What gear you require for motorcycle camping will depend on how long and type of trip it is, whether or not cooking will be involved and other aspects such as first aid kit, tools and bike cover are required.
If you are new to camping, start small. Consider investing in either a bivvy bag or cheap double walled backpacking tent which pack away easily and are simple to set up.
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Cooks who enjoy motorcycle camping must bring along a cooking set. A basic military outdoor mess kit or Trangia kit are ideal, providing stove, pot, lid and pot gripper in an easily transportable package that minimizes bulk so your ride can remain as light as possible.
An ultralight titanium cookset, popular among bikepackers due to its lightweight yet long-term durability, may also prove handy. A small camping tent may even come in handy; plus you might consider packing along a lightweight collapsible camp chair to spare your back on long journeys.
Tent
Addition of a tent to your motorcycle camping gear list can greatly enhance comfort when riding for long distances. Although most bikers' basic loadout typically consists of sleeping bag and cooking kit, most prefer adding tents so as to arrive at their destinations in dry or warm conditions.
Due to limited space on most motorcycling camping trips, ease of setup and breakdown should be an important consideration when selecting a tent. Look out for models equipped with footprints to reduce weight and size further; collapsible air mattresses also help increase packing space while improving sleep quality.
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping bags are essential components of a motorcycle camping adventure, providing optimal insulation against the cold ground at night while cushioning you against its impact. Unfortunately, sleeping bags alone cannot ensure an uninterrupted night's rest - you will require additional support such as an inner sleeping bag liner or mattress for optimal insulation and comfort.
An ideal moto camping sleeping bag must possess both a high temperature rating and comfortable fit, along with being durable enough to roll up easily for storage in a pannier or other luggage on your bike.
If you want a lightweight camping sleeping bag without breaking the bank, Vango offers excellent value with their semirectangular sleeping bag which strikes an excellent balance between warmth and space.
Toiletries
Toiletries for motorcycle camping trips should not be limited in number; however, you must be wise about which items you take with you and leave behind any that won't be useful on your journey.
Sleeping pads are another essential piece of motorcycle camping gear, as they're lightweight and compact for transporting. Plus, their insulation from cold ground helps you sleep soundly.
Motorcycle disc locks are essential when camping on your bike; they will prevent theft. Furthermore, solar chargers make your camping experience even simpler as you can charge a variety of devices at the same time! No more searching for an outlet; solar chargers also double as power sources when riding!
Food & Water
Bring along enough food and water for the duration of your journey, making a lightweight yet reliable system of storage a must. A waterproof dry bag makes an excellent solution as it can be used alone or combined with other carrying systems for optimal versatility.
Your camping necessities should include basic dishes, cups and silverware that is designed for compact packing - military outdoor mess kits often offer this at very reasonable prices on surplus sites.
Finally, be sure to pack a quality LED headlamp. It can come in very handy for navigating camp in the dark and cooking, with options that are ultra lightweight yet run on small batteries and compact enough for easy packing into luggage.