Motorcycle trip packing guide…….So I’m standing there—at the edge of a gas station parking lot in the middle of Utah. One flip-flop on, helmet still on my head like a moron, digging through my saddlebags and muttering, “Where the hell is my toothbrush?”
Spoiler: I didn’t pack it.
This is not the first time I’ve messed up. It’s also not the last. But somewhere along the way, I figured out a rough (and I mean rough) system that gets me from point A to… wherever the road leads, without completely falling apart in a pile of bungee cords and ramen packets.
So yeah—here’s my motorcycle trip packing guide. The good, the bad, and the kinda embarrassing.
The Big Truth About Packing for a Motorcycle Trip
It’s not about what you think you need—it’s about what you’ll actually use.
Like, do you really need that third pair of jeans? Nope. But you will need chain lube and your backup charger and, yes, baby wipes (don’t argue with me on this one).
Let’s break this up in the most chaotic but useful way I can manage.
🧥 Gear That Matters (Even When You Think It Won’t)
🏍️ The “I-Should-Just-Wear-This-24/7” Setup:
- Helmet – Duh. Full-face or modular, your head will thank you.
- Jacket – Mesh for summer, waterproof liner for surprises.
- Gloves – Two pairs: one breathable, one waterproof. Because soggy gloves are evil.
- Pants – Riding pants with armor or Kevlar jeans. Shorts are cute until gravel says hi.
- Boots – Real boots. Not sneakers. Not Crocs (seriously, Steve).
I wore thin sneakers once on a ride through New Mexico. Walked through cactus needles. 0/10. Would not recommend.
🎒 Luggage & Bags: Tetris for Adults
Here’s where it gets spicy. You will not fit everything. Accept it.
My Setup (aka “Bag Salad”):
- Saddlebags – Left for gear/tools, right for clothes.
- Tail bag – Sleep stuff, if I’m camping.
- Tank bag – Snacks, charger, notebook, sunglasses, random pebbles I pick up for no reason.
And always use dry bags. You think it won’t rain. It will.
🧼 Personal Stuff (AKA: Please Don’t Smell Like an Old Tire)
Let’s keep it real. You’re gonna stink. But you don’t have to reek.
Essentials:
- Toothbrush (I swear I pack it now. Mostly.)
- Travel-size toothpaste
- Deodorant (no “natural” experimentations on the road, please)
- Wipes. WIPES. (Scented or unscented, I don’t care—just bring them)
- Shampoo/soap bar (those combo ones are weirdly great)
- Nail clippers – yes, this made the list because long nails + gloves = pain
🛠️ Tools & Stuff That Saves the Day (Or Your Butt)
Stuff I Always Pack:
- Multi-tool – Swiss Army or Leatherman. Either way, it makes you feel way cooler than you are.
- Tire repair kit – Plug or patch kits. Even if you “never” get flats.
- Mini air compressor or CO₂ cartridges – Trust me. Blowing into the tire with your mouth won’t work.
- Duct tape + zip ties – If it moves and shouldn’t? Tape it.
- Chain lube – Especially for long rides. Dry chains make sad noises.
One time I zip-tied a headlight into place using a pen cap and dental floss. Not proud. Not ashamed.
🧦 Clothes: A Fine Balance Between “Prepared” and “Feral”
Here’s my deal: I bring just enough to feel semi-human, and no more.
My Go-To List:
- 2 quick-dry t-shirts
- 1 thermal/long sleeve
- 3 pairs of socks (wool. Even in July. You’ll get it.)
- 2 pairs of underwear (rotate + air dry method, baby)
- 1 pair of casual pants
- Flip flops (for campground showers or lazy gas stops)
If I need more? I’ll find a laundromat or wear something inside-out and pretend it’s edgy.
🛏️ Camping Stuff (If You’re Into Sleeping with Nature and Bugs)
Camping can be awesome… or a full-blown mosquito nightmare.
Bare Minimum:
- Tent (packable, not your dad’s 6-person monstrosity)
- Sleeping bag + pad
- Headlamp
- Power bank
- Tarp (multi-use: groundsheet, rain cover, emergency blanket, picnic mat, superhero cape)
Also, maybe one of those tiny folding stools if you don’t love sitting on rocks. Because sitting on rocks hurts.
🥪 Food, Snacks & Weird Cravings
You’d be shocked how often you’ll skip meals “because I just wanna keep riding.” Don’t. Eat.
Must-Haves:
- Trail mix or protein bars
- Jerky (or vegan jerky if you’re into that)
- Electrolyte tabs or powder
- Reusable water bottle (hydration = non-cranky biker)
Bonus: Always carry a secret emergency snack. Mine’s peanut M&Ms.
📱 Gadgets That Make Life Easier (Or Just Less Annoying)
- Phone mount + waterproof case – For those mid-ride Google searches like “nearest open gas station.”
- Bluetooth headset – For music, directions, or yelling “WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIS” at your GPS
- Paper map – Because phones die. And because you’ll feel like Indiana Jones.
- Chargers + backup battery – Your phone is your life line. Don’t let it croak.
Also, one of those itty-bitty microfiber cloths to clean your visor. Game-changer.
✍️ Random But Genius Add-Ons (That Seem Dumb Until They Save You)
- Notebook + pen – For weird thoughts, doodles, or sketching dogs you meet
- Carabiners – Dry your socks on the back of your bike, MacGyver style
- Hand sanitizer – Because bathrooms are a gamble
- Spare key – Hide it somewhere on your bike. Don’t ask how I learned this one.
🧠 My Packing Hack System (It’s Kinda a Hot Mess But It Works)
I don’t fold things, roll ‘em and put socks in shoes. I stuff shirts into helmet liners. Everything goes into packing cubes or dry sacks labeled things like “STINKY STUFF” and “CLOTHES I PRETEND ARE CLEAN.”
And I always leave space. You’ll pick stuff up along the way. A sticker. A rock. A regret. Gotta make room.
🚫 Stuff I Always Pack and Never Use
- That second pair of gloves “just in case”
- A full-size shampoo bottle
- My GoPro (I forget to turn it on. Every. Time.)
- Books (I think I’ll read. I never do.)
🤷 Final Thought about motorcycle trip packing guide
So yeah, this is your motorcycle trip packing guide, from someone who has forgotten everything from socks to sanity. Just remember: you don’t need everything. You need the right things. And maybe a snack.
Pack light. Ride far. Smell weird. Be happy.
Catch you on the road, friend. ✌️🏍️
🧭 Bonus Links
- ADV Pulse Packing Tips
- FortNine’s Hilarious Packing Video – warning: sarcastic Canadian humor inside
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