Essential road trip packing list [Archive]

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tkresler

06-09-2006, 11:02 AM

Byron

06-09-2006, 11:08 AM

I may be the last one to comment on the subject because I have not taken any multi-day trips on my bike, yet. However, I think you would pack like you would for any other trip. The only difference is that what you pack is limited to what space you have available on the bike.

I might be able to get by with a spare pair of pants and toothbrush where as my ex-wife would require a trailer rental for the extra gear.

uptoblackwood

06-09-2006, 11:26 AM

For a week on that run....

Clothing in layers.
This time of year...usually a mesh jacket with a good liner will do.
I would pack one turtle neck (silk/cotton blend) that can be added to jacket/liner combo if things get cool.
Rain gear.
This time of year you probably won't need heated gear for that run.
Good riding pants.
Under the riding pants I usually wear a pair of bicycle shorts with a high quality chamios crotch. The chamios should be seamless and if high quality will keep you comfortable and longer runs can be done if needed.
Riding boots/socks.
A couple of T-shirts, a pair of shorts, one pair of long jeans, tennis shoes, underwear, socks, hat for off bike, small towel, light weight jacket or (use zip out liner).
Small but good first aid kit. (lots of good lists on the net)
Tools but only minimum necessary....you can find tools everywhere. Well...
Flat repair items. Mini air compressor. Battery Tender is nice to have but not necessary.
Butt pad, two shields for your mask; day/night.
Cotton rag to wash your windshield.
Compact and high quality flashlight. Batteries.
Travel docs. Flight plan. etc.
Water, water, water.
Camera, GPS, GMRS/FRS radio, CB radio, XM radio, MP3 player, radar detector, maps, watch, cell phone. Connectors/chargers/power for each.
A buddy/mate to ride with.
This all assumes you are hotel camping.

uptoblackwood

06-09-2006, 11:27 AM

Add essential toiletries......

STArnie13

06-09-2006, 11:30 AM

If you are not camping then it is pretty easy to carry plenty-especially if you have a trunk. You will most likely want to carry a rain suit, some spare clothes,tire plug kit, camera, cell phone and maps. You might want to take a light jacket and a heavier jacket for the different temps.

If camping you need to add a tent, sleeping bag and flashlight. You might want to take a cushion and radio as well.:03biker:

uptoblackwood

06-09-2006, 11:36 AM

and hey.....don't worry. You will refine what you feel is necessary for comfort and safety, over years of riding. We do live in the US of A and you can find a Wal-Mart or drug store or just about anything you really need/have forgotten along the way.
No matter what you decide to bring, on just about any trip you make....you'll find in the end that you probably brought some things you didn't need/use and needed other things that you didn't have and really, really needed or wanted.
Have a great run...

Forest

tkresler

06-09-2006, 01:10 PM

sport_tourer

06-09-2006, 02:12 PM

For a week on that run....
A couple of T-shirts, a pair of shorts, one pair of long jeans, tennis shoes, underwear, socks, hat for off bike, small towel, light weight jacket or (use zip out liner).

And make sure all the items you are bringing are beaten, old, and on the verge of being thrown out. That way, each night, you simply toss the "rags" and dont carry dirty clothes...ligthens the load the entire trip. I usually wind up getting home with nothing more than what I am wearing the last day!

I love motorcycle trips as they "force" me to throw out all the ratty clothes from the past year.

Dorian

06-09-2006, 02:24 PM

Packing for any trip I pack like its a one week trip. I will always take a down day (or half a day) to do laundry and relax. So our bikes are packed with the following for long trips:

Two pairs of jeans
Two long sleeve tee shirts
Underpants and socks for 7 days
Gerbing heated gear in all seasons except the dead of summer
A pair of sandals, shorts, and a short sleeve shirt for any kick around time not on the bike.
First aid kit designed for motorcycling.
Cell phone
Two major credit cards
HRCA card
Patience and a smile
Aspirine or Tylenol
Sunscreen
Camera
Flashlight

Everything else we wear (Armored mesh gear in spring, summer and fall, leather and Thermasilk undergarments in the winter)

Bob Hughes

06-09-2006, 02:34 PM

I keep modifying our two up packing list which I keep online. I have a list of every single item that we let on the bike. You can see it here if your interested:

http://goldwingusa.com/misc/twoupgear.html

UNTMatt

06-09-2006, 02:39 PM

Comfortable gear...especially in the pants and undergarment department. Make sure whatever undergear you have does not have seams in the backside and wicks away sweat. I found some generic one's at Kohl's but my wife has only found Under Armor to work for her. We found that a combination of hydricortizone cream (generic) and Gold Bond comfort powder worked well to help with monkey butt. I rode with a Cortech GX Air w/Leather jacket and was extremely pleased with it. My wife's overpants were made by Olympia and worked great. She had the Tour Master Intake jacket but I would recommend the GX w/Leather over the Intake. The impact pads in the GX Air/Leather are much better and the leather will withstand more abrasion than the Intakes cordura reinforcement. Both jackets are almost the same design, just lower quality mesh on the Intake, cordura nylon instead of leather in the impact area's (fore arms, elbows, shoulders, and back), and lower quality impact padding (on the Intake).

Rain gear...we just purchased Frogg Togg's. They are light, breathe, and aren't too expensive. We've not had the chance to test them yet but if they work as other riders have told me, we will be pleased. Look for the brightly colored ones...this should be self explainitory but I felt I should state it anyway. The advantage to rain gear is when it is removed, your riding gear is still dry. The water proof liners that come with many jackets and pants leave your jacket and pants wet when removed. Although, in high temps, that might be a welcome relief. The liners to the jackets and pants tend not to breathe which really sucks.

Pannier bags are a great help.

Tools are somewhat contriversial. I've seen some that carry more than Sears and Snap-on combined. :eek: As for us, we carry two tie downs (in case needed for towing), a small screw driver, small (6.5") channel-lock pliers, a folding set of metric hex wrenches (looks like a swiss army knife), small roll of electrical tape, a small and bright flashlight with fresh batteries (water resistant or proof), a tire guage that fits both front and rear tires, two microfiber towels, a cell phone, credit card, and the HRCA card. You will find that you won't have any parts to really fix anything on the road so there's no real point in tearing the bike apart on the road (some exceptions, such as a loose wire). Most of our tools were purchased at Home Depot, Wal-Mart (tie downs), and Costco (baggie of microfiber hand towels).

We carried a can of Plexus with us to keep the helmet visors and wind screen cleaned and polished. The tinted visors made the ride much more comfortable as well.

We put together a small first aid kit in a hard plastic case. You can buy them preassembled but this gave us the chance to 'customize' it a little bit. Pair of medical grade shears, several pairs of latex gloves, several sizes of adhesive bandages, gauze, medical tape, antibiotic ointment, some alcohol wipes, and some antibacterial wipes.

Carry your cell phone in your jacket pocket or in your pants pocket!!! If you go down and are in need of assitance it won't do you any good if you can't find it (e.g. your tank bag flew off to la-la land, your cell phone launched itself out of the front compartments, you can't physically get to the bike, etc). Don't keep it on a belt clip, those will break off during an impact and then the phone won't do you any good. You probably knew this already but it was something that crossed my mind a while back so my cell phone is now secured in my jacket. My wife keeps her's secured to her person as well.

Hope this helps. It's what we found on our first trip that worked. :06biker:

dduelin

06-09-2006, 03:17 PM

To the above would add a small travel pouch of baby wipes stashed on top. They come in handy to wash hands or fingers after checking tire pressures or if you had to complete a minor road-side repair.

I carry my cell phone in my jacket and the first entry in the phone number memory list is ! ICE - Brenda. "In Case of Emergency" or ICE and my wife's name is Brenda. I read somewhere that first responders or police can save time contacting family if your spouse or SO is listed after ! ICE in your cell phone.

uptoblackwood

06-09-2006, 03:26 PM

Be sure to drop me a line before your next trip down and I'll buy lunch.

toddg66

06-09-2006, 06:09 PM

Don't overpack clothes. Instead I pack several small half sized zip-lock bags of laundry detergent. When I am kicked back in the hotel room I will do a couple of loads of laundry as necessary.

:06biker:

Todd

uptoblackwood

06-09-2006, 07:14 PM

A small bottle of woolite or similar liquid clothes cleaner works as well, to keep the provision of clothing to a minimum...

Ken

06-09-2006, 08:03 PM

My packing list for long weekends. (http://kboyer.backpackit.com/page/505900) Feel free to swipe it and modify for yoru longer trip.

pretbek

06-09-2006, 09:31 PM

My packing list for long weekends. (http://kboyer.backpackit.com/page/505900) Feel free to swipe it and modify for yoru longer trip.

It needs a password... Of course I could hack it :p: , but that wouldn't be polite.
Could you help us out? I would like to see as many lists and input as I can, I learn a lot that way which beats learning by only trial and error.

Vbird

06-09-2006, 09:42 PM

I don't pack more than a few days worth of clothes.Most motels have a guest laundry and detergent(in the vending machines or at the front desk).If you end up buying souvenir t-shirts,wear them,you'll be bringing home more than you left with and will need the extra space.I always carry a cell phone,tire repair kit & a flashlight.Anything else can be bought on the road.

NCSam

06-09-2006, 09:47 PM

Great informaton .... Check links also. Have a great trip.

http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/Packing.html

Sam

robdogg

06-10-2006, 01:18 AM

Here's my list that I have been using for the last several years; you didn't mention if your camping or not; my list highlights the camping gear as optional.

Motorcycle camping packing list

CAMPING GEAR
- folding camp saw
- fire starter
- windproof matches
- Bruton latern
- 4 liter water bladder (not filled/only for use at campsite)
- 1 liter water bladder (filled) in camelback
- Kermit chair
- Headlamp flashlight
- sleeping bag
- sleeping pad
- ground cover for under tent or for under sleeping bag if not using tent
- tent
- towel
- small washcloth
- small camp pillow
- several small flashlights
- light rope or twine
- duct tape
- toliet paper

(optionl if doing meals)
- multi fuel camp stove
- fuel bottle
- mess kit
- small coffee pot
- dish soap

FOOD STUFF
(snack stuff)
- ceral/energy bars
- jerky
- hard candy
- chewing gum

(optional if doing meals)
- freeze dried breakfasts
- freeze dried lunch/dinners
- freeze dried deserts
- canned tuna/chicken
- coffee
- sugar substitute
- fruit cups
- trail mix
- crystal light tea packages
- small container peanut butter
- salt/pepper
- hot sauce

RIDING GEAR
- riding boots
- Helemt
- Goggles
- two pair gloves
- glove liners
- helmet liner
- balistic nylon riding jacket (regular or mesh)
- jacket liner (if mesh jacket is used)
- balistic riding pants (regular or mesh)
- bandana/balaclava
- ear plugs (at least two pair)
- bike shorts
- rain jacket and pants (if mesh gear is used)
- back-align
- Gerbings Jacket liner (optional)

CLOTHING
- underware
- long socks
- regular tube socks
- camp sandles/lightweight shoes
- long underware
- shorts/bathing suit
- hooded sweatshirt
- t-shirt
- long sleeve shirt
- jeans
- baseball cap
- knitted cap
- belt

TOILETRIES
- tooth brush/paste
- dental floss
- deodorant
- hand wash
- Chlorine dioxide (water purification)
- perscription meds

TOOLS
- stock tool kit
- tow strap
- flat repair kit
- air compressor (Airman Sparrow)
- assorted cable ties
- electrical tape
- air guage
- Leatherman

SPARES AND CHEMICALS
- headlight bulb
- 1157 tail light bulb
- Plexus (plastic Cleaner and polish for helmet shield)
- 1 quart Mobil 15-50 gold cap
- small can DOT 4 brake fluid
- small can wd40

FIRST AID/SURVIVAL KIT
- Aspirin
- glucose tablets
- Ibuprofen (BIG bottle)
- Pain killers (percocet/vicodin for emergencies)
- antiseptic wipes
- Band-Aids
- sterile gauze
- white tape
- elastic bandage
- tweezers
- sharp scissors
- safety pins
- disposable instant cold packs
- calamine lotion
- bug spray
- sunscreen
- Space Blanket
- Whistle
- Signal mirror
- Fire starter
- spare bottle of water (stashed somewhere on bike for use only in case of stranding)

OTHER STUFF
- iPod player/charger
- GPS; routes, maps and waypoints all loaded
- Spare GPS
- Digital Camera
--- telex lens
--- CF cards
--- small tripod
- Autocomm audio mixer
- two-way radio (CB or FRS)
- AA batteries (12 alkaline)
- mosqutio coils
- maps
- compass
- sunglasses
- small fire extinguisher
- playing cards/cribbage board
- motorcycle registration
- motorcycle insurance card
- passport/visa
- spare cash
- Visa card/ATM card
- a couple of paperback novels
- small bible; devotional
- small notebook
- pens, pencils
- spare ignition key
- cable lock (for locking helmet/jacket on bike)
- cell phone w/charger
- spare packing straps/bungees
- 5ft length of clear rubber hose (for draining fuel from gas tank for
stove)
- Bike cover (optional; it takes up lots of room but useful if staying in motels; great detterent to theft; vandalism)

btw, all this is all going in.

- 1 Tank Bag
- 2 hard saddle bags
- 2 HelenTwoWheels roll top stuff bags (one large, one
small) strapped to rear rack with Helen2Wheels super
pack straps (awesome bags)
- 1 Camelback backpack

and five Jacket Pockets full of the smaller items

Ken

06-10-2006, 04:49 AM

It needs a password... Of course I could hack it :p: , but that wouldn't be polite.
Could you help us out? I would like to see as many lists and input as I can, I learn a lot that way which beats learning by only trial and error.
So sorry :o: Corrected link here (http://kboyer.backpackit.com/pub/505900).

Austin city limits

06-10-2006, 11:51 PM

1 pair of jeans...

2 pair of hiking shorts/swim trunks... (((Also used to sleep in when sharing a room... Not sharing??? Commando!!! COMMANDO I SAY!!!)))

7 pair of Coolmax socks...

5 pair of Coolmax underwear... (((I wear these every other day giving my LD underwear a rest unless,,, I am doing 1,200 miles again the next day)))

1 pair of LD underwear...

5 Coolmax long sleeve T-Shirts... (((Yeah,,, I said LONG,,, sleeve... These are cooler than the short sleeve... I kid you NOT!!! Also,,, feels better/Cooler under a Mesh Jacket)))

2 Short sleeve Coolmax shirts...

2 pair of Mesh pants... I wear the Hein Gericke Cargo pants,,, and also carry a spare Hein Gericke Mesh-Tex pants... Mesh is the ONLY thing I wear... Spare pants are used every other day or so...

1 pair of Nike "All Condition Gear" waterproof pull over pants... They look,,, great,,, can keep me dry,,, keep me warm down to 30 degrees while riding over my mesh pants... Also,,, can be used as "Walk Around" pants on their own...

Mesh Jacket with waterproof liner... If I am not CERTAIN,,, it is waterproof,,, I have a Hein Gericke waterproof jacket I will take with the Mesh Jacket of the day I am wearing... ;)

Mesh gloves...

Waterproof gloves...

Silver Eagle Cooling Vest... (((Can you tell,,, I don't want to be hot???)))

Oxtar Matrix boots...

1 pair of tennis/hiking shoes...

1 pair of Nike "All Condition Gear" sandals... I LIVE,,, in these after getting off my bike...

2 Air Pumps... (((I have the Sears set your pressure,,, and it shuts off... Another cheap pump cut down and stored under my seat just in case my 1 pump quits I guess... :D )))

2 pair of "Cool Looking" prescription sunglasses... I like the "Blue Tint"...

http://www.st-owners.com/gallery/files/1/8/6/2/motivator8d63dab1c708c5f6639fd868a12ce680.jpg

2 pair of Prescription Glasses for night riding/walking...

Now,,, other "Stuff"???

J B Weld... Laugh if you want but,,, the last 7 trips,,, covering well over 37,000 miles I used it 1 time,,, others used it 5 times!!!

Black Duct tape... It "Blends In" better when you are using it to hold a Concours bag on to the bike after hitting a coyote... :rolleyes:

At least,,, 1 headlight,,, 1 tail light,,, full set of 2 fuses each your bike needs...

Plastic folding maps... L O V E,,, THEM!!! I have 1 for almost every state!!!:bow1:

Michelin North American Road Atlas... The best map,,, there is... :bow1:

Little spiral note pads... That way,,, while eating you can write down your route on paper,,, and slip it under your Tank Bag map cover... L O T S,,, easier to read this at 76 mph than to be reading a map where your next turn is... ;)

Thats all I can think of right now... Others have covered the rest of what I carry as in Tools/Flashlights...

tkresler

06-14-2006, 10:26 AM

For all the input. There weren't any big surprises there, so I'm happy that I asked the question. It makes me feel better!

I'll let you all know how the ride goes. The two bikes (my ST1100, my buddies VTX) are boxed up and the shipping company is picking them up today.:mad:

Tim

Horst

06-14-2006, 10:33 AM

Essential pack list for any trip -

1. Cell Phone
2. Credit Card(s)

:D

seriously ... all else is optional ... :)

:biker:

John Anthony

06-14-2006, 09:55 PM

And make sure all the items you are bringing are beaten, old, and on the verge of being thrown out. That way, each night, you simply toss the "rags" and dont carry dirty clothes...ligthens the load the entire trip. I usually wind up getting home with nothing more than what I am wearing the last day!

I love motorcycle trips as they "force" me to throw out all the ratty clothes from the past year.
This is good advice. I'd also take fewer clothes and more money than you think you'll need. We just got back from 6 days of riding and 1/3 of the clothes I took never got out of the bag. Whatever clothes you do take, roll them up in a tight ball and they'll consume less space.

John

Yogi

06-15-2006, 05:29 PM

So, Monday morning my bike ships to California so that I can meet it there in a week to ride home with a buddy. I'd have done the round trip, but I have young kids at home and can't be gone two weeks. Anyway...

My question is this. What is your essential packing list for a week long ride from California to Chicago? I'm open to all suggestions. The bike is tuned and ready, throttlemeister installed, everything working well. I'm more interested in stuff you think I need to bring than the tech on the bike.

Let me know, I can't wait to hear!

Thanks!
Tim

A good rule of Thumb is 3 changes of clothes this includes the set you are wearing.. If I am doing some serious long distance riding I will wear the same pants/shirt for maybe 3 days if all my time is in the saddle. Then when I get in to the hotel take a shower and change into clean clothes to go out for dinner. Some swim trunks so you can take advantage of the spas/pools at hotels two pairs of shoes/boots hopefully your riding boots are waterproof Raingear/Coldweather gear. Sunsceen/lipbalm/Gold Bond NON Medicated Powder for Swampazz/Monkey Butt also use in your boots. If you wear glasses/contacts carry an extra pair Get some 2 gal ziploc bags to pack in this works for compressing your packing job and waterproofing it. take along a couple extra bags.

Danny C

06-20-2006, 05:08 PM

In July a buddy and I are riding our STs from Calgary, Alberta down to Laguna Beach to take in the MotoGP races. These lists will come in very handy. Thanks to all who contributed.

Anyone else planning to attend Laguna Seca?

Bush

06-20-2006, 10:22 PM

Consider edible underwear. Sort of a multi function item that will free up space, and provide a snack, as you go!!