Motorcycle Camping Tents: How to Choose The Best Moto Camping Tent For Any Budget

[@DorkintheRoad]

Want to support the channel when you buy your dual sport or ADV gear and mods? Please consider using these affiliate links: Rocky Mountain ATV/MC: bit.ly/3tYzpXq Amazon: amzn.to/3aDkk4z Revzilla: imp.i104546.net/4eMdJZ MotoCamp Nerd: motocampnerd.com/?ref=dork DitR Storefront on Amazon: www.amazon.com/shop/dorkintheroad Save 20% on Gaia GPS Premium with this link: www.gaiagps.com/discounts/?fp_ref=dork Dork in the Road’s Riding Gear Picks on RMATV/MC: bit.ly/3t8fgOC Dork in the Road’s Dual Sport Mods on RMATV/MC: bit.ly/3yzVuws Dork in the Road’s Adventure Bike Mods on RMATV/MC: bit.ly/3zGFHxg

[@MotoCampNerd]

Well said! We will be adding some more tents to our catalog that are not just bikepacking tents. Stay tuned!

[@1905flyer3]

I still need to get up to your store. If I hadn’t been heading south to Tampa this past weekend, I’d have been there by now…

[@mattbarrois8675]

Also have seen recently a company that has a rent option for their camping gear

[@StageGTS]

Please do the same type of video for sleeping pads / pillow / sleeping bags. So nice to have a simple opinion with budget options like you did here.

[@mattallin3553]

i actually just setup my lone rider mototent this past weekend on a 2 day camping trip....absolutely the best tent i have ever owned for motocamping...that being said, its definitely best left for those weekends when your spending a couple days in a single place

[@atfromaz]

Matt - I’ve also go the Lone Rider moto tent and agree that it’s best if you’re going to be in one spot for 2+ days. I love it, but it is a bit to set up/take down. For quick one nighters, I take a smaller set up. 👍🏼

[@marsoelflaco5722]

I quick, unsolicited tip; Before you go camping with your new tent set it up in your home/backyard. Make sure that it has all the parts, the zippers/closures work, and that it's not torn or damaged in any way. This also gets you familiar with putting it up. Bonus tip; even if the tent is water resistant you may want to buy a quality water repellant spray (3M), make sure it's recommended for tent fabrics, and spray it, evenly, on the tent. Make sure that the tent is clean, and do this on a dry, clear day. Give it an hour to cure and the odor to clear before you go inside it.

[@1905flyer3]

Excellent suggestion. I set my tent up 2-3times before my 1st trip to ensure I knew how to do it. This weekend I was able to help out 2 other campers that had never been out with their gear before. They really needed help!

[@marsoelflaco5722]

@@1905flyer3 Well done.✌🏽

[@mcurranb]

Great video. Don't forget about the used option too. I picked up most of my big Agnes gear used on marketplace and ebay ..

[@L--Z]

DitR's Coleman tent was a $7 thrift store find. Somewhat recently, I found a gently used bikepacking tent at the flagship Seattle REI--they've added a permanent selection of used gear.

[@Lei.theRogue]

Thank you for keeping it simple for those of us that ARENT about that life yet. You are appreciated! 😂

[@1905flyer3]

Great video Ben! I’m still in a two y/o Walmart 4 person tent with a vestibule for less than $40. Spent 3 nights in it this weekend at Forgotten Angels Florida and have found that it’s working for me. The newest version of this tent uses clips which makes it an even better option. I did get to see many different tents and learning what works best for you in quality, cost, size and weight determines which one you go for. 👍🏻🍺

[@DorkintheRoad]

No reason to spend a bunch of money if what you've got works for what you do!

[@sliceablejoe]

Whats the model of said tent? Asking for a friend 👉🏻👈🏻

[@1905flyer3]

@@sliceablejoe WT180885 Ozark Trails 4 Person Dome is what I currently have but I like the 4 Person Clip & Camp which is nearly identical with the added clips instead of threading the poles through loops of fabric. It’s easier to set up clips than threading rods… about $38.

[@wizardmoto]

You've been a truly invaluable resource regarding motocamping man, keep them coming brother! "No we're talking about Tents, not Bruno"😂😂

[@bradk6172]

Great vid and agree completely. One tip I picked up from a friend for riding 2 up when moto camping is to put the tent itself in a stuff sack and strap the poles to the passenger seat against the top box. Passenger doesn't even notice them and you can fit the tent inside your cases. Worked great for me on my Versys 650 LT anyway.

[@soilsmanadv6673]

Using the Alps mountaineering Zephyr this year. Replacing my 1992 North Face Cicada that has served me well. Thank you for the content.

[@domenik8339]

I am a backpacker as well as motocamper and I also offroad in a car, so my gear does triple duty. Backpacking and motocamping as camping gear, but I put my packed backpacking pack in my car when offroading to use as emergency gear in case I get stuck and need to hike out or stay a while for help to come.

[@HillbillySnake]

I chose to go the hammock route for backpacking and it has transferred well to moto-camping. I still use a cheap no name amazon tent when staying in campgrounds as a lot of them don't allow hammocks. Great insight for the camping beginners!

[@rickreasoner8664]

Excellent point (what a person needs just to get started) the rest will work itself out in time. I’m still using a 2 man Dome tent I used when packing thru Europe in 1980.

[@armadilllo]

I folded my tent a different way than it was packaged, got shorter section poles but same length on amazon for 12 bucks, 13" poles instead of 24", folded size was 5"x24" got it down to 6"x9" with cinch straps, new footprint for $8

[@1kickatthecan368]

I love my $160. Coleman sundome blackout tent. It really does block out the sun. I need to be able to stand up to get out of a tent. This old lady body doesn’t crawl anymore. It doesn’t pack the smallest, but has kept us dry and has room for my double high mattress. I definitely need a cot for space. 3 person, me, hubs and gear. Packed up it does fit in my 60 litre dry bag with most of my gear.

[@dracphelan]

I'm not sure if you have looked at them, but hammock setups are pretty good too. I've been using a pretty standard setup (hammock with bug screen, tarp, under quilt and top quilt). This weekend I will be testing out the Haven XL hammock tent. The great thing about this one is that it can be set up on the ground easily.

[@gkershner1]

This will be my first year moto camping and your videos have been helpful. Keep it up!

[@DorkintheRoad]

Have fun out there!

[@wanderlpnw]

I used to just sleep on the ground in a sleeping bag when I was in my 20s. A tent offers more comfort and privacy. I've had a REI half dome 2 for 6 years that I bought on clearance. It would probably last another 6 years. It doesn't have many features but the quality is great. I recently bought a bike pack tent for the size and features but I don't really NEED it. It's just more convenient. Oh, you don't need to buy a footprint. You can snag some excess tyvek from a construction site. Not only does it keep your tent from getting torn but offers a little bit of insulation.

[@mkramsauer]

Great video Ben!! Really enjoying the content for us beginning moto campers

[@hedsy]

Just the video I needed. I'm actually in the middle of looking for a tent for my bike. I've never done moto camping before and I don't see the need on spending hundreds of dollars on something I might not even like.

[@alanriopelli7374]

Great video! I've been using the alps moutaineering tent for about 5 or 6 years, relatively lightweight, easy set up, keeps you dry, highly recommend it!

[@Jeremiah_Johnson139]

Thanks for breaking a of that down, Ben! Someone recently added up all of the gear you took/take on your trips, in the comments section, and it came out to $2,400+ dollars (if I remember correctly). I had a little bit of sticker shock, at first, but, I've been riding most of my life, and as with any other "tool" collection, these things don't happen overnight. Sometimes you have to buy the cheapo Harbor-Freight or Wal-Mart special, to get you through. Other times you have a little extra money to spend, and you make a deliberate expensive Snap-On tool purchase, knowing that you're buying a quality product that youll use often AND that will last you the rest of your life, possibly into your children's lives. That's just how life goes.

[@waltersmith6100]

Great common sense approach. I've been backcountry camping off my bike for years and so I get a lot of questions on equipment, including tents. My response, If it works and it's comfy for you, you got the right one

[@lucdamiani]

Thanks for this video. I'm in the process of buying my first motorcycle (KLR 650, you helped cement that purchase!) and have a bad problem with spending money when it's not necessary, so this video helps me reign back my desire to spend a bunch on a tent!

[@JeffCorcelius]

I have a Big Agnes Big House Delux for car camping. I enjoy it except that after I bought it they discounted it and I was never able to pick up the vestibule. With that said I do love Big Agnes tents. I am looking for a backpacking/moto camping tent for the summer. I'll probably go with an REI tent since the price of everything is so expensive right now.

[@L--Z]

With current member coupons and potential dividends from last year, right now is a great time to shop REI for tents.

[@blackdog7275]

Gonna be great riding weather today, the 22nd, here in Oregon, and I'd be willing to bet your riding today. I can't wait for the fog to lift, because my KLR is calling me! Time to go through my gear and hang my hammock.

[@tryharder3214]

Kelty Gunnison 2p tent you had in your video is great. I had it in 30day around US trip and it is great. It kept me dry in rainstorm where I woke up and gad 1.5 inch of standing water around me. It can get a bit hot in 80+ degrees but other than that - perfect.

[@MericanAdventures]

I have the MSR Hubba Hubba, 2 person tent for my Motocycle camping (I only use it for this) and I like it. It's light weight, packs down good, and is fairly roomy when set up. I think I paid around $400 with the foot print a few years ago, they're showing up for more now. I agree with you, you don't need an exspensive tent, but they do help :).

[@roywalls5595]

I purchased 4 season 2 person tent with tarp & air mattress plus sleeping bag and emergency blanket incase get colder! And complete set of gear for cooking out door!

[@Motocampster]

Going to be making my first Moto camping trip next month I'm steadily getting everything I need I order it something every week I purchased a $26 Magellan tent from academy seems to be all I need hopefully

[@DorkintheRoad]

Good luck with your first trip!

[@Motocampster]

@@DorkintheRoad thanks I really appreciate it I can't wait to go

[@AdamHougham]

A helpful video - I use a Vango Banshee 200 when I'm bike camping - not sure if they are a thing in the US, but Vango produce some good products in the UK and across Europe. The Banshee 200 is a compact backpacking tent which I've used for many years and fit nicely inside my side panniers without taking the poles out of the bag. They come in around £120 at the moment, packed dimensions are 47x18cm (18.5x7 inches) and weight 2.4kg (5 pounds).

[@toddfranklin63]

Quality gear lasts longer if properly stored. I store my tents and sleeping bags loose, in a pillowcase, when not in use. Keeps folds & creases from becoming permanent, or compromising the material & waterproofing. Same with bags, but keeps insulation from permanent compaction also.

[@jeriksson7686]

Freestanding tents is my choice too. TNF, Berghaus, Wechsel, Robens, Exped. There are many tents to pick from. I prefer 100% freestanding and I went for Wechsel venture travel line.

[@insatiable_mind]

Great video! Very useful. I like a hammock but it’s ver location limited. Two person backpacking tent is on my shopping list because I can use it for any non-RV camping

[@johnlangfield3532]

In the UK we need a tent that has a fly sheet that has a static head of 5000+ to keep the rain out. We also have tents that have black inner tent fabric. These are great for getting a good night sleep as they keep the early morning light out.

[@jeffloucks2120]

Looking at the REI backpacking bundle with the passage 2 tent. Comes with footprint, Stratus pad and Trailbreak 30 bag. With the current 20% member coupon looking at $279. Thinking this should be good enough to get me going this season which might only be a few short trips.

[@hunterhalo2]

Thanks for making a budget video. This is what the KLR community is, doing the most without the Gucci gear.

[@andrewabell8617]

Love the new t-shirt design, need to get me one those 🤙🏼

[@clydeosterhout1221]

More than a decade ago I arrived at my camp site and started to set up only to discover that I had forgotten my tent. I had to take 30 mile trip to Wal-Mart to look for a replacement. I didn’t want to spent too much money, but I needed something small and light. I found a $10 kid tent, complete with dinosaur graphics. It’s 6 by 4 foot, three foot high. It only weighs a couple of pounds. It never leaks and the small profile doesn’t seem to catch the wind as much as my bigger tents. Packed or set up it has a tiny foot print. 13 years later It is still my go-to solo tent!

[@JCrozier1]

Nice breakdown with solid explanations. As always informative and entertaining.

[@Wdbjr12345]

I have an 80 dollar Amazon tent that packs pretty small and is great and sets up in 5 mins

[@nancyfithian4984]

Great video, Ben! I first got a Hyke and Byke two-person tent, now passed along to my brother, who I motocamp with. I now use a Nemo Dagger 2 - two -person tent. Pretty good, light weight, pretty much mesh with a rain fly - about $400 at REI. The poles are long, but that's okay - they fit in my big Wolfman duffel on the back rack with a bunch of other s**t. Love the Manta Ray shirt! Just ordered it - the green one, of course - since I'm now the proud caretaker of a green Manta Ray myself! Love the content!

[@sboy1955]

There’s a guy named Scooter Tramp Scotty (KZbin) who’s been full time motorcycle traveling since the 1990s and all he ever uses is cheap Walmart tents. He lives in his tents 24/7, 365 days a year.

[@letzrockitrite8469]

Around the Boise Idaho Craigslist area....... there's a ton of cheap bathtub type tents to be had.......... ty dork

[@Leiter85]

Great video! I’ve got a Copper Spur 2 bike packing tent on its way to me.

[@jongray9342]

Thanks for your time...any info on the Australian swag style set ups?? Carry on

[@aarongibson7090]

Thank you for the info. This makes choosing a tent so much easier. However, I had to watch the video a few times because I was getting distracted and mesmerized by your mandelorian poster.

[@SammyBenitez]

I started kayak camping before moto camping, but whatever gear you use for one caters to the other pretty well. Size then Weight are the big concerns. I have hammock and rain fly for my “ultra light white” needs and an Alps Mountaineering Chaos 2 if I need it.

[@Sparkeee1978]

I have had very good success with the Marmot line of backpacking tents. around 200-300 depending on model. great mix of quality and price between mid level and high level.

[@RaptorPackAdventures]

Kelly Grand Mesa 2P One excellent tent not only for backpacking but for motocamping. Great price at $140. I used it last summer for a 2 week motocamping trip to Sturgis and back to Oregon. I highly recommend this tent to new campers

[@JeffCorcelius]

I've been looking into backpacking tents for the summer and REI has the: REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 Tent with Footprint on sale for $199. It's a solid choice for a backpacking option.

[@carmenmartinez2882]

I love the Alps Mountaineering Lynx 2, not heavy, pretty roomy, not expensive and good quality in my opinion without braking the bank. I like the 2 doors and vestibules. Very good in windy conditions.

[@theeaselrider4032]

The answer for me is simple: Cheap tent + decent tarp. I also have a couple of thrift store tents ( one was $3.00 , the other was $7.00.). Make sure the tarp is large enough to cover the tent and a space in front big enough to sit & cook under. Easy.

[@DikiciMotovlog]

Hey, any chance you can make a review of Wingman of the road Toucan/Goose tents?

[@clarkpitts5393]

A+ Video. I also like the DT Yammy on the wall..

[@MisplacedMotoVlogger]

I'm running the North Face Storm Break II, it was about $150 at REI. It's not the smallest packing tent, but good enough to get started with.

[@MichalJuul]

Thank you very much for your great videos Do you have the opportunity to test a Sixty Second Set-Up Tent?

[@joeharley87]

I gotta say you really know cars. Great stuff.

[@treyveston7965]

Any thoughts on the hammock-style tents? I have a buddy that got deep into adventure biking with an older KLR and he swore by the Hammock tents with a built in rain fly. He's in the PNW, like us, and said it was easy to find appropriate trees. I've never tried one and am leaning towards the 2-person tent.

[@timlubbers2884]

I can put up my moto tent in less than 10 minutes and when it’s raining, it’s nice to have the space…but I also spend 6-8 months (consecutively) living on my motorcycle…

[@g.g.hochstetler2286]

I have a $500 Big Agnes solo bike packing tent and I love it. I snagged a zipper on the material and they fixed it for free. Try that with a Walmart tent. To be fair I didn’t buy my gear for motorcycle camping. My gear is for backpacking/bikepacking. Gossamer Gear The One tent is also nice. I use that one for backpacking. All my gear for backpacking probably weights 5 or 6 pounds. Nice video though

[@palacegypsy3494]

I started out cheap with a $48 Magellan two years ago, thinking I would upgrade as I got more into moto camping. Stuck with it so far. I don't fold and roll my tent when packing up though. I stuff it back into the sack to avoid creases.

[@Random-ed2xf]

You can get a deal on tents if a newer version is coming out the previous model goes for a good chunk off.Some reputable Chinese brands make great tents as well like Nature hike,or Mier that are great quality. And if no one has tent camped before a 2 person is more of a 1 if you want to be comfortable.

[@Bowlin01]

LOVE the shirt! 👍😆

[@OneOldManRiding]

I love my Alps Lynx tent. Easy to fit on the bike. Sheesh the price has gone up though, they were under $100 a year ago. - Frank

[@carmenmartinez2882]

Me too, great tents not too expensive and very well made. I have the Lynx 2 very roomy and I like 2 vestibules instead of one.

[@OneOldManRiding]

@@carmenmartinez2882 Hello Carmen, I just took a look at your tent online. Only 1# heavier and packs 3" longer. Thats great for a two-person upgrade. - Frank

[@jasonprevilon9555]

How do you feel about the Goose and Toucan from the wingman in the road?

[@airmotivewelding8012]

Great vid, just what we need, a cut to the chase deal. Thank you Sir Dork.

[@SKATING_IS_LIFE]

Are you heading to the desert 100 this weekend in Odessa ?

[@chain.driven]

Have you seen the Dragonfly Bikepack by Nemo? It has me intrigued. That or the Blacktail 2/3 Hotel Bikepack. The vestibule area seems ideal for waiting out a soggy day. Thought long and hard about a hammock but seems like a hard place to read a book or work on an edit on shitty weather. What’s your fav setup so far?

[@WilliamTomFrank]

I’ve found the two person Coleman is not optimal if you wish to sleep on a cot. The MilSpec cots are a bit big but can be fiddled with yo work.

[@mbrad2669]

Tyvek will work as a footprint as well..you can cut it to shape...

[@21broadway]

Had the Ozark trail 3 person for a while. But the little bit more expensive 2 man tent is WAY more waterproof and has 2 doors and 2 vestibules.

[@garyprice7379]

have you considered hammocks? They can be as expensive and cheap as you choose - most are going to need an underquilt/top quilt..... My old bones love the hammock most - trees are needed but where you live and where you ride determines if you can use the hammock or no..... but here on the east coast ... non issue.....

[@davidhanger5795]

The only time I've spent about $500 for a tent it was a 10-12 person outfitters tent from Cabela's. Definitely not a moto camping tent though. Not sure how small it packs but Lone Rider has a Moto camping tent with a "garage" for your bike.

[@playsportfun3356]

What ever trent you get, even brand new. Set it up and spray it down with camp dry first!! Ask me how I know.

[@bobthomas7529]

Sound advices as always 👍👍

[@endvradventures]

Any tent suggestions for couples?

[@johngoffinett7808]

4 person Coleman tent all day

[@Valc09]

Hi Ben, thanks for this video! I enjoyed it :). I've been looking for a new tent, and my eye fell on the Lonerider ADV tent. What do you think of this tent compared to the Big Agnes tent? I'm looking for a tent in the "higher" segment, and I have only one big "must have", namely a waterproof bottom layer. I've camped too much in the rain to get to know the fun of a wet sleepingbag. The max price I want to pay is roughly 450$, though both tents won't reach that limit. Thanks for your video's!

[@DorkintheRoad]

No idea. Never seen one in person so hard to give an informed opinion

[@Valc09]

@@DorkintheRoad Fair enough, thanks for your reply!

[@g.g.hochstetler2286]

Just for clarification. The only major difference between the Big Agnes bike packing tents and the regular version is the poles are shorter. So shorter poles with more sections. The only other minor difference is a place to stuff your bike helmet on the outside. Won’t work with motorcycle helmet. Other than that they are exactly the same as their non bike packing counterpart. And the stuff sack is set up differently. The tents themselves are nearly identical.

[@mattbarrois8675]

What are your thoughts on the haven tent/hammock

[@DorkintheRoad]

I like the looks of it. I tried to get them to send me one to try out and review but it kinda fell through.

[@mattbarrois8675]

@@DorkintheRoad that is unfortunate. I am looking to buy the xl figure if I don't like it then I can leave it at the lake house for the kids to enjoy for the summer

[@KlausKastrup]

Outwell Earth 2 and Outwell Cloud 2 are inexpensive, good quality, lightweight, compact, bedroom patio kind of tents that we use all the time. Check them out

[@joem5903]

Used Litefighter 1 one man tent surplus $150-200.

[@SB-fe4gt]

Good video, Thanks

[@markgraves6441]

This is so very helpful

[@danielcarroccia1042]

Great info thanks bro

[@bobwampler3387]

Great video👍

[@stevekemp7140]

I use shade cloth as a foot print ,

[@GetOut-Ride]

And when you need a tent that can double as a bomb shelter, in comes the Hilleberg tents like the Allak 2! Lol

[@Loiczzr]

Best for temp as low as 40°f is a hammock, a tarp and a small sleeping bag.

[@rahulnair2714]

the intro made me sub😆😆😆

[@Ride_on54]

All depends if you want it to fit into your saddle bags

[@rosscoyates]

It's hard to know what to buy until you have been camping a few times. So try some of the less expensive stuff to start and find out what you like. And remember you are allowed luxury items.

[@unclebadger597]

🏍️💨 We definitely need more singing 😄 Don't pretend like that's not Beam and Coke in that cup

[@DorkintheRoad]

Definitely coffee... This time...

[@unclebadger597]

@@DorkintheRoad ha

[@BlackdogADV]

Consider this, a motel room is between $75 and a $150 a night. Any tent will pay for itself on your first trip.

[@Lumencraft-]

I like the name of your channel lol.

[@jonr3891]

Thanks for this. I’m so sick of US companies selling made-in-China stuff for $$$$$. Just strap your stuff on and go - it doesn’t take much. Be a dirtbag - have fun, re-up at thrift stores or Walmart as needed. just my .$02 🤘🖤

[@WildRider]

Some people, I wont name names want people to buy 800 tents because it covers the bike in the rain. Please. You can go camping for less then $80 in equipment. New and have a good experience. That include tent sleeping bag and cooking ware.

[@TerraMagnus]

I’ve got a morbid curiosity about tree tents. I’m at the age where sleeping on the ground sucks but I don’t want a hammock turning me into meat suit origami.