Top Tents For Motorcycle Camping

Who doesn’t enjoy a midsummer slumber under the stars, especially when it’s tagged onto a motorcycle ride? If you’re really serious about your moto adventuring, packing along a motorcycle-specific tent can be well worth the extra weight; I mean, what’s a few extra Benjamins to protect your motorcycle at night too? There’s also the added benefit of keeping your gear covered and out of sight from prying eyes. Consider the size and weight of your tent, storage needs, sleeping space, ventilation, and water/wind resistance when narrowing down your options. Since you’ll be carrying your tent on your bike, you’ll want one that’s not too heavy or bulky. Aim for designs weighing less than 20 pounds and they should pack fine on most bikes, but do check your motorcycle’s GVWR first and weigh your gear to ensure that you don’t overload the bike. It’s also not a bad idea to consider mounting some panniers (if you don’t already have them) to better distribute the load.

The simple yet effective Hidey Hood is basically a big protective accordion-like dome for your bike. There’s not much room for anything else under there, but the Hood is easy to assemble and gives you multiple tie-down or stake points for a secure and windproof installation. You simply lift it up to get in, or drop it down to completely cover your ride, and you can fold the whole thing up when you’re not using it.

You’d think a tent this big would be a bear to pack on a bike, but somehow the super-sized H-D Dome Tent breaks down to a relatively manageable dimensions and weight (just 12 pounds) while still comfortably sleeping up to four people with room for a full-size motorcycle in the vestibule area. Breathable mesh roof panels let in cooling breezes while the large 40-inch x 40-inch front and rear mesh doors block out pesky bugs. That motorcycle vestibule portion can be removed if you don’t need it as well.

With a two-wall design that allows for easy access and extra storage, the Catoma builds in two doors as well as two vestibules and pull-out space if you need it—just add another aluminum pole. Setup is quick and easy, and if your bike is small enough, you can sneak it under that extra flap for weatherproof coverage. At 15 pounds, this tent is on the heavier side of the “lightweight” category but comes with its own carry bag for easy packing.

Sometimes you just want a good value and a simple basic package, and for that, there’s the Coleman Hooligan Backpacking Tent. There’s only one entry and the tent only sleeps two, but it does give you a small vestibule up front for your gear. The one-pole design is a breeze to put up or take down and the heavy-duty 1,000-denier polyethylene bathtub floor gives you extra durability with welded leakproof seams. An all-mesh body means you’ll sleep cool and comfortably and the packed weight should fit easily on most bikes.

The DL Adventure Dromedary boasts several patents and with its lightweight and easy packability; we can see why. Ringing in at less than 7 pounds, the clever three-season shelter can accommodate a solo rider and one motorcycle in the patented side vestibule, and fits in most panniers for easy loading. Mesh windows and an opposite-side entry means you won’t be huffing your bike’s exhaust fumes. A “tightrope” design keeps the tent stable in strong winds and harsh weather conditions.

Most camp tents are cramped affairs, but it’s easy to sprawl out in the Vuz Motorcycle Tent’s 18 x 8-foot footprint. You get a roomy, comfortable place for you, your bike, and your partner to boot. Bike coverage is handled by a separate enclosed garage space so you can also work on your ride in inclement weather if you need to. Four entry points make it easy to access, and the three-season tent protects you from heavy rains and strong winds. Setup is quick and hassle-free, and the 13-pound Vuz packs away easily.