Your guide to top motorcycle camping tents for self-sufficient touring adventures, whatever your budget

Updated: 24 September 2024

Motorcycle camping tents are a home away from home that can be carried on your touring bike on any self-sufficient motorcycle camping adventure. It’s where you rest your weary head after a day in the saddle, and after rustling up some sort of evening meal under a starry sky (if you’re lucky).

Factors to consider when choosing a motorcycle camping tent

Compactness and Weight

Motorcycle camping requires gear that is lightweight and compact so it fits easily on the bike without affecting the balance and handling. A tent designed specifically for this purpose will pack down small, leaving room for other essentials like sleeping bags, clothing, technology, and possibly cooking essentials.

Ease of Setup

After a long day of riding, setting up camp quickly and easily is important. A well-designed motorcycle tent should be intuitive and quick to pitch, even in low light or bad weather.

Weather Protection

The UK’s weather is notoriously unpredictable, with frequent rain, strong winds, and cold nights, especially in remote areas. We often ride all day in our waterproof riding suits and when we get to our campsite we need the best chance of a good night’s sleep in preparation for the next day’s ride. We want to pitch a high-quality tent that will give us protection from the elements and ideally give our gear a chance to dry out.

Durability and Stability

The rugged terrain in parts of the UK, from rocky hillsides to damp forests, means that your tent needs to be durable and stable. A tent with strong materials and sturdy poles is vital to withstand rough terrain and unfriendly elements.

Ventilation and Comfort:

Ventilation is key to preventing condensation inside the tent, especially in a damp climate – which could be anywhere in the UK. A tent with good airflow will keep you comfortable throughout the night, reducing the chances of waking up in a damp or stuffy environment.

Space for Gear

A motorcycle camping tour involves packing more gear than you would normally. Having a tent with enough space in it for gear that needs to stay dry and organised, such as clothes and technology, is crucial for the overall enjoyment of your days on the road.

Tent and separate covering for equipment

Related: Packing for your next tour

The tents we’ve chosen to highlight are all based on modern tent technology. Material and design advances mean you can get a bigger tent that folds up smaller and lighter than was possible even a few years ago.

While a tent barely larger than a sleeping bag will keep the rain off you while you sleep, it doesn’t offer much protection for your kit, or the space to dry it after a long, wet ride for example. The trade-off when you get a bigger tent with all the room you need to be comfortable is the weight and space it takes up on your bike when packed.

We’ve pulled together a handy selection of different types of motorcycle camping tents, one of which might work for you depending on your requirements.

Tents we’ve tried and tested

Wingman Of The Road - The Goose Tent

Price: £330

wingmanoftheroad.com

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Tried and tested by Joseph Wright for six months

"What really impressed me was the tent’s versatility in adapting to changing weather conditions. Both sides of the tent have zippers, allowing you to completely fold them up on warm summer days to take in your surroundings. As the chilly night sets in, you can close up all the doors and extra ventilation slots, with the thick canvas keeping you warm and blocking out early morning light for a solid night’s sleep."

"The Goose tent offers excellent protection from the elements and is 100% waterproof, even in storms. Its low profile minimizes the impact of wind, making it a safe and secure place to rest at night."

"The Goose camping system may not be the most portable or spacious option on the market, but if you have the space on your bike and want an easy setup, comfortable experience, and an authentic, discreet look, this tent will suit you perfectly."

Find the full Wingman of The Road - The Goose review

Sleeping area: 200cm (l) x 75cm (w) x 70cm (h, tallest point)

Packed size: 63cm x 34cm

Weight: 10kg

Pros

Fast set up time
Maximum comfort
Discreet in nature
Sleeping mat is included

Cons

Riders over 6 foot will need the larger model
Not the most portable option

Comfort

4.0
Looks

5.0
Quality

5.0
Protection

5.0
Value

4.0
Verdict

4.0

Dimensions set up	L 200cm W 75cm H 70cm Wing length 125cm
Dimensions packed	L 63cm W 34cm H 34cm
Weight	10kg

Sleeping mat is included
Two doors and two windows with fly screens
Canvas wing attaches to the bike keeping the seat dry
Roll bag with slots for all pieces
Helmet hooks under cover to keep helmet dry

Lone Rider MotoTent

Price: £459.00

www.lonerider-motorcycle.com

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Tried and tested by Justin Hayzelden for five months and seven nights

"Yes, it’s great to be able to get dressed standing up or park your bike inside, but there’s an awful lot of material to catch the wind and with only four guy lines it’s difficult to keep the structure taught. Ours actually caught a gust with two of the main doors open and ripped off a peg loop. The MotoTent offers a touch of luxury that could prove vital if you’re sick on the road or need to fix a broken bike, but it does take up valuable real estate which could leave you unprepared for something else. For my money, I’d pack smaller and take more."

See Justin's full review here

Sleeping area: 220cm (l) x 140cm (w) x 170cm (h, tallest point)

Packed size: 60cm x 20cm

Weight: 6.42kg

Pros

Spacious sleeping area and garage/storage compartment
Relatively easy to set up and take down
Provides some security for your bike
Garage compartment is also perfect for cooking and chilling out

Cons

Large pack size
Vulnerable to strong winds
the ground sheet for the garage could be improved

Quality

4.0
Value

3.0

Size	4.15m x 2.2m
Total weight	6.42kg
Construction	Ultralight UV-Resistant, Rip-stop, Fire-Retardant CPAI84, 10 000mm waterproof coating, 210T Polyester
Packed size	60 x 20cm
Sleeping area	1.4m x 2m
Height	2m in centre of sleeping compartment / 2.4m in garage compartment
Set up time	7 - 10 mins

Fully waterproof with a 10,000mm waterproof coating
Ventilation in the sleeping area with 3 doors, each one equipped with a mosquito net
Colour coded pole system for easy set up and take down
Rain flaps covering all zippers
The garage area is massive and can also be used to store gear and luggage, as well as cooking and chilling out
The floor of the inner tent is made from 190T Nylon with the same waterproof rating as the outer tent (10 000mm)
The inner tent is equipped with several mesh pockets on both sides so you can store smaller accessories for fast access

Vango Banshee 200 two-person tent

Price: £145

www.millets.co.uk

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Tried and Tested by Ben Clarke for 12 months:

“I’ve used this tent for a few bike trips now and it’s become a trusty part of my touring kit. It’s really quick and easy to pitch and has enough room inside to house me and my gear for a night under canvas.
“I took the Banshee on a summer sportsbike tour and encountered everything from baked solid pitches that were tricky for the tent pegs, through to pitching it by headlight in torrential Spanish rain and it coped with it all.
“It stayed watertight through the rainy evenings, too, and never showed any signs of struggling in strong winds.
“If you are adventure bike touring and carrying everything but the kitchen sink, then a bigger option would be advisable but my two-piece leathers, helmet, boots and Kreiga luggage set all fitted inside with me – just.
“It’s also too small really to change inside, although it’s possible if you can slip in and out of your kit lying down. More regular tourers might find this getting tedious over time.”

Vango is one of the most well-respected names in tents and outdoor equipment. This tunnel tent is classed as two-person, though for motorcyclists it's often more appropriate for one person with some gear.

Sleeping area: 225cm (l) x 120cm (w) x 90cm (h)

Packed size: 47cm x 18cm x 18cm

Weight: 2.6kg

Pros

Lightweight so doesn’t upset the balance of your motorbike
Packs down small so easy to carry in your luggage
Quick and easy to pitch
Enough room inside for some riding kit

Cons

Low roof height so tough to change into/out of kit inside

Weatherproofing

5.0
Comfort

3.0
Weight

5.0
Packed size

4.0
Value

5.0
Overall

4.0

Type	Tunnel tent
Doors	1
Vestibules	1
Inner	Breathable polyester
Fly	Protex 70 denier polyester
Ground sheet	70D 6000mm HH polyester
Poles	PowerLite 7001-T6 alloy

Tested with wind and heavy rainfall to the European standard EN5912
Flysheet door vent
Oversized bag opening for easy packing

Alpkit Ultra 1 Tent

Price: 254.99

alpkit.com

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Tried and Tested by our sister title, Live For The Outdoors (LFTO), and suitable for motorcycle camping:

"The Alpkit Ultra 1 is exactly what its name suggests: an ultralight solo shelter. Designed for multi-day adventures, it’s a 3-season backpacking tent that ought to work well for wild camping weekends, backpacking trips or weight-conscious mountain marathons and adventure races. With its compact packed size, it would also fit easily on a bike frame, making it a viable option for bikepackers too.

Technologically advanced, it employs ultralight fabrics and a carbon fibre pole set. This ensures that it packs small and weighs an impressively svelte 900g. All that for a UK RRP of £300 – in classic Alpkit style, this new offering seems to provide plenty of bang for your buck.

The design is freestanding, which makes it easy to move the tent if you need to hunt around for the flattest piece of ground. It does need to be pitched inner first, which is less ideal if you’re setting up camp in the rain, but it goes up quickly and easily. The pole system has an unusual but effective offset integrated spreader bar, designed to offer slightly improved liveability and a wider door entry. Chunky pole clips and an intuitive colour-coding system ensure that setup is simple and straightforward.

There’s a single internal storage pocket for essentials and a hanging hook for a tent lantern. The single vestibule is a good size. It’s roomy enough to stash boots and a pack, whilst still leaving space to cook if needed. The flysheet door also has a well-designed curved zipper that ensures easy entry/exit and rarely jams or snags. It’s an excellent feature.

The Ultra 1 is a technologically advanced tent with an impressive sub-1kg weight and small packed size. At around £200 cheaper than comparable carbon fibre poled tents, it’s arguably good value too. However, if you’re not a committed ultralighter, you might want to look elsewhere, since you can buy roomier, cheaper and more robust solo tents, albeit with an added weight penalty."

Read LFTO's full Alpkit Ultra 1 Tent review

Pros

Exceptionally lightweight
Quick and easy to pitch
Roomy vestibule

Cons

Not the toughest fabrics
Limited headroom
Pitches inner first

Weatherproofing

5.0
Comfort

3.0
Features

4.0
Weight

5.0
Packed size

5.0
Value

4.0
Sustainability

5.0

Type	Freestanding
Weight	900g (plus optional 125g groundsheet)
Packed size	42 x 12cm
Doors	1
Vestibules	1
Inner	15D No-See-Um mosquito mesh, PFC-free, fire-retardant free
Fly	10D Nylon coated ripstop nylon with PU backer, PFC-free, fire-retardant free
Groundsheet	15D ripstop nylon PU (5000mm HH), PFC-free, fire-retardant free
Poles	Carbon fibre

Freestanding one-piece hub pole system
Strong and light carbon fibre poles
100% waterproof nylon sil/sIl flysheet
Side entry with spacious porch

Vango Apex Compact 200

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Tried and Tested by our sister title, Live For The Outdoors (LFTO), and suitable for motorcycle camping:

"The Vango Apex Compact 200 is effectively the popular Vango Nevis 200 with an eco-friendly upgrade. It’s made from the new and upgraded Protex Eco fabric, which is a 70-denier polyester made from recycled single-use plastics, and is part of Vango’s Earth Trek Collection.

The Apex Compact 200 is a solid option – unbeatable at this price, we reckon – with a proven design, clever features and impressive stats. We found it’s comfy enough, but it is 'cosy' for two people and not as spacious inside as some of the other two-person tents we tested.

In terms of weather resistance it copes reasonably well in windy conditions – it has a relatively low-to-the-ground profile, the tunnel shape is aerodynamic with wind flowing over it smoothly without buffeting, and the structure feels pretty sturdy and stable.

The Apex Compact 200 also boasts impressive hydrostatic head ratings. The Protex Eco flysheet has a 3,000mm hydrostatic head rating, while the inner’s groundsheet (which does not feature recycled materials) is rated at 6,000mm.

While the weight makes it a bit heavier than some of its significantly pricier competitors, at just over 2kg it seems reasonable considering the affordable price-point. All-in-all the Vango Apex Compact 200 is an affordable, entry-level tent with a proven design and good features."

Read LFTO's full Vango Apex Compact 200 review

Pros

Very affordable
Proven design
Stable structure
Vango sells spares and offers repair service

Cons

Not the roomiest
Heavier than premium rivals
Lower quality than more expensive rivals

Weatherproofing

4.0
Comfort

3.5
Features

4.0
Weight

3.5
Packed size

3.5
Value

5.0
Sustainability

3.0

Type	Tunnel
Weight	2.2kg
Packed size	30 x 20cm
Doors	2
Vestibules	1.5
Inner	Polyester
Fly	Recycled 70D Protex Eco (3000mm HH)
Groundsheet	70D polyester (6000mm HH)
Poles	PowerLite 7001-T6 alloy

Lightweight and sturdy 2-person tent
Fully taped seams reinforce the waterproof protection
Easy to pitch with lightweight, compact alloy poles and high visibility guylines
Part mesh inner door allows ventilation while keeping bugs out

Mountain Warehouse Waterproof Bivvy Bag

best budget bivvy

Price: $36.99

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Tried and Tested by our sister title, Live For The Outdoors (LFTO), and suitable for motorcycle camping:

This Mountain Warehosue bivvy is the most affordable option we tested and by some margin. In addition to the very attractive price tag it has some other enticing aspects such as a very low weight and packed size. It has decent internal space and volume too, with ample space for a sleeping bag, sleeping mat, and space for your pack at your feet.

But, predictably, we did find this bivvy is rather limited in its performance. The fabrics and components don't feel especially durable and it also lacks the reliable waterproofing that the other options on test have. It's rated at just 3000mm HH, and can only fend of some spits of rain rather than any substantial rain.

So, if you are keen to try out the bivvy experience, and don't want to invest too heavily, or are solely a summer time camper, this might be the option for you. But we would suggest, for those who go more frequently, to choose the superior Alpkit Hunka XL.

Read LFTO's full Mountain Warehouse Waterproof Bivvy Bag review

Pros

Very affordable
Ultralight and packable
No frills design is quite refreshing
Adjustable hood

Cons

Much lower waterproof rating that most rivals
Not partiuclarly durable

Construction

3.0
Comfort

4.0
Performance

3.0
Packability

5.0
Value

5.0
Sustainability

2.0

Weight	363g
Packed size	25 x 10cm
Dimensions	246 x 83cm (shoulder)/50cm (foot)
Main material	63D polyester
Waterproof rating	3,000mm HH
Breathability rating	Not provided

Waterproof with taped seams
Ripstop fabric
Can be used as protective cover
Stuff sack - compact & portable

Other tents to consider

SLUMIT® CUB 2 Flashframe Instant Erect tent - 2024 Edition

Price: £129.00

www.ebay.co.uk

View Offer

This is Slumit's 'instant erect' tent and apparently goes up in less than a minute - useful if you're touring an area notorious for rain. The quick-erect framework provides a taller sleeping area with a useful porch section for storing gear or simply a bit more room. Some say it packs up relatively large but there is a packing up guide on their website. It isn’t as light as some others but it is waterproof and quick.

Sleeping area: 200cm (l) x 135cm (w) x 110cm (h)

Packed size: 70cm x 17cm x 17cm

Weight: 3.8kg

Pros

Will you dry even during heavy downpours
Great camouflage colour if wild camping
Two effective side vents for cool air flow
Fine micro anti-mosquito/midge netting
Folding & packing guide available via website

Cons

If you're tall it would be cramped with a 2nd person
Water will collect if the outer door is fully unzipped
The pegs are as cheap as you can get

Shape/Style	Dome
Type	Double-skin
Berth	1 - 2 persons
Sleeping area:	200cm (l) x 135cm (w) x 110cm (h)
Packed size:	70cm x 17cm x 17cm
Weight:	3.8kg
Material	Polyester
Number of seasons	3 season

All-in-one 'Quick Pitch and Pack' system
FlashFrame
Instant/quick setup
Lantern hook
Mosquito/midge protective netting
Organiser pockets
Waterproof

Naturehike Cloud-Up 2 Ultralight Tent

View Offer

An ultra lightweight tent that is compact and very easy to set up. It is stable and resistant to UV, wind and rain. It is a tent for 3 Seasons and can fit 2 Persons - or 1 person with motorcycle kit. The Cloud 2 has additional ventilation to help with the reduction of condensation build-up. There are also two more wind rope points on the sides which make it stronger and more resilient against heavy wind or rain.

Sleeping area: 210cm (l) x 125cm (w) x 100cm (h)

Packed size: 45cm x 12cm x 12cm

Weight: 1.7 kg

Pros

Very light and easy to pack
Good value for money
Can sit up comfortably
Can take some heavy beating from the wind when pitched properly
Can be 'proofed' for extra weatherproofing

Cons

Can suffer from condensation if not properly ventilated
2 - 3 season at best in relatively good weather
Can get cold so pack a warm sleeping bag

Shape	Rectangular
Occupancy	2 person
Packed size	45L x 12W x 12H cm
Size	L 210cm x W 125cm x H 100cm
Weight	1.7 kg
Water resistance	4000 mm

Ultra lightweight and compact tent
Waterproof nylon material and strong, durable poles
Improved ventilation system with B3 breathable mesh allows smooth air flow

Coleman Darwin 2

Price: $182.29

View Offer

Not particularly designed for motorcycle touring but this two-person example from Coleman (there are smaller and larger versions) offers plenty of space for one or even two people comfortably. It has a decent-sized porch to store riding gear, camping gear or just take shelter from the elements if it's raining. It pitches inner first and gets good reviews online, saying it is waterproof in heavy rain yet allows good ventilation when warm.

Sleeping area: 2.9m²

Packed size: 54cm x 16cm x 15cm

Weight: 2.9kg

Pros

Nice amount of space in the outer bit before the door to sleeping area
Double air bed fits in sleeping area - just
Easy to put up and take down
Great value considering all the features included

Cons

After it's rained, due to the angle of the outer door, the collected water flows into the porch all over the floor so watch out for that
The front porch has no netting and no ventilation

Capacity	2-person
Seasons	4 season
Weight:	2.9kg
Sleeping area:	2.9 m²
Packed size:	54cm x 16cm x 15cm
Structure	Dome
Set up	Inner first
Ground sheet	Sewn / fully integrated
Waterproofing	3000mm
Pitching time	10 mins

Can be put up quickly
Can withstand high winds and heavy rain
Good ventilation for optimal air circulation in order to prevent condensation in the tent
Small awning is large enough to dry store bike kit and luggage
Waterproof with meshing that protects from bugs and midges
Compact and light for easy packing on motorcycle

How MCN tests motorcycle gear and accessories

“At MCN, our team of expert journalists have decades of experience gained over hundreds of thousands of miles. We don’t test our motorcycle gear to destruction; we use it exactly how you do, in the real world and in all conditions, while also being on top of the key safety regulations. That means we can deliver impartial buying advice you can rely on.”

How we tested motorcycle camping tents

Each of our writers has an in-depth understanding of the needs of bikers… because we are one. We regularly test and review all motorcycle kit, including motorcycle camping tents.

To find out if a tent is worth spending money on for our motorcycle tours and adventures, we use them in the way you would. That means seeing how they pack onto our bikes along with our other luggage, and camping with them in various weather conditions in all four seasons.

We test against various objective and subjective criteria, such as the size and weight of the tent; how easy it is to set up and take down in different terrain and weather conditions; how comfortable and practical it is for sleeping or living in over the short or long term; and the quality of the product and how it lives up to the manufacturer’s promises. We want our audience to know everything they can about a tent before they spend their money on it.

If you can’t see a review against some tents on this page, it’s because we haven’t tested them yet. We’ve included them because we think they would be useful for our audience based on their specs and features, and based on recommendations from other bikers. Rest assured, though, we will be bringing you reviews of these tents as soon as they’ve been tried and tested by our team.

To find out more, head to our dedicated page explaining how we test motorcycle products.

What our star ratings mean

When we review a product, we award it a score out of five. In the ratings tab of a given product, you may also find more specific scores for the different aspects of a product’s performance to help you make an informed decision. Here’s a guide to what each number score means:

1 star – Poor performance in this category or overall. A product with a single star rating has fallen below the expected standard and should be avoided.
2 stars – Basic performance in this area or overall. A product with a two-star rating has managed to perform to a barely acceptable level and there is room for improvement.
3 stars – An average performance in this area or overall. A product with a three-star rating has achieved a basic level of performance and is deemed adequate.
4 stars – A product has performed over and above the accepted averaged in this category or overall. A product with a four-star rating has surpassed expectation and delivered in a particularly impressive way.
5 stars – A product has performed at the highest possible level in a particular category or overall. A product with a five-star rating has delivered to the highest possible level, impressing the tester with its performance. We would happily spend our own money on it.

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