Motorcycle Touring Gear Guide……You ever pack for a trip and halfway through think, “Did I pack deodorant or was that last week’s memory?” Now imagine that—but on two wheels—zooming through places where you may or may not find a gas station for the next 87 miles.
Welcome to the wild, slightly ridiculous, completely addictive world of motorcycle touring gear.
First off, if you’re planning your first (or fifth) big ride and you’re standing in your garage staring at your bike like it’s gonna whisper what to bring… yeah, been there. Spoiler: it doesn’t.
But don’t worry—this isn’t some sterile checklist written by someone who’s never even touched a throttle. I’ve overpacked, under-packed, lost socks in saddlebags, and straight-up bought gear I hated after two hours on the road. So, consider this my “I learned the hard way so maybe you won’t have to” guide to choosing the right gear for your motorcycle touring adventure.
Let’s Get This Straight: The Right Gear Matters
I once wore a cheap rain suit on a 500-mile ride through Tennessee in early fall. Looked like a trash bag with zippers. Somewhere around hour four, the crotch seam gave out and water pooled. I do not recommend swamp butt in 50-degree weather.
The right motorcycle touring gear isn’t about looking cool (though bonus if you do)—it’s about surviving long hours on the road comfortably, staying protected when the weather acts up, and being prepared when things don’t go as planned (which, honestly, is like 73% of touring).
🧥 1. Riding Jacket: Your Mobile Home’s Front Door
What I thought I needed: A cool-looking leather jacket
What I actually needed: A weatherproof, armored jacket with ventilation and enough pockets to carry a small raccoon
I now swear by textile jackets with zippered vents, CE-rated armor, and waterproof liners. The one I ride with now has 10 freaking pockets. I still forget which one holds my chapstick, but that’s not the point.
Pro tip: Try it on with your backpack or hydration pack on. Some jackets dig into your neck like an angry cat when layered wrong.
🩳 2. Pants: Not Just Fancy Leg Sleeves
Okay, I used to ride in jeans. Regular Levi’s. Thought I was a rebel. Also thought friction burns were a myth. They’re not.
Now I ride in armored touring pants. Some are overpants (go over your jeans), others are standalone. Get the waterproof ones. Just trust me.
Weird thing I didn’t expect? The feeling of finally getting pants that don’t bunch up or split when you swing your leg over the seat? Euphoric.
🥾 3. Boots: The MVPs of Roadside Pee Stops
A good pair of riding boots is like your ride-or-die buddy. They’ve gotta be waterproof, comfy enough to walk in, and armored so your toes don’t snap like pretzels if things go south.
I once wore hiking boots. They were fine—until a freak thunderstorm and I ended up walking into a gas station with soaked socks making squelch noises. Everyone looked. I pretended it was the bike.
Now I roll with boots that zip and velcro (double secure), reinforced toe box, and enough flex to run from snakes if I absolutely had to.
🧤 4. Gloves: You’ll Miss Them When They’re Bad
Riding with bad gloves is like texting with wet mittens. And if your hands are frozen, you’re not shifting. You’re just cursing.
I keep two pairs:
- A lightweight ventilated pair for hot weather
- A waterproof, insulated pair for cold and rainy days
Also, touchscreen fingertips are the MVPs of modern riding. I don’t care if it feels gimmicky—you’ll bless past-you when it’s raining and your GPS goes rogue.
🪖 5. Helmet: Obviously, but Also… Not So Obviously
So yes, wear a helmet. Duh. But not just any helmet.
Get a touring helmet. They’re usually quieter, more comfortable for long hours, and have good airflow. Flip-up (modular) helmets are great for when you wanna sip coffee at a rest stop without pulling the whole thing off like a sweaty turtle.
If your helmet fogs up every five seconds? You’ll hate your life. Anti-fog visors or pinlocks = a blessing.
🧳 6. Luggage: Saddlebags, Tank Bags & My Overpacking Problem
I once packed five shirts for a three-day trip. Didn’t wear half. Forgot my phone charger. Typical.
Hard panniers are great if you’re riding long distance and want security. Soft bags are lighter and less bulky. I personally use a tank bag with a clear map pocket (yes, maps—when your GPS dies mid-desert, you’ll thank me).
Oh, and bungee cords. Just… always bring a couple. And zip ties. I don’t even wanna explain why.
🎧 7. Comfort Add-Ons: Not Necessary, But So Necessary
These aren’t required, but if you skip them, you’ll eventually circle back around like I did.
- Earplugs. Wind noise is a sneaky little stress monster.
- Gel seat pad or sheepskin cover. Unless you’re into numb butt.
- Hydration pack. I used to think I could just stop and drink water. Turns out I never did, and then I’d feel like a raisin by lunch.
🎒 8. The “Oh Crap” Kit
You know that thing you packed but thought you’d never need? Yeah, bring those.
- Tire repair kit
- Mini air compressor or CO2 cartridges
- Chain lube (and small rag)
- First aid kit (even if you only use the band-aids for blisters)
- Zip ties (again, always)
I keep all of this in a small tool roll under the seat. Has saved me and two strangers.
😂 Bonus: Stuff I Regret Bringing for Motorcycle Touring Gear Guide
- A full-size shampoo bottle. Why??
- A camping stove I never used because I just kept eating gas station burritos
- A paperback book. Who reads when your hands are falling off from clutching 400 miles?
Final Thoughts from My Poorly Packed Saddlebag Brain about Motorcycle Touring Gear Guide
If I could sit across from you right now—grimy helmet on the table, coffee in hand—I’d say this:
Don’t aim for perfection. Aim for practical, comfortable, and somewhat weatherproof. You’ll figure out your groove after a few rides. Everyone does.
Some gear will be awesome, some might be… meh. You’ll get blisters, forget socks, ride into unexpected rain, and laugh your ass off when you pull into a motel soaked, hungry, and loving every second.
That’s the beauty of it. Motorcycle touring gear isn’t just about what you wear—it’s how you wear the ride.
Outbound Links You Might Enjoy:
- FortNine’s brutally honest motorcycle gear reviews — (Because you want reviews with personality)
- RevZilla’s touring gear section — A rabbit hole, but a good one.
