Motorcycle camping gives you the unique opportunity to explore the outdoors while riding and having fun. I have years of experience in this way of traveling so let’s discuss the question of tents.
What is the best tent for motorcycle camping? The best tent for motorcycle camping has to be free standing, lightweight and a durable shelter with enough room for your gear to stay dry in stormy weather. These are three great options.
- Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Bikepack Tent
- MSR Elixer Tent
- Quechua 2 Seconds Pop Up Tent
I want to share my considerations when it comes to choosing the right tent for my motorcycle adventures before we dive into the details of the tents mentioned. Finally, I give you 10 other tents I would consider when going camping with your bike.
The best tent is the one you already have…
How to choose the best motorcycle camping tent?
When it comes to picking a tent, the options soon become overwhelming. There are so many different tent brands and models out there that it gets hard to choose. I’ve been there too. In the following list I share what I find important when picking the right model tent for adventure. Go through it and see what is important to you because the saying goes: “To each their own”. We might have different preferences and that is cool, I hope by sharing my choices I will make it easier for you to make yours.
Considerations when choosing your tent
- Freestanding
- Lightweight
- Low volume
- Easy to set up
- Space inside
- Height of the tent
- Space outside
- Removable fly cover
- Seasons, 1, 2 or 3
- Durability
Freestanding tents are incredibly versatile
A freestanding tent is a shelter that can stand upright without the use of pegs. This is incredibly useful for multiple reasons. First of all, I never know where I am going to sleep tonight and I’ve ended up at a range of unique campsites. On the roof of a hostel in Iran or on the front porch of a motorcycle mechanic in the pouring rain. Both times it was perfect that I could pitch my tent without having to tie it to anything. This also works camping on rocky surfaces or sandy for that matter where it is impossible to drive a peg into the ground or the surface is not solid enough to hold
Freestanding tents are also easier to set up because you can just pitch the tent and carry it to the spot you want to sleep for the night. No need to stake it out, put your head down and realise you are on an incline and will probably roll off your mattress in the middle of the night.
Only the rain cover needs some support but on those rocky parkinglost a few pieces of rope and big rocks work just fine. A freestanding tent is a must for motorcycle adventure camping.
What is a Lightweight Tent and Why Do You Want One?
A tent for motorcycle camping should not weigh more than 3,5kg or 7,7lbs because you will need to carry a lot more stuff than just a tent. Keeping your pack light is crucial to having fun on your ride and not overloading your bike will keep its performance optimal.
However, on the motorcycle we don’t have to look at every gram of weight and you don’t need a hyper light backpacking tent that costs US$ 1000. Most nylon tents will be perfectly fine when it comes to packing weight.
A tent that packs small
Packing volume is often overlooked when searching for tents as people tend to focus on weight. While weight is important, volume is actually more interesting when it comes to motorcycle camping. There isn’t a lot of space on your bike and your tent is likely to be the bulkiest of your packing list. So a tent that packs small and fits in your pannier is a great feature and can save you a lot of space.
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Bikepack Tent packs really small
A tent that can be set up under 10 minutes
Imagine stopping for the night in and you can see the storm clouds approaching swiftly in the distance. The last thing you want is to be fumbling around pegging your tent while the rain pours on your back. Setting up your tent should be quick and easy. A freestanding tent is also really easy to set up after some practice so that is another great feature of those types of tents.
A tent that feels like a home, space inside the tent
Off course you can get a tiny tent that is slightly larger than the average coffin, saving on weight and space when it comes to packing. But spend one rainy night in your tent with all your wet gear and you’ll quickly want to swap it out for something larger.
Most moto travelers bring a tent that is +1 for their party size. So if you are traveling solo, you’ll want to look for a tent designed for 2 people. One spot for you and one for your gear. Traveling with your partner? A three person tent will be the perfect size.
The design of freestanding tents is quite similar between the different brands. One difference that has a big effect of the amount of headspace inside is the use of a “crossbeam” over the x structure of the tent. If you like more space, look for a tent that has this.
Designed for three, but perfect for two motorcycle adventure riders and their gear.
Height of the tent, can you sit or stand up in it?
I prefer to have a tent I can sit up straight in for multiple reasons. For one, it makes changing clothes a whole lot easier and getting dressed in a tent is already complicated enough. Secondly, I like to be able to sit and arrange things, read a book or work on my laptop before going to bed.
What if you want to be able to stand up straight in your tent, this is a totally reasonable argument for those who are starting to find more and more grey hairs. Those tents won’t be in my top 3 because they are usually less versatile, heavier and less wind resistant but there are some great options out there which you will find in the other list below.
Space for your stuff, outside space
Also called a vestibule, is the space outside of the inner tent where you can keep your smelly boots. A decent sized vestibule is important for us motorcycle campers because there is usually some stuff you would prefer to keep outside or even don’t have enough space to put inside but you also don’t want to leave it lying around outside.
So a vestibule is perfect to store your bags close to you, protected from the elements and greedy eyes. It is also the place where you can cook when it is raining and take of your gear before climbing into your clean sleeping bag.
Some tents have 2 vestibules, which is convenient especially when traveling as a couple because nobody has to climb over a sleeping partner to go for a quick wee in the middle of the night. Other tents have a large enough vestibule that acts as a garage for your bike so you can bunk with your best bud.
A removably fly cover for those hot days
Another advantage of most freestanding tents is that they almost always have a removable fly cover, meaning that the waterproof “outerlayer” can be taken off and you are left with the mesh inner tent. This is great in hot climates where you are sure it is not going to rain at night and the slightest breeze will cool you off in no time.
In my experience, the idea of the mesh tent is cooler than reality. The hot air tends to stand still in the tent because the mesh is small enough to retain the air. Only a breeze can cool things off but if there is no air movement, you will still sweat. Also, when you are on a campground everyone can look straight into your tent, so no sleeping naked.
Still, we take the fly cover off quite a bit especially when wild camping in hot areas and it is a great way to gaze at the stars before falling asleep.
Sleeping with the fly cover off in the Wadi Rum desert in Jordan.
Stargazing at night
How many seasons tent should you get?
Consider the different climates and seasons you will be traveling through but in general you will be fine with a three season tent. Most people won’t travel through Siberia in winter on a motorcycle so a 4 season tent is overkill. A three season tent usually ventilates enough while still being very waterproof.
Pick a tent that will last
A point that is usually overlooked and hard to judge before buying but a tent packed on a motorcycle will have to endure some rough handling and bumpy rides. This is another reason why you don’t want to buy a hyper light tent. Those are usually from thinner material which doesn’t last as long as the slightly heavier fabric.
Especially when you plan to do a lot of offroad riding, the wear and tear from riding with the tent on the back over bumpy gravel means you will need a tent that can withstand that kind of abuse.
Is a tent the right sleeping system for you?
Motorcycle camping is a combination of riding and sleeping outside in nature. A tent is a form of shelter that has been used for centuries by many intrepid adventurers. What if you are not a tent person or you are a hardcore minimalist? Then a tent might not be the right fit for you. Considers packing a hammock or a bivy bag.
Hammocks for motorcycle camping
Hammocks can be a great way to sleep when you know that there are going to be trees where you plan on staying the night. Good luck finding those in the middle of the sahara desert. But if you are sure, then a hammock can be a great alternative for the tent.
I personally don’t have any experience with hammock camping but what I have come to learn from my research is that hammock sleeping can get cold fast outside those warm summer nights needs a bug net best combined with a tarp for rain protection needs a suspension system and some practice setting it all up Once you have your setup complete I can only imagine you will have a comfy nights sleep.
Check out this hammock which has gotten great reviews
Warbonnet Original Blackbird
US$ 155
Bivy sacks for the hardcore minimalists
Not cheaper then a tent but definitely lighter and more compact is a bivy bag. It is basically just a oversized sleeping bag in which you put your mattress and put it wherever you stop for the night. Some have a small dome over your head but that is all you get.
When it comes to weight and space saving, nothing beats a bivy bag. If you are just looking for a shelter you can use in emergency situations and otherwise plan to stay in hotels this might be your best option because it will save your life on a cold stormy night, but not take up precious space in your panniers.
Check out this bivy bag for motorcycle camping
Outdoor Research Helium Bivy
€ 219,99
US$ 179
Do I need to buy a motorcycle branded tent for moto camping?
The short answer is, no you don’t. A tent made by Harley Davidson is not going to best tent for motorcycle camping. Quite frankly, it looks horrible. Let the tent designing be done by tent specialist. What we look for in a tent as motorcycle riders doesn’t differ that much from other campers and there are so many different brands and type of tents out there that you don’t need to look for a tent that is specifically designed for motorcycle camping. Actually, most of those who are marketed as such are a bit overpriced in my opinion.
Top 3 tents for motorcycle camping
The tents mentioned are 2 person tents, some of them also come in a 1 or 3 person size, so depending on the size of your travel party you can size up or if you would really like to size down.
Best Motocamping
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Bikepack
Best Moto Camping
€499 / US$499.95
+ Lightweight
+ Great designed indoor space
+ Small packing size
- Expensive
- Delicate materials
- Sold without footprint
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Bikepack tent is a long name for a tent but it has won many awards for its design and I can see why. I love the possibilities of this tent, especially the ability to create an awning or small roof for cooking in the rain or shade. That is just incredibly smart.
This tent is packed with those smart design features you will love on your motorcycle camping trips. Besides that, this tent is UL = Ultra Light with its 1,6kg or 3,5lbs which is comparable to a big bottle of water! Another great feature is the way it all packs together. Meant for bicycle travellers this tent packs down to just 34cm or 13,5”. That would almost fit in an overlarge tank bag and for sure will find a place on your motorcycle.
The downside of all this fancy tent magic is the price and it’s durability. The fabric has to be so lightweight that it probably won’t last as long as some of the heavier tents.
Best Value
MSR Elixir 2 Tent
Best Value
€299,95 / US$ 249,95
+ Durable
+ Complete weather resistance
+ Mid weight
+ Large double vestibule
- Packed size
- Setting up requires practice
With the MSR Elixir 2 Tent you have a durable shelter that holds up very well in stormy conditions compared to its peers. The heavier fabric means that it won’t tear easily and with its large double vestibule you have enough space for all of your gear. This MSR tent is heavier than its popular brother the Hubba Hubba which you read a lot about but the Elixir is cheaper, easier to set up and more durable. The tent comes in multiple sizes so you can always pick the right one for you.
It is also affordable compared to the high end tents which is great when you are planning a big adventure and want to keep a tight budget. It also comes with the footprint included so no need to spend any extra cash on that. The dark green colour of the rain fly is great for those wild camping nights. It doesn’t have as much mesh as other designs which can be great when you pitch on a hot summer night on a campsite and still want a bit of privacy.
Although it is a free-standing tent, the removable fly needs to be staked on 4 points which is common with these type of tents. We’ve found that making some longer loops at the end of stake holes and put those around a rock, your bike or a bag with gear works very well in those situations that staking is impossible.
Best Budget Choice
Quechua 2 Seconds Pop Up Tent
Best Budget Choice
€49,99 / US$ 99
Also available in a 3 person verion
+ Can’t beat the price
+ Easy to set up
- Packed size
- Complicated packing up
- Heavy
The Quechua 2 Seconds Pop Up Tent is freestanding shelter designed to be sold in the decathlon stores and it is the cheapest on the market. And you get what you pay for, a freestanding tent that will keep you warm in moderate conditions. As soon as weather becomes intense this tent will fail and start to leak. With a watercolom of 2000 mm it is fine for rain but don’t push against the fabric with your gear or body because that is when you will get wet.
What can be said for this tent besides the price is that it is incredibly easy to set up, just take it out of the bag and it will pitch itself. This also means that packing it up again requires some practice and once folded back into the bag it is still quite bulky. The diameter of the bag is 60cm or 23,6 inches which won’t fit in any size pannier, you will have to find a way to strap it to the back of your bike.
Thirteen other tents that you might consider
The top 3 tents are just my opinion about what are great tents at different price points. What your budget is and what makes a great tent can be very different for you. I’ve scoured the internet for some decent other tents that look good for motorcycle camping.
Most of these tents are freestanding, but if that is not important to you, there are some non freestanding as well that might have other unique features you are looking for. The list is ordered from cheapest to most expensive so there are tents for every budget. Some tents are motorcycle specific, meaning they have a large awning that fits over your motorcycle. If that is something you are looking for go check them out.
I listed the prices I could find online, if there is only dollars or euros it means that this tent is not available on the other side of the Atlantic.
1. The North Face Stormbreak 2 Tent
US$ 159
2. Nordkap Double-Walled Motorcycle Tunnel Tent
€ 170
3. REI Co-Op Trail Hut 2 Tent
US$ 199
4. Abel Brown Nomad 3 Motorcycle tent
€ 194,96
US$ 239
5. Snugpak Scorpion 2 Tent
€ 280
US$ 349.95
6. Kelty Backpacking Dirt Motel Tent
US$ 259.95
7. REI Grand Hut 4
US$ 299
8. Marmot Tungsten 2P UL Tent
€ 450
US$ 349
9. Lone Rider Adventure Motorcycle Tent
€ 349
US$ 432
10. Redverz Atacama Solo Expedition Motorcycle Tent
€ 499
US$ 499
11. Lone Rider Moto Tent
€ 499.99
US$ 618
12. Terra Nova Voyager 2 Tent
€614
US$ 750
13. Terra Nova Starlite Tent
€ 660
US$ 800
Should I Get a Lone Rider Motorcycle Tent?
The Lone Rider tents are designed by an international team of motorcycle enthusiasts and are built for motorcycle touring. Wether you decide to go for the smaller edition or the large moto tent you can expect to get a high quality tent in return.
This does come at a price and the tents are not cheap nor light with a whopping 5.44 kg (12 lbs) for the moto tent. You do get all the space you need for those rainy days to stay put and wait it out and work on the bike while staying dry.
If the sacrifice of space, weight and budget is worth it is a decision only you can make for yourself.
The Lone Rider Moto Tent
Should I get a Nomad Motorcycle Tent
The Nomad motorcycle tent is a shelter that has been designed to pitch using your parked bike. Its clever design gives you the opportunity to save space and weight while going out for a ride.
If you are sure that you will be able to park your bike right next to you wherever you plan to spend the night then this might be a perfect solution for you. Like I mentioned in the beginning, I prefer a freestanding tent that I can pitch anywhere like on the roof of a hotel. That would not be possible with this kind of tent.
Another aspect that worries me, is the fact that your bike might fall over in the middle of the night on top of you. It has happened to me once that when I woke up after a particularly stormy night that the bike was on it’s side. I don’t think I would be able to close an eye in a tent like this.
I can imagine that if you are riding an expensive machine this is the ultimate insurance of not having it stolen while you are asleep, a great locking system to secure your bike.
Lastly, it looks like a really small tent. If you don’t get claustrophobic and are fine with leaving all of your other gear outside then this could be a great tent for you.
Should I get a Wingman of the Road Tent?
The Goose is a one (wo)man tent that is an “All-In-One motorcycle camping system designed by bikers, for bikers” or so their slogan says. It is currently only available to preorder so there are no real world reviews yet.
It is a tent, mattress and sleeping bag in one and that for the price of €345,95 or US$424 it seems like quite an affordable option. It is, like the Nomad tent, a very small tent that is not freestanding nor does it have a lot of space for gear because it doesn’t have any vestibules. You can create an awning by opening up one side and creating a roof between the tent and the bike but I can imagine that will get quite cold in the middle of the night so you’ll want to close it again.
Lastly, it is made purely out of canvas. I know, old school. I don’t have any objection against it because this type of tent will outlast a plastic one without a doubt although it does result in a tent system that weighs 10kg or 22lbs.
If you otherwise don’t pack a lot and keep your items to a minimum, this could be the kit for you.
Is there a REI motorcycle tent?
The American outdoor brand REI doesn’t design tents specifically made for moto camping but they do make very affordable tents. If you are looking for a tent from REI that is suitable for camping with your bike then take a look at the REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 Tent : $199. It fits all of the criteria mentioned earlier in this article and has great reviews from tent experts online.
REI Co-op Trail Hut 2
The REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 Tent is a great option to be used as a motorcycle tent
The best tent is the one you already have
Maybe you are looking for a new tent but still have one in the back of your garage. For environmental and budget reasons the best tent that is out there is the one you already have. Getting out there doesn’t require you to have the best of the best gear. A shabby old tent will do just fine, go for a ride and spend that cash on adventure instead of a new tent.
Final thoughts
There are many options to choose from when it comes to motorcycle camping shelters. Maybe you are not a tent person an are now looking for the perfect bivy bag or you just found the perfect tent for you.
I hope this article has given you some inspiration in your search for a tent and pointed you in the right direction. Let me know in the comments below what your favourite tent is, if I’m missing an important addition and any other thoughts on moto camping.
Read more on motorcycle camping
Motorcycle camping gives you the unique opportunity to explore the outdoors while riding and having fun. I have years of experience in this way of traveling so let’s discuss the question of tents.