motorcycle road trip packing list

The Ultimate Motorcycle Trip Packing List

Ten years ago when I started riding motorcycles, I was immediately hooked on long-distance motorcycle trips. Seeing the country from two wheels and being fully self-sufficient along the way is extremely invigorating. Especially when you have everything you need packed on your bike, and not having an “oh no!” moment 1,000 miles from home.

The most popular question I get asked by y’all is what gear I camp with and take with me on motorcycle trips. If you’ve never done a long-distance motorcycle trip, preparing for it can be a little overwhelming at first. Every year I get a little bit better at packing my motorcycle up for the long haul. And, for 2020, I’ve really done some upgrading to all of my gear. Here’s my Ultimate Motorcycle Trip Packing List, filled with all the goodies I make sure to take with me on the road.

>>> Read Next: How to Pack Your Motorcycle Like a Pro

Riding Gear

Riding Gear is one of the most variable factors involved in packing for a motorcycle trip. Something you’re going to want to consider is the climate where you’re headed. Is it Fall in the Rockies ? S ummer in the South ? Maybe reading over my Winter Riding Essentials Guide will help out if you plan to ride in chilly weather. Below is a list of the riding gear I always pack on trips.

• Full Face Helmet – A lightweight, aerodynamic, full face helmet with great ventilation is going to be ideal for a long distance motorcycle trip. My personal favorite (still, after 7 years!) is the Bell Race Star .
• Leather Jack et or Riding Shirt – You’re going to want a quality riding jacket that can protect you and is ultimately comfortable for those long miles. I love all of my Roland Sands Design Jackets, but the Maywood tends to be my go-to.
• Riding Boots – There are plenty of great boot manufacturers out there. I personally really enjoy the H-D Footwear lineup, specifically the Beechwood and Walfield styles. Some people need compression socks to keep their lower legs comfortable on long hauls. A tight pair of tall boots could also help. They also keep my legs warm, deflect debris from hitting my shins, and are comfortable to walk around in all day if needed.
• Gloves – Consider the weather you’ll be riding in. I always pack a pair of Summer Gloves and Colder Weather Gloves. It’s always nice to have a second set of gloves just in case your hands get soaked!
• Heated Gear – What a game-changer this stuff can be!
• Rain G ear – Every time I don’t pack it, it is guaranteed to rain for hours on end. It also doubles as a windbreaker if you need an extra layer of warmth. Don’t forget to keep your boots covered , assuming they aren’t waterproof already.

One year I went to Sturgis and somehow forgot to pack a leather jacket. That was quite a mistake, as temperatures dipped into the low 50’s at night, and I was nowhere near prepared. You can always buy a t-shirt or underwear on the go, but quality riding gear is an investment you usually only want to make once. Don’t forget the basics!

Camping Gear

Camping Gear comes in a variety of forms, but to anyone who is an avid outdoors enthusiast, you’ve probably already noticed how backpacking gear is ideal for motorcycle camping.

>>> Read more motorcycle camping blogs , here !

If you haven’t noticed, and you’re wondering what that means, here’s a mild explanation: Backpackers carry everything they need on their backs. Sometimes for a night, sometimes for months. Pack size and weight of camping gear are vital to making the backpacking experience a breeze. Not to mention the quality. Backpacking gear has to stand up to Mother Nature at all times, so it typically is of higher quality. Motorcycles only have so much room for storage. The lighter your pack, the less likely your bike is going to handle poorly, too.

• Tent : My two personal favorites are the Big Agnes Fly Creek UL1 BikePacking Tent and the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Bikepack Tent . Both pack down smaller than any other tent I’ve seen on the market and are exceptionally well made. Make sure to purchase the footprint for added versatility, to ensure the floor of your tent lasts as long as possible and is protected from any rugged terrain.
• Hammock with Straps
• Sleeping Bag : Choosing a sleeping bag that will meet your needs in regards to budget, pack size, and warmth will be a lot of variables to consider.
• Sleeping Pad : I recommend an inflatable pad with a decent R-Value (higher if you’re cold weather camping). I own a handful of Big Agnes pads – all in Long-Wide dimensions since I enjoy the extra room to roll around. They pack down extremely small and are lightweight. If you’re on a budget, a foam pad may work well. They’re a bit more bulky and have low insulative properties, though.
• Big Agnes Pumphouse Ultra – This little guy is pretty versatile. Its primary purpose is to help inflate the Q-Core sleeping pad, but it can easily be used to wash your clothes on the go.
• Head Lamp – Ever get to camp after dark and have trouble setting up your tent, holding your phone in one hand and a tent pole in the other? With a headlamp, you’ll have your tent set up and dinner cooking in no time.
• Camping Pillow
• Earplugs – I’m a light sleeper when I camp. Earplugs definitely help me get a better nights rest, and I can definitely tell a difference the next day. These are also helpful after a few hundreds miles of hearing the rumble of my exhaust. Sometimes, your ears just need some peace and quiet.

My Minimalist Camp Kitchen

Let me start off by saying that investing in this minimalist camp kitchen setup to cook my own meals at camp was the best upgrade I’ve done in a very long time. I LOVE going out to eat when on the road. (I mean, that’s part of the reason this blog exists in the first place!) But, being able to be self-sufficient while saving money for extra tanks of gas or a nice campground is a huge plus.

There’s a ton of other things I could carry in addition to this minimalist “kitchen” setup, but I wanted it to be easy to transport while not taking up tons of room in my pack.

Check the price at  REI , or  Amazon

I chose the Jetboil MicroMo over other options due to it’s size and ability to cook food. Some Jetboil systems are better for just boiling water (like the Flash ), and others are better at doing a little bit of everything.

The Minimo is a slightly larger version of the Minimo and is great if you plan to cook or boil water for more than one person often.

The MicroMo has worked well for me and is still the number one piece of gear in my camp kitchen years after purchasing it.

Here are a few more items you’ll need to consider packing with you:

• Cooking Utensils
• Sea to Summit Collapsable Bowl
• Fuel Canister – I buy the 230 gram canister. It’s only $1 more than the 100g and is still fairly small.
• GSI Outdoors Dish Cleaning Cloth – Helps to clean out my JetBoil after cooking.
• DIY Camp Cozee – Another backpacking world inspiration. These help save on fuel when rehydrating meals, or even rice! I followed the directions on this YouTube video to make my own.

I can store the cleaning cloth and utensils inside the Jetboil while it’s in transport, so it really is an optimal “minimalist” kitchen kit. If you’re one of those people who needs caffeine in the morning to function, there’s tons of accessories out there that will easily allow you to make a fresh cup of coffee at camp. Check out the Sea to Summit Coffee Dripper and the Jetboil French Press for starters.

Storage & Luggage

Everyone always asks me about the bags on my Dyna and Low Rider ST . They’re the LeatherPro retro FXDXT Bags . Any saddlebag is a great option if you need additional storage space, but I love the look and versatility of these bags.

In 2021, I upgraded to the Kuryakyn Momentum Vagabond Bag to use with my sissy bar setup, replacing my camera bag. This has been a great luggage option for all of my trips. You can read the full review, here .

I also use a detachable sissy bar with a luggage rack. You can purchase an OEM one from H-D or surf Revzilla for an aftermarket option.

Updated in 2022: For years, I used cargo nets to mount extra gear to my bike. Ever since I found ROK Straps , I’ve thrown all of my cargo nets and bungee cords away. These adjustable straps are rugged, and secure my dry bags to my motorcycle MUCH better than any bungee or cargo net ever has. I also carry a set of their commuter straps in my Kuraykyn luggage bag just in case I need them.

Camping Gear and Food Storage

• Sea to Summit 20L Big River Dry Bags : I use two of these. One for my Camp Kitchen, and one for my Camp Gear (both listed above). I purchased the Big River versions of these dry bags over the thinner, lightweight options for overall durability purposes. Nobody wants to get to camp and realize their sleeping bag is a soggy mess. Keeping your gear in a dry bag will definitely save you some unexpected headaches.
• Odor Proof Bags : I keep all of my prepackaged food in these bags. They do keep food odors down (especially coffee). Be sure to still be mindful of wildlife where you plan to camp.

Clothing Storage

Over the years I’ve primarily used Ziploc Bags to store my clothes, but this past year I upgraded to compression travel cubes. I use both the REI Brand travel bags and the Eagle Creek Compression Bags . The REI ones feel a little more durable, but both brands work extremely well. You can pack a TON in these. So again, try to not overpack.

Depending on how far you intend to ride, and for how long, will definitely determine how much clothing you’ll need. My general rule of thumb is, if I’m leaving for 5 days or more, I pack for 3-5 days:

• 1 extra pair of jeans
• 4 extra T-shirts or tank tops
• A Hat or Beanie (usually both)
• 1 pair of leggings for sleepwear or activewear purposes
• 1 pair of shorts
• 2 bras (sports bra, bralette, whatever you want)
• 5 pairs of underwear
• 1 Long Sleeve Shirt
• 2-4 pairs of socks
• 1 pair of shoes
• 1 pair of flip flops (LOVE my

Any additional clothing I pack usually involves a sweatshirt or wind breaker for added layers on the go. These don’t get compressed into the cubes since I need quicker access to them.

You really don’t need a ton of clothes on the road. From a friend’s house, Washaterias (that’s what us Texans call laundromats) to DIY sink laundry machines or the Big Agnes pumphouse, there’s always an opportunity to get your clothes cleaned.

In 2015, I purchased this 5 liter Herschel Supply Bag to use as my daily makeup bag, and still use it on a daily basis to this day. I store all of my makeup and general toiletries in it when I’m on the road without a hitch.

As far as Shampoo, Lotions, and other Shower Gels go, I’ve tried the tubes you can get from Target or other grocery stores, and I’ve also tried the higher-end ones like Go-Toobs . If you’re on a budget and you don’t travel often, the Target 3oz tubes will be just fine. As an extra precaution, I usually store the cheaper tubes in a ziplock sandwich bag to avoid leaks. If you’re more of a quality person, the GoToob brand is great for all of the above.

For showering and face washing, I use the REI Mini Towel and these Large Microfiber Towels . What a game-changer to be able to pack a towel with you on the road that takes up barely any space! From hot springs, watering holes, and campground showers, the travel towel has comes in handy on various occasions.

I usually try to avoid buying travel-size items when possible. I take my regular hairbrush, toothbrush, paste, and deodorant usually. And, the most important toiletry of all: toilet paper! It wouldn’t hurt to throw some in a ziplock bag and stash it somewhere convenient.

Water / Outdoor Recreation / Daily Use Items

Of course, don’t forget to pack sunscreen, chapstick, and any other items you think you might need.

I always carry water with me on the road via a 48oz Nalgene bottle , HydroFlask , or water bladder. The HydroFlask is awesome at keeping water cold or hot, but it isn’t a necessity. Always fill up your water bottle when you have access to clean drinking water, or pack a small water filter if you plan to get off the grid.

If you plan on riding in any hot weather, I’d advise purchasing this 3 Liter Camelbak water bladder . Mine fits in my armor pocket on the back of my jacket, but you can also purchase bladder/backpack combos. You can read more about tips for riding in extreme heat, here .

If you want to get off the bike and into the outdoors on foot, or perhaps just want an easier way to carry your clothes and toiletries to the shower facility, a stuff-able backpack is a great option. These backpacks fold up to be smaller than a soda can when not in use.

A tool kit is definitely important to take with you. However, if I threw a list of sockets and wrenches into this blog, they might not fit your bike. Make sure to take the most useful tools with you, but not the entire tool box. Additional things that you should consider beyond the wrenches include:

• Tire Repair Kit
• Extra Spark Plugs
• Electrical Tape

I’m not a very good mechanic, but I can do basic roadside maintenance, like plug a tire or change a battery. It’s always a good day when you can avoid paying a dealership an absurd amount of money to fix something simple, if you just bring along the right things to do the job. Do a little research on your bike and find what works best for you.

Content Creation / Tech Gear

Taking camera gear with you is a great idea. I’ve always loved documenting my adventures, and I’m sure you do, too!

>>> Read Next: My FULL Camera Gear List

• DSLR Camera
• Action Camera (check out my favorite mounts, here !)
• Travel Size Drone
• Memory Card Holder
• Storage Bag for charging cables, batteries, etc.

Charge Your Things On the Go!

If you enjoy camping, you probably already know that you can’t always rely on power sources to be readily available. Here’s two different charging options:

• Portable Charger : A small-capacity portable charger is great for someone who doesn’t need much juice. However, I carry a large-capacity portable charger so that I can keep my camera batteries charged on the go.
• Battery Tender USB Charger Adaptor

Feeling a little overwhelmed? Don’t be. It took me many years to invest in all of this gear. In fact, my motorcycle trip packing list has changed dramatically over the years as I’ve learned more about traveling on two wheels. But, having quality gear is worth the investment when you enjoy trips on two wheels. Have any other comments or questions? Leave a comment on the blog! Think a friend could find this information useful? Share it with them on your favorite social channel. 

Most of the links in this post are affiliate links. Any purchase you make through them supports this site at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support, and I’ll see y’all on the road!

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31 Comments

Wow thanks a bunch for the packing ideas. This will help me plan a little better and lighter for my first trip from Houston to Sturgis this year.

Thanks again,

Awesome. Glad to hear it! See you there! Ride Safe.

We are going to Sturgis also. Live in Houston but biking from Grand Junction. Thanks for packing tips.

Thank you! Been waiting for this blog! It’s funny the small creature comforts that can make a trip a lot more fun!

Glad you enjoyed it. 🙂

Love the list! I still pack toilet paper for camp, but for when I’m on the road, I’ve purchased a kula cloth! Great for us ladies and is just snaps to your bag to air dry. Definitely a game changer for me!

That’s a great idea! Thanks for sharing. 🙂

6 thoughts on “The Ultimate Motorcycle Trip Packing List”

Great article! So, much I forwarded to my FB groups that I’m a member of who premises are around camping. I’ve learned a lot, and I’m sure members in my groups will too. Thank you for a great article!

Awesome! Thanks for sharing it, too! 🙂

I’d add a couple things to your list. A camping chair (high back), battery tender USB charger adapter (to charge your cell phone), and kick stand pads. Most places I’ve camped have picnic tables, but they can be a bit uncomfortable so the camping chair is very nice. The charger adapter was so nice because I didn’t have to find a place to charge my phone…just plug it into the bike.

Ah yes, I have a Big Agnes chair I take along on some trips. Although I don’t feel it’s a necessity, so I didn’t list it. Still a great tip! And, the USB charger is already listed under portable charging. That is a must! 🙂 Thanks for dropping a few tips!

Hi. I just found you on YouTube. I don’t see any word on what bike you have. Is it a Dyna? Year? Also it seems like the dyna either has different pipes in some video or it is a different bike altogether. I ride 2014 dyna street bob. Thanks

It’s a 2015 FXDL. Also has the same exhaust system in every video (RedThunder).

Great info, very nicely placed. Really enjoyed all of it. Thanks

Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

What an inspiration. I love both your Youtube stuff and your internet site. Even at 70 years old I find your equipment interesting and your delivery top-notch. I have extensive long-distance backpacking experience but not so much motorcycle camping experience. At the risk of lapsing into “mansplaining, I have only two suggestions for you.

Two mantras, “wear-&-a spare” and “dual-purpose”. A wise long-distance backpacking (not me) once said that if your pack (or most of it) is not empty when you have set up camp, you may have packed too much. By necessity, you are most likely doing the dual purpose stuff already like no need for two knives or two screwdrivers (multi-use tools succeed at most things adequately if not admirably).

That brings me to wear & a spare. Typically while backpacking, I will carry only one change of synthetic underwear/socks that can be rinsed out and dry while I wear the other pair. The wear & a pare mantra may not apply as well to motorcycle camping as long-distance backpacking since you can carry more on a bike and you don’t wear leather & denim on the trail.

Obviously YMMV. Good luck!!!

This is great advice! Thanks, Jack! 🙂

Looking forward to newsletters.

Wow, great list! I’m watching yours videos on YouTube in Brazil, and that inspiring me. Maybe can you suggest what apps or softwares do you had used for editing yours videos. What you use on the way? Thank you for your amazing videos.

Thanks for watching! 🙂 There is an entire blog dedicated to my camera gear, here: http://ridetofood.com/camera-gear/

I use Adobe Premiere Pro, and I don’t edit while traveling.

Great videos, tons of good info.

Thanks Mark! 🙂

Staci, Really enjoy your content, keep up the great work!

This is a great article on where to find free camping. I love that it includes tips on using apps to find dispersed camping sites.

Glad you’ve enjoyed it! 🙂

Hi Staci, I have been off my bike for a few years and plan to get back on it soon. Have travelled to California, Sturgis, and South Carolina to name a few. Looking forward to getting back on the bike and spending some time riding. You have some great tips on gear and packing. Thanks, Kevin

Awesome!! Hope you have a blast out there. enjoy! 🙂

Great packing list! Planning a motorcycle trip can be a daunting task, but this checklist simplifies the process. You’ve covered everything from essentials like riding gear and tools to those often-forgotten items like ziplock bags and sunscreen. This will be my go-to resource before hitting the open road. Thanks for sharing!

This packing list is a lifesaver for riders like me who often forget essentials. Thanks for keeping it short and practical – just what I needed for my next adventure!

Super handy checklist! ✅ Thanks for making trip planning easier.

Super helpful packing list! Will definitely use this for my next trip. Thanks!

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45 Motorcycle Packing Hacks And Tips You Can Actually Use

• Last Updated June 30, 2018

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Not sure what to pack for your next motorcycle ride?

You’re in the right place.

Today I’m going to give you the basics on what to pack for your next trip plus other hacks, tips and tricks I’ve used to make my rides better.

The best part?

Not only can your use these tips while you’re riding your motorcycle, but some of them you can use anytime you travel.

Motorcycle Packing Basics

A lot of newer riders that start taking long trips always wonder how much and what to take with them on a ride.

The first and important thing to remember is that you want to pack as light as possible and not take anything that you don’t need with you.

This can be tough to try to get that through to your lady! It will take a trip or two to understand.

The basics you need to pack:

• Extra Pants – I take three MAX. The pair I wear and I pack two.
• Shorts or relaxing clothes – I combine this with my choice of pants, as you’ll read below.
• Shirts – Both long and short sleeve. Although I tend to take more long than short sleeve.
• Underwear – I’ve streamlined this with the use of travel underwear. See below.

Other items you might want to pack:

• Pair of comfortable shoes
• My iPad – I like having the bigger screen if I’m planning the route for the next days ride.
• Sweatshirt or hoodie
• Small lunch box with drinks and snacks

So now that we have the basics out of the way, here are additional motorcycle packing hacks and tips for items you may consider using for your next ride.

Rolling your clothes

If you’ve been riding for a while this is a no brainer. There are different techniques but the end result is the same; Rolling your clothes will save a tremendous amount of space on your bike versus folding them.

If you roll your clothes correctly you can also keep them fairly wrinkle free also.

In addition to rolling technique there are a couple of different options on how you can organize your clothes.

For example, you can roll three days of shirts together or do the same with underwear. How many days’ worth of clothes you can roll together will depend on the thickness of the fabric.

Wear ‘dual purpose’ clothing

Wearing jeans is a biker staple, but if you want the ability keep more stuff on your person, be more comfortable during the ride or perhaps wear shorts in your down time, it’s time to consider an alternative. This is where ditching jeans for cargo pants or convertible pants comes in.

I’m always looking for ways to take as little as possible when I’m taking a motorcycle trip. In the past, I’d wear jeans and then take at least one (maybe two) pairs of shorts to relax in after the days ride or hang out if we were staying for a couple of days.

I’d change out of my jeans and into the shorts to go to dinner, etc but having to take jeans and shorts gets cumbersome and takes up a lot of space.

I’ve since switched from wearing jeans on long trips to wearing convertible pants. Convertible pants give you the option to zip off the legs and turn them into shorts, so you don’t have to pack extra shorts.

At the very least I usually wear cargo style pants so that I have plenty of places to keep stuff with me, not to mention being a lot more comfortable in the crotch than jeans.

Take some extra oil

Anything can happen when you’re in the middle of a trip and having a bit of extra oil with you in case your bike develops a leak is must. It only takes that one piece of road debris that you or your buddy hit on accidents to cut or puncture something on the motorcycle that causes a leak.

Plus, its just good to have a lubricant on hand for loosening bolts or emergency chain lubrication or any other function that requires that you have to lubricate something.

Always have raingear

Having raingear with you on your motorcycle is a must on any long trip. It’s not if you get rained on, but when.

Rain gear serves the dual purpose of keeping you dry, but as I found out one time on a trip to Sedona Arizona, does a good job of keeping you warm when it’s not raining.

You have a lot of options when it comes to rain gear from using the lighter Frogs Togs (which saved my butt in Arizona) to getting a little heavier with Gortex.

The last most expensive option is getting yourself a full-on riding suit, which I would recommend if you plan on being on the road for really long periods in all manner of weather.

Carry Duct Tape

Duct tape is the all-around utility tool!

Invented originally by the heating industry to help seal aluminum ducts that were leaking at the joints to keep the air from leaking and conserve heat. Duct tape was created to stop those leaks and… voila! A star is born.

Duct tape can be used for just about anything from stopping leaks, repairing cracks in plastic. Here are just a few things you can use duct tape for:

• Reseal your food packages
• Hold a jacket together that has broken zippers
• Repair a cracked water bottle
• Wrap a sprained wrist or ankle
• Make a bandage
• Repair glove and boots
• Fix motorcycle seat

You’re only limited by your imagination. Make McGyver proud.

Bungee cords and Zip ties

If you know you’re going to be bringing quite a bit, you’re going to need a way to secure it to your motorcycle. Bring extra bungee cords to keep your cargo tied down and in place.

I use both a cargo net to attach bags to my luggage rack as well as take extra bungee cords and zip ties. I’ve also used the bungee cords wrap around clothing and other items.

Always keep a few zip ties on your motorcycle. They can be used from securing cables that come loose during the ride to applying the front handbrake if your trying to lift your motorcycle off of the ground to keep the motorcycle from rolling out from under you.

Bring a long, quick charging cell phone cord

There always seems to be that one hotel room or location that your cord just won’t reach. This is where having the longer cord comes in.

Most cell phones come with around a 3 foot cord. In all of my travels whether I’m on or off of my motorcycle I’ve found it useful to spend some extra money and get about a 6 to 10 foot cell phone charging cable for my iPhone (I sprung for the 10 footer). It never fails that I don’t have an outlet near me when I need to charge my phone!

While your looking for a new cell phone cord, another feature to be on the look out for is the cord’s ability to charge your phone faster.

If you’re unable to find a quick charging cable, one way to speed up charging your phone is to put in ‘Airplane’ mode. My phone battery has been three quarter depleted and been recharged in about a half hour using that trick.

Hide extra cash and spare key on your bike

You should always have some cash and a spare key with you when you ride long distances.

The things is, you don’t want all of your cash in one place (like on your person) in case something happens to you. It’s best to keep some cash on your person and then some backup cash hidden on your motorcycle somewhere as a contingency.

When you start riding in rural areas, you’ll discover that not everyone takes a card if you’re trying to pay.

In addition to taking extra cash you should take your spare motorcycle key with you as well. There are any number of ways you can accidentally lose a key while on the road and not having a back with you can leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere and paying gobbs of cash to not only tow your motorcycle but replace the key.

When going on a long trip I put my passenger (my wife) in charge of the spare key. If your traveling alone, you do the same as I mentioned above – hide the key on your motorcycle in one of the nooks and crannies.

If you don’t have a passenger with you but your riding with friends, you can also give one of your friends your spare key to hand on to.

Pack your socks inside your shoes

Even on long trips I always bring an extra set of shoes to relax in. As comfortable as my riding boots may be, it’s just good to get my feet out of them and give’em a break.

In addition to just having an extra footwear to relax in, having extra shoes makes a great place to store your socks.

Just roll your socks up and tuck them inside your shoes as far you can get them. With athletic shoes I can usually squeeze at least 3 days’ worth of socks into each shoe.  That’s plenty enough socks for a ride, just keep your eyes out for hotels that have a laundry.

Electronic copy of your pair manual on you phone

You have a couple of options with this one.

While some online repair manuals offer an online version of their manuals ( Clymer manuals is one) you’re going to ultimately need to have your motorcycle repair manual in a form that doesn’t require that you have internet access.

If you already own a repair manual for your motorcycle, simply take your phone and take pictures of the manual. That’s a pretty big task, so you may want to take pictures of the parts of the manual that you think you’ll really need, such as the electrical or fuels systems.

When using this method, try to set your phone up ahead time with folders, galleries or some other way to keep track of your repair manual photos.

A better and more comprehensive way to get a complete repair manual for your motorcycle is to find or purchase your bike’s repair manual in a pdf form.

Amazon also has a good selection of motorcycle repair manuals. But depending on the bike, finding the pdf form of the manual will be hit or miss.

You can then email or transfer the pdf file to your phone for use while out on the road.

Pack liquids inside their own plastic bag

Nobody likes their clothing soaked with mouthwash or their toothbrush tasting like motor oil.

It’s always a good idea to take any bottles of liquid and place them into their own zip loc plastic bag in case one of the leaks.

If you group liquids into plastic bags that are used for the same purpose (and label them) it also helps to keep you organized.

For example, I put all of the liquids I use for dental (mouth rinse, mouth wash, tooth paste) into their own zip lock bag. Hair care products go into their own zip loc bag etc.

If one of the bottles leaks, not only is the mess contained in the zip lock bag but I know exactly what I have to replace.

Use mittens over your gloves

Don’t have a specific set of winter motorcycle gloves and don’t want to buy them?

A hack that I learned about that a lot of adventure motorcyclists use, is to purchase a set of mittens or loose hunters mits large enough to put on over the top of their existing gloves to help keep their hands warm.

A great place to find the kind of mittens that can handle this job is going to a military surplus store. You can often find exactly what your looking for without paying premium prices for specialized winter motorcycle gloves.

Have a tool kit and Pocket Tool

It should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway – make sure that you have a toolkit with you when you ride.

Although your motorcycle came with its own toolkit, you may find that it can be limited on what you can do with it. This is why I went out and purchased a larger roll up style tool kit that has tons of tools in it and doesn’t take up too much room.

In additions to any toolkit(s) you have on board, consider taking either a swiss army knife or leatherman pocket tool.

I personally use a leatherman and I never take a ride without it. There are a lot of simple annoying things that can happen during day rides (like tightening down loose screws on modular helmets, slivers in my hands) that having a leatherman tool is good for.

It’s a great addition to any toolkit you already have on your motorcycle and if you don’t have one, you should get one.

When you put your toolkit together try and tailor it to the year, make and model or your motorcycle.

Take pictures of documents and keep them on your phone

You should always make sue that you keep physical copies of important documents (registration, license, passport etc) with you whenever you ride.

What I like to do in addition to having the actual physical copies of important documents is to take pictures of them with my phone. This gives me easy access to important information, and in a worse case scenario (like an accident) having some kind of information with you is better than having none at all.

Most insurance company’s theses days offer an electronic version of your insurance card through an app (USAA and Progressive are just a couple). Before your trip, access the app, website or get in touch with insurance company and get an electronic copy of your insurance card.

Windshield And Visor Cleaner

Your windshield and visor are going to get nailed with bugs and debris. It only takes one big fat bug dead center in visor to really screw up your field of vision!

Your going to need to have a way to get your windshield, visor and glasses clean either during or the end of the days ride.

I always use just plain water most of the time but you don’t always have access to water when you really need it.

To that end I recommend taking a can of Plexus, a common and safe plastic cleaner and several microfibre rags to clean things up without scratching plastic and other sensitive parts.

A hat or ball cap

Long periods of time with a helmet on your head doesn’t exactly lend itself to having a great hair day.

Always keep at least one hat or ball cap (I always take two) so that you can cover up your hair and not worry to much how you look. Aside from looks, it helps keep the sun off of you if your traveling during the summer season.

Load Your phone With Travel Apps

There are a ton of apps you can put on your phone to help you do just about anything.

If fact, I could write an entire article detailing all of the apps you could jam into your phone for planning and taking a motorcycle trip.

That being said, I don’t like to stick tons of apps on my phone, so here are a few that I’ve found useful in my travels. Three out of the five apps you can use all the time outside of your motorcycle rides.

• Hotels tonight – I learned the hard way booking hotels in advance and then riding like a banshee in order to get my reservation is a pain. Hotels Tonight is an app that helps you find hotel deals in your location at a moments notice. IOS and Android
• Waze – Waze is community (or crowd sourced) navigation and traffic that will give you all the latest road conditions, traffic problems you name it. The app was developed for commuters and works really well when going through urban areas. IOS and Android.
• Gas Buddy – Whether you’re on your motorcycle or in your car, Gas Buddy is one of the most popular apps out there to help you find the cheapest fuel and help you save some cash.
• NOAA Weather Radar – As motorcyclist, you have to constantly worry about what the weathers going to do. Nothing worse than bad weather screwing up a trip. The NOAA app lets you see weather radar in real time and help you plan accordingly. IOS and Android
• Eat Sleep Ride – This a great all-around app for motorcyclists that helps you plan your ride plus tons of other stuff. A great app for the motorcyclist.

Emergency road kit

Get yourself a small make up kit bag or any other kind of small bag, that you can use to put together an emergency road kit.

Here’s a few items you’ll want to have with you in your road in case things go bad:

• First aid kit – This is the obvious. You should always have a good basic first aid kit in case your or someone in your party gets themselves injured.
• Road flares – If you break down beside the road (specially at night) you need to be seen. While its not practical to keep flammable road flares on your motorycle, what I use that works great is called a Powerflare. The Powerflare is a battery operated LED light that’s bright and durable and is visible for long distances.
• Flashlight – Although you can get just about any kind of handheld flashlight and that works great, consider picking up a headlamp flashlight. This helps keep your hands free in case your stuck doing a little mechanic work beside the road.

Use plastic sacks to line your bags

In the ongoing effort to keep road grime water out your saddle bags consider lining your saddle bags with plastic bags.

Conversely, it may be easier to just place your items in the plastic bags and then place them inside your saddle bags. Which method you use may depend on how your saddle bags are set up.

A lot will depend on how your saddle bags are set up – Do you load them from the top (like Harley) or from the side (Goldwing)

Motorcycle Tire plug kit

There’s nothing worse than having a flat tire on a motorcycle. Removing the tire and dealing with it of course requires that you have a big tool chest to accomplish the job and it’s something that can’t be done roadside. This means a tow truck gets called, which can put a serious crimp in your plans.

For ‘simple’ tire punctures along the tread of your tire, you’re going to want a tire plug kit to help you get the hole plugged.

A tire plug kit provides you with a hand-held tool and rubber plugs to patch simple holes or punctures in the motorcycle tire tread. As helpful as they are, the kit should never be used on the sidewalls of your tire. If your tire sidewall has a cut in it, that tire is done.

In addition to using the tire plug kit, bring a Co2 tire inflation system and a can of fix a flat or tire sealant to use with the tire plug kit. That’s about as bullet proof as you can get for roadside tire issues.

Take Water And Snacks

Having lived in the desert for a lot of years, this has always been a big one for me. Even if I’m going on a simple day ride, I always bring a small cooler and pack it with water and bring snacks along.

The first and most obvious thing is that you never know if your going to be stuck somewhere. But more often than not on my rides, bringing my drinks allows me to take breaks where I want instead of looking for a convenience store all the time.

Switch To Travel Underwear

Using breathable fabric travel underwear helps with two problems.

The first problem it helps to solve is saving room. In the past, I would pack close to a weeks’ worth of underwear for a long trip.

Using travel underwear, I only take two (sometimes 3) pairs of underwear. Travel underwear is easy to wash in hotel room and are quick drying.

Breathable travel underwear also helps to combat monkey butt on long rides which is an extra benefit.

You can find travel underwear for both men and women.

Fold Your Chaps When Your Not Wearing Them

I don’t personally wear chaps, but of course many motorcyclists do.

If you decide that you don’t want to wear them for a while and would like to pack them away, there’s a way that it needs to be done. When not folded correctly, chaps can take up a lot of room and possibly damage the chaps.

Check out the video below:

20 Other Motorcycle Packing Hacks And Tips You Didn’t Know About

Preparing to hit the road for a long period of time? Here are some more hack and tips you can use to help life go as smooth as possible.

• Keep important items accessible in your saddlebags
• Carry spare fuses of common sizes – this can help you or a friend in a tight spot
• Cell phone battery pack. Keep you phone charged between stops.
• Wetwipes and Babywipes – for basic cleanup to public toilets, you may want to pack a few of each. It’s best if you can get these items in individual packets.
• Kneadable epoxy – for hardcore roadside repairs of broken parts exposed to a lot of heat.
• In Hot Weather – Soak your base layer of clothing to keep cool. I’ve purchased a cool vest that you do this with and it works great.
• The bedroll – if your riding solo, and you need some extra back support put your bed roll on the seat behind you.
• Kickstand support – bring something that you can put under your kickstand to help support your bike if you’re on hot asphalt or soft soil.
• Fingernail clippers and tweezers
• Extra bulbs
• Six-way screwdriver
• Monkey butt powder
• Parking – Park your motorcycle in the position you want it to be in when you leave the next day.
• If your wearing lace up boots, bring extra laces
• Take industrial strength Velcro with you
• Bring a physical map – the batteries on them never run out!
• Ear plugs – This can help you with helmet noise on long trips
• Consider bringing a cover for your motorcycle
• Water proof luggage – If your luggage will be mounted on the motorcycle, make sure that it can withstand the elements.
• Bring extra zip loc bags and rubber bands

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25 Top Motorcycle Packing List Items for 2024 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

If you’re preparing for an upcoming cross-country motorcycle ride, I’ve put together a complete packing checklist to help make sure that you have everything you need for a successful trip.

Once you’ve finished the article, you’ll also know what to wear on a motorcycle trip , what NOT to bring, and answers to the most common FAQs about motorcycle trips.

Preparing for a cross-country motorcycle trip takes a lot of time and effort to prepare. However, it’s an experience that you’ll be so glad you had, especially if it’s on your bucket list.

What to Pack for a Motorcycle Trip – 25 Essentials

Safety should be your top priority, so a reliable helmet should be the first thing you pack when planning a motorcycle trip. With high review ratings, this helmet will protect your head and is also lightweight and compact, making it easy to take along with you. It comes with ventilation panels that make it easy to breathe and keep it cool inside so your face doesn’t overheat. Its fully removable and washable microfiber inner material will absorb sweat without compromising comfort.

View on Amazon.com ➜

2. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

A microfiber towel will be really useful when riding long stretches of road where the weather can be unpredictable across long distances. In case you get rained on, a super-absorbent microfiber towel will help you dry off quicker. They are also fast-drying and odor resistant, meaning you won’t have to deal with a smelly towel that takes forever to dry.

3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

If you’re planning on accessing public wifi in hotels, restaurants, or cafes while you’re on the road – it’s wise to protect your digital information with a VPN.

NordVPN keeps your sensitive information, like passwords and credit card numbers, safe from potential hackers who take advantage of public networks to steal information. It’s very affordable and we even use a VPN at home to protect your sensitive information.

View NordVPN.com Options ➜

4. Packing Cubes

If you’re planning on a multi-day trip, then organizing your things in packing cubes is essential. They eliminate the clutter from your bag because everything has a designated space in one of these different-sized cubes. You’ll know exactly where to find everything thanks to the notecard holder on each cube, where you can write exactly what’s inside. The two bonus laundry bags are perfect for keeping dirty clothes and shoes separate from your clean laundry.

5. Tool Kit Organizer

Every biker needs a reliable and compact tool kit when planning a long road trip. This one comes with 22 pockets to organize your favorite tools, and is compact and easy to carry. It’s designed for travel and comes with buckles and a handle so you can attach it to your bike. It also comes with an internal elastic strap to keep all the tools in place, so you don’t have any fallouts during your travels.

6. Travel Insurance for Motorcycle Trips

It’s essential to come prepared on your trip, and what better way to do that than with motorcycle travel insurance? It’s cost-efficient and will give your family peace of mind while you’re out on the road enjoying your trip. Even if you don’t end up needing it, you’ll have it on the off chance that something does happen while you’re away.

It covers you for theft, travel delays, extreme sport, hotel protection, and trip cancelation. We use Faye since they make the claims and reimbursements super easy through their mobile app! * Note that you must be 100 miles from home to purchase travel insurance.

Get a quote in less than 60 seconds with Faye ➜

7. Cooling Towel

Cool off after wearing your riding gear all day with a cooling towel. They’re small and lightweight, making them easy to bring along for the ride, and they’re even easier to use. Just get it wet, wring it out, and you have a refreshing towel that’s 20-30 degrees cooler than the outside air temperature.

8. Tire Repair Kit

If you’re headed out on a long road trip, you’ll need to bring along a tire repair kit in case of an emergency. It’s always better to come prepared. This affordable kit includes everything you need to fix a flat tire until you’re able to get to an auto shop. The universal tubeless tire repair works with any make and model of motorcycle so you can share it with your travel companions.

A trusted GPS will make your cross country motorcycle trip even more enjoyable. You’ll be able to avoid getting lost and have more time to explore. The GPS is compact and attaches to your bike, so it’s easy to navigate during your trip. It’s also glove-friendly and easy to read in the sunlight. As an added bonus, you can pair it with a compatible smartphone for hands-free calling while you’re on the road. You’ll also be notified of upcoming curvy or hilly roads and avoid major highways when possible.

10. Lipstick-sized Portable Charger

Having a charger on-hand while you ride is a smart way to stay ahead of a dead battery. Whether you’re charging your phone, GPS, laptop, tablet, kindle, camera, or any other device that powers your trip – this little lipstick charger will keep batteries full on-the-go. It has multiple USB charging ports and is way easier than stopping at gas stations along the way to wait for a charge.

11. Leather Jacket

It’s a right of passage to have a leather jacket if you’re a biker. However, that doesn’t mean that it can’t be affordable. We’re giving you the best of both worlds. Get one made from 100% genuine leather, thermal lining, and micro-mesh lining so you can bike in any weather for a price you can’t beat! There is also removable padding on the back, elbows, and shoulders if you’d like to add extra safety precautions during your trip.

12. Protective Padding

If you’re planning a long motorcycle trip, your safety should be top of mind. These sturdy knee and elbow pads will make sure that you’re protected in case of an accident. They’ll also be lightweight and breathable, so you won’t even notice that you’re wearing them. The adjustable strap makes it easy to tighten or loosen the pads.

These outdoor gloves are ideal for motorcycle rides. They come with fingertip touch-screen technology on both the index finger and thumb that works with all touchscreen devices, so it’s hassle-free if you need to update your GPS or access your phone. These gloves come with full protection, including knuckle protection and palm pads. They are super comfortable and provide breathable air vents to help with better airflow in the pads.

14. Windshield Cleaner

This reliable plastic cleaner makes it easy to clean your motorcycle shield when you stop for a break. If you’re on a long road trip, chances are you’re going to hit a few bugs along the way, so you’ll want to make sure that you clean off the shield when possible so you have good visibility.

15. Neck Wallet

More secure than a traditional wallet, a neck wallet will keep your valuables safe and easy to get to. It’s discreet enough to wear underneath your shirt and can hold your credit cards, cash, passport, and phones so you won’t have to worry about anything accidentally slipping out of your pockets. It’s smarter to have it around your neck than where it could fall out on the road.

16. Motion Sickness Patches

If you’re in for a bumpy ride, it may be beneficial to use a gentle motion sickness patch. It will soothe any nausea and won’t make you fall asleep like similar brands. My wife field-tested a bunch of brands and this one came out on top!

17. Bandana

It’s essential to have something that you can use to cover your face or keep your hair out of the way during a long ride. This classic set of bandanas makes it easy. They are lightweight, so you can throw a couple in your duffle bag so you’re prepared anytime that you may need one. They’re also a great gift that you can share with your fellow travelers.

18. Baselayer

The weather can be unpredictable, especially when you’re on a long motorcycle ride. A base layer makes it easier to control your temperature so you’re comfortable during your trip. You can easily add a jacket or vest to go over your shirt if you’re cold, especially in the fall and winter months. This classic waffle knit design traps heat so you’ll be able to stay warm even when it’s a bit chilly. It always fights odor and reduces sweat, so you stay comfortable during long hours of riding.

Boots are a motorcycle trip staple. And the Harley Davidson brand is just the cherry on top, right? These comfortable classics are the perfect addition to your motorcycle packing list. They’re made with genuine leather and a rubber sole that will easily grip the footholds of your motorcycle so you’ll be comfortable on your long trip.

20. Duffle Bag

This heavy-duty bag is perfect for your upcoming motorcycle trip. It’s water-resistant, so your clothes and personal items will be protected during long rides, even if you end up getting stuck in bad weather. It’s super simple to hook the bag to your motorcycle, and with plenty of pockets, you can easily access some of the compartments if you need anything during a rest stop. It comes with plenty of room for everything that you may need during your upcoming road trip.

21. TSA-Approved Locks

Locks are important to secure your items throughout your travels. We use them for checked luggage, backpacks in crowded areas, lockers in the city or our hotels, and even purses in a place known for petty theft. These are TSA-approved so they won’t cause you any delays through security checks, but you’ll find plenty of uses for them along the way.

22. Toiletries Kit

Make it easy and get all of your toiletries at once to save time. The set comes in a mini travel bag so you can just throw it in your duffel, and you’re ready to go. You’ll have everything you need to keep up with good hygiene while you’re on the go. The best part is everything is mini-sized so you’ll be able to save plenty of room.

23. Rain Jacket

If you’re headed on a long cross-country road trip, chances are that you may come across rain at some point. To avoid getting drenched to the bone the moment it starts to rain and making you spend hours uncomfortable, get this lightweight and effective rain jacket. It comes with a hood and adjustable cuffs so you can keep the water out at all costs. It’s the perfect addition to your packing list that you’ll be glad you brought along.

24. Flashlight

If you’ll be riding in the dark, this is an essential item for your trip, especially if you have an emergency or problems with your bike at night. It’s ultra-bright and long-lasting, so you won’t have to worry about it running out of battery when you need it most. It’s compact, so you can easily toss it in your bag and access it whenever you need to. The best part is its water resistance, so if you need it during a rainstorm, rest assured it’ll hold up.

25. Compact Sleeping Bag

If you’re camping along the way or sleeping in some strange places, use this travel sleeping bag to create a hygienic barrier between you and those accommodations. This set is waterproof and great for backpacking or hiking. It folds up in its compact case and won’t take up much space strapped to the back of your bike.

Other Motorcycle Trip Packing List Items

• Waterproof Tail Bag
• Universal Adapter
• Global Tours
• Luggage Lock
• “Just in case” Bag
• Travel Umbrella
• Storage Canister
• Affordable Action Camera
• Portable Charger
• Waterproof Phone Case
• Flotation Straps
• Bug Repellent
• Mosquito Wristbands
• First-Aid Kit
• Degradable Toilet Paper
• Steripod Toothbrush Cover
• Bungee Cords
• Clear Glasses
• Mini Notebook
• Bag for Dirty Clothes
• Emergency Contact Info Card
• Hydration Pack
• Protein Bars
• Led Flashlight
• Mini Toiletries Kit
• Hanging Toiletries Bag
• Packing Cubes
• Hand Sanitizer
• Clothesline
• Sanitizing Wipes
• Sleeping Bag
• Sleeping Pad
• Portable Pillow
• Water Bottle
• Filtered Water Bottle
• Spare Bike Key

What to Wear on a Motorcycle Trip

It’s also not a motorcycle trip without a genuine leather jacket . Not only will you look the part, but it’ll add an additional layer of protection while you’re out on the road. You’ll also never want to go without proper gloves so you can keep your hands comfortable during the duration of your trip.

Motorcycle trips aren’t just for men. It can be a fun way to bond with your significant other or a great way to spend time with your friends. When you’re preparing to pack for your upcoming ride, make sure to pack light. The majority of the trip, you’ll be on your bike, so you won’t need as much as you think. A duffel bag should allow for plenty of room for all your gear. The most important piece of gear that you’ll need is a comfortable pair of boots , and you’ll be wearing them most of the time. It’s also a good idea to pack along a bandana to keep your hair out of your face, especially on windy days. Also, bring along a comfy t-shirt that you can use a base layer. what MEN should wear on a Motorcycle trip – (Click to expand) Below is a sample men’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

Packing for the Seasons in Motorcycle Trip

Spring – march, april, may.

The springtime is popular for motorcycle riders. The weather is starting to warm up, and its the perfect chance to get your bike back out on the road. You’ll need to bring along a reliable rain jacket since rain showers are likely. You’ll also want to make sure that you bring along mesh gloves that allow easy airflow and vented motorcycle boots to stay comfortable during your long stretches of being on the road.

SUMMER – June, July, August

Although it can get very hot, it’s still a great time to head out on a cross country ride. Be sure to pack along a moisture-wicking t-shirt to avoid getting too hot and a Light-weight vest on the occasion that you may need to add an extra layer.

FALL – September, October, and November

September, October, November: This is a very popular time to venture out on a cross country trip. It will be a little chilly, so be sure to pack along a long sleeve shirt and a jacket that you can throw on as an added layer. You’ll also want to bring along some jeans and a comfortable pair of riding gloves .

WINTER – December, January, February

December, January, February: It’s not ideal to ride in the winter, but it’s definitely doable. Make sure to bring along a turtleneck to protect yourself from the windchill. A warm jacket is also a must in order to make sure that you stay warm enough. You won’t regret wearing insulated jeans or wool socks , so the bottom half of your body is nice and warm, especially on days when the weather is extra brutal.

What NOT to Bring on a Motorcycle trip

1. don’t pack headphones.

For the most part, it’s best to avoid having music or other audio recordings going when you’re on a bike ride. You’ll make sure that you’re fully aware and alert of your surroundings and listen for any danger so you can be safe on the road

2. DON’T TAKE Suitcase:

The key to a successful motorcycle trip is to pack light. A duffel bag or backpack should do the trick. You’ll be riding most of the time, so you won’t have any need for a large suitcase because you won’t need much. You’ll also want to pack light if you’re planning to stop along the way and need to bring your belongings with you on any detours.

3. DON’T BRING Flip Flops

Always wear closed-toed shoes on your motorcycle trip. This is a safety precaution to make sure that if you’re in an accident, your body is covered as much as possible to avoid injury.

FAQs About Motorcycle Trips

1. do i need a special license to ride a motorcycle.

Yes, a valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement is required to legally ride a motorcycle. Check your state’s specific requirements before planning your motorcycle trip.

2. Are motorcycles good for long-distance road trips?

Yes, cross-country road trips are a popular pastime for motorcycle enthusiasts. The key is to take a bike that you’re used to and feel comfortable on and make sure that you are well prepared beforehand.

3. How far can you drive on a motorcycle?

Most riders plan to go anywhere from 250-500 miles a day. It’s important to take breaks along the way. You’ll also need to plan on driving fewer miles if you plan to stop at places along the way.

4. Where do you stay on a motorcycle road trip?

A motorcycle ride is similar to any other vacation. It depends on where your ride takes you, but the most common types of accommodations include camping or staying in hotels. It’s important to plan ahead, so you’ll know where you’re going to stop each night and what you need to pack along with you.

5. How many hours should I ride every day?

The key is to make sure that you’re taking rest breaks in between. It will vary for each person, so be sure to listen to your body. If you’re feeling tired, it’s time to stop and take a rest. This means making sure that you schedule in plenty of time for breaks if needed.

6. Is it safe to go on a motorcycle road trip alone?

Yes, if you plan it accurately, you should be safe. Make sure to let other people know the route you’re taking and come prepared if you have any bike problems or have an emergency.

7. Can I plan a motorcycle trip around the US?

Yes, it’s actually much easier than you might think. It’s a very popular pastime with other riders so there are plenty of routes that you can easily find online if you’re looking for inspiration and will also save you time in the process.

Asher Fergusson

Motorcycle Road Trip Packing: 20 Things You Might Not Think To Pack

By lynnette, harley davidson , luggage , packing tips , travel necessities.

I’m a minimalist when it comes to packing for a motorcycle road trip.

I only want to take the bare necessities…  and  a few things that make traveling by motorcycle even better/easier.

Of all the items we take on long-distance motorcycle trips, these are the ones that I think most people wouldn’t think of.

Perhaps you’ll find them helpful and worth packing as well…

#1 – A Mesh Laundry Bag

You don’t want to use a traditional laundry bag… because it traps air inside making it bulky and difficult to pack around. A mesh laundry bag is filled with holes, so it’s easily repositionable and squishable to fit in any space within your luggage, saddlebag, tour pack, etc. Not to mention it’s less likely to hold onto odors. Still, it can be tossed into the wash whenever it lacks that “clean fresh scent.”

TIP: The larger the laundry bag, the better. We have this one  — it’s 24×36.

#2 – Rolls Of Quarters

For laundry and vending machines. In the past, we’ve checked into the hotel so late after a full day of riding that vending machine snacks were our only meal. One time we didn’t have any quarters, so we didn’t have any meal (we were out in the boonies).

TIP: I always stop by the bank the day before our trip. If they give you a roll of quarters in the clear plastic wrapper, ask for a tubular paper wrapper instead. (They’ll give ’em to you for free at any time.) The reason? Because you want to “collect” quarters the entire time you’re on your motorcycle trip to ensure that you’ll always have plenty. Since you’ll be adding them in the same coin wrapper, you need paper (which is reusable, with ends that can be folded down), not plastic (which is a single-use wrapper). BONUS TIP:  A good place to get quarters is at self-serve car washes. You can usually get up to $20 worth at a time!

#3 – Laundry Detergent Pods (or Laundry Detergent Sheets)

I use Kirkland (from Costco) or Tide laundry detergent pods . They both work really well, and they leave your clothes smelling fresh & clean. The laundry detergent sheets are easier to pack, but I’m not sure they clean as well.

TIP:  On our last 5-1/2 week (10,000-mile) motorcycle road trip, I did laundry twice (5 medium-sized loads each time). That’s $15 worth of quarters at $1.50 per load and 10 laundry detergent pods total (which I packed in a non-crushable Mrs. Dash plastic container to last the entire trip, but I might just put ’em in a freezer-type zippered plastic bag next time because I’ve found that they’re pretty durable). Plus, $5 worth of quarters for the dryer at $1 per load. (I air-dry some things and put 2 loads in the dryer sometimes.) I do so much laundry in hotels that I bought one of these 8 ft.  small & compact  travel clotheslines . They’re great because you don’t need clothespins! (Or you could use bread bag tags.)

#4 – Wet Wipes

To wipe down TV remotes before using them in hotels, wipe hands after eating or doing bike repairs, wipe motorcycle boots clean after riding, use as toilet paper on the road, etc. Think I’m kidding about the hotel TV remotes? I’m not. Hotel remotes are dirty ! (Here’s more proof .)  Some people even go so far as to put the hotel remote in a zippered plastic bag  or to slip the complementary shower cap over the hotel remote before touching the hotel remote control!

TIP: I buy flushable wipes because they’re safe for most septic systems. My favorite: Kirkland flushable wipes from Costco. I’ve noticed they also sell travel-size packets of flushable wet wipes in the “travel health & beauty products” aisle at stores like Target and Walmart. However, my absolute best tip is to save all of those individual makeup remover packets that hotels leave out for you! Pack a few of them on the bike (as disposable hand towels after bike repairs, etc.) and a few in your suitcase (so you’ll have them when you arrive at a new hotel room — in case they don’t have the freebies there, for the reasons mentioned above).

#5 – Ibuprofen

A big bottle of fast-acting liquid gels . (Yes, they really do work fast!) I usually buy the Kirkland brand at Costco when they go on sale, but all brands work the same. As seen in the photo, I like to replace the child-proof cap with a flip-top from a bottle of vitamins. It’s just quicker and easier to access that way.

TIP: The maximum dosage for adults is 800 milligrams per dose or 3200 mg per day (4 maximum doses).

#6 – Tan Towels

Only if you’re semi-vain like me and prefer that your face, arms, and legs look evenly tanned after riding the motorcycle several sunny days in a row. You know… to get rid of raccoon eyes from wearing sunglasses so long, a white chin strap mark from wearing a helmet, white wrists after wearing motorcycle gloves, sleeve marks on the arms, even pale feet and ankles that have spent too many days inside boots (if you’ll be wearing sandals soon). Keep in mind, we’re talking about long distance motorcycle trips where you’re riding for weeks — even months — at a time!

#7 – Packets Of Shampoo

TIP: I usually take 2 WEN travel packets. They’re huge! I only use a fraction of the packet each time, folding over the opened edge and clamping it shut with a small binder clip (see below). On motorcycle road trips, I actually use the hotels’ free shampoo & conditioner most of the time, and only use my own shampoo to bring my hair back to a good condition every few days.

#8 – Flip Flops

They’re better than sneakers, because they’re easy to slip on, lightweight, and easily packable. They’re also perfect for exploring nearby places whenever you’re not on the bike. Plus, you can wear them in the shower (if camping), walking through the halls (in a hotel) and on the beach — since they can get wet. They take up virtually no space inside your motorcycle luggage.

TIP: Since you’re wearing riding boots most of the time, you’ll really appreciate wearing flip flops whenever you’re walking short distances in your free time. Personally,  I like Sanuk yoga mat flip flops  and Jim likes Havianas .

#9 – Extra Camera Batteries

If you haven’t already purchased spare batteries for your point-and-shoot camera, do it now.

TIP: I bought 2  replacement batteries for my Canon Powershot Elph  — which I love, Love, LOVE! (Here’s my review of the camera .) I keep the extra batteries in my pocket when we’re on the bike, so I’m never without a backup. (When you snap a lot of photos in a row like I do from the back of the bike — sometimes 600+ each day — it’s not unusual to go through 2 or 3 batteries a day.) Charge ’em all back up each night, and you’re ready for another day of photos shot from a motorcyclist’s point-of-view!

#10 – Gallon Size Zip-Closure Bags

I keep a couple of these on the motorcycle at all times — because you never know when you might poke a hole in one, or you just need an extra waterproof bag for something.

TIP: The #1 reason I recommend keeping one of these zippered plastic bags on your person at all times is: as a rain protector for your digital camera! Not only will it keep your camera (and phone) dry if it starts to sprinkle, the bag (zippered shut and folded over several times) will also keep your camera (and phone) dry in a downpour — until you can safely put it in the tourpack or saddlebag or something. A zippered bag is so small and lightweight… it stuffs away nicely in your pocket. BONUS TIP: Always keep your passport, stamps, and important papers inside a zippered plastic bag. No matter how “protected” your luggage is, things inside will get damp if it happens to rain for a long time. (Learned that the hard way. Lost an entire book of stamps.)

#11 – Durable Plastic Bags

TIP: I keep ’em in the front pocket of our motorcycle luggage. I use them to tote munchies that we’ve purchased along the way, t-shirts we’ve bought, or anything that just needs to make its way from the bike to the hotel room — for better packing or for consumption.

#12 – Travel Sewing Kit

For ages, I’ve been carrying  the one that some hotel left for us next to the shampoo and lotion on the counter. I use it much more than I ever thought I would, so I’m considering buying my own travel sewing kit with heavy-duty needles (instead of the flimsy one that almost breaks every time I use it) and a needle threader. The hard part: finding one that’s small enough without a bulky container that could break. This sewing kit with pre-threaded needles  seems handy. I also like this one and this one  for motorcycle travel.

TIP: You’ll use a sewing kit more than you realize! I used mine twice on our most recent motorcycle road trip — once to sew the suspenders back on Jim’s rainsuit (that he pulled off in frustration when the pant legs stuck to his rubber-soled Harley boots) and once to sew the spaghetti strap on my cami top (the adjustable “slider” is just made of plastic; it got crushed at some point, so the strap wouldn’t stay up anymore). Plus, the buttons and safety pins might even save the day on future motorcycle trips!

#12 – Note Taking Items

I keep a small notepad & pen in the tourpack at all times — because it seems like the right thing to do… and the  FlipNote  is so darn handy. (It’s a palm-sized notepad & pen with a lightweight metal cover where the pen locks the cover shut .) In addition to taking random notes throughout the trip, I use my Flip Note pad like an old school photographer: to take a picture of a handwritten note on paper then throw it away. ( Example : “These next shots were taken on the XYZ Scenic Byway, July 12th” Or after the fact: “The last few shots were from the XYZ Scenic Byway.”)

TIP:  I do use my notepad a lot, but my favorite method of taking notes on the fly — either on the bike or not — is to use an app on my smartphone. I like GTasks (or  TickTick ). They’re both minimalist task managers for everyday To Do Lists. I currently have 10 different “lists” stored in my GTasks app, and each list contains anywhere from 2 to 200 individual items or tasks spelled out in words or sentences. It’s a cinch to jot notes and add items to a list on the fly. It syncs with every Google device that you log into.

#13 – Extra Gallon Of Gas

It wasn’t until we actually ran out of gas while riding the beautiful backcountry roads of Colorado a few years ago that we decided to carry extra fuel on board with us at all times. ( I hung out under a shade tree  on a road that got very little traffic, while tumbleweeds blew by me, as  Jim walked a mile away to get gas.)

TIP:  After that experience, we immediately bought a  Reda gas can . It’s awesome —  fits perfectly in the saddlebag ! It gives us great peace of mind no matter where we are — which is helpful since we usually travel on roads that we’re not familiar with.

#14 – Cargo Net

You never know when you’ll need extra space to tote a box, a bag, or your helmets! A cargo net makes it possible to get just about anything from point A to point B strapped to your bike seat or tour pack.

TIP: We put our cargo net to good use on our most recent trip. Jim had to go find an RV fan for our friend whose generator stopped working in 90-degree temperatures — and he didn’t have a car to go get it himself. Jim stopped at a few different auto parts stores until he found the right one, strapped it down on top of the tour pack, and the RV was fixed (temporarily).

#15 – Compression Stuff Sacks

We use 2 of them to permanently “smush” our rainsuits into a smaller shape, so they’ll more easily fit in our saddlebag (along with a bunch of other stuff). But you can use them to pack anything from microfiber towels to undergarments… socks… t-shirts you buy as souvenirs… or anything else that’s soft.

TIP: A stuff sack is basically a tote bag with a cinch closure on top. A  compression stuff sack  is a tote bag with a cinch closure on top and  4 side straps that enable you to make the bag and everything in it much smaller. Compression stuff sacks are best for motorcycle packing with limited space. Try to get a thinner gauge material rather than a thicker gauge — because you want a lightweight bag that also compresses. We’ve found that the thin bags have a lot of “give” to them; they stretch without tearing! They come in a multitude of sizes. BONUS TIP: Stuff sacks easily can be strapped to the bike or to your luggage (with motorcycle cargo straps or bungee cords with rubber hooks ) — in the event that you need to free up space in a saddlebag.

#16 – Flavored Water Packets

We always buy bottles of ice cold water at gas stations whenever we’re on long-distance motorcycle trips. I don’t know about you, but I get tired of drinking plain water all the time — especially after several weeks on the road. That’s why I always put a handful of flavored water packets (the ones you add to a bottle of water) in the tour pack of the motorcycle before we head out on a long trip.

TIP:  Even if you pack a bunch of ’em, they’re light as air and hardly take up any room at all. And with the wide variety of flavors, you’ll never grow tired of plain ‘ol water again!

#17 – Binder Clips

There are so many great travel uses for these things! Use the regular sized binder clips as a razor cover protector (take it from me… I cut my finger really bad reaching into the toiletry bag one time before we started using binder clips), as a money clip, as a toothpaste tube squeezer, as a keyring, and more — all described here .

TIP: I use small binder clips to keep anything that comes in a bag or packet closed after opening. I also use them to keep hotel curtains closed, to keep maps & papers together, etc.

#18 – Whipped Argan Oil

It’s a moisturizer that is super hydrating and  so moisturizing, without feeling greasy. We use ‘regular’ Argan oil in lots of different ways . The whipped Argan oil is my all-time favorite when traveling.

TIP: Whipped Argan oil

#19  Pee Funnel (For The Ladies)

I don’t currently carry a pee funnel  with us on the bike, but I’ve considered it . Hey, if it’s good enough for The Hunger Game ‘s Jennifer Lawrence, then it’s good enough for me! By the way, the GoGirl   motto  is: “Don’t take life sitting down.”

TIP: Before you laugh, I’m not alone  here. A pee funnel makes a lot of sense for motorcycle travel.

#20 – Detangler Hair Brush

I’ve found that a detangler brush  works much better than a regular hair brush on ponytails that spend a lot of hours blowing in the wind. If your hair extends beyond your motorcycle helmet, then you’ll wonder why you didn’t get one of these sooner!

TIP: I started out using my wet brush  as my motorcycle travel brush — because it’s lightweight, smaller, easier to pack than most hair brushes, and I only need it to brush my wet hair after the shower. But I quickly realized that it wimped out on all the tiny knots and tangles I got after wearing a ponytail on the bike for long hours and the bristles “pushed into” the brush itself when packed inside my toiletry bag, so they became even weaker over time. Then I remembered that I had gotten my niece a Tangle Teezer  for Christmas and she loves it! So I thought I’d give one a try myself. I like the Tangle Tamer best because of the longer handle (while still a compact size) and the individual bristles don’t budge. They stand firm against tangles, yet they’re soft enough to not cause any pain.

And finally, because I’m a minimalist when packing for a motorcycle road trip, I don’t bring one of these — but I know several people who do…

BONUS #21 – Travel Power Strip

Yep, a  multi-outlet power strip  is a smart option when you’re staying at hotels — because you seem to never have enough outlets to plug in and charge all of your gadgets. The extension cord itself brings the outlets closer to you, and these days  travel power strips  also have USB ports built-in. Personally, I like this one because it has a 5ft power cord, 2 AC outlets, 4 USB ports, and surge protection. And I like  this one  because it’s small and compact with 4 AC outlets and surge protection. Either one would accommodate our needs while traveling.

TIP: You could also carry a portable power source on the bike (like we do), which can double as a power strip in your hotel room too. It doesn’t have the extension cord built-in, but you’ll have plenty of outlets!

As a lifelong traveler, I like to help people find unique ways to do things that will save time & money — so I write about "outside the box" Travel Hacks that most wouldn't think of. I'm SUPER organized and I love to pack! I've lived in 6 different states (Florida, Indiana, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas) and have visited every other state in the U.S. — except Hawaii. (Can you say bucket list?) I've been on several different cruises, airplanes, and boats in my life and I currently enjoy the outdoors by bicycling, motorcycling, Jeeping, RVing, camping, or just walking my dogs. My favorite "hobby" is riding on the back of our Harley-Davidson Road Glide traveling cross country — which we usually do at least once each year. We even rode from Tennessee to Alaska once! When I'm not on the road, you will find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites).

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What to Pack for a Motorcycle Trip

Posted On: Oct 17, 2018

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With so many great landscapes to explore, riding motorcycles in the United States of America is incredibly fascinating and enjoyable. Being such a large country there is almost every kind of riding imaginable— from the twisty mountain passes of the Rocky Mountains to the flat grasslands of Oklahoma, from the curvy Pacific Ocean highways to the sweeping Cherohala Skyway in the mid-Atlantic region. America has been called the land of the free and the brave, which could also be called the credo of motorcyclists everywhere.

If you have a packing checklist on your fridge and have everything in perfectly organized pouches for every trip you take, we are all jealous of you! Most riders are not like that and the question of what to pack comes up for every trip.

We have narrowed down the items that we know will make your ride an enjoyable one while ensuring you have only what you need. The key to enjoying yourself along the way is early preparation, planning, and effective space management.

Let’s look at the essentials to bring on the road.

A LOT DEPENDS ON 4 KEY FACTORS

How long the trip is - we all can agree that you will pack less stuff for a shorter trip. A day ride doesn't require as much gear as doing a 2-week or a month long trip. So the first thing to consider is the length of your ride.

How much space you have - you will be limited to the available storage space on your motorcycle unless there is a support van carrying the luggage for you and the group. All of EagleRider guided tours include a support can, a spare bike, cold water, and a first aid kit. On the opposite, a backing camping trip requires you to carry everything on your bike.

Trip location and terrain - what you pack for a ride to Baja California on a dual sport bike can be very different from packing for a Route 66 trip on a touring bike. You may choose a different type of protective gear, for example.

Riding solo or with a passenger - if you have a second rider on your bike, how light you pack can be crucial. On top of that, chance are your passenger will always pack more stuff than you.

A FEW THINGS THAT WILL ALWAYS BE TRUE

Weather conditions can change quickly - No matter where you ride, weather can be very unpredictable. You can start your day on a frosty morning in Bryce Canyon in mid-May, ride through Zion where the temperatures will start increasing dramatically and then end the day with a 70-mile highway ride to Las Vegas where it will be even hotter.Rain, the extreme heat of the deserts, gusty winds, and other dramatic weather changes can affect your ride and what you pack.

Road conditions are often an unknown - not the most important consideration for packing, but definitely a helpful thing to keep in mind is that you may not always know when you have to take a service or fire road, or when you'll be riding on an old bumpy or brick stretch of the road. You want to make sure you can always balance the motorcycle well and how much you pack can affect this.

There will always be something you forgot to bring - it's one of those things that happens to all of us - you hit the road without some essential you really need. No matter how prepared you think you are, there is at least a small chance that you may have to buy something along your trip. For this, the only thing you'll need is a credit card or cash, possibly the most essential thing to pack of all!

POPULAR STORAGE OPTIONS AND STORAGE CAPACITY ON VARIOUS MOTORCYCLES

Before we move on to the checklist, let's look at the storage capacity on the popular motorcycle.

If you need more information about a specific motorcycle, please take a look at the our motorcycle rental page for each specific model where we provide all the essential specs. OEM website will be your ultimate source of everything on each specific model.

Saddlebag liners - typically measuring 18″ x 6″ x 10” (or 17.5 liters) each, saddle bag liners are a very convenient way to quickly put in and take out luggage.  You can simply take these to your hotel room every night. Most of EagleRider locations offer these for purchase when you arrive for your trip. Harley-Davidson® Street Glide®, Harley-Davidson® Road Glide®, and Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® Special all have hard case saddlebags.

Tour pack liners - typically measuring 15" x 21" x 8" (or 41 liters) these liners are very handy, but you can also just as easily fit any carry-on size bag. Most airlines limit the carry-on size to 40 liters. Motorcycles such as Harley-Davidson® Electra Glide® Ultra and Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® Ultra come with these tour packs and offer this additional storage.

And for add-on storage bags that can be attached to the back seat or a sissy bar, we have a new option.

INTRODUCING THE EAGLE PACK

For motorcycles that don't have a top case for storage we are now offering an add-on called the Eagle Pack. At 73.5 liter capacity and expandable sections, this travel bag is an amazing companion that's sturdy, well-made, and give you that additional storage space you do now have on motorcycle models such as Harley-Davidson Street Glide.

Eagle Pack costs $149 and you can take it home after your rental is done. So once you add it to the rental reservation, it's yours to keep and enjoy on your own bike and your future rentals.

To add the Eagle Pack to your booking, visit the reservations add-on page and select the Eagle Pack option before proceeding to checkout. Our rental team at the location will be notified that you've added it to your trip will be ready for your pickup.See more information about the Eagle Pack in another blog post.

PACKING CHECKLIST

EagleRider provides standard half-shell “Harley-style” helmets at no charge to all riders and passengers, but you are of course welcome to bring any of your own personal riding gear with you on the trip.

If you require a newer helmet, ¾ helmet, or full-face helmet, please arrange to purchase one locally at EagleRider, or bring it with you. If you require communication systems (Intercoms) please arrange to purchase one locally at EagleRider, or bring it with you.

All riders on EagleRider rentals and tours are required to wear a helmet at all times.

While riding in leathers with no helmet and showing lots of bare skin was popularized by movies like Easy Rider, the fact is that it’s safer and more comfortable to ride with protective gear.

• Cold Weather Jacket(s) – For trips at the beginning or end of our summer riding season, we recommend a “Layering’ system of base layer of wool or Capilene (synthetic) shirt, wind jacket, and cold weather jacket
• Cold weather riding boots, socks, and gloves

Wearing protective gear not only protects you should the worst happen, but also protects you from the elemental forces of sun, wind and rain and their attendant dehydration, sunstroke and hypothermia. These days there are excellent choices in leather, textiles and high tensile nylons that are not only superbly comfortable, but also offer first-rate protection.

Riding pants are useful because they give riders a better grip on their seats, and the ones with built-in pockets for armor are an excellent choice because of the added protection they offer. The best pants come down and cover your over-the-ankle boots, providing complete protection all down the rider’s leg.

Leather boots with heavy soles and without laces are the best option for motorcycle riding because they protect feet from abrasive asphalt and don’t get caught on the pegs during starts and stops of the motorcycle.

The main impact points during a crash are the head, shoulders, hips, hands and knees, so wearing gear that not only covers these vulnerable points but also offers impact-resistant padding is your best bet should the worst happen.

Wearing quality gloves protects your hands’ sensitive skin from hard surfaces. Quality motorcycle gloves have full fingers, palm protection and ideally some hard knuckle protection. Mesh summer riding gloves are available on the market now, and are a terrific choice for bridging the gap between protection, comfort and coolness.

On the longer trips, rain is something you can definitely expect. But what about day rides when you try to pack light and just enjoy the road? It's definitely a great visual, but the reality can sometimes be unexpected.

• Lightweight rain suit –Weather can be unpredictable even in the warm summertime, so we definitely recommend having a rin suit stored in your saddlebag

Most of EagleRider stores carry a least a few options of rain gear. You are welcome to bring your own, but can also count on buying it locally ahead of the trip.

Although the number of layers depends on the location of your ride and the season, it’s always a good idea to pack several layers of clothing to wear under your gear. In the mountains there can significant elevation changes, which means considerable changes in temperatures.

In the plains and deserts the days start of cool and warm up quite quickly, so you’ll want to wear either a base layer or some other thermal protection that can be shed easily. Riding in the American West storms can brew up quite quickly, so it is always a good idea to have your rain layers easily accessible as well.

• Long-sleeve white t-shirts
• Some type of face covering (i.e. bandana) for desert crossings
• Swim trunks, shower sandals
• Long sleeve and short sleeve shirts, warm weather shorts

With the wind on your bare skin it’s easy to get dehydrated and/or not to notice that you are getting sunburned. Mesh gear is widely available in the USA now, and these garments have quite good air cooling.

Also widely available now are cooling vests and collars—while not actually protective gear, they do make such gear more comfortable while riding by employing evaporative cooling techniques.

We all have the essentials that provide the daily comfort on the road and for an overnight stay. Even though you may want to add more to this list of daily use items, here are the most common and widely used things we recommend to bring.

• Personal hygiene (toothbrush/toothpaste, comb/hairbrush, razor, tweezers, deodorant)
• Ear plugs, sunglasses/eye protection, sunscreen (recommend 35 SPF or greater)
• Eye protection/clear glasses for evening riding or cloudy days
• Wool or Capilene socks, underwear, gloves
• Neck scarf/bandana/tube for protection from neck sunburn
• Bungee straps or cargo net

We often find comfort in the little things. Riding on the open road is an experience that takes you away from all the daily clutter and business of things around you and things to do. No matter how big your bags are, some of these small essentials will absolutely put a smile on your face when you need them the most and realize they're all neatly packed up in your bag.

A small pouch with medications for the most common needs on the road goes a long way in keeping your ride enjoyable. Even if you won't use any of them for yourself, there might be a rider in your group who will be grateful to receive a helping hand with some basic pain issues.

• Daily prescriptions
• Aspirin, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, eye drops, allergy medication

On our guided tours , all tour guides and van drivers have first aid kits for the group and are CPR certified. Some of our tour guides are retired firefighters and paramedics, so you will absolutely be cared for, no matter the situation.

Most of us have two main reasons to get on the road - to connect or to disconnect. Whichever reason is right for you for the trip ahead, here are some communications tools and gadgets to bring along to document the trip and make sure you've got ways to pay for anything you need during the ride or tour.

• Smart phone
• Laptop/USB drive (optional)
• Camera with extra batteries, international charger (120 volts) and storage cards
• iPod or MP3 player (optional)
• Driver’s License with motorcycle endorsement
• Cash, credit cards

You can absolutely capture your trip on your smartphone. But having a small and light camera might be one of the best additions to document the ride to remember and relive it later.

FINAL NOTES

On guided tours, we ask that you limit the number of bags you bring to no more than one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. The chase van will accommodate your luggage so all you have to think about is the ride. Here are our tips for what to bring. Use your experience and best judgment to supplement this list. If you have any questions then please consult your Tour Leader for pre-riding conditions and expectations. Your tour leader can recommend specific products based on your needs.

If you're not sure about your specific needs and the trip you're about to book, whether a rental or a tour, please contact our reservations team to assist.

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The Ultimate Motorcycle Trip Packing List by RIDE Adventures

Disclosure: Ride Adventures is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program as well as other affiliate programs, designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites at no extra cost to you. Please see our  Disclosure  for more details.

Planning an epic ride? Don't skimp on the planning. Our ultimate motorcycle trip packing list includes everything you need to hit the road whether you're hopping hotels or sleeping under the stars. 

We've all had the thought a time or two: Just hop on the bike and go. No plan, no preparation, no destination in mind... The neverending, impromptu motorcycle tour.

It's a lovely idea, but trust us here: There's nothing like a sudden rainstorm, an unexpected cold snap, or a flat tire in the middle of nowhere to dissolve any romantic notions you may have about long-distance two-wheeled travel. We've led countless tours all over the globe at this point, and attempting something like our epic Northern Thailand Experience without the right gear on hand would be a fool's errand to put it lightly.

Even the most well-planned trips deliver no shortage of surprises, and the quality of your motorcycle trip packing list is the deciding factor as to whether an adventure rolls with the punches or stops rolling entirely. The list below includes everything you need to hit the road prepared to handle whatever comes your way.

Essential Gear for Your Motorcycle Trip Packing List

Before we dive into the packing list itself, we're going to assume you've already got a few of the essentials: A good helmet that's well suited to your riding style (we're partial to ADV helmets , but to each their own), a proper pair of riding boots (preferably waterproof, and GoreTex if you can afford it), and a means of navigating, be it a motorcycle GPS , your smartphone, old school maps, or all of the above. 

Aside from these items, we've broken down your motorcycle trip checklist into three main categories: Motorcycle gear (both for your body and your bike), camping gear (for anyone looking to sleep outside), and motorcycle travel essentials , which covers everything from sunglasses to baby wipes (yes, baby wipes). 

First Thing's First: Motorcycle Gear

Hydration pack: klim nac pak.

Long motorcycle tours mean long miles, and if you have to stop every time you need a drink of water, you'll never get from A to B before sunset. That's why we recommend including a hydration pack as part of your motorcycle trip packing list: There's just no easier way to stay hydrated on the move.

"Eric sporting Klim's Nak Pak on our Patagonia Tours "

Our personal favorite is the Klim Nac Pak, which includes a sizable 3L bladder, but also benefits from a smattering of premium features like a removable tool pack, a laptop pocket, a protective goggle pocket, and an emergency whistle, to name a few.

If you're not so keen on riding with a backpack on, there are much more compact options out there like the Klim Quench , but we prefer the extra storage of the Nac Pack for quick access essentials like passports, snacks, and cash.

CHECK PRICE:

Klim Nak Pac

REVZILLA | AMAZON

Waterproof Jacket: Klim Badlands Pro

No motorcycle trip packing list is complete without proven all-weather gear, and if you don't already have a jacket you can count on to keep you dry, we can't recommend the Klim Badlands Pro jacket enough. Tough as nails, incredibly protective, and 100% waterproof, the Badlands truly does it all. 

We've put tens of thousands of miles on the Badlands Pro at this point and it's never us down. This jacket is crash-tested, weather-tested, and time-tested by our tour guides, and its combination of a top-shelf GoreTex Pro 3L membrane, Superfabric abrasion resistance, and D3O level 2 armor leaves nothing up to chance.

Klim Badlands Pro Jacket

Waterproof Pants: Klim Badlands Pro

Take everything we love about the Klim Badlands Pro jacket, and apply it below the waist: Same protection, same bombproof waterproofing, and the same premium material quality make these pants the best in the business.

Klim Badlands Pro Pants

Waterproof Gloves: Klim Badlands GTX

Starting to see a theme here? The Klim Badlands GTX gloves are our favorite choice for a do-it-all gauntlet: Tough, protective, and backed by genuine 3L GoreTex waterproofing, these gloves block wind, water, and pavement alike.

We recommend the Badlands as the one glove to rule them all, but we also recommend bringing a second, lighter pair along as well. Consider adding a versatile short-cuff glove like the Dainese Mig 3 or Alpinestars Celer V2 to your list, just in case the weather gets too hot or you manage to soak your main pair and need a full day of riding to dry them out.

Klim Badlands GTX Gloves

Armor: Alpinestars Bionic Plus V2

If you've kept up with our blog and YouTube channel, you'll know we're big fans of running standalone armor in place of the armor panels that come installed in our jackets and pants. The Alpinestars Bionic Plus V2 is pound-for-pound the best option currently available , combining excellent protection and ventilation with outstanding value.

"Getting the bikes ready for our Vietnam route research trip. Todd is well protected with Alpinestars' Bionic V2 armored jacket"

It strikes a happy medium between the affordable but less protective Bionic Action Jacket and the $300 Bionic Tech V2. You're still getting CE level 2 armor where it counts though (back and chest), which makes the pricier V2 tough to justify for anyone outside of a motocross track.

Alpinestars Bionic Plus V2 Jacket

Face and Neck Protection: Klim Balaclava

On our tours through Patagonia, it's not uncommon to go from warm and sunny to freezing and wet within a single day's ride. When the weather goes south, a good helmet-friendly balaclava like this one from Klim is essential to seal out any exposed skin between your face and your jacket: Don't leave camp without it.

Klim Balaclava

Base Layers: Klim Teton

Base layers play a major role in keeping you comfortable in any scenario: They wick moisture away from your body while also regulating your temperature, keeping you cooler in warm weather and warmer in the cold. 

The one major rule when shopping base layers is to avoid cotton at all costs, which is why we love the Klim Teton's smart blend of merino wool and synthetic nylon to deliver excellent moisture and heat management as well as natural odor resistance. A good long-sleeve top is a must, but we also recommend adding full-length bottoms for cooler climates.

Klim Teton Merino Shirt

Waterproof Duffel: Giant Loop Tillamook

Few pieces of gear on your motorcycle trip packing list are as versatile as a good duffel bag. The best are spacious, built to take a serious beating, and 100% waterproof, and while pretty much any well-made bag will work for hauling your gear both on and off the bike, the Giant Loop Tillamook takes the cake as a moto-focused carryall with versatility to spare.

We dig the Tillamook because it's built to work with other Giant Loop Luggage systems, but is also as universal as they come, attaching easily to bikes of all shapes and sizes. We also love that the Tillamook uses dual side openings rather than a single top closure, so it's easier to access your gear when on the bike.

Giant Loop Tillamook Duffel

Baggage straps: Giant Loop Pronghorn

Extra straps are one of those things you just can't have too many of on a moto trip. They lash down luggage, secure awkward cargo, and even help with the odd roadside tire replacement if you know how to use them. If you're still relying on bungee cords, you're asking for disaster, so get a set you can count on to stay put like these rugged Pronghorns from Giant Loop.

Giant Loop Pronghorn Straps

Luggage: Giant Loop Great Basin

While there's plenty of debate to be had over hard v. soft luggage, you really can't go wrong with the Giant Loop Great Basin no matter what you ride or where you ride it. They're insanely tough, 100% waterproof, and designed to fit virtually anything from the largest ADV to the littlest dual sport. 

Soft bags like these are also much better at surviving the regular low-speed falls and tip-overs associated with off-roading, making them ideal for true all-terrain adventure touring.

Giant Loop Great Basin Saddlebags

Motorcycle Camping Gear

We understand many motorcycle trips revolve around hotels and hot showers, but there's nothing quite like roughing it for a few nights under the stars. If you're putting together a motorcycle trip packing list and planning on sleeping outside, here are the bare essentials you'll want.

Tent: Alps Mountaineering Zephyr

Yes, you could buy a "motorcycle-specific" tent with a garage for your bike like the Lone Rider, but we recommend sticking with a traditional backpacking tent instead. Backpacking tents are much lighter and easier to pack on the bike, and are also much better suited to handling heavy wind and rain.

We recommend checking out the Alps Mountaineering Zephyr because it's reasonably priced, but still delivers all the important bits like a durable aluminum poleset, a full-coverage rainfly for outstanding weather protection, and an exterior storage vestibule for stashing muddy boots. Do yourself a favor and go with the 2 person model: It's only marginally larger/heavier than the solo version and boasts a ton of extra space and storage.

Alps Mountaineering Zephyr Tent

Sleeping Bag: Alps Mountaineering Aura

When it comes to sleeping bags, you've got two options: Down filled bags and synthetic-filled bags. Make no mistake here: Down is still the undisputed king in terms of warmth, weight, and packability, but we recommend sticking with a synthetic bag like the Alps Mountaineering Aura for two reasons.

The first is that unlike down feathers, synthetic fill continues to insulate even when wet, so you won't potentially ruin a bag like the Aura by exposing it to rain or a water-crossing gone wrong. The second is that synthetic bags can still be compressed to a reasonable size using a good compression sack, so assuming you've got the space to stash one in your luggage, there's really no reason to pay a premium for down in the first place.

Alps Mountaineering Aura Sleeping Bag

Sleeping Pad: Alps Mountaineering Apex

Can you tell we're fans of Alps Mountaineering's camping gear? We love this stuff because it toes the line between quality and affordability like no other, and holds up to all manner of abuse without complaint.

Again, you could spend twice as much for something slightly lighter and more compact, but since we aren't carrying all our gear on our backs, there's really no reason to sweat a few extra grams here and there.  The Apex pad delivers comfort in spades with a sueded top fabric, foam interior, and 3 inches of thickness between your body and the ground below.

Alps Mountaineering Apex Sleeping Pad

Camp Stove: MSR WhisterLite International

If you're leaning toward the moto-camping route, a proper camp stove belongs on your motorcycle trip packing list. Whether you're cooking freeze-dried backpacking meals or some serious backcountry gourmet, it all starts with the stove. 

MSR WhisperLite International Stove

Cooking Fuel: MSR Fuel Bottle

This is the fuel bottle you'll be needing to utilize your camp stove. We recommend sticking with the larger 30-ounce size to get the most out of its dual-purpose potential as an emergency supply of gasoline out on the trail.

MSR Liquid Fuel Bottle

Cookwear: GSI Pinnacle Soloist

Assuming you're not too hot on the idea of dragging your favorite cast iron pot along for the ride, you'll need something to cook and/or boil water in around camp. A single-person cook kit like the Pinnacle Soloist from GSI is light, compact, and easy to clean thanks to its durable Teflon non-stick coating.

GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Soloist Cook Kit

Motorcycle Travel Essentials

This is a bit of a catch-all category for everything else you won't want to leave home without. This part of your motorcycle trip packing list covers everything from hygiene to safety, but they're all items we've found absolutely essential nonetheless.

This is one many riders don't think about, but really couldn't be more important. Losing a key in the middle of a trip sucks (especially an international one), but losing your only key is much worse.

"Eric with his improvised spare key wristband"

We recommend stashing a spare key somewhere on your bike that doesn't require a key to access (for obvious reasons). The smartest places are those that are hard to find, but can be reached by simple hand tools, like underneath a side panel, behind a frame rail, or inside a light housing.

You can also stash one on your person, but you'll want to literally keep it on your body rather than inside a pocket or in another piece of gear that can easily be lost or stolen. 

Water Purifier: Grayl UltraPress

Whether you're looking to do domestic moto-camping or international moto-touring, you should have a plan for processing safe drinking water. there are two types of systems out there, water filters and water purifiers, and you want the latter on your motorcycle trip packing list. .

This is an important distinction to make because while water filters remove harmful bacteria and protozoa from drinking water, they aren't robust enough to remove viruses as well. Water purifiers like the simple fill-and-press Grayl UltraPress, on the other hand, can turn water anywhere in the world into safe drinking water in about five seconds. 

Grayl UltraPress

Yes, baby wipes. You'll thank us later. 

In addition to their obvious application when toilet paper is out of the equation, baby wipes are also great for cleaning up after roadside repairs, freshening up when you've gone a few days without a shower, and cooling off in the middle of a hot day. 

"We enjoy getting our hands dirty, but thanks to baby wipes, they don't have to stay that way."

Security: Abus Granit Victory Chain Lock

Different riders have different approaches when it comes to security abroad. Some riders lock everything down, some leave everything to chance, but most fall somewhere in between. 

At minimum, we recommend bringing something to secure your motorcycle anytime you'll be away for an extended period of time, and the Abus Granit Victory lock is about as tough as they come. We like this option because you can use it as a standalone caliper lock if you're looking to save space in your luggage, or you can bring the chain along to link two bikes together or lock your bike to a fixed object.

Abus Granit Victory X-Plus Chain Lock

Tools & Repair Supplies

If your motorcycle trip packing list doesn't include all the tools you need for simple roadside repairs , you're simply not prepared. This should include all the commonly sized wrenches, hex keys, and screwdrivers needed to do basic maintenance on your machine, but it shouldn't stop there either. 

At minimum, you should also carry tire irons and a spare tube, but we also recommend stashing all the little emergency "fix-its and riggings" that can help you Mcguyver your way out of a tight spot. These should include (but aren't limited to): Duct tape, zip ties, JB Weld, fuel hose, gear repair patches, and good 'ol universal grease.

Travel Towel

If you've spent any time backpacking this one will be familiar to you but if not, listen up: leave your bathroom towels from home at home, and put a travel towel on your motorcycle trip packing list. .

Travel towels are made from polyester microfiber, which makes them super absorbent and super compact. They also dry much faster than your typical cotton towel, so they'll be completely dry and ready to pack within a few hours, which cuts down on the stink/mildew factor in your luggage. 

Wise Owl Outfitters Travel Towel

Shelf Stable Snacks

If you've ever been on a long hike, you know the drill: Going too long without eating can land you anywhere from cranky to unconscious, so make sure to pack plenty of snacks that can live in your luggage for weeks at a time without going bad. 

Trail mix, crackers, dehydrated fruit, jerky, candy, sardines... Whatever you're into. Anything is fair game here, just bring enough calories to keep you going in between meals or to get you through unexpected delays like flat tires and breakdowns.  

This one needs no introduction, but make sure you bring a pair along. A good pair of sunglasses (preferably polarized) is also back up for a damaged visor or a lost pair of goggles, so consider using a lighter tint for better versatility.

"Airflow + bug protection: Sunglasses are the original drop-down sun visor."

Chances are you've got a pretty impressive camera riding around in your pocket at all times (iPhone cameras have come a long way), but many riders prefer to document their trip on proper DSLRs anyways. There are plenty of tankbag-friendly options out there for around $100 nowadays, so consider adding one to your list if high-quality photos are a priority. 

"Smartphones have come a long way, but some images deserve a dedicated camera."

Closing Thoughts on Perfecting Your Motorcycle Trip Packing List

Clearly, a lot goes into assembling a thoughtful packing list for a proper motorcycle trip, but truth be told, even a list this long is just the tip of the iceberg. 

This list covers the essentials, but sometimes it's the non-essential items that really make a trip great. Consider stowing a little something special away to look forward to after a long ride: Personally, we've found a flask of good whiskey to be worth its weight in gold around a campfire, but the same could be said for a fresh cup of coffee, a nice cigar, or junk food of pretty much any description.

→Read More: 5 Best Motorcycle Luggage Options for the Long Haul   and Best Motorcycle Helmet Bags .

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Motorcycle Packing Guides

This page holds all of our articles related to motorcycle packing and trip kit lists in one place. You’ll find everything you need to know here.

• RTW / Touring

Packing for Motorcycle Travel Explained

Before you get into kit lists, have a read of our main article first to figure out what you actually need. 

How to Pack for a Motorcycle Adventure

Packing for a motorcycle adventure is one of the most exciting parts of preparing for your trip because it means you’re actually going!  But, building a tower on the back of your bike can quickly wipe that smile away.

Here’s what you do and don’t need for your bike trip and how to pack effectively.

> OPEN GUIDE

Packing Lists

Here’s our two ultimate kit list guides: the complete pack list and a dedicated camping checklist.

The Ultimate Motorcycle Trip Packing List

The Ultimate Motorcycle Camping Gear Checklist

Rtw and touring packing.

Whether you’re on a European tour or RTW adventure, these two articles will help.

Our Round the World Motorcycle Packing List

What to Pack for a Europe Motorcycle Tour

Extra packing guides and accessories.

Gear lists for tool kits and electronics. 

The Ultimate Adventure Bike Tool Kit

The Motorcycle Travel Photography and Video Gear List

Things You Didn’t Realise You Needed on a Motorcycle Trip

The Ultimate Motorcycle Trip Packing Checklist

My first motorcycle adventure was almost 20 years ago. I crammed what I could into a rucksack, stuffed a few other bits into a tank bag and headed off on the adventure of a lifetime. With a rough route scribbled on a piece of paper and an even rougher sense of direction, it felt like I was off to unchartered territory.

In fact I was going 100-miles from Bedford to the wilds of Bognor Regis on my TZR125. My footpeg fell off along the way, I was constantly getting lost (pre-Sat Nav days, remember those?), I stayed in a scuzzy B&B and lived off chips and fizzy drinks for two days, swam in the sea and buzzed along some great roads. It was paradise!

Two decades later and with over 100 different excursions under my belt, from group rides in the Lake District, to 10-day trips to France with my girlfriend on the back and trips to California and Vietnam, I have a much better idea of what you need and what you don’t when it comes to touring by motorcycle.

This no-nonsense guide is a good starting point for your next motorcycle trip. Whether you’re riding an Adventure bike to Norway, heading off to Europe on a tour with the lads, or staying in the UK and exploring great roads over a long weekend – this packing checklist is for you.

I’m definitely not saying you should pack everything on this list. It’s more a case of this is everything you  could take, so you don’t have to think about things. It’s up to you to then decide what you need.

Remember; it’s easy to think you need more than you do. The chances of you having a disaster are slim and wherever you go, you can probably buy most of the stuff you think you might need. So make sure everything you pack has earned its place.

Motorcycle Gear

With a bit of thought, your riding kit will also double as kit to wear when you’re not on the bike. If it’s hammering it down with rain, you’ll be able to wear your riding jacket or your waterproof top to keep warm and dry. Likewise, if you pack flip-flops for your summer trip, if it does rain, you can always wear your motorcycle boots with jeans when you go to dinner at the local restaurant.

Helmet  Yep, you need one of these.

Waterproof textile jacket and trousers I never skimp on my riding gear but when you’re touring or camping, arriving wet and miserable is a sure-fire way to have a rubbish trip. Gore-Tex gear is generally more expensive than regular motorcycle textiles but it’s built to a higher standard and well worth the money. If it’s cold or wet you’ll probably spend the trip wearing your motorcycle jacket, even when you’re off the bike, so that’s why a decent quality one is well worth having.

Gloves I pack mid-cuff leather summer gloves, lightweight motocross gloves, and long waterproof winter gloves. you’re pretty much covered for everything.

Boots Waterproof boots are a must. Gore-Tex is even better.

Back Protector I never ride without a back protector and if I’m camping I use it as a base to build a ‘pillow’ on.

Neck Tube Great for reducing wind noise and wind chill.

Ear Plugs If I don’t wear earplugs , I always arrive feeling knackered. They’re also super handy on the campsite to help you get a better night’s sleep.

Riding Socks Good quality long socks make your boots more comfortable and keep your feet warm and dry. 

Waterproofs I pack a waterproof top and trousers. I use them on the bike in heavy rain but the waterproof top is also handy when you’re off the bike as a windbreaker and waterproof.

How much luggage you need depends on where you’re going, for how long, and whether you’re two-up, staying in a hotel or camping. This is just a rough guide.

Waterproof tail pack I prefer using a tailpack over panniers. I find they switch over from bike to bike much easier, are easier to carry once you’re off the bike and they’re more compact. There’s no right or wrong, it’s a personal choice. All my clothing and non-essentials get stashed into a bin liner and then into my tailpack. It’s securely fastened down with a cargo net on top and it doesn’t get opened until I get to my destination.

Small tank bag I like to carry my valuables and essentials in a small (10 to 15-litre) tank bag. It doesn’t get in the way of steering the bike and can easily be removed from the bike when I stop for a prolonged period of time. My camera, passport, phone, wallet etc. all live in my tank bag.

Casual Clothing

I always go light on clothing. It’s tempting to pack a jumper and jeans and shoes but these all add a large amount of bulk. My riding kit always doubles up as useful stuff to wear off the bike. For example, a light fleece and your motorcycle waterproof top is all you need on a cold evening. Then your fleece stuffed in a T-shirt doubles as a pillow. Jeans just get wet and stay wet. The same goes for shoes. As a general rule, steer clear of cotton clothing and instead opt for moisture-wicking kit. Cotton hangs onto moisture and sweat and takes a long time to dry out.

Gadgets make your life easier but they need power. I always take a portable motorcycle jump starter as it also works as a USB powerbank and has a built in LED torch. Pretty much all of my devices use the same USB cable, so I only need the one.

Mobile phone This really doesn’t require a description. Much as I hate to admit it, my phone is a camping essential.

Phone charging cable I have a 3-in-one cable to charge my stuff and anyone else’s.

USB plug Most campsites have power and a USB plug means you can use your cables to charge your gadgets. No power at the camp site? Then your local cafe will probably let you use their power while you sip a cuppa!

Battery booster A quality battery booster can jump start a motorcycle but its main use for me is a portable powerbank to keep my gadgets from going flat.

LED torch I have a cheap headband torch which is compact and super useful.

Lantern A lantern is handy in the tent but also in the evenings when sat around the campsite. It’s better than an LED torch which has a harsh light and is directional. Mine has a rechargable USB-powered battery and different lighting modes. It lasts for hours.

Bluetooth earphones These make it onto my packing list because they are tiny and useful. If I’m camping on my own, I’ll listen to podcasts and if I can’t sleep for whatever reason, these have proven to be good company.

Personal Care

You can carry a lot of useful stuff in a tiny washbag the size of a pencil case. Buy your tablets and cut them into strips and just take a few of each type. Take a manual toothbrush not your fancy battery-powered one.

Compact wash bag Ideally one that’s waterproof.

Toothpaste A little travel-sized one is ideal

First aid kit A basic one is all I carry. It contains a few plasters, some steri-strips, safety pins, a few different-sized gauzes and a bandage.

Paracetamol

Hayfever tablets

Bonjela Deals with mouth ulcers and helps with any toothache.

Berocca Riding can take it out of me and a bad night’s sleep is a killer. Plus I never eat healthy food when I go camping. A good old glug of Berocca at least makes me feel like my body’s got what it needs to crack on!

Alcohol wipes Useful to deal with small cuts, also handy at cleaning off dirt and grease.

Travel tissue packs A much better choice than toilet roll in my humble opinion. Toilet roll is big and bulky, almost always gets wet. Sealed travel tissue packs are the way forward as they’re compact and stay dry. That said, almost every camp site has a toilet and toilet roll these days..

Wet wipes Luxury toilet roll and a shower in a packet! Also handy for a thousand other things. You can buy travel packs with 10 or so wet wipes. Super handy.

Insect repellant

Quick-drying towel These are great as they are compact, absorb a lot of water and dry quickly too. Hang it under your tarp in the day to dry out. Handy pillow-fodder too.

Driving licence

Insurance Cert

Breakdown cover

Handy numbers

A few choice tools make all the difference and don’t take up that much space. These handy extras will help you sort out any bike problems but also will help you set up a comfortable camp.

Puncture repair kit A puncture can ruin your trip but with a repair kit you can keep going and not have to wait for a recovery truck or a local bike shop to open. A simple tubeless motorcycle puncture repair kit will get you out of a tight spot.

Multi tool As long as it has a knife and a bottle opener you’re sorted but scissors, a screwdriver and a saw are all handy extras.

Cable ties You can never have enough! I genuinely pack about 30 in three different sizes. I have used them to: hang lanterns, secure a tarpaulin to a tree to act as a shelter, attach luggage to the bike and hang wet kit. Definitely pack these.

Velcro cable ties As above but reusable. I only discovered these a couple of years ago. Best use is for handing wet kit, towels, wash bag etc.

Gaffa tape Useful for all manner of things, like patching up holes, holding on fairings, mending tent poles..

Chain lube A small tin is ideal and not only keeps your chain lubed but is also handy on anything that squeaks or rusts.

Paracord Useful to secure your tarp and build a shelter or as a washing line, a belt or to strap down luggage. I take two 2-metre lengths and one 5-metre length.

Printer-Friendly Motorcycle Touring Packing List

Everything listed above but without the additional text, so you can just print this page off and use it to check off your bits as you go.

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