You're in the right place.
Moto camping combines the freedom of riding with the adventure of camping. But figuring out what gear you need (and what fits on your bike) can be overwhelming.
Good news: MCN Ben has spent 12 years testing gear and making mistakes so you don't have to.
What's Your Style?
How long are your typical trips?
🏍️ OVERNIGHT WARRIOR (1-2 nights) "I want to explore, but keep it simple."
- Minimal gear that packs relatively small
- Easy setup/breakdown
- Budget: $ Starter but good gear
🏕️ WEEKEND ADVENTURER (2-4 nights) "I want comfort without going overboard."
- Balance of comfort and pack size
- Reliable, proven gear
- Budget: $$ Mid tier
🗺️ WEEKLY TOURER (6+ nights a time) "I need gear that lasts and keeps me comfortable."
- Durable, high-quality equipment
- Comfort for extended trips
- Budget: $$$1,200-2,500 for full setup
🎒 ULTRALIGHT MINIMALIST "Pack light, ride far, sleep anywhere."
- Smallest, lightest options
- Size and weight priority with a little sacrifice to comfort.
- Budget: $$$
The Essential 4 (What Every Moto Camper Needs)
1. 🏠 SHELTER
Your home away from home
- Tent: Weather protection and bug-free sleep
- Tarp: Ultralight option for those who don't mind being exposed
- Hammock: Off-ground comfort where trees allow
Most popular: 2-person tent (room for you + gear)
2. 😴 SLEEP SYSTEM
Quality sleep = better riding
- Sleeping Bag: Warmth rating for your climate
- Sleeping Pad: Insulation from cold ground
- Pillow: Don't just use a balled-up jacket (trust us)
Ben's tip: 25" Wide pads are the best option. Sleeping bags are advertised at their lower limit ratings. Add 10F to what you see advertised to get the realistic comfort rating.
3. 🍳 KITCHEN
Hot food and coffee make everything better
- Stove: Compact, reliable cooking
- Cookware: Lightweight pots and eating utensils
- Water: Storage and purification
Start simple: One-pot meals and instant coffee
4. 🎒 STORAGE
Get your gear to the campsite
- Motorcycle Bags: Panniers, tank bags, tail bags
- Packing Cubes: Keep gear organized
- Dry Bags: Protect from rain
Key: Know your bike's luggage capacity before buying gear, or plan your gear and buy your luggage for your needs.
What's Your Budget?
🥉 STARTER MID LEVEL SETUP
"I like camping and want quality gear to last a few years"
- Basic tent, sleeping bag, pad, stove
- Entry-level but reliable
- Perfect for testing if you like moto camping
🥈 INTERMEDIATE QUALITY SETUP
"I want gear that works well and lasts"
- Mid to Best range, proven performers
- Good balance of weight, durability, comfort
- What most long-term moto campers use
🥇 PREMIUM SETUP
"I want the best gear for serious adventures"
- Top-tier, ultralight, bombproof equipment
- Designed for extreme conditions
- Investment pieces that last decades
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Buying gear before knowing your bike's capacity Measure your luggage space first. Average setups typically take 20L-30L of storage for your core essentials.
❌ Prioritizing weight over durability Ultralight gear can be less durable and less comfortable.
❌ Skipping the sleeping pad You'll freeze even in a warm sleeping bag.
❌ Not testing gear at home first Practice setup in your backyard.
❌ Overpacking on your first trip Start minimal, add gear later. Start with a backyard campout or close to home just with he core essentials: Bag, Pad, Pillow, Tent, Water.
Ready to Get Started?
🚀 QUICKSTART OPTION
"Just tell me what to buy"
Ben has put together complete kits for different trip styles. Everything is tested, fits together, and works.
🧭 DIY OPTION
"I want to build my own kit"
Start with the Essential 4, then add comfort items as you learn what you need.
💬 NEED HELP?
"I have specific questions"
Ben personally answers questions about gear selection. No sales pressure - just honest advice from someone who's been there.
Email: cs@motocampnerd.com
What Riders Are Saying
"Videos and blogs helped immensely in making the decision of what products would be best for me." - Phillip
"Moto Camp Nerd has a very good assortment of camping equipment that is curated to be particularly suitable for motorcycle camping and Ben does a great job. Orders ship promptly and Ben is available if a customer has questions. Being able to discuss products with a knowledgeable person when buying online is almost unheard of today. That would be worth paying a premium, and so would supporting small business in general, but the Moto Camp Nerd prices are comparable to large online retailers." - Bruce
"MCN has a great selection of items and pricing that beats other large retail stores." - Kelli
[See What Riders Are Saying About Us →]
Still Not Sure?
Download Ben's Free Packing List
Interactive PDF with everything you need for different trip lengths
[Download Free Packing List →]
Read the Fireside Chat Blog
Real-world advice, gear reviews, and trip reports
Follow on Instagram
See gear in action and get inspiration
[@motocampnerd →]
Ready to start your moto camping adventure? The hardest part is taking the first step.