The Adventure Bike Rider (ABR) Festival has earned its reputation as the ‘Glastonbury of motorcycle travel and adventure’. Held in the scenic grounds of Ragley Hall, Warwickshire, the festival combines inspiring talks, live music, and thousands of like-minded riders with the kind of camping experience that takes you far beyond your average weekend in a field.

But as any seasoned festival-goer will tell you, a great experience starts with smart packing - especially if you're camping from your bike. That’s where Valley & Peak comes in. Whether you're a seasoned motorcycle camper or attending your first festival, this is what I would take to keep you dry, comfortable and well-rested after all those drinks at the evening entertainment. All without overloading your panniers.

The ABR Festival Vibe: Motorbikes, Mates & Mud (Sometimes)

Camping at ABR Festival isn’t just a place to sleep - it’s part of the experience. You'll be surrounded by other riders, swapping stories late into the night over a brew (or something stronger), nestled in a tent pitched next to your trusty bike. But British weather is famously unpredictable, and with activities running from dawn to dusk, your gear needs to be ready for anything. Making sure you have space for your mucky, and potentially wet, gear is important when picking your tent, as well as making sure you have enough space to sleep comfortably.

Your Ultimate ABR Festival Camping Kit List

Before I dive into the gear, a quick word on packing philosophy: you don’t need to go ultra-minimalist for the Festival and the same applies for going to one campsite for a weekend. Unlike a multi-day motorcycle tour where you’re setting up and packing down camp each day, this is more of a ride in, set up once, and leave it for the weekend kind of event. That means you can afford a few luxuries; like a comfier sleeping mat, proper coffee kit, or that insulated mug you love, without stressing over every gram or litre of space. Think about what panniers/luggage you’ll have too - it might be worth strapping your tent on the rear rack or pillion seat to not worry about getting it all in a pannier or roll bag.

I would recommend thinking about what future uses you will have for the gear though - if multi-day camping tours are on the cards then certainly thinking about smaller and lighter gear will be worth the investment long term.

1. Shelter: Your Home for the Weekend

The MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepacking 2 tent strikes the perfect balance between comfort and packability. It’s freestanding - I really recommend this feature for everyone buying a tent, you never know when you’ll be on hard ground or even really soft where pegs just won’t work! It’s insanely quick to pitch, and offers enough room for one person plus their gear (or two, if you’re friendly). Its ventilation system keeps condensation at bay - a blessing after a long day of riding.I recently took it up to some woodland near Scarborough and although the days were warm, the nights were chilly and there wasn’t a spot of dampness when waking up in the morning.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for something more budget-friendly (with a slight weight penalty), the Elixir range is a trusted favourite. Robust and roomy, it’s ideal if you’re new to moto-camping but want gear that can go the distance. I’ve used the Elixir 1 for years solo travelling around Europe and it’s been fantastic, the 2 person version will just make a more useful option - unless you like feeling as though you’re in a coffin.

Pro Tip: Avoid pop-up tents. They’re bulky, lack ventilation, and tend to be one-trip wonders. You’ll be amazed how fast you can pack and erect the MSR tents!

2. Sleep System: Recharge the Right Way

Sleeping Bags: Sleeping bags are a tricky one to recommend - it’s very dependent on how warm or cool you sleep, how much you move during the night, your views on down vs synthetic and the big one - your budget! The staff at Valley & Peak are pretty knowledgeable on all this and can give you some insider knowledge on the bags and quilts available by hitting “book your virtual call” at the top of the website so if you need any help, give them a shout!

I’ve got a few sleeping bags to choose from depending on the trip and the weather - for summer use I take the Big Agnes V Notch UL 40 Synthetic Sleeping Bag, it’s quite small and light but for ABR this year I plan on taking a more snuggly option in case those temperatures drop - the Therm-A-Rest Saros 20 Sleeping Bag with a claimed comfort rating of -6 degrees, I think if the temperatures in June get to that we have bigger worries than what sleeping bag to use though. I sleep very cold so having this warm and cosy bag really makes the world of difference so I’m ready to ride again in the mornings without having to defrost.

Sleeping Mats: In regards to Sleeping Mats and speaking of staying warm and comfortable, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite NXT or the Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Pro Insulated ASC Sleeping Mat are both fantastic options but for something a bit more wallet friendly and summer specific the less insulated Therm-A-Rest ProLite Plus Sleeping Mat would be a great alternative. All are warm and comfortable, pack small and inflate fast and easily. I’m using the Sea to Summit and within minutes it goes from a tiny bottle sized pack to a nice thick sleeping mat, all without losing your breath or wearing out the sole of your shoe to pump it up with its impressive stuff sack pump method.

A good mat is worth its weight in gold. These are light, comfy, and highly packable - just what you need after a day walking the showground or riding the trails.

Alternative: If you’d rather be off the ground completely, the Helinox Lite Cots are a solid alternative to a mat. It gives you a flat, supportive surface that still packs down surprisingly well. It’s a little bulkier, but as this is a set-up-once event, it’s a luxury well worth considering. I took one on my five month trip across Europe and loved how easy it was to use and when sleeping on sand, rocky surfaces or even when you just want to sunbathe, this is a fantastic bit of kit although side sleepers beware it’s not the most comfortable on your shoulders or hips and it is a bit cooler as you have airflow underneath but the bonus is you can hide flattish things under it.

Pillow: No matter how tough and hard you think you are, scrunching up your jackets or using your knee pads (I’ve done this before) to use as a pillow is just a pain in the neck - the Sea to Summit Aeros pillows pack so small your mates won’t believe you when you show them it fully inflated, AND they lock into position on the Sea to Summit mats with some little tabs you stick on the mat - genius!

Honestly you won’t regret buying one of these. Also great to take with you to hostels, hotels, flights, basically whenever you need a comfortable pillow!

3. Cooking & Coffee: Fuel Yourself, Not Just the Bike

While there’s plenty of food and coffee available on site, having your own setup means morning brews in bed and midnight pasta if the bar snacks run dry.

Stove: MSR Switch 1.0L Personal Stove System

Fast, reliable, and efficient. This kit boils water in minutes and fits into small spaces.

Cookware: Sea to Summit Alpha Pot Set
Durable and lightweight, this set is perfect for solo or duo campers.

Mug & Cutlery: Snow Peak Titanium Spork + V&P Insulated Mug

Top Tip: Pre-measure your coffee and porridge into zip-lock bags. Add hot water, and you’ve got breakfast sorted without the mess. Now I don’t drink hot drinks but I know that making coffee in the morning is a sure-fire way to make some friends, you might have to get guests to form an orderly queue between the GS’s.

4. Clothing: Be Ready for Rain or Shine

Layering is key. Days can be warm, nights chilly, and you’ll want clothes that transition easily from walking around Ragley Hall to chatting with riders at the tent village.

Base Layer: A technical t-shirt will do that is moisture-wicking, breathable, and great for multiple wears.
Bike jacket: Knox Urbane Pro or Tor jacket is great for layering with biking or non-biking gear alike.
Mid layer and waterproof can be combined with the Knox Dual Pro set and looks great on and off the bike or get yourself a fleece and rain jacket - lots of options on the market.
Footwear: Take some comfortable trainers and something to wear around the camp - useful to and from showers/toilets and when you are getting ready.
After a day in riding boots, your feet will thank you for being in some comfortable cool shoes. Just make sure you’ve got some good trail boots if you’re heading off on the Bridgestone or TRF Trail.

5. Useful Extras:

Some bits of kit might not be strictly necessary, but they’ll seriously upgrade your comfort and festival enjoyment.

Chair: Helinox Chair Zero – If there’s one “luxury” item that’s worth the space, it’s this. Light, compact, and surprisingly sturdy, the Helinox Chairs gives you a comfy seat for morning coffee, evening catch-ups, or just watching the world (and bikes) go by and your knees will thank you! Also so small and easy to take to the talks and live demos so you’re not sitting on the floor struggling to see the speakers on stage.
Headtorch: NEBO Mycro 500+ Headlamp – for late-night wanderings or pre-sunrise coffee making. Also clips onto caps and who doesn’t love a cap.
Lighting: NEBO Galileo Air 500 Lumens Collapsible Lantern and NEBO Big Larry 3 - lots of spaces for it in the MSR Hubba Hubba tent!

Dry Bags: Sea to Summit Lightweight Compression Sacks – keep clothes and electronics dry and packs down so small with the handy straps.
Microfibre Towels: PackTowl Personal – compact, fast-drying, and perfect for freshening up. Take a couple.
Multi-tool: Leatherman Skeletool – useful for bike fixes and campsite adjustments.
First Aid Kit: Just in case, even if it’s only for a blister or hangover relief.

Tips for First-Time ABR Festival Campers

Arrive early if you want a good pitch - especially if you’re riding in with mates.
Use your bike’s luggage wisely - sleep system in one pannier, clothes in a dry bag and don’t forget a dirty clothes bag!
Bring earplugs - people (and engines) run late and also good for riding bikes anyway
Don’t overpack - remember, you’ll spend most of your time exploring, riding or socialising.

Ready to Ride, Ready to Camp

The ABR Festival is a highlight of the UK’s adventure motorcycling calendar and camping is at the heart of it. With the right kit, your tent becomes more than just shelter: it’s your base for adventure, comfort, and connection.

Come and chat about all things moto travel and camping at the Valley & Peak stand, see you at Ragley Hall!