For the motorcycle tourer, a tent is more than just shelter; it’s a mobile basecamp that arrives on two wheels. The right choice must balance durability against the elements with packability for limited storage space, all while providing a comfortable rest after a long day’s ride. It’s a critical piece of gear that can define the quality of your adventure.
From specialized designs with integrated garages for your bike to versatile backpacking tents that excel on a motorcycle, the options are diverse. This roundup examines eight top tents, evaluating them on setup ease, weather protection, space, and moto-touring suitability to help you find your perfect roadside retreat.
Top Motorcycle Tents for Touring Riders
- Coleman Hooligan Backpacking Tent
- WaldZimmer 6sq Green Inflatable Camping Tent
- Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 2 Bikepacking Tent
- ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2-Person Tent
- Lone Rider MotoTent Pro 2-Person Tent
- Redverz Atacama Expedition Motorcycle Tent
- MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person Tent
- Nemo Dagger Osmo 2P Ultralight Tent
Coleman Hooligan Backpacking Tent
The Coleman Hooligan offers a reliable and spacious option for riders traveling with a passenger or who simply want extra room for gear. Its 9′ x 7′ interior can fit up to four sleeping pads, providing ample space to stretch out after riding. The included covered vestibule adds valuable protected storage for motorcycle luggage or boots, keeping the main sleeping area clean and organized.
Setup is designed for speed and simplicity, which is a major benefit when arriving at camp tired. The continuous pole sleeves and Insta-Clip suspension work with a patented pin-and-ring system to allow the tent to be fully pitched in about ten minutes. This is a durable, straightforward shelter that prioritizes interior volume and a hassle-free pitching process.
WaldZimmer 6sq Green Inflatable Camping Tent
For riders who prioritize the fastest possible setup, the WaldZimmer inflatable tent presents a compelling solution. Instead of traditional poles, this tent uses air-filled columns for structure. With the included hand pump, you can have the entire tent assembled and stable in roughly five minutes, a significant advantage in poor weather or low light.
Constructed from 210D Oxford cloth, this tent is built to handle challenging conditions with a 2000mm waterproof rating for both the body and floor. The internal space is generous, and features like mesh windows, a top ring for a light, and internal storage pockets add to comfort. Its unique blow-up design eliminates pole hassles and can be very appealing for quick overnight stops on a tour.
Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 2 Bikepacking Tent
Specifically engineered for two-wheeled travel, the Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel Bikepack tent understands a rider’s needs. It bridges the gap between backcountry trail toughness and front-country road touring. The included burly compression sack is designed to withstand abrasion and features daisy-chain webbing for multiple attachment configurations directly to your motorcycle’s frame or luggage.
The tent itself is spacious and strong, with pre-bent poles for increased headroom. A key feature is the dual vestibule design: one large, pole-supported vestibule for major gear storage and a second quick-access one. The short, 12-inch pole segments pack easily onto handlebars or in panniers, making it a purpose-built shelter for the adventure motorcyclist.
ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2-Person Tent
The ALPS Mountaineering Lynx is a fantastic value-oriented tent that doesn’t compromise on essential features. Its free-standing two-pole design allows for a quick and easy setup, a boon after a long day in the saddle. Weather protection is solid with a polyester fly and a coated taffeta floor rated at 2000mm, plus factory-sealed seams to keep moisture out.
This two-person tent is designed for comfort and convenience with two doors and two vestibules. This symmetrical design means each occupant has their own entry and dedicated gear storage space without climbing over the other. Excellent ventilation from half mesh walls and rainfly vents helps manage condensation, ensuring a comfortable environment inside.
Lone Rider MotoTent Pro 2-Person Tent
As a tent designed from the ground up for motorcyclists, the Lone Rider MotoTent Pro offers a unique and highly functional solution. Its standout feature is the integrated motorcycle garage, allowing you to park your bike inside the tent’s extended vestibule area. This provides security for your motorcycle and protects it from the elements overnight.
This design means your gear is all in one secure, dry location. The tent transitions from a standard sleeping area to a full shelter for bike and rider with ease. For solo travelers who consider their bike a crucial part of the camp, this tent provides unparalleled peace of mind and convenience, effectively merging your living space and vehicle storage.
Redverz Atacama Expedition Motorcycle Tent
The Redverz Atacama Expedition is another premier tent built specifically for the motorcycle touring community, focusing on durability and immense space. It follows a similar philosophy with a large garage area capable of housing a big adventure motorcycle, along with additional gear. The construction is robust, made to withstand extended expeditions in harsh environments.
Beyond the garage, the living quarters are spacious and separated, offering a comfortable area to sleep and relax away from the bike. The tent uses high-quality materials and components to ensure it can handle strong winds and heavy rain. For riders planning long-distance tours or trips into remote areas where bike security and maximum shelter space are priorities, the Atacama is a top-tier choice.
MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person Tent
The MSR Hubba Hubba NX is a legendary name in the backpacking world and translates exceptionally well to motorcycle touring. It is celebrated for its optimal balance of low weight, livable space, and reliable weather protection. The compact pack size and light weight make it easy to fit into motorcycle luggage without sacrificing performance.
Its symmetrical design features two large doors and two sizeable vestibules, providing excellent access and storage for two people and their riding gear. The setup is intuitive and fast with MSR’s unified hub and pole system. For motorcyclists who want a high-performance, lightweight shelter that doesn’t specialize in a garage but excels in every other metric, the Hubba Hubba is a perennial favorite.
Nemo Dagger Osmo 2P Ultralight Tent
For the touring rider who counts every ounce and liter of packing space, the Nemo Dagger Osmo 2P represents the pinnacle of lightweight, spacious design. It uses advanced Osmo materials that are both durable and remarkably light, resulting in a tent that packs down very small—a major advantage on a motorcycle where storage is at a premium.
Despite its low weight, it doesn’t skimp on living space. The tent features two large doors, two generous vestibules, and steep walls that maximize headroom and livability. The unique “Divvy” stuff sack system allows you to split the tent’s weight between two bags, which can be useful for packing balance on a bike. It’s a premium shelter for riders who prioritize packing efficiency without compromising comfort.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Motorcycle Tent for Touring
Picking the right shelter is one of the most important gear decisions you’ll make for a moto-camping trip. I’ve learned from plenty of nights under nylon that the best motorcycle tent for touring isn’t just about the lowest price or the smallest pack size; it’s about balancing a few key factors that matter when your bike is your support vehicle.
First, let’s talk about pack size and weight. This is huge. Unlike car camping, you have very limited space. A tent that packs down small and relatively light is a game-changer. I look for a stuff sack that’s no bigger than a sleeping bag and can fit easily into a pannier or strap securely to a luggage rack. Weight matters less than pack size on a bike, but every ounce adds up on a long tour.
Next is setup speed and simplicity. After a long, tiring day in the saddle, the last thing you want is a complicated tent puzzle. I always prioritize tents with a simple, intuitive design—often a freestanding dome or a quick-pitch tunnel tent. Color-coded poles and clips are a lifesaver when you’re setting up in fading light or bad weather. Practice setting it up at home first; you’ll thank yourself later.
Weather protection is non-negotiable. A good touring tent needs a solid, fully-taped waterproof rainfly that extends close to the ground to block wind-driven rain. Look for a high hydrostatic head rating (at least 1500mm) on the fly and floor. Good ventilation is equally critical to prevent condensation inside, so mesh panels and adjustable vents are a must.
Finally, consider the livability. While you’re not looking for a palace, having enough space to sit up, store your gear (especially your helmet and riding suit), and sleep comfortably is important. A small vestibule outside the main door is invaluable for keeping muddy boots and panniers out of your sleeping area. For solo riders, a compact two-person tent often offers this perfect balance of space without being overly bulky.
FAQ
Can I use a regular backpacking tent for motorcycle touring?
Absolutely, and many of us do. Backpacking tents are designed to be lightweight and pack small, which translates perfectly to motorcycle travel. The main considerations are the same: pack size, weather resistance, and ease of setup. In fact, most tents marketed as the best motorcycle tent for touring are essentially robust, well-ventilated backpacking tents. Just ensure the stuff sack is bike-friendly and you have a secure way to pack it.
How important is a vestibule on a motorcycle tent?
In my experience, a vestibule is incredibly useful. It acts as a covered garage for your gear. You can stash your panniers, helmet, and muddy riding boots outside the sleeping area but still under cover. This keeps the interior dry and clean, and gives you more space to sleep. Even a small vestibule makes a big difference in organization and comfort at camp.
Are pop-up or instant tents a good choice for moto-camping?
I’m cautious about them. While their speed is tempting, they often don’t pack down as small as traditional pole tents, which is a major downside for bike packing. They can also be less stable in high winds. For a quick overnight in fair weather, they might work, but for a serious tour where space and weather resistance are key, a conventional tent is usually a more reliable and compact choice.
What’s better: a freestanding or a non-freestanding tent?
I strongly prefer freestanding tents for motorcycle touring. A freestanding tent (like most dome designs) can be set up and moved around before you stake it down. This is fantastic for scouting the perfect flat spot on a rocky or hard campground. Non-freestanding tents, which rely on stakes and guylines for structure, are much more finicky to pitch and less versatile on challenging ground.
Should I get a tent with a specific “motorcycle” feature?
Some tents have extra-large vestibules marketed for storing gear or even a motorcycle helmet. These can be handy, but they’re not essential. What’s more important are the core features we’ve discussed. A well-designed backpacking tent with a decent-sized vestibule will serve you just as well. Focus on the fundamentals of size, weight, weatherproofing, and strength over niche marketing terms.