Motocamping: Best Value Essentials
The right moto camping knowledge ensures you have ONLY the gear you need.
Are you ready to take your outdoor adventures to new heights? Moto Camping is the perfect way to explore the outdoors with your adventure motorcycle or dual sport motorcycle and get some serious elevation and views.
Moto Camping is an incredibly fun and unique way to experience the outdoors. With the right kind of motorcycle, you can go anywhere and explore places that are inaccessible by car. But, having the right gear is essential for a successful trip.
Make sure you have all the right gear, and only the right gear, for your Moto Camping trip. The editor has selected high-quality moto camping gear that will ensure you'll have everything you need for a safe and enjoyable journey.
Summer is coming! Start planning your Moto Camping trip today. Check out our recommendations for moto camping gear now and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
Motocamping
Moto camping is an exciting way to explore the outdoors and experience the thrill of adventure touring on a motorcycle. It combines the freedom of camping with the excitement of riding an adventure or dual sport motorcycle. With moto camping, you can explore remote areas, take in breathtaking views, and enjoy the solitude of nature.
Adventure touring motorcycles are the most rapidly growing segment within the motorcycle industry. Some estimates put growth at 75% over the last two years alone and the throttle is still twisted. You can experience the outdoors simply by riding your motorcycle by way of its design. Add in the ability to camp in remote locations only accessible by an off-road motorcycle and you have the perfect combination of adventure and the outdoors.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or an extended road trip, motocamping offers peace and solitude if that is what you are looking for. Many adventure touring enthusiasts also go on long group trips for multiple days. From start to finish, this guide will help you plan the gear for your next motocamping adventure so you take what you need and only what you need.
How we choose
If you’re you looking to get into motocamping, do you know where to start? With so many different options available, it can be hard to find the best value for your money.
You don't want to waste your hard-earned money on gear that won't do the job or space on gear you don’t need. You need the right reliable equipment that will last and help you make the most of your motocamping experience.
Outdoor Verified has done all the research for you! We've found the best values in each category available on Amazon so you can get started with motocamping without breaking the bank. Get ready to experience a whole new world of adventure with moto camping and make sure your trip is Outdoor Verified!
What we like
Our pick for the best value tent is Bisinna's 2 Person Tent. Tents for motocamping not only need to accommodate the rider to get sleep, but also need to fit on the motorcycle. You can get a single person tent that will be a bit less in dimensions all the way around, but the general rule is to get a tent rated for one more person than you actually have.
For what it is, this is a spacious and stable tent that will give you cover at night. Its lightweight, sets up quickly, packs down to 16'“ to fit many saddlebags and has a 190T waterproof coating while the polyester is 2000 mm water repellent. With one, there will be plenty of space for a sleeping bag, pad and even some luggage.
There is also a vestibule just outside the main door where you can store your shoes and other items that do not need to come inside the tent like fuel container, camp stove, water bladder, etc… At 4.72 lbs, it will not be a burden on the motorcycle either.
More details
- Color：Blue/Orange
- Seasons: Spring/Summer/Autumn
- Capacity: 2 persons
- Layer: Double layers
- Weights: 4.72lbs (including accessories)
- Flysheet Material: 190T Polyester Taffeta
- Inner Tent Material: 190T Polyester Taffeta+B3 No-see-um Mesh
- Tent Bottom Material: 210D Oxford
- Tent Poles: 7001 Series aluminum poles
- Water-resistant: PU 2000mm
- Can be packed to 16"
What we like
The Hyke & Byke Quandary 15 F sleeping bag is our choice for the best value sleeping bag. We are taking into consideration both warmth and packed size in this recommendation. Guidance is to get a bag that is rated for 10-20 degrees colder than what you will be camping in. This bag also packs down to a small size, is available in short, regular and tall and only weighs 2.89 lbs.
The sleeping bag features a 650 fill power duck down insulation and a ClusterLoft base to keep you warm from 15 - 50 F. The inner and outer nylon shell with horizontal baffles allows you to adjust the insulation to move where the fill is needed the most. It features 400T 20 D ripstop nylon fabric liner, 2 large YKK zippers with anti-snag sliders, velcro, drawstring & vertical baffles to keep you warm and comfortable in any weather in its range.
More details
- 400T Rip-Stop Nylon Fabric
- Heavy duty YKK zippers
- Horizontal designed baffles
- Responsibly Sourced 650 Fill Power Premium Quality Hydrophobic Down
- Allied LofTech base.
- Short: 2.56 lbs., Regular: 2.71 lbs. & Long: 2.89 lbs. (Other dimensions on site)
What we like
Our choice for the best value sleeping pad is the Gear Doctors Ultralight Apollo. Now, this is not the least expensive pad available. We took into consideration not only its packability, but also its durability. Many of the complaints for less expensive pads that are compact revolve around them getting a leak and becoming unusable. We can’t have that on a the adventure touring motocamping trip of a lifetime!
Packing down to the approximate size of a water bottle, this compact and lightweight sleeping pad gives a lot of comfort for such a small package. With adjustable pressure to control the level of firmness, you can customize your sleep experience in the 3 minutes it takes to set up. With a horizontal 3.2” thickness and E-Last Fabric Coating that provides 5.2 R-Value insulation, this pad is four season compatible.
More details
- Product Dimensions 72"L x 22"W x 3.25"H
- Material Nylon Fabric
- Item Weight 17 Ounces
- Weight Limit 220 Pounds
- Item Firmness Description Firm.
- 8.5” Height 3” Diameter when packed.
- When inflated it goes as large as 72”
- 23” Widest 19 Narrowest” with 3.2” Thickness
What we like
The Sea to Summit Watercell X represents the best value in water transportation. It is available in 20 liter, 10 liter and lower. A key feature of the 20 liter bladder is the straps that can be used to lash it to our gear piles, well, our gear that is neatly organized (until the first night) gear on the motorcycle. With its 3D molded shape and internal baffle for easier filling, packing, draining, and drying, you'll be able to stay hydrated on the go or when it is time to cook.
It's made from abrasion-resistant and semi-translucent food-grade TPU with RF welded seams for added durability. Another neat feature is that it has a spout with a setting that can be used as a shower. The dark color means it can be left in the sun to warm itself.
More details
- 100% polyamide
- Lightweight, collapsible 20-liter TPU water storage bag
- 3D molded shape with an internal baffle for easier filling, packing, draining, and drying;
- Made from abrasion-resistant, semi-translucent, food-grade TPU, with RF welded seams
- Screw-top wide-mouth opening is compatible with industry standard water filtration systems a
- Cap features flow control and a shower fitting
- Measures 20.2 x 14 x 6.2 inches
- Weighs 11.8 ounces; BPA, PVC and taste-free
What we like
The MSR PocketRocket Stove Kit is our choice for the best value stove. At the time of this writing, the kits is on sale for well below $100 and includes the stove, pan, cups, cutlery and all nests together. One was purchased by a certain editor when writing this article. These types of stoves are very small and compact which is why we are recommending this type to pack in our bags when motoring down the road. They work well at altitude as well, so no need to worry about not being able to make coffee!
This unit boils 1 liter of water in just 3.5 minutes, even in windy conditions with its WindClip windshield. It is incredibly lightweight at 25.8 oz and fits in a space of 5.5” x 6.25”! MSR is a brand known for making reliable backpacking, and now motocamping, gear.
More details
- Kit accommodates backpacking duos with a camping stove, cooking pot, and dishes and utensils for two
- Weighs just 25.8 ounces (732 grams)
- Boils one liter of water in just 3.5 minutes
Kit measures 5.5 x 6.25 inches Includes
- PocketRocket stove
- 2-liter aluminum pot
- two deep dish bowls
- two 12.5-ounce double-wall insulated mugs
- strainer lid
- two folding sporks
What we like
The UCO Utility Spork 3-in-1 is our pick for best value cutlery because, well, it is inexpensive, super simple, and it works! This lightweight, high-strength spork is the perfect companion for motocamping. With its dedicated fork and spoon, plus a serrated edge for cutting, you can enjoy soups, yogurt, salads, pastas and even cut through meat with ease. Plus, the handle features two holes that cut down on weight and act as attachment points so you can fasten it to your pack or mess kit using the included shock-cord tether. It doesn’t have to be fancy to work!
More details
- Features a dedicated fork and spoon, plus a serrated fork edge for cutting
- Made from high-strength, reinforced glass nylon,
- Handle features 2 holes that cut down on weight and act as attachment points, allowing you to fasten the spork to your pack or mess kit
- Microwaveable, dishwasher safe
- 7” length
- .5 oz
What we like
Being prepared for any emergency situations is unfortunately necessary when camping or just riding off-road (arguably even on-road). Our recommendation for the best value first aid kit is the Mini First Aid Kit. It is compact and will easily fit in even a tank bag and should probably just live there. This hospital-grade first aid kit is packed with 110 pieces of essential supplies to help you handle many situations.
Another essential when it comes to camping of any type is sanitary wipes. Our recommendation is the Wet Ones wipes. They are individually wrapped and less likely to dry out before they run out from use and provide much needed sanitization when there is no access to running water.
More details (Of first aid kit)
- 1 x Saline Solution 15ml
- 1 x Moleskin Pad
- 1 x Emergency Blanket
- 1 x CPR Respirator
- 2 × Sterile Gauze Pad(2"×2")
- 2 x Sterile Gauze Pad(3"×3")
- 25 x Adhesive Plaster(L)
- 15 x Junior Adhesive Plaster(S)
- 10 × Safety Pins
- 1 x Tourniquet (1"x18")
- 1 x Tweezers
- 20 × Cleaning swabs
- 1 x Conforming Bandage (2")
- 2 × Disposable Gloves
- 1 x First Aid Guide
- 2 x Knuckle Plaster
- 2 x Fingertip Plaster
- 6 x Antiseptic Towelette
- 10 × Alcohol Prep Pad
- 4 x Povidone-lodine Pad
- 1 x Triangular Bandage
- 1 x First Tape Roll
- 1 x Scissors
What we like
This is only our recommendation as a way of saying don’t forget to take fuel. This is available at any outdoor store or even Walmart. Think about how long your trip is and either get the 100 gram or the 450 gram canister. Remember to pack out everything you packed in. These leftover canisters can take up a lot of room if you use multiples of the small variety.
What we like
The Mountain House Essential Bucket is our choice for the best value in motocamping food and a great companion for your journey. With 12 pouches of certified gluten-free breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals, you'll have enough food to fill the gaps between stops on the road or while at the campsite. We do not recommend taking the actual bucket with you, each meal is in its own pouch that you can open and add hot water directly into. If you have not eaten this type of food before, its, umm, an experience. Its not that bad. Really.
More details
- No artificial flavors or colors and certified gluten-free by GFCO.
Meals included:
- (4) pouches of Beef Stew
- (2) Breakfast Skillet
- (2) Scrambled Eggs with Bacon
- (4) Rice and Chicken
Buyer’s Guide and FAQs for Motocamping
What is Motocamping?
Motorcycle camping trips can create an entirely new bond between you and your bike. It is not just a method of transportation anymore - it also functions as your home away from home, and can take care of all essentials like sleeping, dining and amusement. Plus, since you don't have to carry much luggage on the bike due to its limited capacity, this kind of getaway is the ultimate form of lightweight travel.
How do you pack for Motocamping?
Keep your packing list as brief as you can. Opt for motorcycle panniers to carry bulky or heavy items. Put important stuff in a tank bag and use a tool roll for any necessary repairs. Lastly, secure soft and large items with a rokstraps in a roll bag.
Where should I sleep when riding a motorcycle cross country?
When taking a long distance road trip on a motorcycle, riders must consider the amount of cargo they are looking to carry and how much comfort is desired when deciding where to stay for the night. Options include hotels/motels, hostels/bed & breakfasts/guesthouses, camping at an RV park or private campsite, and camping in state or national parks.
What is considered a long motorcycle ride?
While experienced motorcyclists can easily manage to cover 1,000 miles in 24 hours or 1,500 miles in 36 hours, it might be too daunting a task for those who haven't gone past 400-500 miles/day. Two consecutive days of 500 mile trips could prove to be an overwhelming challenge for them.
What is the best time of year to ride a motorcycle across America?
According to statistics, the period between May and October is the ideal time for a motocamping trip. Allocating two weeks should be ideal and planning for a distance of approximately 4,000 miles (plus/minus) is recommended. If possible, we advise going from East to West.
Can you spray off a motorcycle with water?
If your motorcycle's engine is still hot from use, take a break and let it cool off before continuing. Utilizing high-pressure water sprays, such as those found in coin-operated car washes, can damage certain components of your bike. Therefore, avoid these types of water sprays.
How often should you stop when riding a motorcycle?
It's important to take frequent snack breaks when riding a bike. Don't forget to get off your bike every now and then and stretch for at least 15 minutes. By doing this, you won't be too sore the next day and you can walk around and enjoy your surroundings as well.
Our final thoughts on motocamping
Those are some of our thoughts about motocamping along with some suggestions to get you going the right direction. We will be breaking down the individual components in a future article to give you more options for each. Motocamping is truly rewarding. Our main editor will be doing much more this summer in our area of southwest Colorado. Reports to follow!
Remember, the most important part of any camping trip is not the gear, it really is the people with whom you spend time. Whether it is family or friends, our goal is to minimize the distractions of either not having the right gear, or the gear malfunctioning so you can focus on what's most important.
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~Ron
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