What To Pack For Motorcycle Camping + Maintenance Checklist

Riding a motorcycle is an experience unparalleled to any other mode of transportation out there. Being able to see everything the world has to offer on two wheels with the wind in your hair and earth beneath you is a precious joy only the luckiest of us get to do every day. If your motorcycle is your primary mode of transportation, there are a few things that can be rather difficult to do without the extra space and roominess of a car.

Camping is one of those things—however with some careful forethought and planning, you can make the motorcycle camping trip of your dreams come true. Packing light is of the utmost importance when gearing up for a motorcycle camping trip, but even that can prove difficult when you need to make sure you’ve packed enough to live comfortably whilst becoming one with nature. We’re here to give you the lowdown on the things you’ll need to consider and the 10 essentials you’ll need to set yourself up for success.

5 Things To Consider Before Packing

1. Where are you going?

Headed to the mountains? Revving your engines toward a well-supplied campground? Your destination will directly affect how you pack as different locations call for their own unique packing strategies. If you’re staying in a cabin, you probably won’t need a tent or sleeping bag, however if you’re headed into the woodsy wilderness, you’ll need to make sure you have everything from a solid pair of men’s riding boots to a sturdy tent and highly recommend getting yourself a good adventure riding jacket.

2. How long are you staying?

The length of your trip is a huge piece to your packing puzzle. The longer your stay, the more you’ll likely need to pack. If you’re going away for a quick weekend trip, you probably won’t have to worry about being tight on space or heavy on weight, but if you’re planning for a week or more, you’ll need to be far more strategic in your packing process. From clothing options to cooking materials, there’s plenty that you’ll need to make sure last the duration of your trip.

3. How many people do you need to accommodate?

If your camping trip is a romantic getaway for two, you’ll need to keep your plus one in mind. This goes for the size of your tent, the amount of food you bring, and so much more. Ultimately, you want to ensure you and your riding partner are able to enjoy your trip rather than scraping by.

4. What resources will you have at the site?

Wherever your destination may be, it pays to check out what resources you’ll be able to easily access. Is there a grocery store nearby? If you need more firewood, will you be able to easily locate some? Survey the surroundings of your destination before hitting the road.

5. What is the condition of your bike?

The last thing you’ll want to deal with on your motorcycle camping trip is a bike that wont start. Even if you’re just going on a quick weekend trip, it’s a smart idea to get your bike maintenance check before you head out. Pick up some motorcycle oil, get a tire check-up, ensure your motorcycle chain is in good condition. Make sure your air filter is clean and oiled.

10 Essentials To Pack

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned bike-camper, having a foolproof list of essentials can make your packing process exponentially easier. Break it down to basics with these 10 total must-have essentials that will ensure you’re able to have the trip of a lifetime.

1. Tent
2. Sleeping bag
3. Clothing
4. Stove + cooking materials

• Fuel or firewood
• Frying pan
• Cook pot
• Cooler
• Utensils
• Ice

5. Hydration system

• Water filter
• Insulated water bottle

6. Lights

• Headlamp
• Flashlight
• Solar-powered lanterns

7. First-aid kit

• Antiseptic wipes
• Gauze pads
• Tweezers
• Ibuprofen
• Medical tape
• Band-aids
• Bug spray
• Antihistamine

8. Camping chair
9. Tools

• Multi-tool
• Paramedic scissors
• Bottle opener

10. Camping towel

Last Checkpoint: Loading Up

With all of your necessities and essentials packed up and ready to go, all that’s left to do is pack everything onto your bike. Be sure to check out the information on your motorcycle’s payload to avoid overloading your bike. You should be able to find the payload limit listed in your owner’s manual. Keep everything positioned low, balanced, and secure for a safe journey ahead!