Motorcycle camping is one of the most freeing and rewarding ways to experience the great outdoors. However, for new campers, it’s easy to make mistakes that can lead to discomfort, frustration, or even safety hazards. Inspired by Chase on Two Wheels’ first moto camping adventure, we’re breaking down the most common mistakes new motorcycle campers make, and how you can avoid them to have a smoother and safer trip.
1. Overinflating Air Mattresses and Pillows
A good night’s sleep is essential after a long day of riding, but many new and even some seasoned campers make the mistake of overinflating their air mattresses and pillows. It seems logical that more air should mean more cushion, right? Well, that's not always the case. When you overinflate, your sleeping pad becomes stiff, creating pressure points instead of conforming to your body, especially for side sleepers.
What to do:
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Inflate your sleeping pad just enough so that it cradles your body rather than feeling like a solid plank.
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If you find yourself tossing and turning, try letting a little air out, just enough so it molds to your body comfortably.
2. Storing Your Sleeping Bag Wrong
Down sleeping bags are great for their compact size and warmth, but storing them compressed for too long can ruin their insulation. When packed tightly, the down loses its loft, making it less effective.
What to do:
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Never store your sleeping bag compressed for long periods.
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When you get home, hang it in a closet or keep it loosely stored in a large bag.
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Most quality brands, like Big Agnes, include oversized storage bags for this exact reason.
3. Not Securing Your Gear Properly
Improperly secured gear can be dangerous, and one of the biggest hazards is strapping a sleeping bag directly to your bike. If it loosens while you’re riding, it can get caught in the rear wheel, leading to a serious accident. In just two months I had three riders tell me personally that they had their sleeping bag fall off and get sucked into the rear wheel.
What to do:
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Always secure your sleeping bag inside a duffel bag or luggage system instead of tying it to the bike on its own.
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Use high-quality straps with minimal flex to prevent gear from shifting.
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After riding for a while, stop and check your straps to ensure nothing has come loose.
Suggested style large dry bags and straps:
Kriega
Nelson Rigg
Giant Loop
Sea to Summit - Big River Dry Bag
Green Chile Mondo Straps
ROK Straps
4. Misunderstanding Sleeping Bag Temperature Ratings
Many new campers assume that a 20°F sleeping bag will keep them warm in 20°F weather, but that’s not true. Most sleeping bags list their survival rating, not their comfort rating.
What to know:
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Always add 10-15°F to the bag’s listed temperature to get a realistic comfort rating.
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Remember, the ratings assume you’re wearing full base layers and sleeping on an insulated pad (R-value of 4+).
- Use a sleeping bag liner, extra mid and base layers, or layer camp blankets or quilts to stay warm in colder temperatures.
5. Fighting the Dehydrated Meal Bag
A classic new camper mistake is trying to eat a dehydrated meal straight from the bag using a regular spoon. This results in sticky fingers and frustration as you try to scoop food from the bottom.
What to do:
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Use a long-handled spork—this makes eating straight from the bag much easier and less messy.
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If you prefer, transfer your meal into a bowl, but keep in mind this means more dishes to clean.
- Cut off the top half of the bag and use the meal bag as it's own bowl.
6. Overpacking and Underpacking at the Same Time
Campers often bring too much unnecessary gear while forgetting key essentials. You might pack five ways to start a fire but forget your pillow.
What to do:
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Make a packing list and refine it after every trip. We have one you can download here.
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Take a “shake-down” trip to test your setup before a big adventure.
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Accept that experience is the best teacher—you’ll only figure out what you truly need through trial and error. Everyone camps a little different, so make sure you figure out a system that works best for you.
Final Thoughts
Mistakes are a natural part of learning how to moto camp, but with a little preparation and awareness, you can avoid the most common ones. Whether it’s properly inflating your sleeping pad, securing your gear, or understanding your sleeping bag’s limits, these small adjustments will make your trips more comfortable and enjoyable.