How does it feel to backpack with your motorcycle? Just you and your motorcycle under the starlit sky. The lure of the open road, maneuvering curvy turns with the wind blowing across your face. Riding a motorcycle can be a thrilling and fantastic experience. Naturally, people turn to their motorcycle for travel and adventure. For longer trips on the road, motorcycle camping tents provide a great way to get some rest outdoors. Let’s take a look at the five best tents for motorcycle camping.
The 5 Best Tents for Motorcycle Camping
5. Abco Tech Instant Portable Cabana
The Abco Tech Instant Portable Cabana Tent can be pitched and set-up in just sixty seconds. Additionally, the tent is relatively easy to fold it back into its compact form. The Cabana Tent is super-ventilated with two mesh windows on the front and back that allow the air to circulate throughout the tent. At the same time, the tent has robust nylon flaps on the windows for privacy. Double doors make the tent accessible from both front and back. The tent comes with a carry bag to store the accessories and occupies very little space, whether you store it in your car or your home. The Instant Cabana Tent can comfortably accommodate two adults. It’s a perfect choice for a couple taking a long road-trip on their motorcycle.
Pros
- Weighs just over 2 pounds.
- Pops open instantly.
- Two side pockets along the entire edge of the tent to store little things, or if it gets windy, you can fill it up with beach sand.
- Gives lovely shade from the sun keeping the tent ventilated.
- Water-resistant
Cons
- Not waterproof and so the longer it stays in moisture, the wetter it gets.
- The pins that come with the tent are somewhat malleable and quickly get wet.
4. Harley Davidson Motorcycle Tent with Vestibule
Harley Davidson is a popular name in the world of motorcycling, and they’ve got a reputation for quality products. This Harley Davidson Motorcycle Camping Tent is no exception. It’s made by bike guys, for bike guys. This is a great option for roadside camping with your chopper.
The tent comes is mainly designed to provide shelter for your bike. The tent weighs approximately 12 lbs and has 40″ x 40″ front and back mesh doors, including zipper storm flaps. Additionally, the tent has front storage areas for safely storing any accessories. The tent can sleep four people comfortably, including your motorcycle. It has breathable mesh roof panels for proper ventilation in warm weather. The tent also includes 14 aluminum tent stakes and a carry bag. The motorcycle vestibule is designed for storage in the camping ground and can be removed when not required.
Pros
- Lightweight, easy to set up, and sits snug inside the saddlebag.
- Apart from storing the bike, the vestibule gives extra space to stash some of your stuff or changing out of wet clothes before entering the clean and dry end of the tent.
- Waterproof outer layer and breathable, thin light material.
- Clear windows with side releases for extra visibility on cloudy days.
- Aluminum stakes give a high degree of strength.
- Reinforced floor seams.
Cons
- The thin nylon used to make it more breathable tears easily in the zippers and is not of good quality.
- With a bike, this tent can only sleep two people comfortably.
3. Vuz Moto Waterproof Motorcycle Tent
The Vuz Moto Waterproof Motorcycle Tent has a spacious design that can easily shelter your while comfortably accommodating up to four people. The tent weighs 13.7 lb and is 18 ft long. The garage portion is 9 ft long and 8 ft wide. The tent comes with three aluminum poles, ropes, and pegs. There is a four-way entrance to the tent and mesh panels to keep the pesky bugs away. It is a 3 season tent and has 10000 mm waterproofing on the sleeping floor to ensure you stay dry.
Pros
- This Vuz Moto model is a full-size camping and motorcycle tent. It is super spacious and great for double or queen air beds. It can sleep 3 people.
- The tent material is very durable.
- A separate garage space for your bike and the other gear.
- Multiple accesses in and out of the tent.
- Easy setup and easy to store.
- Durable floor and a sturdy tent with aluminum poles.
- Waterproof and provides shelter against rain and strong winds.
- The vestibule holds a lot of dry gear, and you can sit under the awning on a rainy day.
Cons
- Not very lightweight but can be easily transported on the bike.
- Takes up a lot of space on the bike.
- Must be staked fully to use vestibule, as it is not fully self-supporting.
- If it starts raining, it takes two people to set it up comfortably. Stake it down well, or it will be blown away in strong winds.
2. Teepee Tent 3-Season Waterproof Motorcycle Tent
The Teepee Tent 3-Season Waterproof Camping Tent is a great option for any biker. The tent itself is 96.5 ” x 70.9.” in dimension, and it also has an outer and inner layer. The tent is made of waterproof polyester and a good quality aluminum frame. It weighs 14.3 lb and is quite spacious. The tent is divided into three different parts – a separate sleeping room, a parlor, and a motorcycle bay. The inner tent can sleep two people, The garage can be used to park the bike, and other essential gears can be stored in the parlor. The tent has four entrances.
Pros
- Spacious design and can comfortably accommodate two people and your bike
- Extremely lightweight
- Waterproof inner and outer tent covers
- Multiple entrances
Cons
- The material is fragile and can easily break.
- Stitches can snap under stress during heavy rains.
1. Catoma Lightweight Switchback Motorcycle Camping Tent
The Catoma Switchback Motorcycle Camping Tent is one of our favorite tents for motorcycle camping. This convenient, two-person tent sets up in just a minute and gives a high level of weather protection. The switchback has a pull-out vestibule with an aluminum pole to provide extra space. It is a lightweight tent and weighs only with an inner tent and roof vents for air circulation. There are two doors and two vestibules for easy access. The floor area is 84″ x 93″ and the tent weighs only 15 pounds.
Pros
- Easy to set up, use and carry
- There is no shortage of strap points
- Lightweight and total value for money
- Two walls design for easy access and extra storage.
Cons
- Little on the heavier side of the “lightweight” category.
What is motorcycle camping?
Motorcycle camping is the practice of using a motorcycle as both a means of transportation and a mobile home base. Typically, a motorcycle camping trip will involve biking long distances and then parking to set up camp. In recent years, specialized camping tents have been designed to provide you and your motorcycle with shelter during your trip.
Motorcycle Tents vs. Rooftop Tents
For those who own a truck or car, there are similar options available to transform your vehicle into a mobile home base campsite. Rooftop tents are great for camping close to the road, without the need for locating and setting up a campsite. These tents are pitched directly on the roof of the vehicle and can be set up in just a few quick seconds. Rooftop tents are very popular with jeep owners, but can also be used with most trucks, SUVs, and sedans.
In recent years, truck bed tents have also grown in popularity. While they still utilize the vehicle to support the structure of the tent, truck bed tents are a bit different. As the name suggests, they are pitched in the bed of a pick-up truck, rather than on top of the vehicle’s roof.
Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for in a Motorcycle Camping Tent
There are lots of things to consider when buying a tent. For instance, the size and weight, your storage needs, sleeping space, ventilation, and weather resistance. The tent should be lightweight and portable enough to easily carry with you on your motorcycle. Additionally, it should also be durable enough to withstand bad weather, heavy rain, and strong winds. Perhaps most importantly, it should create an awesome parking space for your bike.
Weather Resistance and Proofing
Most of the tents are made for 3 season use. A 3-season tent will cover spring summer and fall. You won’t be camping in winters and even if you will then probably you maybe not be camping in the cold conditions. If you are going to high altitudes, there are chances of wintry conditions, and so you may consider a season 3-4 season tent. The 4 season tent is mainly for mountaineering and is bulky and heavy.
Windows and Doors
We recommend choosing a tent with lots of windows and mesh panels for ventilation. This is especially important if you live in or plan to travel in areas with a hotter climate. In addition, it is also a good idea to have a tent with at least two entrances/exits, especially if you intend to use the tent with other people. However, keep in mind that having extra doors can often mean extra carrying weight.
Tent Garages and Vestibules
Vestibules are the front porches in the camping world. You can use them to store a lot of things like your shoes, backpack, and other gears. They can also be used to sit and hang out in the rain. Most of the tents come with a vestibule or at least an awning. However, some tents have detachable vestibules if you want to extend your space.
Simple Setup Process
Buy tents with color-coded poles and attachments. Many tents have the setup instructions conveniently printed on the carry bags so that you will never lose them. You should also keep in mind that bigger tents will require more poles and more time to set up than smaller tents will.
If possible, we recommend choosing a pop up tent for your rooftop. Tents that utilize a pop up design can be pitched almost instantly with very little manual work.
Accessory Options
- Ground cloth. A ground cloth is a piece of durable material that goes under your tent and protects it from wear and tear. It also ensures that the waterproofing on the tent floor lasts for a long time.
- Extra pockets and loops. Some tents have one or two small pockets, while others may have many more. Make sure your tent has loops on the ceiling to hang lightweight gears such as socks and flashlights.
- Lights. Some modern tents actually include built-in lights. Alternatively, you could easily hang a lantern or portable light inside. Most tents have a loop at the top to hang a battery-operated lantern from.
- Rainfly. Your tent should also include a full-coverage rainfly that covers the whole tent to the ground.
Motorcycle Tent Styles
Similar to family camping tents, motorcycle camping tents come in various different styles and types. Typically, this includes expedition tents, cabin tents, backpacking tents, and classic dome style tents.
Expedition Tents
Expedition tents are made especially for the motorcycle adventurers. These kinds of tents are divided into two sections – an inner sleeping section for one or two adults and a vestibule for your motorcycle and other gears.
Cabin Tents
Cabin tents typically have peaked roofs. They are generally a bit larger in size and, depending on the model, can accommodate between two and six adults. Cabin tents are mainly designed for car campers as they are big. If you are riding a big bike, carrying one of these will not be an issue, but carrying a cabin tent on a smaller motorcycle will likely be difficult.
Backpacking Tents
Backpacking tents are mainly designed to be carried by backpackers. To suit backpacking needs, these tents are incredibly lightweight and fold up into very compact carrying bags. They also set up small but are quite cramped. The only advantage is that they take less space and add less weight to your bike.
Dome Style Tents
Dome style tents are classic camping tents that form a dome shape. When it comes to traditional camping, they are the most common type of tent. Dome tents pack into a reasonably small size. They withstand heavy winds and give enough room in the center. They are entirely freestanding. Find the tent that fits your needs and fits your motorcycle too.
Motorcycle Camping Tents FAQ
What should you pack for motorcycle camping?
A basic camping kit will include a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, flashlight or headlamp, and a travel pillow, or you can roll up some clothes and put it under your head. You would also need extra shoes and socks as it is essential to get your feet out of the riding boots. Toothbrush, toothpaste, hand towels, soap, shampoo, bug spray, water bottle, medicines, etc are also some few essentials that you will need on your motorcycle camping trip. Remember to pack light and tight.
What riding gear is best to wear for motorcycle camping?
You should dress according to the weather. Check the weather where you will be riding your bike. If you are heading off in the peak of summer, then wear a jacket that allows proper ventilation to keep you cool. If it is going to be a bit cooler, say 60 degrees Fahrenheit, bring a windproof jacket. The next most important gear is gloves. We use our hands a lot to operate the bike, so it is essential to keep them warm. Buy waterproof gloves. Water-resistant is okay only for mist, fog, and even light rainfall. Buy a good quality DOT approved helmet that fits properly. Wear UV protected sunglasses during the day and switch to slightly tinted lenses as night approaches. Glasses will keep all debris, wind, dirt away from your eyes. Look for non-skid low heeled boots with tall uppers to cover the ankles. Also, keep the rain gear handy such as rain jacket, gloves, and boot covers.
What is the best sleeping pad for a motorcycle camping trip?
Generally, there are three types of sleeping pads: the inflatable, the air, and the closed-cell foam. When traveling by motorcycle, weight is crucial, and so a super lightweight air pad or closed-cell pad may be the best choice.
Final Thoughts
A motorcycle camping trip can be an exhilarating experience for both newbies and seasoned riders. Motorcycle camping combines two amazing activities: biking and camping. There is no adventure quite like one out on the open road. While each of the five motorcycle camping tents we reviewed are fantastic options, make sure you choose the one that works best for you!
Happy Camping!
What’s your favorite tent to bring along on your motorcycle? Let us know in the comments section below!
