Motorcycle Camping

At 2Brothers Powersports in Onalaska, Wisconsin, we love the idea of getting out there with your motorcycle and grabbing adventure by the horns. Motorcycles are a great way to break up a mundane work commute, and they’re also more than appropriate for thrilling freeway rides and weekend cruises around urban centers, but there’s another fun way to use your bike: camping. After all, not every moment can be about adrenaline fueled thrills; everyone needs time to recharge, to break away from the everyday and reconnect with nature and their own true selves. Just because nature is involved doesn’t mean you have to leave the hog at home! Pack up your bike and get ready for some motorcycle camping with this quick guide. 

Cargo Options

The biggest obstacles to overcome when motorcycle camping are storage and weight. This guide will mainly focus on these two issues. There are a few tricks to making the best use out of your admittedly limited motorcycle cargo space. Some bikes come stocked with cargo bags of some kind, and there are plenty of customization options out there for additional storage, including saddlebags, cargo racks, and top box. Keep in mind that different configurations affect your bike in different ways. It’s up to you to figure out what you like best and what will keep you confident on the road.

Leather Saddlebags

For riders who love vintage bikes and design, it’ll be tempting to get leather saddlebags. They complement a particular aesthetic, and many leather bags can be waterproofed to keep out the elements. But leather has to be carefully maintained. Even waterproofed, road salt and other chemicals can deal out some serious damage. 

Dry Bags

There are also dry bags, which are completely waterproof when used correctly. And with their soft interior, they accommodate different shapes so you’re not limited on what you bring with you.

Hardside Luggage

Hardside luggage is a popular choice. Saddlebags, panniers, and top-side boxes usually have hardside options. They’re easy to maintain and customize, and on top of that they often come equipped with locks to keep luggage secure. Some luxury examples can even have remote locks!

Packing Tips

No matter the cargo storage option you have, a motorcycle is still going to serve as a limited vessel for the sheer amount of stuff that can end up on any given camping trip. There just won’t be room enough for everything you want to bring, so it’s a good idea to focus on the essentials: shelter, clothing, hygiene products, food, water, and firemaking tools. If you have room left after these must-have items, then you can start packing in other stuff.

Most tents and sleeping bags are bulky, heavy, or both. Your bike won’t have room for standard camping gear, but a small investment in slimmed-down equipment will get you what you need. It’s usually easy enough to pack light in terms of clothing and hygiene, but food often trips people up. It will also be tempting to pack more food than you need, whether it’s to save money or have plenty of snacks for the road. And while it’s nice to have an abundance of food on hand, storage space on your bike is precious and you need to use it judiciously. This applies to water as well. Water is important, but if you’re staying at a campsite, they will have drinking water on site, so it might be better to bring a refillable water bottle, rather than several disposable water bottles.

In Closing

Motorcycle camping can be a fun excursion that lets you bring a fun ride along for relaxing evenings surrounded by nature. With some preparation, you’ll be well on your way to adventure. So if you need any service or maintenance before heading out, or you just want to check out some great new and used motorcycles, head into 2Brothers Powersports in Onalaska, Wisconsin, near La Crosse, Eau Claire, and Madison. Our staff of knowledgeable and courteous professionals are ready to answer any of your questions and help you find the motorcycle of your dreams, so come in today!