Pitch up in the best motorcycle tents for camping with your two

After a few long years of pandemic-fueled “lockup,” more and more of us are finally getting back to road-tripping. For some, that means camping across the country in an RV; for others, adventure awaits on the back of a two-wheeler (be it pedal or gas-powered). If you fall into the latter camp, we get it. There’s nothing like the excitement of cruising down some backcountry road at sunset with the wind in your hair, George Thorogood in your ear, and a few bugs in your teeth.

If you’re planning an extended trip, then you’ll be looking to overnight along the way. If an ordinary roadside motel just won’t do, maybe you need a more adventurous alternative. Here are our picks for the best motorcycle tents for camping with your two-wheeler along the way in 2023.

Lone Rider’s MotoTent is the closest thing to a gold standard in two-wheel tents. The best-in-class motorcycle tent features a large sleep area roomy enough for two riders and their gear, with an integrated vestibule that is wide enough for one adventure motorcycle with panniers. High-quality materials all around, including a fire-retardant ripstop nylon shell, waterproof zippers, and aircraft-grade aluminum stakes, make it damn-near-bulletproof. Yet, the entire affair weighs just 12 pounds. The downside is that you’ll pay handsomely for the privilege of owning the best. At roughly $600, it’s one of the more premium moto tents on the market.

Like Lone Rider, Redverz is well-respected in the world of adventure biking and two-wheel camping. Its Atacama Expedition Tent is the company’s flagship motorcycle tent, over-engineered with a 4000mm hydrostatic head on the outer fly, so it’ll stand up to driving rain and hard winds. The vestibule can accommodate any full-sized touring adventure bike with panniers, allowing riders to park straight inside. Twin garage doors roll down on either side to keep your bike dry and protected.

Inside, the oversized footprint is large enough to accommodate a queen airbed or two camp sleeping pads, plus a pair of your best camp chairs. The ceiling boasts a peak height of 77 inches, more than enough for all but the tallest riders to stand comfortably.

The Toucan is the larger version of Wingman-of-the-Road’s Goose, and it’s unlike any other motorcycle tent we’ve seen. It eschews the modern, freestanding nylon tent set up for a unique design that’s part vintage, part military-inspired, and all utilitarian. The entire system — including the canvas tent, thick foam mattress, sleeping bag, and blanket (which doubles as a cover for the whole kit) — is an all-in-one solution for weekend adventure cyclists.

Simply strap the Toucan on the back of your bike, and you’re prepared to overnight just about anywhere. When you’re ready to make camp, the tent sets up with a flap that extends over the seat and gas can of your two-wheeler. The space between also serves as a vestibule for your gear or a trip mate who doesn’t mind getting a little wet in their sleep.

Coleman best camping gear always strikes a balance between durability and affordability. Their products are rarely the best on the market, but they do offer great value for the money. The Hooligan 2-Person Backpacking Tent is no exception.

The compact dome sleeps two comfortably with room for two camp pads, and the exterior holds up to wind and rain equally well. When the weather allows, the rain fly can be removed to reveal an all-mesh interior for better ventilation and stargazing. A small front vestibule provides extra dry storage for gear or a two-wheeler. While bulkier than most on this list, it still weighs less than nine pounds, making it an ideal choice for motorcycle and bicycle campers.

Keep your two-wheeler safe in a storm with the Big Agnes Blacktail 2 Hotel Bikepack. This ultra-lightweight motorcycle tent weighs less than seven pounds with enough room for storing your small two-wheeler (whether pedal- or gas-powered) and gear while making a pit stop. It also comes with an extended vestibule to ensure the safe coverage of your items no matter what the weather. The low-vent feature of this tent allows constant airflow without compromising the vestibule’s coverage area.

If you’re looking for something that can stand up to heavy winds and rain, then the Wolf Walker Motorcycle Tent might be the one for you. This spacious, waterproof tent has enough room for three people to sleep in and a separate area for a motorcycle. It also features four convenient entryways, four quick and easy set-up aluminum poles, and a motorcycle bag or carrier. This will surely give you all the comfort you need after a campfire with your friends or family. The best part? At just over $200, it’s also one of the most affordable motorcycle tents.