Open air, open road, open sky — it’s the best of all worlds.
But after a long day on the road, you want as many creature comforts as you can get your hands on; the challenge is being comfortable without packing everything and the kitchen sink.
Here are 7 motorcycle gadgets for your next camping adventure, that pack light and add comfort, to get you started.
P.S. We’d like to dedicate this post to our Hoka Hey long distance rider friends, who head out from Key West, Florida to Homer, Alaska in a few days. We\’re sure they are packing light and doing plenty of camping on the side of the road.
Motorcyclists, meet ultralight backpacking!
Ultralight backpacking is the practice of packing super-lightweight backpacks for hiking and camping treks, made possible by a wide range of special gear that usually weighs in at mere ounces. Motorcycle camping trips can be both comfortable and easy too, if you borrow some tips and gear from ultralight backpackers.
Esbit Pocket Stove
Burn bans are always a possibility, and a propane stove setup is both heavy and potentially hazardous. The Esbit pocket stove weighs in a less than half an ounce, and the super efficient fuel tabs are just as lightweight.
Snow Peak Aluminum Cookware Set
This cookware set can prepare food for up to three people, yet the stackable design means it takes up very little space. Weighs just over 19 ounces and comes with its own mesh bag.
ROK Motorbike Flat Straps
Specifically designed to strap luggage safely onto motorcycles, these ROK straps come in a range of sizes and can do double duty at your campsite to secure your food and other items up high and away from bears and other critters.
Shangri-La 2 Tarp Tent
The Shangri-La Tarp Tent weighs under two pounds, and the ingenious design is floorless but still keeps you warm and dry. Not ready for a floorless tent? The Eureka Amari Pass 3 weighs in under five pounds and won’t break the bank.
LuminAID Inflatable Solar Light
Skip the heavy lantern and opt instead for a LuminAID light. Charge while you ride or while you swim your day away, and the LuminAID will light up your campsite or tent at night. Bonus: it doubles as a pillow!
AceCamp Foldable Basin
When it’s time to wash up, these foldable basins are just the thing! The smallest size holds 5 liters and weighs only two ounces. Three sizes available, and each one packs away into its own tiny pouch.
Collapsible Water Bottles
Carry water on your ride with the MSR Dromedary bag, which carries 4 liters and is made of of tough, abrasion-resistant Cordura. For hauling water around the site, the Sea to Summit Folding Bucket carries 10 liters and folds down to a mere 2.8 ounces in its own zippered pouch.
Summer Gloves: Perfect for a Motorcycle Camping Trip
When you are planning your trip, make sure your gear and gloves are in good shape. Check out these summer rider favorites, now with free shipping, and many other styles.
For instance, Olympia\’s lightweight, abrasion-resistant Gel Reflector motorcycle gloves: the gel padding makes them shock-resistant while the stretch nylon promises a lightweight and comfortable fit in all temps. It’s comfortable protection that won’t weigh you down.
More resources:
Do you have a favorite lightweight motorcycle gadget that always goes in your bag? Tell us about it in comments!