The holidays are approaching, and if you’re like me, you're probably scrambling to find the perfect gifts for your loved ones. If you have an adventure motorcyclist in your life, you might be feeling stumped (particularly if they ride a GS). After all, what do you get for someone who seems to have every piece of gear imaginable? What do you get for someone who suits up like Iron Man every time they swing their leg over their bike?
What do you get for an absolute moto camping… NERD!
Fear not. That’s what we’re here for. I’ve compiled a list of eight awesome (but cost-effective) gifts that are sure to please even the most discerning moto camping enthusiast. From essential gear to keep them warm and comfortable on the road, to casual stocking stuffers like a branded flask, we've got something for everyone.
Hippo Hands
For the perfect seasonal gift, you can't do better than Hippo Hands. These mitts attach to your motorcycle's handlebars and provide wind and weather protection for your fingers and hands in cold, wet, and otherwise nasty climes. From the product page: The waterproof outer shell is our unbelievably durable, HippoSkin™, and insulated with a generous layer of HippoFat™, a warm, flexible, closed cell foam—both are designed to keep inclement weather away from your hands.
In short, these are a must-have for any serious moto camper who rides in cold weather. If your friend or loved one is always complaining about having to winterize their bike at the end of each year, a pair of Hippo Hands will give them a reason to keep riding!
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Doubletake Mirrors
Doubletake Mirrors are high-quality, durable motorcycle mirrors built for rugged riding. We carry multiple Doubletake variants—adventure touring, dual sport, and enduro—in two arm lengths (3.5” and 6”), but the short story is that these mirrors are easily adjustable on the fly and offer a wide field of view. Built from glass-reinforced Zytel, they’re also nearly bombproof.
If your buddy goes down often, or always comes back with twigs and branches sticking from their bike, these might be the mirrors for them.
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Antigravity Battery XP-1 Micro-Start (Gen 2)
One of the biggest concerns with riding and camping in the cold is your bike battery getting zapped. No one likes waking up to a dead bike, and in the backcountry, it may not just be an inconvenience, it can actually be a safety concern.
That’s why the Antigravity Battery XP-1 Micro-Start (Gen 2) is a lifesaver. This portable jump starter can boost any motorbike, truck or other powersports vehicle back to life with a 12,000 mAh capacity (44.4 Wh), and can also charge electronics, such as your cell phone, headlamp, or music speaker. It also contains a mini flashlight. It's a great safety accessory for any camper, whether traveling by motorcycle or otherwise.
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Darn Tough Socks
Darn Tough Socks have been around for decades, but they’re still knit on small needle, fine gauge knitting machines here in the USA. These socks are made from 100% merino wool, a natural fiber that is soft, warm, and moisture-wicking. They are also incredibly durable.
Socks may be the quintessential “lame gift” for children, but as an adult, I’ve always appreciated the times I’ve been gifted with a quality pair of socks, and Darn Tough is as good as it gets. These are socks that last a long time and absorb sweat very well. (My feet stink no matter what socks I wear, but they do stink considerably less in Darn Tough…)
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Base Layers
Base layers are a must-have for any moto camper who rides and sleeps in cold weather. These long sleeve tops and bottoms help to wick away moisture and keep you warm. I won’t pontificate on layering any further, but for more on cold weather camping apparel, check out our article: How to Stay Cozy in the Cold.
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Moto Camp Nerd Flask
The Moto Camp Nerd Flask is a stellar stocking stuffer for any moto camper who enjoys a drink now and then. It's made from high-grade stainless steel with a DuraGrip powder coat finish, features a leak-proof lid, and can hold 9 ounces (266ml) of personal medicine/poison. This flask is available in black, olive drab, and navy.
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Gift Card
If you're not sure what to get the moto camper in your life, give them the gift of choice! With a digital Moto Camp Nerd Gift Card, they can shop for their favorite motorcycle camping gear, and you don’t have to worry about purchasing something they already own or don’t need. Everybody wins! Available anywhere from $10 to $100, these gift cards will suit all comers.
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Plan An Adventure
Obviously we make a living selling gear around here. But if you have spare cash and you really want to smash a gift out of the park, then plan your motorcycle-lover an ADVENTURE!
Sure, there are hundreds of great rides and destinations to hit in North America, but a lot of folks don’t realize how easy it is to drop into a foreign country, snag a bike, and crank out a cheap moto-camping adventure. You don’t have to be a permanent nomad, either. From the Ha-Giang Loop around Northern Vietnam to tracking the deserts of Morocco, there are plenty of motorcycle adventures that can be completed with just a week or two off from work. White collar warriors can still make it happen!
Some of the Latin American crews I’ve rented and ridden with that I can strongly recommend are Motorcycle Adventure Guatemala (MAG) in Guatemala and Inca Moto Rentals in Peru. I also can’t say enough good things about the riding in Ecuador, and Ecuador Bike Rental by Sleipner. These fellows helped me plan multiple motorcycle adventures on a variety of different motorcycles, from the balmy coasts to the high Andes to the Amazon jungle, during a 2-month long trip to Ecuador. When my girlfriend and I rode 2,000 kilometers around North Vietnam earlier this year, we rented with Gia Hưng Motorbike Rental in Hanoi, who were also very cheap and easy to deal with.
In short, you could always buy your loved one some motorcycle gear. But if you have the spare cash, and you really want to WOW them, then why not snag a plane ticket and a rented motorcycle?
Give them an excuse to put all that fancy gear to use…