What to bring on a big trip!

[timtyler]

i'm about to take my r 1200 rt across country, leaving around sept 5th. as a new forum member i'd like to start a new thread for the trip. i can't find the new thread button. any help is appreciated. not sure if this is the appropriate way to go about this. if not, please accept my apologies.

Start New Thread

[Polarbear]

Have a good cross USA trip, starting on a good day. We all tend to pack way too much stuff, always thinking "I need that" and rarely using it(if at all) along the way! Mine are tools, cooking stuff and usually too much clothing. I like my tools along, mostly NOT using them, cook out maybe 3-4 times in a several week journey and always carry too many clothes! Can I learn? Probably not after a lifetime of this. Bigger saddlebags, more seems better(NOT) Randy

[kantuckid]

Use/wear underwear that's easy to wash out-many brands that are good.Same for other clothes-many trips later I actually get fairly close to not packing too many clothes & not forgetting the important ones. Good luck!

[dadayama]

A friend brings his old t-shirts/cloths and throws them away as he travels ,he'd be in trouble if he was on the road for to long!

That is actually a good idea... made me laugh...

[kantuckid]

Thanks for all the info so far... I have taken note of it all. I think i will on this trip bring my water filter, though i have never used it. I went to the the suggested thread and read over the giant, giant camping list... but at least it gives you ideas of what you might want to bring...

Thanks again...

peter

From the voice of an unpleasant experience: Don't use a water filter that lacks a virus feature. It cost me 1/3 my kidney function! Many out there & in common use only do Chripto & Giardia. sp., so beware.

Another neat idea is to hide an extra key on your bike. Believe it or not: I did this a year ago when I got on a combo of "make your wallet smaller" & "how to hide a key on your bike in an ideal spot" & last time bike was in my shop- I CANNOT FIND THE KEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! After taking apart every light and the list goes on, I gave in & ordered a spare blank on ebay from Hong Kong for $2.55 pstg pd this week.

[AKsuited]

You might want to add these to your list:

* spare eyeglasses
* sunscreen
* cell phone
* small flashlight
* packable hat, i.e. Tilley
* something to clean faceshield


Harry

[dadayama]

You might want to add these to your list:

* spare eyeglasses
* sunscreen
* cell phone
* small flashlight
* packable hat, i.e. Tilley
* something to clean faceshield


Harry

Thanks... those are all on my list... 8 days till i leave... my wife was making fun of me tonight because i started to pack... I'm excited what can i say!

been thinking about weather... starting from hot Oklahoma heading through mountains in Colorado then the Utah Backcountry Discovery Route... If i bring a bunch of cold weather gear is is all going to stay in storage?

[AKBEEMER]

If i bring a bunch of cold weather gear is is all going to stay in storage?

If you are lucky.

[Paul_F]

If i bring a bunch of cold weather gear is is all going to stay in storage?

I doubt it. Weather forecasts indicated that the weather was going be warm for my visit to the Vermont Rally last weekend and therefore the electrics were left at home. Mistake; Sunday's ride home was very cool for me. At this time of year, weather and elevations make taking warm gear along a must.

Have a good (warm) trip.

[sb955i]

Here's my list for a Toronto to Calgary via Missoula ride.. 3 weeks on the road goofing about.. Sorry, no camping.

- 2 pairs sink-washable underwear (merino wool)
- 2 pairs Nike riding socks (synthetic, anti-stink)
- 1 synthetic Under-armor riding shirt, again sink washable
- 1 pair mid-weight Helly Hansen long undies
- 1 North Face wind proof jogging / hiking jacket
- 1 Widder heated vest
- 1 pair zip off Columbia pants/ shorts
- 1 pair swim trunks
- 1 long sleeve Under-armor flats - fishing shirt for casual dining etc.
- 1 Tilley hat
- 1 pair pj's
- Klim goretex riding gear, goretex boots, helmet, cool and hot weather gloves
- toiletries ( don't forget sunscreen, Advil yada yada)
- a bunch of Tide sink washing packets
- iPad, loaded with trip advisor, hotel booking apps, etc.
- camera
- camel back 2 ltr

I'm pretty sure I could fit this all in 20ltr backpack, except for the riding stuff. I used to travel a lot heavier, but this makes life way better . Just do a sink wash at the end of the day, ring out in the hotel provided towel (fold, roll, and step on it to squeeze all the water out of the clothing and into the towel) hang up in the hotel, usually everything's dry by the morning.

[garthw]

We pack the same for a 3 week trip as we do for 5 days. Our longest trip was 5.5 weeks to Alaska and don't remember taking anything more than we do on a short trip.

+1 on this one. Anything that you need beyond 3-5 days is laundry.

[sdpc2]

as it is about the destination. If I'm mostly on the road, i wont worry as much about flat tire repairs, or a water filter, etc. But if my destination is WAAAYY off of the beaten path, then i do take those precautions.

[jimbob59]

...I gave in & ordered a spare blank on ebay from Hong Kong for $2.55 pstg pd this week.

That's certainly cheap enough ....
How does (will) the blank handle the electronic ID chip part of the deal?

[RTRANDY]

A small bag filled with quarters and a small plastic bottle filled with laundry powder or pods
will save a lot of room in clothing. May not be as practical if you're staying in complete wilderness every night, but for me finding a washer and dryer once every four or five days does the trick.

[RoboRider]

I agree with many here that it is what NOT to bring. Weight is your enemy.

I bring two pair of light underwear and two light T shirts (both of these the quick dry microfiber kind like Patagonia, etc.). Each night I was the dirty ones in the hotel sink and they are dry by morning. I bring one pair of light pants. LIGHT pants.

I also keep various packing lists for various kinds of trips, and this is a very useful habit.

I back pack and so I have learned to be frugal and light. But you are on the road. If you forget something, you just stop by a store and pick up the item you need.