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Motorcycle camping is an exhilarating way to explore the outdoors, offering a sense of freedom and adventure. With limited storage space and the need for lightweight, durable, and nutrient-packed meals, selecting the right food is crucial. In this guide, we’ll explore the best foods to bring motorcycle camping, focusing on items that are easy to pack, store, and prepare while providing the energy needed for your journey.
Why Food Selection Matters for Motorcycle Camping
Motorcycle camping combines the challenges of camping with the constraints of motorcycling. Unlike car camping, where you have ample space for bulky coolers and elaborate cooking setups, motorcycle camping demands careful planning. Here’s why choosing the best foods to bring motorcycle camping is so important:
- Space constraints: You have limited pannier or backpack storage.
- Durability: Food needs to withstand vibrations and varying temperatures.
- Convenience: Meals should be easy to prepare after a long day of riding.
- Nutritional value: Energy-rich foods are essential for the physical demands of motorcycling and camping.
What to Look for in Motorcycle Camping Food
Before diving into specific options, let’s review the qualities that make food suitable for motorcycle camping:
- Lightweight: Heavier food adds unnecessary load to your bike.
- Non-perishable: Shelf-stable items ensure you won’t have to worry about refrigeration.
- Compact: Foods that pack small leave more room for other gear.
- High-calorie: You’ll need extra energy for riding and setting up camp.
- Easy to prepare: Minimal cooking or cleanup saves time and hassle.
Best Foods to Bring Motorcycle Camping
Here are the top categories and specific recommendations for foods that meet the needs of motorcycle campers.
1. Trail Mix and Energy Bars
When it comes to the best foods to bring motorcycle camping, trail mix and energy bars are classics. They’re lightweight, nutrient-dense, and perfect for on-the-go snacking.
Power Up Premium Trail Mix – High Energy Trail Mix 14oz, Gluten Free, Vegan, Non-GMO
- Need that 3 o’clock energy boost? Our high energy mix is the perfect snack to keep your body going all day! Loaded with protein, nutrients and great taste, this mix is the perfect way to get that extra pick me up any time of the day.
- Made from only the best, most premium whole nuts, dried fruit and seeds, our delicious trail mix does not contain sulfites, or other preservatives. Our High Energy Trail Mix is a unique and satisfying blend of crunchy walnuts, rich cashews, crispy banana chips, sweet cranberries, tangy mango, colorful papaya, and nutritious pumpkin seeds.
- Project Verified Non-GMO, No Artificial Ingredients, Gluten Free, Vegan, Certified Kosher
New starting from: 5.94
Go to Amazon- Trail Mix: Look for a mix of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and a touch of chocolate or yogurt-covered treats. These provide a balance of protein, healthy fats, and quick carbs.
- Energy Bars: Choose bars with high protein and calorie content. Some popular options include Clif Bars, RXBARs, and KIND Bars.
Pro Tip: Portion trail mix into resealable bags to prevent spillage and control servings.
2. Dehydrated Meals
Dehydrated meals are among the best foods to bring motorcycle camping for their convenience and lightweight nature. These meals only require hot water to prepare, making them a no-fuss option.
Mountain House Beef Lasagna | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food | 2 Servings
- BEST-TASTING COMFORT FOOD – Made in the USA since 1969, we have been cooking up your favorite comfort food meals and freeze-drying them to create the best-tasting and convenient outdoor adventure meals available. Freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and freshness, enjoy pasta, cheese, and a rich tomato meat sauce.
- EASY TO PACK & QUICK PREP – Just add water and eat straight from the pouch in less than 10 minutes, with no cleanup. Mountain House meals are lightweight and portable, lightening your load when every ounce in your backpack matters. Perfect for camping, backpacking, or any outdoor adventure.
- HIGH-QUALITY INGREDIENTS – Mountain House meals are made with high-quality ingredients, never any fillers. Enjoy two servings free of artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
List Price :
Offer: 10.88
Go to Amazon- Brands to Try: Mountain House, Backpacker’s Pantry, and Good To-Go offer a wide range of flavors, from chicken teriyaki to vegetarian pasta.
- Shelf Life: Many dehydrated meals have a long shelf life, making them ideal for multi-day trips.
Pro Tip: Carry a compact camp stove and a lightweight pot to boil water quickly.
3. Canned and Pouched Foods
For those who prefer ready-to-eat options, canned or pouched foods are excellent choices.
Ready Hour, Emergency Meal Entrées, Real Non-Perishable Meals, 25-Year Shelf Life, Portable Flood-Safe Container, 120 Servings
- TASTES GREAT: Ready Hour freeze-dried food is designed for emergencies but tasty enough for everyday use.
- BE PREPARED: The world is unpredictable. Be ready for anything with our durable and flood-safe container which features a convenient handle for easy transport. Requires no refrigeration.
- LASTS UP TO 25 YEARS: Includes up to 120 total servings. Can be stored anywhere that offers a cool and dry environment.
New starting from: 119.95
Go to Amazon- Canned Tuna or Salmon: High in protein and easy to pair with crackers or bread.
- Pouched Soups or Stews: Brands like Campbell’s or Progresso offer hearty meals that only need reheating.
- Canned Vegetables: Green beans, corn, or mixed vegetables can round out a meal.
Pro Tip: Opt for pull-tab cans or lightweight pouches to save on tools and weight.
4. Instant Noodles and Rice
Instant noodles and rice packs are affordable, easy to prepare, and compact, making them staples for motorcycle campers.
Nissin Cup Noodles Stir Fry Noodles in Sauce, Sweet Chili, 2.89 Ounce (Pack of 6)
- First soup-less cup noodles, offering a unique and convenient meal experience
- Experience the rich and authentic Sweet Chili flavor in every bite
- No added MSG or artificial flavors with sustainably sourced palm oil
List Price :
Offer: 5.82
Go to Amazon- Instant Noodles: Ramen or cup noodles are quick to cook and come in various flavors.
- Instant Rice: Add hot water or cook briefly for a filling meal. Mix in a pouch of pre-cooked chicken or vegetables for added nutrients.
Pro Tip: Pack seasoning packets for extra flavor without adding bulk.
5. Fresh Foods for the First Day
While fresh foods aren’t typically durable enough for long trips, they’re great for the first day of your journey.
Hillshire Snacking Small Plates, Genoa Salami and White Cheddar Cheese, Single Serve, 2.76 Oz
- One 2.76 oz, single serve snack pack of Hillshire Snacking Small Plates with Genoa Salami and White Cheddar Cheese
- Features mild Genoa sliced salami, sharp white cheddar cheese, and crisp toasted rounds
- Chef inspired ingredients and flavors for an elevated snacking experience
- Fruits: Apples, oranges, and bananas are easy to pack and provide quick energy.
- Vegetables: Baby carrots, snap peas, and celery sticks are refreshing snacks.
- Sandwiches: Pre-make sandwiches with sturdy bread and non-perishable fillings like peanut butter and jelly.
Pro Tip: Store fresh items in a soft cooler bag if space allows.
6. Freeze-Dried Fruits and Veggies
Freeze-dried snacks are among the best foods to bring motorcycle camping for their lightweight, long-lasting nature.
Augason Farms Dehydrated and Freeze-Dried Fruit Variety Pail, 25-Year Shelf Life, Emergency Food Supply, Camping Food
- Strawberries, Apples, Bananas, Raspberries, and Blueberries
- Includes Spiff-e-Whip Dessert Topping for dipping and desserts
- Includes Recipe Booklet
New starting from: 76.75
Go to Amazon- Fruits: Freeze-dried strawberries, mangoes, or apple slices are great for snacking.
- Veggies: Freeze-dried peas, corn, or kale chips add variety and nutrients.
Pro Tip: Pair freeze-dried snacks with nuts or jerky for a balanced trail snack.
7. Jerky and Dried Meats
Jerky is a high-protein, lightweight food that doesn’t require refrigeration, making it perfect for motorcycle camping.
Jerky Gift Basket for Men – 26pc Jerky Variety Pack of Beef, Pork, Turkey, & Ham Snack Sticks – High Protein Healthy Snack – Unique Gift for Men
- Built To Gift – Birthdays, Holidays & “Just Because”: A jerky gift basket is a gift men actually want-loaded with 26 gourmet jerky sticks and cheese sticks. It’s a ready-to-gift snack stick arsenal for dads, brothers, boyfriends, husbands, and meat lovers of all kinds. Comes in a canvas gift bag and hits for birthdays, Father’s Day, Christmas, or just because. Makes the ultimate guy snack gift.
- 26-Piece Meat & Cheese Variety Pack: This gift ready jerky sampler includes 10 individually wrapped meat sticks, two 5-packs of snack sticks, and three twin-packs of meat & cheese combos. Packaged for all of the different ways you want to snack. Over 1 lb of high-protein snacks-packed for convenience, freshness, and flavor variety
- High Protein, Low Guilt: Each meat jerkyt stick is packed with protein and flavor, not filler. Gluten-free, low fat, and perfect for keto or low carb lifestyles. No weird additives, just real meat you’ll actually crave.
New starting from: 39.99
Go to Amazon- Beef Jerky: Choose from classic, teriyaki, or spicy flavors.
- Turkey Jerky: A leaner option with similar benefits.
- Sausages: Shelf-stable options like pepperoni sticks are great for a quick bite.
Pro Tip: Look for vacuum-sealed packaging to ensure freshness.
8. Powdered Drinks and Coffee
Hydration is critical when motorcycle camping, especially in hot or arid regions. Powdered drinks and coffee provide flavor and energy.
No Normal Dark Roast, Instant Coffee Paste (20 Cups) – The Outdoor Coffee – Swiss-Made, Fairtrade Arabica Beans, Liquid Concentrate Alternative- Uncomplicated, Zero Waste On-the-Go Tube
- Rich, Indulgent Dark Roast Flavor – Sourced from 100% Fairtrade Arabica beans and crafted in Switzerland, each serving delivers bold dark roast notes, finished with subtle hints of chocolate, nuts, and caramel—perfect for those who crave the taste of traditional, dark roast instant coffee but want something even better.
- The Outdoor Coffee- no cleaning, no mess, lightweight. On-the-go convenience and zero waste – skip the mess and stale flavor of instant coffee packets. With up to 20 cups per tube, there’s no refrigeration needed, no leftover coffee powder to spill, and no bulky packaging to carry. Campfire-ready. Commute-approved.
- Better Than Your Everyday Café Instantaneo, more convenient than Freeze Dried Coffee – Ditch the usual instant coffee powder for a bold dark roast alternative. This innovative coffee paste tastes richer, offers instant caffeine, and provides on-the-go energy better than freeze dried coffee and sugary energy drink options.
List Price :
Offer: 19.98
Go to Amazon- Electrolyte Mixes: Add to water for hydration and energy.
- Instant Coffee: Brands like Starbucks VIA or Nescafé offer portable options.
- Powdered Milk or Creamer: Great for coffee or making cereal.
Pro Tip: Use a collapsible cup or lightweight mug to save space.
9. Breakfast Staples
Start your day right with easy-to-prepare breakfast foods.
Mountain House Scrambled Eggs with Uncured Bacon Pro-Pak | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food | Gluten-Free | 1 Serving
- BEST-TASTING COMFORT FOOD – Made in the USA since 1969, we have been cooking up your favorite comfort food meals and freeze-drying them to create the best-tasting and convenient outdoor adventure meals available. Freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and freshness, enjoy scrambled eggs and bacon.
- AUTHENTIC MILITARY RATIONS – Made to the exacting standards of the U.S. Armed Forces for Long-Range Cold-Weather patrols, this single-serving meal was crafted with high-quality ingredients, never any fillers. Contains 26g of protein and 420 calories to keep you fueled and is certified gluten-free by GFCO.
- EASY TO PACK & QUICK PREP – Just add water and eat straight from the pouch in less than 10 minutes, with no cleanup. Mountain House meals are lightweight and portable, lightening your load when every ounce in your backpack matters. Perfect for camping, backpacking, or any outdoor adventure.
New starting from: 12.99
Go to Amazon- Instant Oatmeal: Add hot water and top with dried fruits or nuts.
- Granola: Mix with powdered milk or eat as is.
- Breakfast Bars: Compact and calorie-dense, perfect for early starts.
Pro Tip: Pre-portion oatmeal with your favorite add-ins for quick prep.
10. Sweet Treats
No camping trip is complete without a few indulgent snacks.
Snacks Variety Pack Care Package – 12 Count Packages for College Students, Camp – Get Well Soon Gift Basket – Healthy Snacks for Adults and Kids – Sweet and Salty Snack Pack from The LakeHouse
- CONVENIENCE – You don’t have to run to several stores finding snacks, a box, and then pay a premium to ship a nice little gift to your loved one. We take care of all of that for you.
- Only the finest-quality brand name snacks – Teacher appreciation gifts
- 12 Delicious snacks in a perfect college finals care package.
New starting from: 15.95
Go to Amazon- Chocolate: Choose dark chocolate for a longer shelf life.
- Cookies: Pack sturdy options like shortbread or biscotti.
- Marshmallows: Great for roasting if you have a campfire.
Pro Tip: Store sweets in resealable bags to keep them fresh.
Packing and Storing Food for Motorcycle Camping
Bringing the best foods to bring motorcycle camping also requires smart packing techniques:
- Use Resealable Bags: These save space and prevent spills.
- Invest in Compact Containers: Stackable or collapsible containers maximize storage efficiency.
- Separate Meals by Day: Pack food for each day in its own bag to stay organized.
- Protect Fragile Items: Use soft items like clothes to cushion fragile foods.
Best Ways to Keep Perishable Food Fresh on a Motorcycle Trip
While non-perishable foods are ideal for most motorcycle camping trips, there are times when bringing fresh items like fruits, vegetables, or sandwiches can enhance your experience. To make the most of these foods, it’s essential to use smart storage techniques that address the unique challenges of motorcycle travel. Here are the best ways to keep perishable food fresh during your journey:
- Use Compact Insulated Bags or Coolers
- Soft-sided coolers or insulated lunch bags are lightweight and easy to pack. Look for ones with a slim profile that fit snugly into panniers or backpacks.
- Pro Tip: Line the cooler with reusable ice packs or frozen water bottles to keep contents chilled longer.
- Pack Smart with Portion Control
- Divide perishable foods into individual servings using resealable bags or small containers. This minimizes exposure to heat each time you access your supplies.
- Pro Tip: Keep frequently used items, like snacks, in an easy-to-reach pouch to avoid opening your cooler unnecessarily.
- Take Advantage of Frozen Foods
- Freeze items like meat, pre-cooked meals, or yogurt before your trip. These will act as additional ice packs and can thaw slowly, extending freshness.
- Pro Tip: Pack frozen foods together in the center of the cooler for better insulation.
- Choose the Right Foods
- Opt for perishables that can withstand moderate temperatures, such as hard cheeses, cured meats, and firm fruits like apples or oranges.
- Pro Tip: Avoid foods that spoil quickly, such as dairy-heavy dishes or highly perishable seafood.
- Minimize Heat Exposure
- Keep your cooler out of direct sunlight by placing it under a tarp or securing it in a shaded spot on your bike.
- Pro Tip: Stop at roadside stores to replenish ice packs or buy fresh food for the next leg of your journey.
- Plan Ahead for Short Trips
- For overnight or one-day trips, use smaller amounts of fresh food that can be consumed quickly without worrying about spoilage.
- Pro Tip: Save perishable foods for the beginning of your trip and switch to non-perishables for later days.
By following these strategies, you can safely include fresh foods on your motorcycle camping adventures, adding variety and flavor to your meals without compromising convenience or safety.
Meal Planning Tips for Motorcycle Camping
- Plan Ahead: Estimate how many meals and snacks you’ll need.
- Keep It Simple: Choose meals that require minimal prep and cleanup.
- Account for Fuel Stops: Incorporate roadside diners or grocery stores for fresh supplies.
Conclusion
Choosing the best foods to bring motorcycle camping can transform your trip into a seamless, enjoyable experience. By focusing on lightweight, durable, and nutrient-dense options, you’ll have the energy to tackle your adventure while staying well-fed. Whether you prefer trail mix, dehydrated meals, or jerky, the right food choices make all the difference. Plan ahead, pack smart, and enjoy the ride!
