A Motocamping Adventure Guide From a Hipcamp Photographer

After pitching my tent at Washtock Family Campground along the Fraser River Gorge in British Columbia, I made myself a simple and not-necessarily-the-healthiest meal of boxed macaroni supplemented by chopped-up pepperoni sticks.

With golden hour beginning in an hour or so, I cleaned my pot, strapped on my helmet, and left the campground on my motorbike, riding along dirt roads toward my sunset destination some 10 kilometres away: the restored Nahatlatch Fire Lookout, originally built in the mid-1950s. (Since this trip, it has sadly been destroyed and closed due to a 2023 wildfire.)

While the road started off deceptively easy, it became more and more challenging as it climbed steadily in elevation. Large water bars and erosion events cut across the steep road, leaving deep, car-swallowing valleys filled with loose rocks the size of grapefruits.

Ascending the switchbacks, I attempted to avoid the largest of valleys and the gnarliest of rocks, keeping razor-sharp focus. Finally reaching the lookout, soaked in sweat and high on adrenaline, I imagined the impossibility of attempting to reach the top in a car. Having revelled in the mountain beauty, I returned to camp in the dark, elated by the experience and thankful to have been able to reach the incredible spot on my bike.

Despite the unique possibilities it allows, motocamping, or motorcycle camping, cannot be described as easy or convenient. One would not say the rain is enjoyable, nor the wind, the cold, or the stiffness that sets in after riding for less time than you’d think. Still, they didn’t choose to go to the moon because it was easy. And as with the moon landing, not everyone is going to be sold on motocamping. But for the select few that may be convinced to try it, this is my attempt to give you the final push. Here’s your starter guide to motocamping.

Why try motocamping?

Although somewhat cliché, the thrill of adventure is what draws me to motocamping. There’s something enthralling about exploring the world on two wheels.

While road tripping in a car has its charms—and many benefits even—the visceral connection you feel with the bike (the Japanese have coined this Jinba Ittai, meaning person and horse as one) while engulfed in your environment is a unique feeling rarely found elsewhere. The sense of accomplishment that comes along with conquering that washed-out section of dirt track is also hard to beat. The sense of solitude is another draw for some, though for others, it’s the connections made with other riders met along the way.

Besides the metaphysical, there are practical reasons to try motocamping too. Bikes are typically efficient and cheap, meaning moto road trips can cost a fraction of one in an SUV or truck. Plus, one’s impact is less on the environment. With overlanding and vanlife now oversaturated across every social media platform and vehicle prices skyrocketing over the last few years, the idea of investing over $100,000 in a Land Cruiser or Sprinter van is far beyond most people’s means. Conversely, a used dual sport motorcycle can be had for less than a tenth of the cost of a new Land Rover Defender, and if you’ve already got backpacking gear, you’re pretty much set.

Choosing the right motocamping bike

Of course, in order to motocamp, you need a moto. What type will depend on a variety of considerations such as budget and intended purpose.

If applicable, the best motorcycle is the one you already have. Case in point: In 2019, my friend and I went on a few-days-long trip down to Oregon from our home on Vancouver Island. I rode an early ‘90s Honda CBR600. That is, a sport bike, or a “crotch rocket”—most likely the worst possible choice for a motocamping trip due to the aggressive body positioning that prioritizes on-road riding performance over comfort, with nearly non-existent off-road capabilities. Yet, that was the bike available to me at the time, and I made it work, despite many aching joints and muscles, and some very sketchy sections of wet and snowy dirt road.

If you don’t already have a motorcycle, then you’ve a great opportunity to avoid a few of those aches and get something more comfortable for longer rides between campsites.

My personal preference and recommendation is a used dual sport. These low-maintenance, beginner-friendly bikes are essentially street-legal dirt bikes, meaning they’re decently comfortable thanks to the upright body positioning; can handle pavement and dirt roads alike; and are relatively inexpensive. Just note: These bikes are often based on 20-year old technology (don’t count on fuel injection, ABS, or GPS!), they won’t have the largest fuel range, and you probably won’t be bringing passengers along with you.

Bikes in this class include the Suzuki DR650 (from $6,999) or DR-Z400 (from $7,099); the Honda XR650L (from $6,999) or CRF300L (from $5,449); and the Kawasaki KLR650 (from $6,899).

Have more of a budget and want something slightly more comfortable that prioritizes entire-day rides, modern technology, more serious off-road capabilities, and the ability to bring along a passenger? Then look for an adventure bike (an ADV) such as a Honda Africa Twin (from $14,799); BMW GS (from $17,995); Yamaha Ténéré (from $10,799); or Suzuki V-Strom.

Not looking to explore the backcountry? Try a touring bike like a Honda Gold Wing or Silver Wing, or a cruiser such as a Honda Rebel. As already said, if it has two wheels and goes, you’ll likely be alright. Most importantly, look for something with upright and comfortable body positioning. Plus, if you stick with a Japanese manufacturer, you probably won’t have too much trouble with reliability.

Packing gear for motorcycle camping

Once you’ve got a bike, other needs include your camping gear, somewhere to pack it, and safety materials.

If you’re into trekking or bikepacking, you’ve already got a great idea of the efficient camping gear required for lightweight travel. Car campers and RVers will likely need to downsize for motocamping. Think single-burner camping stoves; aluminum or titanium pots and pans; just an ultralight one- or two-person tent; an inflatable air mattress; compact camping chairs; and freeze-dried meals. Ultimately, motocampers sacrifice some creature comforts for the sake of space and efficiency.

When it comes to packing your riding gear onto your bike, options range from semi-permanent, hard-sided panniers to quickly removable, soft-sided saddlebags. Each comes with compromise—the hard-sided ones are more expensive, more secure, and arguably stronger, but also heavier and bulkier. Soft-sided bags are cheaper, lighter, and don’t impact maneuverability as much, but are less secure. Another option? Simply strap on a duffle bag or wear a trekking backpack. Ultimately, it depends on personal preference.

Safety tips for motocamping

Finally, a note on safety. The old adage is, “all gear, all the time,” or AGATT. Many motorcycle campers swear by this, from Redditors on r/motorcycles to Canadian moto biker and YouTube star RyanF9. With many converts, AGATT is somewhat of an annoying trope at this point, but the AGATT crowd is right and you should probably listen—at least to a degree.

On motocamping trips, you’ll find yourself in remote areas far from a hospital with limited cell service, so safety gear is probably not something to skimp on. At a minimum, you should have a DOT-certified (the Department of Transportation in the US) or ECE-certified (the Economic Commission for Europe) full-face helmet and proper motorcycle footwear, plus protective jackets, pants, and gloves.

I know from personal experience that riding through 85°F (30°C) summer weather wearing a motorcycle jacket isn’t the best. But what sounds much worse? Losing all the skin on my arm should I go down in a T-shirt. At the end of the day, how much safety gear to wear is your choice, but it’s important to understand that no matter how overblown the dangers of motorcycle riding may seem, like with any recreational outdoor activity, there’s a level of inherent risk and a set of considerations to go along with it. Consider taking a motorcycle safety course—it’ll be worth the money.

Parting thoughts: Motocamping tips for beginners

Once you’ve got the bike and gear, there are a few more things to keep in mind before hitting the open road for the first time. As I’ve tried to already make clear, motocamping is all about compromise, but I promise the payoff is well worth it.

Generally, the lack of space means re-wearing clothes more than a few times on a longer trip. It means essentially relying on shelf-stable food and going to the grocery store every few days. It means sometimes getting wet, cold, or too hot. It means stopping to refuel with regularity. It means taking the time to meticulously pack up camp every morning because if you don’t, it’ll be tough to fit everything back on the bike.

Yet, motorcycle travel also means getting giddy when a section of winding highway appears ahead of you. It means fitting down a narrow dirt “road” to a “hidden” lake spot that trucks can’t access. It means feeling rejuvenated by that pocket of warm air as you ride into the sunset. It means spending tens of dollars (rather than hundreds) in fuel to get to the same place. It means exploring a Hipcamp Host’s ranch via cow trails between the sage brush. It means carrying everything you need on your bike and feeling like you could go anywhere. It means feeling the bike rumble beneath you as you twist the throttle out of the corner, as a slight smile cracks across your face like the cracks in the pavement.

It’s hard for me to put into words the true appeal and satisfaction I get out of motocamping. What I can say for sure is that although my latest motorcycle camping trip involved torrential rainstorms and a breakdown along the way, I can’t wait to get out on the next one. I’ll throw you a wave next time I’m out there.

Motocamping gear list

The following is my list of the gear I brought for a 2-week Hipcamp motocamping trip. While I don’t necessarily love every piece listed, it’s what I currently have and therefore use, so hopefully it’ll give you a rough idea of what you might need to elevate your camping experience. My especially loved pieces of gear are highlighted with an asterisk!

Bike gear

• Bike: 2018 Suzuki DR650* 
• Saddlebags: Mosko Moto Reckless 40 System* + Stinger 22L Tailbag* 
• Tank bag: Mosko Moto Hood* 
• Fender bag: Moose Racing Dual Sport 
• Tools: A variety including tire irons, zipties, crescent wrench, vise grips, spare tubes, J-B Weld, etc.
• Helmet: Bell MX-9 Adventure 
• Goggles: 100% Barstow 
• Pants: uglybros Jogger-k2* 
• Jacket: Jane Motorcycles The Driggs Waxed Riding Jacket* 
• Gloves: KLIM (discontinued model)
• Boots: Sidi Adventure 2 Gore-Tex
• Phone mount: Peak Design Motorcycle Bar Mount* 
• Additional fuel bottles: 3x MSR/Primus 1L 

Camping gear 

• Stove: MSR PocketRocket 
• Pot/pan: Primus Trek Pot 
• Tent: NatureHike Cloud Up 2-person 
• Sleeping bag: NatureHike UGL700 
• Sleeping pad: Klymit Static Insulated 
• Backpack: Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21 Medium 
• Pillow: Thermarest Compressible Pillow Cinch 
• Knife: Ka-Bar MULE Serrated 
• Chair: Helinox Chair One* 
• Water bottle: Nalgene 1L + additional 1L disposable bottle reused multiple times
• Water filter: Sawyer Mini 
• First aid kit: Generic mini recreation kit
• Fishing gear: Pen fishing rod + tackle
• Miscellaneous: paracord, tarp, many Voile straps
• Bear spray 
• Headlamp

Technology 

• Camera/lens: Sony a7rIII* + Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM I (discontinued; see GM II for contemporary equivalent) 
• Tripod: Manfrotto aluminum travel tripod 
• Phone: iPhone 14 Pro with emergency satellite communication 
• Emergency satellite communicator: Delorme inReach SE* (discontinued; I recommend the Garmin inReach Mini 2 as contemporary equivalent) 
• Power banks: 2x Anchor 20000mAh 
• Earbuds: Apple AirPod Pros
• Various battery chargers, cables, and camera accessories

Clothing 

• 5x T-shirts 
• 2x pants 
• 4x Darn Tough merino wool socks 
• 7x pairs of boxers 
• 1x Noronna Trollveggen Gore-Tex Rain jacket
• 1x MEC Hydrofoil rain pants 
• 1x emergency rain poncho 
• 2x shorts 
• 1x Shwood sunglasses 
• 1x Teva original universal sandals 

Toiletries

• 1x folding toothbrush 
• 1x hand lotion 
• 1x eyedrops 
• 1x Chapstick 
• 1x toothpaste 
• 1x floss 
• 1x earplugs 
• 1x toilet paper roll 
• 1x nail clippers 

Start planning your motorcycle camping adventure

Feeling inspired? We’ve got all the best spots for a motocamping trip, including campsites set near the best riding routes.