What to pack and think about when going on a motorbike tour

[@reinmansmith]

A definite ’plus 1’ for the Rohan shirts. Not only do they wash and dry easily but, like merino base layers, they’re designed to be worn over a number of days without getting sweaty or smelly 👍

[@reinmansmith]

Like you say, it’s surprising how little you need to take. I’m a big fan of layering because you can adjust as the temperature changes and a major plus is to have a heated jacket, which also doubles as a casual jacket off the bike if needed. A merino base layer, my Keis heated jacket, Klim Zephyr windproof, Klim breathable Marrakesh jacket with a Scott waterproof over the top for when it’s wet allows me to adjust from sub zero temperatures through to hot temps. The adjustability that a heated jacket gives you is great because you don’t have to take anything on or off just adjust your heat level as say you climb a mountain pass, going from no heat required in the valley to being warm and cosy above the snow line as you climb 👍

[@TheJmebe]

Great advice. Wicking under layers - like for skiing, it's nylon you need. AKA technical fabric. A % of Elastane in the nylon makes it stretchy. Preferably 0 % cotton. This stuff can be bought as non branded gear for fractions of the cost. Can be brought in very thin or thicker 'thermals'. I use same stuff on bike and skiing. (also helps slide into the protective gear easily). I sometimes wondered how my waterproof bike trousers felt wet inside - it was of course, my sweat being wicked from the nylon base layer.

[@simonwardlesw]

Great advice on packing, may be an idea to compose a list we could download as a checklist..

[@RiderCamTV]

Will see what we can do :)

[@s111nps]

I always take my old t shirts and socks/pants, and dispose of them while away. That way I have clean stuff everyday and space in the panniers to bring stuff home. I also find it useful if there’s more than one bike on tour, to share the carrying of tools and chargers between the bikes. You only need one tyre inflator and one puncture kit etc between you. Keeps the weight down. Thanks for the content.

[@vlastikb]

In general, I buy one tourist-tacky t-shirt on all my holidays, which means I don't need to pack so much, I'll have something clean to wear and I bring a souvenir to remind me of all the good times. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@paulturner46]

Great video with useful tips.... although I don't think I can bring myself to wear crocs outside of putting the bins out! Good luck with RiderCamTV Tours and hope to join you one day.

[@RiderCamTV]

Hey buddy. Thanks for the nice words. Hope to see you on a tour soon :) oh and crocs are fab 🤣

[@mikelyford]

CROCS.. The Marmite of footwear! I’m in the Not Crocs camp, personally. As an alternative, I packed a pair of “Hey Dude” canvas slip on shoes. (Dubious brand name, but great shoes) for my tour in France this year. Very light weight, flatten down well and are ok to do a bit of walking in. But.. if hospital porter is the look you’re going for, then crack on with the Crocs!👍 I also packed some Dr.Beckman’s wash sheets. About the size of an A5 card, they dissolve in water for doing your laundry. Take up no room (you’d only need a couple cut in half) and are a proper clothes washing detergent.

[@RiderCamTV]

Oh cool. Thanks for the tip about the wash sheets. Crocs all the way!! Hahah

[@reinmansmith]

@@RiderCamTVbut Crocs with socks??? Nooooo!! You need help from the style Police lol 😆

[@essex__rider]

Thanks guys.

[@philliplum3845]

Great informative video.. I have to organise due to being 2 up... And you try to tell the missus what she can't take lol..

[@BlackSniperElit]

I'd love to hear your take on camping.

[@markholroyd3233]

Ha! Not for me I’m afraid… I ticked that box a long time ago but give RiderCamTV Tours a go I’m sure we can convert you to a decent bed each night.

[@RiderCamTV]

Some of my best biking experiences have been camping and not having a plan in Europe, although it’s nice to use hotels and not have to take all the camping equipment :)

[@BlackSniperElit]

@@RiderCamTV I would love to see a video about that.

[@WDXash]

I have a list… but it’s always good to reappraise and update. Nitrile rubber gloves and a handful of various size polythene bags can be useful.

[@richedwards4651]

I'm happy as long as you fold to ' book' size 😊

[@markholroyd3233]

If you know, you know… BR1938 a mighty tome… Oilskins were a nightmare.

[@edgybikercop]

Good to know

[@mikedignum1868]

The original video was the first one I watched-it must have been 5-6 years ago? I was going on my first tour with you guys. FYI - You can thank the film Idiocracy for giving us Crocs.

[@MADTASS]

Do you Ever have Problems with Bike Security, Watched a Fast Bikes Vid Years Ago and they had 3 Bikes Stolen from the Hotel Whilst in Europe, not sure which Country.

[@markholroyd3233]

After 24 tours all over Europe it’s never been an issue. That said I always use a disc lock and the bike has a Monimoto tracker which has always been better than DataTag. The only place where it could have been an issue was in Edinburgh where the hotel provided each bike with a disc lock and a chain… Apparently bike theft is a problem in Edinburgh.

[@MB-qk5it]

I would love to come on your first tour, but then I saw the price😮

[@RiderCamTV]

Cheaper than most ;)

[@nicholascrocker4329]

To tour by motorcycle, take twice the money and half the luggage.

[@markbritt6831]

Hi guys here in Australia you never clean your bike while on tour 😮😮

[@RiderCamTV]

🤣🤣

[@stalbansbiker]

Hi I always wonder why anyone would not have an idea of what to take Just take what you need and as long it fits on the bike Why would anyone take towels and soap The main thing is surely a credit card so you can allways by bits and pieces if you need something My kids ware Crocs I hate them and would ban them 😂

[@CaptainCaveman782]

People build it up by experience, Europe and Remote regions in Asia are very different requirements. I have see many seasoned bikers take all sorts of equipment, sat phones yet no First aid kit.

[@RiderCamTV]

Some people haven’t toured before and we find that the small things become big worries and lots of people take so much stuff, so it’s always good to try to help out fellow bikers ;)

[@fuglbird]

Worrying what to bring when you stay in hotels? What a joke. My girlfriend and I went camping in Germany, Switzerland, France and Monaco in 1979 on my Suzuki GT550. Tent, mattresses and sleeping bags went into an old kit bag. Paper maps, guide books and camera went into the tank bag. One pannier each for clothes except for the stove in one and toiletry bag and oil in the other. We never needed to change our packing plan. This summer I went camping in Harz solo. The bike felt empty.

[@nigehaworth]

Yep, seems that back in the 80’s packing was easier, I also camped 2-up in Europe several times, my guess is that the younger me and pillion needed far fewer creature comforts and there was no tech to think about!

[@fuglbird]

​@@nigehaworth I would say that touring on a bike has become much easier. We need less tools today.

[@RiderCamTV]

Different people Worry about different things. Packing for a tour is a personal thing and don’t forget some people are just starting out. If it helps it’s all good