Motorcycles are the ideal mode of transportation for touring many of the world’s most beautiful highways, such as Australia’s Great Ocean Road or California’s Pacific Coast Highway. Having been raised by a true motorcycle fanatic, I’ve had the fortune of embarking on several motorcycle journeys.
As a teenager, my father and I used to take two-week motorbike trips across Europe, during which we would sleep under the stars while a motorcycle tent protected our bikes.
We tried out a few different stoves, backpacking tents, motorcycle camping tents, and bivvies on our travels to keep our motorcycles and gear in tip-top shape while simultaneously minimizing the weight of our packs. Then, we realized that a regular backpacking tent wouldn’t work, and we required a tent designed specifically for motorcyclists.
We’ve got the best motorcycle tent right here, and we’ve laid out all you need to know to find it.
Something about being on the back of a motorcycle just shouts, “ADVENTURE!” I remember the feeling of independence I had the first time I rode a motorcycle down the road, a beat-up 350cc Honda. I felt incredibly badass as I rode my motorcycle across Vietnam, cruising down a highway, traveling through quaint towns and villages, and taking in the sights and noises of the country.
Expect to get lost and possibly encounter some motorcycle shenanigans. However, that’s just how adventures go, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
In a Nutshell, Which Are The Best Motorcycle Tents?
- Best Overall – Lone Rider Mototent V2
- Best Lightweight – Catoma Switchback
- Best Value for Money – Coleman Hooligan
- Best Mid-Range Tent – Teepee Tent
- Best Appearance – The Harley Davidson Roadhouse
Had my phone not died, I would not have wandered off onto a dusty side road that eventually led me deeper through the Yen Bai Mountains in northern Vietnam. The dirt and rocky road gradually deteriorated as I continued into the highlands. Still, the incredible sight of rice terraces that cascaded down the mountainside, isolated hill tribe communities dressed in their traditional garb, and picture-postcard vistas kept me captivated.
At dusk, I crashed my motorcycle after hitting a large rock that ripped off the exhaust. The locals soon joined me, howling with laughter as I pointed and asked, “Sapa?” I wished I had brought a motorcycle tent to camp and hide my bike from view because there were no motels, hostels, guesthouses, or homestays in the area. To my good fortune, a kind family volunteered to let me stay the night, charged my smartphone, cooked me dinner, and showed me the way back to the main road.
Motorcycle touring is one of my favorite ways to experience the world. You can stray off dusty, beaten paths and find your hidden treasures. Wander, discover the excitement, and learn about the new location at your speed. You will return from your trip with your unique set of incredible stories.
While you can explore on foot, motorcycle camping tents are a practical investment if you want to be on the road for an extended period or if your motorbike is very pricey.
When you’re on the road with your motorcycle, camping is the best way to relax and unwind. It’s less hassle than booking a room at a hostel or guesthouse, and you can travel as far as you like without worrying about finding somewhere to stay.
If you are like me, you’re always looking for new and exciting ways to experience the world, including winding back roads with breathtaking vistas. These routes inadvertently lead to some of the best camping spots no matter where you are, whether you’re looking to pitch a tent on a beach or in an open landscape under the stars.
If you plan on taking your motorcycle on your next trip, you should bring a tent. Okay, I get it; you’re still on the fence about whether or not you need a motorcycle tent; won’t normal tents do? Allow me to explain briefly…
The two most important criteria are finding a tent that works for your trip and can be mounted on your motorcycle. You’ll need a large enough tent to keep your motorcycle safe while also giving you plenty of room to sleep in. the good news? We’ve done the research and testing to find 2023’s best motorcycle tent, so you can just read on for all the juicy details.
Products/Description
The best motorcycle Tent Overall
MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 Motorcycle Tent
- Weight – 1.72kg
- Capacity – 1 to 3-person variants
- Fabric – 30 Denier ripstop nylon
- Type – dome
Runner Up – The best motorcycle Tent Overall
Lone Rider MotoTent V2
- Weight – 5.44 kg
- Capacity – 2 people
- Fabric – 210T Polyester
- Type – Tunnel
Teepee Tent
- Weight: > 6.3kg
- Capacity: > 2 people
- Fabric: > Polyester
- Type: > Dome
Best Budget Motorcycle Camping Tent
Coleman Hooligan
- Weight: > 3.5kg
- Capacity: > 2 people
- Fabric: > Polyester
- Type: > Dome
Best Lightweight Motorcycle Camping Tent
Catoma
- Weight: > 4.54kg
- Capacity: > 2 people
- Fabric: > Polyurethane
- Type: > Speed Dome
Best One-Person Tent
ALPS Mountaineering Compact Tent
- Weight: > 1.56kg
- Capacity: > 1 person
- Fabric: > Polyester
- Type: > Free Standing
10 Top-Rated Motorcycle Camping Tents for Outdoor Adventures
1. The Best Overall – MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 Motorcycle Tent
The Hubba Hubba motorcycle tent is one of the company’s most popular products and a shining example of its commitment to quality and innovation. It is a three-season tent and has a lightweight dome design. Since its first conception, its primary function has been facilitating outdoor activities such as hiking and mountaineering. Therefore its portability and lightweight construction are noteworthy. But the interior is still quite spacious because it is a dome tent.
The Hubba Hubba’s freestanding design is a major selling point, and it’s the reason we’re bringing it along on our round-the-world trip. That’s crucial because you can set it up without driving any pegs into the ground. This makes camping in extreme conditions, such as sand, snow, deserts, and extremely rugged terrain, a breeze. Another huge bonus is that Hubba Hubba’s flysheet can be detached from the tent. The tent’s mesh body lets you enjoy the night sky without worrying about overheating.
2. Runner Up for Best Overall – Lone Rider Mototent V2
Which motorbike shelter is the best all around? That’s simple – The Lone Rider Mototent V2.
Inquiring minds want to know what it’s like to hit the road with this awesome product, and the answers are consistent across the board. The Lone Rider Mototent V2 is the best motorbike camping tent available.
The Lone Rider Mototent’s roomy sleeping area is perfect for weary travelers, who can rest easy knowing all their belongings are safely tucked away inside. Your bike will be safe and out of sight in the spacious vestibule space. The vestibule can serve as extra seating for two people when the motorcycle is stored outside.
The tent’s fabric is waterproof, ensuring that you will remain dry throughout your camping trip. Protect yourself even further with the included groundsheet. Every aspect of the tent, from the light structure to the luminous straps on the backpack, was made with the rider in mind.
A consensus has yet to be reached on the best motorcycle tent. However, the Lone Rider Mototent is perfect for serious riders who want to take long trips.
This motorcycle tent with a built-in motorbike garage was a huge hit with our crew because it had everything you could want in a touring shelter. They raved about the storage space in the garage, noting how even their large touring bikes fit with ease. If you want to store your motorcycle outside the garage, it’s also a wonderful place to hang out because it’s separate from the sleeping area, and you have plenty of headroom.
3. Vuz Motorcycle Tent
The Vuz Motorcycle Tent is another great option. You won’t have trouble entering or exiting this tent, as it features four separate doorways. In fact, if you require a lot of space while camping on your bike, this is among the best motorcycle tents on the market.
The Vuz tent also has a bigger vestibule than the Lone Rider MotoTent. Our primary complaint with most motorcycle tents is more storage for your motorcycle and additional goods. If inclement weather is expected, you’ll need somewhere to store your belongings safely out of the elements.
Although our crew ranked this as their second-best motorcycle tent, they still thought it was fantastic. They were blown away by how roomy it was, to the point that it was almost too huge for some crew members. Nonetheless, it was ideal for a couple taking a reasonable quantity of luggage together.
4. Best Lightweight Tent – Catoma Switchback
The Catoma Switchback Motorcycle Camping Tent is the number one lightweight two-person motorcycle tent (weighs 454 grams). It’s functional year-round because of its mesh windows and ceiling, bathtub base, and waterproof fabric coating.
The Catoma Switchback Motorcycle Camping Tent is the best motorcycle tent for road trips since it can be mounted in under a minute thanks to the tent’s speed dome structure. Unfortunately, the vestibule is too small to keep your motorcycle safe while traveling. This is a wonderful choice for the minimalist.
As we toured Vietnam, our group decided that this was the ideal motorcycle camping tent if weight was a concern, like in the case of a smaller motorcycle. Most of our crew thought it was a small concern that the tent didn’t have room for the bikes, provided they only brought the bare minimum of gear you could easily dismount.
3. Best Value for Money: Coleman Hooligan
Excellent quality and value are hallmarks of Coleman’s merchandise.
If you want a motorcycle tent for two on a budget, go as far as the Coleman Hooligan tent. Not only is it the most cost-friendly choice, but it is also made by Coleman, who always manufactures high-quality gear.
This motorcycle camping tent will ensure you are dry in even the worst storms. A modest front vestibule offers shelter for your motorcycle and is especially useful in wet weather. The polyethylene floor wraps up the tent’s walls like a bathtub, protecting them from the elements.
When the weather is nice, and you want to look at the stars, you may do so without worrying about being devoured by mosquitoes by removing the water-resistant top. The tent has excellent airflow, and you won’t feel as if you are baking inside an oven, even on hot days.
The Coleman motorcycle camping tent is great because it only adds 3.5 kg to your luggage, which is hardly noticeable. This motorcycle tent can be erected and disassembled in a jiffy. Overall, it offers everything you may need for almost any motorbike excursion and has a one-year warranty. This is the best budget motorcycle tent as it offers excellent value for your money, but it’s not the greatest overall. If money isn’t a problem, there are better options out there.
Our crew felt it was a great budget tent because it provided an excellent amount of space for the cost. Secondly, we found the setup and disassembling incredibly easy, even though this is typically a major difficulty with cheap tents.
5. Teepee Tent.
This tent is a good option if you’re looking for something more substantial than a Coleman. This spacious tent was designed just for motorbikers, so you’ll have enough sleeping room and space to keep your bike safe.
The tent is built to last with its sturdy construction, guaranteeing your safety regardless of whether it’s raining, snowing, or blazing hot outside. Teepee Tent was keen on the design to ensure it was practical and pleasant. Although it isn’t the lightest motorcycle camping tent on the list (weighing 14 pounds), it is still a great value buy.
There’s enough room for two adults and your bike in this tent’s “garage” area, and the tent is portable on a large bike. It’s a breeze to put up and take down, making it ideal for spontaneous camping trips. There is no better compromise between price, convenience, and comfort than this motorbike tent.
The extra space provided by the tent’s bike garage was appreciated by our crew, as it was used to store stuff such as leathers, helmets, boots, and other dirty or bulky items that were otherwise kept in the main sleeping area. In addition, they praised the tent’s bag-entry design, which means that your bike will stay in the way if you need to use the restroom at 2 a.m.
6. Best One-Person Motorcycle Camping Tent – ALPS Mountaineering Compact Tent.
The ALPS Mountaineering Compact Tent is a reliable shelter for lone motorcyclists on the road.
It is a high-quality tent that performs incredibly well in severe weather. We gave this motorcycle tent a try on our recent journey across Europe. We were surprised by the easy setup and how comfier it was to rest in than we had anticipated, thanks to the ample ventilation provided by the tent’s mesh walls.
Although I’ve tried a few different types of one-person tents, this one is among the roomier ones I’ve tried. You’ll have to find another place to keep your motorcycle as there’s no vestibule, but a tarp will solve that problem.
It was a hit with our team’s minimalists, who used it on motorbike backpacking trips. While many travelers prefer the convenience of hotels and B&Bs on their travels, others enjoy having the option of setting up a tent on occasion.
The ALPS Mountaineering Compact Tent tent is perfect for motorbiking trips, given how little room it takes up. But it’s not just for motorcycling trips; it also makes a fantastic hiking tent.
7. Best Appearance – The Harley Davidson Roadhouse
The folks at Harley-Davidson don’t screw around.
Since everyone knows that Harley Davidson produces the sexiest motorcycles, it stands to reason that the company also offers the sexiest motorcycle camping tents. The Roadhouse variant can accommodate four people, making it an ideal motorcycle tent for small crews traveling on two motorcycles.
It features mesh panels for airflow when temperatures rise, with a rain fly and storm flaps to keep out the elements. The Harley Davidson Roadhouse tent, in contrast to most others, is a specially constructed motorbike storage compartment that fits neatly on the rear of your bike. This sultry motorcycle tent will make you the campground’s envy.
Everyone on our crew thought it was so awesome looking; after all, if you pull up to the campsite on a Harley, you’ve already won the coolest camper award, so why not go all out? Despite their initial impressions, they were impressed with how many large motorcycles could fit inside! They said it was ideal for a pair of motorbikers and their gear, as it had enough room to spare.
8. Terra Nova Voyager Motorcycle Tent
Founded in 1980, Terra Nova is a British company that produces high-quality tents. The Voyager is a top-tier tent from this prestigious company. It’s freestanding, so you can set it up wherever you like, flysheet or no flysheet.
You can use the Voyager year-round. It’s made from silicone-coated nylon fabric, has taped seams, and can withstand harsh conditions. This tent could be ideal for you if you’re going on a trip and need a durable, all-purpose shelter.
9. Redverz Atacama Solo Expedition Motorcycle Tent
The original bike-in-tent concept by Redverz featured a massive front vestibule. The tent is perfect for concealing and keeping your bike safe when it’s not in use. Since it only requires two poles to erect, it is easy to erect, and it fares better in strong winds, according to professional reviews.
The Redverz tent is extremely well-designed and manufactured with premium materials and meticulous care. It’s ideal for campers that require more space while camping on the road yet pack down to a manageable size. You can also purchase the Expedition from Redverz in a three-person configuration, which provides an extra 23 inches of sleeping space.
10. Vango Nevis 200 Motorcycle Camping Tent
The Vango tent is an amazing tent that packs down little and weighs next to nothing. One of the best features of the Vango is its speed of setup and disassembly. It has one central pole and is secured with guylines. You can’t separate the inner body from the flysheet because it’s not freestanding and is set up as one unit.
However, this tent was designed to offer a limited amount of space. If you plan on staying in hotels or hostels for the duration of your motorbiking journey but still need an inexpensive, reliable, lightweight, and highly easy-to-use tent in case of an emergency, the Vango Nevis 200 is an excellent choice.
Other Note-Worthy Mentions
High Peak Outdoors Motorcycle Camping Tent
- Motorbike Shelter for Extreme Environments
- Setup time is under 3 minutes.
- Airflow through mesh ventilation
- Affordable
- Waterproof and wind resistant
- Extremely light-weight
- Bathtub floor
Bellamore Family Motorcycle Tent
- Separate rooms for two people to sleep
- Plenty of storage space for two motorcycles in the spacious vestibule
- Protective ground covering that won’t soak up water
- Room for 4
- Limited ventilation
The Coleman Evanston Motorcycle Camping Tent
- Room for 6
- Small motorbikes can be stored in the front vestibule, but there is little cover from the elements.
- Water drains through the pores in the floor of the vestibule.
- The four huge windows provide maximum ventilation.
- Waterproof and windproof
Lone Rider Mototent V2
- Room for 2
- Separate spaces for bike and rider
- A supplementary vestibule where one can prepare food or hang equipment
- Incorporated flame-retardant elements into the construction
- Protective canopy
- It weighs 12 pounds and is 1.9 meters high
- Set up takes 7 minutes
- One can expand the available room by taking down the inner tent.
How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Tent
What to consider:
- Size
- Storage Space
- Price
- Sleeping Arrangements
- Water & Wind Resistance
- Weight & Size
- Ventilation
Size
There are a few factors that will determine how big of a motorbike tent you need:
- Size of Motorcycles – Keep your motorcycle safe from the elements by putting it in the tent’s vestibule. Check the motorcycle tent’s vestibule space against your bike’s specifications to ensure it will fit.
- Storage space – Consider the room you’ll need for gear inside the camping tent. Your possessions can either sit on the bike or on the ground in the space between the wheels.
- Sleeping setup – Your motorbike tent manufacturer may say the tent has enough room for four people, but you’ll sleep like sardines if you rely on that information. From personal experience, two adults can sleep peacefully in a 4-person tent with extra room to move around. Any more, and it gets uncomfortable.
Price
If you’re on a tight budget and need a motorbike tent, look for one that provides great value for your money. But make sure to pay attention to quality; instead, strike a good balance between the two factors.
Weight
Given that you’ll be transporting your motorcycle camping tent on your motorcycle, you should look for one that is lightweight and compact. A motorbike camping tent should ideally weigh 8 kilograms, and for not much additional money, you can purchase something much lighter.
Ensure not to overload your motorcycle by checking the maximum allowable load and weighing all your gear. You should get some panniers if you plan on bringing a lot of items with you.
Waterproofing and Windproofing
Ensure your motorcycle camping tent is water-resistant, so you don’t wake up in a puddle. Generally speaking, motorcycle tents are watertight, but you should check before using them. Storms strike out of nowhere, and the weather is often unpredictable. The wind chill can also make you extremely uncomfortable, so it’s best to have a motorcycle camping tent that can block the wind.
Ventilation
A motorbike camping tent needs good ventilation, especially if you plan on using it in a hot region. Nothing is more unpleasant than jolting awake in the middle of the night, gasping for air, and sweating profusely. In clear skies at night, vents and a mesh body are perfect for air circulation and stargazing.
Where We Went and What We Did to Identify the Best Motorcycle Tent
The only way to see how well a tent performs in the wild is to spend a few nights under it, so that’s what we did. In this case, however, we went a step further and evaluated how well these tents performed under the unique conditions of motorcycle camping.
Our testers focused on the following aspects to objectively evaluate and compare the camping tents to each other:
Mass When Loaded
Knowing how much you plan to put onto the motorcycle’s back will help determine how much packing weight you’ll need. Although an ultralight tent is less crucial on motorcycle camping than on foot, it’s still something to consider when planning a camping trip.
With a lightweight tent, you’ll have more control over your bike and can even carry the tent with you if you have to.
Packability
There are many different styles of tents available, and no two are alike. While some may be pitched and unpitched with relative ease, others require an engineering degree. Consequently, a tent’s ease of assembly and disassembly is crucial in determining whether it is among the best tents for motorbike camping.
If a tent was easy to pack, it received high marks from our testers, and vice versa if it was a hassle.
Warmth, Protection from the Elements, and Airflow
You can only get to know a tent by staying in it. When you have a long day of riding ahead of you, the last thing you want to do is spend the night shivering. The same may be said for sleeping in a tent that turns into a sauna at night.
Naturally, our testers evaluated the weather and their sleeping bags when measuring each tent’s ventilation and warmth characteristics.
If we were fortunate enough to avoid the rain while we were in the field, we tested the water resistance of each tent by pouring a pail of water over it.
Spaciousness and Comfort
Tents aren’t typically meant for hosting parties (well, some are), but we were interested to see how well the motorcycle camping tents handled our equipment.
Yet again, you will truly understand this once you’ve spent the night in a camping tent and struggled to fit your motorcycle.
Durability and build quality
Testers were tasked with putting each tent through a “rigorous” battery of tests. This involved zipping and unzipping the tent, applying pressure to the poles, and evaluating the quality of the seam sewing, fly sheet thickness, and overall endurance of the materials. A biker’s tent needs to be sturdy because it will take some damage.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Best Motorcycle Tent
Do you need further assistance in selecting the ideal motorbike tent? Okay, no sweat! Listed and explained here are the most often inquired-about topics. The most common inquiries are as follows.
Who needs a motorcycle camping tent?
Any traveler looking to set up a temporary camp on the road and provide adequate protection for themselves and their bikes. In isolated regions, a motorcycle tent is crucial for protecting the bike’s engine from the weather.
Are there any compact and lightweight motorcycle camping tents?
Yes, there is. If you’re looking for a lightweight motorcycle tent, go as far as the 454g Catoma Switchback. It’s comfortable for two and practical in every climate.
Which features should you look for in a motorbike tent?
When buying a tent, it is essential to verify the following:
- Weight and Size
- Sleeping room and Storage Space
- Water and Wind Resistance.
What is the most reliable motorbike tent in terms of rain protection?
When the weather forecast calls for rain, you’ll be glad you brought along the Teepee Tent. It is a waterproof motorcycle camping tent that can keep you dry even in the worst storms.
Conclusion
A motorcycle camping tent is essential if you spend real time adventuring on your motorcycle. It is a worthwhile investment to keep your motorcycle safe at night and can also come in handy in various conditions during your trip.
I’d suggest a simple tarp and bivvy tent setup if you want to travel light. When deciding on the best motorcycle tent to buy before you travel, you should consider its size, storage capacity, weight and size, sleeping arrangements, ventilation, waterproofing, and wind resistance.
I’ll drop you a hint: if you’re looking for the best of the best, it’s the Lone Rider. If you’re trying to save money, you should look into the Coleman Hooligan.
Whatever the case, we hope you found this guide helpful in your search for the best motorcycle tent.