Being a thrill-seeking motorcycle adventurer, I remember setting off on a journey across the country. I was excited to see what lay ahead on the open road. But, preparing for this was tough. I faced a big challenge in picking what gear to take, knowing there was little space on my bike. That’s when I found compact and light tents made just for motorcycle trips.
At [Company Name], we strive to help bikers with the latest in outdoor gear. Our aim is to provide space-saving, lightweight items for motorcycle journeys. We have a range of compact gear that fits snugly in your bags, leading to a trouble-free camping experience on your travels.1 Whether you’re into backpacking or exploring on two wheels, the right tent can change everything.
For motorcycle camping, knowing what you need is crucial. The challenge is to blend small pack size with comfort and usefulness.1 Tents come in all shapes and sizes, with various features and materials. It takes some digging to find the best one for your motorcycle touring trip. Don’t worry, we’re here to walk you through finding that ideal small and light tent for your next adventure.
The Importance of Lightweight and Compact Tents for Motorcycle Touring
For motorcycle camping, it’s key to pick a tent that’s lightweight and compact. Motorcycles don’t have much room for gear. So, each item must be chosen with care.2 Big and heavy tents take up a lot of space and make the bike heavier. This affects how it handles and its gas mileage.3 Yet, a lightweight, compact tent makes loading and carrying easier. It boosts the joy and convenience of the journey.3 The ideal tent offers good shelter and comfort while fitting the needs of motorcycle touring.
Space and Weight Constraints on Motorcycles
Motorbikes can’t hold as much stuff as cars, so each piece of motorcycle camping equipment needs careful thought.3 A too big or heavy tent eats into space and adds weight. This can make the bike harder to handle and less fuel-efficient.3 Riders must select gear that’s both compact and lightweight. It must not affect the bike’s performance.
Enhancing Comfort and Convenience on the Road
A lightweight, compact tent saves space and weight on the bike. It also makes the journey more comfortable and convenient.3 Smaller packed size and easier handling of bikepacking shelters or ultralight tents can change the experience. It leads to a better and less stressful adventure motorcycle trip.
Compact small 2 person tents motorcycle touring: Top Choices
Choosing the right tent for motorcycle camping is key. The Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 Bikepack Tent is a top pick. It’s lightweight, about 3 lbs, and folds to 13″x6″. This makes it perfect for the motorcycle camper.2
Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 Bikepack Tent
The Tiger Wall UL3 Bikepack Tent is also fantastic. It’s a bit bigger than the first, folding to 13″x7″. It weighs a little over 3 lbs. This tent has two doors and vestibules for extra space and easy entry.2
Tiger Wall UL3 Bikepack Tent
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL Bikepack Tent is for those wanting the best. It comes in different sizes and folds to 13.5″x7″. Weights at just 3.5 lbs, it has great features and room to move.2
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL Bikepack Tent
Ultralight and Minimalist Tents for Motorcycle Adventures
Looking for the lightest camping options? Tarp tents and pyramid tents are your go-to. They make use of just a single or two poles and key stakes. This design leads to a super small packed up size, often below 3 lbs. That’s perfect for motorcycle touring.2
Tarp Tents and Pyramid Tents
Yet, these ultralight shelters might pose some setup challenges. Especially when the ground is rocky or sandy. They might not provide the same coziness and safety as freestanding options.2 So, riders should think hard about the pros and cons of going ultralight.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Ultralight Setups
For top-notch lightweight and compact camping, think about tarp and pyramid tents. They cut down to a small size, often less than 3 lbs. Perfect for motorcycle touring.3 Nonetheless, setting them up can be tricky in rough terrain. They might not give as much comfort and safety as bigger, freestanding tents.2 So, it’s a balance of what matters most: size, weight, or how easy it is to use.
Balancing Pack Size, Comfort, and Cost
Looking for the right tent size that balances with comfort and cost can be tricky. The Blacktail Hotel Bikepack Tent from Big Agnes might be your solution. It has a large spot to store your gear and a separate sleeping area. Plus, it’s not too big when packed up, measuring 14.5″x8.5″. The only downside might be its weight, over 7 lbs, because it’s made of polyester.2
Blacktail Hotel Bikepack Tent
The Kelty Late Start 2P Tent is a great start if you want something simpler. It’s easy to pack at 16″x7″ and weighs 4.5 lbs. This tent stands on its own thanks to strong aluminum poles. It’s a good pick for beginners with its design and build.2
Kelty Late Start 2P Tent
For those looking to save some cash, the Alps Mountaineering Helix 2 Person Tent is worth checking out. It’s made of nylon and includes two doors. Its pack size falls between 16-18″ and it weighs about 4 lbs.2
Alps Mountaineering Helix 2 Person Tent
These tents strike a good balance. They’re small enough to carry, light, and won’t break your budget. This makes them a great choice for bikers who enjoy camping without giving up comfort or convenience.
Spacious Freestanding Tents for Motorcycle Camping
If you want a tent with lots of space inside and are okay with it being big when packed up, there’s good news. You’ll find many freestanding tents that are perfect. These tents come with long poles. This makes them take up more room when packed away. But, you can put all your stuff in them without any trouble. And, you’ll be able to stand up inside.2 Some famous hiking tent brands like Big Agnes have models that are not just for hiking. These can also be excellent picks for motorcycle camping. Especially when the size of your packed gear isn’t a big worry for you.4
Conclusion
Choosing the right tent is key for motorcycle touring.5 It changes how comfy and easy your journey is. Think about its size, weight, and how easy it is to set up.
For motorcycle camping, choose a tent that’s both light and roomy. This way, you enjoy your ride more. You might go for a small ultralight tent or a bigger one that stands on its own. The goal is to find what’s light to carry but big enough to relax in after a long day of riding.
The Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 is perfect for those who travel light. It weighs just a bit over 2 pounds. It’s a great choice for minimalist motorcycle camping.5 The Big Agnes Tiger Wall series is also super light. The UL2 version is a bit over 2 pounds, and the UL3 is about 3 pounds. These are superb for those who watch the weight.5 Then there’s the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2. It’s still very light, and it’s small when packed. This is another top pick for those looking to keep things simple out on the road.5 But, keep in mind that tents like the Copper Spur can be expensive. You might have to pay nearly $550 for the tent and its bottom part. Yet, for serious bikepackers, it’s a price worth paying for top quality.5
If you want something in the middle on size, comfort, and price, there are many choices. Options like the Blacktail Hotel Bikepack Tent, Kelty Late Start 2P Tent, and Alps Mountaineering Helix 2 Person Tent might be just what you need.67 For more interior space and height, some riders might prefer bigger, freestanding tents. Top backpacking brands have models that offer more room to move and store your stuff.
Source Links
- https://www.adventurealan.com/small-2-person-tents/
- https://motocampnerd.com/blogs/fireside-chat/whats-the-best-motorcycle-camping-tent-for-you
- https://www.pikipikioverland.com/how-to-pick-the-best-tent-for-motorcycle-travel/
- https://www.indianmotorcycles.net/threads/camping-tent.3619/
- https://medium.com/@celliepollard456/ultimate-guide-to-the-best-motorcycle-tents-for-adventurous-riders-3642fe416d5d
- https://therollinghobo.com/2017/05/riding-light-camping-with-22-kg.html
- https://vietnammotorbiketoursclub.com/best-motorcycle-tents-tips-for-camping-on-two-wheels.htm
Meet Noah, the soul behind “Best Inflatable Tent” and a true wanderer at heart. Living the van life, Noah has turned his passion for exploring the great outdoors into a lifestyle, earning his living through organizing group travels that bring people closer to nature. With years of firsthand experience in the wild, Noah’s expertise in selecting and utilizing inflatable tents is unparalleled. Through this blog, he shares his profound knowledge and practical tips to help fellow adventurers find their perfect outdoor shelters. Noah’s commitment to delivering genuine, tested insights has made him a trusted authority in the camping community. Join him on this journey to discover the best inflatable tents that make the great outdoors feel like home.