Motorcycle Camping Gear List: The Complete Checklist for Rider and Camp

A full motorcycle camping gear list covers six groups: riding kit, shelter and sleep, kitchen and water, safety essentials, tools and documents, and luggage. Pack the riding kit first, because you wear it every mile. Then fit the rest into what your bike can carry, low and balanced. This page is part of our motorcycle camping gear and essentials guide.

Key takeaways

• Wear full coverage: helmet, jacket, pants, gloves and boots. Leather is not waterproof, so pack a rain layer.
• Use the NPS Ten Essentials as the backbone of the camp half.
• Treat water by boiling or with a suitable filter. Never run a stove inside the tent.
• We sell the leather riding kit. We don't sell tents, sleeping bags, saddlebags, tank bags or helmets.

The checklist at a glance

Want a version to print and tick off?

Riding kit: what you wear

Gear protects best when it covers the whole body, from helmet to boots. On a camping trip you also live in it, so plan for weather and for walking around camp.

• Riding jacket. Touring jackets often add sleeve or pocket vents, reflective piping or zip-off sleeves.
• Pants or chaps. Chaps go over jeans or riding pants and come off at camp. They leave the seat open.
• Vest. Wear it over a hoodie in the evening or under a jacket on a cold morning.
• Gloves. Measure around the widest part of the palm without the thumb. If you are between sizes, the store advises the larger one.
• Boots. Ankle boots are easier to walk in than racing boots. Comfortable boots are boots you will actually wear.
• Rain gear. Leather resists water only briefly. Breathable waterproofs let sweat escape, while PVC keeps rain out but traps sweat.
• Warm layer. Cold riders can become less alert. Windproof, insulated layers help.

For how each piece should fit and what to check, see how to choose proper motorcycle riding gear.

Shelter and sleep

None of these are sold here. Pick pack size first, because it has to fit on the bike.

Kitchen and water

• Stove and fuel. Cook outside. Stoves, heaters, lanterns and grills should never run inside a tent. Opening the flaps does not prevent carbon monoxide build-up.
• Water. Bring clear water to a rolling boil for 1 minute. Above 6,500 feet (1,981 m), boil for 3 minutes.
• Filter. An absolute pore size of 1 micron or smaller removes parasites but not viruses. 0.3 micron or smaller also removes bacteria. The CDC guide explains the options.
• Food. Carry one extra day of no-cook, energy-rich food in case plans change.

The Ten Essentials, motorcycle version

The NPS Ten Essentials list was written for hikers. Here is how each one maps to a bike trip.

Tools and documents

The NPS repair kit covers duct tape, a knife, a multi-tool and scissors. Build a small tool kit with the tools that fit your own bike's fasteners. Carry your license, registration and proof of insurance in a waterproof pouch.

Pack and load the bike

1. Keep heavy items low and over or in front of the rear axle, as the Alberta motorcycle handbook advises.
2. Balance weight between the two saddlebags.
3. Keep the tank bag load forward, and make sure it doesn't touch the handlebars or controls.
4. Use elastic cords with more than one hook point per side. Skip rope, and never strap cargo to the front fender or handlebars.
5. Check the load at every stop.

Kit by trip type

If you're staying in motels instead, use the lighter motorcycle road trip packing checklist.

Build the riding half from our store

There are no ready-made camping kits or bundle offers yet . Build it piece by piece. Everything is made to order and custom sizes are available:

• Leather Collection touring jackets
• leather motorcycle pants or motorcycle chaps
• leather motorcycle vests
• leather motorcycle gloves
• leather motorcycle boots

You'll need a helmet, camp gear and luggage from other sellers. For riding kits by style, see motorcycle riding gear by riding style.

FAQ

What is the 200 rule for camping?

It's the Leave No Trace habit of camping at least 200 feet (61 m) from lakes and streams. The same distance applies to washing water and to catholes, which should be 6 to 8 inches deep.

What are 10 must-have motorcycle accessories for camping?

Use the Ten Essentials as your list of ten: navigation, sun protection, extra clothing, a headlamp, first aid, fire, a repair kit, extra food, water treatment and emergency shelter. Add a rain layer, because leather is not waterproof.