Motorcycle camping is an exciting and adventurous way to explore the outdoors. It allows riders to experience the beauty of nature while enjoying the freedom and thrill of the open road. However, when it comes to food, motorcycle camping can be a bit challenging. Riders need to pack food that is easy to store, prepare, and clean up, while still being delicious and nutritious.
Choosing the right food for motorcycle camping can make or break the experience. Riders need to plan ahead and pack food that is lightweight, non-perishable, and easy to cook. From canned goods to dehydrated meals, there are many options available for riders who want to enjoy a tasty and satisfying meal on the road. In this article, we will explore some of the best motorcycle camping food options that are perfect for riders who love to eat well while enjoying the great outdoors.
Table of Contents
Planning Your Trip
When it comes to motorcycle camping, planning your trip is crucial for a successful and enjoyable experience. This section will cover the three main aspects of planning a motorcycle camping trip: Choosing Your Destination, Packing Your Gear, and Planning Your Route.
Choosing Your Destination
When choosing a destination for your motorcycle camping trip, consider the distance you are willing to travel and the type of terrain you want to ride on. Whether you prefer mountains, forests, or beaches, there are plenty of options available. Research campsites and make reservations ahead of time, especially during peak season, to ensure availability. Websites like Recreation.gov and onX Offroad can help you find and reserve campsites.
Packing Your Gear
Packing your gear for a motorcycle camping trip requires some careful consideration. Since space is limited, it’s important to pack only what you need. A comfortable sleeping bag, a lightweight tent or hammock, and a compact stove are essential items. When it comes to food, consider packing non-perishable items like canned goods, nuts, and dried fruit. For more gourmet options, check out the Motorcycle Camping Food Guide.
Planning Your Route
Planning your route is essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Consider the distance you want to travel each day and plan your stops accordingly. Use a mapping app like onX Offroad to find the best routes and avoid any off-limits areas. Make sure to also factor in gas stops and any necessary maintenance for your motorcycle. With proper planning, you can enjoy a memorable motorcycle camping trip.
Cooking Equipment and Utensils
When going on a motorcycle camping trip, it’s important to bring the right cooking equipment and utensils to ensure that you can prepare delicious and nutritious meals. Here are some essential items to consider:
Jetboil and Other Portable Stoves
Jetboil stoves are a popular choice for motorcycle camping due to their compact size and efficiency. They are designed to boil water quickly, making them perfect for preparing dehydrated meals or hot drinks. Other portable stoves, such as the MSR PocketRocket or the Snow Peak GigaPower, are also great options for motorcycle camping. When choosing a stove, consider factors such as fuel type, weight, and size.
We tried different product and I was doing backpack camping before and let me tell you that In my opinion Solo Stove light and JetBoil stash are your best bet. You can read more on both in the following blog post Solo Stove Lite, Ideal Motorcycle Camping Stove and on Jetboil Stove for Motocamping: A Comprehensive Guide.
Price on Solo Stove below
Price on Amazon below
Cookware and Tableware
When it comes to cookware and tableware, lightweight and durable options are key. Look for pots and pans made from materials such as titanium or hard-anodized aluminum, which are both lightweight and resistant to scratches and dents. Collapsible bowls, cups, and utensils are also great options for saving space in your motorcycle luggage. If you plan on cooking over an open flame, consider bringing a cast iron skillet or griddle.
Cook like a chef and eat outside with this simple, complete, and efficient two-person cookset from Decathlon.
We use different sets from everywhere. With this compact and resistant set, you will have anything that you need to cook and eat.
Food Storage and Clean Water
Proper food storage and clean water are essential for staying healthy on a motorcycle camping trip. Canned foods are a great option for motorcycle camping, as they are lightweight, easy to store, and can be heated directly on a portable stove. However, it’s important to pack out any empty cans to avoid littering. Bringing a water filtration system, such as a portable water filter or purification tablets, is also important for ensuring that you have access to clean drinking water.
Overall, when choosing cooking equipment and utensils for motorcycle camping, it’s important to consider factors such as weight, size, and durability. By choosing the right gear, you can prepare delicious and healthy meals while enjoying the great outdoors.
Pack light with the original Nalgene bottle, designed in the 1970s and always a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. The super Lightweight High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) material lightens your pack without sacrificing durability.
It’s the best solution for moto camping. We have 2 bottles of 2 liters of water per person per day on our last trip and we where just a bit short. Everyone is different but if you cook dehydrated food you will maybe need more than that.
We have also our backpack water camel bag on our back filled with another two litres of water. With 6 liter per person per day, you should be fine.
It’s a good idea to bring a water purifier also, just in case.
Meal Planning and Preparation
When planning meals for motorcycle camping, it is important to consider the limited space and resources available. Meal planning and preparation should be done in advance to ensure that the necessary ingredients and equipment are available. Here are some sub-sections to consider:
Dehydrated Motorcycle Camping Food
Dehydrated motorcycle camping food is a popular option for its convenience and long shelf life. These meals are lightweight, compact, and easy to prepare. Simply add hot water and wait for the food to rehydrate. Dehydrated meals are available in a variety of flavors and can be purchased online or at outdoor stores. We have try all sort of dehydrated food and food out that the Happy Yak are the most tasteful and are really easy to cook.
Canned Food and Preservatives
Canned food and preservatives are another option for motorcycle camping. These foods have a longer shelf life and can be easily stored in a backpack or pannier. Canned meats, fruits, and vegetables are available in most grocery stores and can be heated over a campfire or portable stove.
We almost never use canned food because it’s usually very heavy. Since weight is important on motorcycle, we prefer to bring dehydrated food instead.
Healthy Eating and Protein Sources
While it may be tempting to rely on processed and high-calorie foods for convenience, it is important to consider healthy eating options when motorcycle camping. Nuts, such as almonds, and fruits, such as grapes and celery, are great sources of protein and can be easily packed for a quick snack. Consider packing a small cooler with fresh fruits and vegetables for added nutrition.
We like the Xact bar. They are good recovery bar or as a delicious anytime snack, whether you’re out on the trails or on the road.
Our emergency pack as one protein bar in it. Just pay attention not to bring one with lot’s of chocolate if you plan to ride in hot places. Chocolate have a tendency to melt and while your bar is still edible, it could make a big mess.
In summary, meal planning and preparation is an essential part of motorcycle camping. Dehydrated meals, canned foods, and healthy protein sources should all be considered when planning meals for a camping trip. By planning in advance and packing accordingly, campers can enjoy delicious and nutritious meals while on the road.
Gourmet Camping Food
Camping food doesn’t have to be bland or boring. With a little planning and preparation, it is possible to enjoy gourmet meals while on a motorcycle camping trip. Here are some tips and ideas for creating delicious gourmet meals on the go.
Spices and Seasonings
Spices and seasonings are a great way to add flavor to camping meals. Some essential spices to pack include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Other spices to consider include cumin, paprika, chili powder, and Italian seasoning. It’s also a good idea to pack some hot sauce or red pepper flakes for those who like a little heat in their food.
Cheeses and Chocolate
Cheese and chocolate are two gourmet foods that are easy to pack and can make any camping meal feel more luxurious. Some great cheese options for camping include Swiss, cheddar, and Parmesan. These cheeses can be grated or sliced and added to sandwiches, omelets, or pasta dishes. For a sweet treat, pack some high-quality chocolate bars to enjoy around the campfire.
Berries and Other Fresh Produce
Fresh produce can be a bit trickier to pack for a motorcycle camping trip, but it’s worth the effort. Berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are a great addition to breakfast foods like oatmeal or pancakes. Carrots and bell peppers can be sliced and used as a crunchy snack or added to salads. It’s also a good idea to pack some fresh herbs like basil or parsley to add to dishes for extra flavor.
Or you can just pick them up on the trail… 🙂
By packing some essential spices and seasonings, gourmet cheeses and chocolate, and fresh produce like berries and carrots, it’s possible to enjoy gourmet meals while camping. With a little creativity and planning, camping food can be both delicious and memorable.
Camping Amenities and Accommodations
When planning a motorcycle camping trip, it’s important to consider the type of camping amenities and accommodations that will be available. Here are some options to consider:
Established Campgrounds
Established campgrounds are a popular choice for motorcycle campers. These campgrounds typically offer amenities such as fire pits, picnic tables, showers, and restrooms. They may also have cabins or other types of shelter available for rent. KOA campgrounds are a great option for those looking for established campgrounds with plenty of amenities.
Dispersed Camping and Public Lands
For those looking to get away from established campgrounds and enjoy a more primitive camping experience, dispersed camping and public lands may be the way to go. Dispersed camping is camping outside of designated campgrounds on public lands. It’s important to follow Leave No Trace principles when dispersed camping to minimize your impact on the environment.
Public lands such as national forests and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands also offer camping options. These lands often have designated campsites with minimal amenities, but they offer a chance to get away from the crowds and enjoy a more secluded camping experience.
Glamping and Other Luxurious Options
For those looking for a more luxurious camping experience, glamping may be the way to go. Glamping, or glamorous camping, offers all the comforts of home while still enjoying the great outdoors. Glamping options may include cabins, yurts, or tents with amenities such as electricity, heating, and air conditioning.
Other luxurious camping options include renting an RV or camper van, which offer many of the comforts of home while still allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors.
When planning a motorcycle camping trip, it’s important to consider the type of camping amenities and accommodations that will be available. Whether you’re looking for a primitive camping experience or a more luxurious one, there are plenty of options to choose from.