I was thinking that with the weather getting better and spring approaching, it was time to rethink how to pack when distance traveling via motorbike.

I find my most successful packing experiences are ones that I actually think out and lay out and look at, then cut back by 1/2. Less is better when moto-traveling, for less weight on the bike and less to schlug into wherever you are overnighting.

First off, let me say, that I don’t moto-camp. I just don’t do it. I haven’t loved camping since I was a kid, and just can’t seem to get my head around it now. Also, I can’t imagine all the extra gear and weight I’d have to pack on my Bandit. With this qualifier, I am simply packing to travel by motorbike without camping gear.

I motel or stay with friends or web-friends.

Here is a list of necessities for me:

Tank Bag
Spot
Ipod
Cellphone
Digital camera

Insurance card and registration in ziploc (some family photos too)
Snack
Drink (energy drink or coffee drink)
Duct tape/electrical tape
Leatherman tool
Self-generating flashlight
First Aid kit
Meds
Chapstick
Sunscreen
Bug Repellent
Mini toilet paper
Chain cleaner/lube/rag
Plexus
Ziploc bags/Zip ties
Small binoculars
Spare fuses/bulbs
Tire plug kit
Spare key

Riding Gear
Touring Jacket and Pants with armor
Helmet
Heated Gear
Boots
Vented Gloves
GPS

Saddle Bags
Side one bag
Clothes in ziploc baggies to stay dry and one large ziploc to haul in the small baggies.
Spare scrip glasses
5 undies
2 t-shirts
1 long-sleeved shirt (underarmor)
2 socks
1 spare bra
1 jeans
1 pair shorts
1 Nice blouse
1 skirt/dress
flipflops
swim wear
walking shoes

Side two bag
All the motogear
Toiletries
Small travel makeup
Bag of chargers and extra batteries

Tail Bag which sits on the pillion seat
12″ laptop
Drawing book and pencils
Book
Maps
2 small bottles wine
Camelbak

This list is ever-changing but you get the idea. It shrinks or grows with planned road days.

I use a Rapid Transit travel system and have been very happy with these bags.

Tank Bag

FEATURES
* Wind/Water resistant 1000D nylon construction
* Scratchguard rubberized contact fabric
* Magnetic mounting system
* Integrated tank protector
* Backpack convertible
* Hydration Ready
* Audio Ready System
* Map window
* Cell phone storage
* Eyewear storage
* Rain cover
* Reflective stripe
* 40cm x 26cm x 18cm storage (18.7 Liters)
* 15.8″ x 10.2″ x 7.1″ storage (1144 cubic in.)

Recon 23 Tail Bag

FEATURES
* Wind/Water resistant 1000D nylon construction
* Scratchguard rubberized contact fabric
* Quad-adjust bungee mounting system
* Audio Ready System
* Shoulder strap
* Reflective stripe
* 34cm x 26cm x 26cm storage (23 Liters)
* 13.4″ x 10.2″ x 10.2″ storage (1394 cubic in.)

Recon 77 Saddle Bags

FEATURES
* Wind/Water resistant 1000D nylon construction
* Scratchguard rubberized contact fabric
* Expandable main compartment
* Hook and loop adjustable system
* Quad-adjust mounting system
* Heat and water resistant bottom
* Reflective stripe
* Rain cover
* 49cm x 28cm x 28cm each (76.8 Liters)
* 19.3″ x 11″ x 11″ each (2335 cubic in.)

That pretty well sums it up…if you have any questions…don’t hesitate to ask via comments!