing it.
Storage. Keep the tent out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dry location.
Examine any damage. Regularly check the tent for indications of wear or damage, and make any necessary repairs.
Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. To prolong the life of your tent, follow the care and upkeep instructions supplied by the manufacturer.
What are the advantages of motorbike camping with a freestanding tent?
Versatility in Setup. They don’t need instant stake down and may be pitched on a range of terrains.
Easy Mobility. The tent is not difficult to move to the ideal location or to reposition it without having to take it apart.
Stability: When correctly anchored, they tend to be more stable in windy circumstances.
