A motorcycle camping trip is a great way to hit the open road and get outdoors. But packing and planning can be a real pain if you’re not prepared.
This guide shares the simple and practical tips bikers wish they’d known before they hit the road.
1 – First Aid Kit
Every biker going outdoors should carry a first aid kit. It will help you deal with cuts, scrapes or small injuries that can happen on the road or at the campsite. Make sure your kit has basics such as bandages, pain relief medicines, and antiseptic creams.
Don’t forget to pack extra rechargeable batteries for devices such as thermometers and suction units. A good first aid kit will help you stay safe and enjoy your camping trip with less stress.
2 – Charge Your Electronics
Powering your electronics is non-negotiable for navigation, communication, and entertainment while camping. A reliable power bank with at least 10,000mAh can keep your devices charged for short trips.
For longer adventures or remote areas without outlets, consider portable solar panels as a lightweight and sustainable option. They’re easy to set up at any campsite and will keep your gear powered for the duration of your trip.
3 – Keep Your Bike Safe
Your bike is your ticket to the trip, so protect it. At campsites, lock your motorcycle to a fixed object using a heavy-duty chain or disc lock.
Add an alarm that sounds when the bike is moved. Cover it with an outdoor motorcycle cover to protect it from rain or dust and to deter theft.
4 – Prioritize Light and Compact
Motorcycles have limited storage, so pack light to save space. Choose compact tents such as nylon and polyester; they’re both light and packable.
Use compression bags to shrink sleeping bags or clothing into smaller sizes. Also, choose multipurpose gear to carry all your essentials without feeling overloaded.
5 – Pack Smart
Smart packing is key to a stable ride. Place heavy items such as cookware low and close to the bike’s center for better balance. Store lighter items, such as clothes higher up.
Use saddlebags, tank bags or tail bags to categorize your items so they’re easier to get to. A balanced and organized bike is a safer, smoother and more enjoyable ride.
| Invest in Thermal Layers: The weather can be unpredictable, and temperatures drop at night. Base layers made from Merino wool keep you warm while wicking away moisture. These layers are easy to pack and don’t weigh you down. |
6 – Gear Up for Safety
A 2015 study by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) aimed to show how important helmets are in reducing injuries among bike riders, as shown in the chart below.
According to the chart, 54% of the fatalities involved riders who weren’t wearing helmets. Around 29% of fatalities involved riders wearing helmets.
This shows that wearing helmets leads to a reduction in head injuries. However, the council wasn’t sure if 17% of riders involved in fatal injuries were wearing helmets.
So don’t forget the safety gear, especially for motorcycle camping trips where long rides, changing weather, and uneven ground can be hazardous.
Jackets and paints with strong materials such as leather will protect you from scrapes and impact in case of a motorcycle accident. Adding reflective strips to your gear reduces accidents by 37%. These strips will help others see you at night or in bad weather.
7 – Waterproof Gear
Weather changes quickly, so be prepared with waterproof gear. Make sure your tent, rainfly and groundsheet are waterproof so you stay dry. Use dry bags to keep clothes, sleeping gear, and electronics dry.
8 – Have a Good Night’s Sleep
After a long day of riding, you need a good night’s sleep. LED lamps are lightweight, long-lasting, and will keep your hands free.
An inflatable pillow will improve comfort on your neck. Pair it with a good sleeping pad and warm sleeping bag and you’ll wake up energized.
| Pro Tip: Arriving at your campsite before sunset is smart because you’ll have enough light to set up your tent on level ground and organize your space. |
9 – Charge Your Electronics
Powering electronics is key to navigation, communication, and entertainment. Bring a power bank with at least 10,000mAh to charge devices several times.
For extended trips, pack a solar charger; it is perfect for remote areas with no electrical outlets.
Motorcycle Camping Made Easy And Fun
Motorcycle camping is easy and stress-free with the right planning. Light gear, balanced packing, and weatherproof essentials will make all the difference.
Look after your bike, stay warm at night and keep your devices charged so that you can enjoy the ride and the scenery.