What is in my saddlebags? My road trip ESSENTIALS!!!

[@farcloud3701]

Right saddlebag: rain gear, tools (socket/allen wrench kit, pliers, multi-knife), flat kit, air pump, first aid kit Left saddlebag: antiseptic wipes, hand towel, waterx2, snack bars, kickstand pad, ties (will check out those Rokstraps)

[@keithfanks2836]

You missed one very important piece of gear … rechargeable jump starter pack. I thought I didn’t need one until the day when we were putting on rain suits and my friend left his hand grip warmers on. We were in the middle of Nowhere Kansas. Jump started his bike and off we went. Later I was working on my bike and left the ignition on..one dead battery. Jump started it and again we were off. The rechargeable jump stater I bought can be recharged with a USB connector so after I used it I’d plug it into the bike and it’s fully charged for the next time.

[@danieldayton3064]

Thanks for the rundown, Kevin. I genuinely appreciate all that you do to add value to the motorcycling community. One additional item that I carry is an emergency medical kit.

[@pauldenton8593]

Like others have said, I also carry a medical kit. Remember that it is important to inventory your medical kit because some of the items contained within do have expiration dates. I also carry an assortment of zip ties. They actually came in handy on my MKE trip this summer as I had a bolt fall off something out on the road. I was able to use the zip ties to secure the item in place until I could get it fixed. Thanks Kevin for all the great videos.

[@jimfarnell5813]

As noted in a previous comment, a first aid kit should be included… I also carry a small pack containing a variety of fuses… I’ve had several occasions over the years where either I or a riding companion had a key fuse fail… most auto parts stores carry inexpensive, compact, pre-assembled kits containing a variety of amperages & fit nicely into a saddlebag next to a small tool kit & have proven to be life savers when needing to restart in the middle of nowhere to get back on the road… You can also assemble your own using a small Tupperware container… Fuses are cheap, vital when needed & easy to store… Thanks, Kevin, for another useful video… 🏍️🏍️🏍️

[@_______-]

Good stuff. I take a puncture repair kit and mini compressor, small tool kit, cable ties, electrical tape, microfiber cloth and small visor spray bottle.

[@_______-]

...As for ATGATT agree that it's a personal choice. I never ride without gloves, and have casual style armoured gear and a mesh jacket which makes it easier in the summer. But when I cycle I'm happy enough in lightweight shorts and T-shirt, so see no need to get too religious about it when I'm hopping on the cruiser for half an hour on a Sunday afternoon. All the gear most of the time is fine for me.

[@judeschexnyder8008]

Another great video Kevin. I certainly back up your assessment of the Lee Parks Sumo gloves. I've worn several iterations of his gloves since 2006, both winter and summer. Absolutely the most comfortable gloves I've owned with no break-in required and they LAST. Those factors along with being 100% American made from deer skin sourced in the USA makes them worth the price.

[@Jasper_Tree]

Good stuff. I also carry a basic first aid kit, a tourniquet, a bottle of water, and a disc lock

[@pastorrick60]

A friend of mine was traveling through Wyoming when he had a catastrophic failure on his bike and was stranded. When he got back from his trip he told me that it was the umbrella he packed that saved him that day. There was not any shade to be found anywhere so he opened his umbrella and waited till his help arrived. I now carry a small umbrella at all times. In August I was returning from the Twisted Sisters with some friends and when we got to our next stop, one of the guys with me was overheating big-time. I grabbed my umbrella, took it to him, and he cooled down. Later he told me it was my umbrella that saved him that day.

[@DaisyDuck9]

One thing I always carry are Lysol wipes in case I come out from somewhere to find bird poop on the seat or handlebars. Also a suggestion for anyone who likes to alternate between the clear and tinted visors; I have a helmet from Harley-Davidson that has a clear visor but then has tinted sunglasses that flip down inside the visor when you need them (just use your left hand on the side of the helmet to slide them up/down).

[@feodiente9460]

I like M.C. Rider because hes the Mr. Rogers of Motorcycle content..💯 and for the record that plug is the truth I'm using it now.. it sticks out alittle but it's strong..for now

[@MCrider]

Won't you be my neighbor?

[@stl2kc]

I like the Duluth fire hose pants. I rode with a buddy who was also wearing a pair when he went down in a center median of an interstate. No damage to the pants, just grass stains.

[@billdonohue2389]

Left saddlebag, tools, 12v air compressor, tire plug kit, long wire ties, tape, bungee cords, cover, microfiber towels and glass cleaner. Left saddlebag, jacket, chaps, rain suit, gloves. These items never leave my bike.

[@keithfanks2836]

I added a spool of bendable wire to my kit. I think Harbor Freight has them for $1.00

[@oknevals]

That is pretty much what I carry. Hi viz rain gear, tire plugs and pump, few very basic tools. For my last trip between Austin and Hot Springs AR, I got me perforated Reax boots. OMG, what a difference that made. Rode back 507 miles in a day at 90-109F. It was brutal. Scorpion ADV jacket with convertable mash panels is my long trips choice in all seasons. Also, Helite air vest. Bull-it SR6 pants that look good and surprisingly comfy even in hot. Shemag. Stopping every hour and soaking all my gear in water gives me half an hour comfortable ride, 15 minutes of tolerable and 10-15 mins of brain boiling until finding place to stop.

[@mtkoslowski]

I also bought the Helite vest with the mechanical tether. How do you like yours? Is it working out for you? From Sacramento Ca.

[@oknevals]

@@mtkoslowski Saved my back shorty after I bought it 6 years ago and activated by accident couple times at slow drops. It is very heavy on long rides, especially when soaked in rain but, that is when I need it most or when commuting in heavy traffic. I take my chance on low traffic days when it is extremely hot, otherwise I think it is God's gift to riders.

[@donmoore481]

Over the 60 yers riding I have had more issues with a dead battery from leaving my ignition /headlight on or the battery just dying from old age. The new small emergency batteries that in a few minutes get you started and allow the engine charging to get you home have been a life saver several times. The one I carry is smaller than your tire patch kit, although that is vital too. BTW, Garbing heating jacket/paints are American made, and they will fix anything they make, no questions.

[@4940markhutchins]

I like your choice of riding gear! I am an LD touring rider on a Goldwing DCT Tour and I ride year round as much as I can, but weather is unpredictable here in Utah and surrounding states, and I have suffered both hyperthermia and heat exhaustion in the past because of crappy gear choices. In addition to my Shoei Neotec 2 helmet, I carry a system of riding gear adaptable to weather changes on my bike that works pretty well for me so far. My base layer is the same regardless of weather - an LD Comfort shirt under a Klim A1 Rally airbag vest. Cold weather options include a Hotwire heated liner and gloves and a packable down hoodie. I don't mess with zip in liners. Summer jacket is also Klim Induction and summer gloves are Klim as well. Cold weather jacket is a Joe Rocket textile (I'm exploring upgrade options). Riding pants are DYNS Kevlar lined jeans with armor, which are comfortable and good looking enough to wear on or off the bike. Boots are Dianese leather. My Rocket is water resistant, but I pack a Nelson Rigg Stormrider for heavy rains. Helmet, base layers, boots and jeans are always worn while the rest is interchangeable and packed on the bike. I'm always open to new ideas on riding gear, so this may evolve - who knows.

[@clemc5457]

Thanks Kevin. I bought the air pump you recommended. Tried it by removing some air from my front tire and using the pump to bring it to 37 lbs. The pump worked great and was fast. Confirmed the pressure with a digital tire gauge that I trust. It measured 37.5 lbs. No need to use my pancake compressor to do this anymore. 😊

[@ellenj8896]

Love your vids, and thanks for putting them out. My biggest issue is when I’m riding into a rising or setting sun. I solved the problem by putting a strip of black electrical tape across the top edge of my face shield and another along the very bottom edge of the shield. The purpose of the top strip is to block the sun when the shield is in the down position and the purpose of the strip of tape at bottom of shield is for when the shield is in the up position. It works amazingly well and I’m no longer blinded by the sun.

[@philgross3050]

I use a old pair of jeans I cut part of the leg off, slide that over the leg rain gear , good protector

[@stevek4449]

That’s one thing I like about my HJC I-90 helmet is the flip down sun visor and clear lens on the exterior.

[@pedesmolen]

Great rundown. Apart from a small toolkit, I would add a mini flashlight. It might come in handy when you need to stop somewhere at night and need to tighten a screw in less favourable light conditions. A couple of spare light bulbs will keep you safe if you ever encounter a problem there.

[@johnwoodworth4204]

When I have to start a ride in the dark to beat the TX heat I use a pair of yellow lens safety glasses, leave up the dark visor and keep my speeds reduced. The yellow helps in low light and foggy conditions to brighten things up. Agree on the Plexus. Not cheap but awesome cleaning power!

[@rggoodie]

Nice list of items- I also carry a First Aid Kit and a Fire Extinguisher (Element 50) small and compact

[@clemc5457]

Thanks Kevin. Here’s a few more things I carry: Plastic tie wraps laid loosely on the bottom of the saddlebag. A plastic bottle of water (not necessarily for drinking). Two ratchet style tie-downs. A kit with a few rubber bands, a foot or so of thin bailing wire, masking tape and electrical tape. A rubber wrist band, in the fairing pocket, to put on the brake lever in case the bike tips over. (Bike in gear keeps the back wheel from rolling. This keeps the front wheel from rolling when lifting it back up). Wrap the tape around a small piece of cardboard (matchbook size). Wrap the wire into a small coil. The whole kit fits in a small sandwich bag and weighs hardly anything. The rest of it really doesn’t take up that much room either.

[@edmargolin1365]

Thanks. Copied the list so I can order with your link. Been riding forever, but don't have a patch kit or pump. May go further. Time to get a few of your favorite items.

[@sammydalecarlton]

Thanks for the info. I carry a small first aid kit that stays in my tour pack

[@greghouston3998]

I always have a first aid kit in my saddlebag, guess it comes from my Scouting days of "Being Prepared". Love your videos as always, take care.

[@grumpyrider8801]

I'm actually surprised that you didn't mention a first aid kit, that would be my first item listed, I carry 2 one for others and a personal one for me. fortunately I have not needed to use either. along side of that my items change depending on which bike I'm on. with my 22 MT07 it is the first aid kits my EZpass extra gloves and glasses. transfer that to my 03 lowrider adding the tire kits, air compressor, tool roll, bungees ear plugs, glass cleaner and rags more gloves, on to my 14 street glide and all that plus a spare helmet with 2 visors, rain gear, aspirin, another pair of gloves,

[@danmercer214]

I also carry a first aid kit, zip ties, spare fuel, duct tape and tie wire.

[@amandadominguez5698]

Love the sisters. Great video

[@paineys3341]

One thing you missed, a battery power pack. This is the most useful accessory you can have, especially if your year old battery goes bad when riding in the mountains miles from anywhere on a Sunday afternoon ... ask me how I know! I have helped many a stranger whose battery has gone bad unexpectedly and who otherwise would be stranded

[@zakialherz1201]

tie-wires, multi-tool set, cable+lock, spare sun and reading glasses, hat, GPS, water bottle, snacks, hiking poles.

[@robertmann6890]

I bought a visor anti fog insert . It’s photo chromatic and turns dark when the suns out and clear at dark. Also keeps my visor from fogging inside. I also have a pop down shaded visor inside the helmet if it’s really sunny. I have sensitive eyes to sunlight.

[@patrickcoleman3]

I once strapped a frozen Chicken to the seat of my bike with a Occy strap we call them in Oz. I won the chook in a raffle at the pub by the way. Cheers.

[@johnburgess2084]

I was about to jump on this and say, "WHAT? No tool kit?" But you fixed that at the end. I see med kit mentioned. I'd also add cell phone, whistle, and, depending on where you are, and inReach, or some such satellite communicator. And to be super safe, have the whistle and communicator attached to your bod. You don't want to go flying one way, your motorcycle another, and not be able to get to your emergency communications equipment.

[@jimhelms1542]

On a cross-country trip almost ran out of gas ! You should know about That in Texas. Got to the harley dealer in sanfrisco bought the 1 gallon sattlebag can . Didn't need it but sure made me feel better. A buddy riding with me from the smokies did need some gas once sure glad I could help him out.

[@michaelmullen2991]

I've used pledge for years for cleaning my visors, works great plus it has a nice citrus sent😀 . I have used Shoei helmets for many years, my last one was an RF-1200 with a photochromic shield, now I have an FR-1400.

[@markmath2883]

Hmmm. First consideration is available space. Some folks list so much stuff it requires a U-Haul trailer. I believe you covered most of the basics except a backup battery starter, or at least a small set of battery jumper cables.

[@beepbop6697]

I gear up like you too, Kevin. Also in Texas. 9 months of summer (mesh only jacket). 3 months of spring/fall (mesh only jacket, or dedicated cold weather jacket). 1 or 2 weeks of winter (ice storms -- don't ride).

[@williamhall8421]

I agree with everything you carry but one. The stop and go puncture pilot i purchaced and carried was put to the test and it failed miserably. It was a roofing nail in the center of the tread and it leaked bad. Pushed it into the tire very easily and tried another and it leaked. Got a ride to the auto parts store and got a kit with rope plugs like I've used for years and sealed the puncture. I wore the tire out and tried to get the rope plug out and i gave up. It wouldn't come out. I was surprised at how easy the stop and go plugs pushed into the tire. Wrote to the company and they said the puncture was probably outside the range of the plug. It won't patch a roofing nail hole. I guess it's not the first time I wasted $60.00. Ryan Fortnine has a really good you tube video on tire plugs.

[@SMKreitzer1968]

Thanks Kevin! Lots of times I could use straps like you said, you never know.

[@MCrider]

These work really well, I can highly recommend them.

[@Smitty_b_Ridin]

I gave up frog togs for that very reason. I got tired of cleaning off my pipes after every time I road in the rain. I switched over to a Harley Rain suit and the problem went away.

[@therealkerberos2288]

I have a Tourniquet strapped to my handlebars. If you cut an artery, you have about 30 seconds to stop the bleeding.

[@stevena3446]

I don’t carry quite as much but I always have a MCRider cap in the saddlebag to protect my bald head during my stops.

[@hydrogen.jukebox]

I've owned some waterproof overpants and a pair of riding jeans, but the fabric in the jeans ripped just from riding normally and the overpants are too hot for the summer. When I commute, I like wearing separate Leatt knee/shin guards over the pants I work in that day, but I still know that there isn't a lot of abrasion protection there. The riding pants are great protection, but are often cumbersome or have a really weird fit to them, and are difficult to be comfortable in an everyday scenario. My new plan is to take some pants to a tailor to get them kevlar-lined for abrasion protection, since my impact protection is covered by an external guard. Should help me get some more comfortable level of protection for when I ride.

[@Mr1badb0y]

+1 n the Plexus, amazing stuff. I only wear the helmet n the truck at night.

[@BillBarnesLexSouthCarolina]

Great video, Kevin. Thanks!

[@thatguy8005]

When cleaning plastic, never do a swirling motion or it will craze your visor. Wipe back and forth in straight lines. But you know that from working on planes 😉

[@frankgonzalez534]

Four flats in one month 😮, I tell you there is some cruel people in this world! Be safe out there GBls… I enjoy your videos

[@MCrider]

Yes, I suspect there was someone behind it...

[@daveezell3045]

First aid kit probably because I am trained advance first aid and CPR person. Also I suggest everyone that is on an all day or longer road trip Water we usually need more water when we are riding and staying hydrated is soo important!

[@MCrider]

Good point, I had water with me as well.

[@stevenroney705]

I carry an extra battery for my key fob because I learned the hard way that it was something I should do.

[@steveknode4517]

Kevin, I always ride with leather chaps. Stopped for lunch once and my waitress asked about my chaps. Told her my horse was tied out back. I think she was on the way out to pet it when I confessed I rode a bike. She wasn’t amused.

[@ro2007]

Great video, thank you. Plexus at $68 per can on Amazon is a little too pricey. I use Rainex for plastic with great results at 10% of the Plexus cost.

[@ppartin1103]

Thanks for sharing the info

[@napster2576]

Hello Kevin and everyone as well. My two cents will be for a Flashlight or Flashlight's (rechargeable type and regular battery operated) if one goes down you still have the other . Stay safe and Keep on Riding!

[@beepbop6697]

Have you seen the portable jump starters with the flashlight built in? Looks like a beefy flashlight, that can also jumpstart your motorcycle if your battery dies.

[@keithfanks2836]

A small spool of wire is good to carry…. I grew up in the days when you always had a metal clothes hangar in your trunk incase an exhaust bracket broke. Lol

[@billvickers1367]

Thanks!

[@JackTRyan]

Extra bike ignition and saddle bag key(s).

[@eprohoda]

how’s everything going?, you did best ~😌

[@robertperry5272]

Great video

[@tvalecic]

I always take small bag with some money and cellphone, and bottle of watter

[@_skud]

thanks boss

[@ChaserTiponi]

Quick tip. I bought one of those tire pumps that plug into the accessory hole of a vehicle and immediately blew the fuse. Listen to his advice. Didn't get any air up on that deal then couldnt run anything till I replaced the fuse...

[@thatguy8005]

They make jeans with Kevlar inside. That is what I wear.

[@mtkoslowski]

I have subscribed to this channel for quite a while and have depended on it for good advice. Looking through the videos presented so far I haven’t seen a review on vest-type airbags. Would you be prepared to review this at some time? Thank you.

[@Birdoneful]

I bought the straps

[@tombuckley9759]

First aid kit and tourniquet always.

[@davidconde2402]

First aid kit

[@BrotherPhilo1958]

Since my bike has tubes, I carry a small bottle of Green Slime.

[@MichaelCesar-k1n]

Is there anything for temp flat repairs on spoke wheels with inner tubes?

[@robertwilson576]

I wonder if Fix-a-Flat or Slime would work. The tube is probably a write-off anyway.

[@JeanRoi]

I could see myself just slapping on some knee and elbow pads for a short commute. 🙂

[@Mike-cx2xs]

"One more thing", as Columbo would say. First Aid Kit, I've been embarassed not having one.

[@mkelley51]

I’d only add sunscreen.

[@markmath2883]

And your extra set of keys.

[@tlawson7354]

I just bought a 2021 Sport glide. I love having everything I need in my bags…. Not in this bike. The clam shell style is awful. There’s no other aftermarket options for swapping those bags other than leather. Not a fan of leather. If anyone has any aftermarket suggestions for a 21 Sportglide, I’d love to know. I need more room than I have now with the awful clamshell style.

[@T.C..]

What.....no snacks?