Introduction to Motorcycle Camping

The motorcycle is definitely one of the vehicles that best adapts to nature. It is also one of the things that can make traveling in nature the freest. For this reason, it is at the top of the camping gear loved by solo campers.

The reverse is also relatively true. Many bikers love being solo, free-spirited, and in the middle of nature. Therefore, they prefer camping and micro-adventures.

I also go camping by motorcycle, and in this article, I will talk a bit about my experiences.

First of all, preparations must be made keeping in mind that the loading capacity of a motorcycle is not as large as a caravan or a car. Along the same lines, my other recommendation is to plan for one person per bike (without a passenger). Given the weight of the camping equipment and the center of gravity shifting backward, there is no need to strain a motorcycle further with a passenger.

When we consider all this, let's take a look at what I bring to camp. These can naturally be shaped according to your personal preferences and needs.

1 - Tent

I use a simple one-person tent. There are multiple reasons why I go solo camping with a one-person tent:

• This is my only tent, and sometimes I also camp with my partner.
• I have claustrophobia; I can't even enter one-person tents. I sleep restlessly even in a two-person tent.
• At night, I can take all my equipment, including the top case, inside the tent.

2 - Sleeping Pad(s)

I took two pads to my last motorcycle camp. One is a classic foam mat that folds accordion-style. The reason for choosing accordion over roll-up is entirely for packing convenience. Roll-up ones take up a lot of space if you don't wrap them tightly. If the straps holding them aren't good, they can expand.

The second is an inflatable pad. Since I would be using an inflatable pad for the first time, I didn't fully trust it and took the classic mat as well. However, the inflatable pad provided a very sufficient base. One of the reasons I took the classic mat was to protect the inflatable pad from sharp foreign objects on the ground.

3 - Inflatable Pillow

An extra source of comfort that I see no harm in bringing since it takes up very little space.

4 - Folding Chair

Another comfort item. Fitting a sufficiently compact folding chair into the rear top case of a motorcycle is not difficult at all.

5 - Kitchen Equipment

Since campfire rules vary in campsites across Germany, my entire equipment consists of a small gas canister and burner, a metal cup for boiling water, and a fork-spoon set. Depending on the situation, plates and pots can be added to the camp setup.

6 - Consumables

First of all, I try to get at least 3 liters of water. This can sustain me for a day if I can't find a market.

On my last camp, I brought dried, packaged foods. Frankly, they turned out much better than I expected, and I will probably continue doing so in the future.

Things to save the day like coffee, biscuits, and crackers can also be added.

7 - Sleeping Bag

To sleep comfortably on the cool nights of Germany, since I don't use a very high-end one, I also bought a compression sack. Thus, I save volume on the motorcycle.

8 - Clothing

Especially comfortable shoes to wear after getting off the motorcycle, sweatpants, etc., must definitely be with me.

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Another issue to pay attention to when going camping by motorcycle is distance.

The general consensus for a motorcycle tour, to maintain enjoyment and sustainable performance, is not to exceed the limit of 400 km / 4 hours of riding per day. Thus, physical performance is not affected, and the tour becomes a pleasure trip rather than torture.

When it comes to camping, it is useful to reconsider this limit a bit because a loaded bike and maneuvering it means more physical strain. Therefore, it makes sense to keep the distance between accommodations shorter and prevent dehydration and fatigue with regular breaks.

Now, return to the homepage and start planning your next motorcycle camping trip!