The MUST DO's of Motorcycle Packing

[@rebeccaharris2273]

Great advice, taking my first week long trip in June 😊

[@RobertKnynenburg]

Things I have done for a short trip like a week: Wear those T shirt, socks and undies you never wear anymore or have a few holes, then after a day or two dispose of them in the garbage bin. I bought cheap clothes at Walmart if needed, or went to the post office and send back stuff I didn't need anymore. Bring only 1 or 2 T shirts if you know you are going to visit a touristic destination and get yourself a souvenir and put it on. Like Craig, don't overthink, be a bit flexible and creative

[@SwitzeroRider]

Another thing i do before going on a trip is: Packing and Unpacking 4, 5 maybe 10 times. That helps me to find the best way to pack AND to remember where things are, so I save time when i need them.

[@manuelcorchero-e4g]

Thank you for the advise

[@valvalentini987]

Spot on with your tips. The real big one is “ the routine” . You need to place everything in the same place every time. Saves a lot of headaches.

[@roccoracer]

I subscribed to your channel a few weeks ago. As a newer rider, I find your videos very informative and concise. I really appreciate your effort.

[@paulgoss7596]

Great concepts.....I would only add one more essential. Protection (that may mean many things to many people).

[@steve2515]

Hadn't thought of a tow rope . . . but that's a great idea . . . just bought a 20 footer on Amazon . . thanks for the tip.

[@retiredwaterdoctor]

Great tips....I usually pack a bit of food...couple days, and purchase fresh stuff along the way...not a person to do the dry and add water meals. Garth

[@brucebrentz476]

Craig, thank you for the great reminders I tend to over pack at times. Once again great video.

[@sphyrnidus]

Nicce sumary, thank you. I just updated our packing list last year and there are always things we throw out. We (the wife rides her own bike) don't pack more than two base layers and two shirts, aside from the riding gear. No jeans, those are bulky and never dry once wet. We use an outdoor pair of pants with a zip off. Three sets of underwear and three pair of socks. We have been on the rode for over 200 days in 2024. When we go really into the boonies, we always carry a fuel bladder (Giant Loop Armadillo) and not a spare tank. Quite often we don't bring camping gear anymore as it's very bulky and for example in South America and other places, campgrounds are not suitable for tent camping and hotels are relatively cheap.

[@frankcates3909]

I like your points for packing and not going nuts over it. An additional thing I always carry, a small fuel aluminum bottle about a qt.size. Takes very little space with huge benefits. Also a small battery pack to kick over a dead battery. Rock straps vs bungie cords because they're more secure for tightening down waterproof storage bags, etc.

[@terrynixon8152]

On the subject of carrying tools, there have been long threads on ADV forums about that. Some people carry a hundred-piece kit, no matter that there are only four fastener sizes on their bikes; and anyway, few problems can be fixed by the side of the road now. Others go around and see what sizes they need for what they can fix and carry just those few tools.

[@johnsikes5404]

I like to pack one side pannier with the may not use essentials, so I might not need to pack/unpack whole bike every day. Like all my camp items in the dry bag on seat so there are less trips to the bike. Can get by with less off bike clothing. The more you bring the longer it takes to get riding.

[@jamesduckworth3736]

Everything you imagine come straight from my playbook The only other thing I do is put all items not use while riding in the left saddleback the right saddlebag is used for tools and emergency items. The right side is also father away from the roadside and traffic to stay safe. And both of my saddle bags are weighed out within a pound of two. Great video keep them coming Jduck

[@jrforeman279]

A place for everything and everything in its place.

[@NedRochford]

Timely video, Craig. I ride with two quick drying shirts and undies. Wash one set every night which leaves the other ready to go for the next day. Have one shirt/jeans combo for non riding time such as dinner, museums and tours. If traveling in the south, do not forget your sunscreen and swim suit! Ned in SC

[@jamesbonner5989]

I also carry a small battery jump starter. Don't what if yourself is grate advice..

[@mars0030]

I use a checklist that's evolved through the years. Ranges from remembering reading glasses to checking my puncture glue hasn't gone hard, take spare keys etc.

[@Winter_Sportster]

As I pulled away from the house, I considered myself entering "The Walmart Zone". If I'd forgotten something, or purposely DIDN'T pack something I'd turn out to need, Walmart usually had it.😀 Great video...Again!

[@andrespabloviacava7861]

O have a check list and after each travel it gets smaller

[@motormikeb1047]

I use my luggage rack for quick access for the duck suit... ( rain gear, boots..the whole kit )..... this allows more room in my panniers... For camping I take the sidecar rig.... large tent.... twin sized air mattress... sheets .... pillows.. 2 !... chair.. etc etc... I line the sidecar first with a plastic ground cloth... then layer pack it with the last item I need for the tent... I don't roll anything... IE: sleeping bag... I found ev everything packs more and better laid flat.... once loaded.... I cover with another plastic ground tarp.... the duck suit is secured to the sidecars luggage rack.... I use 2 cargo nets... independent of each other... if one fails... I have the back up.... Years ago I had one break a loop while riding... ...This works well for solo camping.... it's only a 500 single but rolls along at a steady 50-55 mph .... 1200 miles... No interstates ! On distant road adventures I take the Interceptor with Cravin's panniers.... and treat myself to motels.... I use to be the " go go go ... we got daylight " rider.... Now.... at 73... I hit the road... 8-ish.... and find a room at 5-ish... the mile between the time.... doesn't seem as important ... I check a website for weird.. goofy " wallet stops "... world's biggest fiberglass cow... world's largest frying pan...birthplace of Superman... ... if the local church is having a noon chicken dinner for a new roof... I like fried chicken... and if you take a wrong turn and wind up at the Canadian border.... Hey.. it happens .... ! 😎

[@mmcguire5687]

Riding a Honda F6B with saddle bags but no trunk, I tend to pack all bike related stuff in the bags, such as bike cover, tools, rainsuit, heavy waterproof gloves, etc etc. my personal gear goes in a waterproof duffle that goes on the back seat / luggage rack. At night, I only have to take the one bag off the bike. Clean and simple is the way to go for me.

[@mikeschmiesing5699]

When we travel my wife and I for a long trip, I pull a trailer. 😂. Apparently my wife has things she needs to bring with. 😊

[@LTVoyager]

I take a credit card for the “what ifs.”

[@jimc778]

Great stuff, and good advice. What type of cigars do you smoke and do you bring cigars with you or buy them on the road?

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

I have done both, buying some and bringing them too. Last trip I bought on the road. There are a number I like, Oliva Series V, La Aroma De Cuba Mi Amore, San Cristobol Revelation, and many of the Camacho brand. Lately I have been buying some Fumas bundles. I have some Bahia that are very good.

[@rstreno]

Good video. Any thoughts on security while traveling? Both personal and motorcycle? I'm trying to get over a fear of leaving the bike unattended outside my hotel room.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

I've been all over the country and Canada, never had a problem personally or with the bike. I try to pick hotels or motels in good areas and I park where there are lights, generally near the entrance. I also cover the bike. Out of sight, out of mind.

[@NorCal-refrigeration]

You can also purchase medical helicopter 🚁 and ambulance insurance for the year for a couple hundred bucks. Just in case.

[@BrotherBurr]

This is a great biker community! Thanks for the useful info. Question: what emergency / flat tire repair kit does everyone recommend? I have pressure gauge and hand held air pump. Thanks!!

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

I have the old rope and glue plug kit and a battery powered pump from Fanttik. Love the digital guage and ability to set the desired pressure on the pump.

[@4940markhutchins]

If I can’t pack my camp chair and cot, I ain’t going!

[@DavidNewmanDr]

You forgot to mention packing cameras and drones.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Most people don't do that...but yeah electronics is a category.

[@LTVoyager]

You are positively glowing in this video … literally! 😂

[@allenantonio4389]

This what Santa does on his off time...Thanks for information ...You travel around world !!!