At 5.5 kg (12 lbs) weight and a claimed 60x20cm (2ft x 9in) packed, the LoneRider MotoTent is no lightweight. What you get in that package though is a tent most adults can easily stand in, and a vestibule that covers your motorcycle – even large adventure bikes like the BMW R1200GS or KTM 990 Adventure.

A majority of the MotoTent’s massive footprint when set up is consumed by the vestibule. 2.4 m long, 1.3 m wide, and 1.9 m high this area is excellent for keeping a bike out of sight and out of mind of prying eyes, or acting as a drying and change room for gear after the day’s ride. The remaining space leaves room for a two adult sleeping area, in an uncluttered sleeping area thanks to the garages availability for storage. One refinement we’d like to see is a roll-out mat at the entry way, similar to that found on our Big Agnes Big House 6 giving campers a clean area for removing footwear or to stand while changing in the garage.

If the actual acreage required to set up the LoneRider isn’t an issue, the fact that it isn’t self supporting can be. Requiring pegs to maintain shape means rocky or sandy ground can become a problem, and we’ve found the aircraft grade aluminum pegs bend fairly easily. Meanwhile, the radiating web of support lines effectively booby trap the area with trip-lines for added security.

Per photographer and reviewer Kevin Miklossy’s recent experience at the AltRider Hoh Rainforest Ride, “I only tripped over the lines two or three times, that’s a dramatic reduction from the last time! The tent however was excellent for the wet conditions in the Hoh, and the garage was great as a dry place to put my gear and the suede ‘diva seat’ from the 990 Dakar – it doesn’t like water. There was also a lot of jealousy of the garage’s dry seating area on the part of those in smaller tents in the damp conditions.” Still, there is a sense of irony in calling this “LoneRider” for anyone who’s attempted to set it up solo — an achievable operation, but time consuming.

Where the LoneRider shines isn’t with its setup or teardown, but in being an excellent base camp tent. The vestibule creating a work, drying and gear storage area, is invaluable if you’re basing multiple dirt rides out of a central location. The tent is also equipped with a useful selection of pockets and hooks for gear.

On the road, the tent’s bag is specifically designed to strap down to an adventure bike’s luggage – working best across a tail plate or cinched down to a top case. With the poles separated out of the tent bag and fit diagonally in a Trax 37-Liter Evo or Zega Pros side case, the LoneRider will fit in your luggage keeping out of the elements, dirt, dust and mud for a cleaner set up. Actual functionality is strong, the tent effectively keeps heavy weather at bay, and breathes well to avoid becoming clammy. We have thus far chosen not to test the LoneRider’s fire retardancy.

What’s to differentiate the LoneRider Motorcycle Tent from a cadre of Redverz-alikes that have flooded the market in the past few year? The general response at various motorcycle events over the past two seasons is that people prefer the color.

For daily setup and teardown adventure travel, we’d opt for smaller self-supporting tents. The LoneRider MotoTent, however, has won a place in our gear roster for dirt outings it serves as a practical base camp for multiple forays into the surrounding area. In the possibility of inclement weather, the LoneRider is a must have for the garage. If this fits your adventure usage, we’d highly recommend the LoneRider.

More Information: http://www.lonerider-motorcycle.com