How to Pack for a Motorcycle Camping Trip

Whether your bike is equipped with hard or soft cases, what goes in them is what's most important when planning a motorcycle camping trip. Space economy is vital, and every motorbike touring enthusiast has his own preferences for an overnight or a long-term camping trip. Here are a few tips that will make your next trip easier.

@!Instructions

Things You'll Need

Lightweight backpacking tent

Saddlebags

Bungee net

Camp stove

Freeze-dried food

1Double-check that your hard cases or saddlebags are secured to the bike according to the manufacturer's specifications.

2Pack a few rudimentary motorcycle tools, a camp stove, a few freeze-dried meals, flashlight, tent, lighter and matches, protein bars, a container of water, map, sleeping bag, inflatable pillow, travel-size toiletries, sunscreen, bug repellent, a change of clothes, mess kit and rain gear. Visit an outdoor supply store like REI for ideas of what to pack (see Resources). Choose small items, like the compact Pocket Rocket camp stove and travel-size sundries.

3Roll (don't fold) clothing and place them snugly in the bags. Utilize all of the pockets and compartments of your luggage. Keep items that you might need during the ride to the campsite--map, sunscreen, etc.--at the top of one of your bags so they are easily accessible.

4Strap down the tent to the outside of your bags with bungee cords or a bungee net so you don't waste space. Never attach gear to other gear; bungees should be strapped to the frame of the bike. Center the gear on the bike.

5Push and pull the gear in different directions once you're loaded up to see if it slides; adjust straps and bungees as necessary. Do a few quick turns once you get on the road (before entering heavy traffic) to make sure your gear is solidly strapped down and doesn't move. Check it at every stop.

Motorcycle Packing List

Motorcycles offer limited space for supplies so you need to know exactly what you need on a trip and what items are superfluous. Whether you are taking a day trip or an overnight camping trip, a motorcycle packing list can ensure you remember to pack basic motorcycle necessities such as a tool kit and spare fuses.

@!Motorcycle Necessities

On any trip you should always include motorcycle necessities on your motorcycle packing list in case of mechanical problems, change in weather or accidents on the road. For your own protection while riding a motorcycle, you need to have boots, socks, gloves for warm and cold weather, a helmet, leather jacket, earplugs, rain gear and sunglasses. You should also bring a bike cover, spare bulbs, a tool kit, a tire patch kit, chain oil, spare fuses, oil, windshield cleaner, needle nose pliers, a pocket knife, duct tape, electrical tape, a flashlight and a tire pressure gauge. To keep your bike and supplies safe, your motorcycle packing list should also include some type of security device such as a pad lock.

@!Documents and Navigational Tools

While on the road, you'll want to make sure you keep vital information and documents with you, such as driver's license, proof of insurance, registration papers, credit or debit cards and an AAA membership card. You'll want to pack your cell phone and cell phone charger as well as a pen and paper. You should list a map, GPS device and any books, travel guides or brochures you have for the area.

@!Personal Supplies

If you're planning an overnight trip or an extended trip, you want to make sure you pack casual, non-riding clothes and toiletries. Weather is variable and you might consider packing sneakers, hiking boots, sandals, sweat shirts, sweat pants, long underwear, shorts and swim wear.