What to pack for a short ride, a day ride or a multi-day motorcycle trip
2 min read
The longer the ride, the more you need to carry, and the less room you have for anything you won't use. Here's what to pack for a ride of a few hours, a full day and several days. Each list builds on the one before it.
Your helmet, gloves, protective jacket and boots go on every ride, so they aren't in the lists.
A ride of a few hours
Keep it to the essentials:
- Wallet, ID and insurance details
- Phone and charger
- Sunglasses or clear goggles
- A small first-aid kit
- A light rain jacket or windbreaker, if the weather might turn
- A small water bottle or hydration pack
- A basic tool kit: tire pressure gauge, multi-tool and tire plug kit
A day ride
Everything from the short ride, plus:
- Navigation: Detecht on your phone, or a GPS device
- A portable charger, to keep your phone going all day
- An extra warm layer, such as a light jacket or thermal liner
- Spare gloves, to switch to if your pair gets wet
- Snacks or energy bars
- A compact camera or action camera, if you want footage of the ride
- A tank bag or saddlebags, with bungee cords or a cargo net to secure the load
A multi-day trip
Everything from the day ride, plus:
- Several pairs of gloves and socks
- Base layers for both warm and cold days
- A full tool kit: spare parts, tire repair supplies and chain maintenance tools
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes) and a small travel towel
- Compact camping gear, if you're camping
- A spare key for the bike
Book where you'll sleep before you leave, or look up campgrounds along the route if you're camping.
