On most of my riding I'm not on a trip but day riding close to home and the saddlebags are not on the bike (Goldwing excepting). I leave a top box on the bike all the time. In the top box I carry an old tank bag as an organizer of little stuff I like to have like lip balm, tylenol, glass cleaner & microfiber cloth, a leatherman multitool, earplugs, charge cord for Sena, small flashlight, small odds and ends. I might have a jacket liner/extra layer, different gloves depending on the time of year. I try and keep it empty enough so I can put my helmet in there if I am away from the bike. On trips I keep it mostly empty and keep room for a helmet, gloves, jacket and bike cover. Also the laptop if I take it on the trip.