A motorcycle road trip is really unlike anything else. You feel like you’re experiencing the environment so much more than when you’re encased in a car or other vehicle. Short of getting out and walking, there’s really no way to feel the world around you the way you do when you’re on a motorcycle.

Best tent for motorcycle camping

There are a few things you’ll want to think about when shopping for the best tent for motorcycle camping. Chances are, you’ll want a tent with a vestibule for your motorcycle. That will keep it covered from rain and dirt and other elements. It will also keep it out of sight and close to you. You’ll also want to consider the weight of your tent and the amount of room your tent takes up when it’s all packed.

Small Tent for Motorcycle Camping

Due to the nature of motorcycles (they don’t hold a family of four, after all), you should be able to get a small tent for motorcycle camping. You’re likely camping solo, or with one other person, so you don’t need a huge tent. Here are a few of the best motorcycle tents:

1.) Harley-Davidson Dome Tent w/Vestibule Motorcycle Storage

This tent comfortably sleeps up to four people and one motorcycle. The breathable mesh panels ventilate the tent, allowing for good airflow in warm weather, and the mesh front and back doors offer protection from bugs. The motorcycle vestibule is specially designed for storing your motorcycle, and you can remove it if you decide to camp without your motorcycle. The weight of the packed tent is just 12 lbs.

2.) Alps Mountaineering Zephyr

This tent has an aluminum two-pole design for easy setup, and it comes with a tent fly to keep water and UV rays off the tent. It has two vestibules so you can store plenty of things inside, and it has mesh doors and walls for excellent airflow. It’s also very affordable, and lightweight for packing.

3.) Redverz Atacama Expedition Motorcycle Tent

This is definitely a more expensive tent…but it was built to last a good long time in adverse conditions. It’s ready for high winds, big rains, and chilling cold. It’s big enough that campers can stand upright inside, and the vertical tent walls provide room for sleeping – or a garage or storage if you need that instead. It has a full-sized motorcycle bay that will house any size bike, and the wonderfully engineered airflow means you can bring your motorcycle right in after you’ve ridden it without worrying about fumes.

4.) Coleman Hooligan Backpacking Tent

Colemans are always a solid choice, as the brand is known for reliable, cost-conscious camping equipment. The Hooligan is no exception – it’s under $100 for a tent that sleeps two and has a vestibule that will fit your motorcycle and gear. It’s small and lightweight, and is very easy to assemble.

5.) Vuz Moto Waterproof Motorcycle Tent

This motorcycle tent has plenty of space, with a bike port that allows three people to sleep comfortably, along with a spot for a full-sized motorcycle and your gear. There’s also plenty of room if you need to work on your bike while you’re at camp. The mesh panels allow airflow without bugs, and four entryways give you convenient access to the tent and motorcycle vestibule. A waterproof rain fly keeps you dry, and the tent is simple to set up as well.

What is a motorcycle tent?

Motorcycle tents are similar to backpacking tents in that they’re crafted with an eye towards being lightweight and small when packed down. However, they usually have a port or vestibule where you can park your bike in order to work on it, or to keep it protected from the elements while you sleep.

How do you carry a tent on a motorcycle

When packing your tent on your motorcycle, you’ll want to be mindful of your bike’s payload. That should be listed in your owner’s manual and you want to be careful that you don’t overload your motorcycle. Overloading your bike can cause problems with everything from your brakes to the life of your tires. When packing, keep everything low and balanced and secured well. You’ll probably need a trip or two to figure out the best way to carry your motorcycle tent and the rest of your gear on a trip.

What Are The Benefits Of Using A Motorcycle Tent?

Using a motorcycle camping tent allows you to sleep knowing that your bike is protected for the night. A tent will keep the rain, dirt, and other elements off your bike. Many motorcycle tents also allow you room in the vestibule to work on your bike as well. You’ll have a spot where you can set up any tools or other things you need, and to make any repairs or adjustments you need before heading back out on the road.

What Is The Difference Between A Regular And Motorcycle Camping Tent?

The biggest difference between a regular tent and tents for motorcycle camping is the vestibule or bike port. Backpacking tents do not have an extra port like a motorcycle tent because you don’t need the extra weight when backpacking. By contrast, large family tents aren’t suited for motorcycle trips either – you’re likely not traveling with a big group that needs to stay in one tent, and the weight and volume of a large tent is unnecessary. A motorcycle tent strikes a balance between lightweight and small when packed down, and offering the room you need to keep your bike covered with space to work on it if needed.

With a little research, you can find the perfect motorcycle tent for your needs. Happy trails!

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