Motorcycle Camping Gear

Preparing for a Motorcycle Camping Trip

When you're getting ready to go on a motorcycle camping trip, it's certainly important to put some thought into what items you really need to take. You have to strike a balance between making sure you have everything you need and the limited space you'll have to store things.

Packing and organizing motorcycle camping gear can certainly be a challenge. If you're planning to pull a trailer, you'll certainly have more space than if you're relying just on your bike's saddlebags to store your gear, but space will still be at a premium. It's a good idea to purchase a luggage rack for your motorcycle even if you only plan to camp for a few days at a time, so you can make the most of the limited storage space available on your bike.

Selecting Motorcycle Camping Gear

Selecting gear for a motorcycle camping trip is very similar to choosing equipment for a backpacking outing. With both types of adventures, space and weight are primary concerns when deciding what to take. You'll want to select lightweight gear that packs tightly and transports easily. Make sure that you're aware of your bike's load limit, and don't exceed it by packing too much stuff.

Before you start packing, you should create a list of all the items you need to have a pleasant camping experience.

Basic items you're likely to need include:

• Cooking tools
• Ground cloth
• First aid kit
• Flashlight
• Food and water
• Matches
• Pocketknife
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad
• Sunscreen
• Rain poncho and/or rain suit
• Tent
• Toiletries
• Weather radio

Where to Find Motorcycle Camping Gear

• Redline Gear carries a complete selection of camping gear that meets the needs of motorcycle camping enthusiast. You can even find a comprehensive camping gear checklist on the company's website.

• CampMor carries an extensive line of camping gear, with items appropriate for bikers, backpackers, and others who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors.

• Full Throttle Camping carries a number of tents, sleeping bags, and compact cooking accessories that meet the needs of motorcycle camping enthusiasts.

• JP Cycles carries a number of camping items designed especially for bikers. Selections include portable tent kits, folding chairs designed to fit inside soft saddlebags, and other useful accessories.

• T-Bags offers a line of motorcycle luggage. If you plan to travel frequently or extended periods, you'll benefit greatly from the additional storage capacity provided by the specially designed motorcycle luggage available from this online retailer.

Motorcycle Campers

Bikers who camp frequently often decide that adding a motorcycle camper to their inventory of camping equipment is a wise investment. Several companies make trailers designed especially for motorcycle campers who wish to enjoy lightweight trailer camping when traveling by bike.

Resources for motorcycle campers include:

• Compact Trailers
• Lite Tent Campers
• Roadman Campers
• Scooter Schooner
• Time Out Trailers
• Trail Master

Additional Information about Motorcycle Camping

If you want to learn more about motorcycle camping before heading off on an outdoor adventure on two wheels, you might want to read Motorcycle Camping Made Easy by Bob Woofter.

Enjoying Your Motorcycle Camping Experience

Whether you're a novice or you've been on a number of motorcycle camping trips, it's important to remind yourself that the key to having a fun experience when camping by motorcycle is planning.