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Pack Smarter for Your Motorcycle Adventures

Writer's picture: OliverOliver

Planning a motorcycle tour is exciting, but packing can be a challenge - how do you pack everything you need without overloading your bike? Through years of riding, I have fine-tuned a packing list that fits comfortably into a 30-liter dry bag or single pannier, even for trips lasting up to two weeks without the need to wash during the tour.

By using compression bags or packing cubes, you can maximize your space and keep your gear tidy, ensuring a stress-free start to your adventure.



Packing Tips for Reducing Bulk and Weight

Choose Synthetic Over Cotton:

  • Synthetic fabrics are lighter, more compact, and offer better insulation than cotton.

  • Opt for synthetic trekking pants instead of jeans and a fleece jacket rather than a bulky cotton hoodie.


Multi-Functional Layers:

  • Bring mid-layers that double as insulation on the bike and a casual jacket off the bike.

  • This approach reduces the need to pack separate items for different purposes.


Underwear and Base Layers:

  • I prefer synthetic fibers for underwear and base layers as they dry in less than 12 hours and can be easily washed during the trip.

  • While merino wool provides excellent insulation and resists odors for longer, it takes significantly more time to dry if washed.


Casual Clothing:

  • For off-bike wear, I avoid packing a fresh T-shirt for every day. Instead, one T-shirt for every 3–4 days is sufficient since casual clothes aren’t worn all day.

  • Here, I prefer cotton T-shirts—it feels nice to get out of synthetics after a full day of riding.


Rain Gear:

  • I don’t bring additional bulky rain gear as all my motorcycle riding gear is made from waterproof Goretex, which provides excellent protection from the elements.


By following these strategies, you can minimize bulk and maximize comfort, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable motorcycle touring experience.


Packing List:

Regular Clothing (Off the Bike)

  • Underwear (preferably fast-drying synthetic) every 1-2 days

  • 1 pairs of normal socks (cotton) for every 3 days

  • 1 T-shirt (cotton) for every 3 days

  • Windbreaker / Rain jacket (lightweight)

  • Long Trekking Pants (convertible into shorts)

  • Sneakers (preferably light weight)

  • Toiletries

  • Swimwear

  • Sunglasses


Riding Gear

  • 1 Goretex Riding Suit - Waterproof (Pants & Jacket)

  • 1 Goretex Adventure Riding Boots

  • 1 lightweight 3/4-length base layer pants

  • 1 warm 3/4-length base layer pants for cold weather

  • 1 long-sleeve thermal base layer (warm)

  • 2 lightweight base layer T-Shirts (synthetic and merino wool)

  • Lightweight fleece (mid-layer)

  • Warm fleece (mid-layer)

  • 1 pairs of riding socks (lightweight wool) for every 3 days

  • 2 neck gaiters

  • 2 pairs of riding gloves (regular/light and waterproof/warm)


Other Useful Items

  • Earplugs (e.g. Alpine MotoSafe Pro)

  • Cardo communication system – (recommendation: Cardo Edge)

  • Clear visor (if you use a tinted visor)

  • Hydration backpack (Lightweight „runners“ version)

  • Airbag vest (Klim / In&Motion)


Tech Items

  • Cameras, Memory Cards, Batteries

  • Chargers / Plug Converters

 

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