Make Your Motorcycle Trip More Comfortable! How to Choose a Tent for Motorcycle (Touring) Camping

What Is a Motorcycle (Touring) Tent?

Camping while touring by motorcycle has recently become popular because it offers the joy of riding with the wind and moving about freely.

On the other hand, unlike car camping, there are limits to the amount of gear you can carry, so you need to choose lightweight yet functional camping gear and plan your load carefully to ensure a balanced setup.

Among all camping gear, the tent is the largest and heaviest item, so it’s especially important to carefully select a product that suits your needs.

Motorcycle (touring) tents are designed specifically for touring, so unlike standard tents, they are compact, lightweight, easy for one person to set up, and durable.

Furthermore, since it’s easier to limit your luggage for motorcycle camping, many people choose lightweight, compact one-person tents for touring.

However, when it comes time to actually make a purchase, many people find themselves unsure of which one to choose because so many manufacturers offer a wide variety of options.

In this article, we’ll cover key selection tips and recommend some great tents to help you make an informed decision before buying a motorcycle (touring) tent.

If you’re planning to buy a motorcycle (touring) tent or are unsure how to choose one, please use this as a guide.

How to Choose a Motorcycle (Touring) Tent

When choosing a motorcycle (touring) tent, don’t base your decision solely on its appearance or aesthetic appeal during setup. Instead, familiarize yourself with the different types available, then compare and evaluate their features, materials, and setup methods to select a tent that seems easy to handle and will provide a comfortable stay.

How to Choose #1: Decide on the Tent Type

There are several types of motorcycle (touring) tents. The three main types are dome-style, single-pole, and one-touch. We’ll explain the features of each.

－Dome Tent

As the name suggests, a dome tent is a semi-circular tent shaped like an inverted bowl or ball, and it is the most basic type. It typically uses two poles, which are set up to cross at the top.

Its rounded shape offers excellent wind resistance, allowing it to deflect wind with minimal resistance. It can also be flipped inside out, so you can dry the inside before storing it.

Another appeal is that there is no dead space inside the tent, making it feel spacious. If you choose a model where the canopy (the awning over the entrance) extends forward to serve as a tarp, you can set up a table and chairs to create a living area, allowing you to make even better use of the space inside the tent.

－Single-Pole Tent

A single-pole tent is a triangular tent set up using a single pole. Derived from tents used by Native Americans, it is also known as a "monopole tent" or "teepee tent."

They are popular because their tall, conical shape allows you to create a stylish campsite. Their simple structure makes setup and takedown easy. One of their main attractions is that they are easy to handle, even for those who aren’t particularly strong. Since they have few poles, they pack down compactly for storage.

However, because of its triangular shape, it is susceptible to side winds, so you must stake it down to increase stability in windy conditions.

Another drawback is that the tent slopes diagonally from bottom to top, creating dead space. Even for solo camping, choosing a two-person size will allow you to relax more comfortably.

－One-Touch Tents

A one-touch tent is a tent where the tent body and poles are integrated into a single unit. Just like opening an umbrella, you can set it up quickly simply by unfolding the frame.

It is recommended for those who don’t want to spend much time setting up or taking down the tent, or for those who need to set it up at night. When taking it down, you can flip it inside out to dry the underside.

However, while the structure is simple, please note that it is less rigid and more prone to damage. It is lightweight and easy to carry, but its durability is inferior to that of a dome tent.

How to Choose #2: Choose a lightweight and compact product that fits on a motorcycle

Motorcycle (touring) tents must be loaded onto a motorcycle. Therefore, they need to fold down compactly for storage and be lightweight.

When choosing a motorcycle (touring) tent, aim for a weight of 2–4 kg and a width of about 50 cm. While weight increases with added functionality, it’s best to stick to products weighing 5 kg or less.

Under the Road Traffic Act, luggage loaded onto a motorcycle must be kept within 30 cm of the luggage rack or basket (within 15 cm on either side).

Tip 3: We recommend "nylon" or "polyester" materials

If you want to keep the weight of your motorcycle (touring) tent light, choose one made from “nylon” or “polyester.”

Polyester: Lightweight and highly water-resistant, but has low elasticity, making it less resistant to tearing. It is available at a reasonable price.

Nylon: Characterized by high strength and light weight. Its elasticity makes it resistant to tears and holes. However, it has drawbacks such as absorbing water and becoming heavy, as well as being vulnerable to strong sunlight.

How to Choose #4: There Are 3 Types of Assembly

When camping on a motorcycle (touring), you’ll need to set up the tent, prepare the fire pit, and get ready to cook all by yourself once you arrive at your destination.

If setting up the tent takes too long, you won’t be able to relax, so a model that can be assembled as quickly as possible is best.

Basically, there are three types of assembly methods.

- "Freestanding" tents can be set up anywhere

A “freestanding tent” is one that, like a dome tent, takes shape simply by attaching the poles along the fabric after removing it from the storage case, making it easy to set up.

Since they stand on their own without needing to drive stakes into the ground or secure them with ropes, you can set them up anywhere—even on hard ground or rocks.

Another advantage is that if you want to change locations before securing it with stakes, you can easily move the tent even after it’s been set up.

Depending on the size, the number of poles and frames increases, which makes the gear bulkier and heavier. Also, since the shape is fixed, you can’t customize it to your liking.

－If portability is a priority, choose a “non-freestanding” tent

A “non-freestanding tent” is a product that uses poles, but it cannot function as a tent unless you drive pegs into the ground and secure it with ropes. Therefore, it is difficult to set up on hard ground or rocks where it is hard to drive pegs.

However, because they have fewer poles, they pack down compactly and are easy to carry.

Unlike freestanding tents, you cannot easily move them from one spot to another, and it may take some time to set one up alone until you get used to it.

－For those who don’t want to spend time setting up: “One-Touch Style”

"One-touch" tents are ideal for those who don’t want to spend much time setting up a tent or who lack confidence in setting one up alone. The advantage is that they can be set up quickly and easily, but the downside is that they lack sturdiness and are prone to breaking.

If you’re new to motorcycle (touring) camping, we recommend starting with a one-touch tent and upgrading to a freestanding or non-freestanding model once you’ve gained some experience.

Tip #5: Tents with a vestibule are perfect for motorcycle camping!

A tent’s “vestibule” refers to the covered (canopy) space in front of the inner tent (sleeping area). By using it to store luggage and shoes, you can make the sleeping area feel much more spacious.

If the vestibule is spacious enough, you can set up a table and chairs to create an outdoor living area, and you can even shelter your motorcycle there if it suddenly starts raining.

While shielding yourself from the sun,

• drink coffee
• take a nap
• cook

and enjoy a fulfilling time on your own. It’s especially handy when it’s drizzling, serving the same purpose as a tarp.

If you choose a tent with a canopy that creates a vestibule, you won’t need a tarp, making it ideal for motorcycle (touring) camping.

How to Choose #6: Check for Functionality

When choosing a tent for motorcycle (touring) camping, be sure to check its functionality. For example, if there are ventilation openings at the top and bottom of the tent, you can draw in cool outside air from the bottom and expel the warm air inside the tent from the top. This not only provides ventilation but also helps prevent condensation in the winter.

Also, if there’s a lantern hook at the top when you set up the tent, you can hang an LED lantern to illuminate the entire tent—which is very convenient.

It is essential to check what features the tent offers.

TOKYO CRAFTS Solo & Duo Tents

"TOKYO CRAFTS" is a Japanese brand that creates highly satisfying original camping gear, blending functional beauty with sophisticated design. Here, we introduce their solo and duo tents.

Diafort TC Solo Tent

The "Diafort TC Solo Tent" dispels the image of solo tents being cramped and uncomfortable.

• A high ceiling that allows you to stand up and change clothes
• A living space with no wasted space
• Simple and easy setup
• High functionality suitable for all seasons

These features make it the perfect solo tent for motorcycle (touring) camping.

When packed, it measures 23 x 23 x 54 cm, making it compact enough to load onto a motorcycle or fit into a storage box, but please note that it is somewhat heavy.

The "Diafort Light" model, made with nylon fabric, is even lighter, with a total weight of approximately 4.42 kg.

Montope

The "Montope" is an open-concept tent featuring large windows on the front, sides, and ceiling.

The interior offers ample space to fit two cots side by side, and with a maximum height of 195 cm, you can stretch out and relax comfortably. It comes with a canopy that protects you from the sun and rain, making it a great spot to set up a chair and table and unwind.

It’s also ideal for those who want to enjoy a spacious, uncrowded environment even when camping solo.

Tenbi Shelter

The "Tenbi Shelter" is recommended for those who want to set up camp quickly.

Its unique frame structure combines ease of setup with comfort. Since there is a height difference between the front and back, you can create a spacious living area by flipping up the front canopy and supporting it with a pole.

The mesh windows at the front provide excellent ventilation! It also features functional elements like a hook-on lantern and a skirt to keep out cold air and insects.

When choosing a tent for motorcycle (touring) camping, portability is key

Motorcycle (touring) camping lets you enjoy your journey freely according to your own plans and schedule. Even for solo camping, it offers a different appeal than camping by car.

To make your motorcycle (touring) camping experience comfortable, choosing the right "tent" is key.

Be sure to choose a tent that’s lightweight, highly portable, and quick to set up and take down—one that’s perfect for you.