Here’s a list of budget camping gear to prepare you for motorcycle camping. You’ll want to keep your gear small. When you’re searching online, try adding the word “ultralight” to your search terms. Ultralight gear is used by backpackers who prefer to keep their gear as light as possible.

Here are the essentials you’ll want to consider for your motorcycle camping trip.

#1 Sleeping Bag

A 20 degree sleeping bag is a nice compromise between size and comfort for most motorcycle trips that occur above 30 degrees.

#2 Sleeping Pad

Self inflating sleeping pads compact down to a smaller size but they sometimes need patching. Foam pads a little more bulky and a little less comfortable but are also a little more rugged. The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol can be folded for easy storage on the motorcycle rack or back seat.

#3 Tarp for Shelter

I use a tarp instead of a tent as a shelter. You’ll find a thinner material tarp in the camping section at many big box stores. Although it’s not as sturdy, you can can also use a plastic drop cloth as a tarp. Another alternative is a heavy duty poncho. Most of them unbutton and lay flat as a rectangle. If you don’t think a tarp will be comfortable enough for you, check out one man tents.

#4 Head Lamp

A head mounted flashlight comes in handy around camp and for working on your bike. There are dozens of different styles of Head Lamp available and many of them are under $10.

#5 Esbet Stove

One of the smallest and most convenient stoves. The Esbet Stove works great for heating up coffee or cooking soup. It’s not quite enough power to boil water long enough to kill germs, but it’s great if you have clean water along the way. If you think it might be too small for you, check out other Ultralight Stoves. Don’t forget the matches.

#6 Hammock

If there are tree’s available I’ve had my most comfortable nights in a hammock. I own the Grand Trunk Ultralight Hammock and love it. Of course there are other ultralight hammock options as well. In cold weather, put your sleeping pad inside your hammock to trap warm air and block the cool breeze. In the winter, lay on top of a second sleeping bag. I once slept in my hammock in a 25 degree winter camp and stayed warmer than everyone else in their tents.

#7 Straps

You’ll need some heavy duty straps or rope to hang your hammock. I use cargo lashing straps because they’re cheap and typically rated for lots of weight. I also picked up a sewing awl and made a loop on one end to reduce weight and make setup easier.

#8 Ground Cover

It’s a good idea to have a little bit of ground cover. If you don’t have access to tree’s or prefer sleeping on the ground, you’ll want something between you and the dirt. The same tarps and tarp alternatives I listed above work well for ground cover too. Bring an extra.

#9 Duffel Bag

I use an 18” duffle bag. On my small 250cc motorcycle the bag fits perfectly between my seat and the tail light (with the passenger seat removed).

#10 Bungee Chords

An assortment of bungee chords comes in extremely handy for holding things down on your bike and at camp.