Organized Eats For The Motorcycle Camper

Updated Jan 24, 2018

Dining through the entirety of a long distance motorcycle camping trip can sometimes prove more challenging than expected. Sure, a steel stomach might “greasy spoon” it’s way across a developed nation but many of us prefer to locate healthier options. There are even those cases where doing so is a safety requirement with regard to allergies or more particular dietary threats.

Watching Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman ride through isolated wilderness locations brings sensibility to their incorporating vacuum packed, National Geographic grade super food (not to mention two or three off-road-ready chase vehicles). For the casual camper, however, every edible added to our motorcycle’s luggage introduces more weight to an otherwise unoccupied space that could be employed in better ways. The trick is to coordinate a more basic, systematic mindset.

The only foods worth packing onto a motorcycle are those which you intend to eat either out of desperation or because it’s convenient by design. RxBar makes a completely organic “real food” protein bar that’s vegetable based, making it easier to digest and thereby less fatiguing. Unlike some of the better known meal bars on the market, these pack a pretty big “I’m full” effect into a minimized storage footprint. What’s more, they’re chewy McTasty.

So, let’s call the above lunch (yes, for every day of the trip). Knowing your entire food “list” is now accounted for, there’s still the matter of both breakfast and dinner. Leaning away from the ever present diner and dive, we look to local groceries that are near our day’s end destination. Whether it’s before or after setting up camp, there’s likely enough space on your motorcycle to stow small quantity purchases for cooking over an open fire. Healthier meats and simple salads are one smart way to incorporate the K.I.S.S. technique as they’re already packaged for one-step preparation.

As for breakfast, one small bag of ice, carefully isolated from outside elements can keep a small carton of eggs + simple meats (be them real or substitute) in good condition through the night. Here we begin to implement our “system”, packing only lunch bars and expelling no more than locally filled grocery bags. The only problem is that now we’re getting thirsty.

Water filtration is important. Combination filter/bottles, on the other hand are bulky and less versatile. Combining Sawyer’s mini water filtration system with a tried and true Klean Kanteen means efficient convenience and thanks to stainless steel, it doubles as a boiler.

… which leads me to what just might be the number one, most important food item to make sure you include in your travel food collective. Of course, I’m referring to instant coffee. If you’re as dedicated to that first cup in the morning as I am, you know what it means to the rest of your day.

What Foods Do You Pack When Motorcycle Camping?

There are other space saving travel foods on the market. Which ones do you prefer? What do you like about them and why? Your input is invited. Post an article!